Midday Report

Farmer-owned red meat co-op Alliance has reported a loss after tax of $70 million for the year ended September - a big flip from last year's $73.6 dollar profit.

Monique Steele has the rural news.

The Black Caps exited the Cricket World Cup this morning with a 70-run loss to India in the semi-finals in Mumbai but middle-order batter Daryl Mitchell gave New Zealand hope and earned the praise of captain Kane Williamson.

Joe Porter has sports.

Diversified infrastructure investor Infratil's first half net profit has more than doubled, reflecting a big boost from its near 100 percent ownership of mobile telco, One NZ.

Anan Zaki has the business news.

A pedestrian has been hit by a car and killed in the Lower Hutt suburb of Naenae.

The incident happened shortly before six Thursday morning.

A section of the road remains cordoned off and police say the driver of the vehicle did not stop and fled the scene.

Reporter Jemima Huston spoke to Charlie Dreaver.

National leader Christopher Luxon says negotiations to form a government are now in their final stages.

The party's core negotiating team has met at Auckland's Cordis Hotel Thursday morning.

They're planning to meet with ACT and New Zealand First separately later Thursday afternoon.

Political reporter Katie Scotcher spoke to Charlie Dreaver.

Foreign interference was the winner on the day - with the pūteketeke taking out Forest and Bird's Bird of the Century competition.

Also known as the Australasian crested grebe, the bird was adopted by US talk show host John Oliver who mounted an aggressive campaign. The pūteketeke won in a landslide with over 290,000 votes - the runner up was the kiwi - way behind with almost 13,000.

Forest and Bird's Media and Communications Manager Lynn Freeman spoke to Charlie Dreaver.

With a record almost half a million New Zealanders relying on food handouts from charity each month - the new government is being told that child poverty must be at the top of its agenda.

The Child Action Poverty Group has written an open letter and launched a petition - demanding a meeting with incoming Prime Minister Christopher Luxon before Christmas.

The group's health spokesperson and former paediatrician Professor Innes Asher spoke to Charlie Dreaver.

Wood chopping, dog trials, rare breeds and a beautiful Belgian Blue cow are all on display at the New Zealand Agricultural Show in Ōtautahi today.

Sally Murphy has the rural news.

Hosts and tournament favourites India say they won't be weighed down by history when they face New Zealand in their cricket World Cup semi final.

Daniel Gilhooly has sports.

Contact Energy says it is important to keep the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter open beyond 2024, when its energy supply agreement is set to expire. 

Anan Zaki has the business news.