Midday Report for Wednesday 12 May 2021

12:44 PM.Plans for a new museum in Te Awamutu are kicking into high gear after the purchase of an old Bunnings building in the Waikato town. The museum will showcase the region's history, particularly during… Read more Audio

12:42 PM.Campaigners have been lying down on the cold, soggy grounds at Parliament calling for Pharmac's budget to be tripled to over three billion dollars within two years. Patient Voice Aotearoa is… Read more Audio

12:35 PM.Vets say drought around the country is pushing up demand for services but with the border still closed they can't get help from overseas vets. Audio

12:28 PM.The postponement of the women's Rugby World Cup till next year should actually benefit local fans. Following the postponement of this year's tournament because of Covid-19, World Rugby has confirmed… Read more Audio

12:18 PM.The mobile payments company Pushpay has almost doubled its full year profit, as donations surged on its platform during the pandemic. Audio

12:17 PM.The Government has announced a pay parity plan for some early childhood teachers worth $170 million. In a pre-Budget announcement this morning, the Education Minister Chris Hipkins said the government… Read more Audio

12:14 PM.The government is introducing regulations to cut the fees banks charge businesses when customers pay with credit or debit cards. The Commerce Commission will also be given powers to regulate and… Read more Audio

12:11 PM.Businesses will pay lower fees on credit and debit card transactions, under new legislation announced today. These are the merchant service fees charged by banks - which have gone largely unregulated… Read more Audio