Morning Report

One calls it a miracle. The other calls it a mess. Two Kiwi women operated on by the same surgeon on the other side of the world came home with vastly different outcomes. Health New Zealand calls the operation experimental and dangerous, warning patients not to go overseas for it. But as investigative journalist Anusha Bradley reports, both women feel they had no other option.

An early morning sports news update.

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.