Midday Report

The New Zealand Defence Force is warning civilian staff that 200 of them taking voluntary redundancy is not enough and more cuts are on the way. PSA organiser Mark James spoke to Jemima Huston.

The head of Transporting New Zealand says the unreliability of Cook Strait ferries is placing stress and strain on the country's supply chain. Transporting New Zealand interim chief executive Dom Kalasih spoke to Jemima Huston.

On today's episode, RNZ business editor Gyles Beckford unpacks the latest GDP figures; the US responds to synchonised explosions in Lebanon; MPs debate last minute changes to the Government's gang patch ban; and "waka jumper" is added to the Oxford English Dictionary.

The term "waka jumper" is one of the latest colloquial English phrases to be added to the Oxford English Dictionary. The term, which is used almost exclusively in New Zealand politics, is among several new words in the dictionary's latest update. Also on the list is 'tikanga', 'kapa haka', 'mahi', chilly bin', 'ditch' and 'Aotearoan'. Dr Peter Keegan, a linguist at the University of Auckland, spoke to Midday Report.

Last-minute changes to the Government's gang patch ban are being debated in the House today. The legislation banning gang insignia in public is expected to pass its third reading. RNZ political reporter spoke to Midday Report.

News from the rural farming sector.

The All Blacks hope having Beauden Barrett and Will Jordan on the field at the same time will give them an edge in this weekend's Bledisloe Cup opener against the Wallabies in Sydney.

A second wave of synchonised explosions in Lebanon overnight is escalating tensions in the Middle East, and increasing pressure on the U.S for its role in Israel/Gaza ceasefire talks. Walkie-talkies and hand-held radios used by Hezbollah have been detonated - killing at least 14 people and injuring hundreds more. Correspondent in Washington D.C, Kate Fisher spoke to Midday Report.

Midday Business News for 19 September 2024

Stats NZ data shows gross domestic product - the broad measure of economic growth - fell 0.2 percent in the three months ended June. The numbers show the economy went backwards in the second quarter as expected by experts, following two quarters of economic contraction. RNZ buisness editor Gyles Beckford spoke to Midday Report.