The latest news from Australia with correspondent Amanda Copp in Canberra.

An update on the latest news from RNZ's rural team.

The latest news from RNZ's business team.

Economists say the numbers largely show the state of the labour market before the Middle East conflict broke out. Nick Tuffley, ASB's chief economist, spoke to Guyon Espiner.

New mental health funding and services for Northland youth have been announced following a damning report from the Coroner over a cluster of six suicides of rangatahi aged just 12 to 16. Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey spoke to Guyon Espiner.

The top stories and other headlines at midday

Science correspondent Allan Blackman looks at how the Hindenburg disaster has haunted the development of hydrogen technology and why that might be changing.

Lauren Keenan clearly paid little attention to advice she received to never set a novel in New Zealand. She's just published her fourth historical fiction novel, this one following the lives of two women - Keita and Catherine, as their lives intertwined in 19th century New Zealand.

In the latest data out this morning, the unemployment rate fell slightly in the first quarter of the year. RNZ's economics correspondent Gyles Beckford.

Alexa Cook joins Susie from the Hawke's Bay with the latest from the region.