Summer Report for Friday 23 January 2009

9:50 AM.We went along and saw what could be the smallest banjo orchestra in the world, the Cloghoppers. Audio

9:40 AM.One of the favourite acts from previous years has returned to the World Buskers Festival this year. Audio

9:20 AM.We join various international busking acts around christchurch. Audio

9:09 AM.The chairwoman of the former Chinese dairy company Sanlu has been sentenced to life imprisonment. Audio

9:09 AM.Live from Victoria Square in Christchurch, mayor Bob Parker. Audio

8:50 AM.Raw, natural and uncontaminated by the marketing industry, buskers inhabit most of our major cities. Audio

8:43 AM.It wasn't just flash international acts wowing the crowds at the World Buskers Festival - there were flash kiwis performing too. Audio

8:42 AM.A1 is one of the stepping stone series into Formula One, and its unique feature is the each team is a national franchise. Audio

8:40 AM.For a look at what the surf's doing around the country, and joining us live in Victoria Square is surfer Doug Young. Audio

8:38 AM.Police say Auckland, Tauranga, and Napier have been identified as the most likely areas for him to be hiding out. Audio

8:36 AM.Art lovers gathered last night to celebrate the opening of Waiheke Island's biennal headland Sculpture on the Gulf exhibition. Audio

8:32 AM.35 years ago the Commonwealth Games began in Christchurch. Organisers and competitors get together to commemorate. Audio

8:30 AM.News from financial markets around the world. Audio

8:23 AM.This year the summer job hunt is proving more difficult than usual, and the finger's being pointed at the recession. Audio

8:20 AM.Federated Farmers are concerned cuts to the official cash rate haven't flowed through to interest rates on bank loans. Audio

8:13 AM.Plans to make Lake Tekapo the world's first 'night sky reserve are now being considered internationally. Audio

8:11 AM.The new 365-million-dollar road opening on Sunday comes at a cost for most users, and small town businesses on the old route. Audio

7:47 AM.Performers from around the globe will be in Christchurch over the next ten days for the 16th Annual World Busker's Festival. Audio

7:36 AM.For the first time the Maori Party plans to walk onto Ratana Pa today with the National-led government. Audio

7:30 AM.With our Metservice Weather Ambassador, Bob McDavitt. Audio

7:26 AM.Our daily sports update with Simon Bird. Audio

7:20 AM.The Prime Minister John Key is being criticised for not acting on his desire to freeze MP's salaries. Audio

7:17 AM.Petrol prices have risen 20 cents in 9 days and there could be further rises on the way. Audio

7:12 AM.Global mining giant, Rio Tinto says the potential for job losses at its New Zealand aluminum smelter is still a real one. Audio

7:09 AM.Two men convicted of making and selling toxic milk that killed six Chinese babies have been sentenced to death in China. Audio