First Up for Thursday 2 September 2021

5:50 AM.Nathan Rarere asked Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson whether the country has enough money down the back of the couch for an additional wage subsidy for struggling businesses. Audio

5:45 AM.Some Auckland businesses believe this lockdown could be the straw that breaks the camel's back and they may have no choice but to close down. This is despite the wage subsidy, resurgence payment… Read more Audio

5:34 AM.Residents of rest homes and retirement villages around New Zealand are facing an even longer time isolated from loved ones than most. Staff have been putting in extra hours to keep them connected with… Read more Audio

5:30 AM.Nathan Rarere talks with James Parr from the Open Space Agency in London about cracks in the International Space Station and buying shares in Peter Beck's RocketLab. Audio

5:21 AM.It's that time of the week where we take a look around the country and talk to one of our Local Democracy reporters. This week we're heading off to Marlborough and we're joined by Chloe Ranford. Audio

5:13 AM.In New Zealand, the poaching of young talent by elite schools to play for their rugby teams is a controversial matter that's been going on for decades. In the United States though, hopeful players'… Read more Audio

5:10 AM.Netballer Geva Mentor is looking forward to her England Roses side's international series against New Zealand, and she's taken the long route to get here. The Ferns are hosting England in a three-Test… Read more Audio

5:06 AM.We start this morning with news from Europe and Nathan Rarere was joined from Sweden by our correspondent Anita Purcell Sjölund. Audio