Midday Report for Friday 26 February 2016

12:34 PM.News from the rural and farming sectors. Audio

12:26 PM.The crucial role coach Wayne Smith has played in New Zealand Rugby has led the national body to do all it can to keep him in the country. Audio

12:25 PM.The country posted a small trade surplus in January as growth in exports and imports kept pace. Audio

12:23 PM.Veteran corporate raider Sir Ron Brierley is making a swoop to buy the shell of Wellington retailer Kirkcaldie and Stains. Audio

12:23 PM.For the latest from the markets we're joined by Don Lewthwaite at First NZ Capital. Audio

12:21 PM.As we've been reporting today, the electronics store, Dick Smith, will progressively shut down its remaining 360 shops in Australia and New Zealand after receivers failed to find a buyer. Audio

12:20 PM.The premium wine company, Delegat Group, has delivered a record first half profit of 19-million dollars for the six months ended December, up 96 percent on last year. Audio

12:19 PM.The online search firm, SLI Systems, has reported a smaller loss as it retains earnings and grows its customer base. Audio

12:18 PM.As you heard in the news, the energy network company Vector has posted a bigger half year profit. Audio

12:16 PM.The pay tv operator, Sky Network Television, has seen its first half net profit fall, hit by an increase in programming costs and the rollout of new digital technology. Audio

12:00 PM.A man who stabbed his estranged wife to death gets at least 17 years and the dairy slump's knock-on effect could be huge. Audio