Morning Report for Wednesday 12 October 2011

8:58 AM.With the oil spill story leading bulletins around the world, here's proof that even the BBC can at times mangle unfamiliar placenames. Audio

8:55 AM.The former Silver Ferns captain Waimarama Taumanu is to take over immediately as the new coach of New Zealand's netball team. Audio

8:52 AM.Listening to that was the deputy mayor of Invercargill, Jackie Kruger, on the line from Japan. Audio

8:49 AM.Some Invercargill city councillors are criticising a 40-thousand dollar boost to the mayoral budget - specifically set aside to help Tim Shadbolt use his image to promote the city. Audio

8:46 AM.A criminal law lecturer is critical of Marae-based Rangatahi Courts, that give judges the same status as kaumatua; The Minister of Courts, Georgina te Heuheu, rejects the criticism; Ngai Tahu is… Read more Audio

8:40 AM.A foreign war crimes judge has resigned from the United Nations-backed tribunal trying Khmer Rouge leaders in Cambodia - complaining of government interference. Audio

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

8:31 AM.A brief update of movements in the financial sector. Audio

8:28 AM.As the injury count for the All Blacks continues to rise, a top British sports surgeon is in New Zealand to discuss how and why these injuries occur. Audio

8:24 AM.In Northland, locals are hopeful of saving the region's rail link to Auckland . Audio

8:23 AM.Kerri Morgan from the Oil Wildlife Response Team says says teams of people will be out today looking for birds either affected by the oil or in its likely path. Audio

8:19 AM.Our Bay of Plenty reporter Lorna Perry is on Papamoa Beach. Audio

8:13 AM.A floating crane is being brought in from Singapore to unload the Rena's cargo - a feat the experts say will be difficult at best. Audio

8:09 AM.The captain of the Rena has been arrested overnight and faces seamanship charges under the Maritime Act. Audio

7:55 AM.The only All Black team to win the World Cup has got together for the first time since their victory 24 years ago. Audio

7:52 AM.The financial performance of primary schools tumbled to an all-time low last year. Audio

7:49 AM.Some Invercargill city councillors are criticising a 40-thousand dollar boost to the mayoral budget - specifically set aside to help Tim Shadbolt use his image to promote the city. Audio

7:47 AM.The Green Party is sceptical of claims by the Defence Minister that insurgents caught by SAS troops in Afghanistan have not been tortured. Audio

7:43 AM.An update from the team at RNZ Sport. Audio

7:38 AM.The Finance Minister says more belt tightening is on the way if National is re-elected, as the Government sticks to its target of halving the deficit in the current fiscal year. Audio

7:26 AM.We're joined by the EQC's chief financial officer, Philip Jacques. Audio

7:25 AM.The Earthquake Commission is expected to face tough questioning when its handling of the Canterbury Earthquakes is reviewed early next year. Audio

7:21 AM.The minister for the environment, Nick Smith, is in Tauranga. Audio

7:18 AM.Our Bay of Plenty reporter Lorna Perry is on Papamoa. Audio

7:13 AM.The ship's Greek owners have contracted the Svitzer salvage company to try to re-float the Rena. Audio

7:08 AM.At least one hazardous goods container is now submerged in water, and it's carrying the metal ferrosilicon, which can produce an explosive gas if exposed to fresh water but Maritime New Zealand says… Read more Audio

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

6:40 AM.Thailand authorities are racing to build floodwalls around Bangkok as the worst flooding in decades moves toward the capital. Audio

6:35 AM.The company charged with salvaging the stricken container ship Rena, which is spilling oil off Tauranga, says preserving human life is the top priority. Audio

6:27 AM.Ngai Tahu is developing a scheme to get young Maori into commercial fishing - potentially leading to work onboard trawlers; A criminal law lecturer is critical of Marae-based Rangatahi Courts, that… Read more Audio

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

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

6:08 AM.A trial programme to test for the country's second biggest cancer killer is being launched today. Audio

6:00 AM.Rena situation worsens in 'worst environmental disaster', Rena's situation 'perilous', Radio New Zealand reporter on Mt Maunganui beach, Environment minister says worse to come with Rena, EQC expected… Read more Audio