Morning Report

The Greens recorded their highest ever poll result this week - 16 percent in the 1News Verian poll. Greens co-leader Chloe Swarbrick says if it makes it into government, the party will expect some hefty portfolios. Chloe Swarbrick spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

On today's episode Chris Hipkins discusses Labour's latest poll result; Councillors meet to discuss Auckland landslide risks; Booth's Logistics boss discusses fuel price rises; John Campbell talks to voters in Mt Roskill electorate.

A new library has opened in Cannons Creek. Residents checked out the new space yesterday, with activities, kai, performances, face painting and story telling on offer. Porirua Libraries manager Brian Anderson spoke to John Campbell.

A decade after the last plan for revitalising Nelson's waterfront was shelved, the council has come up with a new proposal to make the most of the coastline near the city. The section of Haven Road from Port Nelson towards Tahunanui is currently home to several empty buildings and only a handful of cafes and restaurants. The council is working on a masterplan for the area and wants feedback from locals. Samantha Gee reports.

The Auckland electorate seat of Mt Albert could prove pivotal for National as it plots its way back to power. Labour have held the seat for decades but nearly lost it in 2023, only holding on by the slimmest of margins. But, there is a new contender whose party could tip the balance of power come November 7. Political reporter Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira spoke to the candidates.

Last month, four New Zealand engineers flew to Venezuela to help in the aftermath of the devastating double quakes, which hit the western and central parts of the country in June, leaving more than 6000 people dead. Nearly 200 buildings collapsed in the quakes while more than 16-thousand structures were deemed unsafe. For the Kiwi engineers, it was a chance to learn about what New Zealand could do better, when it comes to earthquake resilience. University of Canterbury civil and environmental engineering Professor Santiago Pujol, director of the earthquake research centre, QuakeCore spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

The Treasury will today reveal the state of the Government's books, and it may lead to more tax policy announcements. Nicola Willis, in her role as National's finance spokesperson, has said she's interested in the possibility of tax brackets adjustments, and indicated there may be more for her to say after today's announcement. But is now the time to move the thresholds? Money correspondent Susan Edmunds has been looking into it and spoke to John Campbell.

A woman arrested in the first operation by the Government's black market tobacco action group has appeared in Auckland District Court. She's been charged with the sale of uncustomed goods, and is likely to join others charged in Hamilton. Auckland reporter Finn Blackwell who's been investigating the tobacco black market this year spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

The developers behind a housing project at the base of Mt Iron say it could help ease Wanaka's housing crisis. The Mt Iron Junction scheme will deliver 250 homes and community facilities, but opponents have questioned its scale, traffic impacts and effects on the landscape. And after years of wrangling with the RMA, the project has now been given fast-track approval. One of the developers, Steve Schikker, spoke to John Campbell.

Both National and Labour's party vote has tumbled into the 20s in the latest 1News Verian Poll, with minor parties picking up support. It represents a continuation of a trend we've been seeing in the lead up to November's election, as the campaign proper gets underway. Labour leader Chris Hipkins spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.