Midday Report for Tuesday 5 May 2015

12:35 PM.News from the rural and farming sectors. Audio

12:29 PM.Nufarm has named its chief operating officer and acting chief executive, Greg Hunt, as the company's new managing director and chief executive. Audio

12:29 PM.Hurricanes dealt a blow as All Blacks first five Beauden Barrett is ruled out of action. Audio

12:27 PM.Vista Group International says its Movio Cinema company has signed a significant multi-year agreement with the second largest cinema chain in the United States. Audio

12:25 PM.For the latest from the markets we're joined by Angus Marks at First NZ Capital. Audio

12:23 PM.The former head of Hewlett-Packard, Carly Fiorina, has joined the Republican race for presidential nomination, the first female in her party to enter the White House contest. Audio

12:21 PM.McDonald's has launched its turnaround plan, saying it needs to strip away bureaucracy so it can easily change with the times. The world's largest fast food chain suffered a 15 percent drop in net… Read more Audio

12:20 PM.A new electricity retailer is vying for customers in the intensely competitive market by offering an hour of free power a day. Electric Kiwi is offering the free hour to the 60 percent of households… Read more Audio

12:19 PM.The first housing figures for April show the average price for Auckland properties has surged by 3.5 percent or 27 thousand dollars in one month to more than $800,000 in April. Audio

12:17 PM.New Zealand's largest bank has reported a 3 percent lift in its first half net profit reflecting the growth in lending and deposits, as well as continued productivity gains. The New Zealand arm of the… Read more Audio

12:00 PM.Auckland Council threatened with loss of consenting for Special Housing Areas and farmers fear rigid new quad bike rules could lead to more accidents. Audio