Midday Report for Friday 21 May 2021

12:45 PM.A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is now in effect - after fighting that's left hundreds dead, most of them Palestinians. Egypt brokered the ceasefire and an Israeli statement describes it as… Read more Audio

12:42 PM.It is deadline day for councils throughout the country to approve Māori wards - if they are to be in place before next year's local body elections. Māori wards are a mechanism to correct the… Read more Audio

12:35 PM.Dairy NZ thinks the government's budget has really missed the mark. Audio

12:28 PM.The Warriors have decided to not return to Auckland this year. Stability for the players and their families is the primary reason behind the Warriors decision to remain based in Australia for the rest… Read more Audio

12:19 PM.My Food Bag has met investor confidence in its public listing earlier this year with a higher full year profit than forecast. Audio

12:18 PM.Pharmac is vowing to do better at informing GPs when it switches drugs - usually to save money. The chief coroner has ruled the deaths of six people were not linked to a recent epilepsy medication… Read more Audio

12:16 PM.A Samoan court ruling should pave the way for a new party to rule the nation. This means the HRPP will be in opposition for the first time in four decades, and the FAST party will have a one seat… Read more Audio

12:15 PM.People will still need food banks despite increases to benefits announced in Budget 2021, say community advocates. Max Towle speaks to Annie Williams (Ngāti Porou) a community leader in Enderley in… Read more Audio

12:11 PM.Social advocacy groups, and those who work with children, are cautiously welcoming Budget 2021. The Government says it is a real milestone which will make a difference to people's lives. RNZ reporter… Read more Audio