Midday Report

Debate is heating up over the introduction of a congestion charge for Aucklanders.

Auckland Council's Transport and Infrastructure Committee is meeting tomorrow to discuss the so-called 'Time of Use Charge' which would see drivers charged for using some of the city's busiest roads during peak times.

Mayor Wayne Brown is making no secret of the fact he's a big fan.

Auckland Business Chamber CEO and Chair of the Northern Infrastructure Forum Simon Bridges spoke to Charlie Dreaver.

Some possible headway has been made with the incoming government, with the three party leaders meeting face to face for the first time since the election.

National leader Christopher Luxon, ACT's David Seymour, and New Zealand First's Winston Peters met at the Pullman Hotel in Auckland Wednesday morning.

So does this mean we may have a Government soon?

RNZ Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Charlie Dreaver.

The sun is out and so are the fascinators at Christchurch's Addington Raceway as the city celebrates Cup Day.

It's the biggest day on the country's harness racing calendar - and a big event on Canterbury's social calendar.

Reporter Rachel Graham spoke to Charlie Dreaver from Addington.

Car insurance premiums have sky rocketed - up by as much as 38 percent in two years according to a Consumer NZ survey.

The survey also found that 10 percent of people who don't have coverage, have chosen to let their insurance policy lapse due to the cost.

Consumer NZ's head of research and advocacy Rebecca Styles spoke to Charlie Dreaver.

Sanford's revenue is up despite selling a lower volume of mussels and squid.

Monique Steele has the rural news.

Veteran Black Caps bowler Trent Boult is chasing an elusive one-day trophy and is excited by the opportunity to match up against India in tomorrow's Cricket World Cup semi-final in Mumbai.

Felicity Reid has sports.

Retail giant The Warehouse Group is feeling the effects of tougher economic times, with first quarter sales down nearly 7 percent on the year earlier. 

Anan Zaki has the business news.

Cyclone Mal is building strength and is now a Category 2 storm, as it makes its way towards western Fiji.

It's expected to pass 170 kilometres west of Nadi at three o'clock Wednesday morning.

The islands of Yasawa and Mamanuca could be impacted later today.

RNZ Pacific reporter Caleb Fotheringham spoke to Charlie Dreaver.

The World Health Organisation says Gaza's biggest hospital, Al Shifa is "nearly a cemetery," as fighting rages close by and severe fuel shortages impact treatment.

The organisation says dozens of premature babies and kidney patients needing dialysis can't be treated properly due to a lack of power.

The manager of the hospital has told the BBC 32 people, including premature babies have already died in recent days.

A short time ago, US President Joe Biden said "the hospital must be protected".

President of Médecins Sans Frontières Australia Katrina Penney spoke to Charlie Dreaver.

A new ferry between Auckland and Waiheke Island sailed into service on Monday.

Up until now Fullers360 has dominated the route, with many residents calling for competition to help bring down prices.

Island Direct founder David Todd spoke to Charlie Dreaver.