Midday Report

News from the business sector

It's Budget Day, with the full details to be released at 2pm. The government says it will be a "no frills" Budget, with a focus on cyclone recovery and helping ease the cost of living crisis. A pre-budget announcement included nearly one billion dollars for a flood and cyclone package, as well as funding for climate change, the Defence Force and education. Max Towle speaks with Gareth Kiernan, chief forecaster at Infometrics.

Police have begun a scene examination at Loafers Lodge, the site of a deadly fire on Tuesday morning. They say debris is piled high and there will be a lot to move.They hope to start recovering bodies this afternoon. The death toll from the fire currently stands at six, but it will be days before a final toll is known. Acting Wellington District Commander, Inspector Dion Bennett, has been giving an update on what's dubbed Operation Rose. RNZ's Kirsty Frame is at Wellington Central Police Station and speaks with Max Towle.

Tomorrow is Budget Day and a big focus is likely to be on trying to ease the cost of living crisis for New Zealanders. The Auckland City Mission goes further - saying food security must be a critical priority. Max Towle speaks with the Auckland City Mission's chief executive, Helen Robinson.

A major report on Waka Kotahi has found the transport agency hasn't been factoring in climate change and resilience in many of its roading projects. The report - commissioned by Waka Kotahi - found more than 350 separate risks to the national roading network - most were serious; 38 were extreme. The Green Party's position is that climate change is likely to wipe out some of the nation's major transport routes. Julie Anne Genter is its transport spokesperson.

News from the rural farming sector

News from the business sector

The Government has outlined plans to make the building supplies market fairer, after a Commerce Commission study found a lack of competition in the sector. Building and Construction Minister Megan Woods says the Government will adopt eight of the watchdog's nine recommendations, to improve the sector for businesses and consumers. The Commerce Commission had released a market study report last year, which found it was too hard to introduce new building products into the market - or expand competing businesses. RNZ's Anneke Smith speaks to Max Towle from the Beehive.

Fire and Emergency are handing over the scene of the Loafers Lodge fire to Police today. Six people are known to have died in yesterday's fire, and an investigation into the cause of the fire continues. Safety checks have been carried out by Urban Search and Rescue teams this morning, and police hope to enter the building later today - to examine what's left inside. There remain 11 people unaccounted for. RNZ reporter Jemima Huston is on Adelaide Road in Newtown, she speaks with Max Towle.

A woman is due to appear in Whangārei district court today charged with murdering two children in the Northland town of Ruakākā. The children were found dead at a property on Peter Snell Drive yesterday morning. Ruakākā local, and friend of the family, Phil Paikea told RNZ reporter Amy Williams about hearing the news.