Morning Report

The government has turned down an international start-up request for law changes so it could carry out controversial marine carbon research in New Zealand waters. Gigablue's future in New Zealand is now uncertain, after telling officials it would be forced to stop operating here if it didn't get its way. But government ministers were unswayed after officials told them there was minimal evidence the company's idea worked or that it was environmentally safe. Climate change correspondent Kate Newton spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Labour's ruling out making any changes to interest deductibility rules for landlords if elected. That's despite decrying it as a 'tax cut for landlords' throughout this last term. Labour leader Chris Hipkins spoke to John Campbell.

Rotorua's mayor says the Government needs to step up in support of regional tourism as the internationally renowned mountain biking destination faces a turning point. March next year will be the final event in the city's 10 year contract with international mountain bike festival Crankworx. Now Rotorua's many mountain bike groups must decide the best path to ensure the wheels keep rolling on its trails and events. Bill Hickman reports.

With petrol prices climbing once again, more people will be considering using alternate transport options. And today just so happens to be World Car Free Day. The global movement, which started 26 years ago, encourages motorists to give up their cars, to reduce air pollution and ease traffic congestion. Northland Regional Council has taken up the challenge, offering free travel on all its CityLink, SchoolLink and BusLink services for the day. Councillor Amy Macdonald is the chair of the Whangarei Public Transport Working Party and spoke to John Campbell from the city's Rose Street bus hub.

Labour is ruling out making any changes to interest deductibility settings for landlords if elected - despite decrying the policy at the time. RNZ's Political Editor Jo Moir spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

An early morning sports news update.

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

A primary school principal says about a quarter of children starting school are not independently toilet trained. It follows National's announcement to lay out a plan to introduce a 'school start check' to assess whether five-years-olds starting school have hit certain milestones. Western Heights Primary principal, Ash Maindonald, has been teaching for decades and spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

An Auckland-based GP says Pharmac's decision to fully fund flu vaccinations for children under five from this winter is making a difference, and not just for the youngsters themselves. Dr Mamaeroa David, a Senior Maori Medical Advisor with the Immunisation Advisory Centre spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Winston Peters delivered his final speech as Foreign Affairs minister in this government yesterday, reflecting on what he called a deeply troubled world. Peters has been Foreign Affairs Minister in three different governments, at three very different times in global politics. Winston Peters spoke to John Campbell.