Midday Report

Heavy rainfall destroyed around four million young plants at the country's three main propagators at Bay of Plenty nurseries, earlier this year.

Monique Steele has the rural news.

The Warriors are one win away from the NRL grand final and their remarkable run this season is motivating another champion side. 

Barry Guy has sports.

The clothing and sporting goods retailer KMD Brands' full year profit is down slightly despite record sales and an improved profit margin. 

Gyles Beckford has the business news.

A property economist says the National Party Leader could be trying to hedge his bets by claiming foreign buyers won't cause house prices to rise.

Christopher Luxon told Morning Report that housing supply was what drives up costs, not the introduction of foreign buyers to the market.

CoreLogic's Senior Property Economist Kelvin Davidson told Charlotte Cook some of his arguments stack up.

A magnitude six earthquake which struck in Canterbury just before quarter-past-nine Wednesday morning has left some nearby residents feeling a bit shaken.

The quake, which struck 45 kilometres north of Geraldine at a depth of ten kilometres, was located in the Southern Alps, away from populated areas.

It was widely felt in Geraldine, Timaru and Temuka - though there are no reports of serious damage or injury.

Timaru District Council says it's closing a stadium and other facilities for assessment.

Two people who experienced the quake, Janene Adams who's deputy chair of the Geraldine Community Board, and from further north, and the operator of the Mount Somers Holiday Park, Maureen Meanwell, spoke with Charlotte Cook

The Green Party wants to expand the free school lunches programme to cover more students, and ensure it continues beyond the end of next year.

The current programme provides free lunches to 230,000 school students, but funding has only been confirmed until the end of 2024.

Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson, says her party would expand ensure an additional 135,000 children are covered by the programme.

Kim Dotcom's case is back in court as his legal team fights a decision that would see his hard-drives and passwords released to the United States.

The controversial billionaire is appealing a High Court ruling that found the devices should be sent to the FBI.

RNZ reporter Soumya Bhamidipati has been at the Court of Appeal in Wellington and spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Animal welfare group SAFE has asked parties polling over 5 percent for their thoughts on a range of policy stances relating to animal welfare.

Monique Steele has the rural news.

The All Blacks are confident they have the players to cover the loss of prop Ethan de Groot, who's been suspended for their final two pool games at the World Cup.

Barry Guy has sports.

Retail petrol prices are forecast to rise to as much as $3.50 a litre for 91-octane by Christmas.

Gyles Beckford has the business news.