Morning Report

A New Zealander who flew in from South East Asia this week says precautions at the border are lax and haphazard.

Maree Glading says there was a lack of information about self-isolation available to travellers arriving at Auckland Airport, and few safety precautions were being taken.

She speaks to Corin Dann.

A Gisborne community worker who was brutally attacked by a meth user has released an emotional video from his hospital bed, saying he's at a loss for ways to tackle meth addiction in the region.

A national wastewater testing programme last year found the Eastern Police District was the second most prevalent area for daily meth use - per capita - in the country.

Those fighting to eradicate the drug on the ground say the problem is only getting worse.

Te Aniwa Hurihanganui reports.

As the Covid-19 crises worsens with 20 confirmed cases, the Government is expected to announce more restrictions on mass gatherings.

Earlier this week, when the Prime Minister banned crowds of more than 500, she warned a tougher approach was on the way.

Yesterday Jacinda Ardern said an announcement on mass gatherings would be made in the next 24 hours.

Microbiologist Dr Siouxsie Wiles speaks to Susie Ferguson.

The second round of the ANZ Premiership is in limbo as Netball New Zealand consider their options to proceed with the national competition.

Māori businesses hit by the coronavirus say the government's $12.1 billion relief package will save whānau livelihoods. 

Those in the primary sector and tourism are under heavy pressure, with some wasting no time in applying for the new support. 

RNZ Māori News Correspondent Leigh-Marama McLachlan reports.

As the economic effects of the Covid-19 virus spreads its tentacles further and further into the community the effects on businesses is wide and varied.

Companies reliant on tourism, directly or indirectly, including aviation and those in forestry are already feeling the pinch.

Others are experiencing an increase in demand.

Andrew McRae reports.

The coronavirus outbreak is expected to start spreading more widely in the community here from early next month with the disease peaking in August.

That's what the health officials say the modelling shows and they are looking now at how to prevent that big spike.

They say even flattening it could still mean the health system is overwhelmed and what they want is a series of small peaks over a longer period of time.

That could be done by ramping up stringent controls and then easing them as the numbers of sick people rise and fall.

Professor Shaun Hendy is director of Te Punaha Matatini, a New Zealand Centre of Research Excellence focused on the study of complex systems and networks.

He speaks to Susie Ferguson.

The government has announced this morning that it will invest $54 billion over the next ten years into land transport.

Transport Minister Phil Twyford says the funding will go to roads, rail, walking and cycling infrastructure, coastal shipping and public transport.

He speaks to Corin Dann.

After 40 years, abortion will now be removed from the Crimes Act.

The Abortion Legislation Bill passed 68 votes to 51 in its third reading in Parliament last night.

MPs voted with their conscience on the bill, not along party lines, making for passionate speeches in the House.

Political reporter Charlie Dreaver has the story.

New Zealanders will learn today how much tougher their lives will be as the government looks at whether to ban gatherings of more than 100 people.

Earlier this week the Prime Minister banned crowds of more than 500 but warned tougher measures are on the way that will affect weddings and funerals.

The country now has 20 confirmed cases of coronavirus with officials tracking hundreds who've been in close contact including 150 students at a Dunedin high school.

Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield speaks to Susie Ferguson.