Midday Report for Tuesday 18 October 2016

12:35 PM.News from the rural and farming sectors. Audio

12:26 PM.The star signing for the women's ASB Tennis Classic, former world number one Serena Williams could be in doubt for the Auckland tournament. Audio

12:25 PM.Workforce software developer Geoop has raised nearly five million dollars for future growth. Audio

12:23 PM.For the latest from the markets we're joined by Belinda Stanley at Craigs Investment Partners. Audio

12:22 PM.A new small scale private equity fund says its on the hunt for regional businesses looking to grow. Audio

12:21 PM.The Auckland casino operator, Sky City, says none of its staff or contractors have been caught-up in a crackdown on so-called gambling crimes by authorities in China. Audio

12:20 PM.The rural services company, PGG Wrightson, says its financial year has begun well, with operating earnings expected to fall in the range of 62 to 68 million dollars. Audio

12:19 PM.New Zealand's largest construction company, Fletcher Building, confirms it's on track to meet its full year profit guidance, but warns that the strong New Zealand dollar is adversely impacting its… Read more Audio

12:17 PM.As you may have heard in the news, inflation for the past three months was a touch higher than expected at zero-point-2 percent. Audio

12:00 PM.The government announces another billion dollars for new prison beds after an unexpected spike in numbers. Striking doctors deny an extra 160 staff are needed to make rosters safe. Audio