Golfers are accusing Auckland Council of foul play over a plan to develop their courses into more versatile public spaces.

The council wants local boards to acknowledge it isn't sustainable, to keep $2.9 billion dollars worth of public land locked up exclusively for golf, saying only six percent of the city play the sport.

But Golf New Zealand is trying to stop the council in its tracks, saying their claims are outdated, misleading and unfair.

Katie Todd reports.

The government is looking to grow the plant-based meat market investing more than $1 million in a sustainable food company.

The loan is from the $200 million Regional Strategic Partnership Fund which aims to build sustainable, inclusive and productive regional economies.

The Kāpiti based Sustainable Foods' brand Plan*t markets fake meats like vege-based mince, sausages and chicken nuggets.

The Minister for Economic and Regional Development is one of four Ministers who signed off on the deal. Stuart Nash says it is no an admission that we're relying too heavily on unsustainable agriculture.

The housing of 65 families in emergency accommodation could be under threat, as the Rotorua Lakes Council takes legal action against several motels.

They say nine emergency housing motels have refused to engage and show they're compliant.

Emergency housing is the talk of the town in the tourism hotspot, with some saying operators are costing the destination its prized reputation among visitors.

The council says accommodation operators also providing emergency housing are required to have a dialogue with council on regulatory compliance.

But some have failed to come to the table. Nick Truebridge has the story.

The Ministry of Social Development has just responded to that legal action.

Bay of Plenty Regional Commissioner Mike Bryant says MSD has a good relationship with Rotorua Lakes Council and is happy to work through issues as required. 

He acknowledges the council's role overseeing the Resource Management and Building Act, and that enforcement action may affect suppliers and MSD clients.

Bryant says steps to comply with council regulations are for the motels to take, given they are private businesses.

However, MSD has encouraged them to engage with Rotorua Lakes Council.

The Black Ferns have got one back over their Aussie rivals ahead of the Commonwealth Games.

The New Zealanders won this morning's trans-Tasman final at the closing round of the women's World Series in Toulouse.

Clay Wilson wraps up the action.

Care workers have been out in force today, protesting on streets across the motu over low pay rates.

The government has offered a 3 percent pay rise, but workers say that's a slap in the face.

They say it's insulting after they've worked through a pandemic and now face the rising cost of living.

Our reporter Tom Kitchin has more.

Canterbury's Student Volunteer Army is going into battle for Bromley residents whose homes and laundry have been invaded by a gut wrenching stink.

The foul smell of faeces is rolling in from the local waste water treatment plant and two large filters that were gutted in a fire last year.

Work to remove the rotting material will begin next month; in the meantime there's no point hanging washing out unless you want it infused with a tinge of poo.

Cue the Student Army that's stepping in for the sake of sweet smelling sheets & freshly washed clothes. Sam Johnson joins Lisa Owen with the details.

The Lake Dunstan Trail has blown away all expectations with with more than 80,000 people in its first year.

It was hoped the trail would bring some economic relief to Central Otago during the pandemic - and has been a roaring success.

Our reporter Timothy Brown and camera operator Nathan McKinnon hit the trail to see what all the fuss is about.

Touch down! Queenstown Airport has officially welcomed its first trans Tasman flight in more than 300 days.

But today's Qantas flight from Sydney had its hurdles with thunderstorms delaying take off by more than an hour.

Businesses say today's flight gives them hope and a lot more certainty.

Tourism reporter Tess Brunton joined the welcome wagon at Queenstown Airport.

He's elbowed Scott Morrison out of the top job but is the new Labor Prime Minister Anthony Albanese really the big story of Australia's election.

Close to a dozen independent candidates have been won seats, snatching them mainly from Liberal candidates.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg is one of those given the boot from his inner city Melbourne seat, missing out to a so-called 'teal' independent who campaigned on environmental issues and political integrity.

The ABC's Peter Ryan joins Lisa Owen with his analysis.

The Prime Minister will head to the United States tonight for a whirlwind trade mission - but plans to visit the White House still hang in the balance.

Jacinda Ardern has stops planned in New York, Washington DC, Boston, San Francisco and Seattle.

But her recent bout of Covid-19 has thrown the schedule awry and potentially put a meeting with the US President Joe Biden in jeopardy.

Here's our deputy political editor Craig McCulloch.