Midday Report

Midday Report Essentials for Wednesday 28 October Oct 28, 2026 00:21:35 ASB's acting chief economist previews OCR decision; National shifts focus after poll shows party at 29 percent; What US mid-terms could mean for global politics.

Midday sports news for Wednesday 28 October Oct 28, 2026 00:02:38 An update on the latest news and results from RNZ's sports team.

What US mid-terms could mean for global politics Oct 28, 2026 00:08:28 Polls show Donald Trump's popularity at an all time low, and Democrats are set to make significant gains in the House of Representatives. What does this mean for the rest of the world, and what would a post-Trump relationship with America might look like for New Zealand? Dr Zack Cooper, an American foreign policy expert, spoke to Guyon Espiner.

Latest news from Australia Oct 28, 2026 00:04:27 The latest news from Australia with correspondent Amanda Copp in Canberra.

Midday rural news for Wednesday 28 October Oct 28, 2026 00:03:56 An update on the latest news from RNZ's rural team.

Midday business news for Wednesday 28 October Oct 28, 2026 00:07:22 The latest news from RNZ's business team.

National shifts focus after poll shows party at 29 percent Oct 28, 2026 00:06:18 RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch was at a National campaign update from Simeon Brown this morning and spoke to Guyon Espiner.

ASB's acting chief economist previews OCR decision Oct 28, 2026 00:05:40 The Reserve Bank will announce its decision on whether to raise the Official Cash Rate at 2pm. Economists believe a rate hike is certain and there are more to come. ASB's acting chief economist, Kim Mundy spoke to Guyon Espiner.

Midday Report Essentials for Tuesday 27 October Oct 27, 2026 00:20:38 Sarah Dalton on Waitakere Hospital's empty ICU; Study finds 24.9 percent gender pay gap in property; Jasmine Vojdani on an AI agent pitching her story ideas.

Midday sports news for 27 October 2026 Oct 27, 2026 00:02:05 An update on the latest news and results from RNZ's sports team.

Jasmine Vojdani on an AI agent pitching her story ideas Oct 27, 2026 00:07:15 Imagine waking up and seeing an email from someone you've never met, who has read your work and wants to talk about it. Only it isn't someone. It's an AI agent called Tamara, and it's pitching writing ideas, to try and earn enough tokens to stay switched on. That's what happened to Jasmine Vojdani, a senior editor at New York Magazine. She found out Tamara was created on a social media app ca

Latest news from the United States Oct 27, 2026 00:04:16 The latest news from the United States with Nine News reporter Lauren Tomasi in Washington DC.

Midday rural news for 27 October 2026 Oct 27, 2026 00:04:09 An update on the latest news from RNZ's rural team.

Midday business news for 27 October 2026 Oct 27, 2026 00:06:21 The latest news from RNZ's business team.

Study finds 24.9 percent gender pay gap in property Oct 27, 2026 00:06:07 New research reveals a 24.9 percent gender pay gap in the property industry. The Property Council's Inclusion Alliance research that draws on pay data from 30 property organisations is one of the most comprehensive studies of its kind undertaken in the sector. Council chief executive Leonie Freeman spoke to Guyon Espiner.

Sarah Dalton on Waitakere Hospital's empty ICU Oct 27, 2026 00:05:50 A brand new intensive care unit at Auckland's Waitakere Hospital is sitting vacant with no patients, no staff and no operating budget. The first ICU for West Auckland was announced five years ago at a cost of $96 million, with the six bed unit due to open by the end of this year. Now, there's no set opening date. Sarah Dalton, executive director of the Association of Salaried Medical Speciali

Midday Report Essentials for 23 October 2026 Oct 23, 2026 00:26:24 Kia ora, welcome to Midday Report essentials . In todays episode: Kerrin Leoni resigns from the Labour Party after video shows she campaigned with Mongrel Mob members, and Chris Hipkins says racism on the right is a factor in the gang scandal. RNZ political editor Jo Moir joined me on whether it could cost him the election. The fiscal fights continue: the Greens say NZ First's campaign promis

Luke Harding on Trump's approach to Russia and Ukraine Oct 23, 2026 00:11:36 This week President Trump's envoy stood in St Petersburg and called Vladimir Putin a humanitarian. With the lifting of sanctions on Russia and harsh criticism of Ukraine President Vlodamyr Zelensky questions are being raised about whose side America is now on. Guardian journalist and author Luke Harding has a new book on the conflict called Betrayal. Harding spoke to Guyon Espiner.

Midday rural news Oct 23, 2026 00:03:17 An update on the latest news from RNZ's rural team.

Midday business news Oct 23, 2026 00:04:51 The latest news from RNZ's business team.

Midday sports news Oct 23, 2026 00:04:40 An update on the latest news and results from RNZ's sports team.

Chloe Swarbrick discusses promise to boost health spend by $3b Oct 23, 2026 00:08:05 The Green Party has released its fiscal plan, promising to increase health spending by $3 billion each year. Greens co-leader Chloe Swarbrick spoke to Guyon Espiner.

Political Editor Jo Moir discusses Kerrin Leoni resignation Oct 23, 2026 00:05:27 Labour MP Kerrin Leoni has resigned as Tamaki Makaurau candidate after video emerged of her campaigning with Mongrel Mob members. Political Editor Jo Moir spoke to Guyon Espiner.

Midday Report Essentials for 22 October 2026 Oct 22, 2026 00:20:33 Today: inflation slows in the latest data out today but the relief is likely short lived with the lower dollar and rising fuel prices meaning it's likely there'll be more rate hikes. Guyon heard from Infometric principal economist Brad Olsen. The Mood of the Boardroom, Guyon Espiner spoke to the NZ Herald's Fran O'Sullivan about what CEOs think about the two Chrises and who the top Ministers

Midday sports news for 22 October 2026 Oct 22, 2026 00:03:35 An update on the latest news and results from RNZ's sports team.

Kiwis see US as a bigger threat than China, survey finds Oct 22, 2026 00:05:17 More New Zealanders see the United States as a major threat than they see China, according to a new poll from the Asia New Zealand Foundation. The survey shows that New Zealanders currently view both China and the United States as threats to New Zealand, rather than friends. Dr Julia Macdonald, Director of Research and Engagement at the Asia New Zealand Foundation spoke to Guyon Espiner.

Latest news from the United States Oct 22, 2026 00:04:30 The latest news from the United States with Nine News reporter Lauren Tomasi in Washington DC.

Midday rural news for 22 October 2026 Oct 22, 2026 00:03:45 An update on the latest news from RNZ's rural team.

Midday business news for 22 October 2026 Oct 22, 2026 00:06:08 The latest news from RNZ's business team.

Fran O'Sullivan on new Mood of the Boardroom survey Oct 22, 2026 00:06:18 Confidence amongst the country's leading business leaders has climbed in this year's Mood of the Boardroom Survey.The annual survey by the Herald is based on the views of about 150 of our top business executives. Fran O'Sullivan, Head of Business at NZME, and the executive editor of the Mood of the Boardroom spoke to Guyon Espiner.

Brad Olsen discusses latest inflation figures Oct 22, 2026 00:07:46 Inflation has eased from a two-year high as a temporary fall in fuel prices offset other price rises. Stats NZ says the consumer price index rose 0.7 percent for the three months to the end of September, taking the annual rate to 3.7 percent. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen spoke to Guyon Espiner.

Midday Report Essentials for Wednesday 21 October Oct 21, 2026 00:21:04 What Israel's Pacific Islands Forum partnership means for NZ; Former National minister questions Luxon's Opportunity stance; Wellness and recovery become big business for gyms.

Midday sports news for Wednesday 21 October Oct 21, 2026 00:03:06 An update on the latest news and results from RNZ's sports team.

Wellness and recovery become big business for gyms Oct 21, 2026 00:06:07 The fitness industry is booming at the moment, and wellness and recovery is a growing part of what gyms are offering, alongside traditional exercise spaces. Les Mills New Zealand chief executive Brett Sutton spoke to Guyon Espiner.

Latest news from Australia Oct 21, 2026 00:04:47 The latest news from Australia with correspondent Amanda Copp in Canberra.

Midday rural news for Wednesday 21 October Oct 21, 2026 00:03:31 An update on the latest news from RNZ's rural team.

Midday business news for Wednesday 21 October Oct 21, 2026 00:05:51 The latest news from RNZ's business team.

Former National minister questions Luxon's Opportunity stance Oct 21, 2026 00:06:43 Polling shows The Opportunity Party set out to make it into Parliament and it also shows that both the left and right bloc would need them to form a government. National's leader, Christopher Luxon has ruled them out. Former National minister, Jonathan Coleman thinks the current leader may have got it wrong. He spoke to Guyon Espiner.

What Israel's Pacific Islands Forum partnership means for NZ Oct 21, 2026 00:06:59 Israel has joined the Pacific Islands Forum as a partner. The move comes after an intense diplomatic push by Israel in the Pacific, which has also seen Papua New Guinea and Fiji open embassies in Jerusalem with Samoa promising to follow. But with accusations of genocide in Gaza, sanctions by New Zealand on Israeli Ministers and a International Criminal Court arrest warrant in place for Prime

Midday Report Essentials for 20 October 2026 Oct 20, 2026 00:19:07 Today: Labour's answer to the ED crisis: Ayesha Verrall is live on Labour's new health policy out today. We're at the Supreme Court with Scott Watson in a final bid to clear his name for the Hope-Smart murders more than three decades on. Plus all the latest in polls, policies and promises from the campaign trail - as the neck and neck race for the Beehive enters the final stretch.

Midday sports news for 20 October 2026 Oct 20, 2026 00:03:22 An update on the latest news and results from RNZ's sports team.

Craig McCulloch updates tight election race ahead of debate Oct 20, 2026 00:06:25 A new poll out this morning has put the election on a knife-edge and Opportunity not far above the 5 percent threshold. RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Guyon Espiner.

Latest news from the United States Oct 20, 2026 00:03:19 The latest news from the United States with Nine News reporter Lauren Tomasi in Washington DC.

Midday rural news for 20 October 2026 Oct 20, 2026 00:04:53 An update on the latest news from RNZ's rural team.

Midday business news for 20 October 2026 Oct 20, 2026 00:06:50 The latest news from RNZ's business team.

Supreme Court considers Scott Watson's latest appeal Oct 20, 2026 00:04:21 A hearing which could be Scott Watson's last chance to quash his convictions got underway at the Supreme Court today. RNZ's Ellen O'Dwyer is covering the case and spoke to Guyon Espiner.

Ayesha Verrall on Labour’s new plan to tackle ED wait times Oct 20, 2026 00:07:12 Health is emerging as one of the key battlegrounds in the election campaign. Labour has unveiled its plan to tackle ED waiting lists today. Labour's health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall spoke to Guyon Espiner.

Midday Report Essentials for 19 October 2026 Oct 19, 2026 00:23:25 Today: More details have emerged about the visit from Green and Te Pati Maori MPs to a Mongrel Mob gang pad. One of those MPs was Te Pati Maori MP Oriini Kaipara. In a video of her speech she promises to "restore mana" to gang members, Oriini Kaipara joined Guyon Espiner to explain. Labour says it will ban social media for under-16, set up an online watchdog to fine tech giants and allow peop

Midday sports news for 19 October 2026 Oct 19, 2026 00:02:31 An update on the latest news and results from RNZ's sports team.

National's plan to criminalise silence raises justice questions Oct 19, 2026 00:07:31 National is promising to make it a crime to remain silent and not disclose information relating to a child being murdered. National's Justice spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says the right to remain silent is a fundamental principle but it should not be absolute when a child has lost their life and no one is talking. But what would the implications be for our justice system? Paul Goldsmith spoke

Latest news from Australia Oct 19, 2026 00:02:59 The latest news from Australia with correspondent Amanda Copp in Canberra.

Midday rural news for 19 October 2026 Oct 19, 2026 00:04:32 An update on the latest news from RNZ's rural team.

Midday business news for 19 October 2026 Oct 19, 2026 00:05:44 The latest news from RNZ's business team.

Reuben Davidson discusses Labour’s new social media policy Oct 19, 2026 00:07:17 Labour says the big technology companies have too much power over what we see and their algorithms are designed to keep us scrolling. So Labour's plan is to ban social media for under-16, set up an online watchdog to fine tech giants and allow people to opt out of the algorithm and get posts only from accounts they follow . Labour tech spokesman Reuben Davidson spoke to Guyon Espiner.

Oriini Kaipara discusses visit to Mongrel Mob gang pad Oct 19, 2026 00:07:18 More details have emerged about the visit from Green and Te Pati Maori MPs to a Mongrel Mob gang pad. One of those MPs was Te Pati Maori MP Oriini Kaipara and footage of her speech at this hui has been circulating on social media today. In the speech she promises to restore mana to gang members. Oriini Kaipara spoke to Guyon Espiner.

Midday Report Essentials for Friday 16 October 2026 Oct 16, 2026 00:15:37 A top economist says the recovery is here - but card spending data out today is weak and retailers say they are entering the peak trading season under real pressure. Gareth Kiernan from Infometrics explains what's going on. A Taxpayers Union ad made with AI depicts Chris Hipkins as a home invading thief over the Capital Gains Tax. Have attack ads gone too far: Political scientist Claire Robin

Midday sports news for 16 October 2026 Oct 16, 2026 00:04:11 An update on the latest news and results from RNZ's sports team.

Midday rural news for 16 October 2026 Oct 16, 2026 00:04:52 An update on the latest news from RNZ's rural team.

Midday Business News for 16 October 2026 Oct 16, 2026 00:05:42 News from the business sector.

Political scientist weighs in on AI-driven attack advertising Oct 16, 2026 00:08:24 A new ad from the Taxpayers Union depicts Chris Hipkins bursting into a home and stealing wallets as the lobby group campaigns against Labour's capital gains tax. The AI-driven ad is the latest in a campaign loaded with attack ads and negativity. Political scientist Claire Robinson wrote a book on political advertising. She spoke to Guyon Espiner.

Infometrics says New Zealand economy is in recovery mode Oct 16, 2026 00:06:14 New Zealand's economy is in recovery mode, even if it doesn't feel like it, according to Infometrics. Infometrics Acting Managing Director and Chief Forecaster Gareth Kiernan spoke to Guyon Espiner.

Midday Report Essentials for 15 October 2026 Oct 15, 2026 00:18:45 Patch protection: The Green party defends politicians posing with mobsters, Marama Davidson fronts up on gangs and her party's plans to restore public service levels back to pre-Luxon levels. RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch joined Guyon Espiner with all the other news from the campaign trail: New Zealand First promising more funding for the coastguard and Labour unveils its cost o

Midday sports news for 15 October 2026 Oct 15, 2026 00:03:48 An update on the latest news and results from RNZ's sports team.

Latest news from the United States Oct 15, 2026 00:04:11 The latest news from the United States with Nine News reporter Lauren Tomasi in Washington DC.

Midday rural news for 15 October 2026 Oct 15, 2026 00:03:36 An update on the latest news from RNZ's rural team.

Midday business news for 15 October 2026 Oct 15, 2026 00:06:12 The latest news from RNZ's business team.

Craig McCulloch on the latest election campaign developments Oct 15, 2026 00:05:11 RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Guyon Espiner with the latest from the campaign trail, and reaction to Marama Davidson's interview on Midday Report.

Marama Davidson discusses Green’s meeting with gang members Oct 15, 2026 00:08:18 How should politicians engage with gangs? The question arises after MPs from the Greens and Te Pati Maori posed for photos with Mongrel Mob members, and then posted the pics online. Labour leader Chris Hipkins said it showed poor judgment and then ruled out the Greens or Te Pati Maori holding key law-and-order portfolios in any Labour-led government. Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson spok

Midday Report Essentials for 14 October 2026 Oct 14, 2026 00:21:07 Today: Tax cuts for landlords or rent relief for renters. David Seymour says a $300 million promise to give tax breaks to property investors will help keep rents down. Guyon Espiner asked him if it's borrowing for tax cuts. New Zealand is one of just one five countries not to sign up to a pandemic preparedness plan at the UN. Guyon Espinder spoke to international law expert professor Al Gille

Midday sports news for 14 October 2026 Oct 14, 2026 00:03:17 An update on the latest news and results from RNZ's sports team.

Gavin Ellis on NZ's big drop in world press freedom index Oct 14, 2026 00:07:43 New Zealand has slipped out of the top 20 in the world press freedom rankings for the first time. In the 2026 Reporters Without Borders index we've fallen six places to 22nd out of 180 countries. Media expert Gavin Ellis talks to Guyon Espiner

Latest news from Australia Oct 14, 2026 00:03:41 The latest news from Australia with correspondent Amanda Copp in Canberra.

Midday rural news for 14 October 2026 Oct 14, 2026 00:03:30 An update on the latest news from RNZ's rural team.

Midday business news for 14 October 2026 Oct 14, 2026 00:06:08 The latest news from RNZ's business team.

Law expert on NZ abstaining on UN pandemic plan Oct 14, 2026 00:05:29 New Zealand was one of only five countries not to vote for a global pandemic preparedness at the United Nations. International law expert Al Gillespie talks to Guyon Espiner.

Seymour on ACT's tax cut policy for landlords Oct 14, 2026 00:06:41 ACT wants to bring back a tax break for landlords that Labour scrapped in 2019. Party leader David Seymour talks to Guyon Espiner.

Midday Report Essentials for 1Tuesday 13 October Oct 13, 2026 00:26:49 A damning King's Counsel report into the Teaching Council's handling of sex-offender Timothy Fisher's case has been released. National has promised to introduce random drug testing for those on the jobseeker benefit - but former National Minister isn't a fan of the plan. Veteran journalist Peter Bergen interviewed Osama Bin Laden before 9/11 - his new book examines how Bush, Obama, Biden and

Midday sports news for 13 October 2026 Oct 13, 2026 00:02:37 An update on the latest news and results from RNZ's sports team.

CNN security analyst Peter Bergen on his new book, All The Presidents' Wars Oct 13, 2026 00:13:57 Twenty-five years ago, the September 11 attacks became the deadliest assault on American soil since Pearl Harbour. The wars that followed cost trillions of dollars and hundreds of thousands of lives. Twenty years after the invasion of Afghanistan, the Taliban took back the country, and America's standing has taken a heavy hit. Peter Bergen, CNN's national security analyst, has reported from t

Latest news from the United States Oct 13, 2026 00:04:21 The latest news from the United States with Nine News reporter Lauren Tomasi in Washington DC.

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