In today's episode, the government has paused millions of dollars of funding to the Cook Islands after its government signed partnership deals with China earlier this year, Iran's Supreme Leader has refused Donald Trump's earlier call for unconditional surrender, Aotearoa officially celebrates Matariki for the fourth time, marked by the reappearance in the night sky of the star cluster, and despite the ban on the infamous Waikato instrument, the final between the Chiefs and Crusaders on Saturday is expected to be a sell out with bars looking to soak up the rest of the punters.

The cowbells might not be ringing out from the Stadium but Christchurch is expecting a full house for a super sport weekend. Despite the ban on the infamous Waikato instrument, the final between the Chiefs and Crusaders on Saturday is expected to be a sell out with bars looking to soak up the rest of the punters. Mason Lattimore is the owner and manager of Loft and Kaiser Brew Bar in Christchurch. He spoke to Charlotte Cook.

This weekend, Aotearoa officially celebrates Matariki for the fourth time, marked by the reappearance in the night sky of the star cluster. This year the focus is Matariki ma Puanga- highlighting the star Puanga. RNZ Maori News reporter Pokere Paiwai spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Midday Rural News for 19 July 2025.

Golfer Dame Lydia Ko needs just one more major victory to complete a career grand slam and feels the PGA Championship is one that she could win.

Midday Business News for 19 July 2025.

Iran's Supreme Leader has refused Donald Trump's earlier call for unconditional surrender, warning US attacks will "result in irreparable damage for them". US correspondent Toni Waterman spoke to Charlotte Cook.

The government has paused millions of dollars of funding to the Cook Islands after its government signed partnership deals with China earlier this year. New Zealand told the Cook Islands government two weeks ago but no announcement was made - the story only coming to light when the Cook Islands News saw it mentioned in a report tabled in parliament. Cook Islands News Editor Rashneel Kumar spoke to Charlotte Cook.

The census gets a shake up and takes some pressure off the costs. The governmnet is also more than threatening to step in and over councils when it comes to housing and development - going as far as changing legislation under the RMA. In breaking news, charges have been laid against Kiwirail over the grounding of the Aratere ferry last year when it was left in the Marlborough Sounds overnight. Lastly, the cowbells are causing a stoush between the finalists Crusaders and Chiefs. Will the bells ring out this Saturday?

It's the battle of the bell - as the Chiefs encourage their fans to download a virtual cowbell to ring out at the final amid a stoush with the Crusaders. Chief's CEO Simon Graafhuis spoke to Charlotte Cook.