Midday Report for Wednesday 31 July 2019

12:35 PM.The former science adviser to the Prime Minister says New Zealand must seriously debate evolving technology such as gene editing. Audio

12:26 PM.The All Blacks have cut five players from their squad for the upcoming Bledisloe Cup tests, while lock Scott Barrett makes a timely return replacing the injured Brodie Retallick. Audio

12:23 PM.For the latest from the markets we're joined by Mark Fowler of Hobson Wealth Partners. Audio

12:20 PM.Would-be buyers of new electric vehicles are delaying their purchases, until the government's proposed rebate scheme is finalised, according to a leading car sales firm. Audio

12:18 PM.Gender diversity at the board table of local listed companies has improved, but fewer women are becoming executives at the largest firms. Audio

12:17 PM.Vodafone may be about to steal a march on its rivals with a move towards establishing a 5G mobile network. Audio

12:00 PM.A man has been sentenced over an anti-Muslim tirade at the Al Noor mosque. One of the Ihumatao occupiers is to meet with the Maori Development Minister. Audio