Morning Report

The New Zealand First MP and Cabinet Minister Shane Jones is defending his criticism of Indian students.

Speaking on Newshub Nation at the weekend, he said the students had ruined academic institutions, and that there were too many immigrants "from New Delhi".

It sparked outrage from members of the Indian community who said the remarks were racist, baseless and immature.

Jones told RNZ reporter Katie Doyle most people would not see things that way.

The impact of the Covid-19 on tourism in one of this country's best known destinations, Rotorua is starting to bite for some businesses, while others say the worst is yet to come.

All visitors from China are banned from entering the country due to the virus, which originated in Wuhan Province and restrictions are in place for some other people wanting to holiday here.

The spread of the virus to many other parts of the world is having a big impact on travel plans for many tourists.

RNZ reporter, Andrew McRae has been in Rotorua to check on how the tourist industry is coping.

The Covid-19 coronavirus is expected to hit the world's economy hard, with the OECD saying it could halve global growth.

In response, the Government is trying to mitigate the impact on jobs and businesses.

Last night, the Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Finance Minister Grant Robertson met with business representatives and the Council of Trade Unions to hear their concerns, and outline the government's response.

Kirk Hope is Business New Zealand's chief executive.

Kiwibank's chief economist is calling for swift and decisive action from the government and Reserve Bank to support multiple industries choked off by the spread of Covid-19.

Jarrod Kerr says the spread of the virus outside China is worsening, and the economic impact of attempts to contain the outbreak is already severe. He wants the Government to 'come out strong and backstop industries'.

Kerr speaks to Corin Dann

The New Zealand women's cricketers have been left to wonder what could have been once again as they failed to reach the T20 World Cup semi-finals for the second straight tournament.

The Bluff oyster season opened on Sunday and the first batches have been arriving in restaurants and supermarkets.

Fishermen have been combing the Foveaux Straight to catch their quota for the limited season which comes to a close at the end of August.

Graeme Wright, manager of Barn's Oysters based in Invercargill, speaks to Susie Ferguson.

The Black Caps have confounded the naysayers and scored a second comprehensive win over India, the world's top ranked test cricket side.

New Zealand needed just four days to win the first test by 10 wickets and yesterday they wrapped up a seven-wicket win in the second test inside three days.

Black Caps bowler Tim Southee was the player of the series.

He speaks to Corin Dann.

The Police Association is calling for "political point-scoring" to be put aside as Parliament considers the Arms Legislation Bill.

The second tranche of gun reforms would introduce a firearms register, tighter rules for gun dealership licences and stronger penalties.

It's already passed its second reading and will be back before MPs soon for its committee stage.

Chris Cahill is the Police Association president.

He speaks to Corin Dann.

Charities that rely on cheque donations fear they'll be scrambling around for millions of dollars as society moves towards a chequeless society.

Kiwibank phased out cheques last week and other banks are expected to follow, though none of the major banks will give a definite timeline.

Eva Corlett reports.

Pete Buttigieg, the former mayor of Indiana and the first openly gay candidate to run for US President, has announced his decision to withdraw from the race to become the Democratic nominee.

His withdrawal from the race comes after he polled badly in the latest primaries in South Carolina, and just ahead of Super Tuesday tomorrow when 14 states will head to the polls.

Washington correspondent Kate Fisher speaks to Susie Ferguson.