The cost of living is dominating the election campaign in Australia as new data reveals housing affordability is back on the decline, pushing home ownership further out of the reach of younger generations of Aussies. Australia correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Lisa Owen.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

After a 13-year wait Northern Districts are once again the red ball champions of domestic cricket with the Plunket Shield won on the last day of the season. A 134-run win over the Otago Volts today had a bit of drama but also allowed for a fairy-tale finish for bowler Neil Wagner who now signs off from playing the game in New Zealand. Sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Lisa Owen.

The draft secondary school English curriculum is ringing alarm bells for some teachers. The document contains no reference to Te Mataiaho - the framework that underpins every other curriculum area.Teachers say that's bizarre and they are worried it is part of a move push the Treaty of Waitangi out of schools. Education correspondent John Gerritsen spoke to Lisa Owen.

Most voters believe parents should be most responsible for providing school lunches - over the government - according to the first RNZ Reid Research poll. The result comes after a string of problems plaguing the scheme - including late delivery, unappealing food, an exploding meal and plastic melting into the food. Deputy political editor Craig McCulloch reports.

A Queenstown councillor was stripped of her roles after spilling the beans on confidential plans to invoke emergency powers to pump treated waste water into the Shotover river. Niki Gladding leaked the plan to dump 12,000 cubic metres of treated sewage into the river each day because of problems with the land area where it's previously been pumped. Gladding spoke to Lisa Owen.

Hamilton City Council animal control said litters of dogs are being handed over to their care, including 100 puppies younger than four weeks old in the first three months of the year. The puppies require intensive care and animal control says fewer people leaving them with no choice but to euthanise dozens of dogs. Animal Education and Control manager at Hamilton City Council, Susan Stanford spoke to Lisa Owen.

A Queenstown councillor has been demoted after revealing a confidential council plan to discharge treated sewage into the Shotover River. Last week, Niki Gladding leaked the council's plans to pump at least 12,000 cubic metres of treated sewage into the river per day using emergency powers. The mayor called an extraordinary meeting in Queenstown this afternoon, with staff recommending she is removed from her committee roles. Reporter Tess Brunton was there.

More than a year after work came to an abrupt halt when the government cancelled the previous mega ferries contract - Picton residents are pleased to hear there will be two new Cook Strait ferries, but they aren't convinced that they'll be any cheaper. It's also still not clear what exactly the infrastructure work in Picton will involve, or when it will get underway again. Samantha Gee visited the port side town.

New Zealand Rugby has reached a settlement with the petrochemical company after suing for ending its sponsorship agreement early. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.