Midday Report

KiwiRail is offering voluntary redundancies across its entire workforce starting Monday. In a staff email obtained by RNZ, KiwiRail said the move is to "reshape the business and lower costs" and they'll work with affected staff and unions, exploring options like redeployment. Tu Natanahira speaks with Howard Phillips, vice president of the Rail and Maritime Transport Union.

Midday Rural News for 18 October 2024

Double Olympic medallist Ally Wollaston has claimed her first world title after winning the elimination race at the Track Cycling World Champs in Denmark.

Midday Business News for 18 October 2024

The former Green MP Darleen Tana may finally be ousted from Parliament, after party delegates decided last night to use the controversial waka-jumping legislation. Ms Tana has been engaged in a lengthy stoush with the Green Party, stemming from allegations she was involved in the exploitation of migrants at her husband's business. Sharyn Green is one of Darleen Tana's lawyers, and speaks to Tu Natanahira.

Timaru Council has launched a taskforce to help affected workers find new jobs, after Alliance Group today confirmed its Smithfield meatworks will close with a loss of 600 jobs. Alliance made the proposal to close the meat processing plant in September, with consultation ending last week. Today the final decision was made to close the site. Tu Natanahira speaks to Timaru's mayor Nigel Bowen.

In today's episode, Tory Whanau met with the Local Government Minister Simeon Brown in the Beehive this morning after the government raised concerns this week about council dysfunction, an ACC researcher is warning the Accident Compensation Corporation not to manufacture a crisis, after it recorded a $7.2 billion loss this year, as many as one in four New Zealanders have shopped on Temu, often attracted by ultra-low prices, but ethical fashion researchers say these prices are a red flag for worker exploitation, and a mysterious sea-creature from the depths of the ocean was so puzzling for NIWA scientists it was initially nicknamed 'The Thing'.

A mysterious sea-creature from the depths of the ocean was so puzzling for NIWA scientists it was initially nicknamed 'The Thing'. NIWA marine biologist and voyage leader Sadie Mills spoke to Charlotte Cook.

As many as one in four New Zealanders have shopped on Temu, often attracted by ultra-low prices, but ethical fashion researchers say these prices are a red flag for worker exploitation. Tearfund advocacy specialist Maya Duckworth spoke to Charlotte Cook.

In a statement to RNZ, Temu says: "Our competitive prices result from streamlining the supply chain and eliminating middlemen. Many traditional retailers and platforms rely on middlemen to source products from the same manufacturers that sell on Temu. With our direct-from-factory model, consumers avoid paying the added intermediary costs and markup. Temu is committed to upholding ethical, humane, and lawful business practices, as outlined in our Third-Party Code of Conduct. Our business partners and third-party merchants must comply with strict standards regarding labor, safety, and environmental protection. We reserve the right to end relationships with those who do not meet these requirements".

Midday Rural News for 17 October 2024