Midday Report Essentials for Monday 25th August 2025

In today's episode, the trial of a man charged with murdering five people by setting fire to Wellington's Loafers Lodge hostel on May 16th 2023 has started at the High Court in Wellington; A retailer in Queenstown says the town is at risk of becoming the next Barcelona; Age Concern is warning that even retirees who have paid off their homes are struggling with the cost of living as pressure goes on rates and insurance; Auckland is once again playing host to the fashion industry's most influential players as New Zealand Fashion Week returns.