Midday Report

Businesses are cautiously optimistic about the outlook for the economy under the new government.

Anan Zaki has the business news.

The man behind the Lake Onslow power scheme says the project is not dead in the water and it's not up to the National-led government to dictate New Zealand's future energy policy.

The $16-billion pumped hydro project in the central Otago high country was proposed as a solution to New Zealand's dry year problem every seven years through power storage.

But as part of its 100-day plan, the new government has instructed officials to halt all work on it.

Energy Minister Simeon Brown says it's a hugely wasteful and the focus of his government will be on increasing renewables.

The scheme is the brainchild of hydrologist Professor Earl Bardsley.

Bardsley spoke to Charlotte Cook.

December has arrived and that means Christmas trees are being decorated, carols are on and most importantly, lights are going up.

The switch will be flicked at the popular street-wide display on Auckland's Franklin Road Friday night, and this year marks it's thirtieth anniversary.

Organiser Roscoe Thorby spoke to Charlotte Cook.

NIWA is repeating warnings of a hot and windy summer, with a high fire risk for some parts of the country.

Its summer climate outlook shows El Niño is here to stay, bringing some volatile weather with it.

NIWA meteorologist Chris Brandolino spoke to Charlotte Cook.

From May next year China will stop accepting frozen velvet imports bound for its traditional medicinal market - deciding to use dried velvet only.

Sally Murphy has the rural news.

The pressure is on the Black Caps bowlers to pick up wickets early on the fourth day otherwise any chance of victory in first test against Bangladesh is going to fade quickly.

Bridget Tunnicliffe has sports.

Consumer confidence has improved but remains pessimistic as household budgets remain squeezed, deterring people from big spending.

Anan Zaki has the business news.

A deal to start giving money to the countries hardest hit by climate change is being seen as a breakthrough on the first day of the COP28 summit in Dubai.

The U.N Secretary General Antonio Guterres says the Loss and Damage Fund is essential to delivering climate justice to the most vulnerable.

Pacific Islands Climate Action Network's Lavetanalagi Seru spoke to Charlotte Cook.

An Auckland councillor is concerned there could be dozens of buildings being used as temporary accommodation which don't have a proper warrant of fitness.

Four cabins on a church complex in Māngere Bridge were destroyed by an early morning fire on Thursday.

Fire and Emergency says there were no smoke alarms or sprinklers - and the 18 residents were lucky to escape alive.

Josephine Bartley is the Chair of Auckland Council's Regulatory and Community Safety Committee and says she's asked council officials to investigate.

Bartley spoke to Charlotte Cook.

The last-minute cramming is over for hundreds of thousands of secondary school students around the country.

Thursday marks the end of NCEA exams - and this year there's been a few hiccups along the way.

Secondary Principals' Association President Vaughan Couillaut spoke to Charlotte Cook.