Morning Report

The unemployment rate has risen to an 11-year high, AI companies are promising widespread disruption to workplaces, and the costs of getting a university degree continues to climb. It's in this environment the University of Auckland is welcoming its new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nic Smith spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Some of the country's brightest and most influential business leaders and innovators will meet in Auckland today for the Revved 2026 Summit. Artificial intelligence and how New Zealand should deal with productivity challenges and global competition are all on the agenda. Among the speakers is David Downs, who is a seasoned innovator and businessman. Downs spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

RNZ's Political Editor Jo Moir spoke to John Campbell about the Public Service Commission's apid review into the way the Ministry of Justice handled a former employee while he was awaiting trial for criminal charges.

The Commerce Commission is taking Foodstuffs South Island to court. The Commission is alleging that the major supermarket has implemented and enforced a widespread restriction on independently owned PAK'nSAVE stores discounting selected products. Jon Duffy, chief executive of Consumer spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

An early morning sports news update.

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

Fourteen charges have been laid against a man who allegedly hit teenage cyclists in a stolen car before going on to kill a dog on a street in the Auckland suburb of Epsom. RNZ Reporter Lucy Xia spoke to John Campbell.

Wellington residents forced out of their homes due to storm damage have been landed with bills from Tiaki Wai, despite not using water. A number of residents got the first-quarterly charges as Wellington's new water entity Tiaki Wai takes over. Late yesterday Tiaki Wai said the bills were a mistake. Wellington issues reporter Ellen O'Dwyer reports.

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has asked the Public Service Commission to undertake a rapid review into the way the Ministry of Justice handled a former employee while he was awaiting trial for criminal charges. Former Lotto host Russell Harrison was suspended on full pay for five years and only lost his job after he pleaded guilty to money laundering last month. Guidance will also be sent to all public service chief executives about managing employment cases involving criminal proceedings. Paul Goldsmith spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

The unemployment rate has risen to 5.6 percent, the highest it's been since September 2015. Despite decades of experience in human resources, and despite a desperation to work, Sheryl has struggled to even get a response to many of her applications. She spoke to John Campbell.