Morning Report

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

Corin Dann is here to talk Money and housing affordability has fallen back to its long-term average, following the big spike in prices seen during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Nicola Willis and Carmel Sepuloni joined Morning Report this morning for the Weekly Political Panel.

The All Blacks are bracing for a torrid battle against the Springboks in this weekend's first test in Johannesburg and defence coach Tana Umaga says they must expect the unexpected. The All Blacks are also still sweating on the fitness of first choice fullback Damian McKenzie, though Umaga insists he is on track to be available. Rugby reporter Joe Porter is in Johannesburg and spoke to John Campbell.

There were tumultous scenes in Parliament yesterday from both sides of the House, with Labour and New Zealand First both finding a way to insert themselves into the news. While it was National's first day back in the building together following the leadership challenge last week, it was coalition ructions, a missed defence meeting, and Labour's own goals sucking up the oxygen. Political editor Jo Moir was there and spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

An early morning sports news update.

A spike in influenza has prompted a call for GPs to bring back the infection-control measures used during Covid. That includes phone triage and separating patients with respiratory symptoms from others. The health system is already under pressure - in the past fortnight, Hato Hone St John had its four busiest days on record, while hospitals and emergency departments are also being overwhelmed by demand. Dr Luke Bradford, the President of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners, spoke to John Campbell.

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

Senior National Minister Chris Bishop has praised the Prime Minister at a public meeting in Wellington, as he acknowledges politics is a "tough sport." Chris Bishop is under pressure to regain his Hutt South seat to ensure he gets into Parliament, and both he and Christopher Luxon were on a charm offensive in Lower Hutt. Political Reporter Russell Palmer reports.

Research shows it takes an average of eight to 12 years to get a diagnosis in New Zealand - partly because surgery is used to confirm it. The government's changes - due to be rolled out next near will GPs can make a clinical diagnosis based on symptoms and family history, and can then prescribe treatment immediately. Melissa Aubroeck, who waited 12 years for a dianosis, spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.