Midday Report for Wednesday 21 January 2015

12:34 PM.News from the rural and farming sectors. Audio

12:26 PM.The New Zealand cricket coach Mike Hesson is playing down injury fears for fast bowler Adam Milne. Milne took two wickets in seven overs during yesterday's win over Sri Lanka in Nelson, before… Read more Audio

12:25 PM.The listed firm Rakon says small shareholders are the target of an unsolicited offer for their stock. Audio

12:24 PM.For the latest from the markets we're joined by .... Don Lewthwaite at First NZ Capital Audio

12:22 PM.The International Monetary Fund has lowered its forecast for global economic growth for this year and next. It says it expects growth of 3-and-a-half percent over the next 12 months, compared with the… Read more Audio

12:21 PM.Turners & Growers says its profit before tax for calendar 2014 should exceed the 2013 results by between 10 and 20 percent, boosted by rising asset values and a strong second half. Audio

12:19 PM.The New Zealand dollar has fallen nearly two US cents from yesterday morning after unconvincing dairy auction results and weaker than expected inflation figures. Audio

12:17 PM.The global dairy price index has risen for a third consecutive auction, led by a bounce back in the whole milk powder price. Audio

12:16 PM.Slumping petrol prices have contributed to a fall in consumer prices. Official figures show the Consumers Price Index fell zero point 2 percent in the three months to December. Audio

12:00 PM.Whanganui's Mayor, says the community has reacted with shock to the death of a 16 month old in the grounds of Whanganui Hospital on Friday. An inquiry has found an iwi whittled down a 66 million… Read more Audio