Midday Report for Wednesday 5 June 2019

12:35 PM.The Mayor of Wairoa says soaring prices for forest land proves he was right all along to worry about farmland disappearing under trees. Audio

12:26 PM.Steve Tew steps down from New Zealand Rugby. Audio

12:23 PM.Midday Markets for June 5th 2019. Audio

12:20 PM.A medical technology company says the government's planned $300-million investment fund to support the development of start-up companies should help keep them in this country. Audio

12:19 PM.The number of new vehicle registrations has dropped significantly, in yet another sign of a slowing economy. Audio

12:17 PM.The SBS Bank is restricting lending to businesses and farmers, particularly in the North Island. Audio

12:00 PM.A tornado has lifted roofs in Northland. Calls for local communities to take the lead on speed restrictions. Audio