Midday Report

Ill discipline has proved costly for Samoa, as they slumped to a 28-22 loss to Japan in their Rugby World Cup pool match in Toulouse.

Stephen Hewson has sports.

Inflation expectations have fallen to their lowest level in more than two years but consumers remain deeply pessimistic about the economy.

Gyles Bekford has the business news.

Māori leaders have hit back against what they are describing as race-baiting from political parties - saying racism should have no place in elections.

In an open letter, seventeen iwi leaders, marae heads and a representative of the Office of the Kiingitanga have supported a call by Labour leader Chris Hipkins to end racist comments in election campaigns, acknowledging both Te Pāti Māori and the Greens' anti-racist positions.

 

The letter calls on National leader Christopher Luxon to condemn the racist comments made by New Zealand First candidates and the ACT Party.

Manukau Urban Māori Authority chair and Labour Party member Bernie O'Donnell spoke to Charlotte Cook.

A 12-hour strike by senior doctors and hospital dentists around the country next week has been called off.

More than 5000 members of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists employed by Te Whatu Ora had planned to strike from midnight until noon on Monday, over concerns about pay and workload.

But after what they are describing as 'positive movement' by their employer, they will no longer be putting the tools down.

The Association of Salaried Medical Specialists executive director Sarah Dalton spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Last night the two Chris' went head-to-head in Newshub's leaders debate, clashing over crime, health, education and the economy. And while the winner might be up for debate, one word came out on top; the word "actually" was uttered by National's Christopher Luxon a total of 76 times. RNZ's data journalist Farah Hancock has been busy analysing the debate; and not just what words were spoken, but who spoke the most - and you might be surprised it wasn't Chris Hipkins or Christopher Luxon.

The leader of the Labour party has reiterated its commitment to Maori at an event in Northland's Kawakawa. Speaking at the Ngati Hine Health Trust, Chris Hipkins said they have made advancements for Maori during their two terms - including the Maori Health Authority, Matariki, and history in schools. Charlotte talks to political commentator Dr Rawiri Taonui for his reaction to the speech.

News from the rural farming sector

Midday sports News for 28 September 2023 Italy coach Kieran Crowley is confident his side won't be fazed by the Azurri's poor record against the All Blacks when the two sides clash in a key World Cup pool match in Lyon on Saturday morning.

News from the business sector

Watercare is warning it could take several more days to fix a blocked sewer main at the bottom of huge sinkhole in Auckland. Large volumes of raw sewage have been pumping directly into the Waitemata Harbour since the sewer line collapsed, creating the sinkhole on Monday. This morning, Ngati Whatua Orakei placed a rahui across the Waitemata habour due to the deluge of sewage and its environmental impacts. Charlotte Cook speaks with Watercare chief of operations Mark Bourne.