Beachgoers on the Māhia Peninsula in northern Hawkes Bay are being warned about the risk of shark attacks after a Great White ripped a whale from a rescuer who was trying to re-float it. The incident happened as mother pygmy whale and her calf were stranding on Opoutama Beach on Sunday. The shark killed the mother whale and the calf had to be euthanised. Local Police officer Chad Prentice says while sharks are common in the area, this kind of story is not. Prentice spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Legislation scrapping Te Aka Whai Ora, the Māori Health Authority, is being described as a nail in the coffin for health equity. As part of its 100-day plan, the coalition government will today introduce a bill under urgency to dissolve the agency. It was set up in 2022 to work in parallel with the Ministry of Health and Te Whatu Ora to address the marked disparities in Māori health which see Māori die more than seven years earlier than non-Māori. Grant Berghan has worked in Māori health for 35 years and is part of Health Coalition Aotearoa. Berghan spoke to Charlotte Cook.

The country's largest kiwifruit grower, Seeka, says any risks posed by a common agri-chemical can be mitigated.  Seeka representatives spoke about hydrogen cyanamide at an Environmental Protection Authority public hearing Tuesday morning. Sally Murphy has the rural news.

Australian spinner Nathan Lyon has expressed his gratitude for what Black Caps legend Daniel Vettori has been able to do for him and his side. Stephen Hewson has sports.

A slowing economy and commodity prices have dented the profits of rural services company PGG Wrightson. Anan Zaki has the business news.

Immigration New Zealand has been criticised over a lack of adequate action to stop the risk of abuse to migrants and the Accredited Employer Work Visa scheme. The system was brought in to try and quickly address a worker shortage after Covid-19 border closures. The Public Service Commission was asked to review it after complaints some employers were abusing the system with migrants living in overcrowded housing and being left jobless. It's just released its findings. The Migrant Workers Association spokesperson Anu Kaloti spoke to Charlotte Cook.

An armed standoff is underway in the Hutt Valley north of Wellington where police are negotiating with a man who is refusing to give himself up. The incident on High Street in Avalon, saw a number of schools in the area placed into lockdown. RNZ reporter Ashleigh McCaull spoke to Charlotte Cook.

As Ukraine enters its third year of war with Russia, Worldwatch's Charlie Dreaver spoke to Federico Borsari from the Center for European Policy Analysis in Washington DC. He told her the lack of ammunition is one of the major challenges the military face. Back here in New Zealand, the Ukrainian community is still working tirelessly to help with war efforts. Yuriy Gladun from the Ukrainian Association of New Zealand tells Worldwatch how the community is feeling two years on.

In ongoing infrastructure woes in the capital, train passengers in the Wellington region are being warned to expect disruption to weekend and public holiday services for at least the next decade. Metlink has told the Greater Wellington Regional Council's Transport Committee that due to the amount of network maintenance required, buses will replace train services regularly on weekends and public holidays, for the foreseeable future. Councillor Thomas Nash spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Students who undertake work placements as part of their training are calling to be paid an allowance, with reports of some students sinking into debt or even poverty while on mandatory placements. While some industries pay their trainees, students studying in healthcare, social work and education do not. A petition has been started for students in these sectors to receive a stipend to help cover living costs. Bex Howells is the spokesperson for Paid Placements Aotearoa. She says up to 45 percent of trainees are dropping out due to financial hardship. Howells spoke to Charlotte Cook.

"Bloody dry" is how farmers are describing current condition, with many offloading stock due to concerns over feed and water levels. Niwa's latest hotspot shows conditions are extremely dry in Nelson, Marlborough, northern Canterbury, northern Otago and parts of Northland, Manawatū-Whanganui, and Wellington.    Sally Murphy has the rural news.

Both the All Black and Black Fern sevens are into the finals of the Vancouver leg of the World Series. Bridget Tunnicliffe has sports.

Property investor and development firm Goodman Property Trust is bringing its management back in house as a first step to establishing a large property fund.  Anan Zaki has the business news.

There have been emotional scenes at the Environment Court in Auckland Monday morning as family members of those who died in the Whakaari White Island eruption began reading out their impact statements. Six parties are being sentenced following a criminal trial into the 2019 eruption that killed 22 people and injured 25 others. Reporter Lucy Xia spoke to Charlotte Cook.

A top lawyer who has represented gangs says they will fight back against legislation that would ban patches in public. The government expects to have the law in place by the end of this year even if it is found to breach the Bill of Rights. It says police will be given special powers to break up gang gatherings and courts will be able to stop gang members associating with each other. Criminal Defence Lawyer Marie Dyhrberg KC says it will not work. Dyhrberg spoke to Charlotte Cook.

From next week, people who lived in Britain, France and the Republic of Ireland during the mad cow disease outbreak of the 1980s and 90s, will be able to give blood. Restrictions were imposed more than 20 years ago, over concerns about the human variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. The New Zealand Blood Service has announced they'll be lifted next Thursday, and it's expecting a big influx of new donors. Its Chief Medical Officer Dr Sarah Morely says they are delighted to open up the restrictions. Morely spoke to Charlotte Cook.

A former Health New Zealand employee accused of leaking Covid-19 vaccine data has appeared in court on Friday, with dozens of supporters in the public gallery. Barry Young pleaded not guilty in December to a charge of accessing computer systems for a dishonest purpose. Reporter Soumya Bhamidipati spoke to Charlotte Cook.

A new study has shown further evidence of inequities in rural healthcare services. Researchers at the University of Otago looked at how patients in rural and urban centres use hospitals and other healthcare services. Monique Steele has the rural news.

Last season's grand final loss to the Crusaders still hurts for Chiefs loose forward Luke Jacobson. Jacobson has taken over the captaincy of the Chiefs, who lost just one game during the regular season in 2023 before being pipped by the Crusaders in the final.  Stephen Hewson has sports.

The country's biggest port, the Port of Tauranga, has had a 25 percent fall in its first half profit as cargo volumes dropped and fewer ships visited, knocking its revenue. Move Logistics first half loss has more than tripled because of difficult economic conditions and weaker customer demand. Anan Zaki has the business news.

Public transport advocates are calling for an urgent government inquiry into Auckland's rail network after yet another failure on Thursday. An infrastructure issue brought train services to a halt during the morning commute, bringing more frustration for Aucklanders. The network has been plagued by delays and cancellations, and last week, dozens of trains were cancelled when the tracks overheated. The Public Transport Users Association says the rail network is failing commuters and questions need to be asked about how the network is being run. National coordinator of the association Jon Reeves spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Consumer NZ is calling for fair pricing for domestic air travel. On Thursday, Air New Zealand Chief Executive Greg Foran told Checkpoint the airline has begun to raise domestic fares in response to rising inflation and warned there will be more hikes to come. It has also said fares could rise further due to the redevelopment at Auckland Airport and increased charges for airlines. Chief executive of Consumer NZ Jon Duffy spoke to Charlotte Cook.

A New Zealand woman has developed a world first treatment for head lice which has nabbed her a top United Nations health science award. It uses a biofluorescent powder which makes the lice eggs, or nits, easier to spot by making them glow. Its creator, entrepreneur and mum Kate Ricketts spoke to Charlotte Cook.

A property expert is warning rental prices could continue to rise throughout the year.   Trade Me's latest Rental Price Index shows the national median weekly rent surged to $630 in January, up 0.8 percent on the previous month. Trade Me's Property Sales Director Gavin Lloyd says he can't see any signs of a let up. Lloyd spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Several gold kiwifruit growers are selling their high value, sought-after, gold kiwifruit licences and quitting the industry. Sally Murphy has the rural news.  

Rachin Ravindra's star status continues to soar after the young all-rounder produced another top performance in the Black Caps six wicket loss to Australia in the first T20 in Wellington.  Barry Guy has sports.

Air New Zealand has reported a 39 percent drop in first half profit as demand constraints eased from the highs of last year, and is warning of a challenging period ahead.  Anan Zaki has the business news.

The Health and Disability Commissioner is concerned about the country's ability to treat cancer patients on time, now and in the future. The Commissioner has just published a follow-up report on wait times at Te Whatu Ora Southern after finding delays were so bad some cancer patients were told they were likely to die before seeing a specialist. Health and Disability Commissioner Morag McDowell spoke to Charlotte Cook.

The latest child poverty statistics from Stats NZ show over 23,000 more children are going without household essentials since 2022 due to the rise in the cost of living. Seventeen-point-five percent of children are living in households with less than half of the median disposable income after household costs, up by around three percent on last year. One in eight children are living in households experiencing material hardship, meaning they are likely going without fresh fruit and vegetables, doctor's visits, and good pairs of shoes. That was up two percent on last year. Mana Mokopuna Children and Young People's Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad spoke to Charlotte Cook. 

Work to open up the Waiau River mouth away from Southland properties has resumed on Wednesday after being paused for safety reasons. A state of emergency which was declared earlier this month after rapid erosion from the sea and river threatened properties in the Bluecliffs village, was extended on Wednesday. The urgent work had to be put on hold due to challenging conditions. Southland Civil Defence Group Controller Simon Mapp says the channel could be opened as early as Thursday. Mapp spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Green MP and Pasifika Communitiy advocate Fa'anānā Efeso Collins has died after collapsing during a charity run in Tāmaki Makauru Auckland.  Collins was taking part in the ChildFund Water Fun event at Britomart to support local communities in the Pacific on Wednesday morning. The New Zealand-born Samoan man is survived by his wife and two children.  The staunch advocate for the poor was elected to Parliament last year after being ranked eleventh on the Green Party list.   In 2022, Collins contested the Auckland mayoral election, coming second to Wayne Brown; before that, he was a Manukau ward councillor on Auckland Council.

Launched in Wellington last night, beekeepers plan to revive the industry with a strategy which aims to double honey exports to a billion dollars by 2030. Sally Murphy has the rural news.

The smaller boundaries at New Zealand venues have the Australian batters licking their lips, ahead of the T20 series opener in Wellington tonight. Barry Guy has sports.

Media company NZME's profit has nearly been halved by high inflation and interest rates, and reduced advertising.  Anan Zaki has the the business news.  

The South Auckland community in particular will be mourning the loss of Fa'anānā Efeso Collins. He had been a Manukau ward councillor on the Auckland City Council and was involved in numerous community organisations and initiatives supporting local Pasifika families. Tevita Funaki is Chief Executive of the south Auckland health provider The Fono. He's worked alongside Fa'anānā for 20 years and counts him as a good friend. He describes him as a champion of South Auckland and a beacon of hope in the community. Funaki spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Green MP Fa'anānā Efeso Collins has died after taking part in a charity event in Tāmaki Makurau Auckland Wednesday morning. The father-of-two, three-term city councillor and former Auckland mayoral contender was taking part in a charity run when he collapsed suddenly. His death comes just a week after he delivered his maiden speech in parliament. He's being remembered as a passionate advocate, a committed leader in the south Auckland community, a son of the Pacific and a devoted father. Floral tributes are now being laid at the scene near Britomart in downtown Auckland. Reporter Finn Blackwell spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Police have spoken to people seen on a walking track in the Hoon Hay Valley moments before the fire broke out on Christchurch's Port Hills, almost a week ago. The cause of the fire is not yet known and is under investigation. Fire crews are still working to dampen down hotspots and have just given a media briefing. RNZ reporter Niva Chittock spoke to Charlotte Cook.

KiwiRail is fronting yet another please explain meeting, this time about its rail services in Wairarapa. During a $100 million upgrade to the Wairarapa line, KiwiRail laid the tracks too close together meaning passenger carriages don't fit. The tracks will now need to be ground back to make them suitable for passenger trains, resulting in months of delays and safety risks ahead for commuters. Greater Wellington Regional Council's chair Daran Ponter is at the meeting and says he can't understand how it's happened. Ponter spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Pāmu, the state-owned farming company, also known as Landcorp, has reported a half-year net operating profit of $3 million. Sally Murphy has the rural news.

Veteran Australian batter David Warner says he wants Australia tour New Zealand more often. Stephen Hewson has sports.

Campervan company Tourism Holdings first half profit has surged 58 percent despite an erratic vehicle market and challenging economic conditions. Anan Zaki has the business news.

There are fears other beneficiaries will soon be targeted as the government moves to impose sanctions on job seekers. The Government says it's taking early action to curb a surge in welfare dependency, with the Ministry of Social Development to begin work check-ins for job seekers who've been on the benefit for six months. They'll face penalties if they don't meet looking-for-work requirements. Auckland University economist and Associate Professor Susan St John says it signals a return to the 1990s and will plunge even more people into poverty. St John spoke to Charlotte Cook.

The Labour Party's Grant Robertson will announce his retirement from politics. RNZ political editor Jo Moir spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Wellington's Lewis Clareburt has swum his way into the Paris Olympics after taking out gold in the 400-metre individual medley at the World Swimming Championships in Doha. The 24-year old's victory tops off a very successful World Champs for the kiwi swimmers. Last week Erika Fairweather won gold in the 400 metres freestyle. Lewis' father David Clareburt spoke to Charlotte Cook.

The Port Hills fire continues to burn into its 6th day. The 650-hectare blaze is now contained but huge winds are expected Monday afternoon which could exacerbate hot spots. Reporter Tim Brown spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Fishing company executives are meeting with officials from the Ministry for Primary Industries today to discuss cameras on commercial fishing boats, amongst other things. Monique Steele has the rural news.

New Zealand's latest swimming world champion Lewis Clareburt says he was determined to win the 400m individual medley after falling short of his goals in two other races. Stephen Hewson has sports.

Contact Energy has had a strong first half profit rebound, on higher sales, but warns consumers face higher bills because of increased line charges. Anan Zaki has the business news.

Cost-cutting at St Johns Ambulance is resulting in ambulances being pulled off the road when staff are on leave or call in sick. In a bulletin to staff on Friday, management said the service needs to "actively manage recalls" of back up staff in order to manage expenditure. The Ambulance Association, representing ambulance officers, says efforts to rein in costs are putting people's lives at risk. Association national secretary Mark Quin spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Hot, windy conditions are forecast in Canterbury on Monday, pushing up the fire danger, as firefighters continue to battle two fires. As crews work to dampen down hotspots in Christchurch's Port Hills, more than 50 firefighters are fighting a blaze which broke out Sunday night in the Waikari Valley, near Waipara. The fire has has largely burnt out, but firefighters say it is still uncontrolled. Up to 40 people were evacuated overnight and a community meeting is now underway at the Waipara Memorial Hall. Hurunui District Mayor Marie Black spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Residents are eager to get back into their homes as the Port Hills wildfires begin to come under control, but Fire and Emergency is acting with extreme caution. One house has been destroyed in the blaze, and others came within hundreds of metres of the flames. Residents from about 80 homes are evacuated. Some of them gathered Friday morning for an update from the authorities. Dominique Leeming spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Nearly 4000 tonnes of cherries have been sent offshore this summer. Summerfruit New Zealand chief executive, Kate Hellstrom says good sunny weather in key growing region Central Otago led to great quality fruit - most of which headed to Taiwan and China. Monique Steele has the rural news.  

The second cricket test between New Zealand and South Africa in Hamilton is evenly poised. Stephen Hewson has sports.

The Reserve Bank Governor says there's more work to do to improve inflation expectations and ensure it stays at the desired 2 percent.  Gyles Beckford has the business news.

Te Whatu Ora has revealed at least 12,000 people have had personal information plastered on the internet in part of last year's Covid-19 data breach. Health New Zealand says a large number of vaccinators had their details posted in a downloadable file on a United States blogsite. The agency has begun notifying individuals but says the numbers of people involved may grow. Former employee Barry Young is facing court charges relating to the leak. He next appears in court next week. Te Whatu Ora chief executive Margie Apa spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Large parts of scorched earth have been seen in Kennedys Bush as Fire fighters gradually gain control of the blaze. There is still smoke drifting from the hills, but fire and emergency say the 650-hectare blaze is about 70 per cent contained, although completely extinguishing it could take weeks. Twenty-two trucks and tankers are continuing to work on the ground, while 12 helicopters and two planes are dropping water and retardant on the fire. The fire destroyed a container home, but there have been no further reports of major property damage. Reporter Samantha Gee spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Weather conditions are making it difficult for firefighters battling the Port Hills blaze. It's hot and windy in Christchurch, with conditions expected to continue throughout the day. NIWA is providing forecasts to firefighters on the ground. Forecaster Tristan Meyers spoke to Charlotte Cook.

For one Port Hills resident, the fire brings a horrible sense of déjà vu. Vikki Pflaum's house was destroyed in the 2017 blaze and she had moved back into her new house on Worsleys Rd just five weeks ago when she and her husband Doug were forced to evacuate again. Pflaum spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Cordons are in place around the fire, but Fire and Emergency has been allowing farmers access to manage livestock Thursday morning. Monique Steele has the rural news.

Day 3 of the second test in Hamilton. The South African cricketers are 40 for 3 in their second innings with a lead of 71 runs. Barry Guy has sports.

Falling commercial property values have hit another development company, this time, Vital Healthcare Property Trust. Gyles Beckford has the business news.

The Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery has just touched down after a helicopter flight over the fire and surrounding areas. Earlier Fire and Emergency said it was too early to give assurances that they would be able to get the fire under control on Thursday. Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Mark Mitchell spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Hundreds of firefighters are battling to contain the blaze which broke out Wednesday afternoon, seven years to the day of the devastating fires of 2017. The fire grew from 100 to 630 hectares overnight and the smoke plume is now visible from space. Christchurch and Selwyn have been in a state of emergency since late last night. A hundred and ten homes have been evacuated, and evacuation centres are open in Halswell and Lincoln. No houses have been destroyed, but the fire has breached the edge of Christchurch Adventure Park. In a separate incident this morning, a grass fire which broke out in Rolleston, about 30 kilometres from the Port Hills fire, has now been contained. Reporter Tim Brown spoke to Charlotte Cook.

There's been even further disruption for Auckland train commuters after an infrastructure problem closed two platforms at Britomart Station, affecting services on major lines. It comes on top of days of cancellations due to overheated rails and warnings from Auckland Transport that disruption is likely to continue for the next month or so. Mayor Wayne Brown has described the situation as an omnishambles and is hauling transport bosses into his office Wednesday afternoon. Greater Auckland director Matt Lowrie spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Commemoration services are underway in Hawkes Bay marking the anniversary of Cyclone Gabrielle. The cyclone caused extensive and devastating flooding in Hawkes Bay and Tairāwhiti, destroying hundreds of homes, inundating farmland, and wiping out bridges and roads. Eleven people were killed, and the impact of the cyclone is still being felt in communities up and down the east coast. Central Hawkes Bay District mayor Alex Walker spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Devastated but not defeated is how one grower is describing the situation. Early in the hours of February 14th last year, metres of floodwater ran through Linden Estate in the hard-hit Esk Valley - silt covered six-hectares of grape vines and tore through the cellar door. Monique Steele has the rural news.  

South Africa have been bowled out for 242 in the second test against the Black Caps in Hamilton. Barry Guy has the sports news.  

Fletcher Building's chief executive and board chair are stepping down amid a disappointing first half result.  Gyles Beckford has the business news.

KiwiRail has begun discussions to cancel a $555 million contract for an overseas firm to build it two new Cook Strait ferries. Late last year the Government rejected a plea for extra funding on the project to buy two new ferries and upgrade two ports. KiwiRail says it can't proceed without the Government funding and is now officially moving to terminate a contract with Hyundai Mipo Dockyard. Meanwhile the Maritime Union says the Government must be up front and tell the public what its plans are for the Cook Strait ferry service. The Union's National Secretary Craig Harrison spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Six people have died in the space of just 12 days after influenza swept through a rest home in the Coromandel town of Whitianga. Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand was notified of an outbreak at the Whitianga Care Centre and Village in late January. It says the outbreak came to an end on February the 9th. The centre is run by Oceania Healthcare, its group general manager for sales and services Anita Hawthorn says there are 48 residents and a total of 17 residents and eight staff were affected. Hawthorn spoke to Charlotte Cook.

New research out of Otago University shows that vaping affects our sense of taste and smell. The findings could also provide information on how vaping can impact on appetite and eating behaviours in younger people. Dr Mei Peng spoke to Charlotte Cook.

A year on from a deadly landslide during Cyclone Gabrielle, two firefighters have been remembered by the west Auckland community of Muriwai. The township, northwest of Auckland, was hit hard by the storm. Craig Stevens and Dave van Zwanenberg died when a slip came down on a property they'd been called to. Reporter Maia Ingoe spoke to Charlotte Cook.

A Tolaga Bay farming couple are still picking up the pieces after Cyclone Gabrielle. Mike and Bridget Parker say a year on from the cyclone and they're still clearing their land, with little help from authorities. Monique Steele has the rural news.

The Black Caps have grabbed two early wickets in the first session of play on the opening day of the second cricket test against South Africa in Hamilton. Stephen Hewson has sports.

The Shareholders Association says Fletcher Building has a credibility problem, which won't be solved with the resignation of its chief executive.  Gyles Beckford has the business news.

A group representing more than 9000 doctors has written to the Prime Minister along with the health and Māori development ministers, urging them to change their mind on ditching planned smoking reforms. The government is planning to repeal laws which would have gradually made it illegal to buy tobacco, along with other restrictions. Health Coalition Aotearoa co-chair Dr Boyd Swinburn spoke to Charlotte Cook.

A 52-year-old woman has appeared in the Wellington District Court charged with the murder of an elderly woman in the suburb of Khandallah. Helen Gregory was found dead in her home last month, police say she died of a "violent act". Reporter Jemima Houston spoke to Charlotte Cook.

One of the most watched and highly anticipated sports games in history has just kicked off in Las Vegas. The San Francisco 49ers are up against the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL Super Bowl. The game is being shown in 190 countries, including here in Aotearoa. And if you're a Taylor Swift fan you'll know it's not all about the football. US Embassy in Wellington deputy chief of mission David Gehrenbeck spoke to Charlotte Cook.

The United Nations, the European Union, the US, and Arab nations are warning Israel not to go ahead with a planned offensive on the southern city of Rafah, saying it will cause a humanitarian catastrophe. New Zealand's Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has also voiced concern, calling for civilians to be protected. Some one-and-a-half million Palestinians, around 80 percent of Gaza's population, are sheltering in Rafah after fleeing Israeli bombardment in the north. Save the Children says half of them are children. Save the Children in New Zealand Advocacy Director Jacqui Southey spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Fonterra has lifted its farmgate forecast milk price for this season by 30 cents to a new mid-point of 7-dollars-80 a kilogram of milk solids. Monique Steele has the rural news.

Erika Fairweather might be a new world champion, but Swimming New Zealand's Olympic Programme lead Gary Francis says it will be tough for her to win a medal at this year's Paris Games. Stephen Hewson has sports.

Internal Affairs is taking the casino operator SkyCity to court in a civil case related to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act. Gyles Beckford has the business news.

The new Mental Health Minister says it's about time Aotearoa had a fourth option when people call 111. A recent ministerial briefing proposed police withdraw from some family harm and mental health calls, saying other agencies should fill that role. Minister Matt Doocey says he's getting more information, but is considering a specialised first responders group for people in mental health crisis. Doocey spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Moves by Parliament's Speaker to overturn a blanket ban on lobbyists having swipe card access to parliament have been labelled a significant step backwards. Gerry Brownlee has said he didn't agree with the ban, he also won't be publishing an approved visitor list, which names those with swipe card access. The ban was brought in last year after a request from Labour leader and then Prime Minister Chris Hipkins. Hipkins spoke to Charlotte Cook.

A blue card is set to be trialled in football, which would see players sent to a sin-bin for 10 minutes for cynical play or dissent towards match officials. Top tier leagues will be excluded from the trial, but the cards could be used in elite competition from the middle of this year. If successful, they would be rolled out for all of football. Former Football Fern Maia Jackman spoke to Ben Strang.

New Zealand's space industry has received another boost into orbit with the opening of the Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre at Kaitorete, south of Christchurch, today. Tāwhaki already hosts domestic and international aerospace companies testing leading-edge technologies. Late last year Wisk Aero tested world first systems using un-crewed aircraft which integrated with air traffic at Christchurch Airport. It helps pave the way for pilotless taxi services in future. Long term, Tāwhaki may even be used for rocket launches, with the government also investigating a space port for space tourism. Tāwhaki chief executive Linda Falwasser spoke to Ben Strang.  

Alliance is busy pushing lamb, beef and venison into China - just in time for Chinese New Year celebrations, which kick off later this month.  Monique Steele has the rural news.

The New Zealand Breakers desperately need a win over the Illawarra Hawks tonight as the battle for NBL playoff places intensifies. Bridget Tunnicliffe has sports.

The pace of merger and acquisition activity may pick up this year after a larger than expected number of deals failed to make it over the finish line last year.   Gyles Beckford has the business news.

Firefighters in Wellington may have to use sea water, and are bringing water tankers into the region as a precaution, should water shortages worsen. Fire and Emergency is planning for the possibility of level four water restrictions in Wellington, which would mean serious shortages in some suburbs. FENZ has already brought a tanker into Wellington as emergency water supply, and has plans to bring more if needed. Brett Lockyer, Fire and Emergency's Acting District Manager for Wellington, says planning for more serious water shortages is well underway. Lockyer spoke to Ben Strang.

There's been a development in the homicide investigation into the death of an elderly Wellington woman. A team of police has this morning been combing a landfill in Porirua, north of the city, searching for items thought to have been dumped by a person of interest in the death of 79-year-old Helen Gregory. Her body was found at her home in the suburb of Khandallah just over two weeks ago and a homicide inquiry was launched. RNZ reporter Nick James spoke to Ben Strang.

Forty firefighters remain on the scene of a fire at a waste management plant. The fire broke out on Wednesday at the Green Gorilla facility in Onehunga it is contained but is still burning. RNZ Checkpoint reporter Louise Ternouth spoke to Ben Strang.

Firefighters warn it could take two to three days to contain a fire burning in a pine forest in the Tasman district. The blaze spread quickly up the Lee Valley Wednesday afternoon and covers about five hectares. RNZ reporter Samantha Gee spoke to Ben Strang.

Despite exporting more beef and sheep-meat last year than in 2022, the value was down 11 percent to just over $10 billion. Monique Steele has the rural news.

Black Caps batter Daryl Mitchell will miss the second test against South Africa as he continues to recover from a troublesome heel injury. Daniel Gilhooly has sports.

A new whistle-blower tool has been launched to help lift the lid on anti-competitive behaviour within the grocery sector.  Gyles Beckford has the business news.

Retailers hope a facial recognition trial being launched by Foodstuffs is a success, and can eventually be rolled out across the country. New facial recognition software is being trialled in 25 New World and PAK'nSAVE supermarkets across the North Island from Thursday in a bid to fight rising levels of retail crime. Retail NZ Chief Executive Carolyn Young says it can improve the safety and wellbeing of staff and customers alike. Young spoke to Ben Strang.

The future of this year's ski season at Whakapapa skifield on Mt Ruapehu is more uncertain than ever with the Crown's preferred bidder for the field withdrawing from negotiations. Whakapapa is operated by Ruapehu Alpine Lifts which is in receivership. Tom Elworthy from the private equity group bidding for the field's assets has confirmed that, due to a number of factors, a commercial business case is not possible. That now puts an even bigger question mark over whether Whakapapa will open this winter. Ruapehu District mayor Wes Kirton spoke to Ben Strang.

This week marks the one year anniversary of the catastrophic Turkey and Syria earthquake and aid agencies warn its impacts are being felt more than ever. The 7.8-magnitude earthquake in southeast Turkey near the Syrian border and the thousands of aftershocks afterwards killed more than 50,000 people. Programs Director of World Vision Syria Response, Clynton Beukes spoke to Worldwatch about the deteriorating conditions in the country 12 months on.

Jade, one of about 12,000 New Zealand sealions listed as nationally vulnerable, travelled 60 kilometres from the coast up the fast flowing Clutha River to give birth. DOC rangers have been to check on Jade and her pup after her incredible journey. Coastal Otago biodiversity ranger Jim Fyfe spoke to Ben Strang.

Public Health experts are calling for a comprehensive, all-encompassing review of the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle, almost a year on from New Zealand's costliest storm on record. The estimated cost was $14.5 billion, with 11 people dying, more than 10,000 displaced, and causing a range of acute and long-term health effects. Professor Nick Wilson from Otago University says New Zealand lacks resilient infrastructure, including for health critical water supplies and sewage systems. Wilson spoke to Ben Strang.

A large fire in Waipara on Tuesday got close to vineyards, but there haven't been any reports of vines being lost. Monique Steele has the rural news.

South Africa are struggling as they chase an imposing 529 to win the first cricket test at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. Stephen Hewson has sports.

Unemployment edged higher to 4 percent at the end of last year, while the surge in migration increased the size of the workforce. Gyles Beckford has the business news.

Iwi leader Mike Smith has won the right to sue seven big emitters for their role in causing climate change, in a Supreme Court ruling delivered Wednesday morning. The climate activist, of Ngāpuhi and Ngāti Kahu, says companies including Fonterra, Z Energy and Genesis Energy have a legal duty to him and others in the community to rein in their greenhouse gases. RNZ Climate Change correspondent Eloise Gibson spoke to Ben Strang.

New Zealand has been put on high alert for wildfire risk, with temperatures as high as 33 degrees expected this week. Fire and Emergency says Northland, Auckland, Wairarapa, Marlborough, Canterbury and Otago are most at risk of wildfires, with conditions tinder dry in some places. On Monday morning fire fighters were able to contain a large fire at Kirwee, in Canterbury, which burnt through around 80 hectares of pine, scrub and farmland next to the Waimakariri River. Fire and Emergency's national wildfire specialist Tim Mitchell spoke to Ben Strang.

Māori leaders have started addressing Government representatives at Waitangi. There has been a huge show of unity from Māori at this year's Waitangi commemorations as iwi leaders from across the country have journeyed to the grounds. On Monday morning Kiingitanga representative Rahui Papa has stressed the importance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, saying it must be honoured.  RNZ Māori news reporter Pokere Paewai spoke to Ben Strang. 

New research out of Lincoln University has found leaders in the primary industries sector are most worried about the impact of climate change, extreme weather and water quality. Monique Steele has the rural news.

South Africa has finally broken through to dismiss Black Caps batter Kane Williamson in the opening session of day two of the first cricket test in Mount Maunganui. Stephen Hewson has sport.

The country's biggest construction firm is setting aside $180 million for likely losses on two big projects. Fletcher Building has put aside $165 million for further costs in the rebuild of the International Convention Centre in Auckland, and $15 million for a carparking building at Wellington airport. Gyles Beckford has the business news.  

An international relations expert says New Zealand's involvement in military strikes in Yemen suggests we're responding to violations of international law in the Red Sea, but not in Gaza. This comes after the US hit 13 targets in Houthi controlled-parts of Yemen on Sunday, with support from several countries including New Zealand. Jon Stephenson, a journalist who's worked in several war zones, says New Zealand has sent an SAS led team to the Middle East. He says the SAS team is a group of intelligence analysts. They won't step foot in Yemen, but are based at either a US or coalition base, or on a command ship directly involved in the strikes. Otago University professor Robert Patman spoke to Ben Strang.

The Government has been formally welcomed onto Waitangi.  A stirring powhiri, welcoming Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, ACT leader David Seymour, and New Zealand First leader Winston Peters, along with other Government ministers. Politicians have been bracing for protests and tension at Waitangi this year in response to its policies on the Treaty of Waitangi and te reo Māori. RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Ben Strang. 

The race is on to find New Zealand's Miss World contender. Aotearoa is on a unusually fast paced audition plan to find an unmarried, childless woman aged between 16 and 27 to send for an all-expenses paid trip to compete in Miss World in India. This weekend a panel of 15 judges will assess potential contenders for the crown in a rapid-fire selection process held in Auckland. But rest assured it's not about parading round in your togs. Pageant organiser Nigel Godfrey spoke to Charlotte Cook. 

Emergency department doctors say a lack of properly trained security staff over summer hindered rather than helped in the waiting rooms. Hospital ED's received just under $6 million from the government before Christmas to hire 200 security guards until the end of this month. Overcrowded waiting rooms have become increasingly unsafe as hospitals struggle with high demand. The College of Emergency Medicine's Dr Kate Allen says well-trained security have been great, but others have left doctors and nurses feeling unsupported. Allen spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Māori kiwifruit growers, which has 42 growers mostly around Bay of Plenty, sent three containers of fruit to Hawaii and this year they're planning to send 16 as they plan to ramp up their exports. Sally Murphy has the rural news.

The Black Caps will go into Sunday's first test against South Africa with a specialist spinner in Mitchell Santner. Stephen Hewson has sports.

The national grid operator Transpower wants to see greater investment in flexible, fast starting generation to cope with peaking demand.  Gyles Beckford has the business news.

Iwi leaders have met with Government representatives wanting more clarity on how ACT's Treaty Principles Bill might progress through parliament. The prime minister and other members of his cabinet arrived in Kerikeri today to meet the 74 iwi groups at the National Iwi Chairs' Forum. Christopher Luxon has stressed National has no intention of supporting the Treaty Principles beyond its first reading in parliament, but iwi leaders are not so convinced. Political reporter Anneke Smith spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Auckland Central MP Chlöe Swarbrick is running for the Co-leader of the Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand. It was largely expected she would go for the position after James Shaw resigned earlier in the week. Chlöe Swarbrick spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Iwi leaders from across the motu have arrived in Northland for the annual meeting of the iwi chairs forum. The hui in Kerikeri comes after the Hui aa Motu at Tūrangawaewae and ahead of what's expected to be a lively Waitangi Day. On Friday, key government representatives will attend, including the Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Finance Minister Nicola Willis and ACT leader David Seymour. Māori issues reporter Pokere Paewai spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Judith Collins have gone into their first meeting with their Australian counterparts in Melbourne. The pair travelled to Australia Wednesday night for the significant sit-down, where it's expected conflicts in the Middle East and AUKUS will be among the topics discussed. Political reporter Katie Scotcher spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Fertiliser use is down as cash-strapped farmers look to reduce spending where they can. Sally Murphy has the rural news.

New All Blacks coach Scott Robertson's first test in charge will be in Dunedin against England. Stephen Hewson has sports.

Electricity retailers will have to provide basic protections for residential consumers, after the market regulator decided to mandate consumer care guidelines.  Gyles Beckford has the business news.

There are increasing calls for complete transparency on any past or present dealings MPs have had with tobacco companies. University of Otago public health academics compared statements made by ministers about plans to repeal Aotearoa's smokefree legislation with talking points from the tobacco industry. Victoria University political scientist Bryce Edwards spoke to Charlotte Cook.

New documents reveal proposals for smokers to get tax breaks came directly from the Associate Health Minister Casey Costello, despite her strong denials. The New Zealand First Minister has been under fire in Parliament after telling RNZ last week that she hadn't sought advice on freezing cigarette excise tax for three years. That conflicted with a Health Ministry document saying she had. RNZ has now obtained the original notes Costello sent to officials late last year. Investigative journalist Guyon Espiner spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Canterbury will move to a prohibited fire season from midnight Wednesday until further notice. There have been several significant fires in the region in the past few weeks, including a number near Amberley which destroyed properties and sparked evacuations. Fire and Emergency Senior Advisor Community Readiness and Recovery Wayne Hamilton says the fire ban will protect the community and provide some relief to stretched fire services in the region. Hamilton spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Wellington city councillors will sit down on Wednesday to try and work out how to pay for an increase in water infrastructure spending. With water woes plaguing the capital, the council is holding a workshop to discuss ideas for spending more on the city's pipes in its Long-Term Plan. Reporter Nick James spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Former farmer and Federated Farmers board member Miles Anderson says farmers have been given a raw deal by decision makers for too long. Sally Murphy has the rural news.

Black Caps wicketkeeper Tom Blundell says South Africa will be playing with a point to prove in the two-test series starting at Mt Maunganui this weekend.

Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly is aiming to cut red tape, cut costs, and simplify the rules for getting a loan, as well as streamline the regulation of the sector. Gyles Beckford has the business news.

Emergency services are still trying to remove the victims from the scene of a fiery crash in Taranaki Wednesday morning. The crash happened on State Highway Three, outside of Eltham. When emergency crews arrived one of the cars was already in flames. Police say they believe two people have been killed but are still working to establish whether there have been any other fatalities. Senior Sergeant Andrew Russ who has been at the scene says two vehicles were involved. Russ spoke to Charlotte Cook.

The Police Minister will likely front up to parliament Wednesday afternoon to correct statements he made about training new police officers. Mark Mitchell told the House that the Government would take three years to deliver 500 new frontline officers, but the government's coalition agreement with New Zealand First says the parties will deliver on that commitment within the first two years. The Prime Minister says Mitchell misspoke and the coalition is committed to a two-year plan. Deputy political editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Police are investigating the sudden death of a man whose body was found at a Dunedin property on Monday morning. Emergency services were called to the scene on Hillary Street in Liberton in the city's north at around 9 o'clock. Reporter Tess Brunton spoke to Charlotte Cook.

A fatal e-scooter accident on a busy Auckland street has residents worried about safety. One person died late Monday night near the corner of Ian McKinnon Drive and Devon Street in Eden Terrace. The last reported e-scooter death was in 2019. Reporter Felix Walton spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Fire and Emergency has fire bans in place in parts of Otago, Mackenzie, Canterbury, Marlborough and coastal Wairarapa - and further restrictions across much of the South Island. Sally Murphy has the rural news.

New Zealand apprentice jockey Kelsey Hannan is grateful to be alive after being thrown from her horse during a race in Adelaide at the weekend.  Felicity Reid has sports.

The Reserve Bank's chief economist has made it clear the battle against inflation is far from won, and that domestic price pressures remain stubborn.  Gyles Beckford has the business news.

New Zealand won't be contributing more funds to UNRWA, the UN's aid agency for Palestinians, until the Foreign Minister is satisfied over allegations that several of its staff were involved in the October 7th Hamas attacks on Israel. More than 10 countries, including Australia, the US and Britain, have suspended their contributions. New Zealand gives one million dollars every year. The Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says the allegations are serious and need to be properly investigated. He says the Government won't be making further contributions until the Foreign Minister Winston Peters gives the all clear. University of Waikato International Law Professor Dr Al Gillespie spoke to Charlotte Cook.

James Shaw will step down as co-leader of the Green Party in March but will remain in Parliament for now. The former Minister will stay on to support a bill which would add the right to a sustainable environment to New Zealand's Bill of Rights Act. Shaw has been co-leader of the Green Party for nearly nine years, serving alongside both Marama Davidson and Metiria Turei. He was also the Minister for Climate Change for six years. Shaw spoke to Charlotte Cook.

It's back to school this week for thousands of children and for some it will be a chance to get a proper meal. The charity Kids Can says due to cost of living pressures, demand for its services has soared to the highest levels in six years. Kids Can chief executive Julie Chapman spoke to Charlotte Cook.

A recovery operation has been underway in Christchurch for a large whale that died after becoming stranded in Christchurch Sunday night. The eight-metre juvenile Finn whale got stuck on a sandbar in the shallow estuary at Moncks Bay and despite efforts to re-float it. Daren Grover from Project Jonah has been on the scene. He says he got the call Sunday night and flew in from Nelson. Grover spoke to Charlotte Cook.

With parliament sitting from tomorrow, farmers want to know what the Government's plan is for the roll-back of rules and regulations it campaigned on last year. Sally Murphy has the rural news.

New Zealand golfer Lydia Ko has finished second at the latest LPGA tournament in Florida. Barry Guy has sports.

The earnings for the country's second biggest supermarket chain, Woolworths, have taken a hit because of weaker trading and the costs of rebranding from Countdown, forcing its Australian owners to take write down the value of the business. Gyles Beckford has the business news.

United Nations and aid groups are calling for countries to reconsider their decision to suspend funding for the UN refugee agency for Palestinians. Ten countries, including top donors the US and Germany, have paused funding following allegations by Israel that some UNRWA staff were involved in the deadly October 7th Hamas attacks on Israel. New Zealander Hector Sharp works for UNRWA. He says having countries pull funding is devastating. Sharp spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Wellington's Mayor has met with the Local Government Minister over the state of the capital's pipes and warned the problems will be felt for decades. Tory Whanau was summoned to the Beehive by the Minister Simeon Brown to discuss the city's water woes. Earlier this month the mayor, along with Upper Hutt mayor Wayne Guppy, received a ministerial public dressing down about not providing information to the government amid concerns of an acute water shortage this summer. Mayor Tory Whanau spoke to Charlotte Cook.

There have been more escapes at a Waikato Sanctuary by a number of wily kākāpō.  As a result several birds at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, which are part of an historic habitat trial, are being banished back to predator free islands, after escaping over the predator fence. Kākāpō recovery team lead Deidre Vercoe spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Just a week after a deluge pummelled Westland, closing roads and sparking a local state of emergency, another heavy rain warning has been issued for the region. The orange warning is due to take effect from 9pm Friday and go through until 9 Saturday morning. Westland mayor Helen Lash says tourists are being put off visiting and local businesses are taking a hit. Lash spoke to Charlotte Cook.

The current avocado season will be one to forget with record low volumes of avocados exported, down by more than a million trays so far, with many orchards still recovering after three seasons of terrible weather. Sally Murphy has the rural news.

Black Caps batter Henry Nicholls has been dropped for the upcoming two test series against South Africa. Stephen Hewson has sports.

The US economy seems to be in a Goldilocks position, not too hot, not too cold, according to new numbers out overnight. Gyles Beckford has the business news.

Public servants are digging in for a fight against the government's planned cuts to the public service, warning the country will pay the price for years to come. National campaigned on slashing spending across 24 public agencies, but the Finance Minister has since asked all departments to identify areas where cuts can be made. Assistant Secretary of the Public Service Association Fleur Fitzsimons says the extent of the cuts was not signalled. Fitzsimons spoke to Charlotte Cook.

The Health Minister is increasingly anxious there could be a fatal outbreak of Measles in Aotearoa this year as cases increase globally. Experts say with more people travelling, it's likely too many infections will come across the border to contain. In the 2019 outbreak there were more than 2000 cases and hundreds of people hospitalised, many of them under five. The Minister of Health and Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti says the disease is highly infectious - making it hugely worrying. Reti spoke to Charlotte Cook.

The great butter chicken debate has stepped up another notch - this time with legal action between two Indian restaurant chains. The family behind a famed Delhi restaurant brand, Moti Mahal, claims its founder created the curry in the 1930s. It's suing rival chain Daryaganj, accusing it of falsely claiming to have invented butter chicken, as well as dal makhani, a popular creamy lentil dish. Auckland Chef and restauranter Sid Sahrawat says people love to fight over iconic dishes. Sahrawat spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Cyclone Kirrily is bearing down on far north Queensland and is expected to make landfall near Townsville Thursday night as a category two storm. And it's likely to impact weather here in Aotearoa next week. Niwa forecaster Chris Brandolino spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Abysmal and tragic is how farmers are describing the prices they're being paid for lamb this season - with many re-considering their future in the sector.  Susan Murray has the rural news.

New Zealand's Erin Routliffe has credited her strong serve for getting her and her doubles partner through to the Australian Open semi finals.  Barry Guy has sports.

The gradual slowing of inflation should be positive for asset prices, according to one investment analyst. Gyles Beckford has the business news.

Maritime New Zealand has launched an investigation after a tourist ship ran aground in Fiordland Wednesday night. The Fiordland Navigator made a distress call after running aground near Crooked Arm in Doubtful Sound around six o'clock. Reporter Tess Brunton spoke to Charlotte Cook.

The government is being told to come clean about its smoking policies. The associate Minister of Health says she is committed to looking at a range of options to help smokers to quit but Ministry of Health documents show she's investigating a three year freeze on cigarette taxes - keeping prices stable. Costello has denied she's specifically asked for a freeze on cigarette taxes, but says it's one of many options being investigated. Labour Party Health Spokesperson and former Health Minister Ayesha Verrall spoke to Charlotte Cook.

New Zealand rental prices reached a record high in December. Trade Me's latest rental price index show the national median weekly rent nationwide jumped to $625 a week last month - the first increase in almost six months, while Bay of Plenty overtook Auckland as the most expensive rental region. Trade Me Property sales director Gavin Lloyd spoke to Charlotte Cook.

R-CALF USA which represents sheep farmers is busy meeting with members of congress to push its agenda - to get higher tariffs on imported sheep-meat from New Zealand and Australia. Sally Murphy has the rural news.

New Zealand's Erin Routliffe has credited her strong serve for getting her and her doubles partner through to the Australian Open semi finals.  Barry Guy has sports.

Inflation slowed markedly in the final three months of last year, with the annual rate easing to 4.7 percent from 5.6 percent. Gyles Beckford has the business news.

Christchurch City Councillors have voted to consider hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games, despite being showered in fake money by protesters opposing a possible bid. A recommendation by Mayor Phil Mauger for council staff to provide advice on the viability of hosting the 2030 Games passed 10 to 7 at a meeting Wednesday morning, to the dismay of the protesters. The city last hosted the Games 50 years ago. Reporter Niva Chittock spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Rātana Pā is now full of politicians with both government and opposition representatives welcomed onto the marae. The commemorations at Rātana are widely seen as the beginning of the political year. They also provide a rare chance for Māori to address politicians directly on the pae - something that holds extra weight this year because the celebrations come so soon after last weekend's national hui called by the Kiingitanga. Political reporter Giles Dexter spoke to Charlotte Cook. 

Taranaki sunflower Scott Andrews has planted 70,000 sunflowers just for the public to enjoy. But the flowers are so popular with Instagrammers, he's had to take steps to stop selfie-seekers coming on to his property in search of the perfect snap. Andrews spoke to Charlotte Cook.

More and more New Zealanders are withdrawing their Kiwisaver due to financial hardship. According to figures from Inland Revenue - in 2022 - there were 18,000 withdrawals on hardship grounds, but last year that number soared to 29,000. They also outstrip withdrawals from first home buyers. Retirement Commissioner Jane Wrightson spoke to Charlotte Cook.

After seven years in the top job, and 21 years at Zespri's chief executive Dan Mathieson has announced he will move on. Sally Murphy has the rural news.

White Ferns captain Sophie Devine wants to see more New Zealand players standing out in the domestic competitions. Barry Guy has sports.

The Reserve Bank is set to bring in new restrictions on retail bank mortgage lending. Gyles Beckford has the business news.

Rātana officials have said that talks about ACT's proposal to re-examine the Treaty of Waitangi will be the focus of this year's gathering. The Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has rejected accusations from Te Pāti Māori that his government is white supremacist, labelling the rhetoric divisive and unhelpful. Political commentator and former Labour Party activist Shane Te Pou spoke to Charlotte Cook. 

Hundreds of morehu are gathering in the small Rangitikei township of Rātana for the annual commemorations. The three-day commemorations, marking the birth of Tahupōtiki Wiremu Rātana, come just days after a hui of national unity called by the Kingiitanga to discuss the new government's controversial plans for Māori. RNZ reporter Pokere Paewai spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Joy turned to sadness on the Māhia Peninsula on Sunday after a pod of around 40 false killer whales and bottlenose dolphins had to be euthanised. Rescuers worked to successfully re-float the animals on the high tide after they began stranding at Taylor's Beach near Māhia township Sunday afternoon. But they went on to re-strand at a remote beach further south. Darren Grover from Project Jonah spoke to Charlotte Cook.

After record temperatures for parts of the country over the past few days, Aotearoa is due to get a reprieve. MetService says it's been a warmer summer period this year, Auckland reached its highest temperature in four years on Sunday, and in Wellington the mercury edged towards 30 degrees. But it's all about to change with a cool change forecast. MetService meteorologist Clare O'Connor spoke to Charlotte Cook.

The New Zealand wood industry is closely watching the conflict in the Red Sea as global shipping costs are rising as a result of the disrupted supply chain. Monique Steele has the rural news.  

New Zealand golfer Lydia Ko has won the season-opening LPGA tournament in Florida and is now just one win away from being eligible for the Tour's Hall of Fame. Felicity Reid has sport.

Insurer AMI says car thefts surged 43 percent last year, with lower-cost models more likely than others to be stolen.  Gyles Beckford has the business news.

Some Muriwai residents say it's the wild west when it comes to vehicles hooning along the local beach, with no clear rules or controls. One person died and another two were injured when a vehicle rolled on the beach northwest of Auckland on Sunday afternoon. In 2015 four people were killed in a similar accident. Co-chair of the Muriwai Community Association Clare Bradley spoke to Charlotte Cook. 

The Act Party's proposed Treaty Principles Bill is headed for select committee, but some tangata whenua are pushing back, arguing it creates misinformation. Around 10,000 people attended a one day hui at Tūrangawaewae Marae over the weekend to discuss the new government's policies. Lawyer Dayle Takitimu was one of the first speakers at the Hui and called the government "treaty illiterate". ACT Party leader David Seymour spoke to Charlotte Cook.

News from the rural farming sector.

US equity firm Silver Lake is to take a greater stake New Zealand Rugby's revenue generating company.

Midday Business News for 22 December 2023

News from the rural farming sector.

The Black Caps batter Henry Nicholls says the emergence of some younger players has been a highlight of the one-dayers against Bangladesh and he's confident they can claim a series clean sweep.

Midday Business News for 21 December 2023

Farmers are being urged to be careful on motorbikes while working this festive season.

The Black Cap bowlers have enjoyed early success against Bangladesh in the second one-day cricket international against Bangladesh at Saxton Oval in Nelson.

The Reserve Bank says inflation remains too high and has a struggle with core inflation.

The Wellington Phoenix are back on top of the men's A-League competition but have a quick turnaround for their next encounter.

News from the rural farming sector.

Midday Business News for [Date Month Year]

News from the rural farming sector.

Fast bowler Kyle Jamieson will sit out the Black Caps' final two games of the one-day series against Banglandesh.

Midday Business News for 18 December 2023

A dog toy being sold under the name 'Christmas Kiwi' has been pulled from the shelves of Mitre 10 after outrage from consumers. People were complaining on social media that the plush soft toy would teach dogs to go after and attack Kiwi. Save the Kiwi's Chief Executive Michelle Impey speaks with Charlotte.

This year's FIFA World Cup has proved to be a winner both on and off the field. According to a Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment impact evaluation report, the tournament delivered a net economic benefit to Aotearoa of more than 100-million dollars. All four New Zealand host cities reaped the rewards - in Auckland which hosted nine games at Eden Park - visitors spent almost 50-million dollars. Richard Clarke is the director of arts, entertainment and events at Tataki Auckland Unlimited and joins us.

News from the rural farming sector.

Midday Business News for 15 December 2023

The White Ferns all-rounder Amelia Kerr concedes they don't have a lot of experience playing under lights but she's confident they're up for the challenge in today's second one-dayer against Pakistan in Christchurch.

The senior Labour MP, and former deputy leader Kelvin Davis is calling time on politics ahead of a term in opposition. Mr Davis, who was first elected in 2008, will quit Parliament effective from Waitangi Day. He was defeated by Te Pati Maori in Te Tai Tokerau in October, but stayed on as a list MP. He says he doesn't want to become a bitter and frustrated person while in opposition.

With the country in the grip of a fifth wave of Covid-19, stocks of the Covid anti-viral drug Paxlovid are running low. In a joint statement, Pharmac and Te Whatu Ora say there's limited stock due to higher demand and in some areas including northern New Zealand, pharmacies have temporarily run out of stock. Pharmac says it's working to redistribute supplies and is trying to secure more Paxlovid to arrive in March and April next year. Charlotte speaks to Otago University public health professor Michael Baker.

It could be a more frustrating time than usual on the country's roads this holiday season. The Automobile Association is warning motorists could face more delays due to extensive road maintenance and repairs. AA Policy Director Martin Glynn spoke to Midday Report.

More New Zealanders say they're experience psychological distress - but smoking and dangerous drinking is declining, in the lastest snapshot of the country's health. The Ministry of Health has just released its annual health survey that maps the population's health and wellbeing. Health correspondent Rowan Quinn spoke to Midday Report.

Food and fibre exports are forecast to fall.

Dame Noeline Taurua's sticking to her guns about player fitness.

Has the economy taken a tumble?

Road freight operators are pleased to see the new government holding Kiwirail to account over its Cook Strait ferry project. Kiwirail was planning to build two custom-made Interislander ferries alongside a major port infrastructure upgrade. But the new government says a massive budget blow out means it's too expensive. Kiwirail says it's going back to the drawing board but has suggested it may still build the ferries and then sell them. Billie Clemens - project and policy advisor for Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand which represents 1200 road freight transport companies, spoke to Midday Report.

The police watchdog has found officers used excessive force in six incidents during last year's protest and occupation of Parliament's grounds. In a report just released, the Independent Police Conduct Authority has summarised 17 investigations following more than 19-hundred complaints regarding the three week occupation. It found a police officer's use of a fire extinguisher against protesters on the final day of the protest was in self-defence, but he and other officers were not justified in continuing to spray protesters after they'd turned their backs and were trying to climb down from a column. Another officer used excessive force in punching an elderly man twice in the head in defence of a female colleague. President of the Police Association Chris Cahill spoke to Midday Report.   

There's some good news coming for New Zealand travellers. Air New Zealand has revealed it's working with the world's biggest satellite internet service provider, Starlink, to introduce free high speed internet on board its domestic aircraft. the airline's chief digital officer Nikhil Ravishankar spoke to Midday Report.

A house in the east Auckland suburb of Point England has been shot at through a window where two school aged children were sleeping last night.    Local residents say it's terrifying. Reporter Emma Stanford spoke to Midday Report from the scene. 

Wet weather is putting the East Coast's arable farmers behind schedule.

Auckland City had a tough time in Saudia Arabia this morning.

New Zealand's real estate market is continuing to heat up.

The Labour Party says it won't stop pushing for Aotearoa to take a stronger stance on the conflict in Gaza. The Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has joined Australia and Canada's leaders in calling for a pause in hostilities in Gaza and more international efforts towards a sustainable ceasefire. But Labour's associate Foreign Affairs Minister Damien O'Connor told Midday Report that doesn't go far enough.

Thousands are expected at rallies today in a show of opposition against government plans to scrap smokefree legislation. As part of its 100 Day Action Plan, the coalition government intends to repeal legislation restricting the number of retailers and banning cigarettes for the next generation. Rallies at parliament and in Auckland - organised by the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists - are due to kick off shortly.  National Māori Public Health organisation Hāpai Te Hauora will also be presenting a 47,000 signature petition. Hāpai Te Hauora's interim chief executive Jason Alexander spoke to Charlotte Cook ahead of the rally.

Canterbury has been lashed by heavy rain and hail as severe thunderstorms roll up the country's east coast. A thunderstorm watch is in place for a number of regions. In Christchurch, heavy rain has flooded houses in the suburbs of Belfast and Middleton and flights have been affected at Christchurch Airport. Met Service meteorologist Lewis Ferris joins Charlotte.

A New Zealander has made it out of Gaza overnight, crossing into Egypt through the Rafah crossing. Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says they're being supported by the New Zealand Embassy in Cairo. Meanwhile, about one thousand protestors were at Parliament once again urging the government to call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. Reporter Soumya Bhamidipati spoke to Charlotte Cook from the protest.

News from the rural farming sector.

White Ferns openers Suzie Bates and Bernadine Bezuidenhout have put on a century opening stand in the one day cricket international against Pakistan in Queenstown.

Midday Business News for 12 December 2023

The Commerce Commission has filed criminal charges against two construction companies and two directors for alleged bid rigging of publicly funded construction contracts in Auckland. It's the country's first-ever criminal prosecution for cartel conduct and has been filed in the Auckland District Court. The Commerce Commission's Dr John Small told Charlotte the offence carries very hefty pentalties.  

The Minister of Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith says vandalism is never the right thing to do as part of protest action. Twelve people from the group, Te Waka Hourua, were arrested at Te Papa yesterday after using spray paint and an angle grinder to damage a wooden panel displaying the English version of the Treaty of Waitangi. Charlotte Cook spoke to the Minister for Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith.

Unions have targetted the office of the ACT Party leader David Seymour and the Minister of Workplace Relations and Safety Brooke Van Velden in Auckland as they fight against government plans to repeal Fair Pay Agreements. Protestors with flags and signs rallied outside the office in Epsom. Emma Stanford has been there and spoke to Charlotte Cook.

News from the rural farming sector.

Golfer Lydia Ko has finished the year on a winning note, with victory in an invitaional mixed teams event in Florida.

Midday Business News for 11 December 2023

The number of young people who regularly vape has fallen for the second year in the row. A survey of nearly 30-thousand students by smokefree action group ASH shows the proportion of year 10 pupils vaping either daily, weekly or monthly had dropped by nearly two percent to 16.4 percent. The Chair of ASH - Emeritus Professor Robert Beaglehole spoke to Charlotte Cook.

A immunisation expert is worried if the government stops funding the Covid-19 vaccine people will no longer think of it as important. The Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says it's possible some people will have to pay in the future after current Pharmac funding ends in June next year - while the Health Minister Shane Reti has said funding remains under consideration. Vaccinologist and Auckland University Associate Professor Helen Petousis-Harris told me we are still very much in the grip of the pandemic.

After almost six months away, and just in time for Christmas, two Navy ships arrived back home on Friday - as hundreds of eager whanau members waited on the docks to greet them. Crews from both HMNZS Te Mana and Aotearoa sailed into the Devonport Naval Base about an hour ago to a ceremonial homecoming of gun salutes from ships and shore. HMNZS Te Mana Commanding Officer J J McQueen spoke to Charlotte Cook.

After two days of deliberations a jury has found both David Hawken and Rebecca Wright-Meldrum guilty of the murder of 21-year-old Christchurch woman Angela Blackmoore in 1995. The pair have been standing trial at the High Court in Christchurch after pleading not guilty to the killing. A third person, Jeremy Powell, admitted the murder and was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a non-parole period of 10 years, in 2020. Reporter Anna Sargent spoke to Charlotte Cook from the High Court.

the summer shearing season is underway - but gangs are struggling to find rhythm with consistent wet weather holding things up. Monique Steele has the rural news.

The Black Ferns Sevens coach Cory Sweeney is confident his side can return to its winning ways, despite being without captain Sarah Hirini for round two of the World Series. Bridget Tunnicliffe has sports.

Casino operator SkyCity Entertainment Group has lowered its full year profit forecast as lower consumer spending cuts into its revenue. Anan Zaki has the business news.

A first of its kind study has revealed poverty is still a barrier when it comes to taking up medicine for Māori, Pasifika and people from rural communities. The research by both Otago and Auckland Universities found that while decades of effort has boosted numbers, Māori and Pasifika are still underrepresented in Aotearoa's medical schools. One of the researchers, Professor Peter Crampton believes that is having a profoundly negative impact for those populations. Crampton spoke to Charlotte Cook.

The Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is touring cyclone and rain battered parts of Hawke's Bay. On Friday morning he was in Wairoa to gauge progress of the town's recovery and find out what more is needed. He toured several damaged areas including Tākitimu marae alongside mayor Craig Little who has said his council would go broke if it has to pay any more for road repairs, and desperately needs more government money. Wairoa mayor Craig Little spoke to Charlotte Cook.

A search is underway on a remote beach in Southland for a tag which fell off a great white shark. The shark was being monitored by Australian fisheries researchers who've enlisted the help of a Bluff shark diving company to find it. Shark Experience's Nikki Ladd spoke to Charlotte Cook.

New Zealand has been added to the official list of countries supporting a pledge to triple renewable energy and double energy efficiency by 2030. It was one of only a few OECD countries missing from the initial list of 118 signatories, which was launched at the COP28 climate summit over the weekend. It also comes as Parliament's environment watchdog has told off the ACT Party deputy leader Brooke van Velden for sharing misinformation about findings on the oil and gas ban. RNZ Climate Change correspondent Eloise Gibson spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Dairy co-operative Fonterra has raised its forecast farmgate milk price for this season  - thanks to stronger demand for dairy. Monique Steele has the rural news.

2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu of Britain will return to the ASB Classic as a wildcard. Barry Guy has sports.

Fonterra says a strong first quarter has helped to strengthen its balance sheet and put it in position to pursue fresh opportunities.  Anan Zaki has the business news.

Fighting has intensified in Gaza as the Israeli army continues to push into the city of Khan Younis, where tens of thousands of displaced people have been sheltering. In one of his strongest moves yet, the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has invoked Article 99 of the UN Charter to push the Security Council to call for a humanitarian ceasefire - stressing the war is causing a catastrophe that Gaza may never recover from. Save the Children's Country Director Jason Lee spoke to Charlotte Cook.

The Foreign Minister Winston Peters is set to ask Parliament to call on all those involved in the Gaza conflict to "take urgent steps towards establishing a ceasefire". Peters will also move that MPs unequivocally condemn the Hamas terrorist attacks of October the 7th - and call for the release of all hostages. The Green Party has been calling for action for weeks. Green Party Foreign Affairs spokesperson Golriz Ghahraman spoke to Charlotte Cook.

As Christmas shopping really starts to ramp up - it seems more and more New Zealanders are looking to fill their stockings with secondhand gifts. Trade Me's annual survey of nearly 5,000 people on their festive shopping behaviour shows the cost of living is having an impact on gift-giving. Trade Me spokesperson Millie Silvester spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Kingi Tuheitia has called a national hui for next month, to bring together the many voices of Maori. The announcement comes just a day after hundreds of people turned out at protests right around the motu, with demonstrators voicing concern over some of the new Government's plans and rhetoric on the Treaty of Waitangi. Political commentator and presenter of RNZ's Mata programme, Mihingarangi Forbes, spoke to Charlotte Cook.

News from the rural farming sector.

The Football Ferns have been beaten one nil by Colombia in their football international in Bogota.

Midday Business News for 6 December 2021

The union representing public service workers is vowing to fight any move to remove allowances recognising competency in te reo Maori across the public sector. The Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says she'll be asking for advice on how to stop the extra pay being negotiated into future collective agreements. Acting Te Kaihautu Maori for the Public Service Association Te Pukenga Here Tikanga Mahi Marcia Puru says the Minister is misguided. Puru spoke to Charlotte Cook.

The Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro has given the traditional Speech from the Throne to mark the official state opening of the new parliament. Her speech - written by the Prime Minister Christopher Luxon - laid out the government's intentions for the next three years. It comes against a backdrop of protests around the country - organised by Te Pati Maori against what it describes as anti-Maori policies - and controversy in parliament over the oath-taking by Te Pati Maori MPs. Deputy political editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Business in the small alpine village of Arthurs Pass is expected to take a big hit over the next two weeks with the daily closure of State Highway 73. The highway linking Canterbury Business in the small alpine village of Arthurs Pass is expected to take a big hit over the next two weeks with the daily closure of State Highway 73. The highway linking Canterbury and the West Coast will be shut every weekday from 10 in the morning until six at night for resurfacing work between Arthur's Pass Village and Otira until December 15th. Tuesday is the first day of the planned closure. Arthurs Pass shop and cafe owner Sean Moran spoke to Charlotte Cook. and the West Coast will be shut every weekday from 10 in the morning until six at night for resurfacing work between Arthur's Pass Village and Otira until December 15th. Tuesday is the first day of the planned closure. Arthurs Pass shop and cafe owner Sean Moran spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Both Palestinian and Jewish supporters have joined forces to fight for a permanent and immediate ceasefire in Gaza. They are currently in the parliamentary forecourt calling for action from the new Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters as hostilities resume in the conflict. Alternative Jewish Voices Marilyn Garson spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Palm kernel expeller, or PKE, is imported here from Indonesia and Malaysia to be used as supplementary feed on dairy farms. The use of P-K-E has come under scrutiny in recent years due to its links to deforestation by the palm oil industry - prompting companies like state-owned farming business Pāmu, formerly Landcorp, stopping using it entirely, in 2017. Monique Steele has the rural news.  

White Fern Suzie Bates is optimistic the side can turn things around after a surprise first up loss against Pakistan in the first of three Twenty20s. Stephen Hewsen has sports.

A debt management firm says an ongoing failure to deal with bad debt is costing the economy more than $2-billion a year.  DebtManagers buys non-performing debts from businesses and works directly with debtors to recover the debt, by stopping fees and freezing interest rates, and a repayment plan tailored to each customer. Anan Zaki has the business news.

New Zealand First is vowing to fight back against Te Pāti Māori after thousands protested against the new coalition government. Te Pāti Māori says further action is planned. New Zealand First Deputy Leader Shane Jones said he doesn't think what he called the "average" Māori wants Te Pāti Māori to cause this type of disruption. Jones spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Tuesday's swearing in of the country's 54th parliament has been marked by nationwide protest action against the new coalition government. Thousands of people turned out in centres around the country to join co-ordinated protests called by Te Pāti Māori over what it describes as the government's anti-Māori policies. In Wellington, a large group marched to parliament, while in Auckland and other cities, protestors briefly blocked roads and highways. Inside parliament - MPs are gathered for the official swearing-in ceremony and election of a Speaker. Deputy political editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Despite the rising cost of living, new travel data shows airline capacity is back to 90 percent of pre Covid levels. New Flight centre data shows the travel trends for the first full year since border restrictions. Flight Centre general manager Heidi Walker spoke to Charlotte Cook.

The families of the victims of the CTV building collapse in Christchurch have told an engineering disciplinary hearing they've been waiting 12 years for accountability. The building collapsed in the February 2011 earthquake killing 115 people. It was designed by Dr Alan Reay's firm - Reay was criticised by the Earthquake Royal Commission for handing sole responsibility of it to an inexperienced employee. Reay has tried to stop the disciplinary process going ahead but it got underway in Christchurch today. Reporter Anna Sargent spoke to Charlotte Cook.

National's Todd McClay is meeting with industry leaders and officials this week to fine tune policies and to plan how they'll be rolled out. Monique Steele has the rural news.

New Zealand Rugby have received an early Christmas present with All Blacks back Beauden Barrett re-signing until the end of 2027. Bridget Tunnicliffe has sports.  

Businesses are cautiously optimistic about the outlook for the economy under the new government. Anan Zaki has the business news.

The man behind the Lake Onslow power scheme says the project is not dead in the water and it's not up to the National-led government to dictate New Zealand's future energy policy. The $16-billion pumped hydro project in the central Otago high country was proposed as a solution to New Zealand's dry year problem every seven years through power storage. But as part of its 100-day plan, the new government has instructed officials to halt all work on it. Energy Minister Simeon Brown says it's a hugely wasteful and the focus of his government will be on increasing renewables. The scheme is the brainchild of hydrologist Professor Earl Bardsley. Bardsley spoke to Charlotte Cook.

December has arrived and that means Christmas trees are being decorated, carols are on and most importantly, lights are going up. The switch will be flicked at the popular street-wide display on Auckland's Franklin Road Friday night, and this year marks it's thirtieth anniversary. Organiser Roscoe Thorby spoke to Charlotte Cook.

NIWA is repeating warnings of a hot and windy summer, with a high fire risk for some parts of the country. Its summer climate outlook shows El Niño is here to stay, bringing some volatile weather with it. NIWA meteorologist Chris Brandolino spoke to Charlotte Cook.

From May next year China will stop accepting frozen velvet imports bound for its traditional medicinal market - deciding to use dried velvet only. Sally Murphy has the rural news.

The pressure is on the Black Caps bowlers to pick up wickets early on the fourth day otherwise any chance of victory in first test against Bangladesh is going to fade quickly. Bridget Tunnicliffe has sports.

Consumer confidence has improved but remains pessimistic as household budgets remain squeezed, deterring people from big spending. Anan Zaki has the business news.

A deal to start giving money to the countries hardest hit by climate change is being seen as a breakthrough on the first day of the COP28 summit in Dubai. The U.N Secretary General Antonio Guterres says the Loss and Damage Fund is essential to delivering climate justice to the most vulnerable. Pacific Islands Climate Action Network's Lavetanalagi Seru spoke to Charlotte Cook.

An Auckland councillor is concerned there could be dozens of buildings being used as temporary accommodation which don't have a proper warrant of fitness. Four cabins on a church complex in Māngere Bridge were destroyed by an early morning fire on Thursday. Fire and Emergency says there were no smoke alarms or sprinklers - and the 18 residents were lucky to escape alive. Josephine Bartley is the Chair of Auckland Council's Regulatory and Community Safety Committee and says she's asked council officials to investigate. Bartley spoke to Charlotte Cook.

The last-minute cramming is over for hundreds of thousands of secondary school students around the country. Thursday marks the end of NCEA exams - and this year there's been a few hiccups along the way. Secondary Principals' Association President Vaughan Couillaut spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Far North Solar Farm wants to install enough solar panels to power a hundred thousand homes on 670 hectares of land that's currently used for dairy farming. Sally Murphy has the rural news.  

Occupying the crease for as long as possible on day three is the aim for the Black Caps heading into day three of the first cricket test against Bangladesh in Sylhet. Stephen Hewson has sports.

Genesis Energy is planning to spend more than a billion dollars on renewable energy projects over the next decade, but says it will still need the fossil fuel fired Huntly Power Station to back up power supply well into the future. Anan Zaki has the business news.

After six years in government the Labour Party is back on the opposition benches - and has announced its shadow cabinet. Many of the roles are a continuation of the portfolios MPs held while in government, although some roles have had to be changed due to the departure of two senior figures. Political reporter Katie Scotcher was at the announcement and spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Te Whatu Ora says health staff are investigating the risk of asbestos after a fire tore through a temporary housing complex in Auckland early Thursday morning - leaving four families homeless. Firefighters were called to the blaze on Coronation Road in Mangere Bridge about three o'clock. The accommodation is part of a complex owned by the Pasifika Church and a spokesperson has said up to 30 people were inside. No one was injured and fire investigators are now trying to determine the cause of the blaze. Assistant commander and incident controller Chris Delfos spoke to Charlotte Cook.

From December internet giant Google will be shutting down accounts that haven't be accessed in two years. It's part of a plan to tighten security, minimising the risk of hackers getting access to people's old files. Technology commentator Peter Griffin says it's been in the plans for a while. Griffin spoke to Charlotte Cook.

The court has reserved its decision in the appeal hearing over David Tamihere's double murder conviction. The Crown has argued that despite perjured evidence, the case stands against Tamihere who was convicted and served 20-years for the murders of Swedish tourists Urban Höglin and Heidi Paakkonen. A two-day hearing wrapped up in Wellington Wednesday afternoon. Jemima Huston spoke to Charlotte Cook.

The Livestock Improvement Corporation's is paying farmers over $2 million over semen quality issues. Sally Murphy has the rural news.

Black Caps allrounder Glen Phillips believes the last couple of days will have the most influence on the first test against Bangladesh. Barry Guy has sports.

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare has reported revenue and profit growth in the first half, despite rising costs and a drop in Covid-related demand.  Gyles Beckford has the business news.

First it was selling off Auckland Airport shares - now Auckland's mayor has a new money-raising plan to lease out the city's port. Wayne Brown says he will consult Aucklanders on what he's calling the Auckland Future Fund - a new regional wealth fund which would boost climate change resilience and help reduce any future rate rises. One of the proposals would see the council-owned Ports of Auckland leased out to an operator or investor and the money reinvested in the new fund. Auckland Deputy mayor Desley Simpson spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Pressure is mounting on the new Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to rein in his Deputy Winston Peters - less than one week into the job. Already the New Zealand First leader and Deputy Prime Minister is at the centre of controversy. Earlier this week he issued a directive for RNZ and TVNZ to reduce the use of te Reo and claimed the media has been bribed by the previous government. New Zealand On Air board member, Andrew Shaw, resigned on Tuesday after openly criticising Peters on social media. Labour leader Chris Hipkins says the Prime Minister has already lost control of his Cabinet. RNZ Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Charlotte Cook.

A New Zealand charity ship stranded in Fiji will be home by Christmas after enough money was raised for repairs. The Koha and its crew of volunteers were providing medical aid to isolated communities in Fiji when an issue with the tailshaft left them stranded in Lautoka with a $300,000 bill. Youth with a Mission Ships Managing Director Marty Emmett spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Latest figures from Trade Me show the housing market is starting to turn. Its Property Price Index for October shows average asking prices increased across every region in the country, with the national average asking price up 2.4 percent to $860,750. Trade Me Property Sales Director Gavin Lloyd spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Vegetables New Zealand is optimistic the new government has food security front of mind and will back the expansion of vegetable growing areas in New Zealand. Susan Murray has the rural news.

The Hurricanes Poua have been dealt a blow ahead of next year's Super Rugby Aupiki competition with World Cup winning Black Ferns winger Ayesha Leti-l'iga ruled out of the entire season with a serious knee injury. Stephen Hewson has sports.

Airports and utilities software developer Gentrack is back in the black, driven by strong revenue growth. Anan Zaki has the business news.

Thirty-three years after David Tamihere was convicted of the murders of Swedish tourists Urban Hoglin and Heidi Paakkonen the case is being heard in the Court of Appeal on Tuesday. He was granted a rare Royal Prerogative of Mercy in 2020, after two key elements of the Crown case were proven wrong. Reporter Jemima Huston has been in court and spoke to Charlotte Cook.

The new coalition government will hold its first Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. The Cabinet will have 20 ministers - 14 from National, and three each from ACT and NZ First. National will have five Ministers outside Cabinet, with two from ACT and one from New Zealand First. There will be a lot of fresh faces sitting around the table - as the government hopes to get cracking on its 100-day plan. The Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says fixing the economy is his "number one job". He also plans to repeal the fair pay act and Resource Management Act, visit Australia, and write and release its mini budget by Christmas. Former National Party leader Simon Bridges was both a minister in and outside of cabinet and knows how the newbies will be feeling. Bridges spoke to Charlotte Cook.

State Highway Two south of Wairoa has reopened - but is down to one lane - as work continues to clear a slip where a person was killed and another seriously injured in a crash on Sunday. Dozens of roads in and around the Wairoa and Tai Rāwhiti regions have been affected as the region mops up yet again after another bout of heavy rain. Waka Kotahi acting regional manager of maintenance and operations Mark Owens spoke to Charlotte Cook.

A man who has been charged with threatening an ambulance crew before taking their vehicle and crashing it into a lodge in Hamilton is due in court on Monday. The 32-year-old man was arrested on Sunday afternoon. He was being treated by the ambulance officers when he became "aggressive and threatening" and they were forced to flee the scene. Hato Hone St John acting deputy chief executive of ambulance operations spoke to Stu Cockburn.

Access roads have been washed out, there are massive slips on some back country, and fences have been destroyed again - after over 225 millimetres of rain fell in Tai Rāwhiti over the weekend. Susan Murray has the rural news.

Seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton has expressed concern about Red Bull's continued dominance and questioned whether Mercedes could close the gap next year after Formula One's Abu Dhabi season-ender Monday morning. Bridget Tunnicliffe has sports.

Kiwi Property Group has reported another half year loss as the value of its property portfolio continues to be affected by soft economic conditions. Anan Zaki has the business news.  

As the new government is sworn in, there are mounting calls for it to reconsider its planned repeal of the country's world-leading smokefree legislation.  New Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has said his coalition government is committed to reducing tobacco use but the legislation to achieve Smokefree 2025 is not workable. The National Māori Public Health Organisation Hāpai Te Hauora describes repealing the legislation as an unconscionable blow to the health and wellbeing of all New Zealanders. Interim chief executive officer Jason Alexander spoke to Charlotte Cook. 

The new coalition government led by National Party leader Christopher Luxon is being officially sworn in at a ceremony at Government House. Luxon becomes the country's 42nd Prime Minister. The official ceremony and granting of ministerial warrants follows the signing of the coalition deal between National, ACT and New Zealand First on Friday. Deputy political editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Charlotte Cook.

After weeks of waiting - the primary sector finally knows who it will be working with for the next three years. Todd McClay who has been National's agriculture spokesperson since March will take on the Agriculture portfolio - and will also be minister of forestry, hunting and fishing and minister for trade. Sally Murphy has the rural news.  

The Black Caps all-rounder Glenn Phillips believes his off-spin could come in handy in their two test series in Bangladesh, which begins next week. Bridget Tunnicliffe has sports.

Property developer Precinct Properties has bought Auckland's Downtown Car Park for $122 million, and plans to spend about $1.5 billion to demolish and redevelop it. Gyles Beckford has the business news. 

The coalition has agreed to proceed with ACT's policy to address principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, the agreement includes a pledge to introduce a Treaty Principles Bill. Political Commentator Shane Te Pou spoke to Charlotte Cook.

The talks between the three parties were the longest post-election negotiations in 27-years. Former MP and Cabinet Minister Peter Dunne spoke to Charlotte Cook.

The make-up of the 54th government has been confirmed - with the leaders of National, ACT and New Zealand First inking a deal. Winston Peters and David Seymour will share the role of Deputy Prime Minister - with Mr Peters taking the job for the first half of the 3-year Parliamentary term. He has also been named Minister of Foreign Affairs. David Seymour will be Minister for Regulation, and National's Nicola Willis Minister of Finance. Janet Wilson is a journalist and political commentator who has worked in communications, including as a National Party press secretary in 2020. Wilson spoke to Charlotte Cook.

National's proposed foreign buyer tax has been scrapped and its tax package will instead be funded through a combination of spending reprioritisation and additional revenue measures. Finance Minister Nicola Willis spoke to Charlotte Cook.

National, ACT and New Zealand First have unveiled their three-way coalition government with all parties represented in Cabinet. The role of deputy prime minister will be shared by Winston Peters and David Seymour for 18 months each. Leader of the ACT Party and the incoming deputy Prime Minister David Seymour spoke to Charlotte Cook.

A deal between National, ACT and New Zealand First has been reached, and cabinet positions have been revealed. Deputy political editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Forty-one days after the election and following 20 days of coalition talks - we finally know the makeup of the new government. National Party leader and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon revealed details of the coalition agreement nutted out with both ACT and New Zealand First. After thanking his coalition partners for their professionalism during the negotiations, he hailed the agreement as historic and laid out how it will work.

Could Lyttleton be in the running to host the 2024 SailGP yacht racing event once more? SailGP organisers have decided not to stage the event in Auckland's Waitemata Harbour, as it couldn't lock in Wynyard Point as a vantage point for spectators. Christchurch City councillor for Lyttelton - Tyrone Fields - says his port town is the perfect amphitheatre for sailing and yachting events. Fields spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Residents in the Waikato town of Cambridge were literally and figuratively shaken Thursday morning. Just after eight a loud explosion rocked the area when an oil drum ignited at a shop on the main street. Waikato reporter Libby Kirkby-McLeod spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Data from Te Whatu Ora shows since medicinal cannabis was legalised in 2020, prescriptions have grown from about a 1,000 a month to over 8,000 a month. Sally Murphy has the rural news.

The Black Caps realise Bangladesh are no longer the easy-beats of test cricket. Barry Guy has sports.

Local drug company maker AFT Pharmaceuticals has posted improved revenue and profits as acceptance of its Maxigesic pain relief drives growth. Gyles Beckford has the business news.

Police have confirmed they are responding to threats made against hospitals and schools across New Zealand. RNZ understands hospitals in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch are affected as well as a school in Auckland. Reporter Jemima Huston spoke to Charlotte Cook.

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters is due to arrive in the capital Thursday - heightening expectations a coalition deal could be sealed. National's Christopher Luxon and ACT's David Seymour are already in Wellington - both have expressed hope a deal to form a government could be closed soon. Leaving Auckland Airport on his way to the capital, Peters had little to say to waiting reporters. Political reporter Gyles Dexter spoke to Charlotte Cook.

It turns out life plans made between friends and held over drinks can actually turn into something tangible. In Taranaki, five couples who bought the Urenui Hotel pub on a whim have no regrets and are looking forward to host the local watering hole. Two of the new owners, Stephen Houghton and Kayla Simpson spoke to Charlotte Cook.

In the Solomon Islands, it is now the third day of the Pacific Games and there's medals galore to be counted. So far New Caledonia is in the lead with 17 gold medals but the men and women's Rugby League nines might just change the games. RNZ's Senior Sports Reporter Iliesa Tora spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Zespri has released a record forecast. Prices paid to growers for the upcoming season are forecast to be really strong thanks to better fruit quality and descent demand from international markets. Sally Murphy has the rural news.

The All Whites have drawn one-all with Ireland in their football international in Dublin. Barry Guy has sports.

Shares in pharmaceutical and animal care company Ebos have fallen more than 6 percent this morning after a potential $3 billion takeover deal has fallen through.  Gyles Beckford has the business news.

Coalition agreements are dragging into their 19th day - but there are expectations a deal could be signed on Thursday. Just a few outstanding questions remain over ministerial roles - including the deputy prime ministership. The leaders of National, ACT, and New Zealand First remain in Auckland for now - but National's president Sylvia Wood was spotted at the airport Wednesday morning, as was senior National MP Chris Bishop. Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is holding a series of meetings with the war cabinet and government ministers to discuss a proposed deal to free hostages held in Gaza. If the deal - mediated by Qatar - is finally approved, the Israeli hostages being held by Hamas could be freed over the coming days in groups of about a dozen at a time. Hamas is believed to be holding more than 200 hostages, taken when its fighters surged into Israel on October 7th, killing 1,200 people. But Netanyahu said Israel's broader mission had not changed, saying war would continue until Hamas was destroyed. University of Otago senior lecturer of Middle Eastern Politics Dr Leon Goldsmith spoke to Charlotte Cook.

New Zealand comedian Rhys Darby is centre stage in New York today as he hosts the International Emmy Awards. The awards recognise "excellence in television" that is produced outside the United States. Entertainment journalist Sandro Monetti spoke to Charlotte Cook.

The negotiations to form a government are now in the midst of their eighteenth day - and there is no real clue when these ongoing talks might end. The incoming Pime Minister Christopher Luxon says they are on the "home stretch" but can't say when there will be an answer. It's currently looking like they are working towards a three-way coalition between National, ACT and New Zealand First. Our poltical reporter Anneke Smith has been part of the stake out, as the country waits for answers.

Former All Black coach Ian Foster and his assistant Joe Schmidt are reportedly in line to coach French club Montpellier.

Midday Business News for 21 November 2023

The union representing retail staff says it's a sad indictment on the public that customers need to be told to respect workers. Woolworths says there has been a 131% rise in physical assaults against its staff in the last six months and it's rolling out a public information campaign and fresh security measures to combat it. Dennis Maga is the General Secretary of First Union which represents retail staff.

The United Nations says two thirds of the 2.3 million people in Gaza are now homeless. Speaking today UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said the world is witnessing an unparalleled and unprecedented level of civilian death compared to any other conflict in his more than six years in office. He also expressed deep shock that two UN-run schools were hit in Gaza in less than 24 hours, killing and injuring dozens of people. Our correspondent at the UN, William Denselow, spoke to Charlotte Cook about what the Secretary General had to say.

News from the rural farming sector.

Concerns are mounting about the spread of an exotic seaweed on Aotea Great Barrier Island. The caulerpa weed can cause devastating environmental damage and a ban on anchoring and fishing is already in place in some areas. But there are calls for more urgent action heading into the busy summer season. Barry Scott is the Deputy Chair of the Aotea Great Barrier Environmental Trust.

Three shops have been gutted and a person is in hospital after an early morning fire in the small south Canterbury town of Fairlie. Four fire trucks responded to the blaze on the town's main street about two o'clock this morning. Later in the morning a Fire and Emergency support vehicle rolled while trying to transport gear to the scene - one person became trapped and had to be rescued by emergency services. Investigators are now trying to determine the cause of the fire. Fairlie Bakehouse owner Franz Lieber witnessed the ordeal.

News from the rural farming sector.

Former Black Ferns Sevens representative Niall Williams-Guthrie is returning to rugby after signing with the Blues for next year's Super Rugby Aupiki season.

Midday Business News for 20 November 2023

After-hours health services will now be available by phone to almost 900,000 people living in isolated rural communities. The service is being run by Ka Ora which is jointly commissioned by Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand and the Maori Health Authority Te Aka Whai Ora, using three existing telehealth organisations. Ka Ora general manager Jess White spoke to Charlotte Cook.

A professor of international law says Labour Leader Chris Hipkins has missed the boat in calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Israeli-Gaza conflict. Mr Hipkins made the call yesterday saying "the violence and the killing has to stop". He stressed he'd spoken as leader of the Labour Party, not as caretaker Prime Minister, but questions are being raised about the appropriateness of his comments. The University of Waikato's International Law Professor Dr Al Gillespie spoke to Charlotte Cook.

A scientist in New Zealand is helping to monitor the Fagradalsfjall volcano in Iceland with warnings the probability of an eruption remains high. Authorities evacuated nearly four thousand people from the fishing town of Grindavik this week as magma coursed through the ground beneath. Sigrun Hreinsdottir knows the volcano well - she's from Iceland and is currently working with GNS Science in Lower Hutt. Hreinsdottir spoke to Charlie Dreaver.

The Lower Hutt Community has been grappling with not one, but two violent deaths in a single day. Police are yet to release the name of the woman killed in a hit-and-run in Naenae Thursday morning. They also haven't found the person or people driving the car. In Wainuiomata a man was shot dead by police after a stand-off, where he held a weapon to his partner's neck. Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry spoke to Charlie Dreaver.

Japanese-owned forestry company Juken has told 60 staff this morning, they will lose their jobs in the week before Christmas.  Monique Steele has the rural news.

The tech sector is being assured the incoming government will clear away the hurdles holding back its growth.  Anan Zaki has the business news.

Fast bowler Mitchell Starc insists Australia are pleased to be facing unbeaten India in the Cricket World Cup final. Bridget Tunnicliffe has sports.

It's now day 14 of coalition talks to form a new Government, but the leaders of the three parties have indicated that an end is almost in sight. Members of National ACT and New Zealand First's negotiating teams have been trickling into the Cordis Hotel in Auckland. Political reporter Katie Scotcher spoke to Charlie Dreaver.

Telecommunications are down in the Gaza Strip leaving thousands in the dark as humanitarian aid draws to a halt. A journalist inside Gaza's biggest hospital Al-Shifa told the BBC that tanks and hundreds of soldiers were inside the complex, which Israel says is hiding a Hamas command centre. Meanwhile, the United Nations says it will halt cross border humanitarian deliveries today because of the black-out. President of Médecins Sans Frontières Australia Katrina Penney spoke to Charlie Dreaver.

Members of one of Auckland's oldest rugby league clubs are in shock after their clubrooms were destroyed in an early morning fire. Firefighters were called to the Marist Saints Rugby League clubrooms in Mt Albert at 3.30 Thursday morning. The club has produced a number of rugby league legends and was home to some very special sporting memorabilia. Former Kiwi and General manager of clubs and partnerships for Auckland Rugby League Duane Mann spoke to Charlie Dreaver.

Where US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping have been having a high-stakes meeting in San Francisco. It's been more than a year since the two world leaders have met face-to-face and it's Xi's first time in the US for six years. Since their last meeting, the relationship between the two countries has been through some challenges. RNZ business editor Gyles Beckford spoke to Charlie Dreaver.

Farmer-owned red meat co-op Alliance has reported a loss after tax of $70 million for the year ended September - a big flip from last year's $73.6 dollar profit. Monique Steele has the rural news.

The Black Caps exited the Cricket World Cup this morning with a 70-run loss to India in the semi-finals in Mumbai but middle-order batter Daryl Mitchell gave New Zealand hope and earned the praise of captain Kane Williamson. Joe Porter has sports.

Diversified infrastructure investor Infratil's first half net profit has more than doubled, reflecting a big boost from its near 100 percent ownership of mobile telco, One NZ. Anan Zaki has the business news.

A pedestrian has been hit by a car and killed in the Lower Hutt suburb of Naenae. The incident happened shortly before six Thursday morning. A section of the road remains cordoned off and police say the driver of the vehicle did not stop and fled the scene. Reporter Jemima Huston spoke to Charlie Dreaver.

National leader Christopher Luxon says negotiations to form a government are now in their final stages. The party's core negotiating team has met at Auckland's Cordis Hotel Thursday morning. They're planning to meet with ACT and New Zealand First separately later Thursday afternoon. Political reporter Katie Scotcher spoke to Charlie Dreaver.

Foreign interference was the winner on the day - with the pūteketeke taking out Forest and Bird's Bird of the Century competition. Also known as the Australasian crested grebe, the bird was adopted by US talk show host John Oliver who mounted an aggressive campaign. The pūteketeke won in a landslide with over 290,000 votes - the runner up was the kiwi - way behind with almost 13,000. Forest and Bird's Media and Communications Manager Lynn Freeman spoke to Charlie Dreaver.

With a record almost half a million New Zealanders relying on food handouts from charity each month - the new government is being told that child poverty must be at the top of its agenda. The Child Action Poverty Group has written an open letter and launched a petition - demanding a meeting with incoming Prime Minister Christopher Luxon before Christmas. The group's health spokesperson and former paediatrician Professor Innes Asher spoke to Charlie Dreaver.

Wood chopping, dog trials, rare breeds and a beautiful Belgian Blue cow are all on display at the New Zealand Agricultural Show in Ōtautahi today. Sally Murphy has the rural news.

Hosts and tournament favourites India say they won't be weighed down by history when they face New Zealand in their cricket World Cup semi final. Daniel Gilhooly has sports.

Contact Energy says it is important to keep the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter open beyond 2024, when its energy supply agreement is set to expire.  Anan Zaki has the business news.

Debate is heating up over the introduction of a congestion charge for Aucklanders. Auckland Council's Transport and Infrastructure Committee is meeting tomorrow to discuss the so-called 'Time of Use Charge' which would see drivers charged for using some of the city's busiest roads during peak times. Mayor Wayne Brown is making no secret of the fact he's a big fan. Auckland Business Chamber CEO and Chair of the Northern Infrastructure Forum Simon Bridges spoke to Charlie Dreaver.

Some possible headway has been made with the incoming government, with the three party leaders meeting face to face for the first time since the election. National leader Christopher Luxon, ACT's David Seymour, and New Zealand First's Winston Peters met at the Pullman Hotel in Auckland Wednesday morning. So does this mean we may have a Government soon? RNZ Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Charlie Dreaver.

The sun is out and so are the fascinators at Christchurch's Addington Raceway as the city celebrates Cup Day. It's the biggest day on the country's harness racing calendar - and a big event on Canterbury's social calendar. Reporter Rachel Graham spoke to Charlie Dreaver from Addington.

Car insurance premiums have sky rocketed - up by as much as 38 percent in two years according to a Consumer NZ survey. The survey also found that 10 percent of people who don't have coverage, have chosen to let their insurance policy lapse due to the cost. Consumer NZ's head of research and advocacy Rebecca Styles spoke to Charlie Dreaver.

Sanford's revenue is up despite selling a lower volume of mussels and squid. Monique Steele has the rural news.

Veteran Black Caps bowler Trent Boult is chasing an elusive one-day trophy and is excited by the opportunity to match up against India in tomorrow's Cricket World Cup semi-final in Mumbai. Felicity Reid has sports.

Retail giant The Warehouse Group is feeling the effects of tougher economic times, with first quarter sales down nearly 7 percent on the year earlier.  Anan Zaki has the business news.

Cyclone Mal is building strength and is now a Category 2 storm, as it makes its way towards western Fiji. It's expected to pass 170 kilometres west of Nadi at three o'clock Wednesday morning. The islands of Yasawa and Mamanuca could be impacted later today. RNZ Pacific reporter Caleb Fotheringham spoke to Charlie Dreaver.

The World Health Organisation says Gaza's biggest hospital, Al Shifa is "nearly a cemetery," as fighting rages close by and severe fuel shortages impact treatment. The organisation says dozens of premature babies and kidney patients needing dialysis can't be treated properly due to a lack of power. The manager of the hospital has told the BBC 32 people, including premature babies have already died in recent days. A short time ago, US President Joe Biden said "the hospital must be protected". President of Médecins Sans Frontières Australia Katrina Penney spoke to Charlie Dreaver.

A new ferry between Auckland and Waiheke Island sailed into service on Monday. Up until now Fullers360 has dominated the route, with many residents calling for competition to help bring down prices. Island Direct founder David Todd spoke to Charlie Dreaver.

Palestinian New Zealanders are vowing to keep protesting despite an incident yesterday when a young boy was hit by a shovel in Auckland. The nine-year-old spent the night in hospital after being hit when he was leaving the protest in central Auckland on Sunday. Organisers of the Auckland Pro-Palestine rally say they are "deeply saddened" a child was injured. Maher Nazzal spoke to Charlie Dreaver.

Farmers are being told to check their paddocks of maize and sweetcorn in particular for the crop-destroying moth fall armyworm well into summer. Monique Steele has the rural news.

New Zealand golfer Steven Alker is closing in on a nearly $2 million payday in the final tournament of the US seniors circuit for the year. Bridget Tunnicliffe has sports.

A slower second half and tougher economic conditions have dented the ANZ Bank's full year profit. Gyles Beckord has the business news.

Prime Minister-elect Christopher Luxon's chances of attending APEC looks slim to none, as coalition talks stretch into this week. Instead, it will be someone from the caretaker government representing the country in San Francisco. Meanwhile, advanced voting has opened on Monday in the Port Waikato by-election, due to the death of ACT Party candidate Neil Christensen. RNZ Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Charlie Dreaver.

An Interislander ferry has been left with a large hole in it after hitting a wharf in Wellington. It's the second Cook Strait ferry to smash into the wharf and receive a hole in less than a week - it also comes on top of a string of problems with ferry operations this year. Reporter Ashleigh McCaull spoke to Charlie Dreaver.

Known for its trout fishing, waterfalls and the largest freshwater lake in Australasia - Taupō has officially taken out the top title - for the most beautiful town in Aotearoa. It won the supreme award in the Kiwi charity competition - Keep New Zealand Beautiful.  Other notable mentions included Awanui in the Far North which won Best Tiny Town, and Tauranga which nabbed Most Beautiful Large City  The winners were judged on their environmental and sustainability efforts - but according to the judges there is no place like Taupō. Taupō mayor David Trewavas spoke to Charlotte Cook.

ACT leader David Seymour has met with New Zealand First leader Winston Peters for another ten-minute meeting at New Zealand First's temporary offices. On Thursday, it was Peters visiting ACT's headquarters at Parliament, but on Friday it was Seymour heading across the road. It's now been seven days since the special votes were counted revealing the National Party would need both ACT and New Zealand First to form a government. Deputy political editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Charlotte Cook from Parliament.

A new study published in the New Zealand Medical Journal has found heart attack patients presenting at urban hospitals receive more timely care than those at rural or smaller urban hospitals. Monique Steele has the rural news.

The Black Caps are on track to face hosts India in the Cricket World Cup semi-finals in Mumbai. Felicity Reid has sports.

Kiwisaver provider Simplicity is dismissing suggestions it's bowing to political pressure after divesting its shares in three Israeli banks.  Anan Zaki has the business news.

It's been 20 days since Lower Hutt toddler Ruthless-Empire Ahipene-Wall - also known as Baby Ru - died of massive head injuries, but no-one has yet been charged over his death. Police are now appealing for sightings of the car used to drive him and three adults to hospital. Reporter Ashleigh McC It's been 20 days since Lower Hutt toddler Ruthless-Empire Ahipene-Wall - also known as Baby Ru - died of massive head injuries, but no-one has yet been charged over his death. Police are now appealing for sightings of the car used to drive him and three adults to hospital. Reporter Ashleigh McCaull was at the media conference. McCaull spoke to Charlotte Cook. aull was at the media conference. McCaull spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Police have arrested and charged a 42-year old man with the murder of an Auckland couple. Sixty-six-year-old Fuk-Fu Kwok was found dead at his home in Ellerslie on Monday evening having suffered violent injuries. His wife Mei Han Chong had been missing, but Friday morning police announced her body had been discovered in the Auckland suburb of Greenhithe. Reporter Amy Williams spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Police have been giving an update on the homicide investigation into the death of a man at a house in the Auckland suburb of Ellerslie. The man has been named as 66-year-old Fuk Fu Joseph Kwok. Police confirmed he was killed in a violent attack and have been trying to locate his 67-year-old wife Mei Han Chong who's been missing for several days. Reporter Lucy Xia spoke to Charlie Dreaver.

Wellington City Council is meeting today to decide what might be cut or further delayed to ease its financial woes. It comes as the council considers selling its airport shares valued at $278 million and making other cuts as it works out a way to pay for its long-term plan. Reporter Ashleigh McCaull is at the council meeting and spoke to Charlie Dreaver.

Dairy giant Fonterra wants a 30 percent intensity reduction in on-farm emissions by 2030. Monique Steele has the rural news.

The Chiefs, Highlanders and Moana Pasifika have unveiled their Super Rugby lineups for next season. Felicity Reid has sports.

BNZ has posted a record full year profit of $1.5 billion, which it likens to a game of two halves .. with a bumper first half but tough going in the second. Anan Zaki has the business news.

Israel's military says its troops are at the heart of Gaza City and that 50,000 Palestinians have fled the area by foot - raising the question of what Israel's post-war plans are. At the G7 summit, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Israel must not reoccupy the Gaza Strip after the war, but "there may be a need for some transition period at the end of the conflict." Australian National University Middle East specialist and former Australian ambassador to Lebanon Ian Parmeter spoke to Charlie Dreaver.

Senior hospital doctors and dentists have reached a settlement in their long-running pay dispute with Te Whatu Ora. More than 5,000 members of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists took unprecedented nationwide strike action over concerns about pay, short staffing and workload. Two further planned strikes were called off and the dispute ended up in the Employment Relations Authority. Association of Salaried Medical Specialists executive director Sarah Dalton spoke to Charlie Dreaver.

The hospitality industry is being hit hard by cost of living pressures and a noticeable drop off in customers. In a survey by the Restaurant Association, 35 percent of businesses highlighted customer downturn as the most pressing issue as many struggle to stay afloat. Just in the past few weeks, several high-profile restaurants in Auckland and Wellington have shut their doors. Restaurant Association general manager Nicola Waldren spoke to Charlie Dreaver.

A post-mortem is being held on the body of a 66-year-old man found dead in a house in the Auckland suburb of Ellerslie on Monday. At this stage police are treating the death as a homicide and are continuing to hunt for the man's wife 67-year-old Mei Han Chong. She was last seen at the property at the weekend. Reporter Rayssa Almeida is outside the house and has been speaking to locals. Almeida spoke to Charlie Dreaver.

East Coast farmers are facing more heavy rain, but no reports of any major damage so far, after the heavy deluge around Wairoa overnight - although there are reports farmland has slipped and some farms are cut off. Monique Steele has the rural news.

Australia cricket captain Pat Cummins has labelled Glenn Maxwell's match-winning double century against Afghanistan the best ODI innings ever. Stephen Hewson has sports.

Sky TV has terminated discussions about a potential take-over, after rejecting a bid that fell short of expectations. Anan Zaki has the business news.

Residents in northern Hawkes Bay are mopping up once again after a night of very heavy rain caused flooding around the region. In Nūhaka, north of Wairoa, three homes were evacuated, and three people had to be rescued from their cars. There are also reports of several landslips and farms being cut off due to surface flooding on roads. The main highways around Wairoa have now reopened, but Waka Kotahi says people must drive carefully. Wairoa resident Michelle McIlroy, who lives by the Wairoa River, is still out of her house after Cyclone Gabrielle. McIlroy spoke to Charlie Dreaver.

A Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry has been forced to return to Wellington after it hit a wharf on departure Wednesday morning. A hole was reportedly noticed in the vessel as it left the Harbour approaching the Cook Strait. The passengers were able to safely disembark the ferry once it returned to port. Wellington Harbourmaster Grant Nalder spoke to Charlie Dreaver.

There's outrage in bird circles over some high-level foreign interference in Forest and Bird's popular Bird of the Century competition. American celebrity talk show host John Oliver has thrown his weight behind the Pūteketeke or Australian crested grebe - and he's out to win. It's understood more than 10,000 people flooded the Forest and Bird website Monday night to vote for the Pūteketeke. Team Kiwi is crying foul. Save the Kiwi campaign executive director Michelle Impey spoke to Charlotte Cook.

The Pacific Islands Forum in the Cook Islands starts on Tuesday - the largest annual gathering of pacific island leaders including NZ and Australia. The theme is Our Voices, Our Choices and Our Pacific Way. Pacific Correspondent Eleisha Foon spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Zespri board advisor and former prime minister Sir John Key met with China's foreign minister today where he brought up illegal plantings of gold kiwifruit. Monique Steele has the business news.

The field for this afternoon's Melbourne Cup has been reduced to 23 with a late scratching. Felicity Reid has sports.

Media company NZME says its profit will not meet expectations, amid a challenging economic environment and volatile advertising revenue. Anan Zaki has the business news.

All eyes are on the Labour caucus meeting in Upper Hutt Tuesday morning as it holds a post-mortem on what went so wrong in the election. Labour's constitution requires the party's caucus to vote on the leadership no later than three months after the election. MPs are expected to hold that leadership vote on Tuesday, and they are expected to back Chris Hipkins as leader. RNZ political editor Jane Patterson spoke to Charlotte Cook.

The Human Rights Commission is warning political and community leaders about their choice of words when speaking about the Israeli-Gaza conflict. ACT leader David Seymour has accused Green MP Chlöe Swarbrick of repeating a pro-Hamas statement - "from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free" - at a pro-Palestine rally in Auckland. Chlöe Swarbrick says that is a purposeful distraction. Human Rights Commissioner Paul Hunt spoke to Charlotte Cook.

An investigation into possible animal cruelty is being launched after more than a dozen birds were found coated in a glue-like substance near the Queensgate Shopping Centre in Lower Hutt. Seventeen swallows were discovered last week and over the weekend - all ended up dying. Wellington Bird Rehabilitation Trust director Craig Shepherd spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Almost 2,000 workers at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare's manufacturing site in Auckland have voted to take industrial action and are picketing outside the factory. They say the company is refusing to improve its pay offer and is trying to remove a raft of conditions. Engineer and E Tū union delegate Chris Burton, who's worked for the company for 38 years, spoke to Charlotte Cook.

 Lamb prices have dropped to levels not seen for six years taking more than 20 percent off sheep farmers' incomes. Monique Steele has the rural news.

New Zealand tennis player Erin Routliffe's winning run at the WTA Finals in Mexico has come to an end. Bridgette Tunnicliffe has sports.

Westpac New Zealand's full year profit fell 18 percent, as it felt the effects of rising interest rates, high inflation, higher costs and bad debts. Anan Zaki has the business news.

Almost six months after the fatal Loafers Lodge fire in Wellington, Fire and Emergency has yet to conclude its review of how it responded. It says the independent review has been delayed. Reporter Phil Pennington spoke to Charlotte Cook.

New Zealand First will hold their first caucus meeting on Monday which could push talks to form a government up a gear. National and ACT had the barest majority on election night but the picture changed with the final result, confirming that New Zealand First must be in the mix. Policy positions are being worked through to identify areas of common ground and those that will prove more challenging. Both ACT and New Zealand First have raised red flags over the affordability of National's tax package. Another tricky policy will be Act's wish for a referendum on Te Tiriti o Waitangi, which National has previously dismissed as divisive. NZ First Leader Winston Peters and ACT's David Seymour have yet to meet. Seymour spoke to Charlotte Cook.

A Wairarapa fishing club says a diver had a lucky escape from an attack by what he believes was a great white shark. The diver was part of a commercial diving crew who were collecting pāua east of the small fishing settlement of Ngawi, near Cape Palliser on the southern-most point of the North Island. Rachel Helyer Donaldson has been following the story and spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Politicians around the motu are waiting with bated breath as the results of the special votes are about to come in.  The official numbers will be released at 2pm - which could see a number of electorate seats change, and will provide the information the National Party need to negotiate its way to the ninth floor of Parliament.  Te Pāti Māori had a record performance at the election but will be hoping to swing a couple more people across the line - especially in the Tāmaki Makaurau and Te Tai Tokerau seats.  Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa Packer spoke to Charlotte Cook. 

Beef and Lamb has hit back at a US lobby group which is calling for the government there to limit imports of New Zealand sheep meat. Sally Murphy has the rural news.

The All Blacks captain Sam Cane will miss the Super Rugby Pacific season next year, opting to play in Japan rather than for the Chiefs. Stephen Hewson has sports.

An insolvency firm is warning of a new wave of potential business failures amid a slowing economy.  Anan Zaki has the business news.

Questions are being raised about the effectiveness of electronic monitoring after revelations the man accused of stabbing an Auckland dairy owner last month had disabled his monitoring bracelet more than 90 minutes before the attack. Corrections didn't investigate or pass it on to police, saying it received about 3000 alerts that day and can only prioritise the higher risk ones. It's now working with police to improve the system and review how it manages tracker tampering. Criminal lawyer and Vice President of the Law Society Julie-Anne Kincade spoke to Charlotte Cook.

In just under two hours - we'll have a clearer picture of the shape of the next government. The final results of the election will be announced at 2 o'clock this afternoon following the counting of around half a million special votes. Provisionally National and ACT have 61 seats in a 121-seat Parliament, but that could well change. Whatever happens - National has said formal negotiations on governing arrangements will start - with ACT and potentially New Zealand First. Political reporter Giles Dexter spoke to Charlotte Cook.

A-I has been announced by the Collins English Dictionary as its Word of the Year. It was chosen from a list of new terms that will also be added to the dictionary - including one with a unique Kiwi sporting connection. Andreea Calude is a senior lecturer in linguistics from Waikato University. She says while A-I is actually an abbreviation of two words, language is always evolving -- and dictionaries are adapting as well. Calude spoke to Charlotte Cook.

A new dental subscription service aiming to get people in the habit of regular check-ups has been launched at dentists in several cities. EasyDental subscribers pay a monthly fee to cover multiple visits including a dental exam, a hygiene treatment and x-rays each year. Dentists say the service will be helpful for people who can afford it, but won't be useful for low income groups. New Zealand Dental Association president Amanda Johnson spoke to Charlotte Cook.

A lack of demand for asparagus is seeing growers lose money on every bunch that's sold. Sally Murphy has the rural news.

There is just one change to the Black Ferns side that beat Wales for what will be the WXV 1 title decider against England at Mount Smart on Saturday. Barry Guy has sports.

Trade software company TradeWindow is losing money and moving quickly to reorganise the business in order to breakeven, which will include an unknown number of job losses.  Anan Zaki has the business news.  

More than a hundred staff at collapsed supermarket company Supie are getting their outstanding wages paid by an anonymous donor. The online business is in voluntary administration, owing $3 million. PwC administrator, Richard Nacey, says the money has been given on the condition the full amount is used to pay the 120 employees the wages they are owed. But PwC says outstanding holiday pay and other claims may remain unpaid at this stage. Former chilled assistant manager at Supie Anthony Bunce spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Criminal lawyers say a dramatic boost in court resources is what's needed to cut down on the numbers of people being held in remand. Ministry of Justice figures show 44 percent of people currently in prison are awaiting trial and that could soar even further to 48 percent in 2032. Lawyers say wait times can be so long that some people end up serving their whole sentence in remand custody. Documents reveal police are rolling out a $44 million plan to cut back on remand prisoners by improving their investigations, streamlining evidence disclosure and digitising processes. Criminal Bar Association president Chris Wilkinson-Smith spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Christchurch now has its very own version of the popular board game Monopoly - with landmarks like the Avon River, the Court Theatre and Orana Wildlife Park. The bespoke board was officially launched in the Garden City Wednesday morning. Dale Hackett from game development company Winning Moves spoke to Ben Strang

The All Blacks squad will soon arrive back in New Zealand after their World Cup campaign. They're landing at Auckland Airport on Wednesday, before progressing through customs and being greeted by fans. That, of course, is provided officials don't intervene. RNZ sports reporter Felicity Reid spoke to Ben Strang.

The Reserve Bank has released some farm-emissions modelling and it paints a stark picture - under the scenario of the highest emissions pricing model, most sheep and beef farms, and nearly half of dairy farms could become unprofitable. Sally Murphy has the rural news.

Rugby's World Cup winning Springboks are serving as inspiration for the South African cricketers ahead of their World Cup clash against New Zealand in Pune on Wednesday night. Stephen Hewson has sports.

Unemployment has increased to 3.9 percent in the third quarter. Stats NZ labour market data for the three months ended September also shows wages rose 4.3 percent, but slowing from its peak earlier in the year. Anan Zaki has the business news.  

Paediatricians are concerned but not surprised by the large rise in the number of preschoolers being hospitalised for preventable illnesses. The figures are particularly worrying in Auckland. According to information from Te Whatu Ora in June, preventable hospital admission for babies and preschoolers shot up by 35 percent - but in Auckland that number soared to 66 percent. Te Whatu Ora blames ongoing challenges from Covid. Auckland community paediatrician Dr Jin Russell spoke to Ben Strang.

Unemployment is on the rise, but those who are in work are earning higher wages. The latest figures from Stats NZ show unemployment has increased to 3.9 percent in the last quarter, up from 3.6 percent. The data is largely in line with market expectations and the Reserve Bank's unemployment forecast of 3.8 percent. It also shows wages grew by 4.3 percent during the September quarter. Trade Me Jobs sales director Matt Tolich spoke to Ben Strang.

It's Halloween and tonight trick or treaters will be out in force looking to scare up some sugary sweets from unsuspecting victims. Christchurch woman Sammy Dickinson loves Halloween and spends thousands on house decorations and lollies. Dickinson spoke to Ben about her Halloween preparations.

New research shows New Zealand households are spending an average of $238 a week on food - up nine percent on a year ago. It seems animal products are back on the menu with a drop in the number of vegans. The survey was carried out in August by Rabobank and the food rescue charity Kiwi Harvest. Rabobank's head of sustainable business development Blake Holgate spoke to Ben Strang about some of the trends.

Farm sales are expected to pick up later this spring - with better weather and certainty around a new government. Sally Murphy has the rural news.

Argentinian football legend Lionel Messi has won a record eighth Ballon d'Or for world player of the year. Stephen Hewson has sports.

The NZX is a bear market -- after dropping more than 20 percent (21.2%) from its peak reached in early 2021.  Anan Zaki has the business news.

The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, says a hostage video released by Hamas on Monday is "cruel psychological propaganda". In the video, three Israeli women face the camera, with one criticising Netanyahu for failing to protect Israeli citizens, and asking the government to come to an agreement to secure their release in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. University of Otago director of international studies Professor Robert Patman spoke to Ben Strang

The owners of Whakaari White Island will learn this afternoon whether they breached workplace laws in the buildup to the deadly eruption in December 2019. Twenty-two people were killed and 27 injured in the disaster. The island is owned by the Buttle family. In the Auckland District Court on Tuesday, Judge Evangelos Thomas will deliver a verdict on whether the family, through the company Whakaari Management, put workers and tourists at undue risk. Reporter Amy Williams spoke to Ben Strang.

The United States is pressing Israel to protect civilians in Gaza and has pushed for an immediate increase in humanitarian aid. Israel has begun a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip - and is now calling on residents to move south with urgency. Hector Sharp is a New Zealander working with Palestinian refugees for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. Sharp spoke to Ben Strang.

Forestry company Juken is looking at options for the future of its Gisborne mill - due to ongoing financial difficulties and falling demand. Sally Murphy has the rural news.

All Blacks loose forward Ardie Savea has been named the men's rugby world player of the year. Stephen Hewson has sports.

Online grocer, Supie, went out of business Monday morning after it ran out of money, with debts of about $3 million. Anan Zaki has the business news.

The weather system bringing all this rain and wind is expected to move down the east coast. An orange heavy rain warning is in force for the Tairāwhiti until 9 o'clock Monday night, with as much as 170 millimetres expected. MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane spoke to Ben Strang.

The remnants of ex-tropical cyclone Lola have battered northern parts of the country with strong winds, heavy rain and high seas. In Northland and the Far North more than 6,000 homes lost power overnight but Northpower says it hopes to have all its customers back on the grid by the end of Monday. Meanwhile the Coromandel Peninsula remains under an orange heavy rain and strong wind warning on Monday. Some roads have closed due to surface flooding and several schools shut for the day. Near Thames the Kauaeranga River was causing some concern after it burst its banks ahead of a king tide. Thames Valley Civil Defence Controller Garry Towler spoke to Ben Strang.

It's fair to say the sausage roll has had its fair share of attention in the past few months - thanks to outgoing Prime Minister Chris Hipkins. On Friday, the country's best sausage roll has been named out of over 400 entries. Taking out top spot is the Rosedale Bakery and Café in Albany, north of Auckland. The judges agreed the seasoning in their sausage roll was key to its success. One of the five judges, Brent Kersel, spoke to Charlie Dreaver.

UN aid agencies say they have begun to significantly reduce their operations in the Gaza Strip because fuel supplies are almost dry. Twelve more aid trucks have crossed into Gaza but no fuel is getting into the territory - Israel fears Hamas militants may seize it. Small quantities of fuel retrieved from existing reserves are being used to maintain the water supply in the south, where hundreds of thousands of people are sheltering from Israeli strikes. However, the UN said that this will run out Friday. Save the Children New Zealand advocacy director Jacqui Southey spoke to Charlie Dreaver.

Parts of the south were left looking like a winter wonderland Friday morning - after a light dumping of snow overnight. Bruce Eade who farms in Tapanui just north of Gore says he woke to a sprinkling of snow about quarter to five this morning, but a couple extra inches fell while he was milking his herd. Sally Murphy has the rural news.  

All Blacks coach Ian Foster says everything that has happened over the last few years is now irrelevant as they prepare to take on South Africa in Sunday morning's World Cup final. Stephen Hewson has sports.

Consumers believe the economy is improving, but still expect a rise in house price inflation. Anan Zaki has the business news.

There are concerns a vacant Dunedin boarding house that was destroyed by fire Friday morning may have been used by homeless people. The Fire Service was alerted to the blaze at the house in Phillips Street early Friday morning. Six fire trucks and a command unit worked to extinguish the blaze and protect nearby properties. South Island reporter Samantha Gee spoke to Charlie Dreaver.

Various government agencies remain tight-lipped over the death of a baby in the Lower Hutt suburb of Taita. Two-year-old Ruthless-Empire Ahipene Wall's death is being treated as a homicide after a post-mortem showed he died from blunt force trauma. Oranga Tamariki won't say whether it was involved with the whanau. Police are releasing few details, except to say they are in contact with three family members who are of interest in the investigation. And the Corrections Department isn't commenting on reports that a person living in the house was facing multiple violence charges. Ward councillor for Taita Naomi Shaw spoke to Charlie Dreaver.

Wild weather is moving up the country with a cold blast bringing heavy rain, gales and snow to low levels across Te Waipounamu the South Island on Thursday. Winds reached 140 kilometres per hour Thursday morning, downing trees and cutting power for more than 2,000 households in North Canterbury. State Highway One near Waipara is closed due to a large truck being blown over. A number of businesses in Hanmer Springs haven't been able to open without power, and the council has shut all walking and biking tracks for the day. Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa operations manager Bobby Harpur spoke to Charlie Dreaver.

A Muslim community leader is calling on Winston Peters to take a good look at himself, after sharing inaccurate information about the Christchurch terror attacks. On the social media platform X last night - the New Zealand First leader accused Dame Jacinda Ardern of "an appalling lack of transparency". A timeline of what the government knew was widely reported at the time and addressed by Dame Jacinda herself the day after the attacks. RNZ has approached Peters for comment. Federation of Islamic Associations spokesperson Abdur Razzaq spoke to Charlie Dreaver.

On-going consent delays are causing issues for farmers with the Canterbury Regional Council is failing to approve consents within certain timeframes. Sally Murphy has the rural news.

Springboks flanker Kwagga Smith says their two previous games against the All Blacks this year won't mean much come this weekend's final. Barry Guy has sports.

Officials and aid agencies in Vanuatu are still trying to get a full picture of the damage caused by Cyclone Lola and are standing by to begin a major relief effort. Homes and schools have reportedly been destroyed and roads are inaccessible. There are serious concerns for communities in the far north where communications are still down. Soneel Ram is with the International Federation of the Red Cross in the capital Port Vila. Ram spoke to Charlie Dreaver.

The Israeli Ambassador says he would welcome any discussions with the New Zealand Government, but is yet to receive any contact from the caretaker ministers. In a rare interview, Ambassador Ran Yaakoby, has told Midday Report that he has been in touch with foreign officials, but nothing more. It comes after the former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, along with other renowned global leaders known as The Elders, spoke out about the conflict. Clark condemned the horrifying attacks on Israel, and acknowledged it has a right to defend itself, but added Israel's actions are not proportionate at all. Yaakoby, rejects the notion that Israel's retaliation is disproportionate. Yaakoby spoke to Charlie Dreaver.

The Whanganui District Council has voted to establish two Māori wards for the 2025 and 2028 local elections. It's hoped the move will allow Māori to be fairly represented on the council. Mayor Andrew Tripe spoke to Ben Strang.

Auckland business owners want a bylaw changed that would allow the council to trespass people when they're deemed to be a risk to public safety. It comes as owners say antisocial behaviour is out of control, with rough sleepers and those drinking or dealing drugs needing to be moved on. Auckland City Missioner Helen Robinson spoke to Ben Strang.

Cross-bred wool prices have climbed to the highest level in seven years prompting calls for farmers to re-set the time and money they put into clip preparation. Sally Murphy has the rural news.

There have been some tears within the All Blacks camp this week. Stephen Hewson spoke to Ben Strang.

Rural supplies company PGG Wrightson has downgraded its earnings forecast amid global economic volatility. Anan Zaki has the business news.

The man who had been charged over a stabbing at a West Auckland dairy earlier this month has died while in police custody. Two people were hospitalised following the assault at the dairy in New Windsor on October the 5th. Reporter Lucy Xia spoke to Ben Strang.

Cyclone Lola has caused significant damage in parts of Vanuatu that haven't even been directly hit by the storm. The Category 3 storm reached the Northern Islands in Vanuatu when it was a Category 5 and 4 cyclone, with gusts reaching 320 kilometres per hour. The first images of the damage have come in from Torba province in the north. There large trees have been toppled over, homes have lost corrugated iron roofs, while other homes are covered in vegetation. The cyclone is now on track to directly hit to Malekula Island with gusts reaching about 200 kilometres per hour. UNICEF Vanuatu field office chief Eric Durpaire spoke to Ben Strang.

The Department of Conservation is reopening several northern Coromandel campsites, which have been closed since Cyclone Gabrielle tore through the region in February. The sites at Fletcher Bay, Port Jackson, Stony Bay, Fantail Bay and Waikawau Bay needed repairing after the storm, and are almost all now ready to welcome visitors again. DOC's Coromandel Operations Manager Nick Kelly spoke to Ben Strang.

The coroner's inquest into the Christchurch terror attack has now opened. The court was filled with the families of many of the 51 worshippers who were murdered in the shootings at Masjid Al Noor and the Linwood Islamic Centre on March the 15th, 2019. Reporter Tim Brown has been at the Coroner's Court in Christchurch and spoke to Ben Strang.

After storms in 2018 and earlier this year resulted in mountains of forestry waste damaging bridges and smashing through farmland, the Gisborne District Council has successfully prosecuted a number of forest companies. Sally Murphy has the rural news.

All Blacks captain Sam Cane has grown into his role during their run to the World Cup final. Cane played possibly his best ever game in the black jersey in their quarter-final win over Ireland and was again immense in the win over Argentina. Stephen Hewson has sports.  

The banking industry is working together to fight fraud and scams, but the approach may need some tweaks when it comes to how they continue to share weblinks with customers.  Anan Zaki has the business news.

Algerian New Zealand activist Ahmed Zaoui, has been charged with subversion and moved to a jail in his homeland, following his arrest there three weeks ago. Zaoui was arrested after holding a political meeting at his home and releasing a statement calling for peaceful political dialogue. His New Zealand lawyer, Deborah Manning, says his family are very concerned for his welfare. Manning spoke to Ben Strang.

Tropical Cyclone Lola has been upgraded to a category five storm as it begins to batter residents on Vanuatu's north-eastern islands. Winds are expected to reach about 200 kilometres per hour, with the worst impacts expected on Wednesday. RNZ Pacific reporter, Caleb Fotheringham, spoke to Ben Strang.

Petrol prices have dropped ahead of a long weekend for Aotearoa. This will come as a relief to drivers after the cost to fill the tank got to around $3 a litre. Gaspy is an app that tracks prices around the motu - it's spokesperson Mike Newton spoke to Charlotte Cook.

A class action lawsuit has been filed, alleging thousands of Toyota cars sold in New Zealand since 2015 are faulty and that owners deserve compensation. The lawsuit estimates 35,000 Hilux, Fortuner and Prado models were fitted with a defective engine part. Hamish Davies is a senior associate at Shine Lawyers and told me the defect reduced the performance of vehicles and therefore lowered their value. Davies spoke to Charlotte Cook.

The best of the best were crowned at the Beef and Lamb New Zealand awards on Thursday night. Hundreds gathered at Christchurch's Te Pae convention centre to celebrate. Monique Steele has the rural news.

Argentina coach Michael Cheika says they're recalling their previous wins over the All Blacks to help them in tomorrow morning's World Cup semi-final in Paris. Stephen Hewson has sports.

Genesis Energy is looking to axe up to 200 jobs as it looks to revamp its retail business. Gyles Beckford has the business news.

The Disinformation Project is warning of a stark increase in violent and extremist content on New Zealand-based social media targeting Muslim and Jewish communities. Kate Hannah, director of the Disinformation Project, is warning that not all the imagery circulating online from Israel and Gaza can be trusted

A line of trucks is still queued at Egypt's border with Gaza, waiting for permission to enter to provide much-needed aid to Palestinian civilians. The US President brokered a deal with Israeli leaders to allow aid workers to take water, food and medical supplies in to the territory. For almost two weeks, Israel has cut off all water, food, medicine, fuel and electricity to the region. It's hoped aid vehicles will be allowed through today, but it's not yet clear when that may happen. The UN's humanitarian agency has warned the initial group of trucks set to be allowed in won't be nearly enough. Washington correspondent Caroline Malone spoke to Charlotte Cook about the plans for aid.

Anyone in New Zealand creating a new account and wanting to post on X, the site formerly known as Twitter, is going to have to pay a fee from now on. The platform announced it's trialling it's "Not a Bot" programme in New Zealand and the Philippines, which will charge users around $1.50 per year to have the ability to post. Vaughn Davis is a social media expert and prolific poster on X, he spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Post-election, New Zealand's Parliament is once again mostly men. In the previous term the numbers had been equal, now it's 68 men to 53 women. The National Party's 50 person caucus has 34 men, to 16 women. That's despite some moves from leader Christopher Luxon to even the scales. Political scientist Lara Greaves spoke to Charlotte Cook.

A dry early spring is creating uncertainty as to whether the largest dam to be built - since the Clyde Dam three decades ago - will be filled as hoped, by December. Monique Steel has the rural news.

Avoiding the dreaded playoff for bronze is motivating the All Blacks ahead of their World Cup semifinal against Argentina in Paris on Saturday morning. Stephen Hewson has sports.

Retail spending is subdued but still with a flicker of growth, according numbers released by ANZ Bank. Anan Zaki has the business news.

Auckland Museum says it gave Vector the chance to join it in lighting up in solidarity with Israel over the weekend. The museum projected blue and white lights onto the side of the building on Sunday evening, which spared a small protest. The Auckland Museum have refused to front for an interview. Reporter Rayssa Almeida spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Aid agencies are preparing to go into Gaza as the humanitarian crisis there intensifies. After talks on Thursday with US President Joe Biden, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to allow aid in through Egypt - as long as the supplies don't go to Hamas. It's not yet clear when the aid will be allowed through. The British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak has also announced he is on his way to the Middle East. Otago University professor of politics and international relations Robert Patman spoke to Charlotte Cook.

More New Zealanders are using nicotine vapes even if they have never smoked, a survey has found. Massey University's New Zealand Drug Trends Survey also found that doctors were more willing to prescribe medicinal cannabis, but many patients were still too nervous to ask for it. Senior researcher Dr Marta Rychert spoke to Charlotte Cook.

An Auckland butcher has snagged the top title as New Zealand's top sausage-maker. The "Lamb Delight" from Sam's Butchery in Silverdale came up trumps at the Great New Zealand Sausage Competition. Judge Kathy Paterson spoke to Charlotte Cook.

A recently released University of Auckland study has found NCEA results and University Entrance rates were about 15 percent lower for rural students, compared to their urban counterparts. Monique Steele has the rural news.

A misfiring All Whites side has been outplayed by Australia, going down 2-0 in their trans-Tasman football international in London. Stephen Hewson has sports.

Drug maker AFT Pharmaceuticals has had another breakthrough in the lucrative US market with approval for the sale of its intravenous Maxigesic pain relief medicine by the Food and Drug Administration. Anan Zaki has the business news.

New Zealand Rugby has just released its findings into its Ranfurly Shield investigation. The Ranfurly Shield, provincial rugby's most treasured prize, was broken in half during late-night celebrations by the Hawke's Bay team after they beat Wellington on September 30th. Social media images also showed the broken trophy with white powder on it. Hawke's Bay Rugby chief executive Jay Campell spoke to Charlotte Cook.

About 500 people are feared dead in Gaza after an air strike on a hospital. Hamas says the strike was an Israeli air strike, but the Israeli military says the Islamic Jihad terrorist organisation is responsible for the failed shooting that hit the hospital. It's now been 11 days since Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, to which Israel responded with force. University of Waikato International Law Professor Dr Al Gillespie spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Lacrosse is one of several sports that will be added to the 2028 Olympic Games for the first time in over a century. Cricket, flag-football, squash, baseball and softball will also be at the Games hosted in Los Angeles. New Zealand Lacrosse operations manager Bill Hollins spoke to Chralotte Cook.

The police cordon closing Totara Road in the Wellington suburb of Miramar has been lifted, but officers remain guarding the scene of a homicide investigation. The body of a woman was found in a home in the windswept suburb Monday afternoon. Reporter Bill Hickman spoke to Charlotte Cook.

The latest from the farming sector.

Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has committed to coaching the Wallabies, despite speculation about his future after Australia's disappointing performance at the Rugby World Cup in France. Stephen Hewson has sports.

Inflation perked up over the past three months on higher fuel prices and the winding back of the government transport subsidy. The consumer price index increased 1.8 percent, with the annual rate slowing to 5.6 percent. Anan Zaki has the business news.

Chris Hipkins has given a strong indication he is happy to stay on as leader of the Labour Party. He made the comments as he entered Tuesday morning's caucus meeting. The caucus meeting is the first chance for the Labour MPs to discuss their options going forward into opposition. Before looking ahead to the future though, the caucus will first farewell 21 of their colleagues who haven't made it back into Parliament. RNZ political reporter Katie Scotcher spoke to Charlotte Cook.

There is little relief for New Zealanders struggling to make ends meet, with high petrol prices continuing help lift inflation. Stats NZ says consumer prices rose 1.8 percent for the three months ended September, just below expectations. But the annual inflation rate has actually eased to a two-year low. Stats NZ senior manager of prices Nicola Growden spoke to Charlotte Cook.

The Rugby World Cup has delivered another two compelling quarter-finals, a day after the All Blacks scraped past Ireland. In Marseille, England survived a major scare to beat Fiji 30-24 while South Africa eliminated France in a 29-28 thriller. Rugby reporter Joe Porter spoke to Charlotte Cook.

On Sunday night the Auckland Museum was lit up in blue and white in solidarity with Israel, sparking a protest of around 100 Palestinian supporters. Police were called to diffuse a verbal confrontation between Israeli and Palestinian supporters gathered at the bottom of the hill below the museum at about 8 o'clock, and the light projection was turned off by 9. The Auckland Museum has so far refused to front on RNZ. Alternative Jewish Voices co-founder Marilyn Garson spoke to Charlotte Cook.

There's a whole new cohort of farmers and those with backgrounds in primary industries set to make it into parliament, following early election results. Most notably, it looks like former Federated Farmers president Andrew Hoggard will become an MP. Monique Steele has the rural news.

The four semi finalists at Rugby's World Cup have all been found. South Africa's dramatic 29-28 win over France Monday morning has seen the hosts eliminated with the Springboks now squaring off against England in Sunday morning's second semi final in Paris. Stephen Hewson has sports.

The announced resignation of Sky City's chief executive Monday morning has been called a surprise but not one suggesting it's a forced departure. Gyles Beckford has the business news.

New MPs have been arriving in the capital on Monday, as they begin their first day in Parliament. But it's not all been all smiles and excitement - many MPs have landed at Wellington airport facing disappointment at their results. Dozens of electorate seats flipped on Saturday night - not just to the National Party, but the Greens and Te Pāti Māori nabbed a few off Labour as well. Political reporter Anneke Smith spoke to Charlotte Cook.

National has already begun negotiations with its potential coalition parties, despite the final election results still being almost three weeks away. Based on preliminary results National and ACT hold a slim majority at 61 seats - but they haven't ruled out needing the help of New Zealand First to get over the line if the special votes don't go their way, or if the overhang grows larger than just the one seat. There are still 570,000 special votes to be counted with results not confirmed until November 3. ACT Leader David Seymour spoke to Charlotte Cook.

One New Zealand born Israeli fighter has been confirmed as killed in the ongoing conflict. This news comes as the one Jewish school in Aotearoa and all Synagog's around the country have been forced to close for the weekend. Juliet Moses from the New Zealand Jewish Council spoke with Charlotte Cook.

Saturday is the last day to cast your votes for the 2023 election, but if you want to avoid the wind and the rain - you might want to head out today. MetService is forecasting western and central Aotearoa will be in for a bit of a blustery battering as active low from the Tasman sea moves across the country. B ut the question is whether that forecast wil lhave an impact on the voter turn out? Professor in Politics at Massey University, Richard Shaw, answered that question from Charlotte Cook.

Fonterra takes out the top spot as the country's largest greenhouse gas emitter for the third year in a row.    

The All Blacks captain Sam Cane denies there is fear of failure in the camp ahead of Sunday's world cup quarter final against Ireland in Paris. Stephen Hewson has sports.

Sky TV is in a trading halt after receiving a "highly conditional" takeover offer from an un-named third party. Gyles Beckford has the business news.

It's the final day of election campaigning before polls open at 9 on Saturday morning. The leaders of all the political parties are out and about across the motu on Friday, frantically trying to meet as many voters as they can before the end of the day. The latest polls put National in the driver seat - but with New Zealand First as an essential passenger, but Labour has seen a rise in their numbers in this final week. Charlotte Cook spoke with two RNZ political reporters on the campaign trail - Giles Dexter, who was with Labour leader Chris Hipkins in Papatoetoe, and also Anneke Smith, who was with National leader Christopher Luxon.

The Far North Deputy Mayor says people across the region are living in fear of dangerous problem dogs in communities. A Northland woman was killed in a dog attack on her property in the town of Moerewa on Thursday - an attack which left two others injured. A family member at the scene has told RNZ his aunt had been hanging out washing when a dog came onto the property and killed her. The Far North Deputy Mayor, Kelly Stratford, told Charlotte Cook the community is hurting

Stats NZ is reporting the annual change for rental prices has risen by more than four percent. Meanwhile, Trade Me is reporting tenants can expect to pay $2,300 more in rent compared to the same time last year, with the national median weekly rent increasing by $45. Renters Untied president Geordie Rogers spoke to Charlotte Cook.

A High Court jury in Christchurch has found David Benbow guilty of murdering his childhood friend. Michael McGrath disappeared in May 2017 and his body has never been found. Reporter Niva Chittock spoke to Charlotte Cook.

A rural school principal says staff shortages, remote locations and poor access to educational providers are challenges for all rural schools. Susan Murray has the rural news.

The Silver Ferns have been preparing teenage goal shoot Amelia Walmsley for a torrid time from the Australian defence ahead of their opening Constellation Cup test in Melbourne tonight. Stephen Hewson has sports.

Volatile fuel prices, increasing competition and an uncertain economic environment have prompted Air New Zealand to lower its forecast first half profit. Kim Moodie has the business news.

It's the final countdown to election day, but the latest three polls indicate even after election night there will still be plenty to discuss before a government can be formed. In the NZ Herald's final Poll of Polls released this morning it shows National and ACT will need Winston Peters to form a government, and the left block have no realistic path to power. New Zealand First's polling has been climbing in the last week, while ACT's has been slipping. ACT Party leader David Seymour spoke to Charlotte Cook.

A humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Gaza, where more than 1,100 people have been killed by Israeli airstrikes. Israel has formed an emergency government and war cabinet in the wake of Hamas' attacks on border communities, which have killed at least 1,200 people and injured thousands more. At least 150 hostages seized by Hamas gunmen are being held at secret locations inside Gaza - among them are women, children and the elderly. In Gaza, the only power station has shut down after running out of fuel. Israel has cut off electricity supplies to the region, as well as access to medicines, food, fuel and water. Doctors without Borders Executive Director for Australia & New Zealand Jennifer Tierney spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Palmerston North police are investigating after a man stole four e-scooters off the roadside, painted them black and then sold them on Facebook Marketplace. The victim who purchased the scooters for his family paid a thousand dollars for them. Lots of New Zealanders use Facebook Marketplace to sell used goods, or grab a bargain. But how safe is it really? Netsafe chief online safety officer Sean Lyons spoke to Charlotte.

Corrections is transferring more prisoners from Christchurch Men's Prison to Otago after running out of room. The prison reached "operational capacity" over the weekend, which meant one man was held in a police cell and six prisoners were sent to Otago. Corrections National Commissioner Leigh Marsh says there is no shortage of beds, rather ongoing staff shortages are to blame. Reporter Anna Sargent spoke to Charlotte Cook.

A sheep milk exporter says changing rules around the export dairy quota allocation system will let the fledgling industry expand more easily.  Susan Murray has the rural news.

The All Blacks have a healthy respect for Ireland as the best team in the world, but don't fear them despite having lost three of their last four tests, says halfback Aaron Smith.  Stephen Hewson has sports.

The board of Fletcher Building has withdrawn a resolution asking for a pay increase in the face of shareholder pressure.  Kim Moodie has the business news.

Most minor parties took a hit in the latest Guardian Essential Poll released Wednesday morning, except for the comeback king - New Zealand First. The results conducted last week have Labour up 3.5 percent - putting it back into the 30's. The National Party was steady on 34 percent. And New Zealand First jumped ahead of ACT to 8.2 percent. NZ First leader Winston Peters spoke to Charlotte Cook.

There are growing international concerns about the fate of civilians in Gaza as Israel has continued to pound the Strip with air strikes raising whole districts and killing Palestinians as it takes revenge for the Hamas attacks. Hamas has also today continued to fire rockets into Israel, targeting the city of Ashkelon. The World Health Organisation has called for a humanitarian corridor to be opened into the enclave. Marilyn Garson of Alternative Jewish Voices worked in the United Nations Relief and Works Agency in Gaza through the war in 2014 and lived there for four years. She now lives in New Zealand, and spoke to Charlotte Cook over the phone.

New Zealand bungy jump enthusiast Mike Heard is now closing in on six hours of consecutive jumps from the Auckland Harbour Bridge, as he vies to break the record for the most bungies in 24 hours. He's aiming to jump more than eight-hundred times to reclaim the record he last broke in 2017. Following Mike closely is the Auckland Sales Manager for AJ Hackett Bungy, Leo Medina. He spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Watercare says its confident it will be able to stop wastewater overflow into Auckland's harbour by early next week. It's been two weeks since a section of the Ōrākei main sewer line collapsed, leaving a 13 metre-deep sinkhole at the site of a carpark in Parnell - sending sewage into the harbour. RNZ's Auckland reporter Lucy Xia was at the board meeting, and spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Massey University is proposing reducing staff in food technology and plant and natural sciences by 60 percent with more than 100 jobs expected to go.  Susan Murray has the rural news.

Black Caps spin bowler Mitchell Santner is making the most of the bowling conditions at the World Cup in India which has resulted in another comprehensive win.  Stephen Hewson has sports.

The listed pub and restaurant owner Good Spirits Hospitality is looking to sell its assets to head off possible legal action by its biggest lender. Kim Moodie has the business news.

The Islamic Women's Council of New Zealand is calling for the international community to find a resolution in this conflict in Gaza which will uphold the human rights of everyone involved. On Saturday, the Hamas militant group launched a surprise attack on Israel - a move which has descended the region into an all-out war. Israel's military has retaliated with violent air assaults, and called up an unprecedented 300-thousand reservists. The council's national coordinator, Aliya Danzeisen told Charlotte Cook it's a tragic situation - and one which international leaders need to put a stop to.

The Israeli military has called up an unprecedented 300 thousand reservists and is imposing a total blockade of the Gaza Strip. It's the clearest sign yet that Israel is planning a ground assault in response to the devastating weekend attack by Hamas gunmen. Michael Sedley grew up in Wellingtons' Hutt Valley but has been living in central Israel for the past 30 years. Sedley spoke with Charlotte Cook.

Fiji have only just made it through to the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals, after losing their final pool match 24-23 to Portugal in France. It is Portugal's first ever win at the tournament - if they had scored another 7 points, Fiji would have missed out on the quarter-finals. Instead, the result eliminates Australia. RNZ Pacific's Senior Sports journalist Iliesa Tora spoke to Charlotte Cook about the result.

A measles alert has heightened concerns about New Zealand's immunisation rates, especially in vulnerable regions such as Northland.  A Northland student contracted the disease after attending a high school drama competition in Wellington. There are now 11 exposure events related to the student - all of which are listed on the Te Whatu Ora website - with those considered close contacts required to isolate for seven days if they are not immunised.. The Chief Medical Officer for Te Aka Whai Ora Māori Health Authority Dr Rawiri McKree Jansen spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Dairy giant Fonterra has increased its milk forecast payout for this 2023/24 season by 50 cents. Susan Murray has the rural news.

Fiji have snuck into the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals despite a 24-23 loss to Portugal. Steve Hewson has sports.

An improved global dairy market outlook and higher prices have prompted Fonterra to raise its milk price forecast. Kim Moodie has the business news.

A political commentator is warning the threat of a second election could deter people from casting a vote in the first place. National has suggested a second election could be needed, if it fails to reach a governing arrangement with New Zealand First after Saturday's vote. The New Zealand First leader Winston Peters says National is panicking because his party is rising in the polls. Labour's Grant Robertson also thinks National is panicking about its potential coalition arrangements. University of Auckland lecturer in politics Lara Greaves spoke to Charlotte Cook.

The death toll is continuing to rise in a recently-fuelled conflict between Israel and the Gaza strip. The Hamas militant group launched a surprise attack on Israel on Saturday night New Zealand time. More than 35 hours later, about 700 Israelis are known to have been killed in the fighting, and more than 400 people have been killed in retaliatory air strikes by Israeli forces into Gaza. Thousands have been wounded on both sides, and both have confirmed that many Israelis were taken hostage by Hamas. University of Waikato International Law Professor Dr Al Gillespie told Charlotte Cook that the complicated conflict will continue to escalate

A trio of Māori artists say it was a huge undertaking to paint a seven-storey mural to honour the first wahine Māori to get a degree at Oxford University.  As part of Rotorua's indigenous Arts Festival, the Dreamgirls Arts Collective spent nine days hanging off the side of the building in order to pay tribute to Mākereti Papakura. Kai tahu Artist Xoe Hall spoke to Charlotte Cook about the huge job

Flights are cancelled, passengers are stranded and workers are standing in the rain outside Queenstown Airport as authorities deal with a bomb threat. Police say the terminal was cleared as a safety precaution shortly after half-past eight this morning when they received reports of what looked like explosive device. People have been told to avoid Queenstown Airport until further notice. RNZ's Southland-Otago reporter Tess Brunton is in Queenstown

Thousands of voters could miss out on their right to vote in next week's general election (Saturday October 14) as hundreds of polling booths - especially in remote locations - will be closed on election day. Monique Steele has the rural news.

The All Blacks have stormed into the World Cup quarter-finals with a 73-0 rout of Uruguay, running in 11 tries. Stephen Hewson has sports.

Air New Zealand continues to carry a heavy post-Covid financial burden on its books. It's given customers two more years to redeem Covid credits, worth more than $200 million.   Kim Moodie has the business news.

One of the owners of a dairy in Auckland's New Windsor suburb remains in hospital in a serious condition after a stabbing yesterday. A 24-year-old man is due in the Auckland District Court today following the attack, which left the two owners with injuries. Members of the public in the shop managed to hold down the attacker until officers arrived. Dairy and Business Owners Group chair Sunny Kaushal spoke with Charlotte Cook.

A man remains in serious condition in hospital after being shot at an adult entertainment club in Auckland's central city overnight. Police were called to One-33 club on Vincent Street just before 2am. RNZ reporter Jordan Dunn spoke to Charltote Cook.

Frustration is growing at Wellington City Council after a meeting to discuss the future of the Reading Cinema building was held behind closed doors. The Courtenay Place complex, which was built on private land, has been closed since 2019 after it was deemed earthquake prone. Reporter Ashleigh McCaull has been out and about to find out what Wellingtonian's think about the derelict building.  McCaull spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Some businesses around Queenstown finally have relief after two weeks of boiling water to keep afloat amid a cryptosporidium outbreak. 20,000 people living in Frankton, Shotover Country, Lake Hayes Estate and Quail Rise can drink tap water again, because the Kelvin Heights plant has been deemed safe. Otago Southland Reporter Tess Brunton spoke to Charlotte Cook.

The Ministry for Primary Industries has allocated $20,000 to the Southland Rural Support Trust to distribute among farmers and growers. Culverts were washed out, paddocks flooded, trees downed and stock lost when strong wind and heavy rain hit the lower South Island two weeks ago.  Monique Steele has the rural news.  

Former All Blacks halfback Justin Marshall claims incoming All Black coach Scott Robertson has been barred from New Zealand's World Cup games in France. Barry Guy has sports.

The Reserve Bank will likely struggle to get inflation precisely to its desired target of 2 percent, according to Kiwibank's chief economist. Anan Zaki has the rural news.

Labour has gone on the attack over National's tax policy Thursday morning, saying only 3,000 households would receive the $250 a fortnight tax cut that the party has been campaigning on. Thursday morning Labour's finance spokesperson, Grant Robertson, described the policy as a scam. He says 99 percent of New Zealand households won't get the full $250 headline figure, despite National's publicity materials claiming that is the amount "an average-income family with children" would receive. He went on to say that claim was a lie. The analysis was done by the Council of Trade Unions. National's finance spokesperson Nicola Willis spoke to Charlotte Cook.

The ACT and National parties are rejecting any suggestion they have engaged in anti-Māori rhetoric or race-baiting, with many parties experiencing an increase in aggressive behaviour towards their candidates this election. Te Pāti Māori is blaming National and ACT for the behaviour shown towards its members, with a man being trespassed from the home of their Hauraki-Waikato candidate, Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke on Wednesday. The party's president, John Tamihere, has described the perpetrator as "an elderly Pākehā man", who is a well-known campaigner for the National Party. ACT's leader David Seymour spoke to Charlotte Cook.

The Labour Party is committing to fair pay for defence force personnel, if re-elected. Currently, military personnel do not have the same rights to negotiate their pay and conditions as other employees. The policy, announced today, would have the Remuneration Authority independently set fair rates and allowances for those in uniform. Labour would also review the Defence Act 1990 to ensure it is fit for the future. Labour defence spokesperson Andrew Little spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Retail crime in New Zealand has been found to be costing the country $2.6 billion a year. The staggering figure - up from $1.1 billion six years ago - has been revealed by Retail NZ this afternoon in its crime position statement.  Its research has also found 92 percent of retailers have experienced some form of crime in their line of work in the past 12 months. Retail NZ chief executive Carolyn Young spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Volatility in global markets and softer consumer demand including from our biggest customer, China is hitting exports. That slump in beef exports to China has hit farmgate prices here.  Monique Steele has the rural news.

The participation of Black Caps pace bowler Tim Southee in the Cricket world cup is unclear with Southee conceding he has lot of work to do to be match fit.  Stephen Hewson has sports.

Inflation is driving up the cost of a comfortable retirement for New Zealanders living on super with as much as $1 million now required to bridge the gap.  Massey University's latest savings report shows the projected savings needed to live to the age of 90, on top of super payments, has increased. Kim Moodie has the business news.

Players from the Hawke's Bay Rugby team have yet been disciplined after their Ranfurly Shield celebrations on Saturday night, which left the coveted log of wood broken, and photographed with white powder on it. Magpies vice captain Brad Weber and head coach Brock James fronted to media after their training this morning, but neither were at the event on Saturday night where the shield was dropped. New Zealand Rugby has launched an investigation into the matter. Hawkes Bay rugby chief executive Jay Campbell spoke to Charlotte Cook.

The Algerian democracy activist and New Zealand citizen Ahmed Zaoui, has been arrested at gunpoint by Algerian security forces after making public comment about human rights violations. Lawyer Deborah Manning says Zaoui, who was recognised as a refugee here in 2003, returned to his native Algeria on a New Zealand passport in recent years to spend time with his family. Deborah Manning spoke with Midday Report's Charlotte Cook.

Wellington City Council is estimating an extra $70 million to $147 million will be needed to go towards strengthening and redeveloping the city's Town Hall which has been closed for 10 years. This means the cost to complete figures could balloon as high as $329 million. RNZ reporter Ashleigh McCaull spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Investigations are continuing into the cause of the cryptosporidium outbreak in Queenstown, but Te Whatu Ora is warning the source may never be known. Queenstown remains under a boil water notice, but transmission of the bug is now occurring between patients as well. Southern Medical Officer of Health Dr Susan Jack spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Asparagus growers, in the two key growing regions of Waikato and Horowhenua, are on tenterhooks with temperatures predicted to plunge overnight. Monique Steele has the rural news.

The All Blacks won't be easing off the intensity as they prepare for their last World Cup pool match against Uruguay. The team to play Uruguay will be named tonight with captain Sam Cane and prop Tyrel Lomax, who came off the bench against Italy following injuries, expected to start this week. Daniel Gilhooly has sports.

Business sentiment is slightly less downbeat, but is still faces a gloomy outlook in the year ahead. The Institute of Economic Research's September quarter business survey shows a net 53-percent of respondents think economic conditions will get worse in the coming year, compared to a net 60-percent in June. Kim Moodie has the business news.

The stoush over Weet-Bix has finally been resolved with Sanitarium agreeing to resume supply to The Warehouse.  Last week the manufacturer said it would stop sending stock to the retailer due to supply constraints. The decision outraged customers, worried the company was playing favourites with the supermarkets, which set higher prices. The Warehouse laid a complaint with the Commerce Commission. Sanitarium declined our request for an interview, but in a statement said it will reduce the amount of Weet-Bix it exports to Asia and the Pacific to ensure enough stock for The Warehouse. The Warehouse's Chief Product Officer Tania Benyon spoke to Charlotte Cook.

National is promising longer after-birth hospital stays for mothers, and free glucose monitors for children with type-1 diabetes, if elected.  The party's leader Christopher Luxon announced the policy this morning. Under the plan, hospitals would receive extra funding to allow new parents to remain there for up to three days. The party says funding glucose monitors for under-18s, would also save families with a diabetic child up to 50 dollars a week.  National also committed to increasing the number of psychiatrist and psychologist training places. National's mental health spokesperson Matt Doocey spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Labour and National are frantically working to see if they can find a way to reschedule tomorrow night's leaders debate hosted by The Press, after Labour leader Chris Hipkins tested positive for Covid-19. The debate, which will be the first since early voting opened this morning, was supposed to take place at Christchurch's town hall at 6 o'clock Tuesday night. Mr Hipkins is now isolating since returning the positive test. National's campaign manager, Chris Bishop, this morning suggested the debate could turn into one between the parties' deputies instead. Labour's campaign manager Megan Woods, declined our interview request, but said in a statement her party had committed to doing four leader's debates. Media trainer and former National Party press secretary Janet Wilson spoke to Charlotte Cook.

The National Party has condemned what it calls disgraceful and abusive behaviour being directed at political candidates, including its own, on the election campaign. National's campaign manager, Chris Bishop, revealed some of their party members have been subject to abuse and intimidation - in particular from gang members He cited a threatening social media video circulating from a Headhunters member, and also called out the Mongrel Mob's Harry Tam for holding meetings encouraging people to vote for Labour. Tam spoke to Charlotte Cook.

There are early warnings that the just-arrived El Niño weather pattern could produce droughts as severe as ones suffered in 1982 and 1997.  Monique Steele has the rural news.

Australia kept their slim hopes of reaching the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals alive with a 34-14 win over Portugal in their final pool match. Bridget Tunnicliffe has sports.

The effect of high migration on the economy is an important consideration for the the Reserve Bank and other policies makers.  Gyles Beckford has the business news.

Labour is promising to help new players set up in the country's grocery market to improve competition. The party's consumer affairs spokesperson, Duncan Webb, announced this morning that if re-elected, Labour would provide support to companies wanting to enter the New Zealand grocery sector. Support could include financial loans, making sure land is available and regulatory changes. Labour's consumer affairs spokesperson, Duncan Webb, spoke to Charlotte Cook.

New Zealand Rugby is investigating reports of a white, drug-like substance visible on the broken Ranfurly Shield after Hawke's Bay's win against Wellington at the weekend. Hawke's Bay Rugby Union says the rugby taonga was spilt two after a player dropped it on a concrete floor on Sunday morning. But since those revelations, further photos have been circulating online, showing lines of white powder on top of the broken shield. RNZ's sports correspondent Jamie Wall spoke to Charlotte Cook.

NIWA is officially declaring El Niño Friday and is warning Aotearoa to prepare for a hot dry summer. Its seasonal outlook also predicts dramatic temperature swings and stronger winds than usual for this time of year. This weekend is set to reflect that, with strong gusts expected in the upper North Island, parts of the Hawkes Bay, and Canterbury. NIWA meteorologist Chris Brandolino spoke to Charlotte Cook.

The National Party have released their fiscal plan for Aotearoa on Friday. RNZ Political Editor Jane Patterson spoke to Charlotte Cook.

NIWA says an El Niño has officially arrived. The weather pattern brings strong winds which could cause dryness and drought to East Coast regions, like Canterbury, Wairarapa and Hawke's Bay. Sally Murphy has the rural news.  

Ill discipline has proved costly for Samoa, as they slumped to a 28-22 loss to Japan in their Rugby World Cup pool match in Toulouse. Stephen Hewson has sports.

Inflation expectations have fallen to their lowest level in more than two years but consumers remain deeply pessimistic about the economy. Gyles Bekford has the business news.

Māori leaders have hit back against what they are describing as race-baiting from political parties - saying racism should have no place in elections. In an open letter, seventeen iwi leaders, marae heads and a representative of the Office of the Kiingitanga have supported a call by Labour leader Chris Hipkins to end racist comments in election campaigns, acknowledging both Te Pāti Māori and the Greens' anti-racist positions.   The letter calls on National leader Christopher Luxon to condemn the racist comments made by New Zealand First candidates and the ACT Party. Manukau Urban Māori Authority chair and Labour Party member Bernie O'Donnell spoke to Charlotte Cook.

A 12-hour strike by senior doctors and hospital dentists around the country next week has been called off. More than 5000 members of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists employed by Te Whatu Ora had planned to strike from midnight until noon on Monday, over concerns about pay and workload. But after what they are describing as 'positive movement' by their employer, they will no longer be putting the tools down. The Association of Salaried Medical Specialists executive director Sarah Dalton spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Last night the two Chris' went head-to-head in Newshub's leaders debate, clashing over crime, health, education and the economy. And while the winner might be up for debate, one word came out on top; the word "actually" was uttered by National's Christopher Luxon a total of 76 times. RNZ's data journalist Farah Hancock has been busy analysing the debate; and not just what words were spoken, but who spoke the most - and you might be surprised it wasn't Chris Hipkins or Christopher Luxon.

The leader of the Labour party has reiterated its commitment to Maori at an event in Northland's Kawakawa. Speaking at the Ngati Hine Health Trust, Chris Hipkins said they have made advancements for Maori during their two terms - including the Maori Health Authority, Matariki, and history in schools. Charlotte talks to political commentator Dr Rawiri Taonui for his reaction to the speech.

News from the rural farming sector

Midday sports News for 28 September 2023 Italy coach Kieran Crowley is confident his side won't be fazed by the Azurri's poor record against the All Blacks when the two sides clash in a key World Cup pool match in Lyon on Saturday morning.

News from the business sector

Watercare is warning it could take several more days to fix a blocked sewer main at the bottom of huge sinkhole in Auckland. Large volumes of raw sewage have been pumping directly into the Waitemata Harbour since the sewer line collapsed, creating the sinkhole on Monday. This morning, Ngati Whatua Orakei placed a rahui across the Waitemata habour due to the deluge of sewage and its environmental impacts. Charlotte Cook speaks with Watercare chief of operations Mark Bourne.

Hundreds of protesters have caused disruption through Central Wellington today, as they march through the streets to Parliament. About 600 people gathered at Wellington's Civic Square for a protest organised by Brian Tamaki's Freedoms and Rights Coalition. So far the protest has taken the form of an election rally for Mr Tamaki's Freedoms New Zealand Umbrella Party. The protesters themselves are protesting a range of issues, from vaccines, to evolution, to 15-minute cities. Charlotte Cook gets the latest from RNZ's Ashleigh McCaull who is at the protest.

New Zealand's Thomson Whisky distillery is set to bring something unique to the most prestigious whisky show in the UK this weekend. Thomson's Manuka Smoked whisky will be one of about one thousand malts on offer at the Whisky Show UK, which gets underway in London on Saturday. The distillery's spokesperson Rachel Thomson talked to Charlotte Cook.

Wellington City Council says it is not expecting trouble from tomorrow's political protests, but it has closed roads around Parliament as a precaution. The closures, which are right next to Wellington's train station and the city's largest bus exchange, are expected to cause disruption for commuters, with bus stops being moved, and routes changed. Wellington's deputy mayor, Laurie Foon, says it is about staying in control. Foon spoke to Charlotte Cook.

The value of what we're throwing out has risen to $3.2 billion - due to higher food costs. Susan Murray has the rural news.

Black Caps captain Kane Williamson could yet play in New Zealand's world cup opener against England next week. Stephen Hewson has sports.

Sentiment about the labour market has turned negative and points to a rise in unemployment. The Westpac McDermott Miller employment confidence index turned pessimistic in the September quarter and is at the lowest level in three years, as people worry about finding a job, with fewer on offer and more competition fuelled by high migration levels. Gyles Beckford has the business news.

National has just released its policing policy, in which it commits to delivering a further 300 frontline police officers, if they're elected. Labour also committed to the same number in their police plan, which they announced three weeks ago. New Zealand Police Association president Chris Cahill spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Labour has released its much-anticipated fiscal plan laying out the costs of its election promises, calling it responsible, balanced and credible. The party's finance spokesperson Grant Robertson acknowledges the next few Budgets will be tight, but says there is room for a limited number of new commitments, like removing GST off fruit and vegetables and free dental care for those under 30. Its numbers have been checked and confirmed by Infometrics' Principal Economist, Brad Olsen. The National Party will also release its fiscal plan later this week. RNZ Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Charlotte Cook.

FIRST Union and community advocacy group ActionStation are campaigning to end what they describe as "bankflation" by New Zealand's four largest retail banks: ANZ, ASB, BNZ and Westpac. They've released a briefing paper which shows the net interest margins of those banks, which is the difference between their lending and borrowing rates, have risen to a 17-year high. It comes as New Zealanders grapple with high inflation and a cost-of-living crisis. FIRST Union researcher and policy analyst Edward Miller spoke to Charlie Dreaver.

Drones are being used to conduct aerial observations of a grounded fishing vessel in Banks Peninsula. The 25 metre Austro Carina ran aground at Red Bluff, and had about 10,000 litres of diesel and 400 litres of hydraulic oil on board. The spill is close to marine reserves which are home to protected species such as the little blue penguin and Hector's dolphins. The Transport Accident Investigation Commission is investigating. Environment Canterbury's regional on-scene commander Emma Parr spoke to Charlie Dreaver

The New Zealand wool flooring manufacturer Bremworth is hoping to boost confidence in the wool sector by offering ten-year contracts for farmer suppliers. Susan Murray has the rural news.

Midfielder Sarpreet Singh is set to play his first game for the All Whites in almost two years. Stephen Hewson has sports.  

A rise in heavy freight activity, the first in two months, suggests more resilience in the economy than expected. Gyles Beckford has the business news.

The Labour Party is promising that if elected next month, it will boost Pharmac's budget by more than a billion dollars over the next four years. The drug-buying agency already receives almost $1.5 billion a year. Under Labour's plan, Labour leader Chris Hipkins, says they will provide an ongoing $180 million a year to ensure recently-added treatments can continue to be funded. It will also pump an extra $50 million for new treatments from the 2024/25 financial year, rising to $100 million per year from 2026. Labour's health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall spoke to Charlie Dreaver.

National has announced it will crackdown on beneficiaries if they're elected next month, saying jobseekers need to face consequences for not complying with their obligations to prepare for, or find work. The party is promising a new traffic light system which will hit jobseeker beneficiaries with tougher sanctions if they flout the rules, which could include benefit reductions or suspensions, and mandatory community work. Jobseekers will also have to reapply for the benefit every six months and provide documented proof of applications and interview attendance. National's Social Development spokesperson Louise Upston spoke with Charlie Dreaver

Labour's deputy leader, Carmel Sepuloni, has backed her party's plan to implement an amnesty for overstayers of more than ten years. It follows anger over why it was not done earlier, with community leaders saying it's too little too late. She made the assurance in the RNZ-Pacific Media Network Pacific Leaders debate this morning. Lydia Lewis produced that debate and spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Families of Pike River victims are calling for new corporate manslaughter legislation after some of the charges against the owners of Whakaari/White Island were dismissed. The owners of Whakaari Management Limited were charged with health and safety failures in the leadup to the volcanic eruption in December 2019 that killed 22 people. The individual charges were thrown out in the Auckland District Court earlier this month, but charges against the company remain and are now being considered by a judge. Some families of the victims of the Pike River disaster say the system of accountability is broken - Sonya Rockhouse is among them and spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Rainfall watches are in place through to this evening and totals over the past 24 hours are ranging from 70 to 150 millimetres in Bay of Plenty and 300 millimetres north of Gisborne. Susan Murray has the rural news.  

Wales have romped into the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup with a record 40-6 win over Australia in Lyon. Felicity Reid has sports.

Falling international demand for infant formula, high inflation and extreme weather have caused the specialty dairy company Synlait Milk fall into the red. Gyles Beckford has the business news.

Heavy rainfall is continuing to hammer the Bay of Plenty region Monday morning.  MetService says Ōpōtiki had 59 millimetres of rain since midnight, with the rest of the region seeing between 30 and 60 millimetres. In eastern Bay of Plenty there's concern Lake Rotomā, which has been flooding intermitently over the past five months, could overflow again and flood part of State Highway 30. Further south, State Highway 5 south of Tumunui is partially blocked due to a slip caused by heavy rain. MetService meteorologist Jessie Owen spoke to Charlotte Cook.

National leader Christopher Luxon has confirmed he will work with New Zealand First after the election, if necessary. In a social media video released Monday morning, Luxon expressed his strong preference would be to form a coalition Governent with ACT, if he wins next month's election. But he conceded MMP elections are always tight, and said he will work with Winston Peters if that's what's needed to put Labour out of power. ACT leader David Seymour last month ruled out working with New Zealand First after the election, and had urged National to do the same. But when Charlotte Cook spoke with him he was not so black and white, saying he would keep his options open.

Labour is vowing to keep free school lunches in nearly one-thousand schools if it's re-elected. Government funding had only budgeted for the programme until the end of 2024, but Labour is committing $650 million to continue it. It says the meals save families $33 per week per child, or more than $1,200 per year per child on average. Labour's Associate Education spokesperson Jo Luxton spoke with Charlotte Cook.

Heavy rain that caused widespread flooding and damage in Southland and Otago has now eased there, but it's now making its way up the country. Large swathes of the South Island remain under weather warnings and watches ahead of the weekend. Metservice Meteorologist Clare O'Connor spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Many farmers are in damage control, putting out supplementary feed and moving stock after heavy rainfall resulted in flooding across the Southland region. Monique Steele has the business news.

France crushed Namibia 96 - 0 Friday morning in their World Cup pool game in Marseille but their biggest ever test win has come at a cost with captain Antoine Dupont suffering a broken cheekbone which could rule him out of the rest of the tournament.  Jonty Dine has sports.