Midday Rural News for 23 May 2025

Team New Zealand is rejecting criticism from two America's Cup challengers accusing it of a lack of transparency in naming Naples as 2027 Cup venue

Midday Business News for 23 May 2025

More than 60,000 families will be worse off as a result of a move to income-test the Best Start tax credit in the first year of a baby's life. Leading expert in parental leave and financial wellbeing in New Zealand Stephanie Pow spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Social Development Minister Louise Upston announced 18 and 19-year-olds would now have their Jobseeker and emergency benefits tested against their parents' incomes. Nelson-based beneficiary advocate Kay Brereton spoke to Charlotte Cook.

In today's episode, we speak with ASB chief economist Nick Tuffley about what to expect in Budget 2025. We cross to Wellington issues reporter Nick James about a major Wellington City Council meeting looking at spending on big projects such as water infrastructure, Khandallah Pool and Begonia House. And we speak to a Christchurch principal involved in a discussion about an alternative First XV boys' rugby competition which spans the entire South Island, but would exclude co-ed schools.

Health spending will be the top of mind for many in this year's budget, with many parts of the sector calling for a major injection in funding. Haematologist Rodger Tiedemann spoke to Charlotte Cook.

A Christchurch principal involved in a proposal for a First XV rugby competition put forward by South Island boys' high schools insists it is not aimed at excluding co-ed schools. Christchurch Boys' High Principal Nic Hill spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Midday Rural News for 22 May 2025

Two Olympic gold medal winning sevens players, Jorja Miller and Risi Puri-Lane have been named to make their debuts for the Black Ferns in Saturday's Pacific Four decider against the USA in Hamilton.