Morning Report

Mid-year enrolment figures indicate many polytechnics have had another terrible year with one institute losing 1000 full-time students.

The figures for domestic enrolments in August show 15 polytechnics and institutes of technology had 2000 fewer full-time students than at the same time last year, a drop of nearly five pecent.

Wananga enrolments also fell, but universities had more students.

RNZ education correspondent John Gerritsen has the story.

Associate Transport Minister Julie Anne Genter will introduce a bill to Parliament early in 2020 that would give police powers to run random roadside saliva testing.

Last year 95 people were killed in crashes where the driver was found to have drugs in their system.

Ms Genter spoke to reporter Ben Strang about how the testing will work.

News from the rural and farming sector.

A brief update from the business sector.

An inquiry into complaints of sexual assault against a former Labour Party staff member has failed to back the complainant's version of events.

The report - by the independent lawyer Maria Dew QC - found insufficient evidence to back up the most serious allegations and said critical elements of the complainant's story were incorrect.

She found claims the staffer was "overbearing and aggressive" were substantiated, but not to the point it constituted unlawful bullying.

On releasing an executive summary of the report yesterday, Labour Party president Claire Szabo said the report did not find any reason for disciplinary action.

The man at the centre of the allegations says the report came after a thorough investigation and a fair and transparent process.

In a statement issued through his lawyer, he says he had answered all questions and provided all of the information asked of him. He says the report backs up his repeated denials of serious sexual assault.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says the case had been damaging for many.

New All Blacks coach Ian Foster will start unveiling his coaching staff today with Hurricanes mentor John Plumtree the first to be announced.

Police are to get the power to randomly drug test drivers. Donald Trump is just hours away from likely impeachment by the House of Representatives. Sir Ron Brierley's former deputy is staggered at the business tycoon's arrest for possessing child pornography. And Australia has its hottest day on record .. a staggering average temperature of 40-point-9 degrees.

A lifejacket library is opening in Gisborne to make sure everyone stays safe on the water this summer.

Lifejacket lending kiosks are being set up along the coast of Tairāwhiti Gisborne.

The idea is that people can pick up a life jacket and drop it back when they're done.

It's the idea of Gisborne harbour master Sonny Ali. He speaks to Corin Dann.

MPs and Parliamentary staffers put political discord aside in favour of melodic chords last night in a charity showcase at the Beehive.

Around a hundred people gathered in the Banquet Hall to see MPs and others croon, carol sing, and even cha cha in the Harmony in the House event.

Political reporter Yvette McCullough was there.

Iwi opposed to the Pare Hauraki Treaty Settlement say the process has fractured their relationship with the crown.

The settlement was fiercely opposed by four iwi who said the deal encroached on their own tribal boundaries.

Yesterday the Waitangi Tribunal issued a scathing report, criticising the Crown's approach to handling overlapping claims.

Andrew Litttle is the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations.

He speaks to Corin Dann.