Today on RNZ National... Police brace for the arrival of more protestors on Parliament's grounds the demonstration enters its fourth day, many Wellingtonians are fed up with the traffic disruption and noise. It's a fine day on the west coast today but flood damaged roads remain closed in the region.

RNZ: Morning Report

Kerry-Anne Walsh with news from Australia

An American family will soon be reunited with their cat, who's been found on the other side of the country, more than six years after she disappeared. Denise Cilley, from the northeastern state of Maine, received a shock phone call that her cat, Ashes, has been found nearly 2500 kilometres away in Florida. She spoke to Morning Report.

Lost cat travels from Maine to Florida

Thousands of kilograms of rubbish were washed out to sea in 2019, when an old landfill on the banks of the Fox River became exposed during flooding. Now, three years later, the remaining rubbish has been removed from the site - at a cost of more than $3 million. So how can Aotearoa stop more old landfills from being uncovered? Niva Chittock reports.

Remaining rubbish removed from Fox River landfill

We could soon see as few as two MPs in Parliament's debating chamber as the Omicron outbreak grows. Parliament is already running at half-capacity - with only 60 out of its 120 members allowed into the chamber at any time. As MPs scale back travel and in-person meetings the Business Select Committee - which organises the running of Parliament - has been preparing for a scenario where all MPs have to self-isolate. Political reporter Anneke Smith has the story.

Covid-19: Omicron could force Parliament's debating chamber down to two MPs

The Beijing Winter Olympics has been rocked by its first major doping case - and it involves a minor from Russia. Fifteen-year-old superstar Kamila Valieva reportedly tested positive for the banned substance trimetazidine, prior to the games commencing. Reports of the doping scandal emerged after the medal ceremony for her winning figure skating team was put on ice earlier this week. Beijing correspondent Patrick Fok spoke to Corin Dann.

Winter Olympics: Russian minor at centre of doping scandal

A brief update of movements in the financial sector.

Markets Update for 11 February 2022

Auckland's high schools have been holding their breath to see how many students come back to class this year. Some were worried last year's disruption would prompt teenagers to give up on school and find work. Principals say they have been pleasantly surprised by the turnout this week. Education correspondent John Gerritsen reports.

Covid-19: Auckland high schools eager to see students back

Submissions close today on a bill to widen ACC cover for birth injuries. However, the Green Party, doctors and injured women say its scope is too narrow and many won't get the help they need. Ruth Hill reports.

Submissions close on bill to widen ACC cover for birth injuries

The Transport Minister says he expects Transmission Gully will be open before the end of the year - and he hopes it could be sooner. Regional mayors have been expressing frustration at slow progress on finishing the new highway north of Wellington and the continued failure to hit a succession of opening dates. The need for repairs to the road surface is the latest cause of delay to the billion-dollar project. Ira Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand chief executive Nick Leggett told Morning Report on Thursday it's time the Wood stepped in. Wood told Morning Report on Friday ministers are very frustrated by the delay and he is considering legal action. He describes the public-private partnership set up by a previous National-led government to build the road as a 'pig of a deal' involving excruciating negotiations.

Transport Minister on Transmission Gully delays

A Westport resident says she feels a bit like a sitting duck after evacuating amid rising floodwaters. Ruth Vaega is one of many locals who had to leave their homes. She spoke to Susie Ferguson.

West Coast weather: Westport resident on evacuation

Sturdier barrier fencing has now been installed across the front of Parliament, protecting the buildings from the protesters camped on the lawn. About 100 people are wandering around the lawn and neighbouring streets as people start to wake. Food is being prepared at a food truck and a gazebo set up on Molesworth St. Vehicles are still partly blocking surrounding streets, though a small number appear to have left the end of Lambton Quay, across from the Supreme Court. The police presence has been notably stripped back, with just over a dozen across Parliament's forecourt, though that is likely to change, as more arrests are expected today.

Covid-19: Sturdier barrier fencing erected at Parliament

Could this be the year of Toiletgate? White House staff have claimed Donald Trump flushed documents down the toilets in a new book by US journalist Maggie Haberman. The development comes amid an ongoing investigation by the US House committee into the US Capitol insurrection. They've been trying to get Trump to hand over records from his final weeks in office for archiving, but many have been ripped up. The National Archives has now asked the justice department to investigate if Trump's handling of official papers broke the law. Washington correspondent Simon Marks spoke to Morning Report.

Report claims Donald Trump flushed important documents

The construction sector says a new exemption scheme aimed at keeping critical supply chains running could fuel the rising cost of building. The new scheme allows critical services to allow workers who are close contacts of a Covid-19 cases to keep going to work instead of isolating if they return a negative rapid antigen test. It says critical services will include food production and supply, health and emergency services, power and water, transport, finance, news media and social welfare. Building Industry Federation head Julien Leys says construction should be included in that list. He spoke to Susie Ferguson.

Covid-19: Construction sector wants isolation exemption

Protesters and police are gearing up for another day at Parliament. Wellington District Commander Superintendent Corrie Parnell says 150 police have been brought in on top of the 900 hundred staff already in the district, and that number will grow in the coming days. There were 122 arrests yesterday, more are expected today. Listen for an update on the ground.

Covid-19: Parliament protest update

The most authoritative and comprehensive coverage of local and world events to be found on morning radio happens from 6:00am to 9:00am every weekday on RNZ National.

hubhopper

RNZ: Morning Report

hubhopper