The organisers behind the World Buskers Festival are hoping an international line up and a venue change will turn around the event's finances. The festival starts in Christchurch today, and one of the organisers is Melissa Haberfield - and she joins me now on the line.

Luke Concannon says he isn't sure if the insects are the destructive Australian termite, and he has sent samples to the Ministry for Primary Industries.

There are calls for more funding for surf lifesavers, with two busy Auckland beaches left without patrols this summer because volunteers have been deployed elsewhere.

The Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage says New Zealand lags behind other parts of the world when it comes to waste management.

The fishing industry says its up to them to ensure New Zealand has a good reputation for ethically caught fish, not the government.

The National Party leader Bill English says the government's plan to set up an inquiry into the abuse of children in state care may detract from work needed in the sector.

The Black Caps won last night's one day international against Pakistan in a thrilling match.

Many families in small rural communities can't afford to buy sanitary items, like pads and tampons, so there's a campaign in Northland to encourage women to switch to reusable silicone menstrual cups.

Companies and investors want the NZX to simplify its listing rules. We speak to NZX's general counsel, Hamish Macdonald.

The Department of Conservation is using motion sensitive cameras to monitor predators like rats and stoats and see if 1080 baits are actually working.