Morning Report

The New Zealand dollar has fallen sharply against the Australian dollar to a 13-and-a-half year low. ASB Acting Chief Economist Kim Mundy spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins discusses landlord tax; Dr Mamaeroa David discusses flu vaccination funding; Winston Peters looks back on his stint as Foreign Minister; School readiness plan prompts concerns over toilet training

Russell Road into Helena Bay, Teal Bay, Oakura and Whangaruru was swamped at the start of the year by landslides. Work to clear the vital lifeline has continuously been pushed back, but Whangarei District Council says it could open up in October. Robynne Cooper, who owns the Whangaruru Beachfront Camp spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Wairarapa is shaping up to be an electorate worth watching in November's election. It's a big electorate that takes in Central Hawke's Bay, Tararua and now some of Manawatu. Held by National's Mike Butterick, Labour's Kieran McAnulty is keen to win it back. Charlotte Cook reports.

Rotorua's mountain bike community is planning its next move, as its 10-year deal with the Crankworx festival expires next year. The industry is a huge part of the city's economy, with the most recent impact report showing it's worth about $140 million a year to the local economy. Mountain Biking Rotorua co-owner Tak Mutu spoke to John Campbell.

A house providing round-the-clock care for adults living with intellectual disabilities in Auckland is being hailed as a turn-around success, giving residents the power to make decisions many would take for granted. Te Anua Nua Trust's manager has picked up an industry leadership award for bringing mana to two houses in Manurewa, where 10 people live with the support of carers. It comes amidst calls for more accessible housing and support for those with disabilities. Amy Williams has the story.

An early morning sports news update.

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

Supermarkets have become a key topic for the election. But how much has the duopoly structure been to blame for rising prices? Money correspondent Susan Edmunds has been looking at this and spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

A search is about to get underway for a plane that went missing with seven people onboard almost half a century ago. Reporter Katie Todd spoke to John Campbell from Moeraki Lake on the west coast of the South Island.