Midday Report

The second cricket test between New Zealand and South Africa in Hamilton is evenly poised.

Stephen Hewson has sports.

The Reserve Bank Governor says there's more work to do to improve inflation expectations and ensure it stays at the desired 2 percent. 

Gyles Beckford has the business news.

Te Whatu Ora has revealed at least 12,000 people have had personal information plastered on the internet in part of last year's Covid-19 data breach.

Health New Zealand says a large number of vaccinators had their details posted in a downloadable file on a United States blogsite.

The agency has begun notifying individuals but says the numbers of people involved may grow.

Former employee Barry Young is facing court charges relating to the leak. He next appears in court next week.

Te Whatu Ora chief executive Margie Apa spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Large parts of scorched earth have been seen in Kennedys Bush as Fire fighters gradually gain control of the blaze.

There is still smoke drifting from the hills, but fire and emergency say the 650-hectare blaze is about 70 per cent contained, although completely extinguishing it could take weeks.

Twenty-two trucks and tankers are continuing to work on the ground, while 12 helicopters and two planes are dropping water and retardant on the fire.

The fire destroyed a container home, but there have been no further reports of major property damage.

Reporter Samantha Gee spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Weather conditions are making it difficult for firefighters battling the Port Hills blaze.

It's hot and windy in Christchurch, with conditions expected to continue throughout the day. NIWA is providing forecasts to firefighters on the ground.

Forecaster Tristan Meyers spoke to Charlotte Cook.

For one Port Hills resident, the fire brings a horrible sense of déjà vu.

Vikki Pflaum's house was destroyed in the 2017 blaze and she had moved back into her new house on Worsleys Rd just five weeks ago when she and her husband Doug were forced to evacuate again.

Pflaum spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Cordons are in place around the fire, but Fire and Emergency has been allowing farmers access to manage livestock Thursday morning.

Monique Steele has the rural news.

Day 3 of the second test in Hamilton. The South African cricketers are 40 for 3 in their second innings with a lead of 71 runs.

Barry Guy has sports.

Falling commercial property values have hit another development company, this time, Vital Healthcare Property Trust.

Gyles Beckford has the business news.

The Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery has just touched down after a helicopter flight over the fire and surrounding areas.

Earlier Fire and Emergency said it was too early to give assurances that they would be able to get the fire under control on Thursday.

Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Mark Mitchell spoke to Charlotte Cook.