One transport planner is looking into the feasibility of a fixed link between New Zealand's two islands.

KiwiRail are officially cancelling an overseas contract for building more mega-ferries, after the Government declined to foot the bill.

Nicolas Reid, the Principal Public Transport Planner for MRCagney, says there are other options available to cross the Cook Strait.

"There's options around the existing ferries and expanding those ferries, and also moving to a fixed link such as a bridge or a tunnel."

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Over in the US, share prices have slumped after the US Federal Reserve hinted at a slower than expected pace for rate cuts in the new year.

The Federal Reserve set its key lending rate in a target range of 4.25 percent to 4.5 percent - down a full percentage point since September.

Fisher Funds expert Sam Dickie explains further.

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The Country's Jamie Mackay has been catching up with politicians and farming experts to discuss their picks for Ag Person of the Year.

There's been a diverse range of favourites - but who is Jamie's?

He revealed his favourites for 2024, ahead of his final show for the year.

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