Midday Report

A former National party MP believes the membership - and voters - should have been told about Sam Uffindell's past before the Tauranga by-election.

He's been stood down down from the party's caucus while an investigation is carried out into further allegations of bullying and aggression raised by RNZ.

Mr Uffindell denies the allegations.

Māni Dunlop spoke to former National MP Sarah Dowie, who experienced controversy while in Parliament, about the party's culture and what needed to change.

Midday News for 10 August 2022

Geotechnical engineers will today assess the slip on The Terrace in central Wellington to determine if evacuated residents can return home.

RNZ reporter Kirsty Frame has the story from the site.

New Zealand's Commonwealth Games athletes will have some more items to declare at their airport, thanks to a record-setting haul of 20 gold medals.

Champion shotputter Tom Walsh told Charlotte Cook he was feeling pretty good after his win at the weekend

News from the rural farming sector for 9 August 2022

Midday sports News for 9 August 2022

News from the business sector for 9 August 2022

Rate payers will have to fork out more money to repeat council elections if the large number of vacancies in key roles around Aotearoa can't be filled.

Local Government has issued an SOS to get more nominations, as most councils don't have enough to fill their existing vacancies

Local Government New Zealand member Lan Pham told Charlotte Cook it was not a job for getting rich, but it's one where you could richly reward the community.

The leader of the National Party is backing his newest MP, Sam Uffindell, after it was revealed he violently assaulted a 13 year old schoolmate when at King's College.

Sam Uffindell admitted he made a big mistake when he was 16 and punched a 13-year old boy multiple times. 

Before joining parliament he apologised to the now adult victim but omitted telling the leaders of the party about the incident. 

RNZ political reporter Katie Scotcher spoke to Charlotte Cook.

A Japanese sailor has been stabbed at Bloody Ridge in Solomon Islands during a World War Two remembrance ceremony.

The stabbing has marred what has been a peaceful ceremony to remember those who lost their lives during the battle 80 years ago.

RNZ pacific reporter Koroi Hawkins spoke to Charlotte Cook.