Midday Report for Thursday 12 February 2015

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

12:27 PM.New Zealand shot-putter Valerie Adams came away empty-handed from the Halbergs last night, but she's now up for one of world sports' biggest awards. Audio

12:25 PM.For the latest from the markets we're joined byAngus Marks at First NZ Capital. Audio

12:24 PM.Sky City's chief executive says if the casino operator hadn't spent more than 100 million dollars over the last three or four years on its Auckland property, it wouldn't be performing so strongly. Audio

12:23 PM.ASB Bank's riskier mortgage lending has shrunk by 1 point 4 billion dollars since the Reserve Bank's restrictions came into force. Audio

12:20 PM.New Zealand Oil and Gas is planning an on-market takeover bid for Cue Energy, valuing the Australian-listed firm at nearly 70 million dollars. Audio

12:19 PM.APN News and Media says it's postponing any float of its New Zealand assets for at least 12 months until the success of its strategy becomes evident. Audio

12:17 PM.Manufacturing activity has slowed sharply. Audio

12:00 PM.In Auckland, three young girls have serious injuries after being hit by a car on their way to school and much of the South Island is declared officially in drought. Audio