Morning Report for Thursday 26 November 2009

8:57 AM.The Footrot Flats cartoon characters Wal and Dog are to be immortalised on Gisborne's streets, after the council gave the idea its unanimous backing last night. Audio

8:51 AM.The first ever rugby team assembled from foreign embassies in Wellington took the field last night, up against the more experienced team of parliamentarians and various ring ins. Audio

8:49 AM.Greypower and Age Concern say they're being left in the dark over what will replace a cancelled driving programme for over 55s. Audio

8:48 AM.News from the Waatea team. Audio

8:41 AM.The police officer who led the investigation into the fatal beating of an Opotiki pensioner by two teenage girls says the nature of the murder is alarming for society as a whole. Audio

8:38 AM.Seven men have appeared in court in Pakistan to deny involvement in last year's Mumbai terror attacks that claimed one hundred and sixty six lives. Audio

8:35 AM.An update from the team at RNZ Sport. Audio

8:29 AM.A quick update of movements in the financial sector. Audio

8:25 AM.Peter Jackson's latest movie The Lovely Bones has opened to mixed reviews, following its world premiere in London. Audio

8:21 AM.The medical tribunal hearing a case against a Christchurch doctor has been asked by the prosecuting lawyer to strike out some of the allegations against the man, because there is not enough evidence… Read more Audio

8:17 AM.A potential rival bid for Hanover Finance has fizzled out. Audio

8:13 AM.The ACT leader Rodney Hide says he's asked his caucus to review his leadership following the controversy over his taking his partner on an official trip overseas. Audio

8:09 AM.Air New Zealand is accusing businessman Mike Pero of trying to exploit the families of Erebus crash victims for commercial gain. Audio

7:57 AM.A life size statue of Phar Lap has been unveiled in Timaru, where the horse was born more than 80 years ago. Audio

7:54 AM.The Government says it will defend itself and Zespri against any criticism from other governments over how this country's kiwifruit industry is being run. Audio

7:50 AM.The Government's amended emissions trading scheme has passed its final reading, after the Maori Party supported the legislation. Audio

7:45 AM.An update from the team at RNZ Sport. Audio

7:36 AM.Consumers are being warned about potential problems with new generation debit cards which act as credit and eftpos cards. Audio

7:26 AM.No body has ever been found, but the family of a young Palmerston North drug dealer who disappeared without a trace are pleased that someone has finally been held responsible for his death. Audio

7:18 AM.Air New Zealand said in a statement late last night that it has been inundated with correspondence from the families of Erebus victims outraged by Mike Pero's offer. Audio

7:09 AM.Air New Zealand is accusing a businessman arranging a memorial flight to Mount Erebus of trying to profiteer from the disaster's 30th Anniversary. Audio

6:47 AM.News from the business sector including a market report. Audio

6:39 AM.Parliament is poised to pass a law to allow for private management of prisons. Audio

6:35 AM.Air New Zealand is accusing businessman Mike Pero of trying to exploit the families of Erebus crash victims for commercial gain. Audio

6:27 AM.News from the Waatea team. Audio

6:22 AM.News from the rural and farming sector. Audio

6:22 AM.Parliament is set to resume under urgency at 9 o'clock this morning and will in quick order pass a Bill to allow for private management of prisons. Audio

6:18 AM.The latest from the Pacific region. Audio

6:14 AM.An increase in child illnesses during the economic recession has prompted the launch of the Children's Social Health Monitor website. Audio

6:09 AM.Parliament has voted in favour of changing the Emissions Trading Scheme but only after a final flurry of insults between MPs. Audio

6:00 AM.Top Stories for Thursday 26 November 2009. Audio