Midday Report for Tuesday 6 March 2018

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

12:26 PM.The former British cyclist Bradley Wiggins says he one hundred percent did not cheat and claims he is the victim of an attempt to "smear" him. Audio

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

12:20 PM.The jewellery retailer, Michael Hill is to close the bulk of its Emma & Roe stores as it looks to revamp the brand, to get a bigger share of growing demand for lower-cost jewellery. Audio

12:18 PM.Mergers & acquistions are expected to outpace new listings on the the NZX this year, but expected to pickup next year, once new listing rules are in place. Audio

12:17 PM.Media companies, Stuff and NZME, say they'll have to go back to the drawing board and renegotiate their proposed merger. Audio

12:00 PM.U.S President Donald Trump stands firm on a plan to introduce tariffs on imported steel and aluminium. A new report from Niwa shows this summer has been the hottest ever recorded. Audio