Midday Report for Tuesday 2 April 2024

12:44 PM.The Māori king, Kīngi Tūheitia, along with Tahitian and Cook Island leaders have signed a historic treaty, recognising whales as legal persons. 

It's hoped the move will put pressure on governments… Read more Audio

12:40 PM.New Zealand Defence Force personnel have joined the search for a man who fell overboard from a commercial fishing boat off the Hawke's Bay coast.

Maritime NZ's Rescue Coordination was alerted about 8… Read more Audio

12:35 PM.The country's largest meat processor and marketer, Silver Fern Farms, has just reported a net loss after tax of $24.4 million for the 2023 financial year.

Monique Steele has the rural news. Read more Audio

12:25 PM.The Wallabies have grabbed another former member of the All Blacks coaching staff.

Stephen Hewson has sports. Read more Audio

12:20 PM.Dairy company Synlait plans to reduce production capacity along with debt following an "extremely disappointing" large $96 million first half loss. 

Gyles Beckford has the business news. Read more Audio

12:16 PM.There are growing calls for random roadside drug testing after seven people were killed in crashes over the Easter long weekend.

The previous government introduced legislation allowing roadside drug… Read more Audio

12:09 PM.The senior doctors union says hospitals may have to look at installing metal detectors or limiting visitors in emergency departments after a shocking weekend attack at Wairarapa Hospital.

A patient… Read more Audio