Midday Report

Inflation has slowed to its lowest level in three and a half years, with the annual inflation rate now at 2.2 percent - falling within the Reserve Bank's target band of one to three percent for the first time since March 2021. Bay Financial Mentors general manager Shirley McCombe spoke to Charlotte Cook.

In today's episode, an international nurse recruiter says nurses are required to have a high level of English, but some do have challenges with communication - as Waikato hospital says English should be the only language used in clinical settings; the Local Government Minister says he is seeking advice on options to intervene in Wellington City Council's management following plans to change its long term plan; Tauranga hospitality business are hoping a new rule enforcing licence fees for outdoor dining areas set up on footpaths doesn't go ahead, and have you heard of a dry promotion? Find out what it is in Midday Report Essentials

It's a thing many in the workforce are probably familiar with, a new job title, more responsibilities, but no pay rise. HR company Frog recruitment is calling it a 'Dry Promotion', although it seems there might be some value in it. Frog Recruitment's managing director Shannon Barlow speaks to Charlotte Cook.

Hospitality business in Tauranga are crying foul over a newly enforced licence fee for outdoor dining areas set up on footpaths. Changes to rules mean businesses wanting to use the footpath must pay an annual charge based on the size of the area and the zone in central Tauranga or Mount Maunganui. The council has waived charges for the rest of the year and offered an 80 percent rebate with no administration fee for the first half of 2025 to reflect "difficult trading conditions" in the city. Charlotte Cook speaks to Veronica de Oliveira, owner of Black Orchid Collective cafe and tattoo shop on Prince Ave, Mount Maunganui.

Midday Rural News for 15 October 2024

White Ferns captain Sophie Devine says she feels like a proud mum after leading her side into the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup in the UAE.

Midday Business News for 15 October 2024

The Local Government Minister says he is seeking advice on options to intevene in Wellington City Council following plans to change its long term plan. The comments came after the the city council voted on Thursday to stop the sale of its 34 percent stake in Wellington Airport. RNZ's Wellington issues reporter Nick James speaks to Charlotte Cook.

An international nursing recruiter says they're already required to have a high level of English, but some do have challenges with communciation. Waikato public hospital has ordered nurses not to use any language other than English in clinical settings, after concerns were raised within the workforce. A doctor who saw the memo said it was clearly aimed at Indian, Filipino and Pasifika nurses. Charlotte speaks to Prudence Thompson, managing director for Accent Health Recruitment.

In today's episode, a defence and security expert says while tensions are rising in the Middle East, there are also growing tensions about New Zealand's response within the UN; a tourism operator in Samoa says food from a container on the sunken Manawanui has been polluting the water, attracting sharks to popular surf breaks; Woodville locals are vowing to keep fighting against a proposed road toll on the replacement Gorge Road, and a star-studded campaign has launched to raise awareness of herpes.