In a move that local environmentalists are calling "indefensible", a government decision has put the brakes on Gisborne District Council's attempt to introduce new rules aimed at tackling forestry slash in the region.

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The latest RNZ Pacific news and sport.

On today's episode...

Dhruva Jaishanka is one of the world's leading authorities on Indian foreign policy - and he is the son of India's foreign minister. He spoke to Guyon Espiner about the free trade agreement between India and New Zealand, and the future of the relationship between the two countries.

The latest news from the United States with Nine News reporter Lauren Tomasi in Washington DC.

News from the rural farming sector.

News from the business sector.

New research out today has revealed a link between maternal vaping, and Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy or SUDI. The lead author of the study, Professor of Paediatrics Ed Mitchell, talks to Guyon Espiner.

Speculation is mounting again that Christopher Luxon will be rolled by his caucus after a calamitous week for the National leader and months of poor polling data. Our political editor Jo Moir joins us.

The top stories and other headlines at midday