The top stories and other headlines at midday

Film and television reviewer Tom Augustine looks at three films hitting the big screen.

Kids and screen time - it's one of those tricky areas where parents can feel like they're always two steps behind.

Tech commentator Bill Bennett looks at what's happening at Spark, as the telco releases its annual result.

David reports on concerns over the well being of banded dotterels who are yet to return to Kaikoura amid fears over the possible impact of weather and avian flu, Kaikoura's recovery from last months storms, the latest on local council amalgamations plans and a push for more transport funding for the South Island. David Hill is Local Democracy reporter with the North Canterbury News.

The US has completed a large expedition of the Cooks' ocean space at a time when it's pushing an interest in mining polymetallic nodules.

The latest RNZ Pacific news in the French language (La Langue Française).

By the age of eight he had played for jazz great Herbie Hancock, and soon after moved to New York with his family to pursue a career in music.

The latest RNZ Pacific news and sport.

Mount Maunganui review exposes council's failure to act; Nurses seeing impact of "state-caused" homelessness; Controversial Pegasus West housing development halted; New study links eating disorders to genetics; Kiwi netball star joins Oz team as local league struggles