Morning Report

Top stories this morning... Government ministers aren't receiving up to date figures on businesses that breach the 10 billion dollar wage subsidy scheme Regional towns hope they'll get a cash injection from domestic travellers this long weekend Muslims will be able to come together for Friday prayers for the first time in two months today and a new blood test could give more accuracy in the count of Covid-19 cases

Civil Defence Director Sarah Stuart-Black

Te Papa is reopening to the public for the first time in two months this morning, albeit under strict condtions.

The national museum was one of many institutions shut down as the country struggled to contain the coronavirus.

It closed on 20 March.

Chief executive of Te Papa Courtney Johnstone speaks to Susie Ferguson.

Proponents of an idea to build massive offshore windfarms off the coast of Taranaki are being warned its internationally-renowned surf breaks are protected and cannot be disturbed.

A Venture Taranaki discussion paper says offshore electricity generation has huge potential for the region which has been dealt a significant blow with the ban on new offshore oil and gas exploration.

RNZ's Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin has the details.

Health worker unions are furious Worksafe is refusing to investigate how seven Waitakere Hospital nurses were infected with Covid-19.

Worksafe says the Waitemataa DHB has already investigated and made changes.

But unions representing nurses, doctors and almost every other staff member at the hospital say the decision is unacceptable.

They plan to take up the issue with Ministers and to try to have the decision overturned.

A spokesperson for the union which represents junior doctors, Deborah Powell, told RNZ health correspondent Rowan Quinn an external investigation is needed.

Property developers and sellers are being urged to find a fair solution if a buyer suddenly finds themselves in financial hardship because of Covid-19.

Legally, the developer or vendor can keep the buyers deposit on a property if they can't complete a purchase agreement, but those working in the industry say other options should be considered first.

RNZ's Eva Corlett reports.

At least seven companies have been forced to change or take down advertisements referencing Covid-19 following complaints to the Advertising Standards Authority.

The action follows a flurry of misinformation about the virus, which in some cases was used to market products.

The ASA is so worried by the potential for harm that it's changed its policies to fast-track takedowns of advertisements.

RNZ's Mackenzie Smith reports.

InternetNZ has slammed the government's proposal to set up a nationwide internet filter which would block out harmful content online.

The filter is being considered as part of the government's wider response to the Christchurch mosque shootings, after the shooter livestreamed the attack.

InternetNZ says a web filter contradicts the Prime Minister's assurance of a free and open internet under the Christchurch Call. Jordan Carter is the chief executive of InternetNZ.

He speaks to Corin Dann.

A brief update of movements in the financial sector.

A new report out this morning says New Zealand needs to do more to create large exporting companies.

The report - prepared for the Productivity Commission by Dr David Skilling, a Kiwi economist based in the Netherlands - looks at 13 small advanced economies.

It says New Zealand can learn from countries such as the Netherlands, Switzerland and Denmark.

Dr Skilling speaks to Susie Ferguson.