Midday Report for Friday 3 September 2021

12:53 PM.A lockdown in French Polynesia has been extended by 15 days, as the Covid-19 situation deteriorates. More than 200 people have died in the past two weeks, and hospitals are full. Worldwatch's Max… Read more Audio

12:46 PM.Formerly disbanded pop superband ABBA released two new tracks today with an album set for release later this year. Pauline Berry is the leader of tribute band, ABBA Heaven and she spoke to Māni Dunlop… Read more Audio

12:42 PM.Auckland whānau who're now into their second-and-a-half week in strict lockdown might be in need of some new ideas to keep their tamariki entertained and keep their brains stimulated. Māni Dunlop… Read more Audio

12:35 PM.News from the rural and farming sector. Audio

12:27 PM.Gina Crampton has been named as the new captain for this years's series' against England and Australia. Audio

12:20 PM.News from the business sector, including a market report. Audio

12:17 PM.Māori are the least vaccinated group to date, and yesterday, an extra $23 million was announced to assist agencies. Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency CEO John Tamihere told Māni Dunlop middle class and… Read more Audio

12:14 PM.At midnight, Northland joined those of us south of Auckland at Alert Level 3. The shift down for Tai Tokerau means there are now checkpoints at the northern and southern boundaries of the Auckland… Read more Audio

12:11 PM.Questions still swirl about how a man absconded from his Quarantine hotel early yesterday morning - after he'd tested positive for Covid-19. It is not yet clear how he was able to slip through MIQ… Read more Audio

12:00 PM.Quarantine escapee puts others at risk and the fight for equal access to vaccines Audio