"Be careful what you wish for" - a warning from an Australian mayor who has been talking to local body leaders about capping rates. Local Government Minister Simon Watts is working on a rates cap model with the policy details to be announced before Christmas. New South Wales has had a rates capping system in place for 40 years and councils have to apply to go above the cap. This year the Northern Beaches Council asked for a 40% rate rise, and ended up being allowed to charge ratepayers 25%. Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Hein spoke to Lisa Owen.

A Rotorua women's refuge says it has been shocked at the increase in the number of those needing to escape abusive homes over the past 18 months. But the rise in those affected by family violence isn't just a Rotorua problem, with one Auckland provider telling RNZ the economic situation has compounded the problem there, too. Libby Kirkby-McLeod reports.

A witness in the inquest into 13 deaths linked to Cyclone Gabrielle in Hawke's Bay has warned the coroner that more people will be harmed unless local councils set trigger levels for rivers, so everyone knows when an evacuation is needed. The second phase of the coronial inquiry ends today in the Hastings District Court. For three weeks Coroner Erin Woolley has been looking at why hundreds of people's lives were put at risk during the 2023 weather event when they weren't evacuated in time. Hawke's Bay Tairawhiti reporter Alexa Cook has been covering the inquest.

The brand value of India's top women cricketers has gone through the roof - following their fairytale World Cup triumph on home soil. Top sports marketing experts are calling it a "watershed moment" for women's cricket. Sports reporter Bridget Tunnicliffe spoke to Lisa Owen.

Lotto has hit a record $55 million this weekend - but how long might you have to wait for your money if you win? Turns out you might have to exercise a bit of patience before you dash out to buy yourself a new Ferrari or a round-the-world trip, with one woman told she had won too much to be paid straight away. Money correspondent Susan Edmunds spoke to Lisa Owen.

Asia correspondent Adam Hancock spoke to Lisa Owen about Indian authorities continuing to investigate a car explosion that killed eight people in the capital Delhi, as well as so-called "tea bag drugs" washing up on a South Korean Island.

A warning to parents about young children out smarting locks and blocks that are supposed to stop them get onto certain website. In a newsletter to parents a Waikato school says its aware of some children using their own gmail accounts and VPN's to access the school wifi to play online games. Tamahere Model Country School says its also notice a rise in the children coming to school tired, and its because they've been up in the night online gaming. Principal Waveney Parker spoke to Lisa Owen.

If you've asked for a car insurance quote recently, you may have been asked your gender. Money correspondent Susan Edmunds finds out why.

A wet and windy day in the Garden City didn't put off crowds of punters turning out to the first day of Canterbury's agricultural and pastoral show. An annual fixture in Christchurch - and back with a more prestigious title - the Royal A and P show is expected to attract more than 100,000 people over three days. Organisers are promising a return to full strength after last year's show was scaled back because of financial troubles. Anna Sargent was there.

Middle East correspondent Jacob Brown spoke to Lisa Owwen about Donald Trump wading into a controversial court case surrounding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as Israel opening up another border crossing into Gaza for aid deliveries.