Midday Report

Hundreds of protesters have caused disruption through Central Wellington today, as they march through the streets to Parliament. About 600 people gathered at Wellington's Civic Square for a protest organised by Brian Tamaki's Freedoms and Rights Coalition. So far the protest has taken the form of an election rally for Mr Tamaki's Freedoms New Zealand Umbrella Party. The protesters themselves are protesting a range of issues, from vaccines, to evolution, to 15-minute cities. Charlotte Cook gets the latest from RNZ's Ashleigh McCaull who is at the protest.

New Zealand's Thomson Whisky distillery is set to bring something unique to the most prestigious whisky show in the UK this weekend.

Thomson's Manuka Smoked whisky will be one of about one thousand malts on offer at the Whisky Show UK, which gets underway in London on Saturday.

The distillery's spokesperson Rachel Thomson talked to Charlotte Cook.

Wellington City Council says it is not expecting trouble from tomorrow's political protests, but it has closed roads around Parliament as a precaution.

The closures, which are right next to Wellington's train station and the city's largest bus exchange, are expected to cause disruption for commuters, with bus stops being moved, and routes changed.

Wellington's deputy mayor, Laurie Foon, says it is about staying in control.

Foon spoke to Charlotte Cook.

The value of what we're throwing out has risen to $3.2 billion - due to higher food costs.

Susan Murray has the rural news.

Black Caps captain Kane Williamson could yet play in New Zealand's world cup opener against England next week.

Stephen Hewson has sports.

Sentiment about the labour market has turned negative and points to a rise in unemployment.

The Westpac McDermott Miller employment confidence index turned pessimistic in the September quarter and is at the lowest level in three years, as people worry about finding a job, with fewer on offer and more competition fuelled by high migration levels.

Gyles Beckford has the business news.

National has just released its policing policy, in which it commits to delivering a further 300 frontline police officers, if they're elected.

Labour also committed to the same number in their police plan, which they announced three weeks ago.

New Zealand Police Association president Chris Cahill spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Labour has released its much-anticipated fiscal plan laying out the costs of its election promises, calling it responsible, balanced and credible.

The party's finance spokesperson Grant Robertson acknowledges the next few Budgets will be tight, but says there is room for a limited number of new commitments, like removing GST off fruit and vegetables and free dental care for those under 30.

Its numbers have been checked and confirmed by Infometrics' Principal Economist, Brad Olsen.

The National Party will also release its fiscal plan later this week.

RNZ Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Charlotte Cook.

FIRST Union and community advocacy group ActionStation are campaigning to end what they describe as "bankflation" by New Zealand's four largest retail banks: ANZ, ASB, BNZ and Westpac.

They've released a briefing paper which shows the net interest margins of those banks, which is the difference between their lending and borrowing rates, have risen to a 17-year high.

It comes as New Zealanders grapple with high inflation and a cost-of-living crisis.

FIRST Union researcher and policy analyst Edward Miller spoke to Charlie Dreaver.

Drones are being used to conduct aerial observations of a grounded fishing vessel in Banks Peninsula.

The 25 metre Austro Carina ran aground at Red Bluff, and had about 10,000 litres of diesel and 400 litres of hydraulic oil on board.

The spill is close to marine reserves which are home to protected species such as the little blue penguin and Hector's dolphins.

The Transport Accident Investigation Commission is investigating.

Environment Canterbury's regional on-scene commander Emma Parr spoke to Charlie Dreaver