Morning Report

Queenstown's mayor is setting up a taskforce aimed at reducing congestion, with an influx of tourists contributing to significant traffic problems. Data from Queenstown Airport shows nearly 250,000 international arrivals in the first six months of 2026 - nearly 100,000 more people than in the same period in 2019. Queenstown-Lakes District Mayor, John Glover spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

US President Donald Trump has called Iran unbelievably duplicitous and says the US blockade will continue. BBC's security correspondent Frank Gardner spoke to John Campbell.

The latest rural news with Monique Steele.

An early morning sports news update.

A blow-out in the cost of treating foreign PhD students like locals is prompting a rethink of the long-standing policy and a cap on enrolments next year. The government is capping next year's funding at 2024 levels after an enrolment surge pushed the cost of the scheme to nearly $69 million. Education Correspondent John Gerritsen reports.

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

The government is keeping fuel relief measures in place, predicting more volatility as the conflict drags on. Finance Minister Nicola Willis also indicated the unemployment numbers to be released tomorrow, will likely show an increase in joblessness. Westpac chief economist Kelly Eckhold spoke to John Campbell.

Weekly interview with Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon; Silver Fern, Kimiora Poi speaks following Commonwealth Gold win; Chris Bishop discusses Fast-Track Approvals Act; Julie White discusses continued growth in travel sector; Hawke's Bay grower discusses food cost transparency

We crossed the tasman to speak to our Australia correspondent, Emma Cropper.

When Australia's wheelchair basketball players took to the court at the Commonwealth Games, a New Zealand manufacturer played a central role. Many of the chairs flying around the court were custom-made at a Christchurch workshop. Rachel Graham reports.