Midday Report

Midday Business News for 15 March 2024

It's five years to the day since a terrorist launched an attack on two Christchurch mosques, killing 51 people. This year's anniversary falls within the first week of Ramadan and members of the city's Muslim community have planned what's expected to be the largest gathering since the shootings to honour the victims, their families and the survivors. In the aftermath of the tragedy former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern launched the Christchurch Call in a bid to stamp out violent extremist content online. Kate Hannah from the Disinformation Project speaks to Charlotte Cook about what progess has been made.

The Green Party is facing questions about how much it knew, and when, over allegations involving MP Darleen Tana. Ms Tana has been suspended from the party and an investigation has been launched after she was linked to alleged migrant exploitation at her husband's business - E Cycles NZ. The party stripped her of the small business portfolio on February the 1st when it first became aware of the allegations, but did not make that public at the time. Charlotte Cook speaks with former Green MP Gareth Hughes.

An Auckland construction company manager is spreading goodwill around the country in a very unique way. He's hiding 50 dollar notes in poorer communities - using social media to drop clues.He's only been doing it a month but already has more than 20-thousand followers.He wants to remain anonymous - but agreed to come on the programme.

A summer surge of the nasty stomach bug cryptosporidium has prompted public health warnings from Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora. The crypto parasite is spread mainly by faeces from people or animals. It is often contracted when people swallow contanimated water in pools, lakes or rivers. Health NZ National Clinical Director for Protection, Dr Susan Jack spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Midday Sport for 14 March 2024

Midday Business News for 14 March 2024

The Labour leader Chris Hipkins has told his caucus it needs to re-build the party into a winning machine, ahead of the next election Labour MPs are meeting in Martinborough for their first caucus retreat since their election loss. While much of the morning has been focused how the party can rebuild, there have also been questions about the party's vision for tax. RNZ political reporter Katie Scotcher speaks to Charlotte Cook.

Migrant arrivals and departures have hit record levels in the past year, but the monthly gain is slowing. Stats NZ says there was a net gain of 5-thousand-300 migrants in January, the lowest since October 2022. The surge of migrants who have settled since borders were opened and visa rules relaxed is showing clear signs of slowing down. Charlotte Cook speaks with Chief Executive and Principal Economist at Infometrics Brad Olsen to find out what the figures mean.

News from the rural farming sector.