Midday Report

Post-election, New Zealand's Parliament is once again mostly men.

In the previous term the numbers had been equal, now it's 68 men to 53 women.

The National Party's 50 person caucus has 34 men, to 16 women.

That's despite some moves from leader Christopher Luxon to even the scales.

Political scientist Lara Greaves spoke to Charlotte Cook.

A dry early spring is creating uncertainty as to whether the largest dam to be built - since the Clyde Dam three decades ago - will be filled as hoped, by December.

Monique Steel has the rural news.

Avoiding the dreaded playoff for bronze is motivating the All Blacks ahead of their World Cup semifinal against Argentina in Paris on Saturday morning.

Stephen Hewson has sports.

Retail spending is subdued but still with a flicker of growth, according numbers released by ANZ Bank.

Anan Zaki has the business news.

Auckland Museum says it gave Vector the chance to join it in lighting up in solidarity with Israel over the weekend.

The museum projected blue and white lights onto the side of the building on Sunday evening, which spared a small protest.

The Auckland Museum have refused to front for an interview.

Reporter Rayssa Almeida spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Aid agencies are preparing to go into Gaza as the humanitarian crisis there intensifies.

After talks on Thursday with US President Joe Biden, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to allow aid in through Egypt - as long as the supplies don't go to Hamas.

It's not yet clear when the aid will be allowed through.

The British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak has also announced he is on his way to the Middle East.

Otago University professor of politics and international relations Robert Patman spoke to Charlotte Cook.

More New Zealanders are using nicotine vapes even if they have never smoked, a survey has found.

Massey University's New Zealand Drug Trends Survey also found that doctors were more willing to prescribe medicinal cannabis, but many patients were still too nervous to ask for it.

Senior researcher Dr Marta Rychert spoke to Charlotte Cook.

An Auckland butcher has snagged the top title as New Zealand's top sausage-maker.

The "Lamb Delight" from Sam's Butchery in Silverdale came up trumps at the Great New Zealand Sausage Competition.

Judge Kathy Paterson spoke to Charlotte Cook.

A recently released University of Auckland study has found NCEA results and University Entrance rates were about 15 percent lower for rural students, compared to their urban counterparts.

Monique Steele has the rural news.

A misfiring All Whites side has been outplayed by Australia, going down 2-0 in their trans-Tasman football international in London.

Stephen Hewson has sports.