Midday Report

News from the rural farming sector

Midday sports News for 22 August 2022 Jack Goodhue's horror run with injury has continued, with the midfielder needing surgery again.

News from the business sector

Oranga Tamariki has acknowledged its failings for the abuse and harm caused to children in its care, saying it did not always protect them.

However the evidence was met with disappointment by a survivor in the public gallery.

The agency's chief executive, Chappie Te Kani, fronted the Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry this morning.

Oranga Tamariki's response to the abuse and neglect of children, young people and vulnerable adults is being examined over the next three days.

The inquiry has heard from survivors who have detailed the abuse and harm experienced while in the care and protection system.

Māni Dunlop reports.

The pricetag for cleaning up and repairing damage from flooding and slips across Te Tauihu o Te Waka-a-Māui - the top of the South Island - is yet to be known, but the government will discuss additional support through mayoral and rural relief funds at today's cabinet meeting.

The prime minister Jacinda Ardern was in Nelson overnight visiting affected areas.

Officials say some damage assessments of homes and roads still have not taken place - the ground is too wet, and in some places slopes are still moving.

Ms Ardern says Aotearoa needs to focus on making sure communities are safe as the likelihood of extreme weather events grows.

RNZ's reporter in Nelson, Adam Burns, spoke to Māni Dunlop.

Midday News for 22 August 2022

Vanuatu's president has taken the extraordinary step of dissolving the country's parliament - on the advice of a prime minister who was almost certain to lose a no confidence vote today.

It's only halfway through the parliament's four-year term but 17 government MPs have crossed the floor, together filing a motion of no confidence in Bob Loughman's leadership.

Legal challenges are now being prepared to question whether the President should have accepted the Prime Minister's advice to dissolve parliament and call elections. 

Worldwatch's Max Towle was joined by RNZ Pacific's Lydia Lewis, who has been covering Vanuatu political developments this week.

After two years of being online the annual celebration of Kiingi Tūheiteia Potatau Te Wherowhero te tuawhitu's coronation is back at Turangawaewae marae with thousands excited to return to commemorate the movement.

The Koroneihana, or coronation, brings together iwi from across the motu who support the Kiingitanga, one of the most enduring Māori institutions that emerged in colonial times, and one of the longest-running political institutions in New Zealand

There'll be karakia, kapa haka, political debates, government representatives and the Māori King's formal address

RNZ's Māori News Editor Jamie Tahana is there.

Paid firefighters took to the streets this morning demanding safer working conditions, better staffing and resources to protect their crews and the community after they hit an impasse in negotiations.

Māni Dunlop heard from some of the officers on the picket line outside Fire and Emergency's Wellington headquarters.

News from the rural farming sector for 19 August 2022