Midday Report

Health researchers say scrapping prescription charges will reduce pressure on the public health system. The Budget scrapped the $5 prescription co-payment at a cost of $618.6 million. Professor Pauline Norris led a University of Otago study which found the $5 cost was an insurmountable barrier to medicines for many people. She speaks with Charlotte Cook.

News from the rural farming sector The main two winners in rural areas are the schools and roading network. Just over $63 million will go towards helping small and isolated schools upgrade their heating, lighting and energy systems. A Hawke's Bay meatworks has been fined nearly 330 thousand dollars for health and safety failures after a worker partially amputated his fingers with a meat-cutting machine. A service bringing free counselling sessions to farmers, ultimately getting ahead of the eight week waitlist in the health system, has run out of funding.

Auckland golfer Ryan Fox surprised himself with his opening round at the US PGA in New York which has him tied for seventh, just two shots off the lead. After failing to fire a shot against the Crusaders, the Blues will seek redemption against Reds in Brisbane tonight. The game kicks off at 9.35, following tonight's earlier clash between the Crusaders and Moana Pasifika in Christchurch.

News from the business sector The large retirement village provider Ryman Healthcare has posted a 63 percent drop in net profit against a backdrop of economic challenges, severe weather events and the tail end of Covid-related disruptions. Subscription based meal kit business My Food Bag Group has cut jobs and will quit the Australian stock exchange as profits fall 60 percent. Big box retail and supermarket property company Investore has reported a heavy loss as the value of its portfolio was hit by the weaker property market.

A man will appear in court this afternoon on two counts of arson in relation to Tuesday's deadly fire, and police are not ruling out further serious charges. At least six people died in the fire at Loafers Lodge hostel in Newtown, Wellington, and that number is expected to rise. The first two bodies were recovered from the building last night and more are expected to be removed today. RNZ reporter Jemima Huston has been on the streets of Newtown this morning speaking with residents.

Te Pāti Māori has given the government a scathing review of it's sixth Wellbeing Budget, claiming that the wellbeing of Maori has never been worse off. Co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer says it serves middle class and wealthy people in New Zealand, and continues to fuel extreme inequality. On the flip side, the party is celebrating a huge boost in funding for Te Matatini, the national kapa haka competition. Debbie Ngarewa-Packer spoke with Charlotte Cook.

The top of the North Island is preparing for bad weather with heavy rain and strong winds expected in Northland, Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula in the coming hours. The top of the South Island is also on alert for heavy rain. Max speaks with Metservice meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane.

Fire and Emergency says it needs significant investment to improve its fleet and equipment, but has a $900 million hole. 33 trucks from across Wellington responded to the fire, but only one with a long, 32 metre ladder. The other was unavailable after breaking down over a year ago instead a shorter, 17 metre ladder was used. Max Towle speaks to reporter Phil Pennington.

News from the rural farming sector

Manchester City marched into the Champions League final for the second time in three seasons after outclassing holders Real Madrid 4-nil in Manchester for a 5-1 aggregate victory.