Midday Report Essentials for Thursday 28th August 2025

In today's episode, the government has signed off on loosening alcohol restrictions; Residents of the now destroyed Loafers Lodge hostel are pained recalling the memories of the deadly fires that ruined their homes for the court; Waitaki district council is facing a 38 percent rates increase after deciding to keep water services in house for the Local Water Done Well reform; Aotearoa's boutique music & arts festival is returning after a year off in the wake of economic challenges.