Midday Report

More than two-million New Zealanders will receive their first cost of living payment today, including some who live overseas.

All up they'll get three payments totalling $350, which are supposed to be for New Zealanders earning less than $70,000 who live, and pay tax, in this country.

People who get the Winter Energy Payment are not eligible. 

The Prime Minister admits the automatic system for making the payment means some people overseas will also receive it.

And the Inland Revenue Department (which is distributing the payments) says it will only look into, and possibly recover, payments if it believes it's been given "fraudulent or willfully misleading information".

University of Canterbury business school professor Adrian Sawyer spoke to Māni Dunlop.

It was another incredible day for Aotearoa taking medals at the Commonwealth Games, putting New Zealand at number 3 on the table.

Swimming sensation Lewis Clareburt (Tainui) claimed gold in the men's 200 metre butterfly final in a thrilling come-from-behind victory.

It was Clareburt's second gold medal after winning the 400 metre individual medley yesterday.

Māni Dunlop spoke to his Mum, Robyn Clareburt, about how the whānau were feeling.

News from the rural farming sector for 29 July 2022 Two Auckland butcheries have taken out the top spots in this year's 100% New Zealand Bacon and Ham Awards. New Zealand needs to diversify its export market for avocados if growers want to get decent returns, a new report has found. Kiwifruit growers are being urged to get out and vote on a proposal which would increase plantings of the SunGold variety in overseas production sites.

Midday sports News for 29 July 2022 The New Zealand triathlete Hayden Wilde is optimistic about his chances of backing up his Olympic bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games. Meanwhile The All Blacks Sevens say they've left no stone unturned in trying to defend Commonwealth Games gold.

News from the business sector for 29 July 2022 Consumers are slightly less gloomy and their inflation expectations have fallen to their lowest level in a year. The race is on at Auckland International Airport to scale up its operations in time for peak the summer season. The small New Zealand based and listed exploration company, Chatham Rock Phosphate, continues to hold out hope, it will get a consent to be able to mine phosphate rock from the sea floor in the Chatham Rise region.

News from the rural farming sector for 28 July 2022 Farmers on the Chatham Islands might not be able to ship stock off the island for four months during the busy Autumn period next year. Kiwifruit growers can now have their say on if they think Zespri should expand the amount of Sungold kiwifruit it grows overseas. Farmers could soon have new solutions to mitigate nitrate leaching on-farm.

Midday sports News for 28 July 2022 Tom Walsh concedes he's in unknown territory after being named as joint flagbearer for New Zealand at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games - and he's hoping he doesn't "stuff it up". Meanwhile Paul Coll's rise to the top of the squash world rankings adds a different dimension to his second Commonwealth Games appearance.

News from the business sector An investment analyst sees virtually no chance of the Tiwai Point Aluminium Smelter will get another cut price power deal. An ethical investing interest group is backing the tougher stance on greenwashing. The Stock Exchange is looking at improving the treatment and protection of small shareholders when listed companies raise new capital.

News from the rural farming sector Red meat farmers are set to get good returns this year - as beef and lamb markets remain strong amid global uncertainty. High inflation has put pressure on log prices and forest owners have seen significantly increasing harvesting costs. New Zealand's free trade deal with the United Kingdom is one step closer, after having its first reading in Parliament yesterday.

Midday sports News for 27 July 2022 The Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has revealed he wants to win two World Cups - one with the All Blacks and one with another country. Meanwhile the All Blacks and Crusaders first-five Richie Mo'unga says Ian Foster is the right coach to lead them to next year's World Cup in France. The audition to be the White Ferns' new first choice wicketkeeper is going to down to the wire.