The Government has introduced new measures to battle the scourge of synthetic drugs, taking on a restorative approach over a punitive one. Eruera Rerekura - Te Karere with more coming up on Te Karere, TVNZ 1.

"We're not refuting the decision, obviously it is a council decision, however, what we're saying is that right now it's loud and clear from this government that they're looking for Māori solutions, so Māori solutions must include Māori." - Ali Hamlin-Paenga, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Pōneke Whānau Services

Heart attack continues to be a leading cause of death in this country and Māori are susceptible to a cardiac arrest that non-Māori. But as Te Rina Kowhai reports, good information and resources are believed to be the key to addressing the inequity.

The Silver Ferns are getting thrashed in training this week ahead of their Quad Series in England. Irena Smith - Te Karere with this report.

A Māori social service provider is upset a contract to reduce homelessness has been awarded to a mainstream organisation. As Eruera Rerekura - Te Karere reports, it seems mana whenua support is divided also.

Food banks are now a staple of society these days as demand ratchets up before Christmas, Whatitiri Te Wake - Te Karere reveals that the Ministry of Social Development are declining food grants in the thousands.

Here’s our weather forecast from today's bulletin.

Ka’iulani Forbes has finally celebrated her fourth birthday after enduring intensive bouts of cancer treatment in Spain. The little fighter captured our hearts following her diagnosis two years ago with neuroblastoma - doctors gave her mere months to live.

The government's ban on letting fees come into effect today. Renters will no longer have to pay anything extra on top of bond and advanced rent.