Midday Report

Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz believes his victory in the Australian Formula One Grand Prix is timley as it will boost his chances of finding a team for next season.

Bridget Tunnicliffe has sports.

The Shareholders Association says Fletcher Building's board is making the right moves in refreshing the company's leadership but it wants more transparency in the process.

Anan Zaki has the business news.

A group of prominent Auckland figures have published an open letter urging councillors not to proceed with the sale of a 35-year-lease of the Port of Auckland.

The letter from Stop Stealing Our Harbour to Mayor Wayne Brown says the lease will lock the waterfront into low-productivity, industrial activities until at least 2060.

Instead, it calls on councillors to vote against the proposal, and transform the port into a public waterfront.

Urban Auckland chair and Stop Stealing Our Harbour's Julie Stout spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Extra police officers are patrolling the streets of Gisborne on Monday following a deadly weekend brawl at a 21st birthday party.

Two people died at the scene, and three others are in hospital with suspected stab wounds.

A double homicide investigation is underway Police say fighting broke out when two uninvited guests arrived, and a minor disagreement escalated.

A 29-year-old man is due in court this afternoon charged with wounding with intent.

Tairāwhiti MP Dana Kirkpatrick spoke to Charlotte Cook.

The US has filed a major lawsuit against tech giant Apple, accusing the company of monopolising the smartphone market and locking out competitors.

The justice department says Apple is blocking the growth of new apps and reducing the appeal of rival products.

Apple denies the claims and says it will fight the lawsuit.

NZ tech commentator Bill Bennett spoke to Charlotte Cook.

A couple of days after saying pumping water into the dried up Greenstreet Creek was not a straight forward activity and would only be a temporary solution - the Canterbury regional council's chief executive gave farmers the greenlight to pump water into it yesterday afternoon.

Sally Murphy has the rural news.

Returning White Ferns captain Sophie Devine says while winning the T20 series against England is important, they must also focus on building depth ahead of this year's T20 World Cup.

Bridget Tunnicliffe has sports.

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare has nudged its forecasts for full year revenue and profit higher despite the adverse effects of a stronger currency and likely drop in the value of its Auckland property.

Anan Zaki has the business news.

It is five months today since the little boy known as Baby Ru died in Hutt Hospital of catastrophic head injuries, but no-one has yet been charged.

That's despite the fact there were three adults in the house at the time he was injured.

Reporter Ruth Hill spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Wellington is taking a hit with hundreds of public service staff set to lose their jobs. Just this week, more than 800 job cuts have been announced by the Ministry of Health, MPI, and MBIE.

Dozens more ministries are due to strip back their budgets as directed by the government.

Wellington Chamber of Commerce chief executive Simon Arcus spoke to Charlotte Cook.