Morning Report

While property values across most of New Zealand are on the downslide - a southern buying frenzy has seen Invercargill completely defying that trend. Fueled by a resilient economy and a slew of infrastructure projects, the average house price in the country's southernmost city has risen more than eight percent over the last year. As Katie Todd reports, the question now is whether there's enough room for incoming workers.

Catch up with the latest headlines from around the world with RNZ's Alice Wilkins.

The Port of Auckland has reported a record profit of $111 milion, up 30 percent from last year. It's seeing strong container and car volumes, and is delivering a $55 million dollar dividend back to Auckland Council. The port has had a remarkable turnaround after historic issues with worker safety, disputes and delays. Port of Auckland Chief Executive Roger Gray spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Some of New Zealand's most serious runners are in Otago for the race, thought to be the country's longest ultramarathon. Organiser Jill Wolff spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss about the 320 kilometre race.

A community is up in arms over plans to send stormwater runoff into a native forest where an 800-year-old kauri tree lives. Resource consent has been granted for a housing development near Parry Kauri Park in Warkworth, which allows stormwater from four of the 12 lots to be diverted into the park's stream. Auckland Council says any adverse effects on the park will be minimised. Luka Forman reports.

With only 11 sitting days left until the House rises for the election, about 100 bills remain for Parliament to consider. Dr Michael Swanson, honorary research fellow at Otago University's politics programme, spoke to John Campbell about the lawmaking trends in this term of Parliament.

An early morning sports news update.

The latest market updates and news from RNZ's business team.

Money correspondent Susan Edmunds looks into what has pushed up the price of instant coffee.

The Education Ministry has commissioned consultants to report on the effectiveness of teacher education and graduates' readiness to work in classrooms. Education correspondent John Gerritsen reports.