The Far North has been effectively cut off from the rest of New Zealand, as heavy rain and wind continues to batter the region; PPTA responds to government's NCEA overhaul announcement; the Children's Commissioner is urging the government to roll out more support for kids in material hardship.

An update on the latest news and results from RNZ's sports team.

The Children's Commissioner is urging the government to roll out more support for kids in material hardship. Dr Claire Achmad spoke to Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira.

An update on the latest news from RNZ's rural team.

The latest news from the US with correspondent Laura Taglianetti in New York.

The latest news from RNZ's business team.

Education Minister Erica Stanford has confirmed the government will go ahead with its plan to replace NCEA with a new two-level qualification. Post Primary Teachers Association President Chris Abercrombie spoke to Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira.

RNZ reporter Teuila Fuatai is in Northland and spoke to Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira.

The top of the country has been effectively cut off from the rest of us, as heavy rain and wind continues to batter the North. The severe weather has left almost 2000 homes and businesses across Northland without power. Far North mayor Moko Tepania spoke to Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira.

Another vegetable processing plant plans to shut its doors as McCain says it can't keep its Hastings site afloat; A growing amount of evidence is showing the common influenza vaccine can cut the likelihood of a heart attack by a third; The government is due to give an update on its Predator Free 2050 plan.