Nine To Noon

Australia correspondent Karen Middleton looks at the deaths of two birds on a West Australian beach which has confirmed the arrival of bird flu to the country.

A group of Whangarei residents have stepped in to save a second hand bookshop after its owner died earlier in the year.

New research into pay gap information is backing mandatory reporting as a way of increasing staff retention and boosting productivity.

Social media is driving increased demand for cosmetic injectables and tattoos with some people too embarrassed to complain when things go wrong. Regulation for the sector is from local councils, and the Medical, Nursing and Dental councils, but there is support for national oversight. A number of councils are consulting on possible bylaws to regulate tattoos, piercing, and cosmetic procedures such as Botox. 16 councils across the country already have bylaws in place. New Zealand Society of Cosmetic Medicine co-president Dr Sarah Hart and Marlborough District Council councillor Sally Arbuckle.

New Zealand sports fans are facing a mixed bag of results as the national football team struggles against Egypt at the World Cup, while the White Ferns' T20 World Cup defense is also in serious jeopardy. The Black Caps bounced back strongly against a struggling England side in their second test, matching the excitement of Dave Rennie naming his first All Blacks squad with surprising new selections.

Everyone loves a good psychological thriller, and Auckland writer Anna Woods is making her mark in the genre, with her debut novel LIT. It's a dark and compelling story that explores love, manipulation - and the secrets people can keep from those closest to them. Anna was already an award-winning short story writer - in 2023 she won the Sargeson Prize with her work Pig Hunting. Her first full novel is set in Auckland and at an architecture firm, where one of the founding partners has disappeared. The company's in financial strife, and a journalist is asking questions about a former client and links to possible construction fraud. She tells Kathryn about the moment that sparked the idea for the book, why she knew it couldn't be told in short story form and the usual research paths it led her down.

Japanese-owned meat processor Anzco Foods has acquired the Greenlea Group for $800 million, while apple exporter Crasborn Fresh Harvest faces imminent liquidation over unpaid taxes. Meanwhile, a leaked OIA request hints at internal turmoil at the FMA involving its outgoing CEO and suspended chair, coinciding with shareholder bickering ahead of Eroad's upcoming annual general meeting. Calida Stuart-Menteath is co-editor at the NBR.

Zaryd discusses rates rises for Whanganui District Council, a quadrangular tournament marking 100 years, and more.

Cynthia Morahan reviews I Eat the Stars by Sarah Wilson, published by Penguin Random House.

He announced his decision late last night, saying he accepted he was not best placed to lead Labour into the next general election.