Midday Report

News from the business sector

The slow pace of recovery from Cyclone Gabrielle is frustrating some Hawke's Bay locals, but it's hoped a visit by the Ombudsman could help change that.

Peter Boshier is currently travelling through Wairoa, Napier and Hastings to meet with communities, iwi and council leaders to find out how he can best help the area.

Napier Mayor Kirsten Wise spoke to Max Towle.

A boatie in Bay of Islands says the rules are constantly being flouted, after a Northland ferry skipper was hit by another vessel.

Bill Elliott is in a critical but stable condition in hospital, and the Transport Accident Investigation Commission is looking into the collision - which shattered the Paihia to Russell ferry's portside and wheelhouse.

Max Towle spoke to Michael Beckett, captain of the yacht Timeless, in Russell.

The family of a Christchurch-born man shot dead by police in the US say they're pleased criminal charges against two officers will proceed to trial.

A judge has thrown out the officers' bid to have the case dismissed, saying there is enough evidence to support the charges.

RNZ Christchurch reporter Jean Edwards has been covering the case and spoke to Max Towle.

The government has unveiled its shake-up of the three waters reforms, abandoning plans to establish four mega water entities.

Instead it will create 10, which will still be owned by local councils and each be run by a board.

In making the announcement, the Prime Minister says the new model will deal with the current water infrastructure problems, while ensuring reforms are affordable.

Ratepayers appear to save less money annually compared with the original plan.

Max Towle spoke to Helen Worboys is the Manawatu District mayor, and co-chair of Communities 4 Local Democracy.

An agri-sector analyst says that could see thousands of young cattle flood onto the domestic market -depressing prices.

Susan Murray has the Rural News.

New Zealand Rugby is defending its decision to appoint an all-male coaching panel for the world champion Black Ferns.

Stephen Hewson has sport.

The Deputy Mayor of Auckland, Desley Simpson, says the report on the response to the city's devastating floods on Anniversary weekend, highlighted a number of shortcomings that the council should have taken action on years ago.

Weak systems, poor communication and a lack of leadership are just some of the criticisms in the report prepared by former Police Commissioner, Mike Bush.

Ms Simpson is the first major council leader to front for the media. She spoke to Max Towle.

Increasing numbers of households have their backs to the financial wall according to a new survey.

Gyles Beckford has the Business News.

The government has unveiled its shake-up of the three waters reforms, abandoning plans to establish four mega water entities - instead creating 10.

Just like the original plan, the ten entities will be owned by local councils and run by a board.

RNZ's political reporter, Giles Dexter, spoke to Max Towle following the announcement.