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The High Court's ruled the Crown breached its promise to ensure self-employed midwives are paid fairly and reasonably.  After 18 months of waiting, the decision's been published. Justice Cheryl Gwyn also says the Crown unlawfully discriminated against the midwives on the basis of sex - and breached their human rights. NZ College of Midwives chief executive Alison Eddy says workers weren't being paid based on reasonable comparators. "And the fact that they're self-employed and had to carry the costs of that and providing a 24/7 service, 365 days a year." The Government says it will appeal the decision. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour may still hand a lifeline to the Government's much-touted surcharge ban.  The policy was announced with much fanfare last year - with Minister Scott Simpson promising it would be in force by May.  But he now says the bill's on pause, after David Seymour confirmed ACT won't back it.  National's now hoping for Labour's support for it to pass, with the Opposition keen to see amendments made so retailers don’t bear the costs of the payments themselves.  Retail NZ's Carolyn Young says she think's it's unlikely the banks can be forced to absorb them.  "If they can get the banks to absorb the fees, that would be a great outcome." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Greens are heading to the election, with a policy to reverse the Government's reintroduction of interest deductibility. It also wants to scrap no-cause evictions, and introduce a new register of landlords and property managers. The Greens say they want to cap rent-hikes at two-percent per year and introduce a new rental warrant of fitness. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper has raised concerns over the impacts of this plan. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Australia, the fuel crisis is getting worse, with hundreds of petrol stations running dry. Stations in NSW and Victoria have reported significant shortages, with metropolitan areas being hit the hardest. Australian correspondent Sam Emery says demand for fuel has been spiking - which has been driven up by panic-buyers looking to get ahead. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The White Ferns have wrapped up a 4-1 T20 series win over South Africa, cruising to a 92-run win in the final game at Hagley Oval. Having already wrapped up the series, captain Melie Kerr was in imperious form - blasting 105 off just 55 balls to lead the hosts to 194 for six. South Africa couldn't get any partnerships going, held to 102 for nine in their run-chase. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave recapped the action. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The mother of a six-year-old boy with Down Syndrome says it was a punch in the guts to find out he's being deported.  The family arrived from South Africa on visitor visas two years ago and have been living in Waikato.  But a new rule means children of temporary visa-holders have to leave the country - if they have a severe cognitive or developmental disorder and require significant support. The couple sought ministerial intervention from Associate Immigration Minister Chris Penk, who declined without giving the family a reason.  Mother Sonandi Geldenhuys says the couple had planned to apply for residency.  "We read about the acceptable standard of health before we came over and it all pointed towards medical, and Luandre has no medical conditions." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in the UK, concerns have been raised over an incoming fuel shortage as the Middle East conflict continues. The Government hasn't dismissed the possibility of fuel rationing due to the persistent conflict in Iran and the supply issues causing a spike in prices as a result.  UK correspondent Kay Oliver says discussions have taken place about future options.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is looking at potentially helping Channel Infrastructure increase its fuel storage capacity at Marsden Point. Channel - New Zealand’s largest fuel import terminal business - has identified some 'very preliminary options' for significantly increasing its diesel storage capacity more quickly than would normally be the case. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Zealand sharemarket turned downwards, finishing with a fall of over 1.53 percent. The conflict in the Middle East has continued on, and oil prices have kept going up as a result.  Milford Asset Management's Jeremy Hutton explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Thomas Scrimgeour from the Maxim Institute and Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The US has sent over a 15-point peace plan for the Iran conflict. Do we think this is going to work? Do we see the conflict ending soon?   It's been revealed the National Party is offering the public a chance to sit next to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon over dinner for $10,000. What do we make of this?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.