Midday Report

House prices keep falling - with the average now 13-point- 3 per cent less than a year ago - that's according to Quotable Value. But, just how is that affecting the market? Are there people - out there - jumping at the prospect of some good deals? Realestate.co.nz spokesperson Vanessa Williams is with me now.

New research shows New Zealanders want to keep the retirement eligibility age at 65. The University of Otago surveyed almost 13-hundred people - who were strongly opposed to the idea - and raising the pension age. What was surprising, was that many people were willing to pay more in taxes - to keep the super age at 65, and to minimise tax increases for future generations. Retirement Commissioner Jane Wrightson spoke to Max Towle.

News from the rural farming sector

Football Ferns coach Jitka Klimková has expressed her disappointed with the lack of grit shown by her side in their 3-0 loss to Nigeria this morning.

Universal access to superannuation is still the most popular option for many New Zealanders.

The dismal state of the country's freshwater has been highlighted in new report. The Ministry for the Environment and StatsNZ have released Our Freshwater 2023 - showing the pressure being put on the environment. Max Towle spoke to Natasha Lewis, Deputy Secretary for evidence at the Ministry for the Environment.

The Cancer Society says patients and their families aren't being treated fairly, after a highly critical report into wait times in the Southern health district. An investigation by the Health and Disability Commission found some patients are being told they can't see a specialist within their life expectancy - and it's been an issue for years. Max Towle spoke to Cancer Society Otago/Southland chief executive Rachael Hart.

Ever heard of a Ballerina sponge? Or Satan's Mud Dragon?

Well, chances are you haven't, because they're among a list of 10 new marine species discovered last year.

The Ballerina sponge is called just that because it has a microskeleton that resembles the skirt of a ballerina, and was described by Niwa scientists as part of illustrated works that aim to capture New Zealand's distinctive marine fauna and flora.

Niwa Taxonomist Carina Sim-Smith spoke to Max Towle.

People are desperately trying to repair their tornado- hit homes after a weekend of carnage.

About 50 homes in East Auckland have been damaged, and 10 have been yellow stickered after a tornado swept through on Sunday night.

On Monday, another 50 properties were in the firing line of the twister in the Tasman District near Nelson.

12 either had lifted rooves, or lost their rooves entirely - mostly in the Upper Moutere area.

RNZ Samantha Gee spoke to Max Towle.

News from the rural farming sector