Midday Report

Donald Trump has become the first serving or former US president to face criminal charges, after a probe into hush money paid to a porn star.

A grand jury voted to indict him over the pay-out to Stormy Daniels, just before the 2016 presidential election.

All this while he eyes up another presidential bid in 2024.

US correspondent Sally Patterson spoke to Māni Dunlop

There's outrage in Mexico after new footage emerged showing the moment the fire started at a migrant detention centre. One that would kill 38 people. The Mexican president, who blamed some migrants themselves for starting the blaze when they learned they'd be deported, is now vowing to deliver justice.

More than 75 percent of indigenous reptile, bird, bat, and freshwater fish species groups are threatened with extinction or are at risk of becoming threatened, according to figures released today by Stats NZ.

Forest & Bird's chief executive Nicola Toki spoke to Māni Dunlop.

Māori will be able to choose between the general or the Māori roll for October's election from tomorrow. 

Previously, Māori had to wait four years between switching rolls, but a new law passed last year allows people to change any time up to three months before an election. 

Dr Annie Te One is a lecturer in Victoria University's Te Kawa o Māui (Māori Studies).

She spoke to Māni Dunlop.

News from the rural farming sector

Midday sports News for 30 March 2023. Black Caps bowler Ish Sodhi believes spin bowling is having a greater impact in one-day cricket around the world.

News from the business sector

Broadcasters on Mediaworks radio station Today FM let rip just before abruptly being pulled off air - as staff have been told they have the end of the day until it's confirmed they have lost their jobs.

A stationwide meeting happened this morning and were told the board is proposing to shut the station down and are open to submissions from staff until the end of the day.

The station's head of news Dallas Gurney recently left after being hired to launch the new outlet, attracting well known broadcasters including Duncan Garner and Tova O'Brien.

Today FM producer Tom Day and Mediawatch's Colin Peacock spoke to Māni Dunlop.

Aucklanders could have a new harbour crossing sooner than first thought.

Construction of a second bridge or tunnel across or under the Waitemata harbour is expected to begin in 2029.

Five options are on the table, all of which include provisions for walking, cycling and light rail connecting to the central city.

Auckland Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson spoke to Māni Dunlop.

Advocates are pushing back on a new government bill allowing for mass groups of asylum seekers to be detained in prisons for longer.

The law change, which also proposes monitoring by electronic bracelet, is intended to ensure people have the time to access comprehensive legal representation.

But critics say this is a strange focus, given the low chance that a boat full of asylum seekers would make it to New Zealand.

Māni Dunlop spoke Dawit Arshak, the general manager of the Asylum Seekers Support Trust, who said the move came as a surprise.