Midday Report for Friday 24 February 2023

12:56 PM.When Russia invaded Ukraine, Kyiv wasn't expected to survive one week - let alone one year.

Overnight, Ukrainian civilians traded their tools, pens and laptops for army fatigues and signed up to the… Read more Audio

12:50 PM.Evacuations have been ordered for people in the Esk Valley north of Napier.

The Hawke's Bay civil defence controller Ian MacDonald spoke to Māni Dunlop about the precautionary measure to keep people… Read more Audio

12:46 PM.There are heavy rain warnings for Hawke's Bay, Gisborne and the Coromandel Peninsula.

MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris spoke to Māni Dunlop about the latest forecasts. Read more Audio

12:46 PM.It's the final day of heats at Te Matatini Herenga Waka Herenga Tangata, at Nga Ana Wai Eden Park in Auckland.

The competition is really heating up, despite the persistent rain.

The die hards are… Read more Audio

12:43 PM.Te pūrongo o te Poutūtanga, Midday Report, shares regular civil defence announcements at this time every day for listeners in the Tai Rāwhiti and Hawke's Bay regions living in isolated communities. Read more Audio

12:42 PM.An evacuation order has been issued for people in the Esk Valley.

The Hawke's Bay Group Controller Ian Macdonald says it is a precaution based on the forecast rain and taking the condition of the… Read more Audio

12:36 PM.News from the rural farming sector Audio

12:20 PM.An evacuation order has just been issued for people in the Esk Valley.

An emergency mobile alert would be issued at about 1.30pm.

Māni Dunlop reads the just-received evacuation order from Hawke's… Read more Audio

12:19 PM.The heavy rain warning also covers Turanga nui a kiwa, Gisborne.

Residents are still being asked to drastically reduce water consumption - the main water treatment plant is not expected to be fixed… Read more Audio

12:16 PM.The rain in Hawke's Bay is hampering clean-up efforts as silt turns to sludge.

RNZ rurals reporter Maja Burry has been checking in with orchardists in the Puketapu area near the Tutaekuri River… Read more Audio

12:12 PM.Esk Valley residents, just north of Napier, have been told to be prepared to evacuate, with heavy rain forecast today.

The area was devastated by Cyclone Gabrielle, when intense rainfall resulted in… Read more Audio