Midday Report for Wednesday 27 February 2019

12:35 PM.Rural services company PGG Wrightson is banking on strong commodity prices and good farm profitability to drive growth for the rest of the year. Audio

12:26 PM.The Highlanders All Blacks Ben Smith, Aaron Smith and Luke Whitelock have been left out of the squad - for this weekend's Super Rugby match against the Rebels in Melbourne. Audio

12:24 PM.For the latest from the markets we're joined by Belinda Stanley of Craigs Investment Partners. Audio

12:23 PM.It's a different tale for another produce company,T&G Global, with a 81 percent drop in profit because of poor weather. Audio

12:22 PM.Apple grower and exporter, Scales Corporation's profit is up by nearly half on booming exports and prices. Audio

12:21 PM.Rural services company, PGG Wrightson's first half profit has all but disappeared as it faces higher costs and a big loss from its seeds business. Audio

12:19 PM.The online advertising and auction portal, Trade Me, has made a smaller first half profit as costs associated with its takeover offset strong gains in advertising. Audio

12:17 PM.The power company Genesis Energy's first half profit is up 78 percent to 49-million dollars as it sold more power and gas to more customers. Audio

12:00 PM.Auckland's DHB is more than 10 million dollars in the red. An eyewitness to last night's shoot out in Christchurch feared a stray bullet might come through his window. Audio