Midday Report for Wednesday 22 August 2018

12:35 PM.The horticultural industry has overwhemingly voted to continue with an industry levy. Audio

12:26 PM.The All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster says he wasn't surprised by Brodie Retallick's man of the match performance in the opening Bledisloe Cup test in Sydney last weekend. Audio

12:25 PM.Consumer spending has jumped, led by trade and DIY customers boosting sales in the hardware and building supplies sector. Audio

12:22 PM.There's been improved earnings at a number of other listed firms, including TradeMe, Meridian Energy, and Cavalier Carpets. Audio

12:20 PM.The telecommunications company Spark has reported an 8 percent fall in profit from restructuring its business. Audio

12:19 PM.Specialty dairy company A2 Milk has posted a record profit on the back of surging demand for its infant formula. Audio

12:00 PM.U.S President Donald Trump distances himself his former campaign chairman's fraud conviction. A 6.5 magnitude quake has hit off Vanuatu. Audio