Morning Report

The mother of a woman who died while rough sleeping in Christchurch is urging the government to do more to address the scourge of homelessness. Jean Edwards reports.

The Government says a $35 million boost to forensic mental health services will ease pressure on an already stretched system and improve safety for staff, patients and communities. Among the new services, two new forensic mental health beds will be added Auckland and Wellington, while specialist staff will be hired for in-prison services as well as more court liaison staff. The announcement comes as the police continue their withdrawal from mental health related call outs. Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

The quality of New Zealand's waterways is suffering, and the head of a not-for-profit research and development organisation says public discussions about who or what's responsible for it can lack nuance. Since 1964, Lincoln Agritech has been trying to deliver tech solutions to the market to address environmental concerns. They've also been monitoring river and groundwater systems across the country. Professor Travis Glare, chief executive spoke to John Campbell.

Pete Monk is in his sixties and after a long business career is training to be a lawyer. Monk spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

National will face an uphill battle convincing people to lift the superannuation age, with the latest RNZ-Reid Research poll showing most voters opposed to the idea. Political Reporter Lillian Hanly spoke to John Campbell.

US President Donald Trump says ICE won't end its vehicle stops. He made the comment a day after Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers were told to suspend the practice. It followed the fatal shooting of two men in Texas and Maine by ICE agents. Both men were killed during vehicle stops. POLITICO's Josh Gerstein spoke to John Campbell.

An update on what's happening in the sports world with Nathan Rarere.

Business update for 16 July 2026.

A proposed law change will mean councils have to come up with adaptation plans for communities at high risk from climate change hazards. Climate change correspondent Kate Newton spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Residents in a Wellington suburb are pushing for answers over deserted blocks of state houses where some units have been vacant for six years. Kainga Ora had plans for nearly 90 new homes in Strathmore. Neighbours describe one desolate cul-de-sac as a demoralising waste of prime land, but Kainga Ora says work is going on behind the scenes. Ellen O'Dwyer reports.