An early morning sports news update with Joe Porter.

The Prime Minister is set to wrap up his brief time in Samoa with some sore points still to be worked through. Political reporter Giles Dexter reported from Apia.

Catch up with the latest headlines from around the world with RNZ's Alice Wilkins.

A bill aimed at reforming alcohol laws has been introduced to Parliament. The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Amendment Bill will allow licensed premises to remain open beyond normal hours for significant televised events, and allow hairdressers to offer a drink to customers. Grant Hewison from Communities Against Alcohol Harm spoke to Corin Dann.

Nicola Willis is in for the Prime Minister who is in Samoa; With the conflict in the Middle East continuing, warnings over increasing costs of fuel and groceries; There's also warnings the conflict could hurt New Zealand's economic recovery; The 98th Academy Awards are taking place in Los Angeles, Kate Rodger spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

We cross the ditch to Sydney to talk to our correspondent Emma Cropper.

It's one of the most colourful and culturally vibrant events on Tamaki Makaurau's calendar - the Pasifika Festival. Over the weekend, the event returned to Western Springs Lakeside Park, celebrating Pacific cultures from across 11 island nations. Coco Lance reports.

The red carpet is being rolled out, the champagne is on ice and Hollywood is ready to crown the year's best movie. This afternoon the 98th annual Academy Awards will kick off in Los Angeles, hosted by Conan O'Brien. Film critic Kate Rodger spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

An update on what's happening in the sports world with Joe Porter.

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