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The latest ANZ Business Outlook survey shows there's a change of heart throughout the sector.

According to the data, business confidence lifted nine points in August to -4, the highest read since mid-2021.

Expected own activity also jumped 10 points, to +11.

NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann says business confidence has been on a slow and steady rise throughout the year- but the promise of a new Government has given economists hope.

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Protesters briefly disrupted Parliament's Question Time with whistles and banners, on the last sitting day of the term.

As Greens co-leader, James Shaw was answering questions about climate change, the group of activists blew whistles and yelled "no more cows".

The Country's Jamie Mackay voiced his disapproval, as the dairy sector has had a rough time throughout 2023.

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That's a wrap.

The 53rd Parliament has adjourned for the campaign period, ahead of the October 14 election.

The final session was a raucous one, with with MPs at times shouting over each other and Speaker Adrian Rurawhe having to intervene.

ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says it was a showcase of political personality, as everyone gears up for the campaign.

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Human remains found near a highway overpass in Sydney have been identified as belonging to Samah Baker.

She was last seen in January 2019, and her former boyfriend James Hachem was arrested and charged with murder after the disappearance.

Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says Samah Baker's family are hurting from this discovery, as they never got to say goodbye properly.

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A damning inquiry into New Zealand Rugby's constitution and governance structure has found neither are fit for purpose.

A four-person panel has found the need for change is urgent, with Super Rugby and provincial unions struggling to create revenue amid declining fan engagement.

NZR have responded with a statement saying they are committed to considering all recommendations. 

Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave examines what this could mean for the future of rugby.

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National says their latest plan aims to give a boost to the house building sector.

If they get into power, the party wants to support skilled construction workers by keeping apprenticeships and having 'appropriate' immigration settings.

Housing spokesperson Chris Bishop says they need to address the housing shortage.

He says they want the industry to have access to skilled labour here, and from overseas as well. 

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There are growing calls for the Government to fund parenting support programmes, following on from taxpayer-funded antenatal classes.

A survey run by the Positive Parenting Programme shows that Kiwi parents are feeling more stressed, anxious and angry as a result of their children's behaviour.

Triple P New Zealand country manager Jackie Riach says a nationally funded parental support program would help guide struggling parents.

"Some parents want to get that advice from an online programme, some parents actually want to go and talk to someone, some want to go in a group- what we're talking about is a range of options for parents."

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A domestic violence survivor has reaffirmed her belief the laws around marriage need to change.

The Family Proceedings Amendment Bill had its first reading last night.

It would scrap the two-year wait between a separation after domestic violence - and dissolving the marriage.

Survivor and instigator of the Bill Ashley Jones says she's passionate about the proposed changes.

"I think in my own experience, it's really important for abuse victims to have that power and control back."

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National's plan to raid New Zealand's climate action fund is being labelled dangerous and grossly irresponsible.

They plan to take money from the Emissions Trading Scheme - reserved for fighting climate change - to fund tax cuts.

The ETS is a Government-run market that requires polluting companies to buy credits to offset their emissions.

Climate Minister and Greens co-leader, James Shaw, says it pays for critical work like public transport improvements and helping companies decarbonise.

"It's currently going towards supporting the people of Fiji to move villages away from the sea towards higher ground, which is safer."

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A four-person panel has determined that the current New Zealand Rugby Union constitution and consequent governance structures aren't 'fit for purpose'.

The review urges NZ Rugby to create a stakeholder council and an appropriately skilled board in order to address issues with fan engagement and revenue.

Panel chair David Pilkington says the current process of appointing board members is 'convoluted' and needs to be simplified.

"What we're advocating is a professional appointments process that simplifies the opportunity to put directors onto the board, directors that have the skills, knowledges and experience to deal with challenges."

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