A Christchurch primary school is trying to make the start of the school week more like a party rather than a chore, in an attempt to boost school attendance. School attendance rates are down across the country, with the Ministry of Education releasing figures last week showing only 47 percent of students came to school regularly in term 2 this year. Well Christchurch's Shirley Primary School is trying something a bit different to encourage kids through the school gates. Rachel Graham reports.

As the cost of living bites, people aren't taking in as many furry companions as they used to. And as kennels fill up, greyhounds whose racing days are over aren't being adopted. Libby Kirkby-McLeod went to meet some of the retired speedsters in need of a home.

A Kiwi couple based in Costa Rica is raffling off what they say is a "life less ordinary." Eco-tourism operators Jane and Fraser Tyrell are offering up the business they've run for 16 years in the Central American country, along with equipment and a chunk of cash to keep it running. The cost of a ticket is $81. To explain how it works, here's the owner of Costa Rica Rios Jane and Fraser Tyrell. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341025318112

Kiwi shoppers will now have the power to help critically endangered wildlife like Orangutans and help protest rapidly disappearing rainforests. A free, smartphone app called 'PalmOil Scan' has today been launched in New Zealand and Australia which gives consumers the ability to check out a companies use of palm oil, and whether it's supplies are sustainable. Auckland Zoo has been closely involved in the app's development and Deputy Curator of Mammals Amy Robbins says it is as simple as scanning barcodes [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341025716112

Aucklanders hopping to and from Waiheke Island are celebrating a new competitor offering trips on the route, with Island Direct setting sail for the first time today. Its 50-seater vessel is scheduled to complete 18 crossings between Auckland CBD and Waiheke most days, and some of its tickets are going for nearly half the price of the long-running ferry operator Fullers360. Reporter Louise Ternouth and Camera Operator Marika Khabazi were up early to catch the very first Island Direct ferry [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341026381112

News from the business sector, including a market report. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341024786112

The incoming Prime Minister maintains his government will reduce taxes, but Christopher Luxon has been less willing to stand by the overseas home buyers policy that's meant to fund it. National's election promise would allow foregin buyers to purchase homes for $2 million or more, as long as they pay a 15 percent tax on the sale price. It predicted this would raise $740 million a year, a figure some leading economists dismiss as not credible. Christopher Luxon says the promised tax cuts will be delivered, but the way they're paid for may change as a result of the ongoing coalition negotiations with the Act and New Zealand First parties. So if it scraps foreign buyers tax, how will the government raise the money needed for its tax policy, estimated to cost 14.6 billion dollars over four years? Joining me now is Infometrics principal economist Brad Olsen [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341026461112

New Zealand golfer Steven Alker has ended his season in fruitful fashion, winning the Charles Schwab Cup today, earning him almost $2 million. It was a nervy finish for the 52 year old who held a four shot lead heading into the final round, but the chasers were hot on his heels. Sports reporter Jonty Dine joins Susana Lei'ataua in studio [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341026550112

It's finished three months early and under budget. A huge sigh of relief for Coromandel residents and businesses with the announcement today that State Highway 25A will be open in time for Christmas. It means the two sides of the Coromandel Peninsula will be reconnected again. The highway has been closed since January after a massive slip, affecting families, businesses, schools and tourism to the region. Jo Wilton from Waka Kotahi speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341025378112

The country's biggest bank has recorded a $2.13 billion profit, and is warning of some tough times ahead. ANZ's full year profit is down 7 percent, in a result the chief executive describes as a game of two halves. Antonia Watson says the bank had a tougher second half of the year because of the more difficult environment the country is entering. ANZ New Zealand chief executive Antonia Watson speaks to Susana Lei'ataua. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341026244112