Morning Report

Tunnel or bridge? Chris Bishop discusses harbour crossing; Racing industry faces uncertain future, report warns; Foundation urges caution over prostate home testing; Programme encourages girls into infrastructure careers; Cricketer Bob Blair's extraordinary legacy remembered

One of New Zealand's cricketing heroes, Bob Blair, has passed away aged 94. Petone-born fast bowler is remembered for his extraordinary courage during New Zealand's 1953 tour of South Africa, after learning his fiancée Nerissa Love was among the 151 people killed in the Tangiwai rail disaster. After initially staying away to grieve, he famously emerged from the players' tunnel at Ellis Park to bat with New Zealand's last wicket, prompting silence from the crowd and tears from players on both teams. Sports writer Lynn McConnell spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Teacher trainers are worried by the rise of scripted lessons for teaching subjects like maths and reading. They say the practice undermines good teaching. The Education Ministry says there is no requirement for schools to use scripts. education correspondent John Gerritsen reports.

The Prostate Cancer Foundation is warning people to avoid home testing kits, saying they can lead to unnecessary anxiety for some and false reassurance for others. It says it's seen an increase in marketing for home kits, which can cost between $20 and $50, and are advising people to head to the GP if they are concerned or need a test. The Foundation's CEO, Peter Dickens spoke to John Campbell.

An early morning sports news update.

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

Cotality data shows first-home buyers are now the dominant buying force in the market. But what's driving that, and is buying now a good idea? Money correspondent Susan Edmunds spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

The owners of a beloved Christchurch nightclub that's about to close its doors for good say fewer young people are going clubbing. Adam Burns reports.

As flu season ramps up hospitals are experiencing increased pressure on emergency departments. President of Australasian College for Emergency Medicine Dr Peter Allely spoke to John Campbell.

New Zealand is days away from crowning this year's Young Farmer of the year. Now in its 58th season, the competition sees under 31s compete in a series of regional competitions, culminating in a three-day grand final in New Plymouth.