Morning Report

The police national dive squad have searched the water around the Bay of Plenty island with no success.

On Morning Report on Monday, Police Commissioner Mike Bush said the navy and police were planning another attempt on Tuesday.

RNZ reporter Andrew McRae is in Whakatāne and has the latest.

The Black Caps coach Gary Stead is defending his side's short pitched bowling tactics in the first test loss to Australia.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

Electoral returns show companies linked to Sir Peter Jackson donated $30,000 to the election campaign of Wellington Mayor Andy Foster.

Mr Foster won the October election by the slimmest of margins, having gained Sir Peter's backing because both oppose the controversial Shelley Bay housing development.

The Wellington City Council returns show that Peter Jackson-linked companies Weta Digital donated $15,000, Park Road Post Production donated ten thousand $10,000 and Portsmouth Rentals five thousand $5000.

Andy Foster speaks to Susie Ferguson.

Mana whenua are playing a key role in aftermath of the Whakaari/White Island eruption.

Hundreds gathered at Te Manuka Tutahi Marae yesterday for one minute's silence at 2:11pm - exactly a week since the eruption at Whakaari/White Island.

Sixteen people are dead, with two more missing.

Another 26 people are still in hospital in New Zealand and Australia, 10 are in a critical condition.

Kaumatua Joe Harawira says mana whenua have been guided by tikanga to look after those affected by the tragedy.

He speaks to Corin Dann.

News from the rural and farming sector.

A brief update from the business sector.

New Zealand sailors Andy Maloney and Josh Junior top the leaderboard at the Finn Gold Cup in Melbourne after the opening day of racing.

Top stories this morning blustery winds and forcast rain mean no resumption of the search for the two people still missing after the Whakaari/White Island eruption.

We talk to Worksafe about its investigations ahead of the tragedy.

We reveal Pharmac knew for more than two weeks three deaths had been linked to its epilepsy drug brand switch but didn't tell patients.

Papua New Guinea's government is appealing to the public for patience to allow time to process Bougainville's overwhelming vote for independence.

A 97.7 percent majority voted for independence in the autonomous PNG region's non-binding referendum.

To come into effect, the result must be ratified by PNG's national parliament.

Johnny Blades reports.