Midday Report

An east coast community provider's painted a picture of poverty as families continue to grapple with the rising cost of living.

Food prices aren't showing any sign of dropping, as the country heads towards what are normally the cheaper summer months for buying fruit and vegetables.

The 8.3 percen annual rise in food prices for the year to September is the highest since 2009.

Fruit and vegetables are up 16 percent.

ANZ economist Finn Robinson says one of the factors is the recent cold weather, making growing conditions challenging.

Whakaatu Whanaunga Trust delivers a range of social services to whānau in and around Ōpōtiki.

Its chief executive Steven Walker spoke to Māni Dunlop about the impacts of the rise in food prices.

Midday News for 14 October 2022

To Taiwan, where officials are this week showcasing the nation's independence, democracy, military, and globally critical semiconductor factories.

The country of about 24 million people seeks international recognition, so it can participate in multilateral talks on trade, climate, and health. 

But there's a major issue standing in the way: China, which says Taiwan is Chinese, and it would use force to ensure its reunification.

RNZ weekend editor Kaye Albyt is in Taiwan and spoke to Māni Dunlop.

Ngāti Rangi, mana whenua at Ruapehu, says its dignity and rangatiratanga has been affronted because the mountain's skifield operator's didn't warn them the business could close.

Ruapehu Alpine Lifts has gone into voluntary administration, with the future unclear.

Te Tōtarahoe o Paerangi chair Whetu Moataane told Māni Dunlop there wasn't even a phone call despite the two having a formalised relationship.

News from the rural farming sector

Midday sports News for 13 October 2022 Australia netball captain Liz Watson believes a lack of recent play against New Zealand certainly played a part in their loss in the opening Constellation Cup game in Auckland. The defending champion Silver Ferns rode an 11-goal streak in the first quarter to score a 56-48 win.

News from the business sector

Māori advocates are outraged the Police Minister's suggesting law changes to allow officers to keep taking photos of people they deem suspicious, and it has set back promises of any transformational change in the justice system.

Chris Hipkins says the pendulum has swung too far in favour of privacy over surveillance and the police association has said that among "those who are found in 'suspicious circumstances', Māori are over-represented". 

A leading advocate for prison and justice reform, University of Auckland Professor Tracy McIntosh, told Māni Dunlop it sets back positive changes.

An alarming new report on the state of the marine environment shows the oceans are rising faster, becoming hotter, more acidic, dirtier, and that is all making it harder for taonga creatures to survive.

Māni Dunlop asked the oceans, fisheries, and environment minister David Parker whether we were doing enough to prevent the irreversible loss of marine ecosystems.

The Electricity Authority says New Zealand needs to increase generation capacity by 400-500 megawatts each year 'til 2050.

The Electricity Authority has released a consultation paper, laying out proposals to aid investment in renewable generation and to promote competition in the wholesale electricity market.

Power systems consultant Bryan Leyland spoke to Michael Cropp.