Midday Report

The Labour Party's Grant Robertson will announce his retirement from politics.

RNZ political editor Jo Moir spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Wellington's Lewis Clareburt has swum his way into the Paris Olympics after taking out gold in the 400-metre individual medley at the World Swimming Championships in Doha.

The 24-year old's victory tops off a very successful World Champs for the kiwi swimmers. Last week Erika Fairweather won gold in the 400 metres freestyle.

Lewis' father David Clareburt spoke to Charlotte Cook.

The Port Hills fire continues to burn into its 6th day.

The 650-hectare blaze is now contained but huge winds are expected Monday afternoon which could exacerbate hot spots.

Reporter Tim Brown spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Fishing company executives are meeting with officials from the Ministry for Primary Industries today to discuss cameras on commercial fishing boats, amongst other things.

Monique Steele has the rural news.

New Zealand's latest swimming world champion Lewis Clareburt says he was determined to win the 400m individual medley after falling short of his goals in two other races.

Stephen Hewson has sports.

Contact Energy has had a strong first half profit rebound, on higher sales, but warns consumers face higher bills because of increased line charges.

Anan Zaki has the business news.

Cost-cutting at St Johns Ambulance is resulting in ambulances being pulled off the road when staff are on leave or call in sick.

In a bulletin to staff on Friday, management said the service needs to "actively manage recalls" of back up staff in order to manage expenditure.

The Ambulance Association, representing ambulance officers, says efforts to rein in costs are putting people's lives at risk. Association national secretary

Mark Quin spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Hot, windy conditions are forecast in Canterbury on Monday, pushing up the fire danger, as firefighters continue to battle two fires.

As crews work to dampen down hotspots in Christchurch's Port Hills, more than 50 firefighters are fighting a blaze which broke out Sunday night in the Waikari Valley, near Waipara.

The fire has has largely burnt out, but firefighters say it is still uncontrolled. Up to 40 people were evacuated overnight and a community meeting is now underway at the Waipara Memorial Hall.

Hurunui District Mayor Marie Black spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Residents are eager to get back into their homes as the Port Hills wildfires begin to come under control, but Fire and Emergency is acting with extreme caution.

One house has been destroyed in the blaze, and others came within hundreds of metres of the flames.

Residents from about 80 homes are evacuated. Some of them gathered Friday morning for an update from the authorities.

Dominique Leeming spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Nearly 4000 tonnes of cherries have been sent offshore this summer.

Summerfruit New Zealand chief executive, Kate Hellstrom says good sunny weather in key growing region Central Otago led to great quality fruit - most of which headed to Taiwan and China.

Monique Steele has the rural news.