Midday Report for Friday 10 August 2018

12:35 PM.Fonterra is cutting five cents off the amount it intends paying farmers for the milk season just ended. Audio

12:26 PM.Men's playing numbers continue to decline in New Zealand domestic rugby. Audio

12:25 PM.The Government creates a Small Business Council. RBNZ to evacuate its Wellington head office for three months because of asbestos. Regulator  approves OMV buying Shell assets.  Audio

12:21 PM.The burden on company directors is getting heavier with increasing complex regulations, and issues particulary around fast changing technology and the future of work. Audio

12:20 PM.Manufacturing activity has fallen to its lowest level in nearly six years. Audio

12:19 PM.Electronic card spending rose again last month by 0.7 pct on the back of higher spending on food and fuel.

  Audio

12:17 PM.Fonterra's need to keep its debt levels in check is behind its move to cut the milk payout to farmers for the season just ended and to scrap its final dividend payout. Audio

12:00 PM.Single use plastic bags are being banned. A one point five billion dollar plan for the foreign student industry. Audio