Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

The Government books are looking worse for wear, with Treasury releasing concerning financial statements.

The Crown accounts for the 11 months ending May show the tax take was $2.2 billion lower than expected, with the deficit being $2.1 billion higher than forecast.

ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Grant Robertson has tried to put a positive spin on the news by saying the loss was shallower than it was last year.

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Some Springboks will get a head start on the All Blacks for next week's Rugby Championship test at Mount Smart.

A dozen players are skipping the Wallabies fixture this week to jet to New Zealand early.

The All Blacks decided against the tactic, and have all players in Mendoza ahead of Sunday morning's test against Argentina.

Sportstalk host Jason Pine explains further.

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Disappointment from some primary school teachers, over some signing up after the industrial action that has brought an agreement.

The Ministry and NZEI signed a pay agreement last month, which gives union members a $1500 lump sum payment.

Some have complained online that some teachers have just joined up now to get the extra money.

But NZEI President Mark Potter says they're happy to welcome more sign ups.

"In our view, the maximum number of people we can get involved in the union the better. Because it is recognised that it is good to have a really unified, professional group."

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The first of four accusers has testified against Kevin Spacey in a London court, labelling the actor a 'predator'.

The accuser alleged Spacey had tried to grope him multiple times when they were alone and referenced one incident where Spacey grabbed his crotch while driving.

UK correspondent Enda Brady says Spacey has pleaded not guilty to all 12 charges against him.

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Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and Infrastructure NZ CEO Nick Leggett joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more!

Health Minister Ayesha Verrall today unveiled a strategy for tackling shortages of over 8,000 healthcare workers. These include ramping up offshore recruitment, offering more training places and expanding 'earn-as-you-learn' and rural programmes. Is this good news, or just an election promise?

The Maori Party are enjoying an unexpected boost, with the latest Roy Morgan poll showing the party has leapt to 7 percent ahead of the election? Is this a fluke or sign of a bigger trend?

SmartScreens in Westfield's Auckland and Christchurch malls are scanning shoppers and registering biometric data like age, gender and mood to immediately serve up targeted advertisements. Is this concerning, or should we be used to targeted ads?

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Honey producer and exporter Comvita has expanded into Singapore- and they're eyeing future growth.

The company have bought honey retailer HoneyWorld Singapore and their associated consumer brands in a deal worth $10.4 million NZD.

Comvita CEO David Banfield says the region is predisposed to their product- leaving lots of room for future expansion.

"It just really gives us an opportunity to tell our story to consumers from around the world that connect, either with Asia or people from Asia connecting with the world through Singapore."

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With the election 13 weeks away, political leaders are striving for the rural vote.

The Country's Jamie Mackay says there's a tidal wave of discontent in rural New Zealand that will lead to Labour losing their existing rural seats.

"There's been a wave of sentiment against the Government in rural New Zealand. I can tell you over at Agfest and Fieldays, it would be fair to say Damien O'Connor was walking among his own people and the reception wasn't flash."

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Business confidence has improved in the latest survey from NZIER, but there are worries in the mix.

Quarterly Survey of Business Opinion data shows 59 percent of businesses expect a deterioration of business conditions, down from 63 percent.

BusinessDesk managing editor Pattrick Smellie says businesses are worried about soft sales as the economy slows down.

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The Australian Reserve Bank has decided to hold its Official Cash Rate steady at 4.10 percent.

It says this gives the board more time to assess the state of the economy, the outlook and associated risks

Australian correspondent Murray Olds says inflation is trending down, but economists are predicting future rate hikes.

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The Maori Party have surged ahead in the latest Roy Morgan political poll.

The party have reached 7 percent, a historically high level of support 13 weeks out from the October election.

ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the Maori Party essentially got ahead by doing nothing.

"Other than making a noise and other than having a defection from Labour for Meka Whaitiri, they haven't done a lot. I don't believe the Maori Party would return 7 percent in the polls come October."

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