Midday Report

R-CALF USA which represents sheep farmers is busy meeting with members of congress to push its agenda - to get higher tariffs on imported sheep-meat from New Zealand and Australia.

Sally Murphy has the rural news.

New Zealand's Erin Routliffe has credited her strong serve for getting her and her doubles partner through to the Australian Open semi finals. 

Barry Guy has sports.

Inflation slowed markedly in the final three months of last year, with the annual rate easing to 4.7 percent from 5.6 percent.

Gyles Beckford has the business news.

Christchurch City Councillors have voted to consider hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games, despite being showered in fake money by protesters opposing a possible bid.

A recommendation by Mayor Phil Mauger for council staff to provide advice on the viability of hosting the 2030 Games passed 10 to 7 at a meeting Wednesday morning, to the dismay of the protesters.

The city last hosted the Games 50 years ago.

Reporter Niva Chittock spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Rātana Pā is now full of politicians with both government and opposition representatives welcomed onto the marae.

The commemorations at Rātana are widely seen as the beginning of the political year.

They also provide a rare chance for Māori to address politicians directly on the pae - something that holds extra weight this year because the celebrations come so soon after last weekend's national hui called by the Kiingitanga.

Political reporter Giles Dexter spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Taranaki sunflower Scott Andrews has planted 70,000 sunflowers just for the public to enjoy.

But the flowers are so popular with Instagrammers, he's had to take steps to stop selfie-seekers coming on to his property in search of the perfect snap.

Andrews spoke to Charlotte Cook.

More and more New Zealanders are withdrawing their Kiwisaver due to financial hardship.

According to figures from Inland Revenue - in 2022 - there were 18,000 withdrawals on hardship grounds, but last year that number soared to 29,000.

They also outstrip withdrawals from first home buyers.

Retirement Commissioner Jane Wrightson spoke to Charlotte Cook.

After seven years in the top job, and 21 years at Zespri's chief executive Dan Mathieson has announced he will move on.

Sally Murphy has the rural news.

White Ferns captain Sophie Devine wants to see more New Zealand players standing out in the domestic competitions.

Barry Guy has sports.

The Reserve Bank is set to bring in new restrictions on retail bank mortgage lending.

Gyles Beckford has the business news.