Morning Report

Canterbury police are touting the success of their newest recruit - the Eagle helicopter.

The Bell 429, taken from the fleet in Auckland, is on a five-week trial in Christchurch.

It was far from the city lights where the chopper was needed on Tuesday night.

Senior Sergeant Kerei Gray speaks to Corin Dann.

A Napier judge has sparked a debate about driving laws after a student who drove nearly 70 kilometres over the speed limit escaped with just a fine.

Kingston Webb was caught driving at 148kmh in an 80kmh zone in Napier - he was fined but didn't lose his licence because the judge accepted his argument his driving wasn't dangerous.

Philip Ross was the defence lawyer in the district court case.

He speaks to Susie Ferguson.

What if a council lost the paperwork for your house?

Home owners near Wellington say they're facing just that - being forced to tears, and to fight to survive - and left wondering just how widespread the problem might be.

Phil Pennington reports.

The disputed land at Ihumātao has been granted the highest level of heritage recognition. 

Later this morning Heritage New Zealand will announce that it has extended the borders of the Ōtuataua Stonefields reserve in Māngere to include the controversial whenua.

The new area will also have its status increased from category two to category one - the highest listing available.

The decision is largely symbolic and won't of itself prevent any building development on the whenua or bring the long-running conflict to an end. 

Susie Ferguson speaks to Pania Newton from Save Our Unique Landscape.

A new study shows police are almost twice as likely to send a first-time Māori offender to court than a Pakeha.

The justice advocacy group, Just Speak says it shows racism is still embedded in the force but the police are questioning the findings. 

Meriana Johnsen reports.

New Zealand athletes preparing for July's Olympic Games in Tokyo say fears the games could be cancelled because of the global coronavirus outbreak aren't putting them off their stride.

A senior member of the International Olympic Committee says if the Covid-19 virus becomes a problem, cancellation is a more likely option that postponing the games or moving them to a new venue.

Scott Goodman is the High Performance Director at Athletics New Zealand.

He speaks to Corin Dann.

The Tokyo Olympic Games could be cancelled if the coronavirus is not brought under control.

Concern is growing over the impact of the Covid-19 coronavirus on the Olympic Games after new cases were confirmed in Japan.

International Olympic Committee member Dick Pound says planning is for business as usual but the situation is uncertain.

He speaks to Corin Dann.

Family doctors are frustrated at their lack of access to protective equipment as they prepare for the possibility of being at the front line of the coronavirus outbreak.

They are calling on the Ministry of Health to start delivering some of the masks and other equipment they have stockpiled so they are better prepared.

Samantha Murton, President of the Royal New Zealand College of GPs, speaks to Susie Ferguson.

The Ministry of Health's Director of Public Health Dr Caroline McElnay said in a statement that the Ministry understands there is concern among GPs and Primary Health Organisations around access to protective equipment.

There is also concern about the potential for influenza and Covid-19 to circulate out the same time and put exrtra pressure on the health system.

Ms McElnay said the Ministry is working with DHBs and PHOs to ensure that GPs have adequate stock levels, and said that in the case of a pandemic Community Based Assessment Centres could be set up around the country to help GPs to cope with extra demand.

The Six Nations rugby championship is the latest sports event to be affected by the coronavirus with Ireland postponing their upcoming fixture against Italy in Dublin due to the outbreak in northern Italy.

News from the business sector, including a market report.