Midday Report for Monday 1 April 2019

12:26 PM.New Zealand Rugby is heralding Aaron Smith's re-signing. Audio

12:23 PM.For the latest from the markets we're joined by Michael Grace from FNZC. Audio

12:22 PM.One of the sharemarket's minnows, biotech company Blis Technologies has lifted its forecast full year result on the back of strong offshore orders. Audio

12:21 PM.New Zealand's largest meat processor, Silver Fern Farms believes it has its bases covered if it strikes Brexit-related problems selling into the European market. Audio

12:19 PM.Sub-contractors to the failed construction firm Ebert have been paid out 2-point-2-million dollars from a fund that holds small deposits from them, but are unlikely to get anything else they are owed.

12:17 PM.Utilities investor Infratil is selling its half stake in an Australian student accommodation venture, which has failed to deliver the growth it had hoped for. Audio

12:00 PM.Eight people are dead after two fatal crashes north of Taupo and in Ashburton. Simon Bridges believes getting gun laws changed will be simpler than garnering support for changes around hate crime. Audio