Midday Report for Friday 20 August 2021

12:46 PM.There are long queues at testing stations again today, which is relatively good news, even if the waits are making it tricky for some. RNZ reporter Jean Bell speaks to Māni Dunlop about the latest. Read more Audio

12:44 PM.In Auckland, the outbreak has affected schools, shopping centres, and hospitals - and the list of locations of interest continues to grow. North Shore hospital is now turning some patients away and… Read more Audio

12:42 PM.The Covid-19 Delta outbreak has spread beyond Auckland, with positive cases now detected in Wellington. Wellington's mayor Andy Foster says council staff are helping health officials to provide more… Read more Audio

12:35 PM.A group representing independent butchers fears some would not survive an extended lockdown opperating under the current rules. Audio

12:28 PM.Some good news about the former Black Cap Chris Cairns. He is off life support and has spoken to family members from his Sydney hospital bed. Audio

12:20 PM.The investment company Property for Industry has turned a record half year profit on the back of a strong valuation gains and improved rental income. Audio

12:10 PM.It's looking likely a longer lockdown looms for Aotearoa New Zealand, with health professionals confirming to RNZ there are now three cases of Covid-19 in the Wellington region. Māni Dunlop asks Otago… Read more Audio

12:00 PM.Health sources confirm to RNZ the Delta strain has reached Wellington. We discuss what that means with epidemiologist Michael Baker. And former Deputy Prime Minister Sir Michael Cullen has died. Audio