Civil liberties groups are raising the alarm about a controversial data sharing arrangement with the United States. Critics say it could give the US government access to unprecedented personal and biometric data, including on the family members of travellers. Keiller MacDuff has more.

Catch up with the latest headlines from around the world with RNZ's Alice Wilkins.

Meridian Energy is back in profit after last year's dry year loss, posting a $227 million dollar half-year result. Chief Executive Mike Roan spoke to Corin Dann.

This morning Nicola Willis and Tangi Utikere joined us for our weekly political panel. We also heard from a mother in rural Hawke's Bay who says proposed cuts to school bus services could have negative economic impacts on the region. A pharmacist spoke to us about another hacked medical database and what information may have been accessed, while Pharmac is widening access to two medications used to treat advanced melanoma. If you are considering a lifestyle change, Antarctica New Zealand has 40 jobs available on the ice, and we spoke to someone who knows what it is like to work on the continent.

The Wellington Mountain Bike festival kicks off this Friday with three days of racing, shuttle runs, food, beer and entertainment in three different trail spots around the city. Bill Hickman reports.

The Wellington Mountain Bike festival kicks off this Friday with three days of racing, shuttle runs, food, beer and entertainment in three different trail spots around the city. Bill Hickman reports.

Antarctica New Zealand is on the hunt for 40 people - everything from medics to chefs - willing to brave sub-zero temperatures and work in one of the most remote places on Earth. Professor Jordy Hendrikx, Chief Executive and Chief Scientific Advisor for Antarctica New Zealand spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

It's going to be a chilly end to summer for the South Island as a cold snap brings low temperatures over the weekend. Metservice meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane spoke to Corin Dann.

An update on what's happening in the sports world with Nathan Rarere.

The latest market updates and news from RNZ's business team.