National says its candidates have been subject to incidents of violence and intimidation during the election campaign. Its campaign chair says one candidate has been forced to move house after a gang threat. Another candidate had a bottle of beer thrown over them and had their house broken into. Some volunteers have been subject to death threats, intimidation and a dog attack. Last week, Te Pati Maori candidate Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke had her home invaded and vandalised in an attack the party says was politically motivated. As well as that, Labour candidate Angela Roberts says she was slapped on both cheeks during an election debate. National's Auckland central candidate Mahesh Muralidhar was filmed in a restaurant wearing his blue National Party jacket. The video has now been shared with a gang boss narrating over the top. Mahesh speaks to Susana Lei'ataua. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6338218966112

Dozens of flights have been cancelled and Cook Strait Ferry crossings abandoned as severe gales continue to lash many parts of the country. Power has also been cut in many areas, and wind warnings are expected to remain in place for much of the South Island, and also Wellington, Wairarapa and the Tararua District. The bad weather and disruptions are yet another blow for many families planning to head away in the second week of the school holidays. Air New Zealand says it's cancelled 80 flights but more are likely to be affected. Met Service Meteorologist, Amy Loots joins Susana Lei'ataua. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6338217806112

Commuters on Auckland's Gulf Harbour peninsula are facing even more cancelled ferry trips, leaving some with no option but to spend two hours on a bus if they need to get to town. From today, the Gulf Harbour ferry will only operate twice in the morning, and twice in the evening, a decision Auckland Council says was necessary due to a shortage of staff. Replacement buses, that take double the time, will now have to pick up the slack. Finn Blackwell reports.

News from the business sector, including a market report. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6338217501112

The public has been blocked from a hugely popular coastal walkway, because of a stoush between the council, and a property owner. The Takapuna to Milford coastal walk runs through the Firth family property in Milford. Paul Firth allowed the public to freely walk through his property after a public bridge was washed out in storms 12 years ago. In 2013, Auckland Council gave the small cottage on the land a Category A heritage status, meaning it can't be demolished and developed. The inheritors of the property say they will gift the land the public walks through to the council - but only if the heritage status of the cottage is removed so the property can be developed. A year on, there's still no resolution, so the owners have put up a fence, blocking any public access through their property. The lawyer acting for the property owners, Alex Witten-Hannah, says it doesn't make sense for the cottage to be listed as a heritage building. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6338218462112

The Wallabies are playing a waiting game in France as wait until next Monday to find out their fate at the Rugby World Cup. A win over Portugal this morning means the Australians will be hoping Fiji slip up in their final group game and gift the Wallabies a place in the quarterfinals. With some time on their hands coach Eddie Jones has a few suggestions about what his players could do to help their cause. Sports reporter Felicity Reid joins Susana Lei'ataua. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6338218747112

The Labour Party is accusing National's leader Christopher Luxon of chickening out of a debate. The high-profile Press Debate in Christchurch was set to go ahead tomorrow evening, until Chris Hipkins came down with Covid-19. Labour, National and the Press have been trying to negotiate a new date or alternative, but look to have reached a stalemate. Deputy political editor Craig McCulloch pulled together this report on what is the first day of voting. Stuff's managing director Joanna Norris says National has confirmed Mr Luxon won't be available on an alternative date once Mr Hipkins is out of isolation. She says it's extremely disappointing to the thousands of people who were looking forward to seeing both leaders in person in the only South Island debate.

New Zealand Rugby says it's "deeply disappointed" and has launched an investigation into circumstances around the damage to the Ranfurly Shield. Hawke's Bay won the prized Log O' Wood off Wellington on Saturday. The Hawke's Bay Rugby Union says a player dropped the shield on a concrete floor on Sunday morning, splitting it in two. There are also images circulating online of white powder on the shield, which is part of NZR's review. New Zealand Rugby has taken back possession of the shield, which it says is a taonga of the game. We'll hear from the Hawke's Bay Union boss in a moment, but first here's Felix Walton. Hawke's Bay Rugby Union CEO Jay Campbell says it's a very disappointing situation for the side. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6338217585112

The All Blacks are back in World Cup action tomorrow morning following a week off in Bordeux, with their match against Italy a must win as both teams chase a place in the quarter-finals. The game will be Sam Whitelock's 149th test, with the veteran lock set to surpass Richie McCaw as the most capped All Black. Italy have never beaten New Zealand, but following an opening match defeat to France, the All Blacks aren't taking the Azzuri lightly and the Italians are quietly confident they can cause an upset. Rugby reporter Joe Porter has more.

An icon of Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour is set to re-open tomorrow, after being damaged in the Canterbury Earthquakes. The Governors Bay jetty, locally known for its extraordinary length and unofficial jetty jump competitions, has been closed since 2015. Now, it's back to its former glory, just in time for summer. Niva Chittock went for a sneak peek ahead of the official opening. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6338047392112