Morning Report

Joe Biden has secured a resounding victory in the Democratic primary in South Carolina.

The former Vice President won over 48 percent of the votes with strong support from African-American voters, putting him well ahead of his opponents.

It's his first victory after poor performances in the first three state ballots. 

Washington correspondent Kevin McAleese speaks to Corin Dann.

The head of the Defence Force had to sign a special exemption prior to the recovery operation on Whakaari/White Island, bypassing Health and Safety protocols and acknowledging the extreme risk involved.

Documents released by the Defence Force give more details about the dangerous recovery mission, in which eight people went onto the Island to recover six bodies.

Ben Strang reports.

The number of teachers working past retirement age has more than doubled in the past ten years, and there are hundreds over the age of 75.

Education Ministry records show there were about 7000 teachers are 65 or older in 2018, more than double the number in 2008.

The increase has happened during a period of teacher shortage, when principals are asking retired teachers to stay on for a few more years or return as relievers.

RNZ education correspondent, John Gerritsen, has this report.

Māori women are far more likely to be beaten and killed by their partners than other New Zealanders and they say they are at risk no matter what they do. 

Research shows up to 80 percent of Māori women will experience family violence in their lifetime and they are three times more likely to be killed by a partner than non-Māori. 

RNZ Māori news correspondent Leigh-Marama McLachlan reports.

Today's Cabinet meeting will be dominated by New Zealand's readiness for more cases of the disease Covid-19, including whether border controls are strong enough.

The travel ban has been extended to include Iran, alongside China, but there are still hot spots around the world with no restrictions on travelling to New Zealand.

The Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says there are good reasons for travel bans for China and Iran, but officials are keeping a close eye on other countries.

She speaks to Susie Ferguson.

New Zealand still has just one confirmed case of the disease Covid-19.

The infected person -a New Zealander aged in their 60s - travelled from Iran via Bali on an Emirates flight to New Zealand on Wednesday.

They are in a stable and improving condition in hospital and three family members are in self-isolation.

The 18 passengers who sat near them on the flight are all in self-isolation - they're mostly in Auckland, but one is in Nelson and one is in Christchurch.

Health Minister David Clark speaks to Corin Dann.

New Zealand have finished eighth on the medal table at the Track Cycling World Championships in Berlin with the duo of Aaron Gate and Campbell Stewart winning silver in the men's madison on the final day of racing.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

Schools in New Zealand have been issued with specific instructions on how to deal with a potential outbreak of Covid-19.

The Ministry of Education sent out a directive to principals around the country on Friday - telling them what to do if they have an infected student.

These directives include tracing the infection, notifying the community and possibly closing the school.

Ministry of Education deputy secretary Katrina Casey speaks to Susie Ferguson.

News from the rural and farming sector.