Midday Report

News from the business sector Power company Meridian Energy says negotiations with the owners of the Tiwai Smelter are ongoing, but by no means certain the supply agreement will be renewed when it expires next year. The country's biggest oil and gas producer is looking to sell its New Zealand assets. The country's biggest fuel retailer Z Energy says it's still in recovery mode as profits track below pre-Covid levels, despite higher prices boosting revenue.

The latest warnings regarding the Category three Severe Tropical Cyclone Judy which is currently located near Port Vila in Vanuatu.

Maximum winds close to the center are estimated at 165 kilometres per hour.

Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected over central, southern and parts of the northern islands, with flash flooding expected in low lying areas.

Seas will become rough.

The reality of having an unliveable home is starting to sink in for Wairoa residents, whose homes have been flooded.

The Prime Minister Chris Hipkins was due to fly to the embattled town today, but the Air Force helicopter is out-of-action for servicing, so he's staying in Hawke's Bay.

On the outskirts of Wairoa, Hinemihi Marae trustee, Michelle McIlroy, is helping run the distribution centre.

She spoke to Māni Dunlop.

The Act and National party want former Te Whatu Ora chair Rob Campbell sacked as the chair of the Environmental Protection Authority as pressure mounts on the Government to be consistent.

The Health Minister axed Mr Campbell yesterday, after he penned a public attack on the National Party's Three Waters policy at the weekend.

The former Director General of Health, Dr Ashley Bloomfield, has labelled it a 'rare event'

But Mr Campbell stands by his actions, saying it is core to his beliefs.

The Māori Party co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer spoke to Māni Dunlop.

A solar storm is putting on a dazzling display at the moment, for those in the South Island.

Among the photographers capturing the Aurora last night was Otago Museum director Dr Ian Griffin who spoke to Māni Dunlop.

Horrendous downpours have been hitting Gisborne and Wairoa this morning, forcing families in both towns to evacuate their homes as floodwaters rose.

The continued rain, has also hammered the roading network, bringing down fresh slips, and closures today.

Waka Kotahi's National Emergency Response spokesperson Mark Owen told Māni Dunlop that Wairoa and Tokomaru Bay had been cut off again.

We will be giving regular civil defence announcements at this time every day for listeners in Tai Rawhiti and Hawkes Bay rural communities, many of which remain isolated.

News from the rural farming sector

England have enforced the follow on in the second test, with New Zealand reeling all out for 209 in the first hour of day three trailing England by more than 200 runs.

News from the business sector