Midday Report

The Black Ferns coach Wayne Smith is still searching for his top team ahead of their Rugby World Cup title defence.

Sports editor Stephen Hewson has te pūrongo hakinakina.

News from the business sector, te pūrongo pakihi, with Nicholas Pointon.

The Minister for Children admits his agency failed 5 year old Malachi Subecz who was murdered by his carer - but is not yet taking any action, instead awaiting an internal investgation. Yesterday the Chief Ombudsman released a scathing report into the agency, saying it failed to take the bare minimum action when concerns were raised about the safety of Malachi, who was murdered almost a year ago by Michaela Barriball. Peter Boshier said the death was preventable had the agency done their job and described it as a litany of failures. Oranga Tamariki has accepted all the recommendations but is also ruling out further action until an internal review is completed. Mani Dunlop spoke to the Minister, Kelvin Davis.

The polar blast has hit the South Island and the lower North Island, bringing sub zero temperatures, snow, hail and strong winds.

The unseasonal cold snap has closed roads and caused disruption across the motu, with several roads still closed in Otago and Southland because of snow and ice.

State Highway 1 between Dunedin and Palmerston remains closed - motorists are being urged to watch for black ice.

The Southland District mayor, Gary Tong, spoke to Mani Dunlop from a snow-covered Manapouri.

Voting for your local council and ward candidates closes at midday on Saturday.

You can drop your vote in one of the many ballot boxes dotted throughout supermarkets, libraries, and council buildings.

Councils are responsible for rates, rubbish management, local roads, animal policies such as whether you can keep hens in your backyard, how much it costs to swim at your local pool, and, for decades, they've been responsible for the provision of drinking, waste and storm water services although that looks set to change.

RNZ Nelson-based reporter Samantha Gee spoke to Māni Dunlop about the issues across the top of the South Island.

People have until Saturday to pop their local government vote in one of the many ballot boxes dotted throughout supermarkets, libraries, and council buildings.

Councils are responsible for local roads, whether you can keep chickens in your backyard, how much it costs to swim at your local pool - and whether you even have one - and, for decades, they've been responsible for the provision of drinking, waste and storm water services, although that looks set to change.

It's not too late to enrol at www.vote.nz (but get in ASAP!). 

RNZ Waikato reporter Andrew McRae spoke to Māni Dunlop about the region's issues and contests.

News from the rural farming sector

The women's Rugby World Cup has never been held in New Zealand before and Black Ferns co-captain Kennedy Simon concedes there is immense pressure to perform.

News from the business sector

The Chief Ombudsman says the death of a 5 year old, Malachi Subecz, could have been prevented had Oranga Tamariki done its job properly.

In a rare move, Peter Boshier has publicly released his findings into the complaints he received from Malachi's family.

The five-year-old died in hospital of  injuries caused by his carer in November 2021. They were convicted earlier this year.

The chief ombudsman Peter Boshier and the acting chief executive of Oranga Tamariki Chappie Te Kani spoke to Māni Dunlop about the agency's failure to ensure the welfare and best-interests of the child.