Midday Report

News from the business sector

A Hawke's Bay Mayor says he was shocked by the government's attempt to entrench part of its Three Waters legislation.

The Green Party put forward the entrenchment clause, which would require a future government to obtain 60 percent of votes in the House if it wanted to privatise water assets.

The clause was supported by the Labour government while Parliament was sitting under urgency la st week - but it has since admitted that was a mistake.

The mayor of Wairoa, Craig Little, opposes Three Waters. He spoke to Katie Scotcher.

A fleeing driver is in hospital with serious injuries after he was hit by a police car in West Auckland this morning.

The early morning police pursuit led to several road closures across the city, causing major traffic disruption.

The police declined Midday Report's request for an interview.

RNZ's reporter, Finn Blackwell, has been in Massey where the driver was tracked by an eagle helicopter. 

He spoke to Katie Scotcher.

A Phase One clinical trial has provided promising results for an HIV vaccine.

International researchers say the vaccine, which is being tested in humans, helps create antibodies which can recognise the globally diverse strains of HIV, and could protect against infection.

Victoria University faculty of health associate professor Clive Aspin spoke to Māni Dunlop.

Women's groups are calling on the organisers of the Rhythm and Vines music festival to drop UK artist Dizzee Rascal over a domestic violence conviction.

The rapper, whose real name is Dylan Mills, received a 12-month restraining order and a curfew this year for assaulting his ex-partner.

An open letter by advocacy group Beneath the Glass Ceiling, which was signed by other groups, said the festival was sending a message that intimate partner violence was not a big deal.

Women's Refuge was one of the groups which signed the letter.

Its chief executive Dr Ang Jury spoke to Māni Dunlop.

News from the rural farming sector

It's been a rollercoaster ride for the final round of Group E at the football world cup in Qatar. Japan and Spain have qualified but Germany have failed to get past the group stage for the second straight tournament Japan beat Spain 2-1 to finish top, while Spain held onto second spot via goal difference from Gemany, who beat Costa Rica 4-2. Having now beaten both Germany and Spain in the tournament, Japan's Ritsu Doan believes they can go all the way.

News from the business sector

Police are looking for four people responsible for a ram-raid at a Gun City store in Christchurch.

Police say they used a vehicle to break into the Cranford Street shop at 3.20am.

RNZ reporter Anna Sargent spoke to Māni Dunlop from outside the shop

A child advocacy group is underwhelmed by an independent report into the death of Malachi Subecz, saying it is not aspirational and minimises the urgent call to action.

Dame Karen Poutasi released her findings yesterday on the failings of six agencies that made Malachi invisible - which led to his murder in November 2021.

There were 14 recommendations - the government has not taken up the key ones including - mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse for anyone tasked with their protection; and vetting proposed carers when a sole parent goes into prison.

Voyce - Whakarongo Mai advocates for children in care; its chief executive Tracie Shipton spoke to Māni Dunlop about the report and the way forward.