Morning Report

The state coal miner Solid Energy says a critical report on the mining of lignite in Southland paints only part of the picture. At least six billion tonnes of lignite lie under Southland farmland. Audio

Bad weather continues to wreak havoc in Australia as heavy rain and high winds move across the country. At least three people have died; two in New South Wales and one in Queensland. Audio

A day after the government offered help to drought-affected farmers in Northland and areas north of the Auckland Harbour bridge, farmers in Waikato are asking for similar relief. Audio

National MP Pansy Wong is again defending her husband Sammy, following allegations from the Labour Party that he conducted business while on a taxpayer-funded trip in 2005. Audio

The Australian Government says the United States should carry the blame for the publication of leaked diplomatic cables, not the Wikileaks website. Audio

The Kaikoura community is calling for a debate on whether its seal population should be culled. The issue has come up after 23 protected New Zealand fur seals were found bludgeoned to death. Audio

An update from the team at RNZ Sport. Audio

Parliament's chief environmental watchdog wants a halt to the mining of lignite in Southland. At least six billion tonnes of easily recoverable lignite lie just below the surface of Southland… Read more Audio

Once again introducing a four year parliamentary term is to be looked at. As always extending the parliamentary term has broad political support, but history shows the idea hasn't proven popular with… Read more Audio

Once again introducing a four year parliamentary term is to be looked at. As always extending the parliamentary term has broad political support, but history shows the idea hasn't proven popular with… Read more Audio

The Chief Coroner has met the families of the 29 men killed in the Pike River coal mine. Judge Neil MacLean spoke to about 100 people in the Anglican Church about how his inquest into the mine… Read more Audio

The official cash rate is up for review and the Reserve Bank is expected to again keep it on hold at 3%. And with the latest economic statistics showing a fall in building activity and manufacturing… Read more Audio