Morning Report

This year's Song Quest marks the event's 70th year, with the new name: the Kiri Te Kanawa Song Quest. This year, half of the semi-finalists have Maori or Pacific heritage, including three brothers from the same family. One of them, Faamanu Fonoti-Fuimaono spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

New standards for building homes on Maori land come into effect today. They are replacing the patchwork of council provisions with a single set of planning rules that will apply across the whole country. Maori News Journalist Pokere Paewai reports.

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

New Zealand netballers are nervously awaiting a decision about the future of their domestic competition. For the third year running, players went into the ANZ Premiership unsure about the future of the league. Some players have been looking to Australia for their next contract. Former Australian Diamonds Coach Lisa Alexander spoke to John Campbell.

An early morning sports news update.

New data shows house values dipped in June. Cotality says they were down 0.2 percent in the month nationwide and 0.8 percent over three months. But how much further might they slide? Money correspondent Susan Edmunds has been looking at the data and spoke to John Campbell.

Innovators in the capital are hoping bold ideas and healthy debate can help turn the city's economic woes around. Wellington has faced tough economic conditions in recent years, with unemployment rate increasing and spending rates dropping last year. In response, the city council has formed business advisory groups with leaders from property, technology, arts and hospitality. Ellen O'Dwyer reports.

Ministry of Health Chief Medical Officer, Dr Joe Bourne earlier spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss about an AUT study that found tremolite and chrysotile asbestos fibres were released into the air during simulated play activities, from some sand products.

Ranui House and Apartments provides a home-away-from-home in Christchurch for patients and families who have to travel for treatment for cancer, accidents and other life-threatening illnesses. Run by the Bone Marrow Cancer Trust, the facility has earned glowing reviews from guests. Chief executive Mandy Kennedy spoke to John Campbell.

One of New Zealand's quintessential small town landmarks is up for sale. Tirau's corrugated iron sheepdog, ewe and ram buildings are on the market for the first time in a decade. Brendon Bradley is the man tasked with selling them.