Morning Report

Over the past week we've been canvassing opinions and expectations about the Budget within the business community. Audio

Brendan Walker, from Imperial Tobacco, says the price increase on cigarettes and tobacco is going to lead to more counterfeit and smuggled products. Audio

The senior doctors' union says the increase in health spending is far short of what's needed and doctors and services will suffer. Audio

The vice-chancellor of Canterbury University, Rod Carr, says universities are barely better off at all as a result of the budget. Audio

The Labour Party was quick to tag the Budget "zero growth and zero hope" and "a departure lounge budget". Audio

The credit rating agency, Standard and Poor's has given yesterday's budget its cautious approval but says New Zealand's high level of personal debt and dependence on savings is a concern. Audio

Back now to our budget coverage. Audio

The two-yearly muster of Kaimanawa wild horses will start today near the Desert Road in the Central North Island. Audio

A letter written in support of a Chinese businessman whose citizenship case was backed by the Labour MP, Shane Jones, outlines the risk he would have faced if he returned to China. Audio

The chairman of Fonterra's Shareholders Council has resigned over his opposition to proposed changes to the company's ownership structure. Audio

An update from the team at RNZ Sport. Audio

The captain and navigation officer of the cargo ship Rena will be sentenced today in the Tauranga District Court. Audio