Midday Report

Who should be allowed to get involved in the governance of their local school?

That question is swirling in Ōtautahi after it was revealed the white supremacist Philip Arps, who was jailed for sharing footage of the March 15th terror attacks, is standing for a school board position at Te Aratai College in Christchurch.

Arps is eligible for the role, and the school principal Richard Edmundson says Te Aratai is known for its inclusivity and diversity.

Canterbury Westland secondary principals' association president and principal at Burnside High, Phil Holstein, spoke to Māni Dunlop.

Midday News for 16 August 2022

A two week hearing into what the state knew about the extent of child abuse in its care has begun in Auckland.

14 government agencies will front the Abuse in Care Royal Commission, starting with the Ministry of Social Development this afternoon.

RNZ's Māori news director Jamie Tahana spoke to Māni Dunlop.

The Privacy Commissioner wants to know what the public thinks about how their biometric information is collected and used.

Biometrics - involving the use of computers to identify people's faces, irises or fingerprints - can make life easier (think about unlocking your phone with a glance or a thumbprint) but also raise issues about data security and discrimination. 

The new commissioner Michael Webster spoke to Māni Dunlop.

News from the rural farming sector for 15 August 2022

Midday sports News for 15 August 2022 The Blacks Caps captain Kane Williamson concedes they were off their game as they suffered an eight wicket loss to the West Indies in the third and final T20 international in Jamaica.

News from the business sector for 15 August 2022

China's claiming the United States is sparing no effort to stir up confrontation after a delegation of five congress members arrived in Taiwan at the weekend.

It follows a recent visit from US House speaker Nancy Pelosi when China responded with military drills to simulate an invasion and blockade of Taiwan. 

University of Canterbury professor of political science and international relations Alex Tan told Māni Dunlop while such visits were not uncommon, how they were being spoken about had changed.

The Government's hoping public transport changes will resolve driver shortages, reduce emissions, and improve timetables.

The new model, called the Sustainable Public Transport Framework, announced by the Government today will give councils the option of owning and operating public transport. 

It replaces the Public Transport Operating Model, introduced by National in 2013.

The Transport Minister Michael Wood told Māni Dunlop what he thought was wrong with that scheme.

The Tertiary Education Union is calling on Massey University to front up over a proposed restructure which it says could affect as many as 150 jobs.

Massey University provided a statement to RNZ, confirming it has released a "Proposal for Change" for general administration and finance roles across the university.

It said it would be speculative and unfair to outline how many staff could be affected.

Palmerston North union organiser Ben Schmidt spoke to Māni Dunlop.