Midday Report

News from the rural farming sector.

Black Ferns fullback Renee Holmes is preparing for an aerial bombardment from the northern hemisphere sides in the W-X-V-1.

Midday Business News for 30 September 2024

The Ministry of Disabled People, has launched an independent investigation into the deaths of four people while in care. There have been 87 deaths of disabled people in care in the first seven months of this year. Whaikaha says many people in care have underlying health conditions, and most of the deaths were from natural causes, disease, or illness. However of the 87 deaths, four are now the subject of an independent investigation. Peter Reynolds is chief executive of New Zealand Disability Support Network who spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Smokefree advocates say the Prime Minister should be concerned over a lack of transparency shown by his Associate Health Minister - Casey Costello. Documents reveal that officials told Ms Costello cutting the tax for heated tobacco products would benefit big tobacco company Philip Morris the most. Treasury officials also warned the products are toxic and more harmful than vaping. Ms Costello claims she got independent advice before reducing the tax, but won't say where from. Chris Bullen is a Professor of Public Health at the University of Auckland, and is a member of the Smokefree Expert Advisory Group and spoke to Charlotte Cook

On today's episode hundreds of workers at Alliance Group's Smithfield meatworks in Timaru have lost their jobs under a proposal to close the processing plant. The 600 staff were called into a surprise meeting at 11 o'clock this morning. Wellington is getting a much needed boost this weekend with a sold out All Blacks test and the opening weekend of the World of Wearable Arts. Daylight saving is about to plague our sleep this weekend, but reward us with the promise of longer summer evenings.

Daylight saving is about to plague our sleep this weekend, but reward us with the promise of longer summer evenings. The clocks jump forward on Sunday, taking away an hour's shut eye. Dr Karyn O'Keefe from the Sleep/Wake Research Centre talks to Charlotte.

Wellington is getting a much needed boost this weekend with a sold out All Blacks test and the opening weekend of the World of Wearable Arts. The capital city's hospitality and retail sectors have been worried about the loss of business and struggle to survive with people saving their pennies amid wide ranging public sector job cuts. Charlotte speaks with Hospitality New Zealand's chief executive Steve Armitage.

News from the rural farming sector.

Liam Lawson has a Formula One seat for the rest of the season and there's speculation he could find himself in Red Bull's top team if he performs.