Midday Report

The conduct of cabinet minister Kiri Allan remains under scrutiny, after another media report of poor workplace behaviour.

Senior public service officials have said they were aware of concerns regarding relationships in the Minister's office, while this morning The Post reported new allegations from an anonymous public servant, who told the paper Ms Allan 'yelled and screamed' at staff.

Ms Allan has strongly refuted all of the allegations.

Political commentator Brigitte Morten spoke to Perlina Lau.

Motorists are taking advantage of the last day of the government's fuel subsidy, with long lines forming at some fuel stations.

The 25 cents a litre discount for petrol will end at midnight, as well as half price public transport for people over 25.

RNZ's reporter in Auckland, Delphine Herbert, spoke to Perlina Lau from outside the Costco petrol station in West Auckland.

There are calls for more peer support workers to play a bigger role in the mental health and addiction system.

A new paper released by Te Hiringa Mahara - the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission - is highlighting the significant contribution peer support workers make, thanks to their unique first-hand understanding of distress, addiction and recovery.

At the moment they account for almost 3.5 percent of the total workforce.

Chief executive of Te Hiringa Mahara, Karen Orsborn spoke to Perlina Lau.

Name suppression lapsed yesterday for millionaire and arts patron Sir James Wallace, who for five years was known only as a "prominent businessman" who had indecently assaulted three young men between the early 2000s and 2016.

Mr Wallace emailed hundreds of people while under name suppression, asking for support towards not going to jail.

Public law expert Graeme Edgeler spoke to Perlina Lau.

Farmers are set to get more help for cyclone repairs.

Sally Murphy has the rural news.

The Black Ferns will be sticking with a tried and true game plan but with a few "tweaks" when they kick off their year against Australia in Brisbane tonight.

Stephen Hewson has sports.

An increase in direct flights between China to New Zealand is lifting optimism of a significant lift in business and travel.

Anan Zaki has the business news.

Cabinet Minister Kiri Allan has flatly denied ever treating staff poorly after revelations several public services bosses have previously flagged concerns.

A Department of Conservation staffer seconded to Ms Allan's office left more than a year ago due to problems with work relationships. 

The chief executive of the National Emergency Management Agency also says he was aware of concerns about relationships in the Minister's office.

Deputy Political Editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Perlina Lau.

The Government has announced it will help businesses affected by recent weather events to secure cheaper loans, rather than giving them cash.

Hawke's Bay growers previously asked for $750 million to cover some of the cost of recovery following Cyclone Gabrielle.

Instead, the Government has introduced a five-year scheme beginning at the end of next month, which will make it easier and cheaper for affected businesses to loan the finances they need.

Finance Minister Grant Robertson spoke to Perlina Lau.

El Niño is on its way, and there are some indications it could cause the Earth's warmest ever year.

NIWA Meterologist Ben Noll spoke with Perlina Lau.