Morning Report

There's been another sharp fall for US stock markets, a day after the Federal Reserve slashed interest rates to almost zero.

John Authers, the senior markets editor at Bloomberg based in New York, speaks to Susie Ferguson.

The Warriors have offered no guarantees they'll will remain in Australia beyond this weekend, while the National Rugby League says they're prepared to continue the season without the Auckland side.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

The National Party is calling for a bold economic response from the Government saying it is critical to limit the financial fallout from the coronavirus.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern delivered a sobering message yesterday, telling the country to prepare for the worst.

Paul Goldsmith is National's Finance Spokesperson

The response to the Covid-19 crisis kicked up another notch yesterday with the Prime Minister calling a halt to gatherings of more than 500 people, and warning of a recession greater than that of the Global Financial Crisis.

But the uncertainty remains ahead of today's stimulus package and guidance on gatherings such as weddings.

The National Party isn't pulling any punches saying the Government has taken too long to get it right.

Here's political reporter, Jo Moir.

Principals are frustrated some families are refusing to send their children to school because of the Covid-19 virus.

They say there is no evidence of community transmission of the virus and parents are over-reacting.

Perry Rush from the Principals Federation told RNZ education correspondent John Gerritsen children should be going to school.

News from the rural and farming sector.

A brief update from the business sector.

Yesterday the government banned gatherings of more than 500 people.

One of the casualties is Polyfest which is reputed to be the largest Maori and Pacific Islands Festival in the world. Auckland schools say they're gutted the much-anticipated festival has been cancelled at the last minute.

Some are calling for an alternative plan such live streaming or a small performance night so the students efforts won't go in vain.

The event was cut short last year following the Christchurch shootings and this time - to limit the risk of a community outbreak of Covid-19.

Chen Liu reports.

Manufacturing workers are on edge as they wait for details of today's economic stimulus package.

While many people can work from home, the manufacturing industry will struggle to proceed as normal if workers are required to isolate or increase social distancing.

The general secretary of the Manufacturing and Construction Workers Union, George Larkins, told RNZ reporter Charlotte Cook they are nervously waiting for some clarity.