Morning Report

All eyes are on leader of the National Party Simon Bridges after a devastating poll which shows Labour surging ahead.

In a Newshub Reid-Research poll released last night, Labour is on 56.5 percentage points - up 14 - while National has slumped to 30.6.

With these numbers, Labour could comfortably govern alone after September's election.

Political commentators Bryce Edwards, Brigitte Morten and Ben Thomas speak to Corin Dann.

The Transport Agency estimates allowing people to legally cycle on footpaths could lead to one death and 17 serious injuries a year but still have a $10 million dollar up-side.

But opponents say the cost benefit analysis is flawed and ignores people's right to walk around safely.

Phil Pennington reports.

Vanuatu continues to be in desperate need of aid in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Harold, which swept through the Pacific in early April.

The islands of Espiritu Santo and Pentecost are among the most affected, with severe damage to the country's housing stock.

A New Zealand Defence Force Hercules has travelled to Vanuatu to deliver more than 13,500 kilograms of supplies.

Wing commander Lisa D'Oliveira of the RNZAF's No. 40 squadron speaks to Corin Dann.

If you thought the air was a little cleaner during lockdown, you're wrong.

It was a whole lot cleaner.

Niwa scientists estimate that pollution was down by three-quarters on average across the country, but in Auckland at least a third of the city reduced their exposure to traffic pollution by 90 percent during lockdown.

Dr Ian Longley is NIWA's air quality scientist

While schools reopened on Monday, many parents chose to keep their children at home.

Data collected from more than 1400 schools by the Ministry of Education showed an average national attendance rate of 79 percent. The lowest rates of attendance were in the far north.

One principal of a school in Whangārei had to contend with an online rumour mill that meant only 29 percent of students showed up to school.

Myles Ferris is the principal of Te Kura o Otangarei and president of Te Akatea, the Maori Principals' Association.

Some people who lost jobs during the Covid-19 lockdown haven't found themselves out of work for long.

Around 40,000 more people signed up for the benefit during Alert Level 4 and 3, forcing the Ministry of Social Development to ramp up efforts to get people into employment.

For a number of long-term unemployed, the lockdown has proven to be their lucky break.

RNZ's social issues reporter Sarah Robson has the story.

Spending has increased significantly as the country moved from the Covid-19 Alert Level 4 to Level 3 and now to Level 2, but some businesses are still doing poorly.

Paymark, the company that runs Eftpos, says excluding supermarkets, liquor stores and pharmacies, spending was down 90 percent comparing with a year ago during Level 4.

Paymark's Paul Brislen speaks to Susie Ferguson.

The first days of life under Alert Level 2 has started with a hiss and a roar for retailers, restaurants and cafes, but some business owners fear the spending splurge will be short lived as recession starts to bite.

Despite some initial confusion about the Covid-19 rules shops are reporting a much-needed flurry of trade under the looser restrictions.

Matthew Theunissen reports.

At some point in March, New Zealand welcomed its five millionth resident according to an estimate from Statistics New Zealand.

While there's no way of knowing for sure, it's likely the five millionth person arrived by plane, perhaps one of thousands of people returning home in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic.

It's been 17 years since the population topped 4 million in 2003 - making this the fastest million in our history.

Paul Spoonley is a sociologist at Massey University.

He speaks to Corin Dann.

The latest Newshub Reid-Research poll has Labour on 56.5 percent and National falling to 30.6. On these poll results Labour would easily be able to govern alone.

To add to Simon Bridges' woes - his preferred Prime Minister rating more than halved to below 5 percent. Approval for Jacinda Ardern is 60 percent.

RNZ political editor Jane Patterson speaks to Susie Ferguson.