Midday Report for Wednesday 1 April 2020

12:45 PM.After much advocacy - the long awaited scrapping of the sanction docking the benefits of solo parents comes into effect today.

The sanction meant that solo parents who didn't name the other parent… Read more Audio

12:42 PM.Thousands of people have tuned in to a Facebook page providing online kaupapa Māori courses for children during the lockdown period.

Nga whānau o Kura mo ngā mokopuna has more than 3-thousand members… Read more Audio

12:35 PM.The pork industry says the closure of independent butchers during the Covid-19 lockdown could cause an animal welfare crisis for the sector.

Andrew McRae and Maja Burry have the rural news. Read more Audio

12:28 PM.London's top football clubs have been asked to help support Britain's National Health Service through the coronavirus crisis.

Joe Porter has the latest sport. Read more Audio

12:19 PM.The government is doubling the amount it plans to borrow for the current financial year to pay for its various Covid-19 rescue and support packages.

Gyles Beckford speaks with Māni Dunlop. Read more Audio

12:11 PM.Unemployment looks set to soar due to Covid-19.

The Finance Minister, Grant Robertson, has told the Epidemic Response Committee the effects of the coronavirus crisis will top those seen during the… Read more Audio

12:11 PM.A group of industry leaders hopes to have a list of shovel-ready infrastructure projects ready for the Government in a matter of weeks.

The Government is trying to prepare for life after the lockdown… Read more Audio

12:00 PM.Unemployment is set to soar in a financial shock worse than 2008.

Nicola Wright has the news. Read more Audio