Morning Report

An early morning sports news update.

The Minister for Energy has asked the Electricity Authority to look into whether the country's biggest power companies are passing on falling wholesale electricity prices to consumers quickly enough. John Campbell spoke to Electricity Authority Chief Executive Sarah Gillies about when consumers can expect to see a price drop and Contact Energy's record profit.

Liam Hehir is a National Party member and commentator and Janet Wilson was formerly the Chief Press Secretary to Todd Muller and Judith Collins. They joined Ingrid Hipkiss to discuss the fallout from Wednesday's emergency caucus meeting, including Chris Penk's announcement that he won't seek re-election.

An early morning update from RNZ's business team.

The national security challenges to New Zealand have intensified over the past year against a backdrop of increasing geopolitical uncertainty. That's according to the Security Intelligence Service's fourth annual Security Report. It found the country's public and private sectors are being targeted by foreign states, as are diaspora community groups. John Campbell spoke to Director-General of the SIS, Andrew Hampton.

Cook Islanders head to the polls today for what is expected to be a close general election between incumbent Prime Minister Mark Brown and Teariki Heather of the Cook Islands United party. Brown is the prime minister who signed a "comprehensive strategic partnership" agreement with China, that lead to Foreign Minister Winston Peters cutting off almost $30 million in annual funding. Cook Islands United Party leader Teariki Heather, strongly opposed Brown's deal with Beijing and lack of consultation with Wellington. Ingrid Hipkiss spoke with RNZ Pacific's Tiana Haxton.

Police are urging Wairarapa farmers to take special care when out on the farm this winter meanwhile students of lower North Island high schools are giving up their lunch breaks to get a taste of the primary sector. The rural news with Gianina Schwanecke.

An early morning sports news update.

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

The Prime Minister held on to his leadership yesterday - declaring it was a united caucus that backed him in a leadership vote. But, Christopher Luxon singled out cabinet minister Chris Penk as a detractor - and in the end, it was Chris Penk who let go. That's the end of that for National - but now they must convince voters there's nothing to see here. Political reporter Lauren Crimp reports.