Midday Report

The Government has revealed a 24-point plan to ease pressure on the health system this winter.

The initiatives are wide-ranging but broadly aim to redirect unnecessary demand on hospitals to care in the community.

The '2023 Winter Plan' includes free pharmacy consults for minor ailments and will also increase access to telehealth services.

RNZ's political reporter, Anneke Smith, spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Several hundred people have turned out to Parliament for a Speak Up For Women gathering and counter-protest, which both got underway at 12.30pm.

The women's rights group supported a visit to New Zealand by British anti-trans activist Posie Parker in March, but her planned Auckland rally was overwhelmed by trans solidarity supporters, leading her to cancel her Wellington rally.

RNZ's political reporter, Anneke Smith, spoke to Charlotte Cook from Parliament.

A sexual violence victims advocate says a court ruling which gives a woman at the centre of a revenge porn case support from ACC, demonstrates the delays in legislation to keep up with technology.

The woman fought to receive ACC cover for years, after suffering PTSD when her former partner shared a sex video on one of the world's largest porn sites.

ACC declined her claim because it did not recognise what happened as a crime, but a district court judge has disagreed.

ACC will pay her out, but says it's still trying to understand the implications of the decision.

Women's Refuge Chief Executive Dr Ang Jury spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Job losses are on the cards at fertiliser company Ravensdown.

Sally Murphy has the rural news.

The former All Blacks coach John Mitchell is reportedly set to be named as the new England women's rugby coach.

Stephen Hewson has the sports news.

There's been no change in the country's unemployment figures.

Anan Zaki has the business news.

Senior member of Labour's Māori caucus, Willie Jackson, says he's disappointed by Meka Whaitiri's decision.

He spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Labour Minister Meka Whaitiri has this morning announced her immediate resignation from the party.

At a closed event at Waipatu Marae in Hastings, Ms Whaitiri told the crowded room she had notified the Speaker that she was leaving Labour to join Te Pati Maori, where she'll stand as their Ikaroa-Rawhiti candidate at this year's election.

Meka Whaitiri is the sitting MP for Ikaroa-Rawhiti, and won the seat in 2020 with an overwhelming majority of more than 6,000 votes.

She has been stripped of her Ministerial responsibilities, with Kieran McAnulty taking over as the Acting Hawkes Bay Lead Minister for Cyclone Recovery. Ayesha Verrall, Peeni Henare and Damien O'Connor will temporarily take over her other Ministerial roles.

RNZ's Political Editor, Jane Patterson, spoke to Charlotte Cook.

It's one of the biggest fashion events in the world, iconic for Lady Gaga's grand entrances and socialite Kim Kardashian's squeeze into Marilyn Munroe's crystal-encrusted dress.

The Met Gala is currently underway in New York, with most of the star-studded guest list having already arrived down the red - beige carpet.

This year is themed around honouing the late fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld - known for his work with Chanel.

RNZ Tahi presenter Evie Orpe, spoke to Charlotte Cook.

Bay of Plenty and western parts of the motu are bracing for even more rain, with warm, wet weather expected to continue until the end of the week.

Orange heavy rain warnings are currently in place for Eastern Bay of Plenty, the northwest Tasman region, Westland and Fiordland, and the forecast suggests they aren't the only areas in line for a dousing of rain.

 Metservice forecaster, John Law spoke to Charlotte Cook.