Midday Report for Tuesday 21 April 2020

12:46 PM.There's been a surge in mobile trade during the countrywide lockdown, and one app developer says they're expecting more businesses to trade that way as the country moves to Level 3 and then to Level… Read more Audio

12:42 PM.Iwi leaders say they are pleased with the decision to hold off on lifting the level four restrictions until next week.

The Iwi Chairs Pandemic Response group has backed the move and so have a number… Read more Audio

12:35 PM.A Central North Island farm consultant says the drought and Covid19 are pushing a number of farmers to the brink and that stress is often unidentified.

Susan Murray has the rural news. Read more Audio

12:28 PM.The global body for player unions in sport is casting doubt on whether rugby league's NRL can restart on May 28 - saying the planned return date is "very ambitious".

Clay Wilson has the sports news.

12:20 PM.The Reserve Bank is looking at removing the limits on loans to low-deposit borrowers.

Andrew McRae has business. Read more Audio

12:18 PM.Scientists need to find new ways to track the contacts of people who may have had Covid-19, as case numbers plummet.

That's according to Ayesha Verrall, who audited the national contact tracing… Read more Audio

12:15 PM.All retailers will be able to operate online during alert Level Three, but there has been some disappointment in the sector, with many businesses saying they could open safely if allowed.

The New… Read more Audio

12:12 PM.The Small Business Minister, Stuart Nash, has been criticised for failing to present analysis to Cabinet on how businesses would fare under an extended lockdown.

This morning, Mr Nash appeared before… Read more Audio

12:00 PM.A New Zealander has died of Covid-19 in Peru. Ministers are grilled on the decision to move out of lockdown next week. 

Nicola Wright has the news. Read more Audio