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Early Edition with Kate Hawkesby

English, Foreign/International, 1 season, 3126 episodes, 2 days, 7 hours, 34 minutes
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Don't risk not knowing what's going around New Zealand and the world - catch up with interviews from Early Edition, hosted by Kate Hawkesby on Newstalk ZB.
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Ryan Bridge: Building new houses on flood-prone land - here we go again

Here we go again, everybody. They’re planning to build yet more houses on land that we know is partial to flooding.  This time, it's the Coalition Government, with three housing projects on its fast-track list in Auckland and Canterbury.  In 2022 it was Labour, they had 700 homes on their fast-track list that were prone to flooding.  You might think, well, if you want to go and build your house on flood-prone land after Cyclone Gabrielle, et cetera, that's your issue. You pay up.  But here's the problem with that: we have no hard and fast rule about what rate payers and or taxpayers might have to stump up for compensation. You know, do we buy these houses out? How does it work?   If they build and it floods, our collective insurance premiums go up. Just this week, we had a letter from big insurers to the Prime Minister and others saying we can't keep up with these payouts, with the increased weather events, et cetera – premiums are going to have to rock it up, stop allowing development on low lying land.  There's been a select committee report on this, saying we need rules from the government, we need certainty, and we do.  Who pays what to whom and when, we just don't know.   And in the meantime, you would think the land that might be at risk of flooding would be put on a slow, rather than a fast track. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/24/20241 minute, 35 seconds
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Giuseppe Sasso: Auckland Radiation Oncologist Associate Professor on the new information on radiotherapy for prostate cancer appointments

There's fresh information for prostate cancer patients and their doctors to consider when making treatment decisions.  A UK study has found those treated with a highly targeted type of radiotherapy appear to have fewer problems with two major side effects, compared with those who have surgery.  Auckland Radiation Oncologist Associate Professor Giuseppe Sasso says the treatment is also more convenient compared to conventional radiation.  He says it's able to take care of their disease with five appointments, rather than a four week, Monday to Friday course of radiation.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/24/20244 minutes, 7 seconds
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Jason Walls: ZB Political Editor on Christopher Luxon meeting with Commonwealth leaders at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa

The issue of the Manawanui sinking is hanging over the Prime Minister as he attends the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa. Christopher Luxon met UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer last night, and will meet with King Charles and other leaders today. He says it's too early to talk about whether Samoa will get any financial compensation for the Manawanui.  But Political Editor Jason Walls —who's on the ground in Samoa with the PM— told Ryan Bridge Luxon has been full of praise for the Kiwi taskforce responding to the situation.  He says there was some initial estimates that thousands of litres of diesel could be leaking out into the ocean, but the PM is confident there's been little to no damage to marine life.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/24/20243 minutes, 15 seconds
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Simeon Brown: Transport Minister on the planned meeting in the wake of the Onehunga bus stabbing

The Government's meeting with Police and transport officials today over Wednesday's fatal stabbing in Auckland.  Police are expected to lay charges against a 37-year-old man who handed himself in to North Shore Police Station yesterday afternoon.  It came after a woman was fatally stabbed on a bus in Onehunga on Wednesday in a seemingly random attack.  Transport Minister Simeon Brown told Ryan Bridge he and Police Minister Mark Mitchell will be sitting down with Police and Auckland Transport today.  He says the key issue is to ensure they're using the resources they have effectively, keeping public transport users safe, and looking at what more they can do.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/24/20243 minutes, 56 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 25 October 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday 25th of October, there are concerns about safety on public transport following the fatal stabbing of a woman on a bus in Onehunga. Transport Minister Simeon Brown joins the show to discuss the situation.  A new UK prostate cancer trial is looking good for patients - it aims to reduce side effects and treat the cancer in a more targeted way. Oncologist Giuseppe Sasso speaks to Ryan about what it could mean for Kiwi patients.  The Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting is getting underway in Samoa. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has already held a meeting with the UK's Kier Starmer and is set to meet the King for the first time today. Newstalk ZB Political Editor Jason Walls joins us live from Samoa.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/24/202434 minutes, 15 seconds
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Sally Patterson: US Correspondent on John Kelly saying he believes Donald Trump fits the definition of a fascist

Donald Trump is coming under fire for alleged comments he made about Adolf Hitler.   In an interview with the New York Times, Trump's former Chief of Staff, John F. Kelly claims the former president said that Hitler did some good things.   US correspondent Sally Patterson told Ryan Bridge the Republican presidential nominee allegedly praised Hitler on other things.   She says that includes praising Hitler's economic policy and military tactics.   A spokesperson for the Trump campaign says Kelly has made a fool of himself with the accusations and labelled them debunked stories.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/23/20242 minutes, 25 seconds
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Mark Potter: New Zealand Education Institute President on the Auditor-General report, funding

The primary teachers’ union says there are other matters which should come before improvements to the measuring of student performance.   An Auditor-General report says there's a gap in the Ministry of Education's information on student performance before NCEA level.   It recommends better collection of progress reports on primary and intermediate students.  New Zealand Education Institute President Mark Potter told Ryan Bridge that there needs to be more investment in education across the board.  He says it’ll require new money to be invested, not just clip and cut funding from one part of education, and moved to another.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/23/20244 minutes, 51 seconds
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Mark Quin: Ambulance Association Secretary on the 6% funding boost for Hato Hone St John

An ambulance union says the Government's made the right call in increasing funding by 6% for Hato Hone St John.  It's putting an additional $21 million into the ambulance service, increasing the overall funding to nearly $357 million.  Ambulance Association Secretary Mark Quin told Ryan Bridge that it hasn’t resolved the issues of pay parity, but it’s more than they were offered previously.   He says the pay increases take them above the inflationary pressures, as well as significant conditions around medical.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/23/20243 minutes, 46 seconds
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Matt Ball: Property Investors Federation Advocacy Director on the life returning to the property market

A bit of life is coming back into the property market, but investors think the best is yet to come.   The CoreLogic October Housing report has found almost a quarter of the properties bought were by people who own multiple properties.   The Property Investors Federation says there should be a pickup mid next year as mortgage rates continue to fall.   Advocacy Director Matt Ball told Ryan Bridge there are some bargains to be had.  He says some investors are buying up run down homes and doing them up for a profit.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/23/20243 minutes, 36 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: Why would you want to be a bus driver?

Yesterday, a driver and fellow passengers all witnessed a stabbing take place, and the person died.  This is 2:30 in the afternoon on a bus in suburban Auckland, and someone is allegedly stabbed to death.  There's been beatings of passengers and drivers, I don't have to explain this, you've seen the headlines. The problem of driver safety seems to only be getting worse.  I was walking past the bus just a few weeks back, there was a guy, he looked wild in the eyes. You know the ones that I'm talking about, swearing and yelling and walking up to buses and kicking their doors.  So every time a bus would come along the guy would just kick the door and he did it to several of them. I didn't say anything. I was with other people; they didn't say anything because you're just worried he's going to go nuts at you.  But we could carry on walking down the road, when you work on public transport, you cannot escape the public.  And when the public is increasingly hostile, there are more and more bad eggs on the bus, where do you go to?  Nowhere. You can't go anywhere.  And the long-promised safety screens are finally being installed.  But, as we heard on this show a couple of months back, it'll take another two years to even get to 80% coverage.  There are plenty of safe bus journeys out there, plenty of drivers who love what they do. No doubt about that.  But the more you hear about these awful acts of violence on or around our drivers, you've got to ask yourself, is it worth the risk? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/23/20241 minute, 42 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 24 October 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Thursday 24th of October, the Auditor General has told the Ministry of Education to get a better handle on inequality in our school children. NZEI President Mark Potter reacts to the report.  Property investors could be the ones to watch in the new year as interest rates continue to drop. Matt Ball from the Property Investors Federation joins the show to discuss.  St John have ratified their collective agreement; it comes as the government provides the ambulance service with more money - but is it enough? NZ Ambulance Association Secretary Mark Quin speaks to Ryan about what more needs to be done.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/23/202434 minutes, 27 seconds
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Liz Wheadon: General Manager of Normanby Fine Wines on growing retail confidence, launching a business early next year

Retailers appear hopeful their sales numbers will turn around.  Retail NZ's quarterly survey finds 65% of retailers feel confident or very confident their business will survive the next 12 months.  It finds 57% expect to meet or exceed their targets for the final quarter, even after 70% failed to meet their last sales targets.  General Manager of Normanby Fine Wines, Liz Wheadon told Ryan Bridge that they’ve started to see positive signs, and they see it as a good time to look at starting a new business.  She said that fine wines is a hard market to read, but it feels like there’s some optimism there.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/22/20243 minutes, 30 seconds
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Tony Randle: Wellington City Councillor on the appointment of a Crown Observer, the odds of Tory Whanau getting a second term as Mayor

A Wellington City Councillor hopes a Crown Observer will help the city put more support towards water infrastructure.  Preparations are under way for a Crown Observer, announced by Local Government Minister Simeon Brown in a bid to help the council's 10 Year Budget.  The city's seeking cuts after reversing plans to sell its airport shares.  Wellington City Councillor Tony Randle told Ryan Bridge they need to cut some of their projects, and they are not funding Wellington Water as much as it's requesting.  He says water's not the top priority, but it should be, and he's confident they're going to get there.  Randle is also uncertain if Tory Whanau will be voted in as Mayor for a second term.  He says her record is not necessarily the best, but it depends who stands against her.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/22/20242 minutes, 50 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: School lunches - David Seymour is the new Robin Hood

Nothing is ever good enough for some people, is it?  You've got a centre-right government committing hundreds of millions of dollars in taxpayer money to feed kids in schools, and they've managed to free up $130 million in savings in the process, and still, it's not good enough for some.  The Health Coalition Aotearoa, they're not happy, some dieticians say it's not nutritious enough.  "Simply cutting the amount of food that they are having and supplying a more processed, less varied diet is a complete lost opportunity for our health system."  I'll tell you what, it's more nutritious than nothing at all, an empty stomach.  Some said the food was too processed, it was one size fits all, it wouldn't appeal to the kids.  It's not meant to appeal to kids so much as feed them when they're hungry. I thought that was the point. And if they don't eat it, they're not hungry. It's simple.  Now, there are some bold claims being made by David Seymour which I am a little sceptical of like the fact that we can do this for $3 a meal. It sounds unheard of, but he gets the benefit of the doubt and my good luck for his cost saving crusade.  Guess where some of the savings are going, feeding 10,000 poor 2 to 5-year-olds.  David Seymour is the new Robin Hood.  In all the flurry of releases yesterday about this, there was one staggering number that stood out to me. Seymour reckons if Labour had adopted his model from the get-go when they launched this program five years ago, we would have saved $800 million dollars.  $800 million – they could have had that bike bridge over the Waitemata Harbour, or they could have had more rat tests, or whatever the hell they wanted.  It's true, there is no such thing as a free lunch, but thank the lord is at least now a cheaper menu. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/22/20242 minutes, 5 seconds
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Samantha Mortimer: Greymouth High School on the Government's ambitious school lunch budget

A principal's sceptical about the Government's ambitious school lunch budget.  The Government says it's saving $130 million a year by reducing the cost per meal from $8 to $3.  Schools preparing meals internally will get $4 a student to keep hiring people to prepare food.  Greymouth High School principal Samantha Mortimer told Ryan Bridge that hungry children will eat anything, but they deserve high quality food.   She’s questioning how everything will be done for that price, as it’s not just about the food, there are costs around production, wages, and transport.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/22/20243 minutes, 26 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 23 October 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 23rd of October, a Crown Observer is set to step in at Wellington City Council following mismanaged finances and big changes proposed for the city's Long Term plan. Councillor Tony Randle speaks to Ryan about what it means.  David Seymour has unveiled the Government’s new school lunch programme, with meals coming in at just $3 each. But what impact will this have on local suppliers currently working with schools? Greymouth High School principal Samantha Mortimer joins the show to discuss.  Retail business confidence is on the rise as we head into Q4. According to Retail NZ, 57% of retailers are expecting to meet or exceed their targets this quarter, up from just 32% in the last survey. Ryan talks to the manager of a new business opening next year who feels confident about where the economy is heading.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/22/202434 minutes, 7 seconds
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Willie Jackson: Former Māori Development Minister on the Ihumātao deal

Labour's calling on the Māori Development Minister to keep the Ihumātao deal as it stands. Documents seen by Newstalk ZB show that Tama Potaka is considering dissolving the committee dealing with the land. It was bought in 2020 with a promise to put Māori housing in the area, putting an end to ongoing protests. Māori Development Minister under Labour, Willie Jackson, told Ryan Bridge the Government should give them the space and honour the agreement. He's telling Potaka not to cut things before they're finished. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/21/20244 minutes, 7 seconds
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Roderick Mulgan: Criminal Defence Lawyer on the lower threshold for the Three Strikes law

A criminal defence lawyer believes locking people up for longer won't necessarily make communities safer. Thousands more offenders are likely to be captured under the Three Strikes rule, following changes by Cabinet to toughen up the new regime. It's lowering the threshold for a first strike warning from 24 months imprisonment to 12 months. Roderick Mulgan told Ryan Bridge offending is complicated. He says it's not cause they're bad people, they offend because of things like substance abuse and lack of family support. Mulgan says the idea of putting people away and forgetting where you left the key,  is a bit old fashioned. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/21/20244 minutes, 19 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: Wouldn't we all be better off if the violent repeat offender was in jail?

A Three Strikes update for you this morning: the Government's basically lowering the threshold you have to meet in order to be hit with the new Three Strikes law.  Originally for the law to kick in, for you to get a strike, you had to commit a crime with a prison sentence of 24 months or more, and it was the same for each of the Three Strikes.  Now, it's being lowered to just 12 months for the first offence.  So basically, more criminals will be captured by the first strike.   And, if they go on to commit more serious crimes, it could mean they're locked up for good or an increase in the minimum sentence.  It's taking away the power from the judges and the discretion that they have.  They say the law doesn't work, this Three Strikes law, because we have had it before.  It's not proven to reduce offending or reoffending. It's not right. It doesn't rehabilitate criminals.  And yet somehow, I don't mind it.  If you can't sort yourself out after warnings one and two, then why would you miraculously stop offending after the third warning?  You probably wouldn't.  So, wouldn't we all be better off if that serious violent repeat offender was, rather than living next door to you, in jail? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/21/20241 minute, 23 seconds
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Alan McDonald: Employers and Manufacturers Association Head of Advocacy on the Hawke's Bay Expressway getting an upgrade

An upgrade to a key Hawke's Bay road is expected to bolster the region.   The Hawke's Bay Expressway, which carries 29,000 vehicles a day, is being widened from two lanes to four.   The Government says starting work on the Road of National Significance early will bring construction forward 12-to-15 months.   Employers and Manufacturers Association Head of Advocacy Alan McDonald told Ryan Bridge it'll massively improve access.   He says the Road of National Significance programme is designed to make better connections between the economic hubs of the country.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/21/20242 minutes, 54 seconds
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Donna Demaio: Australia Correspondent on Lidia Thorpe heckling King Charles and the reaction from politicians

Australian politicians from both sides have denounced Independent indigenous Senator Lidia Thorpe's expletive-laden outburst at King Charles' reception in Canberra.   Thorpe, a Senator for Victoria, began yelling as the King's speech ended and claimed he'd committed genocide against her people.   She says the King destroyed her land, and the country wants a treaty.   Australia correspondent Donna Demaio told Ryan Bridge it's been labelled childish.   She says front-benchers from both sides say it was grandstanding and failed miserably.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/21/20242 minutes, 18 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 22 October 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday 22nd of October, the Government is toughening the three strikes law to catch more offenders. Criminal Defence Lawyer Roderick Mulgan speaks to Ryan about what it means.  Tama Potaka has warned the group tasked with deciding the future of Ihumatao to come up with a solution or be shown the door. Labour's Willie Jackson was the Māori Development Minister at the time the government purchased the land, joining the show to discuss.  Work has started on the Hawke's Bay Expressway, the country's first new road of national significance. The EMA's Head of Advocacy and Strategy Alan McDonald talks to Ryan about its significance.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/21/202434 minutes, 8 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: Confused advice from the Ministry for Social Development

Couple of stories in the news today, one of them and I'll just read you the first line from this story. "Ministry of Social Development officials warned their minister that using payment cards as a sanction for beneficiaries can be stigmatising and open to exploitation." What? So either the poor things will stigmatise them, will tarnish their good reputations or those bludgers that will just exploit the hell out of the cards, which is it? Are they bad? Are they good? It just seems a very confused piece of advice from the Ministry for Social Development, in my eyes at least. They're going to flog them off these cards on Facebook, sell them, or are we tarnishing their good reputations by giving them to them in the first place? When you design a system, a safety net like this, it should be done for the dignity and the simplicity of those who desperately need it. I think we can all agree with that. However, you need to have enough hoops and barriers and checks and balances for those who would exploit the system. We're good people, we're fair minded people us Kiwis, but there are dicks among us who rip systems off, who don't look after their kids, who don't use the money for the purpose of feeding their families, et cetera. Those people do exist and treating them with free cash and no consequences is not going to change that situation. Surely not. Why would you change when everything is just handed to you on a silver platter and whether that's cash or whether it's a card, you're not going to solve that problem. It is a balancing act, but you have to design a system that is there for people who need it, but also can't be exploited by those who would seek to do so.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/20/20241 minute, 58 seconds
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Andrew Alderson: Black Caps earn one of their best wins on day five of first test in Bengaluru

New Zealand have held their nerve to record one of their best wins in almost 95 years of test cricket. The loss of their skipper from the second ball of the fifth day didn’t worry the tourists, nor the probing of a fearsome Indian attack buoyed by a frenzied atmosphere in Bengaluru. Instead, two players with a combined 25 tests’ experience coolly and methodically worked their way towards a 107-run target to secure an eight-wicket victory, the Black Caps’ third from 37 matches in India. Will Young (48no) and Rachin Ravindra (39no)survived a new ball that was seaming and swinging then negated a deteriorating pitch offering variable turn, seeing off a unit boasting three of the top six-ranked bowlers in the world. And they did it with barely a scare – one batter in the team only owing to an injury for Kane Williamson and the other playing his first test in the city of his parents’ birth. It was a victory built on an outstanding initial four sessions, skittling the hosts for 46 before piling on 402 in reply. But India responded by plundering 462in their second innings, setting up a tricky chase exacerbated by the loss of new captain Tom Latham and fellow opener Devon Conway in the first hour. No matter – Young and Ravindra, putting together an unbeaten partnership of 75 runs from 92 balls, made it appear easy. History suggested that was hardly the case. This was New Zealand’s first triumph in India since Sir Richard Hadlee took 10-88 – his fifth-best match figures – while leading a 136-run victory at Wankhede in 1988. That win came 19 years after their first in Nagpur, a 167-run success during their third trip to the country. Now, with two tests to play, the tourists have a chance to avoid a series defeat in India – a feat they have managed twice in 14 attempts. They are far from alone in their struggles. India have lost four of 48 tests at home in the last 10 years, twice to Australia and twice to England. This Indian team currently lead the World Test Championship, having won eight of 11 matches in the current cycle, while the Black Caps entered on a four-test losing streak that spurred a captaincy change. Add in the absence of Williamson alongside the side’s recent struggles offshore – earning only seven test wins away from home in the last decade – and this triumph would be bettered by few since New Zealand played their first test in 1930. The way the day began emphasised the degree of difficulty in securing such a treasured result. After surviving a huge shout from Jasprit Bumrah’s third delivery of the innings on the fourth night, Latham was less lucky from an unplayable second ball on the fifth morning. That ball was moving about in a manner to quicken Kiwi pulses, while a boisterous crowd joined the players in appealing anything close. The Black Caps were under pressure from Mohammed Siraj. Photo / Photosport The first half-hour disappeared in a blink as the Black Caps crept within 100, Young soon flicking Mohammed Siraj off his pads for the first boundary of the innings from the 48th delivery. The unflappable right-hander was batting with a level of composure that belied his international inexperience, carving Siraj through backward point before pulling him for a second boundary of the 12th over. But just when the crowd had been quietened, Bumrah angled one in to beat Conway, clip his back pad and, upon review, send him back to the pavilion. New Zealand never missed a beat. Ravindra was under way with two boundaries in three balls, having cracked in second test hundred in the first innings and having proven at last year’s ODI World Cup he thrived in the big moment. After pulling within 50, Kuldeep Yadav was introduced as the second of India’s formidable spin trio. Young ended his first over by coming down the track and flicking him over the fence. The 31-year-old did escape on 34, when Ravindra Jadeja put down a tough return catch, but that fortune was well deserved. As was the boundary he then cut to collect the winning runs. - by Kris Shannon, NZ HeraldSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/20/20243 minutes, 44 seconds
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Dan Boulton: Silver Ferns Farms chief executive says downward trend in meat processing won't continue forever

The meat processing sector is being encouraged to evolve to ensure it captures future demand. Alliance Group's confirmed Timaru's Smithfield meatworks will shut by the year's end due to declining sheep numbers – cutting up to 600 positions. BusinessDesk reports rival Silver Fern Farms wants to be constructively involved as Alliance works through a capital raise. Chief Executive Dan Boulton told Ryan Bridge he doesn't believe this downward trend will continue forever. “Our sheep, beef and venison farmers deserve to thrive, but to do that, they’re going to need a really strong, efficient, and viable processing sector and that’s going to require investment.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/20/20244 minutes, 46 seconds
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Peter Montgomery: Sailing commentator says America's Cup return to New Zealand will bring more than just sailing

The voice of the America's Cup says returning the event to New Zealand shores will deliver more than just sailing. Previous editions have all been held in Auckland, but Mayor Wayne Brown says the hosting decision is in the hands of Team New Zealand boss Grant Dalton. Brown says he'd welcome it back, but has concerns over its cost. Sailing commentator Peter Montgomery told Ryan Bridge people aren't aware of its positive flow-on effects, like creating jobs and incomes. “More than the whole industry, more than just the tourism industry and fans coming to fill hotels rooms or whatever. There’s been a byproduct that’s come out of it that no other sport brings.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/20/20243 minutes, 58 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 21 October 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday the 21st of October. Team New Zealand have made history in Barcelona, winning the America's Cup for the third time in a row. But where to now for the auld mug? Sailing Commentator Peter Montgomery speaks to Ryan about the win. A huge loss for Timaru with the Alliance Smithfield meatworks set to close by the end of the year - will Silver Fern Farms be involved in the restructure, and what does it mean for the meat sector? Chief Executive Dan Boulton joins the show. A busy morning for Kiwi sport - The White Ferns are facing South Africa in the T20 World Cup final, and Liam Lawson takes to the track in Formula 1. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/20/202434 minutes, 14 seconds
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Irene King: Ardmore Flying School CEO on the shortage of pilots in the aviation sector

Pilot shortages in the aviation sector has some sounding the alarm, concerned that flights could be grounded in four years.  There are calls for the Government to intervene, to encourage more young people to pursue the profession.  Ardmore Flying School Chief Executive Irene King told Ryan Bridge the financial strains are to blame, with their income not keeping up with costs.  She says they're trying to operate with the same income as in 2013.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/17/20243 minutes, 36 seconds
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Judith Collins: Defence Minister and Attorney-General on the directive around race in prosecution and the finding of the Manawanui's navigation book

Judith Collins says race shouldn't be a factor in prosecution decisions.  Solicitor-General Una Jagose KC has been under fire after advising prosecutors to "think carefully about particular decisions... where a person is Māori".  Collins —in her capacity as Attorney-General— is refusing to endorse the directive.  She told Ryan Bridge all prosecution decisions should be carefully thought about, but based on circumstances, not on race.  Collins says it's not just about whether someone can be prosecuted, but whether they can be prosecuted in those circumstances.  The HMNZS Manawanui’s navigation book has also been found by the crew of a British ship.  A New Zealand Defence Force spokesman has confirmed Royal Navy patrol vessel HMS Tamar was able to recover the book  The navigation record book and black box are expected to be key evidence in the Court of Inquiry.  Defence Minister Collins told Bridge the HMS Tamar has found good information.   She says the ship was in the area to see what they could do to help, and that information will be part of the investigation.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/17/20247 minutes, 15 seconds
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Jason Walls: Newstalk ZB Political Editor on the Green Party voting to invoke the waka jumping legislation for Darleen Tana

Green Party delegates have voted to ask Speaker Gerry Brownlee to remove the now independent Darleen Tana from parliament.   It's now down to Brownlee to decide if Tana's resignation from the party —but not Parliament— affects the proportionality of the House.   Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls told Ryan Bridge the party was previously against the legislation even being in place.   He says it's remarkable for as many delegates to come together and agree, and it draws a line under the situation.  He said former co-leader Metiria Turei being involved was a surprise move, as even Chloe Swarbrick had no idea she would be contributing to the call.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/17/20243 minutes, 23 seconds
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Vincent McAviney: UK Correspondent on Liam Payne's death, the statement from his family

The family of former One Direction star Liam Payne have broken their silence following his death.   The 31-year-old has died after a fall at a hotel in Buenos Aires.  He's famous for his role in One Direction, the boy band being one of the bestselling groups of all time between their formation in 2010 and their indefinite hiatus in 2016.   UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney told Ryan Bridge Payne's family has released a statement addressing the death.   It says they are heartbroken, and Liam will be remembered for his kind, funny, and brave soul.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/17/20243 minutes, 16 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 18 October 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday 18th of October, the Green Party has voted to invoke the waka jumping legislation against former party, now independent, MP Darleen Tana. Political Editor Jason Walls has the latest on what comes next.  The NATO Defence Ministers meeting is underway in Brussels amid ongoing global tension, and Defence Minister Judith Collins speaks to Ryan live from NATO.  The aviation industry is warning of a looming shortage of pilots. Ardmore Flying School Chief Executive Irene King explains what it could mean for the industry.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/17/202434 minutes, 17 seconds
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Adam Cooper: ZB Sports Journalist on Ineos Britannia winning races 5 and 6 in the America's Cup

Team New Zealand’s America’s Cup lead has been halved.  Ineos Britannia claimed the wins for races five and six, leaving the score at 4-2.  ZB Sport Journalist Adam Cooper told Ryan Bridge that it’s more exciting than it is concerning for Team NZ.  He said that the wins were the result of two mistakes from the Kiwis, and although people are fearful of a shock loss, at the most part everyone is still confident.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/16/20242 minutes, 1 second
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Nick Tuffley: ASB Chief Economist on the inflation rate coming into target range at 2.2%

Inflation is expected to keep easing in the months to come.  Overall inflation is back within the target range at 2.2% due to falling prices for imports like petrol and diesel.  Domestically-driven non-tradeable inflation remains much higher at 4.9%, due to a sharp rise in rents, council rates and insurance premiums.  ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley told Ryan Bridge that inflation is expected to remain close to 2% over the next few years, with a chance of it edging below towards the end of 2025/26.  He says it would take something quite drastic to push it back up.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/16/20242 minutes, 59 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: Wellington will come back from this

A timely reminder, an important one too, for me last night. I'm in Wellington, flew into the schmozzle storm yesterday for an event.  It's easily one of the most beautiful cities in New Zealand, is it not? Can we all agree on that? With the hills jutting out of the harbour, all of the bush surrounding it.  It is stunning and the weather was good, so that helped.  It was absolutely beautiful flying in, and then you land and there's the road cones, and there's the Uber driver not happy, and the mayor's in meltdown, and the government's taking over, and the council is all over the place.  Shambles, schmozzle, all that stuff.  But then this event last night featured and honoured a couple of Wellington business people.  Among them was Brian McGuinness, whose family have either built or refurbished basically half of Wellington – including Government House, which I found fascinating.  Doug Hauraki was a name you will know, he was on there as well. Great Wellingtonian.  Many were honoured there, but the speeches particularly got me last night, got me right in the guts.  These are guys who have seen it all – Wellington at its best, Wellington at its absolute worst. When it's the crown, the jewel, when it's the butt of our jokes.  And their message essentially was politics is temporary. Like any city, the real pulse, the Real Engine Room is private enterprise. Always has been, always will be.  And there was a tech guru, John Daniel Trask, who spoke last night, he said we shouldn't always look to the Council, to the Government, to fix our problems or to make things better because for the most part, we can actually do it on our own, we can solve problems on our own.  Sure, there are some issues that only government and council can look after that only government and council have a purview over, but for most things, we can actually do it ourselves.   And so that is true of Wellington, Wellington is no exception.  Wellington will come back, and probably doesn't help that people like me sit in front of microphones in Auckland and bleat about the place. But you know, it's fun from a distance, quite different up close. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/16/20242 minutes, 28 seconds
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Matt Doocey: ACC Minister on the agency's $7.2 billion deficit

The Minister in charge says ACC needs to lift its game.   The government agency has reported a $7.2 billion deficit, just a year after posting an almost $1 billion surplus.   It says the cost of services and compensation rose 16% over the year.   It's proposing to hike levies for vehicle owners, workers, and business owners.   Minister Matt Doocey told Ryan Bridge he doesn't expect levies to be used as default.    He says they have to focus on their rehabilitation rates, which have been lower than expected.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/16/20244 minutes, 1 second
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Full Show Podcast: 17 October 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Thursday 17th of October, ACC has recorded a $7.2 billion dollar deficit just a year after a $911 million surplus. How has it become this bad, and what does it mean for the levies we all pay? ACC Minister Matt Doocey discusses.  Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau is set to meet with the local government Minister today following the threat of government intervention. Councillor Ray Chung speaks to Ryan about the situation.  Inflation is back within the target range of 1-3%, what does it mean for the November OCR decision? ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley joins the show.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/16/202433 minutes, 55 seconds
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Veronica de Oliveira: Black Orchid Collective Cafe Owner on Tauranga City Council raising the fees for alfresco dining

Tauranga businesses are furious about what they label harsh outdoor dining fees following a tough winter.  They've been waived for the rest of 2024, but in the new year businesses must pay an annual charge based on outdoor dining area.   In Mount Maunganui it will be $150 per square metre used, which compares to Auckland, where the highest fee is $154 a square metre.   Black Orchid Collective Cafe Owner Veronica de Oliveira told Ryan Bridge she understands the council wants to control the outdoor areas a bit since the summer is quite busy, but it’s also the only time of the year that they’re actually very busy.  She thinks that a lot of people will rebel against the fees, and quite a few alfresco set ups will be lost, making the city quiet.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/15/20243 minutes, 10 seconds
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Stephen Franks: Former ACT MP and Lawyer on the NZ Initiative report into the Supreme Court

There’s an argument in favour of setting a maximum term for Supreme Court Judges. A report from New Zealand Initiative suggests the Supreme Court is getting an exaggerated view of its role and straying into Parliament's domain. Former ACT MP and lawyer Stephen Franks says there's been grumblings about it among some lawyers. He told Ryan Bridge that at the 20th anniversary of the Supreme Court this year, a leading KC presented a paper aligned with this belief. He says it read that the law is ceasing to be predictable as the Supreme Court's changing it according to their social values. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/15/20244 minutes, 40 seconds
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Gavin Grey: Europe Correspondent on the UK imposing sanctions on extremist settler groups in Gaza

The UK's announced a fresh wave of sanctions against extremist settler groups in the West Bank.  The measures target three outposts and four organisations which provide or promote support for violence against Palestinian communities.  British Foreign Minister David Lammy says the inaction of the Israel Government has allowed an environment of impunity to flourish.  Europe correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge it's the third set of sanctions imposed since February.  He says the previous Government had also been prepared to sanction two Israeli Ministers over comments about blocking aid to Gaza.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/15/20242 minutes, 36 seconds
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Kelly Eckhold: Westpac Chief Economist ahead of the CPI release, says inflation is predicted to be around 2%

Many forecasters are expecting inflation to be around 2%, well within the Reserve Bank's target range.   The latest Stats NZ Consumer Price Index number will be released this morning.   The Reserve Bank was confident last week inflation is now below 3%.   Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold told Ryan Bridge that imported things like petrol and electronics have fallen in price, but rates, insurance, and services have increased.   He says the average of more than 2% reflects divergent trends.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/15/20243 minutes, 38 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: Name me one Prime Minister who is in touch

So Luxon is out of touch apparently.  Name me one politician, one Prime Minister, one President in the world who's in touch, doesn't matter which side of politics they're on.  Albanese, Australia's Prime Minister and Labour leader, he's just bought a $4 million cliff top mansion north of Sydney.  Keir Starmer, the UK's Labour Prime Minster, he's worth NZ$10 million, excluding all the donor freebies.  Kamala Harris is worth NZ$13 million. Tory Whanau won Lotto, Rishi Sunak is a billionaire, Jacinda Ardern gets $300,000 per speaking gig. Chris Hipkins has multiple properties. So, they're all rich.  The question is, does it really matter, and why the question in the first place?  Would we rather they only got rich through public office, as Albanese seems to be admitting. He says I'm fortunate and much better off as Prime Minister.  Personally, I'd rather they managed to build a business, run a company or do something productive first to earn their wealth rather than just walk into a job as Prime Minister and get rich that way, or win Lotto.  If somebody had experience running a charity or something like that and wasn't paid very well, but was skilled and motivated and strategic, then I'd vote for them too.  It's about experience. It shouldn't be about how wealthy you are or how poor you are, what matters is how well you can run an economy so that hard working people can get ahead.  Just ask Donald Trump. He's about to be re-elected despite being born with a silver spoon in his mouth for exactly that record under his last watch. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/15/20241 minute, 46 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 16 October 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 16th of October, inflation numbers are out today and forecasts are pointing to 3 year low within the target range of 1 to 3%. Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold joins the show to discuss.  An NZ Initiative report is suggesting changes to stop the Supreme Court getting an "exaggerated view of their role". What could it mean for our judicial system?  Tauranga businesses are paying increasing fees for alfresco dining - what impact is it having on them and the price you're paying for cafe food? Ryan speaks to a Tauranga cafe owner.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/15/202434 minutes, 7 seconds
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Donna Demaio: Australia Correspondent on Northern Territory reintroducing the use of spit hoods as a tough on crime policy

Australia’s Northern Territory is reintroducing a controversial device in its efforts to get tough on crime.  Police Commissioner Michael Murphy says that spit hoods will once again be used to restrain children.  Murphy says that over the last three months 68 police officers were assaulted, with 20 counts of spitting.  Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio told Ryan Bridge that it’s in opposition to the UN Committee against torture recommending last year that Australia take all necessary measures to end their use.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/14/20242 minutes, 52 seconds
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Neil Woodhams: Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand President on their call to change how Pharmac funds drugs in New Zealand

There's been yet another call to shake-up how Pharmac funds drugs in Aotearoa.  Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand's independently commissioned report recommends the Crown entity adapts a cost benefit model.  That means funding decisions would be made not just on the cost of a drug or medical device itself, but on the wider fiscal impact the decision would have on our society.  President Neil Woodhams says that currently, Pharmac doesn't take into account the total economic costs —or costs to individuals— when making the call.  He says the failure to do so gives a distorted view of the benefits from proposed new medicines.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/14/20243 minutes, 18 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: Chris Hipkins - Is his heart still in it?

The latest 1News-Verian poll was out last night. There wasn't a lot of change, other than a dip in the personal popularity of both Christopher Luxon and Chris Hipkins.  Nothing really major is going on, is it? And it's been that way for a couple of polls.  Now, what I find interesting is just the vibe, the energy levels that you're picking up off these guys.  Luxon, he's like the road runner. You ever watch the Road Runner, the Looney Tunes thing? And he's beep-beep, beep-beep, running around in a cloud of dust. Just in a hurry to get everything done.  And then there's old Hipkins. Is his heart still in it?  What do you really think when you see him being interviewed?  I've interviewed him over many years now and it must be hard to maintain a level of enthusiasm, but I just think he's sort of outwardly showing it now.  He'll be dusting off his CV, no doubt he'll be thinking about what's next.    He doesn't want to be there for the next election, does he?  The problem at the moment is no one else really wants to take the job either, because it's a bit of a poison chalice.  But I look at Chris Hipkins and I think there's a man who doesn't want to be there.  That's why you go and spend two weeks over in the UK. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/14/20241 minute, 45 seconds
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Jennifer Mills: Employment Specialist on the rise in people on the Jobseeker benefit

There’s a belief more redundancies are causing a rise in work ready Jobseekers.  The Ministry of Social Development's September figures show a yearly increase of 29,000 people on a main benefit, a rise of 12%.   Minister Louise Upston describes rising unemployment as a consequence of years of high inflation, high government spending, and economic recession.  Employment specialist Jennifer Mills told Ryan Bridge there's also been a 33% drop in job advertisements in the last quarter, which shows there's not enough jobs.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/14/20244 minutes, 40 seconds
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Robert Patman: Otago University International Relations expert on China holding military drills around Taiwan in an attempt at political intimidation

China appears to be testing the waters around Taiwan in an effort to quell its independence.   The superpower has been holding military exercises off the coast of the self-governing island.   Taiwan says it's detected 34 naval vessels and 125 aircraft in formation around it.   Otago University International Relations expert Robert Patman told Ryan Bridge China ideally wants Taiwan to fall into its lap without the use of force.   He says it's an attempt at political intimidation having these drills involving war ships and fighter jets, but Taiwan's condemned the drills and is holding its positions.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/14/20244 minutes, 37 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 15 October 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 15th of October, Jobseeker numbers are in, and it's not looking good. The number of people on the benefit has risen by 12% since last year, Employment Specialist Jennifer Mills joining the show to dig into the numbers.  There are calls to change the way Pharmac makes funding decisions. Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand has commissioned a new report which found the drug buying agency should be looking at benefit as well as cost.  China is conduction military drills with ships and aircrafts, completely surrounding the island nation of Taiwan. Robert Patman talks to Ryan about the reasons behind the escalating tensions.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/14/202434 minutes, 11 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: We're all living much longer - but at what cost?

We're all living much longer, aren't we? At what cost? That's my question for you this morning. A report out over the weekend found human life expectancy has just about peaked globally. It's lights out. Goodbye.   New Zealand men, you'll make 80, women, you'll make 83, which is great, longer life. Everyone wants one right now. We're told that we also have a health system in crisis. People waiting in waiting rooms, they can't afford to see a GP. Over the weekend, I read about a family man, a carpenter from Westport who was sent home, hours later he was dead. In Rotorua a month ago, remember a man died in the waiting room at the emergency department while waiting. So we don't have enough resources for health or we're not optimising the resources that we do have to meet the needs and we're being overwhelmed by them. We have a huge aging population, the number of people 65 and over which was around 700,000 a few years back, that will quadruple by mid-2024. The number of people 90 over 31,000 that will quadruple in 20 years. So, we'll have 125,000 90 plus year olds in New Zealand. Now, if you're a doctor, you've got two people, both as sick as each other, one's 40 one's 90. One might die if you treat the other first. What do you do? Serious question? I mean, to me, the obvious answer is one person has had 90 years on this planet. You treat the young one first, don't you, because the older ones had more life to live. Am I saying let's stop treating patients based on need and discriminate against the elderly? No, because I love my grandmother. We have to do it on who's sickest, who's closer to death, all that sort of stuff. But I am curious, for those who work in healthcare, is there a touch of bias on who you might treat first? I know you've got the Hippocratic Oath, et cetera, but if you're presented with a situation like that, how do you respond to it?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/13/20242 minutes, 34 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on King Charles III's medical precautions for his tour of Australia and Samoa

King Charles III is bringing two doctors and a supply of his blood on his tour of Australia and Samoa starting later this week. The King has been dealing with cancer since February. It will be his first visit to Australia as King - New Zealand was believed to be dropped from the itinerary on medical advice. UK correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge the King is taking a pause on his chemotherapy treatment during the trip. “We believe that there are no evening engagements, he has days off during his tour which is more than a week.” Grey says the King was gutted not to also visit New Zealand, but his clinicians thought it was a bridge too far. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/13/20241 minute, 39 seconds
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Sunny Kaushal: Ministerial Advisory Group for Victims of Retail Crime Chair says firearm policy decisions need to be shared by those who deal with violence directly

Statistics show there's been more gun crime in Auckland this year than the last. RNZ reports there were 879 gun crime offences across Auckland in the first six months of the year - 28 more than the same time last year. Just 18 of those were committed by people with a firearms licence. Ministerial Advisory Group for Victims of Retail Crime Chair Sunny Kaushal told Ryan Bridge New Zealand is fast becoming a violent society. “It’s crucial that the decisions around firearms policy are shared by those who deal with the gun violence directly. That’s the Police and affected communities, not just policymakers in Wellington.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/13/20243 minutes, 40 seconds
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Toby Williams: Federated Farmers spokesperson says rules are needed around levels of investment in Overseas Investment Act reforms

The gates are opening for foreign investors looking at New Zealand companies and property. The Government's reforming the Overseas Investment Act - allowing any investment that doesn't threaten our interests. Federated Farmers Meat and Wool Chair Toby Williams says he supports the change. He told Ryan Bridge overseas buyers are interested in large farms - that Kiwi farmers can't afford to begin with. Williams says foreign owners wouldn't be interested in those that first farm buyers would be after  - so he wants to see some rules around the levels of investment. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/13/20243 minutes, 37 seconds
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Andrew Alderson: America’s Cup - Team NZ ride aggressive approach to 3-0 lead over Ineos Britannia in shortened day of racing

By Christopher Reive in Barcelona In the days before the America’s Cup match in Barcelona, Team New Zealand starboard helmsman Peter Burling made it clear the team would take necessary risks to defend the Auld Mug. “When you get to the top level of any sport, you see people really getting punished for mistakes. In saying that, you can’t be afraid to take risks either,” he said. “You don’t want to come through it with a conservative mindset, that’s for sure, and we definitely will not be doing that. But we can fully expect if one of us makes a mistake, the other one will punish them.” In the third race of the Cup match against Ineos Britannia this morning, an aggressive move in the pre-start to draw a penalty against the Brits set the Kiwi crew up for a 52s win to take a 3-0 lead in the first-to-seven series. It was the only race of the day, with light winds seeing race management bring a halt to the day’s action, with race four postponed to tomorrow; initially scheduled as a reserve day. The two teams came into close quarters moments before the race proper began, to the point where their foils were overlapping. Both teams launched a protest with the umpires for the other not keeping clear. It was the Kiwis who were judged to be the fouled boat, with Ineos Britannia having to fall 75m behind Team NZ off the starting line. That allowed the defenders to choose their side of the course and dictate the race. “We tried it yesterday and they just got past us. It was a little bit uncomfortable with how close the boats got,” Burling said after the race “It’ll be interesting to see. The umpires obviously ruled we were clear there, so great to get a penalty and control the race from there.” Emirates Team New Zealand extended their lead in the America's Cup match. Photo / Ricardo Pinto, America's Cup The pre-start battle was among the biggest areas of interest coming into the Cup match, but through the opening three races, it has been the Kiwis coming away better from the starting line. In the third race of the series, Team NZ were able to control the course and make life tough for the Brits with their match-racing tactics and making them sail in dirty air. A mid-race comment from Ineos Britannia port helmsman Dylan Fletcher summed up the situation for his team: “I don’t think there’s anything else we can do, lads.” While the two boats were almost identical in their average speeds both upwind and downwind, the Kiwis had a slightly better average VMG, sailing about 800m less than the Brits. Racing is set to resume at 1.10am tomorrow (NZ time) with a one-race schedule. America’s Cup match results Emirates Team New Zealand beat Ineos Britannia by 41s. Emirates Team New Zealand beat Ineos Britannia by 27s. Emirates Team New Zealand beat Ineos Britannia by 52s Emirates Team New Zealand lead the America’s Cup first-to-seven series 3-0. Christopher Reive joined the Herald sports team in 2017, bringing the same versatility to his coverage as he does to his sports viewing habits.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/13/20243 minutes, 7 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 14 October 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday the 14th of October. Changes could be on the way to make foreign investment easier in New Zealand - how could it impact our rural sector? Gun crime is on the rise in our biggest city, and most of it is from unlicensed firearms holders. Chair of the Ministerial Advisory Group for victims of retail crime Sunny Kaushal joins the show. New Zealand is up 3 - 0 in the America's Cup - can we make it to 7 wins without a loss? Andrew Alderson has you weekend sport wrap. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/13/202434 minutes, 14 seconds
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Richard Gladwell: Sail World NZ Editor ahead of the America's Cup race against Ineos Britannia

Sunday marks the start of a big week ahead for Emirates Team New Zealand as they face Ineos Britannia in the race to retain the America’s Cup.  The first team to win seven races will take the Cup, the first two races taking place Sunday morning if weather permits.  Richard Gladwell, Editor for Sail World NZ, told Ryan Bridge that it’s always the defender's to lose, and Team New Zealand would have to screw something up to lose the Cup.  He said that they’ve had three months of development on top of Ineos Britannia, and they can certainly do a lot in there.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/10/20243 minutes, 41 seconds
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Barbara Edmonds: Labour's Finance Spokesperson on the Government's increasing deficit

Labour says the current state of Government books shows it went too hard and too fast with public service cuts.   Treasury documents show the Crown's deficit has grown $3.4 billion dollars in the year to June, to $12.9 billion.   Spending is outpacing income, despite revenue increasing by $14 billion.  Labour Finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds told Ryan Bridge the Government could have kept public sector jobs if it ditched tax cuts.   She says public funding flows through the economy to help during a cost of living crisis.   Edmonds says the Government's decisions have made the annual deficit worse than at the height of COVID.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/10/20244 minutes, 15 seconds
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Mitch McCann: US Correspondent on the damages from Hurricane Milton

Florida residents are being warned not to visit areas hit by Hurricane Milton as clean up and rescue operations continue.   There's still flooding in many areas, and NBC is reporting there have been 10 deaths in various parts of the state.   More than three million properties remain without power.   US correspondent Mitch McCann in St Augustine, Florida, told Ryan Bridge that in many parts of Florida, it wasn’t as bad as it was forecast to be.  Some areas have been hit very badly, such as St Petersburg, where a baseball stadium had its roof ripped off, and a crane toppled into and destroyed a building just a few streets over.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/10/20243 minutes, 47 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: We're not too poor to buy property, we're too fussy

If these new TradeMe numbers are to be believed, and I have no reason not to believe them, then the biggest problem that we have with property and getting a foot on the ladder is not price.  We're not too poor, we're too fussy.  So TradeMe has done a survey; 44% of buyers were willing to compromise on the size of a section. Only 40% on the size of the property. Only 40% on the size of the garden. Only 33% on the condition of the property, and 28% on the location.  If you flip those numbers, around 55% of people won't compromise on section size. I'll have the section size I like and nothing else.  60% - no compromise on the size of the property. 60% - none on the garden. 67% - it must be new or near new and 72% won't travel or leave their favourite suburb.  I mean, hard to please much?  I bought a house with holes in the floor and the walls, there were plants growing from the ground up into my bathroom.  The shower pooled; I had to use a bucket to empty the shower every morning.  This carried on for two years.  The shower was so small and the showerhead was fixed, so I had to duck every time I got in the shower, and it would only get me from my nipples down. I had very clean nipples and very filthy hair.  Anyway, the point of the story is I lived like that for two years. I fixed it up, on you go.  Things are okay, but you have to compromise. Property is not a perfectionist game, is it?  It's about compromise and it's about trade-offs. Like any good negotiation, surely everything must be on the table. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/10/20242 minutes, 4 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 11 October 2024

 On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday 11th of October, the Government's books have sunk further into the red in the year to June, with the deficit $1.8 billion worse than forecast in the budget. Labour Finance Spokesperson Barbara Edmonds joins the show to discuss.  Hurricane Milton has hit Florida, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. US Correspondent Mitch McCann is on the ground in St. Augustine with the latest.  The America's Cup final gets underway this weekend with Emirates Team New Zealand facing Ineos Britannia. Richard Gladwell talks to Ryan ahead of the race.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/10/202434 minutes, 15 seconds
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Dr Guy Coulson: Air Quality Collective Director on the amount of pollution in New Zealand

The air quality in New Zealand has increased across the country, but some areas are still dealing with high levels of pollution.  The Our Air 2024 report shows the level of key pollutants —largely produced by transport and home heating— has reduced across most monitoring sites.   However, it also says air quality isn't good everywhere, and in some urban areas the pollution is above national standards and international guidelines.   Director of the Air Quality Collective, Dr Guy Coulson told Ryan Bridge that we’re headed in the right direction, improvement is just happening rather slowly.   He said that an estimated 3000 adults die each year from air pollution.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/9/20243 minutes, 40 seconds
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Grant McCallum: Northland MP on the $1 million energy package from Transpower. Omexom in the aftermath of the blackout

Northland's power network is being zapped into action in the wake of the pylon collapse outage.  In June, a contractor unfastened three legs of a pylon at once, putting around 88,000 homes and businesses out of power.  Northland MP Grant McCallum revealed a regional energy package, with Transpower and contractor Omexom putting one million dollars towards it.  McCallum told Ryan Bridge that it's not enough to make up for the financial damages, but it is something.  He said that it’s a goodwill payment and an acknowledgement that they did actually cause some harm to the people of Northland.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/9/20243 minutes, 13 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: Look out Kiwis, your power bill is about to go up

I know, I know we're celebrating this morning, the OCR, the money back in your pockets that's coming, inflation coming down.  But MBIE has warned the government that electricity prices are likely to rise significantly over the next two years – this is a story from BusinessDesk.  See, we have all seen the spot prices market increase, skyrocket even, but we haven't felt that at home because our gentailors, the guys that we get it off, insulate us by hedging.  However, getting power to us is expensive and we've just been talking to Grant McCullum from Northland about this exact point.  40% of our bill is distribution and transmission.  Forget your weather, whether the wind blows, you know, the sun shines the rainfalls, whatever. Just getting it to us costs almost half of our total.  And that job is done by essentially monopolies: the distributors, the lines, companies, Transpower.  So the Commerce Commission regulates their profits, we would expect them to do.  The contracts last five years, the next contract up for renewal in March.  Your household bill for electricity could go up $15 per month or $180 per year, for some households that will be $20 per month, $240 per year.  MBIE say there is a serious risk that some homes won't be able to afford heating.  And we know what happens when people can't heat their homes, the hospitals fill up, industry and business feel the squeeze, and our thin growth forecasts could also be squeezed by something like this.  So what's the moral of the story? Well, basically, go and buy yourself a nice warm jumper, get a hot water bottle. And if you are single and living alone, you have until April to find someone to cuddle at night. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/9/20242 minutes
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Campbell Dunoon: LJ Hooker Group Head of Network NZ on the impact of the OCR cut on the property market

An OCR cut could be behind an incoming boost in property market activity.  The Reserve Bank's cut the Official Cash Rate by 50-basis points to 4.75%.   Banks have lowered home rates in response to the cut.  Finance Minister Nicola Willis is celebrating the move as fantastic news and sees it as a sign inflation is under control.  LJ Hooker's Campbell Dunoon told Ryan Bridge this year's market has been cautionary  He says the stock has been there, and this will give buyers a nudge to participate.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/9/20242 minutes, 32 seconds
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Sally Patterson: US Correspondent on the evacuation advice regarding Hurricane Milton

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are urging people in the path of Hurricane Milton to follow advice and evacuate.   The Category 4 Hurricane is expected to hit overnight in the state.   The core of the storm is expected to pass over west-central Florida, and storm surges of three to four and a half metres are possible.   Outer bands of the Hurricane are already impacting some areas.   US correspondent Sally Patterson told Ryan Bridge it will bring winds of up to 233 kilometres per hour.   She says it's expected to weaken before it makes landfall, but still could be one of the most destructive hurricanes on record for the area.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/9/20242 minutes, 28 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 10 October 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Thursday 10th of October, the Reserve Bank has dropped the Official Cash Rate to 4.75% - what does it mean for the property market and your mortgage rates?  Transpower has released a new resilience plan for Northland's power grid following the transmission tower collapse in June - will it make a difference? Northland MP Grant McCallum joins the show to discuss.  Our air is slowly getting cleaner, but the pollutants in it are worse for our health than previously thought. Dr Guy Coulson talks to Ryan about the potential impacts of unhealthy air.  Hurricane Milton is closing in on Florida's west coast, with tornados making landfall ahead of its arrival. We're live to the United States for the latest.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/9/202434 minutes, 18 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK Correspondent on Christian Brückner being cleared of rape charges, his connection to the Madeleine McCann case

The main suspect in the Madeleine McCann case has been cleared of separate rape charges.   47-year-old Christian Brückner was acquitted of five offences of sexual abuse in Portugal between 2000 and 2017.   German investigators identified Brückner in 2020 as a suspect in the disappearance of McCann from Portugal in 2007.   But UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge the judge found the witnesses weren't reliable enough to convict him of the rape charge.  He said there’s crossover in some of the witnesses in the sexual abuse case and the McCann case, which means that they’re likely to be seen as unreliable in both cases.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/8/20242 minutes, 18 seconds
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Sharon Zollner: ANZ Chief Economist on the predicted cut to the Official Cash Rate

More interest rate cuts are on the horizon.  The Reserve Bank expected to cut the Official Cash Rate again this afternoon.  ANZ Chief Economist Sharon Zollner is tipping a 50 basis point cut to 4.75%,.   She says it's what the market and most economists are predicting, and it’s become the default.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/8/20244 minutes, 11 seconds
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Nick Ling: Waikato University Ecology Expert on the danger to marine life after the Manawanui sunk by Samoa

The marine life around Samoa is likely in danger in the wake of Manawanui sinking.  The $100 million naval ship struck a reef off the south coast of Upolu on Saturday, before sinking Sunday morning.   About 950 tonnes of oil is onboard.   Diesel leaked out of the vessel when it capsized and has coated the surface of the water.   Waikato University ecology expert Nick Ling told Ryan Bridge much of the material released would have evaporated, leaving behind these heavier components we can see.   He says marine animals interacting with the surface —like turtles coming to the surface to breathe— will have to interact with it.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/8/20244 minutes, 38 seconds
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Malcolm Mulholland: Patient Voice Aotearoa chair on Health NZ's billion dollar deficit and

Health New Zealand's pointed to nursing recruitment to explain its ballooning deficit, but health experts aren't buying it.   Newly released documents show the agency went from expecting a half a billion dollar surplus to a $1.4 billion deficit in April.   That's now expected to blow out to $1.76 billion.   Patient Voice Aotearoa chair Malcolm Mulholland told Ryan Bridge there's no way we have too many nurses in New Zealand.   He says everywhere he goes in the community, people are saying we need more nurses and doctors.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/8/20243 minutes, 6 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: Have we lost our Kiwi sense of humour?

Complaints, backlash, outrage, divisive, sad, there's been strong reaction to the Tui billboards poking fun at old Polkinghorne – who’s not guilty of killing his wife, by the way.  The billboards read, if you haven't seen them: "Back to being a respectable meth smoking, sex worker loving doctor then. Yeah right.”  It's quite good. It's not breaking any rules, and I say good on them for getting back to this.  We need good humour to cut through the crap that seems to proliferate our society at the moment.  Kiwis are straight talkers, we love taking the micky out of people, we're not mean generally.  I think we've lost our ability to laugh together and these billboards, while pitched by some as divisive, I think will actually do the opposite. They should bring us closer together.  I was heartened to hear the DB Marketing Director's statement which he gave to the papers. He said: “While we haven't set out to offend anyone, we are happy to push the boundaries and say the things that we've all been thinking.”  Great. We need to talk about how we really feel because when we share it, especially with humour, we connect with one another as a society. We grow closer together and we are less divided.  Long may the Tui billboards last. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/8/20241 minute, 33 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 09 October 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 9th of October, it's OCR day, and all of our big banks are forecasting a 50 basis points drop, bringing the rate down to 4.75%. ANZ Chief Economist Sharon Zollner talks to Ryan about what to expect at today's announcement, and where to from here for the economy.  Te Whatu Ora has released over 400 pages of financial documents, laying out exactly the situation the agency is currently in. It comes as the lower South Island is voicing its concerns about regional health. Patient Voice Aotearoa Chair Malcolm Mulholland joins the show.  A big cleanup is getting underway off the coast of Samoa following the sinking of the HMNZS Manawanui. What could he potential environmental impacts be, and is it similar to the Rena disaster? Waikato University's Nick Ling analyses the situation.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/8/202434 minutes, 27 seconds
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Duncan Grieve: Media Commentator on TVNZ axing the 1News site and focusing on TVNZ+

A media commentator says TVNZ appears to be doubling down on what it's good at.   The state broadcaster's latest business proposal will see its website shut down in February while more investment will be put towards news on its streaming platform TVNZ+.   The company is hoping to save $30 million.   Spinoff founder Duncan Grieve told Ryan Bridge it could work, but it’s not guaranteed by any means.   He said that individual clips from the news can already be accessed from the TVNZ+ homepage, and it’s clearly where they’ll be focusing their energy in terms of digitising their news offering.   The plan will go through two weeks of consultation before a final decision is made.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/7/20245 minutes, 39 seconds
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Satish Ranchhod: Westpac Senior Economist on the latest Westpac Regional Roundup

It's a tale of two islands when it comes to the economy.   The Westpac Regional Roundup shows many businesses and households are suffering from the slow economy.   Westpac Senior Economist Satish Ranchhod says feedback from the North Island was more downbeat, with Wellington being the worst off because of a shrinking public service.   He says there was a rosier picture in the South Island.   Ranchhod told Ryan Bridge they’ve got a mix of tourism and agriculture among other industries helping to support a positive sentiment in the South.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/7/20242 minutes, 46 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: What will the big issue be for the 2026 election?

Inflation is still the dominant force in global politics, no doubt about it.  We've got the United States election next month, the Aussies are going to the polls by midway through next year, so are the Canadians, we just had the UK, we've just had France, and inflation rules the roost.  Bad news for ol' Albanese in Australia. There's a new poll out this morning that has him neck and neck with Dutton and the coalition.  But here's the really bad part: 44% of Aussies think the economy will worsen in the next six months.  What's more, Dutton and the coalition are favoured on the economy 38% to 26%. And more people blame the Government for causing inflation, rather than global issues.  So he has an uphill battle, doesn't he?  For New Zealand, inflation should be a distant memory by the time we hit 2026 in our next election – it's expected to be inside the target range by Christmas.  GDP should have picked up, unemployment should have fallen, tourism, agriculture, we've already heard this morning are showing promising signs, but there's always a defining issue in a political campaign, isn't there?  What will ours be in 2026?  A smart government will always try to define what that issue is ahead of time and try to control the narrative, control the language around it, control the debate.  I think the biggest risk for the National Party at this point, this far out I know it is a bit far for predictions, crystal ball gazing, but I think at this stage is probably public service cuts, you know, Dunedin Hospital, public transport, health education, et cetera.  The reality is probably most of us will give them another go, but it wouldn't hurt them to keep an eye on what comes next. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/7/20241 minute, 59 seconds
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Helmut Modlik: Ngati Toa CEO talks his upcoming Treaty of Waitangi debate with David Seymour

The chief executive of Ngati Toa agrees a robust debate is needed on the Treaty of Waitangi.  Helmut Modlik will debate ACT leader David Seymour tonight, two months after Modlik called him out.  A draft of Seymour's Treaty Principles Bill will be ready for public release and discussion next month, but National says it will support the bill no further than the first reading only.  Modlik told Ryan Bridge the country needs a national conversation about the treaty, which is why he agreed to debate Seymour.  He says the country was only getting curated sound bite versions of one position.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/7/20244 minutes, 11 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 08 October 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 8th of October, Ngati Toa's Helmut Modlik is set to face David Seymour in a much anticipated debate on the Treaty of Waitangi. Modlik speaks to Ryan ahead of the debate.  A mixed bag in Westpac's Regional Roundup, but things are looking good heading towards the New Year and Wednesday's OCR decision. Westpac Senior Economist Satish Ranchhod joins the show.  TVNZ has proposed closing the 1News website from early next year as the state broadcaster tries to find $30 million in savings. Media Commentator and Spinoff Founder Duncan Grieve speaks to Ryan.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/7/202434 minutes, 18 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK and Europe correspondent on French demands for halt on Israeli arms deliveries

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the French President's demands for a halt on arms deliveries to Israel for use in Gaza is a "disgrace". He says "Israel will win with or without their support".  UK and Europe correspondent Gavin Grey says it came as a surprise since France is known to be a supporter of Israel.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/7/20242 minutes, 45 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: What's the harm in the public knowing what went wrong on HMNZS Manawanui?

Why? It's the question we all want answered this morning. But what we'll get is a bunch of speculation. The first most important question has been answered. Is the crew safe? Yes. Thankfully. And by the sounds of it, it's thanks in large part to help from others, the decision to abandon ship and a dose of good luck. Some of the crew spent five hours in life rafts battling the conditions to make it to shore. One capsized before getting there. But we have so many questions. How come? We've just lost our first Navy vessel since WWII worth $100 million. Up in smoke. Why did the Manawanui hit a reef? Was it human error? Was it mechanical failure? What happened on the bridge in the moments leading up to the collision? Where was the officer of the watch? Were there no alarms sounding? Was it the weather? Why was it surveying so close to a known reef at night? Why did it catch fire? We so far have zero answers. We know the sea was rough and the wind was strong, but that's about it. The Navy and the Minister both say wait for a Court of Inquiry. But is that good enough? Surely they have some idea of what went wrong by now. What's the harm in the public knowing what they know? Can we not handle the truth? We've been here before. Remember the Interislander grounding? There were crickets till New Zealand First started tweeting. We learnt from the Northland pylon debacle that officials pretty much know straight away what went wrong, but we wait for inquiries and reports and courts to tell us the truth months later. This is more media management than investigation integrity. The problem with this strategy is the void gets filled with a bunch of speculation rather than facts, at least as established thus far. And a little bit of accurate info is surely better than a whole bunch of the opposite.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/6/20242 minutes, 15 seconds
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Josie Vidal: Straterra chief executive says fast-track list will reap more benefits than environmental problems

Belief the Government's fast-track list will reap more benefits than environmental problems. The Government's listed 149 projects for its Fast Track Approvals Bill - including nine mining projects. The Bill still needs to go before the Environment Committee, then each project will be assessed by an expert panel. Straterra chief executive Josie Vidal told Ryan Bridge the previous system fixated on the environment — but now it considers the economic effects as well. She says New Zealand needs to rely on science, technology and facts — not emotion. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/6/20244 minutes, 50 seconds
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Andrew Alderson: Cameron Munster denies biting Paul Alamoti as NRL match review looms

Cameron Munster has vehemently denied biting Penrith’s Paul Alamoti as the Melbourne five-eighth nervously awaits the outcome of the NRL’s match review committee. Munster will find out on Monday morning if he has been charged by the NRL after he was accused of biting Alamoti in the final 10 minutes of the Storm’s 14-6 grand final defeat on Sunday. The Melbourne five-eighth was tackled by Alamoti as he attempted to lead his team upfield and the Penrith centre’s arm came across Munster’s face. Replays were unclear if Munster bit down on Alamoti’s arm. Referee Ashley Klein initially let play continue before halting the game and placing Munster on report. “It can’t be certain, it’s on report,” Klein said. “They [the match review committee] will deal with it later ... I just saw saliva.” On the field, Munster was insistent he did not bite Alamoti and told reporters after the match “there was nothing in it”. “I spoke to Ash about the allegation and he pretty much just told me that if someone alleges a certain thing, they have to put a report and it’s up to the judiciary,” Munster said. “But honestly there’s nothing in it ... So I’m very confident I’ll get off.” Munster was wearing a mouthguard during the game and said after years of pushing the boundaries, he was a reformed character. “He [Alamoti] said he felt pressure and I said I didn’t bite him. That’s footy … I’ve got nothing to worry about,” Munster said. “I’ve done a lot of silly things in the game and put my hand up for it. But I can put my hand on my heart there’s definitely nothing. “I put my hand up with certain things that I definitely do in games and I’m a very honest person. “I can definitely put my hand on my heart with everything I’ve spoken about and [say] there was no malice or even trying to bite. “So I’m pretty disappointed, I’m trying to get that all of those grubby little incidents out of my game that I’ve obviously done in the previous years.” Regardless of his belief that he is innocent, Munster’s fate is now at the mercy of the MRC. St George Illawarra’s Kyle Flanagan received a five-match ban for biting earlier this season. Alamoti, meanwhile, declined to expand on his on-field claim as he savoured his maiden NRL premiership. “Whatever happens on the field, stays on the field, we’ll leave it at that,” Alamoti said. “I’ve just won a premiership so that is the last thing on my mind, I’m worried about partying.” - by George Clarke, AAPSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/6/20243 minutes, 10 seconds
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Ron Mark: Former Defence Minister expects Court on Inquiry to act quickly on HMNZS Manawanui sinking

A search for answers over the sinking of the HMNZS Manawanui - off Samoa's southern coast. The $100 million naval ship was running a survey off the area when it hit a reef on Saturday night. All 75 people onboard were rescued - it caught fire and sank yesterday morning Former Defence Minister Ron Mark told Ryan Bridge he's gutted as his team fought hard to bring the refurbished ship from Norway in 2019. He expects the Court of Inquiry to be very quick. “They’ll want to ascertain exactly how and why the ship ended up in peril and sinking the way it did.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/6/20243 minutes, 57 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 07 October 2024

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday 7 October. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/6/202441 minutes, 11 seconds
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Vincent McAviney: Europe correspondent on UK giving sovereignty to Chagos Islands

The British government announced it will hand sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, in a settlement that ends decades of disputes over Britain’s last African colony, while maintaining a key US-British military base in the archipelago. Europe correspondent Vincent McAviney says the UK keeping its military base for another 99 years marks a landmark deal for Prime Minister Keir Starmer's new government. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/3/20242 minutes, 50 seconds
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Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on the ghost houses revealed in the latest census data

There's several possible reasons behind a rise in the number of homes empty on Census night.  The latest data shows just more than 110 thousand homes were empty, up from just under 100 thousand in 2018.  Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen says part of that could be due to Cyclone Gabrielle flood levels, and high levels of construction.   He told Ryan Bridge that some of the biggest areas with the largest increase in “ghost homes” were Auckland, Gisborne, and Hawke’s Bay.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/3/20243 minutes, 11 seconds
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Scott MacLean: Dunedin Civil Defence Manager on the State of Emergency in the region

Flooding and landslips are keeping officials busy in Otago.   The area is in a State of Emergency due to heavy rain, with downpours expected to continue into the afternoon.  Fire and Emergency NZ have responded to 31 calls between 6pm last night and 5.30am, with around 70 people evacuating to welfare centres.  Dunedin Civil Defence Manager Scott MacLean told Ryan Bridge their advice is for people to stay home and stay safe.  He said that people should avoid going out driving unless they absolutely have to, as it causes problems for emergency responders.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/3/20242 minutes, 24 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: Kudos to Qantas for trying something new

Kudos to Qantas for introducing a wellbeing zone on the cattle class of the aircraft.  Airlines are cramming us in like sardines, anyone who's travelled will know this.  They serve you booze, you recline your seat, the planes dry you out and then as a natural consequence, people go nuts.  Unruly passengers ripping open the emergency doors, running up and down the aisles screaming like mad people.  Globally, physical assaults on aircrafts are up 60% post-pandemic. Air New Zealand alone deals with 200 reports a month of abusive behaviour.  People are responsible for their behaviour, yes, but the airlines are responsible for the environment which you travel in. The world is full of nutty people, and you have to cater for nutty people on aircraft, don't you?  So good on Qantas. From 2026 they will have a dedicated wellbeing area at the front of economy, they've got sculpted wall, integrated handles for exercise, stabilising you in doing some squats or whatever you want to do.  They've got a cabinet of healthy snacks, fruit juices, smoothies, self-service.  Now, here's the kicker - It's for their 20-hour flights. Would you do it?  Would you do it, even if there's fruit smoothies and integrated handles for stretching and exercise?  The answer for me is a resounding no, but at least they're trying something. Others should follow suit. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/3/20241 minute, 56 seconds
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Casey Costello: Associate Police Minister on the soaring police recruitment numbers

The Government is confident their support of frontline Police is coming to fruition.  Recruitment numbers have soared in the past year, with almost 1,400 applicants in July – the highest since 2014.  It's seen around five and a half thousand applicants in the first eight months of the year, more than double across the same period last year.  Associate Police Minister Casey Costello told Ryan Bridge it's encouraging, but there's still some work to do.  She says their attrition rate is still low at 4.8%, while other public sectors have rates of up to 54%.  Costello also assures that the surge in recruits won't compromise the quality of the training, as nothing will change in their approach.  She says they’ve totally committed to ensuring the same standards are maintained.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/3/20245 minutes, 29 seconds
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Sarah Dalton: Association of Salaried Medical Specialists Executive Director on Health NZ's $934 million deficit

Health New Zealand is expecting its financial deficit for the past financial year to be near a billion dollars.   The agency's released its report for the June quarter.   Earlier in quarter three, a $299 million surplus was forecast - but the preliminary financial result for the year to the end of June is a $934 million deficit.  Association of Salaried Medical Specialists Executive Director Sarah Dalton told Ryan Bridge services and departments are going to be dealing with significant cuts.   She says some of it will impact staffing levels, and some the ability to implement digital solutions that'll make staff and systems more efficient.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/3/20244 minutes, 35 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 4 October 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday 4th of October, Dunedin has declared a state of emergency following significant rainfall overnight and surface flooding. Civil Defence Controller Scott Maclean has the latest.  Police recruitment wings will be expanded from next year following record applications to join the force. Associate Police Minister Casey Costello speaks to Ryan.  Health New Zealand has gone from a forecast surplus to a nearly $1 billion deficit. What's gone wrong? The Association of Salaried Medical Specialists are on the show to discuss.  Ghost houses - more than 100,000 empty houses found in 2023 census data; do we need a tax on them?  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/3/202434 minutes, 28 seconds
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Duncan Bridgeman: NZME Managing Editor expresses his concerns with economic growth in the business community

Mood of the boardroom survey, more than 100 of our top business leaders have had their say on the government, its ministers and the economy today. CEOs ranked the performance of the Cabinet Ministers with ‘1’ being not impressive and ‘5’ - very impressive. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon scored with 3.73 whilst keeping his cabinet focused on delivery and education, Minister Erica Stanford was top of the class for Minister Performance resulting with a score of 4.01. Simeon Brown, Nicola Willis and Chris Bishop came closely behind Stanford, Brown resulted with a score of 3.89, Willis and Bishop tied on 3.88. Managing editor for NZME Duncan Bridgeman says that after a year of having a new government, he believes there's some uncertainty around the delivery that Christopher Luxon and his team can pull through when coming down to economic growth with the business community. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/2/20244 minutes
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Mitch McCann: US Correspondent tells us about US Ports major strike and how it impacts NZ

Nearly 50,000 members of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) are on strike Tuesday against the nation’s East and Gulf Coast ports. They are demanding a $5/hour increase in pay every year for the next six years. Mitch McCann, US Correspondent says that New Zealand exporters are likely to be affected by congestion and delays. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade at home advises exporters to stay in contact with the freight companies to see what options are available for them. McCann told Ryan Bridge while the strike continues, they're also advised to keep in touch with the US customers to inform them about potential delays in the coming weeks. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/2/20242 minutes
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Ryan Bridge: The hysteria over Casey Costello's handling of smoking

The real proof will be in the pudding – if smoking rates come down, does it matter how she did it?  If it was a non-tobacco company getting a tax cut to provide a product that was less harmful than ciggies would there be outrage?  Or are we blinded by the fact it's a multinational whose legacy has been peddling cigarettes that clouds our judgement?  Are we being rational about this?  Isn't the ultimate goal to reduce smoking rates?  Are the ‘try anything, do it differently’ policies she's pushing going to bring smoking rates down?  Time will tell.  She should have been more on to it and open about the advice she had received on heat not burn products, sure. It's being released this week, we're told.  But calling for her to resign and labelling her as corrupt and in the hands of the tobacco lobby are a bit much.  Costello's own father died of smoking related respiratory disease. She's a Māori woman herself.  Can you imagine if the shoe was on the other foot and National was accusing a Māori wahine toa minister, who's dad had died of cancer, of being in the pocket of big tobacco and actively trying to cause genocide on her own people, what the reaction would be form the left?  If the argument is that she should be more open and transparent, half of Labour's last cabinet should have resigned in their first term too,  So far, no smoking gun. Let's see what she's achieved once the smoke clears. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/2/202457 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 3 October 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Thursday 3rd of October, Air NZ has made more cuts to regional flights, and we still don't have a plan for an Interislander replacement. Do we have a transport problem in New Zealand? Former Transport Minister Maurice Williamson joins the show to discuss.  The PPTA are now allowing charter school teachers to join the union in what David Seymour has called a "come to Jesus moment".  The New Zealand Herald's Mood of the Boardroom survey for 2024 is out - what do business leaders have to say about the government? NZME's Managing Editor of Business Duncan Bridgeman speaks to Ryan.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/2/202433 minutes, 59 seconds
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Habib Baar: Beirutreport.com Journalist and founder believes Israel has no incentive to stop

Iran has sent up to 350 missiles and drones into Israel, setting off the sound of explosions and sirens. White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan says the US Navy destroyers stationed in the Mediterranean Sea intercepted Iranian missiles. He says it was a significant escalation from Iran and it was equally important they could step up to defend Israel. Habib Baar, Journalist and founder of Beirutreport.com speaks to Heather du Plessis-Allan saying he believes Israel has no incentive to stop as they have the full backing of the Western allies of the United States. Israel says nobody was killed because the iron dome worked. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/1/20244 minutes, 11 seconds
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James Mackenzie: Reuters Bureau Chief for Israel and Palestine on the ground invasion in Lebanon and missile attacks on Israel

Tensions in the Middle East are on a knife's edge in the aftermath of Iran's barrage of missiles on Israel.  The Israeli defence force says there's been no reports of casualties and most of the around 180 projectiles were intercepted.  Iran has confirmed the attack and says it's targeting Israel in response to deaths of Hezbollah leader, Hassan Nasrallah.  Reuters Bureau Chief for Israel and Palestine James Mackenzie told Ryan Bridge it’s a big deal despite there having been an attack from Iran back in April.  He said that the first time there was limited damage and a sort of tacit agreement to let it slide, but with it happening again, the stakes are definitely raised.  They’ve already seen a really sharp uptick in essentially the beginning of a war in Israel.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/1/20245 minutes, 6 seconds
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Brian Cox: Bioenergy Association Chief Executive comments on the Bio-refinery at the Marsden Point Energy Precinct proposal

A new Bio-Refinery at the Marsden Point Energy Precinct is being proposed. Channel Infrastructure NZ Limited announces it has entered into a conditional project development agreement with Seadra Energy Inc, who is partnering with the likes of  Qantas, Renova Inc, Kent Plc, and ANZ. It would utilize some of the decommissioned oil refinery assets which would be refurbished and reconfigured- taking up approximately 18-20 hectares of land on the site. Brian Cox, Bioenergy Association Chief executive shares his thoughts with Ryan Bridge. “The aspect is we could use the natural resources that New Zealand is rich for. The biggest part is biomass from trees,” says Cox. He states that it could be processed to be used as either fuel or plastic. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/1/20243 minutes, 26 seconds
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Danielle McLaughlin: US Political Commentator ahead of the vice presidential debate

JD Vance and Tim Walz are set to do battle for what looks to be the final debate of this US presidential election.  The vice-presidential candidates will meet for their only debate in New York today, which gets underway at 2pm NZ time.  US political commentator Danielle McLaughlin says the buzz could reach the levels of Joe Biden vs Sarah Palin in 2008.  She told Ryan Bridge vice-presidential picks are normally safe, but Walz and especially Vance are really out of the mainstream.  McLaughlin says Vance has been attacking cat ladies and Taylor Swift and has repeatedly spread crazy rumours about Haitian immigrants eating pets in the mid-west.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/1/20243 minutes, 56 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: Businesses are the forgotten victims of the capital gains debate

So Luxon is back in the news. Bryce Edwards written a piece saying our members of parliament own 2.3 homes per MP - more than most of us.  Jacinda made $330,000 on her property while Prime Minister. Luxon has made close to half a million dollars on his properties.  Now let's really talk about a capital gains tax, because we essentially have one on investment property - the bright line test.  You can argue over how long that should be, and governments have changed this from red to blue, from 10 to 2 years.  But let's sideline property for a second and talk about business.  Do you really think it's fair to tax capital gains on the sale of business?  Business owners take huge risk, work incredibly hard and have to deal with stress, late nights, untold hours of lost sleep.  They also employ people, pay them, pay tax on earnings, help support jobs, grow the economy, provide tax base of hospitals/education etc.  Then when they finally are either burnt out or wanting to move on grow something else, bang! We hit them with a tax on their earnings.  It doesn't seem fair to me. We need people to invest confidently into their businesses and grow them for the benefit of all of us.  I don't think a capital gain tax on business will achieve that. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/1/20241 minute, 47 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 2 October 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 2nd of October, Iran has started firing missiles towards Israel with the iron dome defence system working to stop them. We're live to the Middle East for the latest news.  Tim Walz and JD Vance will take to the stage for the US Vice Presidential debate in New York tomorrow. It could be the final debate ahead of the election in just a few weeks time. Political Analyst Danielle McLaughlin speaks to Ryan.  Marsden Point could soon be home to a refinery again. Channel Infrastructure announced a proposal to open a biorefinery on the site using some of the old infrastructure. Brian Cox from the Bioenergy Association joins the show to discuss.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/1/202434 minutes, 12 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 01 October 2024

 On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday 1st of October, The Government has released its action plan for the fourth quarter of the year. ACT MP and Under Secretary to the Minister responsible for RMA Reform Simon Court is on the show to discuss the new targets.  The Insurance Council wants people to stop building in “dumb places” where there is a higher risk of a natural disaster. So how do you know you're building in a safe place? Urban planner Bruce Weir speaks to Ryan.  Air New Zealand's regional route between Wellington and Invercargill will stop operating from mid-January 2025, how could it impact tourism in the region? Great South's Chief Executive Chami Abeysinghe joins the show.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/1/202434 minutes
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Simon Court: Secretary to the Minister for RMA shares that infrastructure will be the new focus in the next quarterly plan

The Government's moving into its next quarterly plan - with infrastructure the focus. It achieved 39 of its 40 goals in the third quarter - largely targeting law and order. This quarter's 43 actions include passing the first Resource Management Amendment Bill and introducing the second RMA reform Bill as well as a National Infrastructure Agency. Under Secretary to the Minister for RMA reform, Simon Court told Ryan Bridge that he doesn't know how much the agency will cost - but it's needed. Court says it's vital that there's an agency that can coordinate funding from the private sector needed for the public private partnership projects. He shares that there's a number of parties lining up to make submissions when the agency is open. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/30/20246 minutes, 42 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: Why have we designated Hezbollah's military wing a terrorist entity, but not the political wing?

The Government's refusing to say if it will designate Hezbollah's political wing as a terrorist entity.  In a statement to Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, our Terrorism Designations Working Group says the Iran-backed group's military wing was declared a terrorist entity in 2010.  "Designations are considered based on recommendations from the National Security Board, on the basis of advice from the Terrorist Designations Working Group. The Working Group considers a variety of entities regularly, through a long-standing and well-established inter-departmental process."  It basically says they won't talk publicly about whether they're considering going further with Hezbollah.  "To maintain the integrity of the process it is not standard practice to confirm publicly which entities are under consideration."  This all comes of course after Israel killed Hezbollah's leader Hassan Nasrallah. The United States called his death "justice".  The group itself actually makes no distinction between its military and political wings.  What's interesting here is two things:  1. Christopher Luxon and Winston Peters designated Hamas a terror group in its entirety back in February, after years of making a distinction for the political wing. Will they do the same with Hezbollah?  2. In Australia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is cracking down on protesters in New South Wales and Victoria who were seen waving Hezbollah flags and allegedly chanting violent verses.  If such a thing were to happen here would the lack of a designation stop our authorities from taking action?  Leon Goldsmith told me yesterday Australia and Canada don't make any distinction like we do.  Ultimately what we do is not going to stop war in the Middle East, but it could affect how we deal with the fallout here at home. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/30/20241 minute, 47 seconds
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Bruce Weir: Saddleback Planning and Urban Design Designer on the call for the RMA replacement to stop people building in "dumb places"

There's a debate over who should be responsible for the consequences of building in high-risk areas.  The Insurance Council is asking the Government to ensure natural hazard changes to the Resource Management Act mean people don't build in what it's calling "dumb places". Urban designer Bruce Weir told Ryan Bridge if building on a risky site comes down to personal responsibility, there needs to be a paying factor holding people accountable.  Weir says if someone drives drunk they lose their licence and know they aren't insured.  He questions why people should be bailed out when it comes to knowingly doing stupid things when it comes to property.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/30/20244 minutes, 19 seconds
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Chami Abeysinghe: Great South CEO on the removal of the direct flight between Wellington and Invercargill

Air New Zealand's direct flight between Wellington and Invercargill will soon be no more.  It's being scrapped, with its last service in mid-January.   Great South chief executive Chami Abeysinghe says customers are still able to fly to Wellington via Christchurch, and the airline's adding more flights between Christchurch and Invercargill.  She told Ryan Bridge there's multiple factors for the decision including softening domestic demand and engine issues.  Abeysinghe says one of the key factors is ensuring accessible flights between the main centres.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/30/20243 minutes, 5 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: It's not just Dunedin, it's everywhere

Grumbling and discontent in regional New Zealand is growing louder and louder, and Wellington ought to pay attention. The latest was in Dunedin. 35,0000 locals turned in protest, waving signs with Nicola Willis swinging atop a wrecking ball. The wrecking ball was Luxon's head. The reason the government should heed and listen is because of the size of the protest. 35,000 is huge - and it wasn't just your usual mob of rent-a-crowds and serial protesters. Dunedin normally votes red so do you bother listening if you're the government? Problem here is it's not just Dunedin, It's everywhere. Give me a region and I'll give you a grievance. Central North Island: Plant closures. Marlborough: Ferry cancellations. Tararua: the Manawatu Gorge. West Coast: uprising over health cuts Now I think the government will compromise on Dunedin, but for most of the rest of regions waving placards and marching the message will be simple - Blame Labour. They spent with gay abandon during and after covid. Inflation ran rampant and now we're having to come in and clean it up. That's also why we need to toll roads to get these things finished, that's why we need downsize new hospitals, why we have to cut this bridge or that school or this funding. The question for the government is, are these people going to turn around and vote Labour in anger? The answer is probably not. People understand why we're in this mess and most are just trying to sway the current government, not change it completely. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/29/20241 minute, 55 seconds
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Malcolm Fleming: NZ Certified Builders Chief Executive on changes to consenting process

Big changes to consenting processes could be on the way. Currently, 67 building consent authorities receive and approve consents – with each one taking a slightly different approach to the rules. Building and construction minister Chris Penk has proposed creating larger regional authorities to help standardise the process and reduce costs for builders. New Zealand Certified Builders Chief Executive Malcom Fleming tells Ryan Bridge there is a lot of pressure on the system right now and moves towards quickening building consent processes are supported. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/29/20243 minutes, 49 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK & Europe correspondent on Austria's general election and UK public inquiry into Salisbury poisonings

Austria’s general election could see the far-right opposition Freedom Party (FPÖ) top the polls for the first time as voters head out to cast their ballot. The party’s leader describes himself as Volkskanzler (people's chancellor), which was used to describe Adolf Hitler in the 1930s. UK & Europe correspondent Gavin Grey tells Ryan Bridge the party has promised to build a fortress to restore security, prosperity and peace. And, a former Russian spy and his daughter, who were victims of the Salisbury poisonings, will not be called to give evidence at a UK public inquiry out of fears for their safety. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/29/20241 minute, 59 seconds
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Adam Cooper: ZB Sports on Silver Ferns, Black Caps, All Blacks

ZB Sports Adam Cooper joins Ryan Bridge to recap the weekend in sport. The Silver Ferns faced a series-opening 59-58 loss to the England Roses. The Taini Jamison Trophy series got underway in Auckland on Sunday and the teams will meet again on Wednesday in Porirua. The Black Caps suffered a heavy defeat in their test series in Sri Lanka. And, the All Blacks managed to go the full 90 minutes to beat Australia 33-13 in the final match of the Rugby Championship. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/29/20242 minutes, 59 seconds
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Dr Leon Goldsmith: Otago University Professor for Middle Eastern and Comparative Politics on Israel's assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah

Fears of major escalation in the Middle East are high after Israel’s assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Otago University Professor for Middle Eastern and Comparative Politics, Dr Leon Goldsmith tells Ryan Bridge the leader is rarely seen in public and it is clear killing was planned for a long time. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/29/20245 minutes, 2 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 30 September 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday the 30th of September. Big changes could be on the way for the building industry with an overhaul of the consenting process proposed by the government. Could it help the industry lower costs? NZ Certified Builders Chief Executive Malcolm Fleming joins the show. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has been killed in an Israeli airstrike, among other senior leaders from the group. New Zealand has only declared Hezbollah's military wing a terrorist organisation, but not he political wing - so where do we stand on the issue? Dr Leon Goldsmith from the University of Otago speaks to Ryan. Grumbling and discontent in regional New Zealand is growing louder and louder with possible cut backs coming for the new Dunedin hospital. Why Wellington need to listen. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/29/202434 minutes, 3 seconds
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Phillip Duncan: WeatherWatch head forecaster on NIWA acquiring MetService

A weather expert says creating one state weather forecasting system is the right decision.  The Government's announced it's agreed in-principle to NIWA acquiring MetService - merging the two.   Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins says streamlining the two will make it easier to access information from a single trusted source and improve response to severe weather events.  WeatherWatch head forecaster Phillip Duncan told Ryan Bridge that it’s been a bit of a weird journey to get to this point, but it’s definitely the right thing.  He said that a government having two opposing agencies doing weather forecasts and saying different things is a recipe for disaster.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/26/20244 minutes, 23 seconds
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Elliott Smith: Newstalk ZB Voice of Rugby previews the second Bledisloe Cup test in Wellington

The All Blacks kept their grip on the Bledisloe Cup last week, beating the Wallabies 31-28 in Sydney. However, they still have another test to play, the second Bledisloe Cup test being the All Blacks’ final home test for the year. Elliott Smith, Newstalk ZB’s voice of rugby, told Ryan Bridge that the team needs to get their “20 minute jinx” sorted out as it’s becoming a real problem for the team. He said they were still good enough to get the win against Australia last week, but they need to sort that out, and find some points in the last twenty minutes of the game. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/26/20242 minutes, 47 seconds
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Lynda Stuart: May Road Primary School Principal on the new attendance and teacher-only day policies

An Auckland principal says teaching isn't a job, it's a service. The Government's instructing schools to have Stepped Attendance Response plans by 2026. It's also instructed them not to take teacher-only days in term time, unless authorised by the Minister. May Road Primary School principal Lynda Stuart told Ryan Bridge that it’s a complex situation because she knows that in her school, teachers are basically just limping towards the end of the term. She says that teachers need time in the holidays to recuperate before they’re back in their classrooms preparing for next term, and they don't have as long of holidays as some people think. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/26/20244 minutes, 16 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: Nothing solves global conflict like a good UNGA session

Thank God the UN General Assembly is underway in New York. Nothing solves global conflict like a good UNGA session.  I've been to one of these before, back when John Key was the Prime Minister – there was a resolution on Iran.  A lot of sitting around talking and listening, which as Winston Peters pointed out yesterday, is quite important!  Netanyahu's enroute. Zelensky's there. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Putin the Pariah obviously won't be, but does anybody hold out any hope that the UN will fix the big issues? Magically solve the wars and conflict?  As we reported to you on Thursday's show, China's launching missiles into the South Pacific for the first time since the 1980s. A Japanese warship’s just sailed through the Taiwan Strait for the first time overnight. Israel's hammering Lebanon - today they said "no thanks” to a peace deal.  Putin's lowering the threshold for nuclear weapons. Trump says Ukraine is dead, and delegates are talking over the top of Winston Peters at the Security Council, which he wasn't happy about, calling for the room to be quiet.  "Maybe a third principal, when somebody's addressing you, the rest of the people in the room keep quiet.”  Some would say these are challenges the world can face together, united as one United Nations, but most of the time it's about as useful as ashtray in a motorbike, and most countries and their leaders know this.  But off they go to the off to the Big Apple, to do their dance and thump their fists and have their say, while the rest of world largely ignores and carries on - business as usual. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/26/20241 minute, 44 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 27 September 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday 27th of September, David Seymour is cracking down on school attendance as new numbers show it's improving. But will the new moves, which could see parents prosecuted, work? May Road Principal Lynda Stuard joins the show. The two government owned weather forecasters NIWA and MetService could soon be one, with an agreement in-principal signed for NIWA to acquireMetService. Weatherwatch Head Analyst Philip Duncan speaks to Ryan about what the move means for our forecasting. The All Blacks will face Australia in Wellington this weekend their final home test this year. Can they make it the full 90 minutes? Newstalk ZB's voice of rugby Elliott Smith joins the show. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/26/202434 minutes, 23 seconds
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Nick Leggett: Infrastructure New Zealand CEO on the report discussing the long-term spending demands for infrastructure

New Zealand is being recommended to find a long-term vision for its infrastructure. The Infrastructure Commission's released a new report on long-term spending demands ahead of next year's National Infrastructure Plan.  Infrastructure New Zealand CEO Nick Leggett says we need to better understand the wide benefits of infrastructure if we're to succeed long-term.  He told Ryan Bridge that when compared with the rest of the OECD, the quality of our spending is letting us down.  Leggett says we're in the bottom four in the efficiency we get from infrastructure, and how we manage our assets is also poor.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/25/20244 minutes, 17 seconds
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Mitch McCann: US Correspondent on Donald Trump's warning against potential assassination attempts

Donald Trump says an attack on a former President is a death wish for the attacker.  The former president's campaign team claims he's been briefed on a suspected Iranian assassination plot.  It follows a man being formally charged for an assassination attempt near Trump's Florida golf course and a shooting in July.  Correspondent Mitch McCann told Ryan Bridge that Trump's campaign sees the Iranian threats as real and specific.  He says these are different from other attempts on his life.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/25/20241 minute, 55 seconds
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Boyd Swinburn: Auckland University Nutrition Expert on the push for New Zealand to follow England in combating obesity rates

There’s been a push for New Zealand to follow England's lead in combating obesity rates.  NHS figures suggest England's turned the tide on rising obesity rates for the first time in two decades.  Obesity rates in adults have remained stable for the past five years.  Auckland University nutrition expert Boyd Swinburn told Ryan Bridge rates will keep going up in New Zealand until something changes.  He says we've been told by WHO and panels across the world on what to implement - but the country hasn't listened.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/25/20244 minutes, 1 second
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Chris Hipkins: Labour Leader discusses a capital gains tax, cost of living, UK visit

Chris Hipkins is doubling down on the idea of a shake-up to the tax system.  ANZ boss Antonia Watson says the "time has arrived" for a capital gains tax.  Both Christopher Luxon and Finance Minister Nicola Willis rejected the call, joking that the boss of a big Australian bank just wants to take more money off Kiwis.  The Labour leader told Ryan Bridge New Zealand's tax system's loaded against working people because we're not taxing other forms of income.  He says salary and wage earners end up paying a disproportionate share of tax.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/25/20249 minutes, 18 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 26 September 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Thursday 26th of September, Chris Hipkins joins the show from the UK where he met the new Labour government and attended their annual conference.  Obesity rates in in England have stabilised for the first time in two decades. How do we use their numbers and lessons as an example to improve our shocking obesity rates here?  How do we make sure our long term infrastructure is up to scratch? Infrastructure NZ Chief Executive Nick Leggett gives his thoughts to Ryan.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/25/202434 minutes, 24 seconds
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Gavin Grey: Europe Correspondent on the Swedish authorities accusing Iranian Intelligence of sending a hacked mass text

Swedish authorities have accused Iranian intelligence of hacking into a text messaging service last year.  In 2023, several individuals in Sweden set fire to the Quran in public, prompting outage. The events were followed by 15,000 people receiving text messages calling for “revenge against the Quran-burners".  SAPO, the country’s Security Service, says the texts were sent by the Iranian Intelligence Service, connected to the Revolutionary Guards.  Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge that although they think they know who’s behind the mass-text, authorities are unable to do anything about it as there’s no extradition treaty.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/24/20242 minutes, 39 seconds
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Gary Froggatt: Tramways Union President on the new measures to increase safety for public transport workers

There’s relief from the bus drivers union as the Government announces new measures to improve workplace safety.   It includes new aggravating factors in sentencing for attacks on transport workers and a $15 million injection into safety precautions.   Tramways Union President Gary Froggatt told Ryan Bridge that it’s another weapon in the armoury defending against this type of crime.  He said it will make some passengers think again before assaulting a bus driver, however it’s not going to be a solution on its own, and the sooner things like safety screens can be installed, the better.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/24/20243 minutes, 8 seconds
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Chris Wilkinson: First Retail Group managing director on the results of Foodstuffs North Island's facial recognition trial

There's a suggestion facial recognition isn't the sole factor behind a drop in supermarket retail crime.   Foodstuffs North Island —which owns Pak'n'Save and New World— says early results from its six month trial show it prevented about 130 serious incidents.  It also reported around 4,700 incidents across all stores in April to June – an 8% drop quarterly.  First Retail Group managing director Chris Wilkinson told Ryan Bridge there are other elements too.  He says there's also a new Police Minister, a new letter of expectation with Police, and more determination around the sector, which have had a ripple effect.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/24/20242 minutes, 24 seconds
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Stephen Hoadley: International Relations Analyst on the increasing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon

Israel says it has killed a senior Hezbollah commander as fighting in Lebanon continues.   The Lebanese health ministry says strikes have killed around 500 people.   The Israeli Defence Force says its mission is to stop the Iranian-backed group from firing rockets into Israel's north and to push them back from the border.   International relations analyst Stephen Hoadley told Ryan Bridge he expects air and artillery attacks will continue, and hopefully Hezbollah's rocket attacks on Israel will stop.   He says that would cause a lull, but a repeat of the cycle of violence is possible in another year or two.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/24/20246 minutes
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Ryan Bridge: Greenpeace protest - Just hang your banner and piss off

It's time I reckon we started sending bills to those protesters for wasting police time and resources.  I watched yesterday with growing anger as a couple of Greenpeace people climbed on top of an awning on The Terrace in Wellington.  They were just one floor up, they stood there looking like numpties with their overalls and their helmets on.  Nothing wrong with protesting, but there were eight first responders on the scene, at least three police cars, a fire truck – they even had to use their cherry picket to get these guys off the roof.  The cars were at a standstill, and instead of solving crime a poor cop was marshalling traffic to allow the fire truck to position itself in place. What a waste of time.  Just hang your banner and piss off. Please don't waste any more of our time.  It's like those crazy ones that used to block the motorways in Wellington, remember that? Thank goodness they seem to have given up and gone away. Good riddance.  The motorway protesters made people late for their cancer appointments. I do hope they're ashamed of themselves for that.  This lot though on The Terrace, they can just jog on.  If the court's initial reaction to the motorway ones was anything to go by you can expect another slap on the wrist with a wet bus ticket for this lot.  I say send them the bill for the police, the use of the police cars, the communications centre, the fire truck fee, the cherry picker fee, the firefighters charge out rate, double it and make them pay it.  And if the individuals won't pay for that, then send the bill to Greenpeace. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/24/20241 minute, 42 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 25 September 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 25th of September, could facial recognition help reduce retail crime? Foodstuffs North Island’s trial of the technology has just ended, and they say it's helped. First Retail Groups Managing Director Chris Wilkinson speaks to Ryan about what this could mean for retailers.  Conflict is continuing to escalate between Israel and Hezbollah. International Relations expert Stephen Hoadley joins the show to talk about the reasons behind the conflict.  A new aggravating factor for offences against public transport works has been introduced, as well as new funding for security measures. Tramways Union President Gary Froggatt speaks to Ryan.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/24/202434 minutes, 31 seconds
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Donna Demaio: Australia Correspondent on the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission launching legal action against Woolworths and Coles

Australia's consumer watchdog has launched legal action against the Australian arm of Woolworths, and its main rival Coles.  The ACCC's accusing the supermarket giants of breaching consumer law by misleading consumers, raising prices by 15% at times before dropping the price as part of a promotion.  The watchdog claims the price of hundreds of products were affected.  Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio told Ryan Bridge the ACCC is taking both retailers to federal court in separate cases and will be seeking significant penalties.   She said they’ll also be aiming to impose community service orders on both Woolworths and Coles, which means they’ll have to fund a registered charity to deliver meals to Australians in need.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/23/20242 minutes, 36 seconds
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Roderick Mulgan: Criminal defence lawyer on the Philip Polkinghorne verdict

A criminal defence lawyer says the Polkinghorne verdict isn't a surprise.   Eye surgeon Philip Polkinghorne was found not guilty of the murder or manslaughter of his wife Pauline Hanna at their Remuera home in April 2021.   The verdict —given at the High Court in Auckland yesterday— followed 10 hours of deliberations over two days.   Criminal defence lawyer Roderick Mulgan told Ryan Bridge if there's doubt, there has to be an acquittal.   He says even though many people were suspicious, it's not enough. There's a high bar and it's difficult to convict people on circumstantial evidence.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/23/20242 minutes, 38 seconds
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Evan Heywood: Motueka kiwifruit grower on the rise in export values, increase in demand for red kiwifruit

Kiwifruit exports are on the rise, with values now at their highest point ever.  Exports for the fruit were worth $3.1 billion in the year to August.  It's an increase of just over half a billion from 2023, with gold kiwifruit rising by 24%.  Green kiwifruit were up 9.9%.  Motueka grower Evan Heywood told Ryan Bridge the number of Ruby Red kiwifruit exported is also increasing.  He says it's early days, but the demand is there for a good future in the market.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/23/20242 minutes, 36 seconds
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Alistair Boyce: Backbencher Pub owner on the impact of working from home on Wellington's economy

Wellington businesses could reap the benefits of calling public servants back to the office.  Public sector agencies are being told to enforce stricter Working From Home guidelines.  It's suggested the move could help Wellington's struggling economy, as well as boost productivity and collaboration.  Backbencher Pub owner Alistair Boyce told Ryan Bridge it will absolutely make a difference.  He says they've been missing key public sector clients.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/23/20243 minutes, 29 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: A travel advisory for the city of Wellington

This is a travel advisory for the city of Wellington: do not travel to New Zealand's capital. Environment considered dangerous.  Basic necessities like flat whites and pints are difficult to find.  The government-ordered a crackdown on civil servants is currently in action. A warning other civil servants may be hiding inside homes and not immediately visible on city streets.  Risk of political turmoil and unrest is extreme. Infrastructure is in a perilous state.  Access to fresh water is limited, burst water and sewerage pipes scattered across the city.  Check for faeces before swimming in the harbour, water’s freezing too. In case of an emergency - carparks are difficult to find.  There are cycleways aplenty, but treacherous weather and wind conditions make use incredibly difficult.  The city is in a state of utter chaos with little to no control by lord Mayor Tory Whanau.  Specific populations asked to avoid Sky Stadium include the All Blacks - they've lost six tests in a row at the venue, chance of further losses highly likely. If the All Blacks are unsure which venue this bulletin refers to, please look for urine-yellow coloured seating.  Locals refer to the venue as the Cake Tin.  If travel is essential, please exercise extreme caution. Take your own water, coffee, alcohol, body armour, a pen, paper, calculator, and Chat GPT to help decode the mayor's mixed messaging.  Dress for disappointment, pack for evacuation, and if somebody tries to sell you a cheap car - run. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/23/20241 minute, 47 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 24 September 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 24th of September, a jury has found Auckland eye surgeon Philip Polkinghorne not guilty of murdering his wife, Pauline Hanna. Criminal Defence Lawyer Roderick Mulgan gives his analysis.  The Government wants public sector workers to stop working from home and return to the office. What has the impact of working from home had on central Wellington businesses? Backbenchers Pub Owner Alistair Boyce joins the show to explain.  Kiwifruit exports have reached a new record value, hitting $3.1 billion in the year ending August. Are growers seeing the returns? Motueka grower Evan Heywood speaks to Ryan.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/23/202434 minutes, 16 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: Yes to four year terms

Yes to a four year term please. Our politicians are too short sighted.  Think about infrastructure, think about productivity, think about immigration settings, basically take your pick at any long term problem in this country.  We need longer terms.  Yes, it will suck if it's not the party that you like in at the time that it's introduced, but it needs to happen for the better of the country, doesn't it?  The government's looking at this because it is in the coalition agreements with both Act and New Zealand First.  There's no strict timings in those coalition agreements, but on Friday, Luxon was talking to a Bloomberg Q and A and seemed to indicate that we might have a referendum on this at the next election.  It's a no brainer, we have big problems in short terms in this country.  The big question is who will get the first one? Will it be that lot, will it be your lot?  Those are the big questions, and also will it be a binding referendum? Which is what New Zealand first is pushing for.  I say just do it, get it done.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/22/20241 minute, 18 seconds
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Paul Gilberd: Community Housing Aotearoa Chief Executive on 57% less families living in emergency housing

The number of families living in emergency housing has reduced by 57%, according to new figures from the Ministry of Social Development and Housing and Urban Development.  Community Housing Aotearoa Chief Executive Paul Gilberd tells Ryan Bridge getting children out of motels is fantastic.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/22/20243 minutes, 26 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK & Europe correspondent on far right heading for election victory in Germany & UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer accepts tens of thousands of pounds worth of free gifts

The far right could be on the brink of it's first election victory in Germany. Brandenburg, close to Berlin, has been governed by Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) ever since German reunification. But two million voters are heading to the polls today for a tightly fought regional election that Alternativ für Deutschland (AfD) stands a chance of winning. Plus, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has accepted tens of thousands of British pounds in gifts, hospitality and tickets to events since becoming Labour leader. This includes nearly £66,000 over the last year for accommodation, clothes and "multiple pairs of glasses". UK & Europe correspondent Gavin Grey tells Ryan Bridge the PM has now said his top team won't accept any more clothing. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/22/20243 minutes, 16 seconds
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Andrew Alderson: ZB Sports reader on Norris win at Singapore F1 Grand Prix, Black Caps v Sri Lanka test final day, All Blacks retain Bledisloe Cup

ZB Sports Andrew Alderson joins Ryan Bridge to wrap the weekend in sport.  Lando Norris eased to a Singapore F1 Grand Prix win despite twice hitting a wall.  The win lets Norris eat further into Max Verstappen’s lead in the overall championship.  Plus, the Black Caps chances of a test cricket win over Sri Lanka remain alive heading into the final day.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/22/20243 minutes, 8 seconds
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Julie-Anne Kincade: Law Association Vice President on NZ lawyers and law students are the unhappiest professionals globally

New research has revealed New Zealand lawyers and law students are the unhappiest professionals globally.   Compared to international lawyers, those in New Zealand revealed higher levels of depression, anxiety, stress and psychological distress.  Law Association Vice President Julie-Anne Kincade KC tells Ryan Bridge lawyers are needed in high stress moments and deal with a lot of pressure.  Kincade questions the small sample size of the survey with just 800 of NZ’s 10,000 included.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/22/20243 minutes, 22 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 23 September 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday the 23rd of September. The government says there has been a 57% reduction of families living in emergency housing motels since December, so what are community housing providers seeing on the ground? Community Housing Aotearoa Chief Executive Paul Gilberd joins the show.  A new study has sound New Zealand's lawyers and law students are the unhappiest in the world. Law Association Vice President Julie-Anna Kincade speaks to Ryan.  McLaren have extended their lead in the F1 constructors championship with a win from Lando Norris. Andrew Alderson has your weekend sport wrap.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/22/202434 minutes, 34 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK Correspondent on the sexual abuse and rape allegations against Mohamed Al-Fayed

A former department store owner is said to have raped and sexually assaulted a string of women who worked for the chain.  More than 20 women have claimed they were sexually assaulted by former Harrods owner Mohamed Al-Fayed, five of whom have said they were raped.  The women say the assaults were carried out at the company’s offices, in Al-Fayed’s apartment in London, or on trips overseas.   UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge that Harrods not only failed to intervene, but also helped cover up abuse allegations when Al-Fayed was in charge.  The department store’s current owners say they’re “utterly appalled” by the allegations, and the store sincerely apologises.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/19/20243 minutes, 17 seconds
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Ian Kirkpatrick: Former All Blacks captain previews the Bledisloe Cup test against Australia

The All Blacks are coming up to a big test this weekend, facing off against Australia in the first match of the Bledisloe Cup.   It’s been almost two weeks since their back-to-back losses against South Africa, so what went wrong and do they have the time to fix it?  Former All Blacks captain Ian Fitzpatrick told Ryan Bridge that if the All Blacks can start like they did against the Springboks in Johannesburg, then they’ve got a good chance.  He said you can say what you like about the previous games, but this is a different beast altogether.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/19/20243 minutes, 45 seconds
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Nick Tuffley: ASB Chief Economist says that the OCR will likely continue to be cut in the wake of the GDP slump

There are expectations that cuts to the Official Cash Rate are now going to keep on coming.  Yesterday's Stats NZ figures show our GDP contracted 0.2% in the three months to June.  In the March quarter, 0.1% growth was recorded.  ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley says the numbers show inflation's falling within the Reserve Banks expectations.  He told Ryan Bridge they're now going to continue cutting the OCR to get it from 5.25% to around 3%.  Tuffley says if they cut a quarter every meeting, we'll reach that target by October next year.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/19/20243 minutes, 12 seconds
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Philip Morgan KC: Barrister on the Government's proposal to increase the threshold for the right to a jury trial

A barrister has doubts about increasing the threshold for the right to a jury trial.   Currently a defendant can choose between a jury or a judge-alone trial in cases where the maximum penalty is two or more years in jail.   The Government's seeking feedback on increasing this to three, five, or seven years, in a bid to address court delays.   Philip Morgan KC told Ryan Bridge he questions the number of jury trials that will drop because of the threshold change.  He says that's because he thinks the number of jury trials where the maximum penalty of the offence is two or three years in jail, is very small.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/19/20243 minutes, 33 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: These targets will be the making or breaking of Luxon

I've not seen Luxon this tetchy and brassed off before.  "Guys, no disrespect, but it's not about the frickin targets, it's actually about the outcomes, and the outcomes here are actually reducing violent crime."  He was being asked about the national gang list which the cops have been sanitising. Hygienically cleaning it apparently to remove the dead and those who've said goodbye to thug life.  The reason he's worked up is the targets: they're off track and he's being peppered, or assaulted, depending on how you look at it, with questions.  This morning in the Herald, beneficiary numbers are projected up, not down. The Jobseeker target is a reduction of 50,000 people, but the forecast is an extra 11,000, which is set to peak in January 2025.  So the question for the government, and all of us, is whether the targets are worth it?  Politically for Luxon they're clearly causing some frustration. Is the political cost of constant updates and inquisition worth the end result? The answer is of course yes.  Ask anyone who's successful how they got there and they'll usually say small, intentional planned steps in a particular direction.  Things don't just happen in life - you make them happen.  We all have targets in our own lives. Where do you want to be in ten years? I want to run a marathon by the time I'm 40, I want to retire at 55, whatever. If you don't set a target, it'll likely never happen – that's what happened with the last lot.  Make no mistake, these targets will be the making or breaking of Luxon. The key issue that will unseat him 2029.  He's set the goals, now he needs to meet them, and perhaps be a little more relaxed about the questions along the way. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/19/20242 minutes, 14 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 20 September 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday 20th of September. New Zealand's GDP has dropped, but it's not quite as bad as the forecasts. So where to from here and when will we start to see growth? ASB's Chief Economist Nick Tuffley joins the show.  A new solution to tackle backlog in the count system - the Government wants to reduce the number of jury trials to save time. KC Phillip Morgan speaks to Ryan about the proposed changes.  Former All Blacks Captain Ian Kirkpatrick speaks to Ryan about NZ's chances of winning against the Wallabies this weekend, following two back-to-back losses against South Africa.  Christopher Luxon's getting a bit tetchy and brassed off by questions about his targets - he's set the goals, now he needs to meet them, and perhaps be a little more relaxed about the questions along the way.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/19/202428 minutes, 39 seconds
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Carolyn Young: Retail NZ CEO on the new Retail Crime Advisory Group and the focus on facial recognition technology for the sector

Technology is at the forefront of priorities for the new Retail Crime Advisory Group.   The group will offer the Government ideas on law and order legislation.   Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has appointed four sector leaders alongside dairy and business owner group leader, Sunny Kaushal.   They include Retail NZ CEO Carolyn Young.  She says enabling facial recognition technology is of particular interest to the sector.   She hopes it can be implemented with robust privacy safeguards.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/18/20244 minutes, 22 seconds
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Mike Jones: BNZ Chief Economist ahead of today's GDP release

An economist says another GDP contraction today would be in-line with the idea we've been in a rolling recession for almost two years.   The March 2024 quarter showed just 0.2% growth.   BNZ is picking a 0.4% contraction in the second quarter.   Chief Economist Mike Jones told Ryan Bridge the Reserve Bank's anticipating a 0.5% contraction, so it would take a real clanger to throw it off course.   He says the bigger piece of news for interest rates in New Zealand and the Reserve Bank might be what the US Federal reserve does with interest rates.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/18/20242 minutes, 40 seconds
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Benji Hyer: US Correspondent on the pager and walkie talkie explosions of Hezbollah devices in Lebanon

The White House says it wasn't aware of the simultaneous pager explosions across Lebanon before the attacks.  Thousands were injured and at least 12 killed when pagers, used by political group Hezbollah, detonated yesterday.   Today —a day later— at least nine people are dead and 300 injured after walkie talkies exploded.   Hezbollah believes Israel is responsible   US correspondent Benji Hyer told Ryan Bridge there was a quick phone call between the defence secretaries of Israel and the US minutes before pagers started exploding.  He says Israel told the United States they would be conducting an operation in Lebanon, but no further details were shared.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/18/20243 minutes, 7 seconds
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Craig Kapitan: NZ Herald Reporter on the jury beginning deliberations in the trial of Philip Polkinghorne

The eight week murder trial of Philip Polkinghorne is nearing a verdict, with the jury beginning deliberations this morning.  The judge summed up the case yesterday.  The Auckland eye surgeon's accused of killing his wife, Pauline Hanna; his defence argues she took her own life.   Herald reporter Craig Kapitan told Ryan Bridge the jury only has two decisions - if it was murder or suicide.  He says it likely won't be a quick decision, and if the jury need to deliberate past today, court won't sit tomorrow.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/18/20243 minutes, 26 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: Cycle bridges to nowhere and consultant money scrambles don't feel like love to me

Tory Whanau's admission she sold her car to help keep on top of the bills is ironic, given she's the mayor of a city now famous for its double-digit rate hikes.  Wellington City Council saw an 18.5% rise this year and 13% the year before. Wellington Regional Council is up 25% this year.  They reckon over the next four years many will be paying an extra $3000 a year.  I hope the Mayor's got a bike she can sell, or some furniture, or a nice handbag - something she can whack on Trade Me to stay afloat.  People are commenting that a salary of $190,000 a year is more than enough to live on in Wellington. I don't know her personal information and frankly I don't want to, this is not about her. This is about us, voters. Taxpayers and ratepayers.  We're all in this forced ship being sailed by captains half of us didn't vote for on what can sometimes feel a bit like the Titanic.  We can all work more, work smarter, invest more, grow our eggs a bit more, and many of us do. The median net worth of a kiwi household in 2021 was around $400,000.  Some take great risks to grow theirs, and they deserve the rewards. Many fail and we don't talk about that much.  Many have mortgaged their family home, and you'll find them inside there at night time, light on in the bedroom, not sleeping with the stress of how they'll make it work. Keep the lights on, innovate, keep staff on, hire more staff, even.  Others work one, two, three or more jobs to improve their lot.  And most people aspire to create more wealth, not out of shear selfishness, well some do, sure. But for most it's about providing for their family. Leaving something behind for their kids. Being set-up so their husband or wife is taken care of if they die early.  For most, wealth is not evil, it's actually the act of loving those around you, those you care for.  Which is why when politicians come knocking, demanding the so-called 'wealthy' pay more not just in income tax, but also taxes on imaginary money i.e. wealth taxes and the like, we get so tetchy.  We're like my dog when you try get close while she's eating dinner – bark. Get away. It's mine. Hands off.  The irony in this story is that Tory Whanau is part of the Greens who advocate for exactly this type of approach.  They say tax is love, not wealth is love. And sure, when money is spent well and services delivered, maybe tax is love.  But cycle bridges to nowhere, half a million-dollar bike racks, contractor and consultant money scrambles, they don't feel like love to me. They feel like abuse. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/18/20242 minutes, 32 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 19 September 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Thursday 19th of September, GDP data is coming out today, and the forecasts aren't good. Ryan speaks to BNZ's Chief Economist Mike Jones.  The jury is out on the Polkinghorne murder trial. When could we see a verdict, and what are the chances of a hung jury? NZ Herald Court Reporter Craig Kapitan joins the show to explain.  The new Ministerial Advisory Group for retail crime has some new members, so what are their plans and how are they going to make a difference? Retail NZ's Carolyn Young speaks to Ryan.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/18/202434 minutes, 10 seconds
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Seungyeon Kim: Koi Tū researcher on the need for nurturing relationships with young people among rates of high psychological distress

There's an urgent need to promote resilience among Aotearoa's youth.   A new paper from Auckland University's think tank Koi Tū reveals 21% of 15 to 24 year olds are experiencing high levels of psychological distress.   It highlights suicide as the leading cause of death among youth and notes our suicide rate is one of the highest in the developed world.   Researcher Seungyeon Kim says we need programmes and spaces that help our young people to connect and feel safe.   She says parents and caregivers can focus on having interactions that are warm, attentive and responsive to the young person's need.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/17/20242 minutes, 28 seconds
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Aaron Hendry: Youth Development Worker says the economic climate is to blame for the rise in youth crime

There’s a belief the economic climate is to blame for more youths fronting court over criminal charges.  The Ministry of Justice's annual criminal convictions and sentencing statistics reveal more than 1,700 youths between 10 and 17 years of age had charges finalised in court.  It found theft was the most common offence type.  Youth Development worker Aaron Hendry told Ryan Bridge a key driver is poverty, and the Government's policies are creating an environment where these crimes would increase.  He says more young people are being pushed into hardship, so it's not surprising to see the data.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/17/20243 minutes, 37 seconds
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Nick Clements: YourQS Author on the Government overestimating the cost for new home insulation standards

A new report has found Government vastly overestimated the cost of new home insulation standards.  Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk is considering rolling back the H1 insulation requirements brought in last year amid reports they add up to $40 thousand to build costs.  But research by New Zealand Certified Builders and others, shows the requirements can add as little as $2,200 to the cost of a three-bedroom house.  Research author Nick Clements told Ryan Bridge the Government's approach looked at the very maximum, which isn't realistic.  He says they instead looked at the minimum they could do to meet the standard.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/17/20244 minutes, 3 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: Why you should care about a U.S. delegation heading to China

Here's why we should care about what sounds like a bit of an obscure trip from some U.S. officials to Beijing this week.  They are going to meet to talk to their counterparts about a wave of Chinese goods flooding world markets.  China, obviously, has enormous manufacturing capacity and enormous machine behind it, and the output has gotten too large for the world to absorb.  The strategy by China, they reckon —and this is why the U.S. officials are going there— the strategy is demand at home is a bit weaker for them, so they pump up production and they ship the excess offshore.  The idea is they would build more resilient supply chains throughout the world, they'll get us hooked on cheap goods.  I mean, we're like crack addicts at a dollar store, aren't we?  Think about Temu, Shein, those types of websites. In the process they are squeezing other manufacturers around the world – including the United States, which is why they're sending a delegation to go and say “stop that please”.  It's also why you're seeing a tariff response from Europe, from the U.S., even some friendly Asian states like Indonesia are starting to put tariffs on China.  The goal seems to be to subsidize these manufacturers, flood the market around the world, build resilient supply lines, hook us in on these cheap goods and in the process, destroy the competition. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/17/20241 minute, 47 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 18 September 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 18th of September, Kiwi youth are facing more criminal charges according to the latest justice figures. Youth development worker Aaron Hendry joins the show to discuss the findings.  New insulation standards could cost as little as $2,200 extra for a new build 3-bedroom house, but why is that so much lower than the $40,000 to $50,000 the building and construction minister says it would cost? YourQS author Nick Clements joined Ryan to explain.  New research has found that in 2022 and 2023, more than one in five 15-24 year olds experienced high levels of psychological distress. So how do we build resilience in our kids? Research author Dr Seungyeon Kim explains.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/17/202434 minutes, 16 seconds
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Donna Demaio: Australia Correspondent on the record low temperatures in south-east Australia

It’s not just New Zealand who’s been experiencing an icy start to Spring.  Australia has seen record low temperatures across the southeast, with an icy blast catching several states unaware.   Canberra marked its coldest September morning on record, with Monday hitting –6.9C, and many regions were hitting below 0.  Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio told Ryan Bridge that the system has come almost from Antarctica, and the temperatures are sitting about five to eight degrees lower than average.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/16/20242 minutes, 46 seconds
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Stuart Dalziel: Cure Kids Chair of Child Health at Auckland University on the increase in children being hospitalised for preventable diseases

More children in this country are being hospitalised for preventable diseases.   A new Cure Kids report reveals hospital admissions for respiratory, skin and rheumatic conditions, mental health issues and dental diseases, remain unacceptably high.   It identifies social factors —like child poverty, housing conditions and inequitable access to care— as key drivers, and notes Māori and Pasifika children are disproportionately affected.  Chair of Child Health at Auckland University Stuart Dalziel told Ryan Bridge that we need to look at which children we’re failing, and if there is a failing on the basis of race, we need to ask why.  He said that the answer may not be specifically race-targeted policy, but there does need to be policy, and we need to be very clear about where there is failings so they can be corrected.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/16/20245 minutes
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Mark Storey: Dairy NZ Head of Economics on the improving conditions for the sector

More profit appears to be on the horizon for dairy farmers, with conditions faring better than expected. Dairy NZ's lifted its revenue forecast to $8.84 per kilogram of milk solids, with a break even of $8.09. Head of Economics Mark Storey says the combination of improved farmgate milk prices and declining interest rates show a healthier situation for the sector. But he says the costs of electricity, feed, and maintenance have kept driving farm working expenses up. He says overall expenses are staying stubbornly high, so the inflation hasn't come out of the system just yet. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/16/20243 minutes, 17 seconds
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Duncan Webb: Labour's Justice Spokesperson on the Government's sentencing reforms

Labour says the Government's achieving nothing with its reforms to sentencing laws.  The Government's first quarterly report on public service targets shows rates of people victimised had risen by June, by 30 thousand people.  It aims to reduce that by 20 thousand within the next six years.   It's bringing sentencing law reforms to Parliament this week to reduce discounts and add aggravating factors.  Labour Justice Spokesperson Duncan Webb told Ryan Bridge there's no substance to it.  He says they're simply giving the rules a quick coat of paint and adding nothing.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/16/20244 minutes, 55 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: Christopher Luxon has reason to smile this morning

Christopher Luxon has reason to smile this morning – there are two sets of data to cheer about.  First, the poll. He's shaking off that slightly cringe CEO moniker and cementing himself as a man with a plan, in charge, across most of the issues, and not allowing himself to become too distracted by the inevitable noise that comes with running the ninth floor.  The latest taxpayer's union curia poll is out, it has National up 1.4 to 39%  That's an extra seat from National, NZ First also get another, while there's also no change for ACT. Safe across the line for the coalition, with 67 seats.  Preferred Prime Minister is getting interesting.  Chippy's gone off a cliff, the trend is down, but this result’s a shocker – he's down 6.1 points to 12.6%.  Luxon? 32.7%.  Chippy is now almost within margin of error with, not Luxon, but Chlöe on 7.2%.  The other numbers today, NZIER's quarterly consensus data.  Not so great for us, at least in the short term. Big fat zero GDP growth in the year to March.  That's depressing. We've had almost two years of recession, or close to now, and people just want this country firing again.  That's where Luxon will be happy to see this prediction: 2.2% growth expected in the year to March 2026.  And we know what else is happening in 2026, right? An election.  It's humble, not runaway, but after these past years it's electoral fairy dust.  People don't generally vote on race relations, the politics of envy or climate change.  They vote on how rich they feel and who might make them richer.  Luxon, at least on these numbers, would appear to have the upper hand on that front. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/16/20242 minutes, 6 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 17 September 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 17th of August, the Government's first quarterly target check is out, and it's not looking too good. The target to reduce crime is at risk, and Luxon's blaming the previous government for making it harder to achieve. Labour's Duncan Webb speaks to Ryan about the results.  Cure Kids’ State of Child Health report paints a grim picture – Stuart Dalziel joins the show to explain what the report found.  Things are looking up for our dairy farmers according to Dairy NZ's quarterly economic forecast. Head of economics Mark Storey takes us through the numbers.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/16/202434 minutes
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Ryan Bridge: I'm not against publicly funding our politicians' wardrobes

Over in the UK, Labour's leader was using private donations to pay for his wife's wardrobe. She had personal shoppers, clothes and alterations for campaign events and after the campaign as well. Keir Starmer's wife, Victoria, was dressed to the nines, apparently. It wasn't declared as a donation, but has now been declared as a donation.David Lammy, the foreign secretary, has been wheeled out to explain it. "In our country, there isn't a budget for the Prime Minister's clothes, or his wife's clothes. In some countries, there's a substantial budget. I've just come back from America, where there is a substantial budget to ensure that the US President and the First Lady, their appearance, can never be challenged." I think we should publicly fund our leaders wardrobes. I'm just going to put it out there, I think we should. It's important how we look on the world stage. In the world of geopolitics and diplomacy you need to look good. You need to look sharp and you need to need to look smart. We don't want to be looking like some crackpot banana republic when we're going to these events, do we? I think it should be publicly funded, and the rules for politicians at the moment aren't really clear on on whether you are allowed to use your allowance for clothing or not. I think just as a they're representing us, we need to look good. I'm not against publicly funding their wardrobes. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/15/20241 minute, 51 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on eight migrants dying after attempting to cross the English Channel from France

Eight people have died while trying to cross the English Channel from France to England in a rubber vessel. It's the second deadly incident involving a migrant boat in the Channel in as many weeks. UK correspondent Gavin Grey rescue services identified 60 people on the vessel.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/15/20241 minute, 41 seconds
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Andrew Alderson: ZB sports reporter on Oscar Piastri winning the Azerbaijan Grand Prix

McLaren's Oscar Piastri has won the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The race ended behind a safety car after a collision between Ferrari's Carlos Sainz and Red Bull's Sergio Perez as they fought for third. ZB sports reporter Andrew Alderson recaps the race. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/15/20242 minutes, 44 seconds
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Bob Hancox: Asthma and Respiratory Foundation Medical Director on new research revealing 1 in 5 Kiwis impacted by respiratory disease

There's hopes worrying new figures can help the health sector improve the outcomes of respiratory disease. A report has found more people suffer from respiratory diseases than previously known, going from one in seven to one in five Kiwis each year. Asthma and Respiratory Foundation Medical Director Bob Hancox says while it shows New Zealand's not doing well, the new research is important. He says it gives experts a better understanding of how big the issue is. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/15/20243 minutes, 11 seconds
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Chris Abercrombie: PPTA President voices disapproval with changes to relief teaching standards

A union's labelling the Education Minister's changes for reliever teachers a knee-jerk reaction to the current shortage. Erica Stanford's changing who can gain a Limited Authority to Teach - allowing about 200 teachers who no longer hold registration to work as relief teachers. It means both experts who aren’t qualified teachers and previously registered teachers, can come into classrooms as relievers. PPTA President Chris Abercrombie says the change is essentially just putting in warm bodies to fill the gaps. "They're looking after kids, not teaching kids or educating kids, not helping them - they're just looking after them. These kids deserve more." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/15/20243 minutes, 56 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 16 September 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday the 16th of September. The PPTA aren't happy with short term changes the Education Minister has made to the sector. President Chris Abercrombie speaks to Ryan. The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation say more Kiwis are being diagnosed with respiratory diseases, so what's causing the rise? The foundation's Medical Director Professor Bob Hancox joins the show. Oscar Piastri takes first place in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the America's Cup challenger series wraps up and the Black Ferns lose to England at Twickenham - Andrew Alderson has your weekend sport wrap. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/15/202433 minutes, 50 seconds
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Kimberley O'Sullivan: University of Otago Senior Research Fellow on the increase use of coal and gas and the need for additional solar panels

The use of coal and gas to generate energy has increased sharply due to falling hydro lake levels.  Ministry of Business Innovation & Employment data from April to June shows that coal produced 883 gigawatt hours of electricity.   That's a more than a 500% increase on the same time last year, and it’s the first time since 2021 that coal produced more electricity than wind.   Low hydro lake levels mean electricity generated from renewable sources dropped to 81% of total generation, an 8.6% drop compared to same time last year.  Otago University Senior Research Fellow Kimberley O’Sullivan told Ryan Bridge that while we do have to go somewhere, it’s time to stop looking underground for the solution to our problems.  She said that we need to get smarter about the things such as housing, and we could solve a lot of problems by increasing insultation and making homes more energy efficient, as well as adding solar panels.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/12/20244 minutes, 28 seconds
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Chris Jackson: Auckland University's Spacecraft Missions Director on the first commercial spacewalk

Space milestones are only going to keep on coming, with the first ever commercial space walk mission.  Billionaire Jared Isaacman and engineer Sarah Gillis have become the first civilians to walk in space.   The Space X mission also put the total number of people currently in space to 19, tying the record set in 2021.  Auckland University's Spacecraft Missions Director Chris Jackson told Ryan Bridge the number's only going to increase with SpaceX and NASA's future plans.  He says they want to populate the Moon, which will put a lot more people in space across a lot of different places.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/12/20243 minutes, 28 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: The problem with internet conspiracy theories

Kamala Harris was wearing audio earrings during the debate this week.  Did you hear about this? Yeah, she was cheating.  They looked like pearl earrings, but they also look like audio earrings. You can buy them, and you can have your staff feed you information in real time during a debate, they can coach you live.  Yeah, it's real, I read it on the internet.  That's the problem, isn't it? On some corners of the internet there's the dog-duck-immigrant conspiracy thing, there's the trans migrant prisoner sex change thing, and now there's the Kamala earrings thing.  Misinformation, disinformation, conspiracies, whatever they are, they seem to be everywhere at the moment.  Kamala Harris is pushing the conspiracies too, remember she said during the debate that Trump would implement project 2025 if elected, he says he won't.  Isn't that the same thing? Just lies, just making stuff up?  Don't get me wrong, I do love a good conspiracy, especially the bizarre ones you get out of the States, but I would never go nuts online trying to prove one.  The internet's screwed our brains in that way, what would have once just been a word of mouth, rumour, or gossip now spreads and presents itself as real news and is lapped up by millions of people.  The biggest problem I reckon, we have two cohorts of internet users, ones who have lived the most of their lives without the internet and they place a lot of faith and trust in what's being written and said because that's how we used to operate, remember?  And then there are those who are URL natives who know full well the absolute crap and the shite that you get online – which is not to say it's a generational thing because, you know, people at both ends can get caught out.  But we are supposedly living right now in the enlightened age where the internet would democratise information, make it accessible to all of us.  We'd all be better informed and better off with all the knowledge of human history available at the click of a finger.  And what have we done with that?  Cats, dogs, ducks, and audio airings. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/12/20242 minutes, 8 seconds
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Kerri Nuku: Nurses Organisation President on the lack of staff needed to meet the healthcare targets

The nurses union says there's not enough health staff to meet health targets.   The Health Minister's laid out his plans for delivering health targets set in March.    Dr Shane Reti's discussed increasing public hospital beds and operating theatres and using private hospital capacity more.   He's confident the Budget and resources are already in place to deliver them.   Nurses Organisation President Kerri Nuku told Ryan Bridge the whole workforce is understaffed and chronically underfunded.   She says it's fine to have ambitious plans, but if there aren't the people or resources to implement them, it'll fail.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/12/20243 minutes, 12 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 13 September 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday 13th of September, the government's revealed how they will reach its health targets, but health workers are raising concerns. Kerri Nuku from the Nurses Organisation joins the show to discuss.  Extra coal and gas was needed over winter to generate electricity with low lake levels in the South Island, should we be concerned about the reduction in renewable generation? The University of Otago's Dr Kimberly O'Sullivan talks to Ryan.  The first privately funded spacewalk has ended successfully. Is this the start of space tourism? University of Auckland's Head of Space Operations Chris Jackson joins the show.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/12/202434 minutes, 5 seconds
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Mitch McCann: US Correspondent on the September 11th memorials in the United States

Today marks the anniversary of the September 11th tragedy in the United States.   23 years ago, nearly 3000 people died at a number of sites across the US, and memorials and moments of silence are held on the anniversary every year.  US Correspondent Mitch McCann told Ryan Bridge that a number of political figures were in attendance at this morning’s memorial at the World Trade Centre in New York, including Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/11/20241 minute, 55 seconds
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Henry Olsen: US Pollster on the debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump

A heated exchange between the two US presidential hopefuls - with many saying Kamala Harris got under Donald Trump's skin  The pair faced off over inflation, abortion and foreign policy in a high stakes debate in Pennsylvania.  US Pollster Henry Olsen told Ryan Bridge that debates in the past have had a minor effect on the polls, but this race is so close that even a minor effect could transform Harris from an underdog to the favourite.  This debate could have an impact on the polls, he said, but we won’t know for at least another week.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/11/20243 minutes, 33 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: The real fool from the debate was New Zealand

People seem to think Kamala Harris made a fool of Trump in the debate, but real fool was us, New Zealand.  Within 24 hours of the debate we got news of 230 jobs lost due in part to an energy crunch caused by moral grandstanding on climate change.  That's 230 jobs, but up to 1000 people including families. That's half the population of Raetihi and Ohakune.  Shane Jones calls it the hollowing out of regional NZ, and there's much more to come.  We also had news Methanex is consulting on mothballing, indefinitely, one of its two remaining plants.  Why? You guessed it - in part it's moral grandstanding on climate change.  More on that in a second, but first back to the debate. This is the most left, progressive political leader in America, Kamala Harris, boasting about fracking.  "I will not ban fracking. I have not banned fracking as Vice President of the United States. And in fact, I was the tie breaking vote on the Inflation Reduction Act which opened new leases for fracking."  And here, Kamala Harris boasts about record domestic oil production while she and Biden were in charge.  "We have had the largest increase in domestic oil production in history."  Drill baby, drill.  Meanwhile, we're basking in nuclear free moment bliss down here at the bottom of the Pacific. Sending manufacturing jobs and regional jobs off to the slaughterhouse.  And yes, climate change is real, etcetera.  But why would we cut our noses off to spite our faces, when the most progressive, climate conscious contender to run the world's largest economy, and biggest user of oil, is boasting about drilling for it?  Sitting watching that debate yesterday it wasn't Trump I thought looked stupid, it was us. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/11/20242 minutes, 7 seconds
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John Carnegie: Energy Resources Aotearoa CEO on Methanex's proposal to cut staff and downsize to one plant

Another blow for regional New Zealand and the manufacturing industry is being seen as potentially devastating.  Methanex is proposing cutting staff and moving from two plants to one.  Earlier this week Winstone pulp confirmed plans to shut, putting more than 200 jobs on the chopping block after soaring energy prices.  Energy Resources Aotearoa's John Carnegie told Ryan Bridge the system is going from crisis to crisis - something he believes is predictable following the oil and gas ban.  He says it leaves a hole in the confidence of investors.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/11/20243 minutes, 57 seconds
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Matthew Carter: Orange grower and Citrus NZ board member on the global shortages of orange juice

The global shortages of orange juice is good news for our local growers.  The world's largest grower Brazil has been hit by drought and disease, bringing juicing orange yields down by at least a third.  That, combined with lower yields on the East Coast due to Cyclone Gabrielle damage, has left New Zealand with a shortage of orange juice.  Orange grower and Citrus NZ board member Matthew Carter told Ryan Bridge it's been quite profitable for those growing here.  He says juice grade fruit usually would be worth around 50 cents a kilo, and that's nearly doubled over the last couple of years.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/11/20243 minutes, 33 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 12 September 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Thursday 12th of September, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris have faced off in their first debate, less than two months out from the election. Famous pollster Henry Olsen joins Ryan from the U.S. to discuss it.  Methanex is proposing to scale down operations to just one plant - what does it mean for the energy sector? John Carnegie from Energy Recourses Aotearoa joins the show to give his thoughts.  Have you noticed a shortage of orange juice in the supermarket? We check in with a grower and ask what's happening with the industry.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/11/202434 minutes, 23 seconds
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John Harbord: Major Electricity Users' Group Chair says Kiwis are grossly over-paying for power

The Major Electricity Users' Group says consumers are grossly over-paying for power.   Electricity prices have risen over the years, both businesses and average citizens struggling to afford their power bills.  Chair John Harbord told Ryan Bridge the companies are producing the same amount of electricity, while making record profits.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/10/20243 minutes, 37 seconds
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Nathan Wallis: Parenting expert on a social media ban for youth, the connection between social media and mental health issues

There’s a belief a social media ban could benefit young people.  Australia's holding an age-verification trial in coming months, but it's unknown what the cut off age will be, or how it will be enforced.   Christopher Luxon has also expressed interest in the idea.  Parenting expert Nathan Wallis told Ryan Bridge there's a correlation between social media and youth mental health issues.  He says if things like social media are banned, it may be revealed as the major cause of the country's mental health crisis in teens.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/10/20242 minutes, 40 seconds
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Mark Gilbert: Former US Ambassador to New Zealand on the upcoming debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris

The US presidential debate looks to be a chance to get to know the candidates.  Vice President Kamala Harris is facing off against Donald Trump for the first time at 1pm our time in Pennsylvania.   No notes are allowed, and microphones will cut off when each candidate's not speaking.  Former US Ambassador to New Zealand under Barack Obama, Mark Gilbert told Ryan Bridge many polls show people still don't know Harris.  He says this will be an opportunity for her to be seen, as more than 50-million people are expected to tune in.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/10/20243 minutes, 28 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: Another MP struggling to grasp the realities of running a small business

A wild, bizarre, and highly entertaining media scrum took pace in Wellington yesterday, culminating with an MP saying he didn't mind swimming in other people's sewage. Yes, human waste.  A chaotic caucus run with Labour's Ōhāriu MP Greg O'Connor.   He was asked why Wellington's dying - with cafes closing down, etcetera:   "There's not enough to do along that waterfront, there's been stopping things from happening. You can walk a long way there, there's no cafe, there's nowhere to actually get a coffee."  Greg, Greg, Greg. Why don't they just put more cafes in?  These things require business investment and a profit to be had. Could the reason there aren't enough flat whites at Queens wharf be because 1) Labour hiked minimum wage beyond affordability, 2) helped drive inflation sky high through unrestrained government spending, and 3) told everyone to stay home and out of the CBD and the office.  So far so normal, an MP struggling to grasp the realities of running a small business.  Here's where it all gets a bit messy - literally. He says the solution is get more people, tourists, residents, whoever, down to the waterfront and even in the water.  A reporter kindly points out the water's often not safe for swimming due to human waste from bad pipes.  "Are you talking about the same harbour that gets polluted when there's heavy rain due to the bad pipes?"  "It doesn't stop people from swimming in there does it?" O'Connor replies.  Another reporter asks, "Would you swim in the harbour if there's sewage in there?"  "Yeah I do, I do swim in the harbour."  Okay, so don't worry about the faeces in the water. Jump in!  Then, here's the best part, lets' blame the journalists for reporting on the wastewater.  "Is there a warning at the moment? I don't know."  "No, you are allowed," one of the reporters says.  O'Connor replies: "You are allowed, so why bring this up then? So a Wellington positive is that you can go and swim in Wellington Harbour today, is that what I'm hearing from you? Good, report that. Well done guys."  The world according to Greg O’Connor: you can't beat Wellington on a good day.  A good day being one with no wind or rain, no poo in your harbour, and perhaps a coffee cart down at the waterfront.  There's a new slogan in that somewhere. Wellington - take a chance on me. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/10/20242 minutes, 38 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 11 September 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 11th of September, the Electricity, gas, waste, and water services industry saw a 36% rise in sales in Q2 compared to the same time last year. It comes on the same day that Winstone Pulp International announced their closure due to soaring energy costs. What does it mean for our big electricity users? John Harbord from the Major Electricity Users Group speaks to Ryan.  It's a big day in the U.S. as Donald Trump and Kamala Harris will face off in what could be the only debate ahead of November's election. We're live to the U.S. with Democratic Party Member Mark Gilbert.  Our Aussie neighbours are looking at banning social media for kids, and Christopher Luxon says he's open to doing the same here. Could it work, and how would parents police it? Parenting expert Nathan Wallis joins the show to give his thoughts.  Would you swim in polluted water? Labour MP Greg O'Connor says yes, and Ryan has some words of advice for him.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/10/202433 minutes, 57 seconds
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Donna Demaio: Australia Correspondent on the manhunt for the man who allegedly poured hot coffee on a baby

A global manhunt is underway for a man who allegedly poured boiling hot coffee on a nine-month-old baby in Brisbane.  Police say the 33-year-old has fled the country since the August 27th incident in a Stones Corner park.  Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio told Ryan Bridge detectives believe the man escaped less than a day before he was identified.  She says the man was aware of police methodology and was conducting counter-surveillance activities, making the investigation very complex.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/9/20242 minutes, 57 seconds
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Lauren Donnan: MATES in Construction Research Manager on the spike in suspected suicides in the sector

There’s a drive for change in the construction industry on the back of a spike in suspected suicide rates.   In 2023, 80 construction workers died from suspected suicides - a jump from previous years.  MATES in Construction Research Manager Lauren Donnan says mental health across the board is improving, but high workloads, job instability, and a lack of support remain key stressors.   She says 15 to 24-year-olds and Māori workers can be particularly vulnerable.   Donnan says we need to understand there are key pressures and groups within the industry at higher risk, where we need to target more support.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/9/20243 minutes, 10 seconds
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Jonathan Eriken: Superannuation expert on the record-high investment return from the NZ Super Fund

International technology stocks are being credited with the New Zealand Super Fund reporting another record-high investment return: up 15% in the year to June.  Super expert Jonathan Eriksen told Ryan Bridge the results make up for a poor return when markets fell in 2022.  He says they've always gone into a wide range of assets but they're playing it extremely well.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/9/20242 minutes, 55 seconds
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Willie Jackson: Labour's Māori Development spokesperson on David Seymour's Treaty Principles Bill

Changes have been revealed to the Treaty Principles Bill.   The Bill's architect David Seymour confirmed that Cabinet discussed the Bill yesterday and agreed to its broad outline before it goes to Parliament's drafters.   He says it'll now acknowledge the rights of hapu and iwi at the time of the Treaty.  Labour's Māori Development spokesperson Willie Jackson told Ryan Bridge it's interesting he's made some type of concession.   He says it's a backdown, because Seymour hasn't ever acknowledged the rights of hapu and iwi before.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/9/20245 minutes, 44 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: You should be concerned about the IRD giving social media companies our data

The IRD is giving your data to Facebook – taxpayers' data to Facebook, that was the headline yesterday.  We give them our data in trust and confidence. Well, we don't actually, we give them our data because the law says we must file our tax returns and tell them who we are and how much we're earning.  But perhaps you assume that the law says that they must keep it to themselves. Not so.  I think this is a scandal.   To be honest when I read the headline, I thought IRD must have been hit by one of those phone scams. You know, they've been cold called by Nigerian prince and handed over our private data.  But no, the RNZ report says they give Facebook and the big tech guys some of our information because it's anonymised. They're calling it hashed. So they can't see who you are when they hand it over.  And it's only for the purposes of IRD placing ads on these platforms like Facebook, et cetera, so don't worry about it.  Sorry, I am worried, and I reckon most Kiwis will hate this.  The reason is pretty simple: it's trust.  Do you trust Facebook? No.  Do you believe they will keep your data secure? No.  Do you believe they won't marry up your private data that our government has just handed them on a silver platter with the profiles they have on you already? No.  No one trusts these guys.  I don't want some government department sending my data to some Silicon Valley server so that some tech guy can bug me with intrusive ads about what undies to buy.  I actually think there's more to this story, and there will be because they have a life of their own. It won't just be the IRD that's doing it. There will be other government departments, there'll be other private data, there'll be more of us affected.  Luxon should get ahead of this and just say let's have some kind of little review because otherwise you're going to get these headlines ticking over and over and over, and I think people will be sick of it.  Also, as citizens, we need to have faith that when we give our data to the government that it is kept secure and safe, and even a perception that it's not is not good enough. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/9/20242 minutes, 26 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 10 September 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Tuesday10th of September, slight changes were made to the controversial Treaty Principles Bill in Cabinet yesterday. Labour's Māori Development spokesperson Willie Jackson joins the show to discuss.  Superfund has reached a value of $76.6 billion - a record for the fund. But what does it mean for the government and New Zealand's markets? Superfund expert Jonathan Eriksen speaks to Ryan.  There were 80 suspected suicides in the construction industry in the past year, so what is the sector doing to improve mental health and wellbeing? MATES in Construction researcher Dr Lauren Donnan joins the show to talk about her latest research and what the industry could do to reduce the number of suicides.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/9/202434 minutes, 4 seconds
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Gavin Grey: Europe correspondent on Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo Gonzales' arrival in Spain after disputing its elections

Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo Gonzales has arrived in Spain after fleeing the country after its presidential election.  Gonzales had an arrest warrant issued after he disputed July’s election, which was won by incumbent Nicolas Maduro.  The US, EU and Latin American countries have also questioned the election results after Venezuela refused to publish official election data to prove the result.  Europe correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge he arrived on a Spanish Royal Air Force plane near Madrid, where he’ll be granted political asylum after having stayed at its embassy in Caracas.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/8/20243 minutes, 27 seconds
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Andrew Alderson: Paralympics 2024 - Peter Cowan paddles to va’a VL3 200m bronze medal in Paris

There was a high level of suspense when Peter Cowan crossed the finish line in the final of the men’s single va’a VL3 200m canoe sprint race in Paris.  In his Paralympic Games debut, the 29-year-old from Hawke’s Bay flew out of the blocks in the final to battle for the early lead.  As the contest went on, it looked to be a case of two races for medals; Ukrainian Vladyslav Yepifanov and Jack Eyers of Great Britain contesting the top two spots on the podium, while Cowan, Australian Curtis McGrath and China’s Pu Yi were locked in a race for bronze.  The eight-strong race was over in about 50sec. It was a further 45sec before Cowan got word that he would be the third man on the podium.  “It feels unreal,” Cowan told TVNZ of winning a medal in his Paralympics debut.  In tough, windy conditions, the Kiwi stayed the course and might have been a bit fortunate that McGrath drifted in his lane toward the final stretch of the race, with Cowan crossing the line just 0.06sec ahead of the Australian who beat him in their heat.  Because Cowan finished second in his heat, he had to qualify for the medal race through the semifinal rather than get direct entry into the medal race.  Cowan finished second to Eyers in the semifinal to secure his place, and left everything out there in the final; a look of elation – with perhaps a hint of disbelief – on his face when he finally heard that he had claimed the bronze.  “Coming into the race all I really focused on was the performance itself and not jumping the gun,” Cowan said.  “There were times this week when I would think about the podium, but me and my coach are pretty grounded in our goals and that’s just to focus on every performance as they come; every breath, every stroke in every race.  “In the start gate, I was just thinking about what I needed to do to build into that finish line because I never know where I’m coming in the races. I do believe the performance will give the right result at the end of the day, so to find out I made the podium, I was mind-blown.”  Yepifanov won the race with a Paralympic Games best of 47.49sec, with Eyers second in 47.87sec. Cowan finished in 48.28sec. The three medalists were all first-time Paralympians.  Cowan’s medal took New Zealand’s haul to nine in Paris, with one gold, four silver and four bronze.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/8/20243 minutes, 25 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: If you're not responsible or capable of saying no to a gang life, how can you be punished for it?

Interesting op-ed from The Conversation by Chris Gledhill, Professor of Law at Auckland University of Technology.  It's about the Government's new gang legislation and argues that the changes that are being made in some last-minute ones could impinge on the Bill of Rights, and it makes some good points.  It says people join gangs for various reasons for some it's a matter of family connections, for others gang membership may arise from being marginalised from society.  The Royal Commission on Abuse and Care highlighted that abuse was also a pathway into gang membership, and in 2018 a report highlighted that imprisonment feeds gang recruitment. So, you don't have a choice?  If you are poor, if you have family in a gang, if you went to jail and they recruited you in jail, that's on society, not on you. You don't have a choice in the matter?  It's a crucial part of the puzzle because it sets up the entire system of response to dealing with the problem.  If you're not responsible or capable of saying no to a gang life, how can you be punished for that association?  Is the expectation that if you join a gang, and you've been raised in a household that is associated with a gang, that you are impoverished, that you don't know what is right and what is wrong?  And if so, how can you be punished?  I interviewed a guy called Puck out of Hawke's Bay, he was with the Mongrel Mob. This was years ago, and he was done for a homicide and spent time in prison, but then turned his life around and had a positive role model.  I sat down with him for a good couple of hours, had a good chat. He knew what he had done was wrong and was remorseful and really sorry and wanted to apologise to the people that he had hurt.  I found out about a year later he was back in jail. He had turned his life around, and the then Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern had used him as an example of somebody who could turn their life around with a positive role model.  He then did some horrendous domestic violence stuff, dealing meth in prison. I mean, you name it.  So there's a guy who I know, who knows what he did was wrong, and he had bad influences growing up all of that stuff.  But he knows what he did was wrong and did it anyway. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/8/20242 minutes, 38 seconds
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Weston Kirton: Ruapehu District Mayor calling for Government to step in and save two mills facing closure due to rising energy costs

The Mayor of the Ruapehu District wants the Government to step in to save two businesses facing closure.  Hundreds of jobs are on the line - with the Kariori pulpmill and Tangiwai sawmill both under pressure, as energy costs have gone up significantly in recent years.  A meeting on the fate of hundreds of workers is expected tomorrow.  Ruapehu District Mayor Weston Kirton told Ryan Bridge this is not a new issue - as Tiwai Point was bailed out.  He says the Government can cap electricity prices to allow the mills to get over the line  until the issue evens out.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/8/20244 minutes, 6 seconds
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John Munro: Criminal defence lawyer says it's very rare to see public caught in the crossfire of a homicide

A criminal defence lawyer says it's very rare to see the public caught in the crossfire of a homicide.   Since the start of August, Police have launched 11 homicide investigations around the country.   One has since been deemed not a homicide and has been referred to the coroner.   Lawyer John Munro told Ryan Bridge Police may be stretched.  “The promising thing is that we have a very, very good Police force. They’re very well-equipped, they’re good Police, they’re competent.”  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/8/20242 minutes, 58 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 09 September 2024

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday 9 September. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/8/202434 minutes, 17 seconds
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Kevin Putt: Former Springbok and Rugby Commentator ahead of the second All

Will this week bring redemption for the All Blacks? Last week saw them lose to South Africa, the Springboks taking the win at Ellis Park.  This Sunday will see them facing off again in Cape Town, and Coach Scott Robertson has made a few changes to the lineup in preparation.  Former Springbok and Rugby Commentator Kevin Putt joined Ryan Bridge to preview the match and give his thoughts on the changes to the squad.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/5/20242 minutes, 36 seconds
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Maria Pozza: International Space Expert on New Zealand joining the multi-national space initiative Operation Olympic Defender

There are hopes New Zealand can help lead the effort to clean up space.   Space Minister Judith Collins has announced we've joined a US-led multi-national space initiative: Operation Olympic Defender.  International space expert Maria Pozza told Ryan Bridge that as well as defence, it will see New Zealand contribute to reducing space debris.  She says in recent decades space junk has become a key issue, and sustainable use of space is becoming increasingly important.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/5/20245 minutes, 16 seconds
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Vincent McAviney: Europe Correspondent on Michel Barnier being named as the new French Prime Minister

France has a new Prime Minister, ending the country's months long political limbo.   President Emmanuel Macron has named conservative Michel Barnier as the new Prime Minister.  It comes two months after a snap election ended with a political stalemate.  Europe Correspondent Vincent McAviney told Ryan Bridge that Barnier was the EU's former chief Brexit negotiator.  He says they'll see whether it gets France going again after the truce they've had through the Olympics.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/5/20242 minutes, 54 seconds
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Julien Leys: Building Industry Federation CEO on the new legislation around importing building supplies from overseas

The Government's making changes aimed at bringing down the cost of building homes.   It's introduced new legislation to make it easier to import building supplies from abroad.   It'll enable recognition of overseas standards and Building Consent Authorities will need to accept products already certified offshore.   Building Industry Federation Chief Executive Julian Leys told Ryan Bridge this will impact a number of supplies.  He says they're looking at products with the biggest costs - like internal linings, external claddings, windows, plumbing products and insulation.   The Bill will have its first reading later this month.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/5/20243 minutes, 7 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 06 September 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday 6th of August, overseas building supplies could soon be introduced to the market to help lower building costs. Building Industry Federation Chief Executive Julien Leys speaks to Ryan about what it means.  New Zealand has joined the multinational space programme Operation Olympic Defender. How could it benefit us? Space law expert Dr Maria Pozza joins the show.  Can the All Blacks recover from last week's loss to the Springboks? Rugby commentator and former Springbok Kevin Putt speaks to Ryan.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/5/202433 minutes, 56 seconds
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Ian Jones: Former All Black on the possible return of South Africa rugby tours

Semi-professional rugby tours may soon be back on the table.  New Zealand rugby is reportedly close to signing off a three-test, eight-match itinerary away against South Africa in 2026 - the Springboks would reciprocate in 2030.  Former All Black Ian Jones told Ryan Bridge it's wonderful news.  He said that it’s an absolute trip of a lifetime, and wonderful news not only for the players, but for the fans if they’re able to make their way over to watch.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/4/20243 minutes, 40 seconds
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Sam Stubbs: Simplicity Founder on the number of Kiwis struggling with finances and retirement savings

It’s a difficult retirement outlook for many Kiwis.  The latest Financial Services Council Money & You research reveals 94% of Kiwis worry about money, and one in five don’t have enough in their retirement savings to get them through the next year.  Many are dipping into savings to cover basics, with some having to juggle priorities.  Simplicity Founder Sam Stubbs told Ryan Bridge that a couple of things need to happen with KiwiSaver.  He said that we’re getting to the point where it needs to become compulsory, as it’s all very well that 79% of people are saving, but that still leaves 21% who’s retirement will be funded by the taxpayer.  The other thing, Stubbs said, is that the contribution needs to go up.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/4/20243 minutes, 37 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: Why are we paying $80 a year for a bin no one uses?

According to the group who are upset about the monopoly-duopoly that's happening in our grocery sector, you could save, at most per person, about $74 per year. That's if they were to have perfect competition in the sector, which obviously would be very hard to achieve.    Do you know what else costs you $80 a year?  A friend and I were chatting at the gym the other day and he showed me his rates bill, which he had kindly brought to the gym to encourage him to run faster.  There's an $80 targeted rate for the food compost bin. He said, what's that for? And I was like, it's the green bin that's on the street that no one uses. Then he was running faster than I've ever seen him run on the treadmill.  So apparently 60 to 65% of us don't use them. I know they have them in other parts of the country, in Auckland we've only got them just recently, so we're all getting a bit used to them. But $80 a year is what you have to pay.  And I got quite angry because if you're on a fixed income, $80 a year is a lot of money. If you're a pensioner and you cannot opt out of this service.   Who else can charge you for a service that you don't want or need?   What about a pensioner who does their own composting in the backyard? They can't opt out of it. They have to have this bin, and they have to pay $80 per year for the privilege.  It's like a barber giving a lady a beard trimmer and saying here, I'm going to charge you for that. I don't need it. Oh, well, you have to have it. Why? Just cause.  And you know what? They're all made of plastic, these bins, so how's that for the environment? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/4/20242 minutes, 1 second
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Sue Chetwin: Grocery Action Group lead on the Commerce Commission finding competition in the supermarket sector has not improved

The Grocery Action Group wants more regulation in our supermarket sector.   The Commerce Commission's first annual report on grocery shows competition has not meaningfully improved.  Foodstuffs and Woolworths could now face hefty fines for failing to treat small suppliers fairly or breaking a new wholesaler code.  Group lead Sue Chetwin told Ryan Bridge we need structural change to split up this big duopoly.  She says the Government has to bite the metal here and say we need more regulation to address the state of the industry.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/4/20244 minutes, 43 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 05 September 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Thursday 5th of September, the grocery commissioner says the sector has no meaningful competition and retail margins have increased. Grocery Action Group's Su Chetwin chats to Ryan about what it means and what to do from here.  The All Blacks and South Africa could be resuming full tours from 2026, and NZ Rugby say there won't be any changes to rules preventing Kiwis playing overseas from representing New Zealand. Former All Black Ian Jones joins the show.  One in five Kiwi retirees don't have enough savings to get them through the next year - that's according to the Financial Services Council. They also want a review into KiwiSaver to make sure New Zealanders are getting the most out of it. So, what needs to change? Simplicity Founder Sam Stubbs speaks to Ryan.  Mitch McCann has the latest on the U.S. election - new polls in battleground state are showing mixed results for both Harris and Trump.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/4/202434 minutes, 13 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK Correspondent on the migrant boat capsizing in the English Channel

At least 12 people have died after the capsize of a migrant boat in the English Channel.  The French Coastguard has rescued more than 50.  It's the deadliest disaster in the Channel so far this year.  Downing Street is labelling the disaster "truly horrific", and says it's determined to further crack down on dangerous people-smuggling operations.  UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge that more than 20,000 people have made the crossing from France to the UK this year, but the number of deaths has also risen significantly.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/3/20242 minutes, 47 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: Don't we want higher spending, higher yield tourists coming here?

I have zero issues with foreign visitors paying more to visit New Zealand. The tax hike that is being touted is big – $35 up to $100 per visitor, and that is substantial.  Crucially though, our Aussie mates are exempt, and they make up 40% of our market. So that's a good chunk who won't be contributing and shouldn't be affected in terms of numbers visiting us here.  The impact, the overall impact still quite unclear.  The Government on one hand says they've got MBIE advice, which is always good advice, saying that it won't be a significant impact. The industry says we will have 48,000 fewer visitors coming here and they'll take their almost $300 million spend elsewhere. The industry says this is alarming.  It's possible they're both right here. The total tourist numbers visiting in the year to June is 3.2 million. So, 48,000 is both not significant if you're the Government, but alarming if you're the industry.  The cold, hard reality is we're not as hot as we used to be when it comes to New Zealand as a destination, not as sexy, you could say.  Post-Covid, our recovery has stalled. I think we're at about 73% of pre-Covid levels in terms of visitors.  Largely, this is about cost. It’s not because our mountains are any less beautiful, our lakes less attractive, it’s largely about the cost of getting here.  But those issues, you know, the plane supply, the routes, et cetera, should subside. And when that happens, don't we want the extra money to maintain our walking tracks and to give the Germans somewhere to go to the loo?  I would have thought so.  And if it's going to put anyone off, wouldn't it be the low spending, high infrastructure using smelly backpacker variety? Of which I have been one, I'm not disparaging them, and, well, I suppose I am disparaging them a little, disparaging myself.  But don't we want sort of higher spending, higher yield tourists coming here? Using less of the country and less of its resources and infrastructure but spending more? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/3/20242 minutes, 22 seconds
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Eve Lawrence: Intrepid Travel GM on the risks of raising the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy

Travel experts believe that now isn't the time to push up the fees for overseas tourists.  The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy is rising almost 200% from next month, from $35 to $100.  The money raised will go back into services and infrastructure used by visitors to the country.  Intrepid Travel general manager Eve Lawrence told Ryan Bridge New Zealand's tourism recovery is still lagging behind other countries.  She says we're only sitting at 80% of pre-Covid numbers, while Australia is expected to hit 100% by the end of the year.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/3/20243 minutes, 19 seconds
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John Battersby: Massey University International Security Expert on the risk of terrorism in New Zealand

A terrorism expert says New Zealanders need to be more aware of the threat of terrorism.   The SIS identifies a person acting alone as our biggest terrorist risk and warns of a small number of people subscribing to violent extremist ideologies.   It's also concerned about foreign interference and how many young people are engaging with violent extremist rhetoric.  Massey University International Security Expert John Battersby told Ryan Bridge that locals need to wake up to the realistic possibility of an attack.   He says New Zealanders tend to not take potential risks seriously.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/3/20243 minutes, 57 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 04 September 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 4th of September, visitors to the country will soon have to start paying a $100 levy, up from $35. Eve Lawrence from Intrepid Travel talks to Ryan about what it means for the tourism industry.  The SIS has released its second annual report detailing security threats to New Zealand. Massey University’s John Battersby joins the show to discuss the findings.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/3/202433 minutes, 54 seconds
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Angus Chambers: GP Owners Association Chair on GPs having to raise their prices to keep up with running costs and patient demand

The state of New Zealand's general practices is being dubbed a crisis.   A GP Owners Association survey of about a quarter of GPs reports they're being squeezed by rising costs, high patient demand, and staff shortages.  It found nearly 60% have doctor and nurse vacancies, and about 70% are financially worse off than a year ago.  Chair Angus Chambers told Ryan Bridge that Government funding doesn't keep pace with running costs.  He says the Government must urgently overhaul the out-of-date funding model.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/2/20244 minutes, 57 seconds
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Monika Lacey: Centrix COO on the downward trend in the number of people behind on their payments

People appear to be getting a better handle on their financial situations.  The latest Centrix figures for July show overall the number of people behind on their payments fell month-on-month by nine thousand to 456 thousand.  Chief Operating Officer Monika Lacey says there's also positive signs when it comes to those who are several months behind.  She says that number is decreasing too, which indicates people are starting to manage their financial positions quite well.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/2/20242 minutes, 38 seconds
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Lesley Yeomans: Australia Correspondent on the investigations into the tiger attack at Dreamworld

A tiger handler remains in hospital after being attacked by a tiger at Dreamworld on Australia's Gold Coast.  Investigations are underway after the trained handler was set upon by one of the theme park's nine Sumatran and Bengal tigers yesterday morning.  It follows a fatal tiger attack on a keeper at Hamilton Zoo in 2015.  Correspondent Lesley Yeomans told Ryan Bridge the attack seemed to come out of nowhere.  She said the incident is now being thoroughly reviewed.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/2/20243 minutes, 12 seconds
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Alan McDonald: Employers and Manufacturers Association head of advocacy on the National Land Transport Plan

The country could be driving towards a need for cross party agreement on transport.  The Government's National Land Transport Plan will see almost $33 billion pumped into roading, public transport, and maintenance.  Employers and Manufacturers Association head of advocacy Alan McDonald told Ryan Bridge there should be a broad agreement on what the main priorities are.  He says that's critical if we want to get value from these projects and keep costs down.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/2/20243 minutes, 9 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: What is wrong with our state run services?

Health New Zealand is the country's largest organisation by far, it employs more than 80,000 people.  Roughly the same number of teachers are employed by state schools in our education system, and these numbers dwarf any private enterprise that's currently operating here.  Fletcher buildings has about 18,000 staff, Woolworths about 18,000, Fonterra about 16,000, the Warehouse in New Zealand, Kmart, they're up there too.  Here's a question for you: which of these organisations provides a quality or even adequate service to us?  When a private airline says they'll fly you somewhere on a certain date at a certain time, it generally happens. When you go to the supermarket, you generally know you can reliably leave with some milk and some bread in your hand.  And when you go to Kmart, are you ever told you must wait 18 months for that $12 lamp that you've been eyeing up in the latest catalogue? No.  So why does this happen with our healthcare system?  Why are we constantly told you must wait, you must line up. It's never good enough.  Is there a reason we have students failing exams, teacher shortages, low pay, hospital wait times, and a lack of access to quality care?  Is the reason for this because they're all run by the state?  I know, big question for a Tuesday.  The workforces are never happy, but they heavily unionised too. Is that part of the problem or is that an attempt at a solution?  Don't get me wrong, big Corporates have their own issues. We hate to see them profit and I don't imagine that we would stomach big profits off our kids' education or grandma's hip replacement. We consider these things to be basics, right?  International examples of privatised healthcare don't exactly scream success, good day America, but if we're paying taxes, and an adequate service for basic needs is not being provided, is it not fair to ask whether the fact that they're public entities might just be part of the problem? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/2/20242 minutes, 7 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 03 September 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 3rd September 2024, the Government has allocated $32.9 billion dollars in transport funding over the next 3 years. How could it improve our roading network and the economy? Alan McDonald from the Employers and Manufacturers Association speaks to Ryan.  Nine out of ten general practices say they are looking at raising their prices due to difficult economic times, and 70% of them say they're in a worse financial position than last year. General Practice Owners Association Chair Angus Chambers joins the show to give an insight into the situation.  Company liquidations are on the rise as consumer arrears continues to ease. What does it all mean? Centrix Chief Operating Officer Monika Lacey chats to Ryan about the situation.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/2/202434 minutes, 4 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: The treasury boss' truth bomb

As we squabble over toast for new mums in hospitals and funding for street dance performers in Auckland, we are penny pinching a lot lately, aren't we? We're bickering about all sorts of things, should nurses be getting the free toast in the smoko room if they're doing a night shift? The insignificance of all of these debates is being laid bare this morning. There's an article in the Herald, it's a bit of a truth bomb from the Treasury boss. She's leaving the job, the data is not really new, but the way that she is speaking so openly and frankly is quite new. Her name is Dr Caralee McLiesh. You probably don't know her name, she doesn't do many interviews, she doesn't want to be in the press. She's Australian, she's apolitical, and her five year term coming to an end. She's actually going back to Australia to be the auditor general over there. So, what has she said? Well, she said the chickens are coming home to roost after covid, we have a structural deficit and it is so bad that the penny pinching or the pinching pennies, whatever you want to call it, is just not going to cut it. "Significance concerns about underlying fiscal sustainability of our operating model" she says. Our net core crown debt is at 43% of GDP. Yes, that is still within a prudent level, but it is well up on the sub 20% of pre covid. This is the problem. And so what do we need? She says capital gains tax, more comprehensive than the one we've got, and a change to the pension age. Boy, did we screw the pooch during COVID, right? Everyone said, oh, don't worry, we're going to spend all this money so we don't have a recession, but we've still had recessions. So it doesn't really matter how much penny pinching, though, we still need the penny pinching.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/1/20242 minutes, 15 seconds
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Geof Nightingale: On officials being told to take a look at the financial impact of our ageing population

Officials are being told to take a clear look at the financial impact of our ageing population. Outgoing Treasury boss Dr Caralee McLiesh [Cara lee Mick Leesh] has made it clear there's a need for a Capital Gains Tax and superannuation changes, as her five-year term comes to an end. She says with an ageing population, an increasing share of government transfers are going to the wealthy. Independent tax advisor Geof Nightingale told Ryan Bridge more of the population will be taking the national super and needing more healthcare. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/1/20242 minutes, 29 seconds
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Gavin Grey: On the final moments of the superyacht Bayesian

The final moments of the deadly sinking of the superyacht Bayesian have been revealed by crew members. New Zealand-born captain James Cutfield is being investigated for possible manslaughter, after seven people died in the disaster. Ship engineer, Tim Parker Eaton, and watchman Matthew Griffiths are also under investigation. Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge everyone was thrown into the water when the ship tilted, according to Griffiths. He says they were walking on the walls of the boat, trying to save every passenger. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/1/20243 minutes, 15 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 02 September 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday the 2nd if September 2024. The outgoing Treasury Chief Executive has called for a capital gains tax and rise to the retirement age to stop future budget deficits. Could it work? Tax expert Geof Nightingale joins the show. Lambing season is underway and our red meat exports are down 2% from last year. What does it mean for the industry? Silver Fern Farms Chief Executive Dan Boulton chats to Ryan. The All Blacks lose 27 - 31 to the Springboks in South Africa, and team NZ are back on the water just days after damaging their boat when their crane failed. Andrew Alderson has your weekend sport wrap. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/1/202434 minutes, 7 seconds
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Kevin Putt: Former Spring Bok and Rugby Commentator previews the All Blacks v South Africa

It’s a big weekend for the All Blacks as they’re set to face South Africa at one of the toughest rugby venues.  They’re playing the Springboks in the Rugby Championship early Sunday morning.  Former Springbok and Rugby Commentator Kevin Putt told Ryan Bridge that the All Blacks will be walking into a really confrontational, hostile place, but that’s the reason they play the game.  He said there’s a reason someone like Sam Cane was brought back, as that experience of playing there with success will be key.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/29/20242 minutes, 36 seconds
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Geoff Upson: Rodney Local Board member and roading campaigner on the potential introduction of widespread road user charges

Roading advocates say a sudden shift to widespread user charges would be relatively straightforward.  Petrol cars could be hit with road user charges from 2027 under the Government's Revenue Action Plan.   It's also exploring tolling for all new roads, including the Roads of National Significance.   Auckland's Rodney Local Board member and roading campaigner Geoff Upson told Ryan Bridge it's a tried and true system used by diesel and electric vehicles.   He says no matter the engine size, drivers will be paying per kilometre driven.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/29/20243 minutes, 45 seconds
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Hinewai Ormsby: Hawke's Bay Regional Council Chair on the need for a gang patch ban in their meetings

Hawke's Bay Regional Council is rethinking its policies after facing backlash for allowing patched gang members into a meeting.   Images were posted online with the patched members after the council voted to retain Māori wards.   Ministers David Seymour and Simeon Brown are frustrated it isn't the forcing the new patch ban.   The council's chair, Hinewai Ormsby, told Ryan Bridge it was the first time something like this happened in its chambers.   She says a gang patch policy hasn't been in place, but one is needed now.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/29/20244 minutes, 28 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: Thank you to David Seymour and Big Pharma

I've got an amazing wonder drug to tell you about New Zealand, and it saved me in the last couple of weeks.  People are talking about it from top of the country to the bottom and it's not Ozempic.  No, I'm not taking Ozempic, though, I wouldn't mind trying it. I think a lot of people are curious.  David Seymour made this drug a priority. Yes, I'm talking about pseudoephedrine.  I felt sick, I took it, the symptoms disappeared.  I had a wedding recently and people said they wouldn't have come without it.  What must it be doing for our productivity as well?  Fewer sick days.  I spoke to a friend of mine who's a mum, she's got young kids, and you send your kid to daycare, they get all the bugs under the sun, they bring the germs home. The kids are gross and they pass it on to mum and dad.  Mum and dad go down like flies, they take time off work, et cetera, et cetera. And then bam, pop the miracle drug. Pseudo mums and pseudo dads.  So they are absolutely over the moon about this. It's the drug we forgot we needed, isn't it?  I said to my friend, what about the meth addicts? Because that's the argument, you know, the meth addicts will get it and then they'll cook it up and it could be stolen.  It's the precursor to p and she said, I don't care, they'll find it anyway. And I just need to get through my work week and get the kids to school.  So thank you David Seymour for Pseudoephedrine. And thank you to Big Pharma. It's really underrated Big Pharma, a lot of people give it a hard time.  It's like big oil, you know, just sometimes they do good things.  So cheers to whoever it is that makes it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/29/20241 minute, 51 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 30 August 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday 29th of August, the Government says all vehicles could face road user charges as soon as 2027 to help pay for more transport infrastructure. Rodney Local Board Member and Road Safety Campaigner Geoff Upson joins the show.  Hawke's Bay Regional Council are under fire for letting patched gang members attend their vote on Māori wards. Council Chair Hinewai Ormsby speaks to Ryan about what went down.  And the All Blacks will face the Springboks in South Africa over the weekend. Will they have an advantage being on home soil? Former Springbok Kevin Putt shares his predictions.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/29/202434 minutes, 3 seconds
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Mitch McCann: US Correspondent on Kamala Harris agreeing to her first interview as the democratic nominee

Kamala Harris has finally agreed to her first interview.  The Democratic nominee has agreed to an interview on CNN alongside her running mate Tim Walz.  The interview is set to air at 9pm eastern time, or 1pm Friday afternoon in New Zealand.   US Correspondent Mitch McCann told Ryan Bridge that Donald Trump has released a press release containing potential questions for Harris to asked.  Some questions he wants asked are if Harris knew about Joe Biden’s cognitive state, why she decided to stop building the border wall, and why she abandoned her “radical rural position”.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/28/20242 minutes, 29 seconds
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Nick Leggett: Infrastructure NZ CEO on the new infrastructure plans and agency

There's optimism from the sector over the prospect of more effective infrastructure development.   The Infrastructure Minister's launching a National Infrastructure Agency from December to manage funding and proposals and facilitate private investment.   Infrastructure New Zealand says the current system is complex, time-consuming and expensive.   Chief Executive Nick Leggett told Ryan Bridge that priorities change from one government to the next, but the system itself needs to be sound and pretty secure.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/28/20244 minutes, 6 seconds
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Chris Abercrombie: PPTA President on the passing rates for the new NCEA prerequisite tests

A reassurance that students failing new NCEA pre-requisite tests will still have options to get their qualifications.  Less than half of the 55 thousand students who passed the tests passed numeracy, with 59% passing reading, and 56% passing writing.  Students must pass all three tests to start receiving NCEA qualifications.  PPTA President Chris Abercrombie told Ryan Bridge there's no real time limit on this.  He says students could do it in their last year of school and there are still dual pathways.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/28/20244 minutes, 32 seconds
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Steve Ferguson: Next Generation Critical Communications Director on the revamping of emergency service communication

There are hopes a revamp of emergency service communication will streamline responses.   Five hundred radio towers and 15 thousand units for first responders are being switched out to make way for a new digital, and encrypted, radio communication system.   Politicians and experts say the current analogue system is deteriorating and needs to be replaced.   Next Generation Critical Communications Director Steve Ferguson told Ryan Bridge it's worked well, but it's time to move on.   He says a digital system will mean better co-ordination between Police, Fire and Emergency, and ambulance services.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/28/20243 minutes, 2 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: If this is the kaupapa of the Green Party, I don't recognise it

At the Auckland High Court this morning at 10am, Darleen Tana will be seeking an interim injunction.  It's been sought to stop the Greens from meeting to try and waka jump her, and that meeting is meant to go ahead this weekend. There's also going to be a judicial review.  The saga continues, and we all know why this is happening, don't we?  Because her husband's business is in the hole. The creditors are owed money. I think there was around $100 in the till when they went in there and tried to clean things up.  So let's think like the Greens for a second and take a step back. Here is a wahine Māori, she has fallen on hard times.  She's made mistakes, sure. Though not proven in a court of law, just a party report at this stage. A party with white privileged elites at the top of it, including Chlöe Swarbrick, a party with resources, a power imbalance. Her actions may have resulted from structural racism, for all we know. This is how the Greens generally approach issues like this.  And what does Chlöe and Co. do to this victim, what do they do?  They boot her out on the street. Don't let the door hit you on the way out.  Despite Chlöe saying this:  "We are being careful about the statements that we are making publicly. We have continued to follow process as best as we possibly can to centre our Green Party, kaupapa."  Green party kaupapa.  If this is the kaupapa of the Green Party, I don't recognise it.  Number one, it doesn't sound very greeny, and doesn't sound very in line with how they approach other victims.  And number two, and this is the kicker for us. I think we're on the hook for the legal bills here, aren't we? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/28/20241 minute, 59 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 29 August 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Thursday 29th of August, the Government has a new plan for national infrastructure, could it stop political interference from stopping major projects? Infrastructure NZ's Nick Leggett speaks to Ryan.  The rollout of a new radio network for our emergency services has started. How is the $1.4 billion dollar project tracking? Director of Next Generation Critical Communications Steve Ferguson joins the show.  Thousands of students have failed new NCEA tests, leaving secondary school principals calling for a complete rethink. PPTA President Chris Abercrombie takes us through the latest.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/28/202434 minutes, 22 seconds
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Brad Olsen: Infometrics Chief Economist on the potential housing prices will rise in 2025

BNZ is picking our house prices to rise after the new year.  They forecast an increase of 7% over 2025, following a flat 2024.  Brad Olsen, Infometrics Chief Economist, told Ryan Bridge that while 7% is a little bit higher than what most expect at the moment, everything is quite uncertain.   He said that we’ve got a little bit to get through in 2024 before we get too close to understanding 2025.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/27/20243 minutes, 30 seconds
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Rob Mallinson: Head of Solid Bioenergy Group on its potential in aiding the energy crisis

There’s another option that could help us fill the gaps in the energy crisis: solid biofuel.  It makes use of forestry slash, burning it to generate heat and electricity as a cheaper alternative to gas.   New Zealand exports around 20 million tonnes of wood per year, and we would only need to divert around 30% of those export logs to decarbonise every industrial gas and coal boiler in the country, Solid Bioenergy Group CEO Rob Mallinson says.  Mallinson told Ryan Bridge that it’s renewable, half the cost of LNG, and we need it to be part of the solution for the current energy crisis.   He said he’s not saying it's the silver bullet, but it’s a huge potential part of the solution, especially for the North Island.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/27/20244 minutes, 38 seconds
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Chris Cahill: Police Association President on the ruling around seizing gang assets

There’s pressure from the Police union to speed up the process to seize gang assets.   In a major win for authorities, the High Court released a decision yesterday ruling the Head Hunters must forfeit $15 million in assets, including its Mount Wellington gang pad.   It follows a decade of investigation and court processes.   Police Association President Chris Cahill told Ryan Bridge it shouldn't take that long.  He hopes the milestone decision will mean a new standard in the gang crackdown.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/27/20242 minutes, 57 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: Filming seems to be the new word of mouth

Awful for the family to see – this is the people who were filming that tragic fatal accident on the southern motorway.  The news media will cover it, they will film it go out to a story. They will film if the bodies in the accident, they will film the accident aftermath, but they would not show it to the audience.  Here we have social media, everyone's got a camera, it's the new word of mouth. You film what you see, and you post it online. It's the Wild West.  The cops are upset with this.  "I thought that was disgusting. It really was. I mean, I saw some of the footage, it was filmed before emergency services arrived. There were close ups of people deceased in the van and injured lying on the road."  Yeah, close ups are people who are injured, lying on the road, not a nice thing to see or to experience.  But so long as you're not driving and filming, isn't it actually potentially useful evidence? Couldn't it help with an investigation if police are able to review some of this footage of a crash or the immediate aftermath of a crash?  Was that safety barrier strong enough?  By the way, how often does a truck's tire blow out? I mean, that sounds like a horrible thing to happen, and frightening, but it obviously happens, then what? You've got no control and it's all over.  Back to the filming. It is the new word of mouth; people don't just tell each other what happened anymore. They need to show me. I mean, this is just the way I think that society is going.  I'm not saying that I'm on board with it at all, but it's the way it's going, isn't it?  There's very little chance we will turn that ship around now and trying to do so may be a little futile.  In society we are increasingly desensitised to stuff and insensitive to the feelings of those around us.  That's just, that's just who we are now, isn't it? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/27/20242 minutes, 21 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 28 August 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 28th of August, a win for police in the gang crackdown. A court has ruled they can take assets and property from the Head Hunters worth almost $15 million. Police Association President Chris Cahill speaks to Ryan about what the decision means.  Could solid biofuels be an alternative to gas and help out our struggling energy supplies? Rob Mallinson from the Solid Biofuels Interest Group joins the show to give his thoughts.  BNZ are predicting a 7% rise in house prices over 2025. Could it cut first time house buyers out of the market? Infometrics Chief Executive Brad Olsen chats to Ryan.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/27/202434 minutes, 21 seconds
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Lesley Yeomans: Australian Correspondent on workers now having the right to refuse unreasonable contact outside of work hours

Workers in Australia can now legally refuse unreasonable contact from their employers outside of work hours.   A legislated right to disconnect has come into effect and is expected to majorly reduce the number of unpaid work hours.  The law change offers some flexibility around the employee's role and responsibilities, the nature of the contact, and how disruptive it is.   Australian correspondent Lesley Yeomans told Ryan Bridge the laws apply to businesses with more than 15 employees.   She says it means people don't feel like they need to be on call 24 seven.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/26/20243 minutes, 8 seconds
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John Carnegie: Energy Resources Aotearoa CEO on the need for bipartisan support for oil and gas reforms

The energy sector is questioning how long new reform will really last.   Cabinet has agreed to cut regulation stopping New Zealand bringing in foreign Liquefied Natural Gas in efforts to boost energy supply and ease power bills.  Energy Resources Aotearoa is urging Labour to support the changes.   Chief Executive John Carnegie told Ryan Bridge the change must outlast the current political cycle.   He says businesses want certainty their investments won't be for nothing when a new Government comes into power.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/26/20245 minutes, 40 seconds
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Ralph Sims: Massey University Professor of Sustainable Energy on the need for oil and gas exploration in New Zealand

An energy expert is confident New Zealand can do without oil and gas exploration.   Cabinet has agreed to cut regulation stopping New Zealand bringing in foreign Liquefied Natural Gas in efforts to boost energy supply and ease power bills.  Labour Leader Chris Hipkins is refusing to support the move, despite urges from the Prime Minister.   Massey University Sustainable Energy Expert Professor Emeritus Ralph Sims told Ryan Bridge there are no guarantees natural gas could even be found.   He says it's a chance to develop renewable energy generation.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/26/20244 minutes, 19 seconds
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Alastair Espie: Employment Lawyer on the ruling around Uber drivers

A ruling against Uber is likely to benefit all drivers.  The Court of Appeal has ruled that four Uber workers were employees not contractors.   It means they will have access to certain entitlements like minimum wage and sick days.   Uber's appealing the decision, claiming it will create greater confusion for those on contract work.   Employment lawyer Alastair Espie told Ryan Bridge it will have ramifications for other drivers.  He says the majority of drivers will have the same argument - that they're an employee.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/26/20242 minutes, 54 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: Energy Crisis - Where are Labour in all of this?

Hundreds of decent hard working Kiwi provincial Union jobs are hanging in the balance today.  Electricity spot prices peaking at $1000 per megawatt hour in the last couple of weeks. Power companies, they are basically cancelling deals for Kiwis to heat their homes this winter, and businesses are literally shuttering operations, rationing power, producing less.  Think of the ports that will be affected by that in provincial New Zealand, think of the competitive advantage that we are losing.  What's the problem? Not enough sun, not enough rain, not enough wind for our renewable energy sources, plus we have a gas shortage.  This problem will continue, in part, because Labour cancelled oil and gas exploration into the future.  Now the rubber has hit the road. The oil and gas investment and exploration has gone through the floor, investment confidence has gone through the floor.  Where are our leaders in this crisis? Well, Jacinda's in Chicago doing Kamala mania, probably still dining out on the nuclear free moment. James Shaw, Grant Robertson, they're both in very cushy 1% jobs, probably not worrying about putting the heat pumps on.  Megan Woods was the Minister of Energy who signed off on the ban and she is still in parliament, she is the shadow Energy Minister.  So where is she today? The Government yesterday issued a challenge to Labour to help dig our way out of this crisis at 4 p.m. Major announcement. What has been the response? Not one tweet, not one Facebook post, not one press release from them.  They were unavailable to our producers for an interview at 5:45 this morning.  Folks, this is spray and walk away politics.  It's a classic case and it looks a little bit now that they aren't talking like it's cowering in a crisis too.  And they were warned, MBIE told them a ban would cost $1.2 to $23 billion in lost royalties. They told them that Methanex would up and leave if this went ahead. She disagreed, she sprayed and then she walked away.  I'm sorry, if you've got the energy and resources to boot this sector up shit creek at least have the decency to front up. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/26/20242 minutes, 51 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 27 August 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Tuesday the 27th of August, big changes for our energy sector - a new LNG terminal will be built for importing gas and extended resource consent periods will be introduced for renewable electricity. Ryan speaks to Massey University professor Ralph Sims and John Carnegie from Energy Resources Aotearoa to get their thoughts.  A win for Kiwi Uber drivers as the Employment Court has ruled that four drivers are employees, not contractors. Employment Lawyer Alistair Espie breaks down what it means for contractors.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/26/202434 minutes, 9 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: Fast Track Approvals Bill: this is not fast food anymore people, it's like a long lunch for infrastructure construction

The fast track approvals bill, it's been in the news in the last couple of days. Fast track - I was thinking fast food, like drive through, how quickly we can get infrastructure done in this country. Something we haven't been able to do very well for a very long time. Like you would drive into the McDonald's or whatever it is to get your speedy infrastructure done. What would you like, sir? I'll have a housing development, I'll have a bridge or perhaps I'll have a mine on the west coast. Drive straight to 3 pay there, Uncle Shane, there's cousin Simeon ready to take your card and then, oh, lo and behold, Chris Bishop gives you a free Sunday, he's on the milkshake machine. Great. Everybody's happy. Bam, bam, bam and you're straight through. But no, not anymore. Now they are going to revise it and they're going to take away some of those quick decisions making power. So the decisions will now be made by, you guessed it, a panel of experts, not ministers. There's a new process that involves environmental experts, Iwi authority representatives, Māori Development and Te Ao Māori experts extended time frames. So this is not fast food anymore people, this is like a long lunch for infrastructure construction in New Zealand. Why can we never just get on and build stuff? Who cares about a bit of corruption, just build it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/25/20241 minute, 35 seconds
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Josie Vidal: On the mining industry wanting the latest changes made to the Fast Track Bill to be its last

The mining industry wants the latest changes made to the Fast Track Bill, to be its last.   Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop yesterday announced Cabinet will recommend changes to the proposed law, to the Environment Select Committee.  It includes changing who has the final say -  from ministers to an independent panel.  Minerals industry association Straterra calls it a watering-down of the scheme.   Chief Executive, Josie Vidal told Ryan Bridge she doesn't understand why ministers can't make the decisions, which they are elected for.   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/25/20244 minutes, 28 seconds
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Leon Goldsmith: On Israel and Hezbollah signalling an escalation in hostilities

Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged fire - signalling an escalation in hostilities. Israel says it pre-emptively destroyed thousands of rocket launchers across Southern Lebanon. Meanwhile, Hezbollah says it fired 320 rockets and drones at Israel - in the first phase of a retaliatory attack for the killing of its leaders. Otago University Middle East expert Leon Goldsmith told Ryan Bridge Hezbollah had wanted to wait until a ceasefire was reached in Gaza before acting. He says the group had been under a lot of pressure to do something over the assassinations. He says they called the operation Arbaeen which is Arabic for 40 days. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/25/20244 minutes, 22 seconds
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Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast: 26 August 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday the 26th of August. Changes have been made to the fast track approvals bill - what does it mean for our mining sector. Straterra's Josie Vidal speaks to Ryan. Israel and Hezbollah have traded strikes in the Middle East. Otago University Expert Dr Leon Goldsmith joins the show. Team NZ have won the America's Cup Prelimenary Regatta. Andrew Alderson has your weekend sport wrap. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/25/202433 minutes, 57 seconds
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Tony Johnson: Rugby Commentator on the departure of Leon MacDonald from the All Blacks coaching staff

The rugby world is reeling from Leon MacDonald’s abrupt departure from his role as assistant coach of the All Blacks.   NZ Rugby announced the news yesterday, Scott Robertson telling the media that their coaching techniques didn’t quite click.  Rugby Commentator Tony Johnson told Ryan Bridge that there’s a couple of schools of thought surrounding the departure.  One is that the issues that saw MacDonald leaving his role as assistant to Robertson in 2017 arose again, this time proving irreconcilable.   Another thought is that there may be too many voices on the coaching panel, which NZR denies.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/22/20244 minutes, 37 seconds
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Mark Hooper: Federated Farmers resource management spokesperson on the newly announced reforms to the Resource Management Act

There’s relief over imminent changes to resource management rules on private farmland.   The Government has announced a second amendment to the Resource Management Act, which will set new national directions for areas such as infrastructure, energy, and farming.  Federated Farmers resource management spokesperson Mark Hooper told Ryan Bridge this change is less significant than the first but gives more freedom to the primary sector.   He says the fact the government is addressing specific concerns within the highly productive land national policy statement is good to see.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/22/20243 minutes, 38 seconds
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Vincent McAviney: Europe Correspondent on Andrew Tate's further house arrest following new allegations

Controversial influencer Andrew Tate's under house arrest following damming new allegations.  Tate and his brother are being investigated by Romanian authorities for allegations including sex with a minor and trafficking underage persons.   One of the 35 alleged victims is as young as 15 years old.  UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney told Ryan Bridge the brothers have called the claims as "made up" and "pathetic".  He says despite their claims of innocence, they'll have to remain under house arrest in their compound near Bucharest for 30 days.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/22/20242 minutes, 30 seconds
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Simon Marks: FSN Correspondent on the report that Former Democrat Robert F Kennedy Jr. will endorse Donald Trump

A curve ball has been thrown for Kamala Harris as she's about to accept her presidential nomination.  US media is reporting the independent, and former Democrat, Robert F Kennedy Junior is planning to pull out of the race and endorse Republication nominee Donald Trump.   It coincides with the final day of the Democratic National Convention, where Harris is expected to accept the nomination.   FSN Correspondent Simon Marks told Ryan Bridge it'll be a big help to Donald Trump with so many eyes are on the Democratic campaign.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/22/20243 minutes, 57 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: On New Zealand's energy crisis

Resource and Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones has given quite a fiery speech in the House taking aim at the Greens over Labour's oil and gas ban, calling out their opposition to using Kiwi coal.  "We can power up New Zealand by using our domestic coal resources. But that party would rather see New Zealanders thrown on the unemployment scrap heap as we've witnessed this week. They would rather see people cold, they would rather see people in their retirement years too afraid to put the jug on or the sleeping blanket just so they can cover themselves in an ideological blanket of piety and self-righteousness."  That was not scripted, that was just Shane Jones going hell for leather in the House. A very enjoyable speech, he's easy to listen to, isn't he?  He makes a point, doesn't he, about the workers who are being affected by all of the closures that are happening around the country at the moment.  I flicked off an email to Methanex yesterday because they've shuttered operations at their plant until October and I just wanted to check are you definitely going to reopen?  They said yes, we are looking forward to restarting operations in November. So that is good, but they do say this about our current electricity system, and I think it just sums it up.  "Our highly renewable electricity sector is increasingly reliant on intermittent renewable power generation which needs to be supported by thermal generation to provide energy security when the rain doesn't fall, the wind doesn't blow or the sun doesn't shine."  During the last three years, they've operated at reduced rates or shut plants over high electricity demand periods during winter to ensure there's enough gas for everyone to go around.  Now, this is the interesting part:  "While the government has recently signalled positive policy changes like reversing the offshore oil and gas ban, we believe additional support policies are urgently needed for New Zealand's incumbent upstream companies such as OMV, Todd and Greymouth to help improve confidence and enable the development of future gas supplies to prevent the deindustrialisation of our economy." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/22/20242 minutes, 44 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 23 August 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday the 23rd of August, All Blacks assistant coach Leon MacDonald has left the team a week before they head to South Africa - what does it mean for the team? Ruby commentator Tony Johnson talks to Ryan.  It's the final day of the Democratic National Convention where Kamala Harris will formerly accept the Democratic nomination for President. We're live to Chicago for the latest.  More changes for the Resources Management Act, but will it make thing easier for our farmers? Mark Hooper from Federated Farmers joins the show to give his thoughts.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/22/202434 minutes, 31 seconds
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Matt Cowley: Local Government Business Forum Chair ahead of the second day of the Local Government New Zealand conference

Anticipation is building over Government announcements at the second day of the Local Government New Zealand conference in Wellington today.   It comes after Prime Minister Christopher Luxon ruffled feathers yesterday with an address telling councils to cut back on wasteful spending.  Local Government Minister Simeon Brown is expected to speak to the delegates today.  But Local Government Business Forum Chair Matt Cowley told Ryan Bridge the Government won't be offering a handout.  He says it wants the big infrastructure issues addressed but ratepayers will have to chip in.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/21/20243 minutes, 51 seconds
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John Harbord: Major Electricity Users' Group Chair on the possibility of using more water from hydro lakes to generate power

Transpower will today decide whether it'll take the next big step in combatting the current power shortage.   Spiking electricity prices have forced Winstone's central North Island pulp and sawmills to propose closing, with more than 200 jobs on the line.  Transpower will make a decision on if generators can take more water from the hydro lakes - creating more power.   Major Electricity Users' Group Chair John Harbord told Ryan Bridge he'd be surprised if they don't tap into them.   He says we have this water set aside for emergencies, and there's no doubt the crisis we're in is anything but a critical issue for our communities.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/21/20243 minutes, 51 seconds
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Kelly Seaburg: New Shoots Children's Centre director on the concerns over pre-school children's literacy skills

There are concerns over the impact of Covid-19 on children's spoken language skills.  The Education Review Office research shows more than two-thirds of parents report their child had language difficulties before they started school last year.  It found a similar number of teachers blame the lockdown period for its impact.  New Shoots Children's Centre director Kelly Seaburg told Ryan Bridge it's the result of multiple factors in the last few years.  She says children were more isolated, with parents trying to work from home, so teacher and peer interaction reduced.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/21/20245 minutes, 4 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: Luxon's broadside to local governments should be telling him that he's on the right track

The reactions overnight to Luxon's broadside to the mayors and the local councils in Wellington yesterday should be telling him that he's pretty much on the right track.  He got stuck in overspending on dumb stuff, his words, like convention centres, at the expense of basic stuff like leaky pipes.  "I think the building that we're in today is a classic example, with pipes bursting and quite literally this morning pipes bursting on the streets not far from here. And it looks very nice and it's great and it's very nice for us politicians to have a wonderful space to make some great speeches in. But can anyone seriously say that was the right financial decision?"  It was a spin doctor’s wet dream yesterday. The contrast between all of the mayors and the councillors sitting in $180 million gold plated convention centre while you know, ordinary Joe and Jane, like you and me are trudging through lakes to reach the bus stop. It was pretty good from a PR perspective.  Not good for the Tory Whanaus of the world, the Wellington mayor. She said Luxon was punching down on mayors, the Green councillor Thomas Nash called it “mana diminishing” for those gathered.  Really? What about the mana of ratepayers? Who's literally, who's poo floats in the ocean when it rains, who's streets become lakes when a pipe bursts, and who's driveways, streets are littered with potholes.  What about the mana of the ratepayers? Rather than just thinking about yourselves and your nice cushy little convention centre in Wellington.  Anyway, Luxon will know that and it's pretty much what he knew going in.  This wasn't a speech for the mayors and for the councillors, but rather it was aimed over their heads to the rate, and more importantly for him, the taxpayers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/21/20242 minutes, 1 second
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Full Show Podcast: 22 August 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Thursday 22nd August 2024, Local Council leaders have been told by the Prime Minister to reign in their own spending before asking central government for more money. Local Business Forum Chair Matt Cowley speaks to Ryan about what local economies need.  The Education Review Office has found Kiwi kids are not starting school with the language skills needed, saying Covid has had an impact on development. New Shoots Children's Centre Director Kelly Seaburg joins the show to give her thoughts.  Transpower will decide today whether to allow power generation companies to use contingent lake levels to boost our power generation. Major Electricity Users Group Chair John Harbord talks to Ryan about the impact the power crisis is having on large industry.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/21/202434 minutes, 33 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK Correspondent on the continuing rescue efforts for the sunken superyacht near Sicily

Rescuers are still racing to find survivors from the sunken superyacht near Sicily.  The yacht's Kiwi captain James Catfield has survived, along with Christchurch lawyer Ayla Ronald and her partner.  But correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge others are still believed to be trapped in the boat's hull.  Among them are Ronald's colleague Christopher Morvillo and his wife, jewellery designer Neda Morvillo, banker Jonathan Bloomer and his wife, and British tech tycoon Mike Lynch.  The body of the on-board chef has been formally identified, and British investigators have now arrived on the scene.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/20/20243 minutes, 11 seconds
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Brigitte Morten: Political Commentator on Darleen Tana refusing to resign, the Green Party proposing the Waka Jumping legislation to it's members

There could be a battle brewing between Green Party MPs and grass root party members.   Independent MP Darleen Tana has written a letter to the Greens which says they will vote with the party, which will mean proportionality stays the same.   The Green Party leadership will take the proposition to use the Waka Jumping legislation to the wider party membership on September 1st.   Political commentator Brigitte Morten says told Ryan Bridge they'll be hoping members agree.   She says if they vote against the plan, the leaders face being out of step with the wider party membership.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/20/20242 minutes, 50 seconds
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David Tripe: Massey University Banking Expert on the Commerce Commission's report into the New Zealand banking sector

There's a belief the Government could make part of Kiwibank public-owned.   The Commerce Commission's market study shows there's little competition between the big four banks, and they take high profits by international standards.   It recommends giving Kiwibank access to more capital to better compete and become a disruptor.  Massey University's banking expert David Tripe told Ryan Bridge that money could come from the New Zealand public.   He says it would take some time to absorb a large amount of capital, so it's better done as a relatively slow process.  Tripe says trying to grow a bank rapidly is usually a recipe for disaster.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/20/20243 minutes, 16 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: The Treaty Principles Bill is dead in the water

David Seymour, you might have seen him on the news last night or in the Herald yesterday, basically calling Christopher Luxon and the government undemocratic for refusing to support this Treaty Principles Bill passed the first reading when it gets to select committee.  This is what he said on the news last night.  "Well, I think it is disrespectful and anti-democratic to tell people that no matter what they think, you're not open to changing your mind."  Is this the issue you want to die in a ditch over?  Let's face it, the Treaty Principles Bill is dead in the water anyway.  A couple of reasons for that. Number one and most importantly, your coalition partners have said, nah, we don't want to support it past the first reading.  Even if they agreed to it, the debate and the media attention would surely from a political perspective, purely political perspective would drown out the next two years of potentially good headlines about economic growth and all the other stuff the government's trying to do.  And even if, as you say, it's a principled thing to do it for democracy to have the debate, et cetera, the next government will just undo it anyway, won't they? Whoever, and whenever that government might be, the more oxygen you give this, the sooner that day might arrive.  In reality I don't think David Seymour is a stupid man or a stupid politician. He's not. And he knows this is going nowhere.  It's probably more about positioning for a plank to balance a campaign on in 2026. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/20/20241 minute, 39 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 21 August 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 21st August 2024. How can Kiwibank become a better competitor for the big Aussie Banks? Banking expert David Tripe takes us through the options.  AA has found our learner driver licensing system is much more relaxed than Australia's - what improvements can we make to keep young drivers safer? Road safety campaigner Clive Matthew-Wilson speaks to Ryan.  Darleen Tana has formerly said they won't leave their seat in Parliament - what is the next move for the Greens? Political commentator Brigitte Morten joins the show to give her thoughts.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/20/202434 minutes, 27 seconds
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Viv Beck: Heart of the City CEO on the drop in retail crime in the Auckland CBD

A coordinated response between the Police and Auckland Council is being credited for a steep drop in retail crime in the CBD.   The number of thefts and burglaries has fallen 50% since January last year.   Heart of the City Chief Executive Viv Beck says while some haven't seen it yet, there's been a noticeable decrease.   She told Ryan Bridge the next step is tackling anti-social behaviour.   Beck says there needs to be more mental health and health resources thrown at the problem.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/19/20243 minutes, 19 seconds
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Mark Quin: Ambulance Association Division Chairman on the impact of the St John ambulance labour strike

Christchurch Hato Hone St John ambulance workers are kicking off a day of nationwide rallies following pay negotiation breakdowns.  More than two and a half thousand officers are taking part in staggered four-hour withdrawals of labour until 4am tomorrow.  Christchurch staff will march from 8am.  Ambulance Association Division Chairman Mark Quin told Ryan Bridge that St John will be operating at 70% capacity today.  He says some areas aren't even noticing the staff withdrawals as they become accustomed to operating with so few staff.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/19/20243 minutes, 58 seconds
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Simon Marks: FSN Correspondent on what's set to happen at the Democratic National Convention, Kamala Harris leads in Fox News poll

US President Joe Biden's expected to dominate the first day of the Democratic National Convention.   It starts in Chicago today and is where Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate Governor Tim Walz will accept their presidential and vice presidential nominations.  Biden's expected to give an address and make a symbolic handover to Harris.  FSN Correspondent Simon Marks told Ryan Bridge they're getting the uncomfortable bits out of the way on the first day.   He says President Biden will be the main speaker, alongside First Lady Jill Biden and former First Lady, Hillary Clinton.  Harris will be looking to ride her wave of momentum into the convention.  She currently has a six-point lead over Donald Trump in the latest Fox News poll, Marks saying that Harris will be wanting the convention to go flawlessly over the next few days.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/19/20243 minutes, 43 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: Are we being too safe with our comedy?

Ever wondered what the funniest joke in the world is?  Well, I can tell you because the Edinburgh Fringe Festival has declared the funniest joke.  It's a ship gag, a gag about a ship, as in like a vessel that goes in the ocean. To be honest, it's not that funny and maybe I'm just getting older and mingy about life.  I don't know, maybe I don't find things as funny anymore.  Have you tried to find a funny movie lately? Have you managed to find one?  No, because they don't make them anymore and they certainly don't make jokes that are actually funny at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.  And I should preface this by saying that, look, I'm not funny. So, you know, it is a hard thing to do. I get it.  But I just wonder whether we're not being a little too safe with our comedy. Something Jerry Seinfeld spoke about when he was in New Zealand recently, people can't push the boundaries anymore.  Let me just read you a few in the top 10 funniest jokes at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.  And actually, you can try and guess is this a joke, you know, is this from a comedy festival or is this from a Christmas cracker?  "I was going to sail around the globe in the world's smallest ship, but I bottled it."  That was literally the funniest joke at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. And maybe because I'm reading these from a story it's the delivery that's funny, maybe that's what's missing.  "I've been taking salsa lessons for months, but I just don't feel like I'm progressing. It's just one step forward, two steps back."  That was the second funniest joke.  "Ate horse at a restaurant once, wasn't great. Starter was all right, but the mane was dreadful."  Do you want me to keep going?  "I sailed through my driving test. That's why I failed."  These are not Christmas cracker jokes; these are from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.  What ever happened to the really good ones? My favourite comedian was Joan Rivers. She was rude and shocking and outrageous, hilarious and actually a real pioneer and a trailblazer for women in her field as well.  But, you know, well she's dead and so are good jokes, it seems. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/19/20242 minutes, 20 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 20 August 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 20th August 2024, it's day one of the Democratic National Convention. We cross live to Chicago to get an insight into what’s going down.  Crime numbers are down in our biggest city, but are businesses on the ground actually seeing any difference? Heart of the City's Viv Beck speaks to Ryan.  St John ambulance workers are on their first day of a withdrawal of labour strike - what does it mean for people needing emergency assistance? Mark Quin from the New Zealand Ambulance Association joins the show to explain.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/19/202433 minutes, 55 seconds
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Nick Tuffley: Economic pressure and inflation showing signs of easing

ASB's quarterly report reveals economic pressure and inflation showing signs of easing. We're seeing early signs of a turnaround for the economy... ASB's quarterly forecast shows signs inflation will fall below 3% over the second half of this year and remain well contained beyond 2024. They're also expecting GDP to remain flat-to-down over the rest of the year. ASB chief economist Nick Tuffley told Ryan Bridge even though mortgage rates have started to come down, for some, it'll take time until they see a change in their pay packet.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/18/20243 minutes, 5 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: The problem of labelling in the media

Outrage at the weekend over the Human Rights Commission.  The Chief Human Rights Commissioner has been announced as Dr Steven Rainbow and he was once accused of being transphobic or anti trans.  And it's one of those terms that can quickly change the tone or the perception of an article that you're reading.  I remember this from the university college campus protests over in the States.  You would read the CNN copy on the story and it would say they were pro Palestinian protesters, then you would read the Fox News version and it would say they're anti-Israel.  Who decides what you are? If you're pro one thing, does it automatically make you anti the other?  Women's rights campaigners, and this was the point that I think was being made about Dr Steven Rainbow, the women's rights campaigners, do they hate or are they anti trans people, or are they just pro women's rights as they would claim that they are?  And equally just because you want a ceasefire in Gaza, it doesn't mean you're anti Semitic, does it?  There seems to be a polarization happening here. You're this you're that or you're all your, or you're nothing or it's black and white and we do it in the media all the time - we're probably the most guilty of it.  And whoever is shouting the loudest I think tends to dominate the news cycle.  But then again what's that based on, tweets? Is that really how you decide or define what someone feels about an issue?  I always found it odd when it came to abortion, which is a very divisive issue, obviously, people feel very personally about this issue.  Are you pro life or anti abortion? Are you women's choice or pro abortion?  Is anybody really pro abortion? You know what I mean?  You might want women to choose but surely nobody's actually pro abortion.  I've really got no idea how to resolve this problem of labelling in the media, other than when somebody's labelled anti something nowadays, I'm inclined to find out why, how and if to my mind at least, their motivations aren't just pro something else.     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/18/20242 minutes, 22 seconds
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Chris Cahill: Police Association President on the government's $1.3 billion dollar road policing investment programme

Details of the government's $1.3 billion dollar road policing investment programme have been revealed. It includes new targets for roadside breath and drug tests. Police are expected to carry out 3.3 million breath tests per year. 65% of those have to be done in high risk areas or during high risk times. $72 million of the funding will be put aside as a performance incentive. Police won't receive the money unless they meet the targets. Police Association President Chris Cahill told Ryan Bridge police currently have a target of around 3 million, which they've only hit twice in the last 10 years.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/18/20244 minutes, 37 seconds
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Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast: 19 August 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday 19th August 2024. New cash for police, but they have to meet targets for roadside breath and alcohol tests - are the targets achievable? Police Association President Chris Cahill joins Ryan.  ASB say economic relief is on the way. Chief Economist Nick Tufley has the latest from their quarterly report.  The All Blacks have recovered from their loss against Argentina a week ago and the America's cup starts in Barcelona this week. Adam Cooper has your weekend sport wrap.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/18/202434 minutes, 14 seconds
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Elliott Smith: ZB Rugby Commentator ahead of this weekend's rematch between the All Blacks and Argentina

Will the All Blacks redeem themselves after last week’s loss?  This Saturday they’ll be facing Argentina in a rematch at Eden Park, a week on from losing to 30-38 in Wellington.  Scott Robertson has made some major changes to the Kiwi side, including the return of former captain Sam Cane.  Newstalk ZB Rugby Commentator Elliott Smith told Ryan Bridge the All Blacks need to bounce back, which they traditionally do when they lose to Argentina.   He said that it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to happen tomorrow night, but you would hope there’s some form of response from the All Blacks after last week.  Smith said that last week seems to be a bit of a reality check for Robertson.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/15/20243 minutes, 11 seconds
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Geoffrey Miller: Geopolitical Analyst on the 501 deportation meeting between Christopher Luxon and Anthony Albanese

501s will be the hot button topic in Christopher Luxon's meeting in Canberra today with the Australian Prime Minister.  Anthony Albanese's government has pulled a recent u-turn on the common-sense approach he'd agreed to with former Prime Minister Jacinda Arden in 2022.   Australia is no longer considering a person's ties to the country before deporting them, making the safety of Australians the top priority.  Geopolitical analyst Geoffrey Miller told Ryan Bridge Luxon's comments in Sydney yesterday hinted he wasn't expecting to make much headway.   He says Luxon had said they would agree to disagree on the issue - but he'd continue to voice New Zealand's displeasure.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/15/20243 minutes, 43 seconds
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Bill Hodge: Former Auckland University Law Professor on the extradition of Kim Dotcom and his likely trial in the US

Kim Dotcom could have his fate sealed by early next year.   The tech mogul may soon find himself on trial in the US after Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith confirmed he'd signed his extradition.   Former Auckland University Professor of Law Bill Hodge told Ryan Bridge Dotcom's penultimate step is a judicial review, but he can't precisely predict how long this would take.   He says if it's a typical judicial review, it could ideally be done within six months, and wonders if the court will expedite it.  Hodge says his Kiwi family may be his strongest defence.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/15/20243 minutes, 54 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: Why is New Zealand so bad at infrastructure?

There's a reason politicians can't agree on much of anything.  Luxon is in Australia at the moment, he's on an infrastructure whistle stop tour.  The question - why are we so bad, and the Aussies seemingly so much better at it?  There are many reasons like public, private partnerships and user pays. In New South Wales, they've used asset sales to fund this stuff, but it's also crucially bipartisan agreement on what to build.  Luxon says that the Nats and Labour need consensus on what projects will get cash.  "The challenge in New Zealand is you get a change in political cycle or economic cycle, and you get on off, on off, on off and nothing's happening."  So the construction industry, they need to know the pipeline of work that's in front of them or it's not going to be viable. You know, the roads of national significance they were on and then they're off, and they're on and then they're off.  And another example was Energy Resources Aotearoa on this show calling for bipartisan Agreement on Oil and gas exploration.  But here's the thing, it's not going to happen in either case, which sucks because it's us the voters that ultimately pay the price in the form of electricity prices or traffic.  The reason? Well, our political system is based on the Westminster model which is purposely adversarial. We encourage competition. We literally have an opposition party to oppose the government.  It's set up to fail when it comes to agreement.  So I won't be holding my breath for our parliamentarians to suddenly start singing from the same song sheet. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/15/20241 minute, 52 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 16 August 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday the 16th of August, Kim Dotcom's extradition order has been signed by the Justice Minister, can he fight it? Former law professor Bill Hodge joins the show to give his thoughts.  Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is meeting with his Australian counterpart today. Geoffrey Miller talks to Ryan about what could be on the agenda.  Is it redemption time for the All Blacks? They face Argentina in Auckland on Saturday, a week on from their shock loss in Wellington. Newstalk ZB Rugby Commentator Elliott Smith speaks to Ryan ahead of the game.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/15/202434 minutes, 8 seconds
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Mitch McCann: US Correspondent on Kamala Harris leading six swing states in new polls

The Kamala swing continues. New polling out today shows Harris is leading slightly or tied in six of the seven swing states. Back in May, Former President Donald Trump was leading in almost all swing states. US Correspondent Mitch McCann told Ryan Bridge it illustrates just how much this race has changed.  He says Trump is trying to take back the narrative.    LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/14/20241 minute, 58 seconds
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Damian McGill: Healthy Home Cooperation Director on spray foam insulation and the risk of moisture build up

There’s a chance your home-reno could keep you from selling your house.  A couple in the UK was recently unable to sell their home after installing spray foam insulation.  The way the foam is installed and how much ventilation it has could cause damage to roofing timber, particularly in colder climates, and New Zealand installers have to produce a statement saying the work complies with the building code.  Healthy Homes Cooperation Director Damian McGill told Ryan Bridge that there’s nothing wrong with spray foam per se, and it can be a great product when used correctly.  But he said that when you add retrofit insultation, you have to improve the ventilation as well, otherwise there’s a risk moisture could build up in the cavities.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/14/20244 minutes, 52 seconds
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Glenn Dobson: Drug Detection Agency CEO on the origins of the meth-laced lollies unknowingly distributed by Auckland City Mission

Questions remain over how blocks of methamphetamine in lolly wrappers made their way to the Auckland City Mission.   The mission distributed the Rinda pineapple lollies in food parcels over several weeks.   The hand-outs could affect up to 400 people, and at least three people, including a child and teenager, have received medical treatment.   Drug Detection Agency chief executive Glenn Dobson told Ryan Bridge a lot of techniques are used to smuggle methamphetamine.   He says it's often suspended in liquids or pill form - disguised as lollies isn't unknown but isn't overly common.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/14/20242 minutes, 53 seconds
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Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on the Reserve Bank cutting the Official Cash Rate to 2.25%

Nicola Willis won't be drawn on the Reserve Bank's sudden change of tune on the Official Cash Rate.  It's lowered the rate to 5.25% due to further signs of falling inflation.  Economist Brad Olsen says the central bank needs to take accountability for radically changing its forecast without a radical change in circumstances.  Nicola Willis told Ryan Bridge it isn't appropriate for her to get involved in the debate.  She says the economy has slowed down and seeing interest rates come down is logical, but this is ultimately an independent decision for the Reserve Bank.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/14/20246 minutes, 9 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: Another example of bureaucracy undermining government policy

You've got to ask yourself who's running the show. There's been another example of bureaucracy seemingly undermining the government on its cost cutting plan which, remember, from outset they said wouldn't impact the front line.  A Health New Zealand manager has done a PowerPoint to 90 staff about upcoming changes, and they indicated that jobs could be cut including 470 doctors and 1400 nurses.  Who on earth thought that was okay?  Did they do it on purpose? Is it a middle finger to the government and to the Commissioner Lester Levy?  The truth is we don't really know at this point, Levy asks is this reluctance, is this resistance, or is this sabotage?  Fair question. He's promising consequences. It's totally unacceptable, but it's not an isolated incident.  Oranga Tamariki is another agency cutting funding left, right, and centre to services.  The stories get in the press and then there's a back down.  And we've had public service leaking against the government, loads of examples. At least six major leaks that I could recall.  There was a Cabinet paper on the foreign housing investors, also the treaty principles bill.  You can't know for sure the motivations in each case, but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to work out that there is huge resistance to the coalition government's agenda within pockets of the bureaucracy.  They need reining in, examples here need to be set.  And if the message falls on deaf ears, well, maybe they need to be marched out the door. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/14/20241 minute, 57 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 15 August 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Thursday the 15th of August, the Reserve Bank has cut New Zealand's Official Cash Rate. Ryan gets the thoughts of Finance Minister Nicola Willis.  Spray foam insulation - could it installing it incorrectly prevent you from selling your house?  Meth has been found in lollies given out by the Auckland City Mission - Glenn Dobson from the Drug Detection Agency talks to Ryan about where it could have come from.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/14/202434 minutes, 28 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK Correspondent on the 13 year old girl pleading guilty to threatening unlawful violence during a UK protest

A thirteen-year-old girl has pleaded guilty to threatening unlawful violence during a protest in the UK.  The event took place during a week of unrest over asylum seekers and illegal migrants, and follows two twelve-year-old boys pleading guilty to other offences in a similar riot.  UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge the girl was among a crowd gathered outside a hotel used to house asylum seekers, and was seen punching and kicking at the entrance of the hotel.  He said that a police officer was injured when disorder broke out at the demonstration, and there was roughly 200 protestors there.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/13/20242 minutes, 11 seconds
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John Carran: Jarden Economist and Investment Strategist ahead of today's OCR announcement

It’s an important call today for the Reserve Bank as they decide whether to drop the Official Cash Rate.   Bank economists are divided, Westpac, ANZ and Kiwibank anticipate the Reserve Bank to hold the OCR at 5.5%.   BNZ is expecting it to go down, as is ASB, who predicts it'll fall by 25-basis points to 5.25% , which would be the first drop since 2020.  John Carran, Jarden Economist and Investment Strategist, told Ryan Bridge he’s erring on the side of hold.  He said that although they may hold today, they will signal that interest rate cuts are coming much sooner than they previously indicated.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/13/20242 minutes, 53 seconds
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Michael Bunce: Genetics Expert on the applications of gene-editing research and the Government shifting regulations

Scientists believe there are great applications for taking gene-editing research outside - under new regulations.  The Government's planning to introduce legislation this year to let researchers develop and commercialise gene tech products outside laboratories.   Genetics expert Michael Bunce at Australia's Curtin University says under current laws, useful research for New Zealand has been hampered by red tape.  He told Ryan Bridge the solution to problems like wilding pine trees is a good example.  Bunce says making pine trees sterile keeps them in one place and stops the spread around New Zealand.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/13/20244 minutes, 34 seconds
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Cath O'Brien: Board of Airline Representatives Executive Director on the tourism sector still not recovering to pre-pandemic levels

New Zealand's tourism recovery has seemingly hit a snag.  Overseas visitor arrivals reached 3.2 million in the year to June.  That's up 27% from 2023, but still down 17% on pre-pandemic peaks.  It comes as visa charges rise and hikes to the International Visitor Levy debated.  Board of Airline Representatives Executive Director, Cath O'Brien told Ryan Bridge while other countries continue to recover, New Zealand appears to be stalling.  She says the coming summer's airline schedule expects just 2% growth.  O’Brien says it will bring fewer tourists, and it's counterproductive to steeply increase visa costs at the same time.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/13/20243 minutes, 45 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: Buying a house is hard, but still worth it

Buying a house is hard, but still worth it.  There's new CoreLogic data out this morning, it's a housing affordability report looking at median property values versus median income for households.  Let's put all the detail aside for a second and cut to the chase. Basically, the good news for you, houses are worth 7.9% household income – they were worth 10 times.  So that is good news.  Also good news: the time it takes to save for a deposit is now 10 years. It's better than the 13 years that it took in 2021.  So that's the good news.  The bad news from the start of this morning: mortgage payments, 54% of your median household income, that is 10% above the average.  So there's good news and there's bad news.  It's hard but not impossible for most people, and still very much worth it.  Long term values go up, there's the stability of owning your own place and there's great stories, like this Auckland 20-year-old Lewis Pollock who was in the news the other day. He left school early, worked in retail, became a manager.  He works hard for his money and he saves, had no help from his parents and he's bought his first house at 20.  He's a homeowner and he's saying to other young people, you can do it if you put your mind to it.  Now, I know this is not possible for everyone, some circumstances just wouldn't allow you to be able to put the money aside to save.  But for most young people it's hard but not impossible, and well worth the effort. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/13/20241 minute, 53 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 14 August 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 14th of August, it's OCR day - will the Reserve Bank cut our official cash rate? Jarden's John Carran joins the show to discuss.  NZ's 30-year gene editing ban is set to be lifted, taking GE out of just the lab. Michael Bunce speaks to Ryan about what it means for new products, productivity, and our economy.  Tourism numbers are out for the June quarter and they’re still down from pre-pandemic times. Airline and tourism groups aren't happy about changes to visitor visa fees.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/13/202434 minutes, 24 seconds
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Donna Demaio: Australia Correspondent on the calls to ban gambling ads in Australia

The Australian Government is facing calls to go further with proposed restrictions on gambling ads.  It's looking to ban ads during sports broadcasts, during children's programming, and online.  But a 60-strong alliance —including former prime ministers John Howard and Malcolm Turnbull, and prominent figures from across the political spectrum— are calling for a complete ban.  Australia correspondent Donna Demaio told Ryan Bridge minor parties are also backing the ball, particularly the Greens.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/12/20242 minutes, 41 seconds
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Martin Glynn: AA Policy Director on the introduction of congestion charging

The AA says the devil will be in the details when it comes to “time of use” charging.   Transport Minister Simeon Brown says he'll introduce legislation by the end of the year which will see drivers taxed to use some sections of road at certain times.   AA Policy Director Martin Glynn says while there are benefits, there are also kinks to be worked out.   He says certain tweaks to the charge will likely be needed.   Martin Glynn says people going to work or school at set times with no access to public transport need to be catered for.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/12/20243 minutes, 3 seconds
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Shirley Johnson: Youth Justice Consultant critiques the Government's new benefit sanctions scheme

The Government's being accused of failing to learn from past mistakes with its new benefit sanctions scheme.  It's announced new rules requiring beneficiaries to reapply more often.  People who fail to follow the rules could see half their benefit put on a payment card can that only be spent on essentials.  Youth justice consultant Shirley Johnson told Ryan Bridge we've had measures like this before and claims they didn't work.   She says it feels foolish to go back and re-do what didn't work before, when other measures are already working and are very effective.  Johnson said that while accountability's important, many young people are grappling with a challenging job market.   She told Bridge that unemployment's going up, and it's currently twice as high for young people.  Johnson says many young people are doing it tough and punishing them won't help.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/12/20244 minutes, 7 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: Retail crime numbers are hurting the Government

Every government is thinking ahead to when they next need to be re-elected.  There's a risk here that the government is taking when it goes for sanctions on beneficiaries, when it goes for tougher requirements and criteria when it comes to social housing, for example, and you're starting to see some kick back already in response to some of these changes.  If you're a centrist voter you might think those are reasonable expectations to put on social housing providers, to put on emergency accommodation criteria, to put on beneficiaries through sanctions or obligations.  You might think those things are reasonable.  On the other hand, you might think that seems a bit cruel. And actually, in an economy like this where jobs are hard to come by, I might find myself in that position. I don't want to have those types of obligations; I don't understand what those obligations are.  So, there is a political risk to doing it stuff, but it's bread and butter for National and it's bread and butter for ACT, this is exactly what their base want what their supporters want and so they are doing it, but it does come with some political risk.  One thing that the Government need to get on top of is retail crime.  The Dairy Owner's group, this is based on police data, say that retail crime is up 17% under National.  This is the coalition government that has said ‘we're going to crack down on retail crime’.  The first five months of this year versus last year theft was up, robberies were down 5%, burglaries down 10%, but here's the one you need to worry about: acts intended to cause injury were up 4%. That is very bad, and you're seeing it with hammers and all sorts of things being used as weapons in shops. That, the Government needs to get on top of because they made a big promise, Mark Mitchell has talked a big talk, the numbers so far aren't tracking in their direction, and they need to turn them around. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/12/20242 minutes, 22 seconds
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Tommy Honey: Construction Industry Council Executive Director on the survey showing builders believe the slowdown will continue another year

It's a waiting game for the construction sector as the economic downturn continues to bite.  The latest EBOSS Builder Sentiment Report shows 67% of builders are seeing less demand for their services.  70% feel industry conditions will continue to decline in the next 12 months.  Construction Industry Council Executive Director Tommy Honey told Ryan Bridge everyone is waiting for economic conditions to pick up again.  He says people are holding off selling their homes, which has resulted in fewer people renovating or building new homes.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/12/20243 minutes, 19 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 13 August 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Tuesday the 13th of August 2024, new requirements and a traffic light sanction system have been introduced for beneficiaries, but what does it mean for our jobless youth?  Congestion charging is on the way for our busiest roads. AA Policy Director Martin Glynn talks to Ryan about what it means for you.  Construction confidence is down, and builders believe the slowdown in jobs will continue for at least another year. The Construction Industry Council's Tommy Honey speaks to Ryan.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/12/202434 minutes, 32 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK correspondent says there's major security concerns for Taylor Swift London shows after Austria

Taylor Swift's upcoming London shows will go ahead after a foiled plot to attack her now-cancelled Vienna concerts. A 19-year-old with Islamic State ties has been arrested and confirmed they planned a terror attack involving explosives and knives. Two other teen suspects have also been arrested. UK correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge there's major security concerns for Swift's five Wembley Stadium shows, which kick off Thursday. “Naturally as you can imagine, high alert here in London as those teenagers are being questioned in Austria.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/11/20241 minute, 42 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: Not everybody wants to be at the mercy of a failed social housing system

Who are we to believe when it comes to kids in motels? It’s undeniably a disaster. At its worst, we had 4000 kids living in motels and emergency accommodation in New Zealand. And the last lot who said it was a complex problem that required complex solutions, they said it would take time, and we sort of bought that argument because it does seem incredibly complex. And then yesterday, the Government comes along and claims to have cut the number of households living in emergency housing by a third in six months. What’s more, they said in Auckland, they’ve almost halved the number of people living in emergency housing in three months. How can you halve the number of people in emergency housing in three months? Does that make sense to you? In Christchurch, it's gone from 285 to 183 in three months. They said they’d used intensive work to cut the numbers. I don’t know whether I’m just cynical but, do you believe that? Or do you think there’s some trick, some fudging of the numbers here or the categories that they're using, something like that. If all we needed was a bit of intensive work, surely we could have cut through that long waiting list a lot earlier. Kieran McAnulty on Three News last night had a crack at the Government. “They're both claiming credit for something they didn't do and they're also crying about something when they've made it harder for people to access it.” He then went on to say this: “The honest way to deal with the issue of emergency housing is to build more social houses. And that's the very thing the Government has pulled back on.” Wrong. There is another way that you can deal with the problem of an increase in demand for social housing, that's to grow an economy to get people into well paid jobs. Not everybody wants to be at the mercy of a failed social housing system, do they?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/11/20242 minutes, 16 seconds
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Andrew Alderson: Ellesse Andrews claims second gold in individual sprint in Paris

By Kris Shannon in Paris Ellesse Andrews has confirmed what this week already seemed clear – she is the world’s fastest woman on two wheels. The Kiwi claimed a second gold medal on the final day of the Paris Olympics, her victory in the individual sprint even more commanding than an earlier triumph in the keirin. Andrews won all nine sprint races she contested inside Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines Velodrome. The 24-year-old eliminated the reigning Olympic champion, two former world champions and a rider who last year proved superior in the discipline. And Andrews accomplished it all with a level of ease rarely seen at the top level. That’s not to suggest there was anything simple about her achievements. But right now, Andrews is simply too fast, too strong and too self-assured to be beaten. That was the case in the keirin final earlier in the week, when Andrews led from start to finish and was never seriously threatened by any potential attack. The same was true in the individual sprint, whether riding from the front or recovering a deficit depending on her starting position. The two gold medals added to a silver won in the team sprint and left Andrews in elite Kiwi company. Only paddlers Lisa Carrington (three golds in 2021 and 2024) and Paul MacDonald (three golds in 1984) have recorded better medal hauls at a single Games. It also meant New Zealand would finish the Paris Olympics with 10 gold medals, after a record-setting penultimate day saw the team surpass the previous best of eight. With age on her side and considering her progression in the last 12 months alone, it’s safe to assume Andrews will return to the podium in four years’ time. In today’s final she swept aside Lea Friedrich, a rider who beat Andrews 2-0 in the sprint semifinals at last year’s world championships. Following the keirin final, coach and father Jon Andrews said he had expected a greater challenge from Friedrich in that event, after the German had been eliminated in a semifinal won by the Kiwi. It came a few days later but didn’t last for long. Gold medalist Ellesse Andrews celebrates her win in the sprint. Photo / Getty Images  There was a brief moment in race one when it appeared Friedrich held the advantage. After the bell, she came around the bend high, and with a boost from the bank looked to be erasing the lead. Then Andrews rose from her seat, powered through the back straight and the race was over. The second was barely a contest. Starting behind her opponent, Andrews easily executed the manoeuvre attempted earlier by Friedrich, speeding clear as the German conceded defeat. Andrews glanced once over her shoulder, saw clear track and was able to raise one arm in celebration, the crowd rising to salute a new queen of the velodrome. Friedrich had set a new world record in qualifying, a mark Andrews previously lowered. But her coach said his rider was a different proposition when racing, and so it proved Andrews progressed to the final with seven wins from seven, eliminating Olympic champion Kelsey Mitchell in the 1/8 finals before sweeping former world champions Emma Hinze in the quarters and Emma Finucane in the semis. That brought more revenge for being beaten by Finucane and Britain in the team sprint final, the only time in Paris that Andrews has been conquered. Friedrich, meanwhile, needed a third ride to reach the final, as Andrews barely watched from her stationary bike. But no extra energy would have helped the German. Andrews, as she has been all week, was unbeatable. Kris Shannon has been a sport journalist since 2011 and covers a variety of codes for the Herald. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/11/20243 minutes, 54 seconds
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Jason Walls: Newstalk ZB Political Editor on Trade Minister Todd McClay making a fifth trip to India in nine months

Trade Minister Todd McClay is visiting India this week for the fifth time in nine months. He’ll meet with India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, for talks around forestry, agriculture and trade between the two countries. It follows Indian President Droupadi Murmu’s visit here last week. Newstalk ZB Political Editor Jason Walls joined Ryan Bridge. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/11/20243 minutes, 43 seconds
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Nigel Avery: New Zealand Chef de Mission says about 20 percent of New Zealand Olympians in Paris have won a medal

The Paris Olympics is coming to a close. Dame Lisa Carrington and Finn Butcher are leading out Kiwi athletes as the flagbearers for the closing ceremony, getting underway now. New Zealand now has 20 medals, including ten gold after a Bronze for Ally Wollaston and another Gold for Ellesse Andrews in the velodrome overnight. New Zealand Chef de Mission Nigel Avery told Ryan Bridge it's one of our best Olympic campaigns ever. “45 of our team will walk around with a piece of tin around their neck to get back to New Zealand. That’s huge — that’s about 20 percent of our total competing body, and so, it’s awesome.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/11/20245 minutes, 41 seconds
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The Govt's plan to replace Three Waters

Council-controlled water organisations will be able to leverage up to 500% of their operating revenues through the local government funding agency. The Commerce Commission will oversee it to make sure there is appropriate investment, maintenance, and delivery of water infrastructure for consumers long-term.  Auckland Councillor Daniel Newman joins Ryan Bridge on Early Edition to discuss.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/8/20243 minutes, 12 seconds
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Vincent McAviney: UK Correspondent on Ukraine, UK riots

A state of emergency has been declared in the Kursk region of Russia, as a rare cross-border attack by Ukrainian troops continued on Wednesday.  Taylor Swift has been forced to cancel three concerts in Vienne, Austria, after a bomb and knife attack plot by a teenager who had pledged allegiance to ISIS.  More marches across the United Kingdom has led to more arrests for disturbances, with tough sentences handed out.  UK and Europe correspondent Vincent McAviney joins Ryan Bridge on Early Edition to discuss all this and more.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/8/20242 minutes, 34 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 9 August 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday the 9th of August, The Government's plan to replace Three Waters is out, it will allow council controlled organisations to borrow and invest in their local water infrastructure. Auckland Councillor Daniel Newman joins the show. New instructions for Oranga Tamariki - but is it going to make a difference? Charity BlueLight speak to Ryan. Would Government intervention make a difference to our struggling energy sector? Energy Resources Aotearoa have some suggestions and Chief Executive John Carnegie shares with Ryan. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/8/202434 minutes, 31 seconds
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What can the Government do for the energy sector?

Electricity prices in New Zealand are about six times higher than Australia, this week sitting at around $700 per megawatt; while in late 2021 they were $100 per megawatt. Multiple large scale businesses are proposing the idea of shutting down as a result of the high prices, and the Government is now looking at possible intervention. Energy Resources Aotearoa Chief Executive John Carnegie joins Ryan Bridge on Early Edition to discuss what that may look like.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/8/20244 minutes, 39 seconds
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Children's Minister gives Oranga Tamariki a new set of instructions

Children's Minister Karen Chhour has handed Oranga Tamariki a new set of instructions to keep the agency accountable and transparent.  Chhour has outlined five new measures she expects to be reported on every quarter, including the number of children able to to access a social worker. Bluelight Operations Manager Rod Bell joins Ryan Bridge on Early Edition to discuss.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/8/20242 minutes, 58 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: We live in a world spilling over with hate and division

We live in a world that is seemingly spilling over with hate and division at the moment. You don't have to look far to find it.  Just in the past few days, you've got this 19-year-old Isis inspired terror suspect, planning to kill himself and as many Taylor Swift fans as possible.  There's rioting and division on the streets of the UK. Australia has raised it's terror threat level.  Remember that 16-year-old teenager who stabbed a religious cleric in Australia, suspected religious extremism behind it.  You've got Trump's assassination attempt, remember this was only last month.  It's almost like we've forgotten about that, because there's so much going on.  They all have one thing in common - The internet.  This 19-year-old is I would be mass murderer, he and his two alleged teenage accomplices, they were serious. They had chemical explosives, detonators allegedly, they were radicalised online.  The UK riots, fuelled by false information about that stabbing suspect.  They were all racked up, fired up by being on the internet.  Where did it all happen? Online.  Remember those seven teenagers arrested in April in Australia for alleged extremist ideology - all happened online.  I could go on, but you get the point. Young impressionable minds, endless scrolling on social media and it's the wild west of content.  Every kid has a mental health problem these days. Have you noticed that? Turn on the news, everyone's sad.  And it's obvious, isn't it? The internet. Our phones.  And what are we doing about it?   This is what happens when you scroll on a phone and you argue with somebody and you don't look them in the eye. You don't talk to them face to face.  You don't moderate your thoughts with body language and facial expressions and all those important things that I think help to make our debates a bit more human.  We lose all that when we go online and when we scroll endlessly. Apparently we will spend between 10 years and 17 years of our lives scrolling on our phones. How sad is that? And for kids it's worse.  What have I done about it? Well, I've deleted the social media apps, and not that I'm saying I'm going to solve the world, but I'm just seeing if I'll feel better about the world.  And I wonder why more people aren't doing it.  Maybe you are.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/8/20242 minutes, 57 seconds
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Sally MacKay: Health Coalition Aotearoa Spokesperson on the high costs of health food

It seems like it's virtually impossible for families on a benefit to afford healthy food.  Research shows two-children families receiving financial assistance would be 200-dollars short if they bought low-cost nutritional kai.  Health Coalition Aotearoa spokesperson Sally Mackay told Ryan Bridge it's clear low-income families are doing it tough, with drastic increases in food parcel demands.  She says they're most concerned about the impacts on children's learning when they arrive to school hungry.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/7/20245 minutes, 9 seconds
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Mitch McCann: US Correspondent on the first joint address of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz

There’s a belief the US Democrats have a renewed sense of momentum and energy in the lead up to the Presidential election.  It follows Democratic nominee Kamala Harris confirming Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate.  US Correspondent Mitch McCann told Ryan Bridge thousands of supporters have packed out a Philadelphia auditorium to hear from the pair jointly for the first time.  He says those in the crowd described the atmosphere as electric and compared it to Barack Obama's 2008 campaign.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/7/20241 minute, 39 seconds
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Ginny Andersen: Labour's Police Spokesperson calls out Mark Mitchell for denying her request to meet with an Auckland police inspector

Labour's police spokesperson is calling out the Police Minister for refusing her request to meet with an Auckland police inspector.   Ginny Andersen asked to visit the Albany police station, but Mark Mitchell's office said no.   In a statement, Mitchell says he cannot support a generic request to visit a station, with no context, with a week’s notice.   Andersen told Ryan Bridge she followed what she considers a well-established practice, which Mitchell himself has followed before.   She says she and Chris Hipkins never made any attempt to block Mitchell's visits when he was in opposition.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/7/20243 minutes, 17 seconds
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Alan McDonald: Employers and Manufacturers Association Head of Advocacy and Strategy on the rising unemployment figures

There's been an increase in businesses asking for advice around redundancy and resizing is being seen by the Employers and Manufacturers Association.  Stats NZ figures show the unemployment rate rose to 4.6% in the June quarter, up from 4.4% the previous.   It's one factor the Reserve Bank considers when weighing up whether to cut the Official Cash Rate.  The EMA's Alan McDonald told Ryan Bridge businesses are asking them the right way to downsize because they don't have the work for employees.   He says he'd expected it to start heading the other way, but they just hit a record 163 calls in the month of July.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/7/20242 minutes, 35 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 8 August 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Thursday the 8th of August, the number of people who lost their jobs in the June quarter are up. Ryan speaks to the Employers and Manufacturers Association to see how businesses are feeling on the ground.  A dispute between Police Minister Mark Mitchell and Labour's Police spokesperson Ginny Anderson - why won't National let Labour visit an Auckland police station? Ginny Anderson joins the show.  The cost of groceries has risen at historically high rates over the past six years, and the cost of healthy food even more so. Health Coalition Aotearoa explain the research, and its impact on Kiwi kids.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/7/202429 minutes, 19 seconds
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Chris Wilkinson: First Retail Group Managing Director says the Government should reconsider privacy laws regarding retail crime

There are calls for the Government to reconsider privacy laws when it comes to retail crime.  The Motor Trade Association is asking for bold changes after a rise in smash-and-grabs and drive off fuel theft.  First Retail Group Managing Director Chris Wilkinson told Ryan Bridge retailers should be allowed to publish CCTV video of thieves on social media to deter the crime.  He says currently it's against the law, and thieves are hiding behind it.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/6/20243 minutes, 31 seconds
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Mark Smith: ASB Senior Economist ahead of today's employment data release

The Reserve Bank will be keeping a close eye on this morning's employment data as it mulls over next week's Official Cash Rate decision.  Most economists expect the unemployment rate will rise.  But they're now divided on whether the central bank will cut the OCR next week, next month, or in November.  ASB senior economist Mark Smith told Ryan Bridge this morning's data should give them a steer on how inflation is tracking.  He says as the unemployment rate rises and wage growth slows, inflation is likely to come down, meaning interest rates need to come down as well.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/6/20243 minutes, 47 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK Correspondent on the conflict between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Elon Musk, far-right protests

The UK Prime Minister is in a war of words with Elon Musk as far-right protests continue across the country.  Almost 400 people have been arrested following last week's stabbings at a dance class that killed three girls and left several wounded.  The tech billionaire posted on his social media platform X saying civil war is inevitable, to which the Prime Minister's spokesperson says there's no justification for the comments.  UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge that Elon Musk has continued with his criticism of Sir Keir Starmer and his government.  He says Musk posted a video of someone reportedly getting arrested for offensive comments online, asking if it's Britain or the Soviet Union.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/6/20242 minutes, 58 seconds
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Viv Beck: Heart of the City CEO on Auckland's Smith & Caughey's continuing to operate

Smith and Caughey's has found a way to stay afloat.   The long-running Auckland department store has revealed new measures to remain open, despite announcing a closure in May.   It plans to reduce staff and pull back its operations to the Queen Street ground level store and online offering only.   Heart of the City chief executive Viv Beck says it's a real sign of confidence in the future of Auckland's city centre.  She says the area is evolving as we speak, and it will help people to see the confidence and investment.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/6/20242 minutes, 17 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: Electricity Crisis - It feels like we're fumbling around in the dark

The power was cut to my place last night.  Don't worry, it was expected. It was a maintenance thing from one in the morning or midnight through till 5 a.m. The heating was off, it was chilly. I think it was six degrees in Auckland last night, not as bad as your zero in Christchurch, granted.  But boy, does it make you think how important electricity is.  You don't know what you've got till it's gone, you wake up, you know, freezing, you've got a cold foot hanging out the bed, you're fumbling around in your undies, trying to find undies because it's dark.  It's quite important to have electricity, and you don't know how good it is till it's gone.  So too for major Kiwi industries who are feeling the cold, hard reality at the moment of life without energy, without gas.  There are two stories in the last couple of days that caught my attention.  One was Methanex, which produces Methanol. They've got 270 staff, $640 million is what they're worth to the Taranaki economy, and closer to a billion to the national economy. 8% of Taranaki's GDP, and they are reviewing operations in New Zealand. They're running at half capacity.  Why? A lack of gas.  Dwindling supply from existing gas fields. The spot market is shooting up, going through the roof, wholesale prices are up. You can't get a contract. The business is the equivalent of stumbling around in the dark at the moment.  There's no certainty, they can't get affordable contracts, so business is suffering.  The other story: the largest employer in Ruapehu district, 250 people employed at this pulp mill and sawmill, they've paused their operations.  Why? Energy costs, up 600 percent since 2021. There's a 14 day pause going on there while they consider their future. This is not good.  Some are talking about a manufacturing exodus; this is what we're seeing. It will hurt small town, New Zealand and these are good jobs, these are jobs that feed families.  Is this a surprise? No.  In 2018 MBIE rang the alarm bells about the government's oil and gas ban. Quite loudly, I might add.  This is a briefing paper from the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment given to then Energy Minister Megan Woods.  It said Methanex would not be able to operate at full capacity from 2021 and would stop completely after 2026. Methanex will require a new discovery if it is to continue operating in New Zealand over the medium to long term.  So, we had the warning, now it is happening, and the government promised a just transition at the time.  Where is that? Show me the jobs to replace the potentially hundreds that are on the line right now.  Feels a little bit like we're fumbling around in the dark. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/6/20243 minutes, 20 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 7 August 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 7th of August 2024, labour market data is out today. All of our major banks are expecting a rise, but by how much? ASB's Mark Smith joins Ryan.  The Motor Trade Association thinks they have a plan to help the Government to reduce retail crime - but are they asking for too much? Ryan speaks to First Retail Group.  Iconic Kiwi brand Smith and Caughey's has backtracked on its plan to shut down all operations next year, what does its future look like?  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/6/202434 minutes, 18 seconds
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Allan Lichtman: Presidential Historian on the US Election ahead of the announcement of Kamala Harris' running mate

The US Presidential Election is less than 100 days away.  Kamala Harris is expected to announce her pick for Vice President today ahead of their first public appearance together in Pennsylvania tomorrow.  Presidential Historian Allan Lichtman has correctly predicted almost every US Election since the 1980s through a process called ‘The 13 Keys to the White House’.  He told Ryan Bridge that while he hasn’t made a final prediction yet, a lot would have to go wrong for the Democrats to lose the election.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/5/20245 minutes, 50 seconds
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Donna Demaio: Australian Correspondent on the country's terror threat level increasing

A lift in the terror threat level in Australia is in response to an increase in extremism, fuelled by conspiracy theories and anti-authority ideologies.   Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed the level is lifting from ‘possible’ to ‘probable’ - meaning there's now a greater than 50% chance of an onshore attack in the next twelve months.  Australian correspondent Donna Demaio told Ryan Bridge the Prime Minister is adamant there's no intelligence of an imminent attack, but there is a need for a higher level of preparedness and alertness for agencies and the public.   The Security Intelligence Service says New Zealand's threat level is low.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/5/20242 minutes, 32 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: We're teetering on the edge of an economic cliff

U.S. stock markets had a bit of a panic attack overnight, I think that's the best way to describe it.  Investors have been selling off, especially in tech stocks.  The U.S. job data that came out on Friday seems to have freaked the horses. Losses are being clawed back slightly this morning, but everyone is on edge.  Why? Well, it's the largest economy in the world. It affects us all, and it feels like we're all sort of teetering on the edge of an economic cliff at the moment. We're all at the mercy of our central banks and their rate cut decisions.  Will they cut? Won't they cut?  In this case you've got no cut last week from the Federal Reserve in the U.S. and you've got some bad data and oh, America's going to recession.  If our Reserve Bank doesn't cut soon, then we'll probably have the same issues here.  Bank of England, the European Central Bank, they have cut.  Here's the thing I was thinking about this morning: we've got a mortgage at my house. We're going to refix, so, when the cuts happen I'm not going to be running out and splurging on the credit card. There'll be no new TV or couch at my house, there'll be no new car in the driveway, and I won't be going to fancy restaurants all the time.   I won't be going to the clubs and making it rain cash, just because the rates have cut.  This cost of living crisis, coupled with the technical recession that we went through, it's got me feeling a little sensible. I'm thinking more about saving, I'm thinking more about strategic investing.  You never know when the next Government or Reserve Bank splurge might fuel the next big thing. You know, the lockdowns, then the loose purse strings, the prolonged high interest rates.  So you got to be prepared for stuff.  What does that mean for retailers who are falling over to their knees all around us?  I think, sadly, things won't suddenly bounce back once Adrian Orr blows his whistle, it'll be a long hard slog yet. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/5/20242 minutes, 11 seconds
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Michael Johnston: NZ Initiative Researcher on the Government's action regarding low intermediate maths results

An education expert says we should be worried about low maths results.  Prime Minister Christopher Luxon revealed data which he says shows that four out of five Year 8 students aren't at the expected level.   He's bringing forward a new math curriculum to Term 1 next year, assessing twice yearly, and a $20 million boost for teachers' professional development.   New Zealand Initiative researcher Michael Johnston told Ryan Bridge it's likely things have been like this for some time.  He says the Government's action is necessary, but time will tell whether it's enough.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/5/20243 minutes, 57 seconds
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Faye McCann: First Union Spokesperson on the ambulance workers striking later this month

Ambulance workers say the call to strike boils down to ensuring their voices are heard.  2,500 members from First Union and the Ambulance Association have voted on industrial action.  Labour will be withdrawn for four hours across two days —August 20 and 24— amid calls for the Government to fulfil an election promise to renegotiate funding.  First Union spokesperson Faye McCann told Ryan Bridge 95% of its members voted to strike.  She says it's unfortunate and not the ideal situation.  The Government says it will continue with the current contract for now.   LISTEN ABOVE   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/5/20242 minutes, 50 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 6 August 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 6th August 2024, more changes are on the way for our education system, but what's the thinking behind the policy decisions? NZ Initiative's Dr Michael Johnston joins Ryan to discuss.  The U.S. Presidential Election is less than 100 days out, and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris is expected to announce her running mate by tomorrow. Ryan speaks to Allan Lichtman who has correctly predicted almost every election since 1982.  St John union staff have announced further strike action later this month, including a "withdrawal of labour".  Australia has raised their terror threat level for the first time in a decade. We cross to Australia correspondent Donna Demaio.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/5/202436 minutes, 57 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 5 August 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday the 5th of August - the Government has unveiled their maths action plan, a new curriculum for primary and intermediate school students from next year. Ryan speaks to a principal about the changes. Kidscan have the longest waitlist in their 19-year history. Chief Executive Julie Chapman is on the show. It's been another busy weekend in Paris - Andrew Alderson has the latest in weekend sport. Violence is continuing in the UK after the Southport stabbings. We cross live to UK and Europe Correspondent Kay Oliver. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/4/202434 minutes, 14 seconds
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Martyn Weatherill: Laingholm Primary School doubtful the Government's new maths-based scheme will solve educational issues

An Auckland principal isn't hopeful a new maths action plan will address the root problem. The Government is bringing forward a new curriculum to Term 1 next year, assessing twice yearly and establishing a $20 million boost for teachers' professional development. Laingholm Primary School principal Martyn Weatherill believes this isn't going to fix decades of under-funding. "Political interference in the teaching practice has caused the problem. Now politicians are saying political interference in the teaching practice will solve the problem. I don't see how that's possible." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/4/20243 minutes, 48 seconds
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Kay Oliver: UK correspondent on the rioting sweeping through Britain following Southport stabbing

There's calls for the army to be deployed in the UK, where violent demonstrations are escalating for a seventh day. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has labelled the outbreaks as 'far-right thuggery'. They've continued to escalate since last week's stabbing rampage at a dance class left three children dead and several injured. This morning, 10 police officers have been injured trying to stop a group storming a Rotherham hotel housing asylum seekers. UK correspondent Kay Oliver says politicians from all sides agree this is violence, rather than protests. "We've got Hamza Yousaf, he's a former First Minister of Scotland, saying this situation is so out of control now that the army should be brought in." More than 140 people have been arrested across Britain so far. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/4/20243 minutes, 26 seconds
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Andrew Alderson: ZB sports reporter on Novak Djokovic winning gold at the Paris Olympics

Novak Djokovic has won an elusive Olympic tennis singles gold medal. A 7-6, 7-6 win over Carlos Alcaraz in nearly three hours has seen him become the fifth player after Steffi Graf, Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams to win the four majors and a Games individual title. ZB sports reporter Andrew Alderson explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/4/20243 minutes, 44 seconds
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Julie Chapman: KidsCan Chief Executive on the record number of school-aged children needing help from the organisation

Demand for help from KidsCan has sky-rocketed in the last year. The charity is urgently appealing for donations as more than 10,000 children in 260 schools await help with food, shoes and clothing. Many don't qualify for the Government's free lunch scheme. KidsCan Chief Executive Julie Chapman says the wait-list has grown by more than 150 schools in the last 12 months. She says securing funding's a challenge. "We want to make sure that we're not taking them off for a short time, that we're able to support them for as long as they need it." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/4/20243 minutes, 30 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: Why are our councils discussing the war in Gaza?

What are councils, local councils, regional councils? It should be a simple question. What is their purpose? I've always believed it's to take away my rubbish, put the street lights on. When I go to the toilet, you can take that away too. That's part of your job. Roads, rubbish, sewerage, swimming pools, maybe a library. Although we've got the internet now, so why do we need libraries? But that's a debate for another day. A big scrap in Rotorua, I was reading this over the weekend, over Gaza. Notices of motion, petitions, meetings, interrupted, staff involved. And I asked myself, what has Rotorua Lakes Council got to do with Gaza? They're calling for a ceasefire, and they're one of dozens of councils across the country who are doing this. A clip from mayor Tanya Tapsell's interaction with Councillor Maxwell, who was trying to get this over the line, has gone viral. "Councillor Maxwell, I rule that that is not an urgent item." Probably the first time anything from a council has gone viral. Don't get me wrong. Deaths and the extent of the retaliation by Israel completely out of whack, heart-breaking unimaginable suffering. I am not casting judgment here on the issue at hand, I'm simply asking is Netanyahu, is Biden listening to the thoughts of Rotorua Lakes Council? And if not, should they be talking about things like this? If councils were on top of the core business, this wouldn't matter to me. But you've got budget blowouts on a sewage scheme in Rotorua. You've got in Buller 31% rate increases, in Hamilton 19% rate increases. You've got an average of 15% rate increases across the country. Infrastructure problems, sewage running into the ocean and Tauranga. They've just held an election, the first time they could vote in five years and they were in the 30s in turnout. And you wonder why, people obviously don't have a lot of faith in their councils and what are they doing? And it's not just Gaza, there are other issues that councils often jump on like things to do with the UN. Is that your purview? We've got a permanent representative on the UN Security Council, a permanent representative who can make statements on our behalf on behalf of the government. Isn't that where you do it? Are they focusing on local issues, shouldn't they only focus on local issues after all, aren't they local councils? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/4/20243 minutes, 20 seconds
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Kerri Williams: Olympic rower on their bronze medal in the Olympic Women's Four race

New Zealand's medal haul at the Paris Olympics has increased by a rowing trifecta of gold, silver and bronze.  Lucy Spoors and Brooke Francis took the gold in the double sculls, the men’s four of Logan Ullrich, Tom Murray, Matt Macdonald, and Ollie Maclean dipped their oars in the spoils with silver.  And their female counterparts Jackie Gowler, Kerri Williams, Davina Waddy, and Phoebe Spoors completed the podium with bronze.  Kerri Williams told Ryan Bridge it hasn’t really sunk in yet.  She said it was a bit of a sprint at the end as the leading team set a pretty hot pace, but they came out on the right side.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/1/20244 minutes, 10 seconds
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Darryn Fisher: North Chamber CEO says Transpower needs to front up and explain why they can't compensate Northland businesses for the power cut

Northland businesses say Transpower needs to take responsibility for a fallen pylon and show face in Northland.  Transpower's found contractor Omexom's team leader was distracted sandblasting, as unsupervised inexperienced workers removed the bolts from three legs at once.   It says residents can contact their retailer for compensation, but they can't do anything for businesses.   North Chamber Chief Executive Darryn Fisher told Ryan Bridge Transpower needs to stop avoiding this conversation.  He's calling for them to put their big pants on, get up to Northland and explain why their negligence is putting their livelihoods at risk.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/1/20242 minutes, 42 seconds
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Vincent McAviney: UK Correspondent gives Southport stabbing update, accused named

The 17-year-old accused of the fatal Southport stabbings at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class has been named.  Axel Rudakubana has made his first court appearance in the UK.  British newspapers successfully argued the minor should be named, given public interest.  Three children died and five more were critically injured in the attack earlier this week.  UK Correspondent, Vincent McAviney told Ryan Bridge that Rudakubana has been remanded in youth custody.  He says it's a complex operation, with the trial likely to take place early next year.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/1/20243 minutes, 15 seconds
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Jacqui Southey: Save the Children's Child Rights Advocacy Director says recommendations for child safety systems have been made for more than 20 years

A children's rights advocate says calls for changes to New Zealand's child safety systems go well beyond the 2021 death of Tauranga five-year-old Malachi Subecz.   The Independent Children's Monitor has found recommendations made following Malachi's death haven't happened, and tamariki are no safer today than when he died.  But, Save the Children's Child Rights Advocacy Director Jacqui Southey told Ryan Bridge, the problems —and calls for changes— are decades old.   She says a recommendation for agencies to cross-share information and concerns is more than 20 years old, and yet we still fail to do it.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/1/20243 minutes, 52 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: Keep doing what you're doing Karen Chhour

Did you see the reaction to Donald Trump's comments yesterday?  This is what he said about Kamala Harris' race: "She was Indian all the way and then all of a sudden she made a turn and she became a black person."  What?  The media rightly ran the story, and it was a big deal.  Isn't questioning someone's race exactly what Rawiri Waititi did to Karen Chhour?  Isn't that exactly what he did the other day in parliament when he asked what blood quantum are you? Couldn't the same be said of Kelvin Davis saying that Karen Chhour lives in a Pakeha world?  She's Māori by the way. And what about Te Pāti Māori? They said Karen Shaw should have been raised by Māori caregivers instead of Pakeha ones. And claimed that she had disdain for Māori, for her people. This week they said she's just a puppet of her party and she was basically left in tears in the hallway to ThreeNews.  "I'm still a person. I'm still a person and I feel like I'm getting that stripped away from me day by day in this place, I've had enough.”  No apologies from Te Pāti Māori, no accountability.   I just think it's sad. Put the politics to one side for a second, there's a woman crying in a hallway. Wouldn't you want to just say sorry, if what I had said had made you feel that way?  Karen Chhour is not a bad person, you might disagree with their policies, sure, but also, her treatment in the media this week. I think she's been interrogated more about who bullied her than Julie Anne Genter ever was about actually bullying. It's a double standard. No wonder she's battling and struggling.   Then Chippy turns around and says she's not fit to be a minister. Gaslighting much.  Karen Chhour will be fine. She's a very strong individual.  I guess it just annoys me because if the shoe was on the other foot, imagine, just imagine. And where's the Human Rights Commission? Where's their statement on this stuff?  There'll be attack dogs on social media. You can, you can just imagine how it would play out if the shoe was on the other foot.  I say, keep doing what you're doing. Karen Chhour, you're hard working, you're conscientious, and you can rise above it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/1/20243 minutes
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Full Show Podcast: 2 August 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday 2nd of August, Gold, Silver, and Bronze for our rowers in Paris! Ryan speaks to medallist Keri Williams.  Transpower says compensation is off the table for those impacted the major outage, which was caused by workers removing too many nuts of an Auckland power pylon. How are Northland businesses feeling about the news?  Our child protection system hasn't changed enough since the death of Malachi Subecz in 2021, what does Save The Children think about the report?  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/1/202434 minutes, 19 seconds
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Mitch McCann: US Correspondent says Kamala Harris is set to reveal her running mate in the coming days

Kamala Harris is set to reveal her running mate in the coming days.  The current Vice President will be holding her first rally with her new vice presidential nominee on Tuesday, August 6th US time.  The rally will be held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the campaign saying it will launch a four day “battleground tour”.  US Correspondent Mitch McCann told Ryan Bridge that the top contenders in this race are the Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg.  He said that while the rally is taking place in Pennsylvania, the campaign is telling people not to buy into that when it comes to the pick.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/31/20242 minutes, 22 seconds
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Sarah Dalton: Association of Salaried Medical Specialists ED on the new regional directors at Health NZ

There’s confidence the new regional roles at Health New Zealand will offer something new.  The Government's appointed four Deputy Chief Executives to run different regions from next month.   It comes after its board was sacked and replaced by a sole commissioner.   Association of Salaried Medical Specialists Executive Director Sarah Dalton told Ryan Bridge that these appointments will replace existing regional directors.   She says they've got a different set of responsibilities, including bringing parts of the funded health sector back under their oversight.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/31/20243 minutes, 40 seconds
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Tommy Honey: Construction Industry Council ED on the drop in building consents

There's a belief New Zealand's building sector is still many months away from a rebound, as consents plummet.  Stats NZ data shows fewer than 34,000 new homes were consented in the year to June.  That's a 24% annual drop, and five-year low.  Construction Industry Council Executive Director Tommy Honey told Ryan Bridge it's a continuation of a trend that began mid-2022  He says they've been waiting for that to reverse —or at least plateau— but numbers are still seemingly sinking.  Annual building consents of apartments have also plummeted, with a 51% drop in the year to June.   Honey told Bridge apartments are seen as a risk for builders, developers, and investors.  He says it's also related to inflation running high, and while that's turning a corner, there's a lag at the Reserve Bank.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/31/20243 minutes, 29 seconds
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Leon Goldsmith: Middle East politics expert on the effects of the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh

A Middle East politics expert says the assassination of a Hamas political leader will have reverberating effects.   Iran's vowing to avenge the killing of Ismail Haniyeh after his reported death in an air strike in Tehran.  It's declared three days of mourning and is promising what it calls "harsh punishment" against Israel.  It follows an Israeli strike on a Hezbollah commander in Lebanon.   Otago University's Leon Goldsmith told Ryan Bridge it takes a ceasefire deal off the table for now.   He says Israel's probably sending a strong message that no one is safe with the two leaders killed inside one day.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/31/20244 minutes, 30 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: Where is the shame from breaking rules?

This is not the most important story that you will hear today, but it grinds my gears.  It's a small, seemingly insignificant event, but I think it speaks to two things that I absolutely hate about the world that we live in right now.  It took place at cinema three in Pukekohe. You might have seen the video on the Herald website.  So, two women and a child go to the movies, they sneak food in, which I know is not the biggest thing happening in the world right now.  We've all done it too, haven't we?  These guys, these entitled prats, let's just call them what they are, they had food, they had drinks, they had snacks, they had hot food, they snuck hot food into the cinema. That's brazen.  The guy working at the cinema goes over them and says, you're not allowed to bring your own food in.  And these guys just are having none of it. First of all, the worker that comes over has an Asian accent, they mock him for, for his race. They sit there and they start berating him: “Oh, you've made my daughter cry. You've made my daughter cry.”  It's his cinema.  The police came and had to escort them out for goodness sakes. They refused to move, they demanded refunds, they carried on eating.  They said, I wish I had my vape here, I'd start vaping and things like that.  The staff said they felt unsafe. They had to turn the movie off, so whoever was in the movie missed out.  People, the cinema has rules. It's clearly signposted apparently five times throughout the cinema complex that you cannot bring your own food.  And so, my feelings: one, if you can't go an hour forty without eating, you probably should. Two, this is a wider issue. It's about people not respecting rules. It's not your property, businesses need to make money otherwise they go out of business and people lose their jobs.  And number three, and this is the most egregious breach for me, they posted it all to TikTok.  Just the audacity to film all of that, berate the poor person working there, and then put it all on TikTok.  It's shameless. And that is what's wrong with us today, we have no shame anymore.  You steal something - Oh, it's the cost of living crisis.  You do something terrible - Oh, it's my mental health.  Where is the shame from breaking rules?  I don't see much of it at Cinema Three Pukekohe, that's for sure. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/31/20242 minutes, 46 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 1 August 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Thursday 1st of August, it's a throwback to the days of regional DHBs - Health NZ has announced four new regional directors.  Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has been killed in Iran, so where could the conflict go to from here? Ryan speaks to a Middle East expert.  Building consents are down - is it a sign of the struggling economy? The Construction Industry Council breaks down the reasons for the drop.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/31/202434 minutes, 9 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK Correspondent gives an update on the stabbing at the Taylor Swift-themed dance class in the UK

A nine-year-old girl has become the third child to die after a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in the UK.  Two other girls, aged six and seven, died in the attack in northwest England on Monday.  A 17-year-old boy remains in custody accused of murder and attempted murder following the incident in Southport.  Eight other children suffered stab wounds and five are in critical condition, alongside two adults who were critically injured.  UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge that there is a vigil going on at the sites, with hundreds if not thousands of people attending.  Taylor Swift herself has also commented on the situation, saying she is in total shock over the loss of life and innocence.  Grey said that her fans have raised more than $400 thousand for the families of the victims.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/30/20241 minute, 33 seconds
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Campbell Barry: Local Government NZ Vice President on the NZIER report on the cost of Government reforms for councils

The changing whims of different governments are putting financial pressure on councils.   A report from NZIER has found central government underestimates what its reforms cost councils to implement.   Local Government New Zealand is calling for more assistance from Government to help them carry the cost.   Vice President and Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry says the speed limit increases under the previous Government cost $570 thousand for his council to implement.   He says the Government's new directive to reverse speed limit increases will cost another $570 thousand.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/30/20243 minutes, 25 seconds
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Andree Froude: Problem Gambling Foundation Director of Advocacy and Public Health on the changes to online gambling advertising regulations

Moves to improve online gambling regulation will allow overseas online casinos to advertise in New Zealand from early 2026.   The Minister of Internal Affairs says it will only apply to licensed operators and come with strict limits.  The Problem Gambling Foundation says the advertising is a concern.  Director of Advocacy and Public Health for the Problem Gambling Foundation, Andree Froude told Ryan Bridge that they’d love to see the advertising of gambling banned completely, but if that’s not going to happen they want to see strict measures in place.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/30/20243 minutes, 29 seconds
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Michael Burgess: NZ Herald Sports Reporter on the postponing of the Men's Triathlon due to the Seine's water quality

The River Seine fell short yesterday, leading to a last minute cancellation.  The Men’s Triathlon was postponed due to the poor water quality in the river, after the cancellation of two prior training sessions.  They’ve moved the event from 6pm last night to 8:45pm tomorrow, after the Women’s Triathlon.  Michael Burgess, NZ Herald Sports Reporter, told Ryan Bridge that Friday is, as far as they know, the last day they could hold the men’s triathlon in the river, and if they can’t, they’ll have to skip that portion.  He said that one of our athletes, Hayden Wilde, has expressed that there’d be a funny feeling about competing and perhaps medalling at an incomplete Olympic triathlon.  “There’d sort of always be an asterisk attached to that.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/30/20244 minutes, 1 second
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Ryan Bridge: What are our wealthy politicians going to do with their tax cut?

Income tax cuts kick in for us today and 94% of us will get a few extra bucks.  Will it be swallowed up by your mortgage, or your insurance going up, or your rates? Probably, but better we get the money and decide what to do with it than the politicians, right?  Also today, MPs get their first pay rise since 2017, and watch closely, watch those particularly who shout the loudest about equality, and fairness, and justice, and all those good things.  Do they put their money where their mouth is today?  Chris Luxon, for his sins —and I assume it's to stave off the inevitable media storm about he's rich, he's white, he's got seven houses— he has promised to donate his full tax cut 20 bucks a week to charity, also the increase in his pay to charity.  Hipkins, what's happening over at Labour HQ?  Well, Labour has apparently emailed their supporters asking for the tax cut to be donated.  It sounds good. Not to Women's Refuge or Kids Can, but to Labour.  Yes. Take your tax cut and give it to Labour.  But what about the Greens? Where do they stand on this? What gesture are they making?  By their own estimates they are the wealthy elite, many of them own homes. They're on salaries of more than 170,000 bucks a year.  They're getting a close to 3% pay rise backdated to last October I might add.  And Chloe Swarbrick, as the co-leader, will now get a nice bump to her salary for that too. She'll be on well over $200,000.  Where are the pledges to donate, Marama and Chloe, et al, where are they?  These tax cuts, according to you guys, are cruel and dangerous and a national disgrace, they benefit the wealthy elites.  So the question is, what are you wealthy elites, by your own definition, going to do about it? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/30/20242 minutes, 8 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 31 July 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 31st of July, Local Government NZ say central government policies are costing councils and ratepayers more - LGNZ Vice President Campbell Barry speaks to Ryan.  New licensing rules are on the way for online casinos, but do they go far enough? The Problem Gambling Foundation has concerns.  The women's sevens have won New Zealand our first medal in the Olympics! We have all the action. But there's a lack of action in the River Seine - water quality issues have pushed the triathlon schedule back  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/30/202434 minutes, 10 seconds
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Tom Saunders: Kiwi Olympic Sailor on the competition for the 1-person Dinghy men’s races

New Zealand is still looking to secure their first medal in this year’s Olympic Games.  They had a busy morning on Day Three, with multiple equestrian events, cycling, swimming, and the Black Ferns Sevens moving through to the semifinals.  Kiwi Tom Saunders, one of the top laser sailors in the world, is in Paris for his first Olympics.  He told Ryan Bridge that since they’re all racing with identical supplied equipment, it’s a lot more pure sailing, and comes down to the individual sailor’s skill as opposed to what sort of gear they have.  They’re not short on competition, Saunders said, with Australia and Britain setting the benchmark the last two years, but there’s also strong competition from Germany, Norway, and Cyprus.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/29/20243 minutes, 37 seconds
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Wayne Langford: Federated Farmers President on the low economic confidence of farmers

Farmers still feel there are tough times ahead.  The latest Farm Confidence report from Federated Farmers shows confidence has fallen over this year, with debt, interest rates, and banks the greatest concern.  More than half of farmers are expecting conditions to deteriorate in the year ahead.  Federated Farmers President Wayne Langford told Ryan Bridge they’re questioning why their interest rates and margins are significantly higher than others. He said that they’ve asked for a banking inquiry as the banks and the Reserve Bank are just pointing the finger at each other.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/29/20242 minutes, 28 seconds
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Ginny Andersen: Labour's Justice Spokesperson on the proposed Firearm Prohibition Order laws

There’s concerns a crackdown on gangs could go too far.  Proposed Firearm Prohibition Order laws would expand bans on holding a firearms licence to people committing lower-level offences, and allow warrantless police searches of suspects.  The Justice Select Committee is asking for it to be scaled back, concerned it gives police too much power.   Labour's Justice Spokesperson Ginny Andersen told Ryan Bridge the proposal is still too broad.  She says it's designed to look tough, but it's not clear what problem it's actually fixing.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/29/20244 minutes, 4 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: I love watching the Olympics, but there have been a few dampeners

I love watching the Olympics. I'm still watching, I'm still excited, but there are just a few little niggly things that are putting a slight dampener on it for me.  The river Seine is dirty again. That's the second day with no practice.  You've got to do a triathlon, you want to practice swimming in the river that you're going to compete in, but you can't because it's dirty.  It's filled with E Coli and it rained in the weekend, still affecting the water quality.  So, that's the second day in a row with no practice. And you won't know whether you're going to swim in the Seine until four hours before the race is due to start.  Could this have been avoided? Could you have picked another river to swim in?  I would have thought.  The opening ceremony, that's another thing. I mean, obviously Celine Dion was amazing, but there was the weird meandering lead up to Celine.   The athletes themselves are actually complaining a lot about the beds being uncomfortable, the rooms being too hot, the food is bad, and they say this is affecting their chance of a world of breaking world records.  That's not great.  The other thing is that we've got no medals, and I'm not complaining because obviously I'm not there racing myself, I'm not jumping in the pool and swimming, so I'm not going to complain about that, but it is nice to win a medal, isn't it?  Then there's the Canadian football team who've cheated. They now want the points that have been deducted, put back on.  Should you still be able to remain in the Olympics when you've essentially cheated?  Imagine if the Canadian women's football team actually got the gold medal even though they've sent drones up in the air. Does that seem fair?  I don't know.  So there's just a few problems that seem to be quite avoidable. A few rules that seem to be a little bit unfair.  However, in saying all of that, I'm still watching and listening. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/29/20242 minutes, 10 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 30 July 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 30th of July, changes could be on the way for the Firearms Prohibition Order following recommendations from the Justice Select Committee. Committee Member and Labour MP Ginny Anderson talks to Ryan.  Federated Farmers say farmer confidence remains at a historic low. Wayne Langford runs Ryan though their latest survey.  Live in Paris - We're still waiting for the first NZ medal. Kiwi Olympic sailor Tom Saunders chats about his first Olympic games.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/29/202434 minutes, 28 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: Is democracy under threat?

Is it just me or does it feel like democracy is somewhat under threat or at risk?  Just reading the international news headlines day in day out, it feels precarious.  Trump, over the weekend if you missed it, is suggesting that he will fix the next election. And I know he's probably joking, but you never really tell with Donald Trump.  "You won't have to do it anymore, four more years, you know what? It'll be fixed, it'll be fine. You won't have to vote anymore.  My beautiful Christians, I love you Christians."  So there's Trump and then you've got a barely functioning Joe Biden in the White House. Are these the shining beacons of democracy we can hold up as our poster kids.  I don't think so.  And then there's, if you look apart from the Olympics in France, the election result there has left them basically in limbo.  I mean, who is actually running the government you know, the Olympics is kind of the spectacle.  That's a sideshow, but really who's running the place and there's such an extreme spectrum from that vote that they had.  You've had Hungary's Viktor Orban at the weekend talking about nationalism. You know, he's Putin's mate.  He says there's a shift in global power underway, in a few decades or centuries he reckons Asia will be the centre of the world, the future big powers, China, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, the West has pushed Russia towards this block of countries.  The International Institute for Democracy and electoral assistance says half of the world's countries are suffering democratic decline.  They say things like flawed elections and curtailed rights of freedom and assembly and speech are reducing the power of democracy across the world and this is six consecutive years of declines, they say so I don't really know what the conclusion of all that is other than I suppose, just keep watching the Olympics and forget about it.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/28/20242 minutes, 19 seconds
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Willow Jean Prime: Labour's Children's Spokesperson on bootcamp pilot programme for serious youth offenders starting today

Oranga Tamariki’s bootcamp pilot programme for serious youth offenders starts today.  The 12-month military style programme will see one-to-one mentoring with a focus on routine, physical activity and education.  Labour’s children’s spokesperson Willow Jean Prime tells Ryan Bridge the programme is experimental and is taking place despite evidence that bootcamp models do not work.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/28/20243 minutes, 43 seconds
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Gavin Grey: Europe correspondent on France's high speed rail network returning to normal after attack

France’s high speed rail network is expected to be back to normal tomorrow after a co-ordinated attack on the infrastructure occurred before the Olympics Opening Ceremony. It’s estimated 800,000 have been affected.  And, the UK Government is softening taxpayers up for widespread tax rises. Ministers are set to reveal a treasury audit of public spending pressures inherited by the new government.   Europe correspondent Gavin Grey tells Ryan Bridge there are claims of a “black hole” worth tens of billions of pounds.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/28/20243 minutes, 12 seconds
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Andrew Alderson: ZB Sports on 49er sailors leading in Marseille, Lewis Clareburt's medal hopes

Sailors Isaac McHardie and Will McKenzie are first after the opening day of the men's 49er competition off the Marseille coast. The pair triumphed immediately, before posting a third and an eighth.  Meanwhile, in efforts to snag New Zealand’s first Olympic swimming medal since 1996, Lewis Clareburt faces tough competition in France’s Leon Marchand.   And, rain continues to disrupt water quality at training in the River Seine.   ZB Sports Andrew Alderson gives Ryan Bridge the latest.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/28/20243 minutes, 15 seconds
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Brigitte Morten: Political Commentator on Darleen Tana being asked to resign again

The Green Party held its annual General Meeting over the weekend – but focus remained on the Darleen Tana saga.   Party leadership has written to Tana, formally requesting her resignation and response within 21 days. Delegates will hold a vote on September 1 on whether to invoke the waka jumping legislation and kick her out of parliament.  Political commentator Brigitte Morten tells Ryan Bridge the saga is drawn out because Green party members are not fully behind party leadership.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/28/20242 minutes, 35 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 29 July 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday the 29th of July. The Government's serious young offender bootcamp trial starts today - Ryan speaks to Labour about their thoughts on the pilot programme.  Darleen Tana has been asked again by her former party to resign from parliament. What are the next steps for the party?  It's all on in Paris - Kiwi athletes could win their first medals this morning. Andrew Alderson takes us through the latest from the Olympics.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/28/202434 minutes, 15 seconds
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Erin Routliffe: NZ Tennis Olympian ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics

Excitement is building in Paris as the Olympic Opening Ceremony draws near.  In less than 24 hours, nearly 100 boats will be floating down the River Seine for the outdoor ceremony.  195 Kiwi athletes are in France for the Games, competing across 22 sports.  Erin Routliffe is competing in the tennis doubles alongside Lulu Sun, and told Ryan Bridge that they’re excited to play together.  She said that they’re trying to figure out their identity as a team, but they’re both good players so they’ll be pretty adaptable when playing together.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/25/20243 minutes, 38 seconds
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David Seymour: Regulation Minister on the opposition to the Early Childhood regulatory review

The Regulation Minister says people in Early Childhood tell them they're sick of the amount of red tape and regulation.    Labour, Te Pati Māori, and the Greens have united against the Regulation Ministry's regulatory review.  They claim the Government's making dangerous changes.   The NZEI union is also calling for it to stop.   David Seymour told Ryan Bridge it's the first time the opposition has united around something this term.   He says they say they want to stop dangerous changes but a single change hasn't yet been announced, they're still just listening to people.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/25/20246 minutes, 17 seconds
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Kate Acland: Beef + Lamb Chair on the report on New Zealand's freshwater quality targets

It’s being suggested that New Zealand's freshwater quality targets are unworkable.  A Beef + Lamb-commissioned independent review shows more than a third of our rivers won't meet national sediments standards.  That's even if agriculture is removed and catchments are returned to their natural state.  Chair Kate Acland told Ryan Bridge they're asking for a pause to work on something more practical.  She says it's not trying to delay regulation —and acknowledges farming's impact on freshwater quality— but need an enduring framework to manage it.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/25/20243 minutes, 18 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: Olympic spying - Send the entire Canadian team home

Drone gate.  It's all anyone is talking about at the Olympics.  We've just lost to the Canadians by the way, 2 - 1 in the women's football.  Imagine being that assistant coach and the analyst who were caught, who were busted.  You know, you go to the Olympics, it's one of your proudest moments. Your family is behind you, your kids are cheering you on.  Then imagine the shame of flying home before the games have even begun.  I could think of nothing worse. You're coming home basically a spy, you've broken the rules.  Imagine that plane ride and imagine facing your family and facing your country when you go home, the shame of it.  And why? Apparently they're way better than us anyway.  They're the reigning champs and they've just beaten us 2-1 over in Paris.  The head coach Beverly Priestman is staying on, she sat out the match this morning. But I don't know, if you dope, you get disqualified, don't you?  Isn't spying, isn't cheating the same?  And you can't tell me the coach didn't know. If the assistant coach is involved, surely the head coach would know.  And if the head coach knows, surely the players would know.  Did they see the footage?  You can't unsee the footage, can you?  I know I might be biased because I'm a Kiwi, but I say send them all home.  Send the entire Canadian team home packing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/25/20241 minute, 35 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 26 July 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday 26th of July, the Olympics opening ceremony is just about here - Ryan speaks to kiwi tennis star Erin Routliffe.  Beef and Lamb are up in arms about our water sediment targets - what's the solution?  Opposition parties have united against the early childhood sector review - Ryan speaks to Associate Education Minister David Seymour.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/25/202434 minutes, 16 seconds
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Conor English: New Zealand Esports President on the first ever Olympic Esports Games confirmed for next year

Kiwi Esports athletes will be heading to Saudi Arabia next year to compete in the first-ever Olympic Esports games.  The International Olympic Committee voted unanimously for Saudi Arabia to host the Games in 2025 reflecting the growth in popularity of competitive gaming.  The decision comes as Riyadh hosts the Esports World Cup – a two-month event drawing 2,500 gamers competing for NZ$100 million in prize money.  New Zealand Esports President Conor English joined Ryan Bridge.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/24/20242 minutes, 46 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 25 July 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Thursday 25th of July, the abuse in care Royal Commission report is out - what action will the government take on the 138 recommendations? A call for an end to raised crossings in Wellington - Transporting New Zealand speaks to Ryan. The Kiwi E-Sports team are heading to Saudi Arabia next year for the first Olympic competition. They're currently competing in the World championships. U.S. President Joe Biden will make a public address today, the first since announcing he won't seek re-election. Ryan speaks to our correspondent in the states Mitch McCann. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/24/202434 minutes, 20 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: Confession time - I have eaten a Weka

Shock horror and online hate this week for that American who came here, the reality TV show contestant, who came here and murdered one of our native birds and then ate it.  It was a Weka that he killed and ate.  I have a confession for you: I too have killed and eaten a Weka.  Yes.  But it was buff wicker on the Chatham Islands, and you're allowed to. It's the only place you can do it in New Zealand.  And it's delicious, I have to confess. It tasted like a cross between chicken and pork quite greasy, but really delicious.  I went there to film for a TV show.  You sit in the ute in the evening drinking whiskey with the local guys. The dogs go out, get them, bring them to the window of the ute. They snap the neck, throw them on the back of the tray.  They said that sometimes they could get hundreds in a night and, they're a pest over there so they would run rampant and take over the island.  So there we are over there eating Weka, having a great time.  And Roger Beattie is a conservationist and an entrepreneur who was there with us, and he reckons we should farm Weka on the mainland.  He says no farmed species has ever died out.  Currently, it's illegal to sell Weka, DOC is dead against it. But Roger says we farm plenty of other species in New Zealand shellfish, trees, so, why not birds?  It's an interesting take. He's a bit of a radical.  DOC says that predator-free sanctuaries are the way to go and they're working.  I mean, they are working - you look at Wellington, for example, that is working. I kind of think all options should be on the table.  82 percent of bird species are currently threatened with extinction or at risk of becoming threatened.  So, can we really be that picky or fussy if we're serious about saving them? It's at least worth a wee look, I would have thought. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/24/20242 minutes, 16 seconds
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Jason Walls: Newstalk ZB Political Editor on how the Government is preparing its response to the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care

The Government is preparing its response to the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care report after its release yesterday.  It found about 200,000 were abused from the 655,000 in care between 1950 and 2019.  There are 138 recommendations which include looking at allowing compensation claims through court, and an apology from the Government and religious organisations.  Newstalk ZB Political Editor Jason Walls joined Ryan Bridge.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/24/20242 minutes, 58 seconds
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Mitch McCann: US correspondent on Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to the US Congress

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has spoken to the US Congress in Washington DC, amid waning support for Israel in its war in Gaza. Netanyahu was invited to speak by US House Speaker Mike Johnson, where he will also meet with President Joe Biden, Vice-President Kamala Harris, and former President Donald Trump. But US correspondent Mitch McCann says at least 30 Democratic lawmakers didn't attend, and about 5000 people protested his visit in Washington. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/24/20242 minutes, 5 seconds
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Dom Kalasih: Transporting NZ chief executive says Thorndon Quay raised crossings will cause major issues for heavy vehicles

Transport organisations are raising concerns about proposed raised crossings on Wellington's Thorndon Quay.  Wellington City Council is planning five raised signalised crossings along a 1.7 kilometre stretch of the central city road.  Freight lobby group Transporting New Zealand has joined forces with Fire and Emergency, the AA, New Zealand Heavy Haulage, and the Bus and Coach Association in calling on the council to rethink those plans.  The group's chief executive Dom Kalasih told Ryan Bridge the raised crossings will cause major issues for trucks and other heavy vehicles.  “Dare I say it, we’re just carrying freight. Think about all the people and buses and ambulances – people could be on their way to hospital.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/24/20243 minutes, 5 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 24 July 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday the 24th of July. The abuse in state care Royal Commission report is out today, Ryan speaks with a survivor. The Commerce Commission says Kiwis are paying to much is card payment surcharges - what does Retail NZ want to see change? Northland's four lane highway is set to be fast tracked by the Government. Northchamber speaks to Ryan about their concerns with current infrastructure. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/23/202434 minutes, 12 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on an Islamic preacher found guilty of directing and supporting terror group

An Islamic preacher in the UK has been found guilty of directing and supporting terror group al-Muhajiroun. The group has been linked to different acts of terror in the UK, including attacks on Westminster and London Bridges in 2017, which killed five and eight people respectively, and an attack at London's Fishmongers' Hall in 2019. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says preacher Anjem Choudary now faces life in prison for his support of the group. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/23/20242 minutes, 45 seconds
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Darryn Fisher: Northland Chamber of Commerce chief executive says they're working to accelerate work on prioritised regional expressway

Excitement in Northland, as the Transport Minister gives the green light to a prioritised regional expressway. Simeon Brown's agreed to accelerate delivery — letting NZTA move at pace on the route between Auckland and Whangarei. Locals have been growing irritated following repetitive road closures on the Brynderwyns. Northland Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Darryn Fisher told Ryan Bridge the projected opening date is unknown. “I think there’s still some work to go on there as far as consents and obtaining land and business cases go, but as a community, we’re here to make sure we accelerate that as quickly as we can.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/23/20243 minutes, 4 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: To Health NZ's new commissioner - Good luck, I think you'll need it

The press conference yesterday for Health New Zealand - Boy, Oh boy, what a doozy. So they've appointed Lester Levy as the commissioner, the CEO Margie Apa was there alongside him. She's been in the job two years, that's how long the organisation's been set up for. They're overspending $130 million a month. We know that — that can be nothing more than mismanagement if you take Levy's word for it. He says they don't need more money. They basically just don't know how to spend efficiently within the organisation as it stands. So, that's mismanagement short and simple start to finish. And the whole thing for me was a farce. They said we need to push into the regions, that's where the decision making is made. What? Isn't that what we said we didn't need? We needed more centralisation, we needed a national service and now we're going out to the regions again. Why did we spend all this money to set this organisation up? It's so frustrating to listen to. They also said we're never going to achieve the proper transition from the DHBs to this new organisation in two years. Are you serious? Imagine a private business changing its operating model and two years in saying, oh, the change hasn't worked but it's still early days, it just wouldn't happen. And then there was this levy who sits on a whole bunch of boards and knows what he's talking about, casually said that their spending controls and checks and balances are not up to scratch. "Internal and management controls are much weaker than I would have expected. So we have spending problems all over the show". What an absolute cluster. I hate to be negative, I really do, I know it's early in the morning. Just a simple we request from me, let's make sure that when we appoint boards and executives that they actually know what they're doing, they can read a spreadsheet. Good luck Lester, I think you'll need it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/23/20242 minutes, 5 seconds
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Carolyn Young: Retail NZ chief executive says it's not the intent that PayWave fees passed to consumers aren't always as accurately reflected

The head of Retail NZ has stopped short of saying consumers are being ripped off by fees for PayWave and online card payments. The Commerce Commission's consulting on fee capping regulation that could save Kiwis $250 million a year. Retail NZ Chief Executive Carolyn Young told Ryan Bridge fees passed to consumers are not always as accurately reflected as they could be, but that's not necessarily the intent. “Part of that from the conversations we’ve had with people is through lack of knowledge through a really complicated system, so we want the system to be a lot more simple and straightforward so that everyone can follow it.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/23/20243 minutes, 18 seconds
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Karl Tauri: Abuse in care survivor says it's important the final report acknowledges crimes were committed

The final report into the inquiry in abuse in care and faith-based institutions will be tabled in Parliament later today. A Royal Commission of Inquiry has been conducting hearings for almost six years - about people's experiences in the system from 1950 to 1999. The Prime Minister is due to make a formal public apology in November. Abuse in care survivor Karl Tauri told Ryan Bridge the most important part is an acknowledgement of the crimes committed. “A lot of that has not actually just been acknowledged and perpetrators haven’t been named or brought to account to the public eye really.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/23/20242 minutes, 57 seconds
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Henry Olsen: Election Analyst says Kamala Harris is set to secure the Democrats' nomination

An election analyst says Kamala Harris' nomination is probably a done deal.   The process will be formally open for challengers, and none of the delegates at the Democratic National Convention are required to vote for her.  Election analyst Henry Olsen told Ryan Bridge it's likely any possible contenders would be feeling it's not worth taking on Kamala Harris.   He says some could privately think she isn't the strongest candidate and personally want the job, but have decided it’s better to choose discretion.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/22/20244 minutes, 17 seconds
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Carl Findlay: Maritime Union NZ National Secretary on the Interislander ferries being deemed safe to run

Maritime experts are still cautious after a report into KiwiRail.   Interislander ferries have been deemed safe and well maintained, and will stick around for years to come.   Aratere ran aground last month when the autopilot was mistakenly turned on according to a leaked document.        Maritime Union of New Zealand National Secretary Carl Findlay says workers are still anxious because of historical technical problems.   He says there's real safety concerns for the staff manning the deteriorating ships.  Findlay told Ryan Bridge that with the given history, they need to have a very, very clear, well thought out rescue plan.   He says he’d rather be prepared than the old story of the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/22/20243 minutes, 36 seconds
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Deborah Powell: Resident Doctors' Association National Security on Health NZ's overspending

Some health workers say they want the priority to be the workforce rather than the budget.  The Health New Zealand board has been sacked and replaced with a commissioner - Lester Levy.  Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the agency is overspending by $130 million a month.  Resident Doctors' Association National Secretary Deborah Powell told Ryan Bridge it is underfunded.  She says the money they get is always in catch-up mode, and they need to get into an investment phase.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/22/20244 minutes, 22 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: The row over road cones is getting piping hot

In the Herald this morning, the boss of traffic management firm Traffix laid into the Transport Minister, saying he and Wayne Brown don't understand how the industry works.  He says they don't charge per road cone for work, but rather per worker and truck.  He says the public's abusing his staff on site because of misinformation being spread.  The problem here is an independent report, which we spoke about yesterday, from EY.  It was pretty damning, finding said rules incentivise contractors to cause maximum disruption to maximise profits. NZTA looked at 800 maintenance work sites on highway network and found 145 of them were not needed.  Doesn't that make your blood boil?  And Auckland council alone spends $145m a year on road cones and temporary traffic management.  There was a contractor around the corner from my place who had to dig a small hole on side of road, I couldn't believe they had to actually close the road.  Small, quiet suburban street, down to one lane with stop go signs.  Madness.  I'd never say anything to workers, because it's not their fault, but clearly after the EY report and the message from NZTA, something needs to be fixed, and fast.  Wayne Brown wants the power to set fees and charge penalties if work drags on or wasn't needed in the first place.  I say give it to him. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/22/20241 minute, 44 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 23 July 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 23rd of July, Joe Biden is no longer seeking re-election and has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the top job. U.S. election analyst Henry Olsen joins Ryan from the States to provide his thoughts.  Health NZ's board has been scrapped by the Government, replaced by a commissioner for the next year. Ryan speaks to the Residents Doctors Association.  A lifeline for the Interislander? A new report has found the 3 ships can run up until 2029, longer than expected. But the Maritime Union aren't happy with the results.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/22/202434 minutes, 28 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 22 July 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday the 22nd of July, the fallout continues from the global CrowdStrike IT outage. Ryan speaks to a tech expert on the continued fallout.  Tauranga has elected it's first council after four years of commissioners. The local Business Chamber talks to Ryan about what they want to see. Andrew Alderson wraps the weekend's sport stories - including a major player moving from the Hurricanes to Moana Pasifika. Plus, Ryan breaks the news of Joe Biden dropping out of the 2024 Presidential race.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/21/202434 minutes, 3 seconds
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Danu Abeysuirya: IT expert says CrowdStrike could face a flurry of lawsuits after global outage

An IT expert believes there'll be a flurry of lawsuits on the back of Friday's global IT outage.  Microsoft estimated 8.5 million computers were disabled with a blue screen of death, and experts predict it'll be weeks before all systems fully recover.   It is believed the outage was triggered by an update from global cybersecurity company CrowdStrike.  IT expert Danu Abeysuirya told Ryan Bridge CrowdStrike failed in its responsibilities.  He says the company's in for a world of hurt via lawsuits.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/21/20243 minutes, 24 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on German police reportedly foiling planned terror attack hours before UEFA Euro 2024 final

German police have reportedly foiled a planned terror attack just hours before last week's UEFA Euro 2024 final in Berlin. Three suspects were reportedly detained during a series of raids of addresses in nearby Potsdam, after they were taking pictures of a fanzone and a church. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says the suspects were known ISIS supporters. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/21/20243 minutes, 4 seconds
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Andrew Alderson: Newstalk ZB sports reader on Oscar Piastri's maiden Formula 1 victory

Oscar Piastri has become the fifth Australian to win a Formula 1 race, after his victory in the Hungarian Grand Prix. But the triumph didn't come without controversy, with McLaren teammate Lando Norris forced to give the victory to his teammate. Newstalk ZB sports reader Andrew Alderson joined Ryan Bridge to discuss further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/21/20243 minutes, 35 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: Our biggest ever athletics team heading to Paris - and it's quite exciting

Hamish Kerr - you might recall the name.  He's a high jumper, winning gold at the Commonwealth Games, but so far no Olympic medal.  He's apparently looking very good for Paris - the opening ceremony kicks off this Saturday morning.  I'm getting quite excited about it.  So Kerr is peaking at just the right time - he's just taken out the men’s high jump title at the London Diamond League Athletics meet.  He cleared 2.3m - incredible stuff.  He also won in Monaco earlier this month, where he cleared 2.33m and equalled his personal best in an outdoor event.  The men’s high jump begins on August 8th for us. The opening ceremony is this Saturday morning 5:30am our time, with its peak at 7:30am for their sunset.  Anyway, I just love this. Our biggest ever athletics team heading to Paris.  There's nothing like sitting down on the couch, for hours on end, with some bikkies and a cup of tea watching these incredibly disciplined, unbelievably skilled and fit athletes perform for the world.  It's almost like because what you're watching is athletic and captivating you don't feel lazy for essentially watching hours of television.  There's something incredibly emotional about the Games too, there's always tears and joy and exhaustion.  It's humans dedicating themselves to something for years, for their life, and knowing all of that comes down to just a few seconds in a race or game or event.  It's perseverance and dedication on full display and I just love it.  To Hamish Kerr, the record 17 athletics athletes, and the entire team of 195 Kiwis wearing the fern in Paris - good luck. We'll all be watching. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/21/20242 minutes, 20 seconds
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Matt Cowley: Tauranga Business Chamber chief executive says voting process is still struggling to engage people amid low turnout

Concern in Tauranga about the city election's low voter turnout.   Olympic rower Mahe Drysdale has an almost 6000 vote lead in the mayoral race, with just the specials left to count.   Voter turnout's shaping up to be one of the city's lowest in a decade, with around 30 percent of residents casting their vote.   Tauranga Business Chamber chief executive Matt Cowley told Ryan Bridge the process is struggling to engage people.  “Raises questions around is this really the full democracy that our so-called community has wanted.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/21/20243 minutes, 58 seconds
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Vincent McAviney: UK correspondent on EU leaders' meeting with new Prime Minister

European leaders met in Britain for the 4th meeting of the European political community. The meeting hopes to unite Europe in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war, beyond just the nations in the EU and NATO. UK correspondent Vincent McAviney told Ryan Bridge that newly elected UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, used this is as a chance to reset the country's relationship with the EU. He says this will be helpful in addressing the issues of illegal migration across the continent. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/18/20242 minutes
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Craig Rennie: Council of Trade Unions Economist on the record number of beneficiaries

The number of people on a benefit has reached a new record and could keep rising, despite an uptick in sanctions.  June quarter data shows 11.9% of working-age people are receiving a benefit - the highest since December 2020.  It's an annual increase of 8.3%.  Council of Trade Unions economist Craig Rennie told Ryan Bridge the number of people on Jobseeker will keep rising.  He said unemployment is always a bad thing, as the more people working means there are more households with money in their pockets, and poverty starts to fall.   Rennie said that unemployment is never a thing you should be aiming for, it’s always something you should be avoiding.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/18/20243 minutes, 47 seconds
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Matt Terrill: Former Chief of Staff for Marco Rubio ahead of the final day of the Republican National Convention

Joe Biden's under increasing pressure to stand aside as the Democratic presidential candidate as Donald Trump prepares to formally accept the Republican nomination.  Sources have told the Associated Press that both Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi have privately called for Biden to step aside.  It comes as the US President continues to isolate with Covid.  Meanwhile, Marco Rubio's former Chief of Staff Matt Terrill told Ryan Bridge Trump will address the Republican National Convention this afternoon, calling for unity six days after he survived an assassination attempt.  He says a big theme for tonight's speech will be about unity not only for the Republican Party, but for the whole country.  That speech is expected to start about 2pm.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/18/20243 minutes, 51 seconds
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Chris Bullen: Health Coalition Aotearoa Spokesperson on the excise tax for heated tobacco products being cut

There are concerns tax cuts on heated tobacco will make the product much easier for young people to access.  Customs quietly cut 50% from the excise tax at the start of the month.  Customs Minister Casey Costello says it's a trial, aiming to give smokers a cheaper alternative.  Health Coalition Aotearoa spokesperson Chris Bullen told Ryan Bridge it comes with a risk.  He says once the price drops, a new product becomes a lot more accessible for young people with disposable incomes.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/18/20243 minutes, 40 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 19 July 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday 19th of July, it's the last day of the Republican National Convention - we cross live to the US and speak to Marco Rubio's former Chief of Staff.  The Government has quietly cut the excise tax on heated tobacco products by 50%, Ryan gets the thoughts of Health Coalition Aotearoa’s Chris Bullen.  Benefit numbers for the June quarter are in and the number of people on it is on the rise. Craig Rennie from the Council of Trade Unions speaks to Ryan.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/18/202434 minutes, 23 seconds
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Mark Smith: ASB Senior Economist on the drop in inflation and potential interest rate cuts

Rate cuts could arrive early as next month, banks are predicting.  Inflation fell to a 3-year low yesterday, reaching 3.3% in the June Quarter.  Although that falls outside of the Reserve Bank’s target band of 1-3%, banks have reacted positively to the move.  ANZ have cut their three year home loans rates to 6.35% and the two year rates to 6.49%.  ASB Senior Economist Mark Smith told Ryan Bridge they’re predicting two rate cuts before Christmas: a 25 bps cut in October, and another in November.  He said that factors such as pricing pressures, external inflation, and pressures in the housing market are beginning to ease, which the Reserve Bank can use as a positive sign that inflation will remain low once rates are cut.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/17/20244 minutes, 23 seconds
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Cath O'Brien: Board of Airline Representatives Executive Director on Auckland Airport targeting excess profits

Auckland Airport is being urged to be responsible with its charging of airlines.  A Commerce Commission draft investigation has found the airport's planned expansion is justified, and some price increases are necessary to fund the investment.  However, it found the organisation's targeted returns from airlines is around $200 million over what's reasonable.  It found that travellers would most likely bear much of that cost.  Board of Airline Representatives Executive Director Cath O’Brien told Ryan Bridge that this is the second period in a row where Auckland Airport has been found to be targeting excess profits.  She said that they’re targeting a return of 8.73% on aeronautical caps, against the Commission midpoint of 6.98%.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/17/20243 minutes, 30 seconds
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Mitch McCann: US Correspondent on the impact of the attempted assassination on voting intention, JD Vance's first speech

A US poll finds the attempted assassination of Donald Trump has had little impact on voting intention.   A Reuters poll by Ipsos shows of around 1200 voters, 43% are in favour of the Republicans and 41% intend to support the Democrats.   Of all voters, 80% agreed the country was spiralling out of control.   US correspondent Mitch McCann told Ryan Bridge prominent Democrat Adam Schiff has written a letter asking Joe Biden to step down.   He says while the assassination attempt may have taken the spotlight off Biden, the issue of Democrats wanting him to step down isn't going anywhere.  On the other side of the divide, Republican vice president hopeful JD Vance is set to deliver his first speech to party faithful.   The Republican National Convention continues in Wisconsin after the attempted assassination of Donald Trump over the weekend.   McCann told Bridge the theme of the convention tonight is Make America Strong Again, with a focus on foreign policy and border security.  He says it follows last night's theme —Make America Safe Again— with a heavy emphasis on migrant crime.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/17/20242 minutes, 23 seconds
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John Carnegie: Energy Resources Aotearoa CEO on Tiwai Point scaling back its electricity usage to meet demands

The confirmation Tiwai Point is going to reduce its electricity usage next month isn't proving to be great news for everyone.   The aluminium smelter's usage agreements means Meridian Energy can request it scale back production to meet electricity demands.   But Energy Resources Aotearoa Chief Executive John Carnegie told Ryan Bridge production shouldn't have to be reduced, and it's a sign the gas market needs to be revitalised.  He says the country isn't in great shape, adding with declining gas reserves comes the threat of black outs.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/17/20244 minutes, 37 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: There should be minimum standards for Secret Service agents

Have you seen the story floating around about the U.S. Secret Service?  After the assassination attempt on Trump, the internet's been going nuts.  Not just because, how did this happen? What a monumental cock-up. Who's responsible?  But also because a number of the agents trying to protect the president were women.  According to Time magazine, based on video of the shooting, one of these agents looked frazzled and couldn't get her gun back into its holster.  Another apparently frantically shouted "what are we doing? where are we going?" after the shots were fired.  Meghan McCain, daughter of former presidential nominee John McCain posted on X:  "This is why the notion of men and women being the same is just absurd. You need to be taller than the candidate to protect them with your body. Why do they have these short women guarding trump? (Trump and biden are both over 6 ft) this is embarrassing and dangerous."  Some are blaming diversity, equity and inclusion targets which aim to have 30% of the Secret Service agents women.  I remember similar angst from some male firefighters a few years back, they didn't trust smaller women to be able to pull them out of a burning building should the need arise.  Others say these arguments are sexist and women can do anything etc.  Both these arguments have merit.  It's a fact that men are generally taller and bigger than women.  But that doesn't mean all men are.  I can think of many women taller and bigger than me who could frankly beat the crap out of me.  If I needed a bodyguard, or saving from a burning building, their sex wouldn't bother me.  But if the person is smaller and not as strong, whether it's a Secret Service agent of a firefighter, shouldn't there be minimum standards that apply to ensure safety?  I think Meghan McCain has a point. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/17/20242 minutes, 18 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 18 July 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Thursday 18th of July, inflation data is out, and it's much better than expected - banks are now predicting rates cuts as early as August. Ryan speaks to ASB Senior Economist Mark Smith.  Tiwai aluminium smelter has been asked to reduce their electricity output to help with hydro levels - do we need to find renewable alternatives?  The Commerce Commission says Auckland Airport is charging too much, Ryan speaks to the Airline Representatives group.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/17/202434 minutes, 16 seconds
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Gavin Grey: Europe Correspondent on the Indian farmer freed from "slave-like" conditions in Northern Italy

Dozens of Indian farmers have been freed from “slave-like” working conditions in Northern Italy.  The 33 workers were lured to the country with the promise of jobs and a better future.  Allegedly, they were forced to work more than ten hours a day, seven days a week, their tiny wage used to pay off debts to the alleged gangmasters.  Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge that when the men were arrested, they had over three quarters of a million AUD on them.   He said that the 33 workers are now being looked after by social services and migrant support.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/16/20243 minutes, 18 seconds
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Henry Russell: ANZ Chief Economist on today's predicted inflation rate

Latest data due out this morning is expected to show inflation is slowing down faster than expected but will it be enough to bring down interest rates?  ANZ's Henry Russell and Infometrics' Brad Olsen expect a headline rate of 3.3%, but driven by offshore factors.  Russell says a lot of the decline in inflation is being driven by things like food prices, fuel and airfares and Olsen says the Reserve Bank will be more worried about "non-tradable" domestic inflation.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/16/20243 minutes, 19 seconds
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Malcolm Mulholland: Patient Voice Aotearoa Chair on the new expectations for Pharmac

There’s confidence Māori health outcomes won't be impacted by Pharmac focussing on health determinants rather than ethnicity.   In a letter of expectations to Pharmac Board Chair Paula Bennett, David Seymour says he doesn't think its commitment to embedding the Treaty of Waitangi is appropriate, and it’s no longer expected.  Seymour says the drug-buying agency's burnt a lot of energy doing that over recent years.   Patient Voice Aotearoa's Malcolm Mulholland told Ryan Bridge he's okay with that directive.   He says there was never any evidence that the Treaty provisions within Pharmac's decision making process led to more Māori accessing medicine.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/16/20242 minutes, 24 seconds
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Dylan Thomsen: AA Road Safety Spokesperson on the rolling out of more speed camera signs

The rolling out of more speed camera signs has support from the AA.  Transport Minister Simeon Brown has announced more than 100 signs will go up across the country, giving people the opportunity to check their speed and avoid tragic consequences.  AA Road Safety Spokesperson Dylan Thomsen told Ryan Bridge it's a positive move.   He says they expect to see a reduction in tickets being dished out at high-risk sites, meaning fewer drivers exceeding the speed limit.   Thomsen describes it as a long time coming.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/16/20243 minutes, 34 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 17 July 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 17th of July, the Consumer Price Index is out - most banks are predicting a drop, but what does it mean for you? Ryan finds out.  New expectations for our drug buying agency Pharmac, what do patient advocates think of David Seymour's letter?  Speed camera warning signs are being put up across the country - are we going to see a reduction in the number of fines issued?  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/16/202434 minutes, 19 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: Former PMs need to stay away from current political debate

I'm not a huge fan of former PMs sticking their oar into the water of current political debates.  Not only are their thoughts rooted in briefings given by officials long ago, but when attacking a sitting Prime Minister, they tend to sound a bit whingy and out-of-touch.  This is the case of Helen Clark and Don Brash, who've issued a statement condemning Christopher Luxon for comments he made to the Financial Times on the sidelines of NATO in Washington D.C..  Luxon said a few things: 1. We need to call out China more for spying. 2. He's hoping to sign a deal that would see NZ able to deploy military assets to the Philippines, which has long running and regular disputes with Beijing in the South China Sea. 3. He's keen on our military joining the U.S. and Australia in conducting joint military exercises inside the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. 4. He spoke about NZ being a "force multiplier" for Australia, the U.S., and other partners. Clark and Brash are tut-tutting this, which comes off the back of the AUKUS debate, and wades into another long-running one - the $38-billion debate.  That's what two-way trade between China and New Zealand is worth, remember it was Clark and then Foreign Minister Phil Goff who signed the FTA that got us there.  They reckon this tough talk and cosying-up to the US is undermining our "independent foreign policy" and could lead to us being punished by China at the port.  China's no bigger a spy-threat to us than other countries, they reckon.  Here's the thing though, Luxon hasn't actually changed much in the way of foreign policy yet. Plus, the full Financial Times article also quotes him saying we're pursuing a balanced strategy with China on trade, renewable energy and people-to-people ties.  What's more, the current PM is getting more up to date briefings on China's cyber threat than Clark or Brash...  And when it comes down to it, most of us would agree we'd side with America and Australia if war returned to the Pacific theatre, wouldn't we?  Isn't Luxon just laying out what's realistically bound to happen?  In saying all of that, Australia learnt the hard way what poking the bear can do to your exports, so it's an area we should tread carefully, but perhaps some are now better placed than others to walk that tight rope. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/16/20242 minutes, 42 seconds
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Donna Demaio: Australia Correspondent on the growing support for Peter Dutton and the coalition

Australia’s Opposition leader is edging ahead in the polls amid growing economic concerns.  A national Resolve poll saw Peter Dutton eclipse Anthony Albanese as preferred Prime Minister for the first time, backed by 36% of voters compared to Albanese’s 35%.  Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio told Ryan Bridge support for the Coalition lifted from 36% to 38%, while Labour remains on 28%.  She said that it’s the lowest level since Albanese took power at the last election in 2022.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/15/20242 minutes, 37 seconds
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Max Whitehead: Employment Relations Expert on the new phone case management service for those on the Jobseeker benefit

There's a belief the Government's new service for young job seekers is a nudge in the right direction.  Social Development Minister Louise Upston's announced a new phone case management service for people on the Jobseeker Benefit, due to expand to 4000 people.   18-24-year-olds will receive monthly calls, with benefit sanctions if the person misses the call without good reason.  Employment Relations expert Max Whitehead told Ryan Bridge it's important job seekers are held to account.  He says it's good having someone there to encourage you not to waste potential job opportunities.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/15/20242 minutes, 17 seconds
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Ira Spitzer: FSN Correspondent ahead of the selection of Donald Trump's running mate

The Republican National Convention is beginning in the United States after the attempted assassination of presidential candidate Donald Trump.   Trump's expected to pick his running mate today.   Meanwhile, a Florida judge has dismissed the criminal case accusing the former president of illegally keeping classified documents after leaving office.  FSN correspondent Ira Spitzer told Ryan Bridge there's a sense of excitement in Milwaukee.  He says the convention will run into the later hours of the evening and at some point, they expect to hear who the person is.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/15/20244 minutes, 53 seconds
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Mark Mitchell: Police Minister on the outcome of the police pay increase negotiations

The Police Minister is defending the Government's pay increase for police, despite concerns of a mass exodus.  An independent arbitrator has ruled in favour of the Government's offer which includes a $1500 lump payment, an at least $5000 backdated wage increase, and increased overtime pay from July next year.  However, many cops are unhappy.   Mark Mitchell told Ryan Bridge while he understands where they're coming from, the government worked hard to put this together.   He says they've had a huge hospital pass and put together what they think is a fair package.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/15/20245 minutes, 17 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 16 July 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 16th of July, Donald Trump has had his classified documents case dismissed by a judge, we cross live to the US.  The Government wins the long running Police pay dispute - Ryan asks Police Minister Mark Mitchell if he's expecting more police to move to Australia as a result.  Young people on the job seeker benefit now have to do consultations with MSD over the phone - is this going to get more people off the benefit and into jobs?  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/15/202434 minutes, 7 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: Our new hope, wait, and see approach to policing in NZ

We've just adopted a hope, wait, and see approach to policing in this country.  This at a time when crime is out of control, people don't feel safe in their own homes and on city streets. 150-thousand retail crimes were reported last year.  Despite their best efforts, our cops are struggling to keep up and they've just been delivered a slap in the face by the government.  The Police Association has lost its final-offer arbitration over pay increases, meaning the government won.  Chris Cahill says he can now only "hope" that officers won't move to Aussie en masse, where pay is way higher and conditions much better.  On the face of it, the offer actually looks pretty good.  Along with a lump sum and overtime being paid —not to be scoffed at— the increases are actually 4% from July 1, back dated, and a further 4% from 2025.  If we believe Adrian Orr and Co's predictions about inflation hitting the target 1-3% later this year, then the increase will actually beat inflation.  Sounds alright, right?  Not when you consider the crap sandwich they've been dealt the past few years.  Under Labour inflation was as out of control, as was crime, running at 6-7%.  During that time their annual pay increased only 3.5%.  The Police Union says it basically had to suck it up and take the deal because if they went for more it might mean job cuts.  So do we want fewer, higher paid cops or more lower paid cops?  The reality is we might get the worst of both worlds if they up sticks and cross the ditch, we would have fewer police, and the rest would be feeling underpaid and overworked. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/15/20242 minutes, 9 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 15 July 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday the 15th of July, Donald Trump is shot in an assassination attempt - Ryan speaks with a presidential historian. An increase in Kainga Ora evictions, but is community-run housing the way forward? The All Blacks narrowly won against England over the weekend. We cross to Auckland where the pubs are already busy ahead of the Euro finals. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/14/202434 minutes, 2 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: Is there a lesson in Trump's shooting for NZ's political leaders?

Barring any other major, ugly affronts to democracy this U.S. election season, the image of a bloodied former president surrounded by Secret Service agents gripping his fist and pumping it into the air after narrowly avoiding an assassination attempt will be one of the most enduring and iconic. He's reported to be saying fight, fight. fight, with a somewhat understandably angry look on his face. Donald Trump cheated death. Questions are no doubt being asked about how and why this could have happened, as they should. How did 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, wearing grey camouflage clothing, manage to scale the roof of a manufacturing plant just north of the Butler Farm show grounds with his dad's AR 15 rifle? What's interesting, of all the eye witness interviews I watched over the weekend, all felt not surprised, it was only a matter of time. Why? After the shooting Republican senator J.D. Vance. a potential Trump running mate, blamed the Biden campaign for inciting the violence. “The central premise of the Biden campaign is that President Donald Trump is an authoritarian fascist who must be stopped at all costs,” “That rhetoric led directly to President Trump’s attempted assassination.” Another Trump ally senator, Tim Scott, said on social media - “Let’s be clear: this was an assassination attempt aided and abetted by the radical left and corporate media incessantly calling trump a threat to democracy, fascists, or worse,” At this time, we don't know the shooter's motive, and it should be pointed out that Trump often uses inflammatory language too. Is there a lesson here for our political leaders, for the Chloe's chanting river to the sea? The Māori Party calling Luxon a white supremacist, for David Seymour is doubling down on saying he fantasised about sending Guy Fawkes into the Ministry of Pacific Peoples. The fact is, you don't know what nutbar is out there listening and waiting for a cause big enough to prompt some sort of lone-wolf attack. Here most attacks are pretty minor, a dildo to the face, lamington on the head. John Key was attacked by two men at Waitangi in 2009. So the question is whether the use of extreme political language can raise the temperature and cause violence. Clearly Hitler answers that question. So politicians here on the far left like Chloe and Waititi should take note and lower the tone of some of their attacks. Same with far-right keyboard warriors. But I'd hate to see the day where our pollies can't joke and take the piss and be forthright with their words just because some idiot might be at home with a shotgun harbouring hate. The question for the U.S. now is - does this quell the extreme left and right, or will this bloodshed be answered with more bloodshed? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/14/20242 minutes, 56 seconds
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Allan Lichtman: Presidential historian on the alleged assassination attempt on Donald Trump

There's growing debate about what the alleged assassination attempt on Donald Trump will do to a politically turbulent America. Trump was hit in the ear by a bullet after a shooter opened fire at a Republican rally in Pennsylvania. Presidential historian Allan Lichtman says the political violence may well have a silver lining, as it did after the shooting of Ronald Reagan in 1981. "Instead of seeking revenge or attacking his political opponents, he formed a campaign for gun control - and for a while, it brought the country together." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/14/20245 minutes, 17 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on the new Government's plan to unveil over 35 new bills in upcoming King's speech

The newly-established UK Government is set to unveil at least 35 new bills as part of the first King's speech of its tenure. The raft of bills will likely include promises impacting housing, transport, jobs and clean energy - in line with Keir Starmer's mission for Britain. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says it's likely more will be revealed during Wednesday's announcement.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/14/20242 minutes, 29 seconds
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Andrew Alderson: ZB sports reporter on Beauden Barrett's 'game-changing performance over the weekend against England

The All Blacks managed to hold on to their record at Eden Park, largely thanks to Beauden Barrett's performance. The veteran fullback's 125th test match offered a game-changing 29 minutes of tactical kicking as well as setting up the go-ahead try by Mark Tele'a - leading to a 24-17 win over England. ZB sports reporter Andrew Alderson explains further, LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/14/20242 minutes, 39 seconds
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Paul Gilberd: Community Housing Aotearoa chief executive on the Government's plan to tighten standards for unruly tenants

The Government's stronger approach towards unruly Kainga Ora tenants has resulted in more being evicted. Housing Minister Chris Bishop ordered the public housing agency to end the Sustaining Tenancies Framework in March this year, and strengthen management of disruptive tenants. Since then, 14 tenancies have been terminated, compared to only 8 last year. Community Housing Aotearoa chief executive Paul Gilberd says there were no consequences for the last six years. "It's a matter of last resort, the numbers are increasing because they were not evicting people at all - that's operating from a very low base. There's a whole lot of other considerations here we need to take into account." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/14/20244 minutes, 18 seconds
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Elliott Smith: ZB Rugby Correspondent ahead of the second All Blacks v England test

After a nail bitingly close match last week, the All Blacks are facing England in their second test of the season.  Both squads have been named with almost no changes except Finlay Christie replacing TJ Perenara following his injury.  England’s Joe Marler is also out of commission, being replaced with Fin Baxter.  They’ll be facing off at a packed out Eden Park on Saturday.  ZB Rugby Commentator Elliott Smith told Ryan Bridge that for the All Blacks, last week was more about setting some systems in place and this week is about fine tuning that.  He said they got the win last week, and with that up on the board, it’s time to improve.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/11/20242 minutes, 40 seconds
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Claire Trevett: NZ Herald Political Editor on Joe Biden's mental capacity and the NATO summit

Joe Biden's mental capacity hasn't been a consideration for Christopher Luxon in his meeting with the US President.  He's had a chance to discuss Indo-Pacific issues with Biden at the NATO summit in Washington DC.  The Prime Minister says Biden was sharp and "on top of his brief".  He says Biden wanted to discuss US engagement in the Indo-Pacific region, and their interactions were positive and very engaging.  NZ Herald Political Editor Claire Trevett told Ryan Bridge that NATO leaders are nervous to comment on Biden’s mental state as Trump is less friendly towards the organisation.  She suspects things will get a bit messy once NATO is finished and Bien is no longer being made a fool of in front of world leaders.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/11/20244 minutes, 16 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: I don't sleep anymore, I just fill out forms

Ever tried to buy a pair of shoes online recently? What about a book? Or even book a haircut? You would have been asked a billion questions. It starts with what day and time you want your haircut. Yep, fine, but then they want your; name, address, birthdate, postal address, how did you hear about us? What shampoo do you use? I didn't ask for all that. At this point I'd rather pull my hair out in clumps than sit here and answer all these stupid, irrelevant questions. I've been trying to get paid this week. I realise this is dangerous ground to be treading, I've only been here a week and the people are great but the processes, again, absurd. You'd think they just want my bank account number, IRD number and tax code. No. Every personal detail under the sun - my sex, title, home address, ethnicity. This sent me into a tailspin, why do you need to the colour of my skin to pay me? It's not a legal requirement, and the stupid drop-down box wasn't working. I tried to select European but wouldn't let me. What the hell do you need to know if I'm Indian for? Are you paying me in Rupees? Would my wages turn up in Dong if I tick Vietnamese? The reason I ask, and this goes for pretty every company on the planet, I just don't trust them. Some Nigerian or Russian hacker will ram-raid their system at some point, and before you know it the world knows I'm an Indian male being paid XYZ. It's totally unnecessary. I did an official calculation and I think I spend roughly 75% of my day filling in useless forms online. I don't sleep anymore, I just fill in forms. And why is this important? Well, thousands of companies have thousands of bits of data about us. They sell it, wax lyrical about online safety, then get hacked and barely apologise. It happens all the time. So, I've come up with an annoyingly named, hyperbolic bill which I'm hoping the government will pick up. The “Excessive Digital Information Collection Protection Bill.” For every question they ask us, we get $5. I want a reject all cookies function like they have in Europe, and I want the ability to sue if my data is stolen. I hate it. I hate that we can't just pick up the phone and get stuff done anymore. Happy Friday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/11/20243 minutes, 23 seconds
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Carolyn Young: Retail NZ CEO on new Ministerial Advisory Group on retail crime

Retailers are hopeful, but wary, of the government's latest move to tackle retail crime.  It's announced a Ministerial Advisory Group for the victims of the continuing problem.  The group will speak with victims, workers and business owners over the next two years - before putting forward proposals to address offending. Retail NZ Chief Executive Carolyn Young told Ryan Bridge it's a positive move - but the solutions are pretty clear.  Young says that includes more visible police presence on the streets and quick action to apprehend offenders.  She says there is worry among retailers this will become a "talk-fest."  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/11/20243 minutes, 56 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 12 July 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Friday the 12th of July. The Government has a new Ministerial Advisory Group on retail crime, but is it actually going to make a difference? It looks like the Prime Minister has had a "pull aside" meeting with US President Joe Biden. And the All Blacks face England again this weekend, one week on from the nail biting finish in Dunedin, Ryan speaks to Rugby Editor Elliott Smith ahead of the big game. Forms - we fill them out all the time, but Ryan wants to know why companies ask all these unnecessary details.   Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/11/202434 minutes, 7 seconds
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Sharon Zollner: ANZ Chief Economist on the OCR being held at 5.5%

Economists' Official Cash Rate expectations have proven correct.  It's staying at 5.5% for the eight consecutive time.  But the Reserve Bank's tone has softened, and they’re hinting that inflation will return to its 1-3% target by the year's end.  ANZ Chief Economist Sharon Zollner told Ryan Bridge that the Reserve Bank was pretty careful to leave all their options open regarding a rate cut.  She said that they see it as tilting the risks a little bit towards earlier cuts, but essentially, it’s going to be the data that decides when the inflation data is released next week.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/10/20243 minutes, 18 seconds
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Lisa McLaren: 350 Aotearoa Co-Director on the Government's new climate change plan

An activist group is calling the Government's new climate change plan meaningless.  Minister Simon Watts has unveiled a five-point strategy for dealing with climate change which focuses on preparedness, clean energy, tech and nature-based solutions, and market support.   350 Aotearoa Co-Director Lisa McLaren told Ryan Bridge the announcement doesn't mean anything when the Government plans on making mining easier.  She says the plan is fundamentally inconsistent with the Government's other policies it's released since taking office.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/10/20245 minutes, 41 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 11 July 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Thursday 11th of July the OCR is out and the Reserve Bank's outlook is looking better than expected.  A five-point strategy for climate change has been released by the Government, but is there actually a strategy behind it or is it just words? Ryan finds out.  Building costs have dropped for the first time in 12 years, but so have the number of new construction projects. Ryan speaks to NZ Certified Builders' Malcolm Fleming.  Nancy Pelosi drops the equivalent of a NATO bomb on her old buddy Joe Biden, saying he needs to make a decision about running for re-election.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/10/202434 minutes, 23 seconds
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Katherine Firkin: US Correspondent on George Clooney's essay urging Joe Biden to drop from the race

Actor and Democratic donor George Clooney has urged Joe Biden to drop out of the presidential race.   All eyes have been on Biden at the NATO summit in Washington DC.   Nancy Pelosi says time is running short for him to make a decision.   US correspondent Katherine Firkin told Ryan Bridge Clooney has written an essay in the New York Times saying they need a new nominee.   He says the Joe Biden he was with three weeks ago wasn't the Biden of 2010.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/10/20242 minutes, 33 seconds
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Malcolm Fleming: Certified Builders CEO on house building costs falling after more than a decade

Now could be the best time to build a house after costs fall for the first time in more than a decade.   Corelogic's Construction Cost Index shows building costs have dropped 1.1% in the three months to June.   It looks at the price of labour, material, plant hire, and subcontract services.  Certified Builders Chief Executive Malcolm Fleming told Ryan Bridge that global supply chains are no longer disrupted.   He says costs are returning to pre-pandemic levels while manufacturers and distributors are being more competitive.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/10/20242 minutes, 25 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: The press conference that could mark the end of Biden's political career

Nancy Pelosi's just dropped the equivalent of a NATO bomb on her old buddy Joe Biden.  The former house speaker is well connected and respected in the Democrat party.  Appearing on cable TV, she had this to say when asked about Biden's critics attacking his mental capacity during the NATO summit:  "I want him to do whatever he decides to do."  "Let's just hold off, whatever you're thinking either tell somebody privately, but you don't have to put that out on the table until we see how we go this week."  She added that Biden should make a decision about whether to continue to bid for re-election.  So, what's the problem with that?  Well Biden's already said, "I'm running and going to win again!”  So now you have one the most influential people in the Democratic party saying he needs to make a decision about whether to run.  That decision should be made after NATO.  Despite the White House saying this is all over and move on, it's huge and it doesn't stop there.  Overnight, Michael Bennett is now the first democratic senator to publicly say Joe Biden can't win.  "Donald Trump is on track, I think, to win this election and maybe win it by a landslide."  In a political crisis there are headlines like gunfire, then there are bombs which cause massive, often irreversible, damage to a candidate.  They can change the direction of a war, a turning point.  Make no mistake, when this happens in politics it's always actually worse when it's friendly fire.  Remember, two days of NATO to go and one solo commander-in-chief press conference on Thursday to end this 75th anniversary NATO summit.  The only question now is whether it could also become the platform for the 82-year-old president to end his political career. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/10/20242 minutes, 7 seconds
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Kelly Eckhold: Westpac Chief Economist on the OCR figures set to be released today

The Reserve Bank is expected to make a “short and sweet” announcement today.  Economists are expecting the OCR to remain untouched at 5.5%, as it has the last six times.  Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold told Ryan Bridge that the Reserve Bank said in May that interest rates would have to remain restrictive for a protracted period to get inflation down, so not much has changed for them. While some banks are predicting a cut this year, Westpac is holding firm on their prediction of early next year.  Eckhold said that they don’t think that will change today, and while they’re all hoping there will be some interest rate relief soon, the reality is that inflation won't go away by itself.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/9/20242 minutes, 38 seconds
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Kirstin Corson: Drive Electric CEO on the changes to the clean car standards

An EV advocacy group isn’t in favour of the changes to the clean car standards.  Transport Minister Simeon Brown's announced he's scaling back the previous Government's emissions standards, which charged importers for higher emitting vehicles.  Pollution targets for imported vehicles have been reduced, loosening penalties for importers of dirty cars.  Drive Electric Chair Kirstin Corson told Ryan Bridge that we’re heading in the wrong direction.  She said that although the legislation is set to align with Australia, it actually doesn’t.  Corson said that Australia’s penalties are a lot tougher than New Zealand’s, and they also have federal and state incentives in every state, so it’s much more appealing to go EV there.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/9/20243 minutes, 38 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK Correspondent on Lulu Sun's Wimbledon run coming to an end

The run at Wimbledon of New Zealand qualifier Lulu Sun has come to an end.  UK correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge the 23-year-old has been beaten in three sets by 28-year-old Croatian Donna Vekic.  After winning the first set, and looking composed throughout much of the second in a classic back-and-forth slugfest, Sun looked on the edge of advancing further at just her second grand slam. However, she didn’t have an answer in the deciding set as the unseeded Croatian took control to book her maiden grand slam semifinal appearance.  Seven victories at Wimbledon means you’re the champion. Sun had seven under her belt before the quarter-final after coming through three qualifying wins and four more to reach the final eight, but she looked to run out of steam in the last set as rain poured down on the roof at Court 1.  Vekic will next play either seventh Jasmine Paolini or American Emma Navarro, 19th seed, for a spot in the final.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/9/20243 minutes, 10 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 10 July 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Wednesday the 10th of July it's OCR day, and Ryan speaks to Westpac's chief economist who isn't expecting a change any time soon.  A change to our clean car standards is on the way, but Drive Electric aren't in favour.  SailGP is on the way to Auckland next year, are dolphins going to be an issue? Ryan finds out.  The UK is talking about an inheritance tax of up to 40% and there are whispers of our Labour party looking at one as well.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/9/202434 minutes, 15 seconds
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Richard Gladwell: Sail World Editor on Wynyard Quarter hosting the Auckland leg of the SailGP

Auckland's leg of SailGP will bring the boats to the spectators.   The event will hold its first ever leg in Auckland in January.   Auckland was supposed to hold an event last year, but that was cancelled after land use issues with Wynyard Quarter.   Sail World Editor Richard Gladwell says Wynyard Point will probably be the main spectator base with necessary infrastructure already in place.   He told Ryan Bridge the boats may even come a little too close.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/9/20243 minutes, 56 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: Labour should steer well clear of an inheritance tax

I'm always a little bit paranoid about what governments are planning and what kind of taxes that they're scheming up.  Look at the UK, which recently elected Labour and Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister. They are talking about the potential of fiddling with their inheritance tax.  They have one, we don't. On Heather's show yesterday we heard about the Labour Party in New Zealand weighing up whether to introduce one.  I hate the idea of it. In the UK it's 40% and they paid £7.5 billion in death duties last year, which is a huge increase and this is largely because property prices have gone up.  Governments all over the world are running out of money and they're running out of ways to tax people, and this one's quite appealing to a lot of them.  If you look at the UK in particular, the number paying death duties is expected to jump from 33,000 this year to nearly 44,000 by the end of the next Parliament.  That is a very tempting number for a government that needs new ways of finding revenue. And this is obviously the post war baby boomer generation now approaching the average life expectancy.  So look out for governments all around the world as they'll be looking at ways to tax us more. I'm not saying it's going to happen here, obviously there was a hint that Labour might be planning something.  I don't like the idea of this. Keep out of our business, please.  If somebody is dying in your family, the last thing you want to think about is the 40% you got to pay to the tax man, right? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/9/20242 minutes, 14 seconds
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Donna Demaio: Australia Correspondent on the curfew being implemented in Alice Springs

Alice Springs is under another curfew.  Australia’s Northern Territory Police Commissioner has declared another curfew, lasting three nights, following a string of violent incidents in the outback town.  Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio told Ryan Bridge that this time the curfew applies to both children and adults, unlike the one in March that only applied to youth.  She said that the NT Police Minister Brent Potter says it’s been a “horror 72 hours”, beginning with a police officer being run over outside a bottle shop on Friday night.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/8/20242 minutes, 52 seconds
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Sally King: NZ Medical Cannabis Council Director on the changes to the export rules

The changes to New Zealand’s medical cannabis export regulations are being called a ‘game changer’.  Exports will now only have to meet the standards of the importing jurisdiction, rather than New Zealand’s standards.  It will also streamline the licensing process for growers, and update testing and laboratory requirements.  Sally King, Director of the New Zealand Medical Cannabis Council, told Ryan Bridge that it’s one of those examples of overregulation that is being untangled.  She said that at the moment we don’t export much medical cannabis at all, but the change is really going to open up the opportunity for New Zealand cultivators and manufacturers.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/8/20243 minutes, 28 seconds
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Irene King: Aviation Expert on Boeing pleading guilty to defrauding regulators

An aviation expert says Boeing's management would be in jail if it were subject to New Zealand law.   The company's agreed to a guilty plea around defrauding American regulators.   It could pay up to half-a-billion US dollars to avoid prosecution.   The lawsuit relates to two Boeing 737 Max jets that crashed in Indonesia in 2018 —and Ethiopia the year later— leaving hundreds dead.  Irene King told Ryan Bridge that prosecution is just one part of the equation.   She doesn't think it does enough to improve the company's performance or safety.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/8/20243 minutes, 58 seconds
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Brigitte Morton: Political Commentator on the Darleen Tana investigation and the Green's response

Darlene Tana doesn't think natural justice has been followed.   The Green Party's requested the MP resign from Parliament after receiving the investigation into alleged migrant exploitation at her husband's business.   Tana's been suspended on full pay for 115-days, earning over $40 thousand in that time.  The former Green MP doesn't accept the findings and claims it substantially misrepresents her level of involvement in her husband's business.  Former National ministerial advisor Brigitte Morton told Ryan Bridge that Tana has all the cards in her hands.   She says unless the Green's backflip on the waka jumping legislation and invoke it, she can sit there as long as she wants.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/8/20244 minutes, 13 seconds
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Ryan Bridge: Why was Darleen Tana asked to resign when Julie Anne Genter wasn't?

Question: how do the greens save money on marketing photoshoot costs for the next election?  Answer: just use their candidates' mugshots.  Now that's obviously a joke... they're not all criminals.  But there were a few criminally absurd things that happened during yesterday's press conference about Darleen Tana.  Chloe got a bit grumpy when a reporter asked, repeatedly, why the Greens are asking Tana to resign and shunning her in public, when old-mate Julie Anne Genter's still in the party despite multiple aggressive bullying allegations.  The implication was the Greens must be a bit racist towards Tana cause she's Māori.  Chloe was outraged. She rejected it. She refuted it. It was a reductive argument. Tana has done x,y,z and Julie Anne a,b,c.  The irony of the party best known for calling everyone else in the room racist till they’re blue in the face not being accused themselves of racism over not one, in Tana, two in Kerikeri, but three MP's (Turei), was almost too much for new co-leader to take.  The second thing to note here is how little we actually know about what has gone on here and how much Tana was involved.  The Greens won't say what was in the report, the report's not public, Tana rejects the report's findings, she says it doesn't substantiate any claims of migrant exploitation, let alone her alleged involvement in them.  The biggest irony here is the Greens, the principled party, not ruling out waka-jumping Tana using a bill they hated and have fought vehemently against for the best part of 20 years.  A lesson for new political leaders in expediency, absurdity, and how to save money with a mugshot. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/8/20242 minutes, 6 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 9 July 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 9th July.  The Darleen Tana report is out and the Greens have called for her to resign from Parliament, but will she actually leave?  Boeing pleads guilty to criminal fraud after the US Justice Department found they violated a settlement agreement following two fatal crashes. Ryan speaks to NZ aviation expert Irene King.  Changes are on the way for our medicinal cannabis export market, he speaks to Sally King from the Medicinal Cannabis Council.  Ryan asks why the double standard from the Greens - Darleen Tana was asked to resign but not Julie-Anne Genter who has multiple bullying allegations against her.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/8/202434 minutes, 25 seconds
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Dom Kalasih: Fast tracked roads may be tolled

It's looking more likely the fast tracked roads of national significance will be tolled.  Construction will begin in the next three years, but exact time frames and costs are not yet known, sparking fears from freight and transport companies.  Transporting NZ Interim Chief Executive Dom Kalasih joins Ryan Bridge on Early Edition to discuss.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/7/20243 minutes, 15 seconds
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Gavin Grey: French, UK elections

The second round of voting has begun in the French election, just a week after the far right National Rally Party won a third of votes.  Cabinet in the UK is meeting for the first time since Labour won the election.  French cyclist Julien Bernard is being fined for kissing his wife during a Tour de France time trial.  UK and Europe correspondent Gavin Grey discusses all of this with Ryan Bridge on Early Edition.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/7/20242 minutes, 25 seconds
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Gareth Kiernan: Grocery prices up last month

New data from Infometrics and Foodstuffs show costs from suppliers to supermarkets rose by 2.7% in June.  Costs were up in all departments compared to last year, with around 2,000 items up in price from May to June.  Infometrics Chief Forecaster Gareth Kiernan joins Ryan Bridge to discuss why.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/7/20243 minutes, 14 seconds
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Full Show Podcast: 8 July 2024

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday 8th of July, Newstalk ZB welcomes Ryan for his first programme.  It's looking likely the government will toll the new Roads of National Significance - Ryan found out that's something the freight industry supports.  Infometrics Chief Forecaster Gareth Kiernan speaks to the costs from suppliers to supermarkets are still increasing.  He challenges Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr to look at the "real economy" when the next OCR review comes.  Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/7/202434 minutes, 28 seconds
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Mark Phillips: Crimson Global Academy Principal on screen time in educational settings

The principal of an online high school is broadening the conversation about children's screen time.   In an article in today's Medical Journal a group of experts calls for breaks, the use of blinking exercises, more hearing and visions tests for children, and more research on the dangers of screens.   But Mark Phillips, Principal of online high school Crimson Global Academy, told Mike Hosking the time spent on screens isn't the primary concern.    He believes it's more about the content a child is watching on the screen, rather than how long they're doing it.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/4/20243 minutes, 29 seconds
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Elliott Smith: ZB's Rugby Commentator on All Blacks v England Test

Dunedin is abuzz ahead of the first All Blacks test of the 2024 season.  They take on England at Forsyth Barr Stadium tomorrow night - and it's Scott Robertson's first match in charge.   His first side includes Stephen Perofeta ahead of Beauden Barrett at fullback and Samipeni Finau edging Ethan Blackadder for the number six jersey. Newstalk ZB's Rugby Editor Elliott Smith told Mike Hosking he's expecting a tight contest.  Listen to commentary tomorrow from 7.05pm on Newstalk ZB, Gold Sport and iHeartRadio. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/4/20243 minutes, 49 seconds
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Vincent McAviney: UK Correspondent on election day and impending loss for the Conservative Party

Britain's Conservative Party is bracing for a huge loss, with only a few hours to go till polling booths close. Keir Starmer's Labour is expected to close a 14 year chapter of Tory rule. Projections expect them to have up to 431 MPs out of 650, with the Tories plummet to 102 MPs. UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney told Mike Hosking the Liberal Democrats are now fighting for third place. He says it will be a dramatic night in politics. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/4/20245 minutes, 46 seconds
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Kieran McAnulty: Labour's Housing Spokesperson on the Government's plans to revise the housing development regulations

The Labour Party says building more houses requires support from all sides.   Housing Minister Chris Bishop will today announce the plan to flood the largest cities with land for housing development.   Councils won't be able to set fixed rural-urban boundaries or mandate minimum floor area and balconies.   Instead, the market will decide.  Labour Housing Spokesperson, Kieran McAnulty told Mike Hosking not all government decisions will be dumb.   He's backing it, to give the construction sector some certainty.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/3/20242 minutes, 4 seconds
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Bernie Smith: Former CEO of Monte Cecilia Housing Trust on the overhaul to Kainga Ora's leadership

A housing expert is backing the move to overhaul Kainga Ora leadership.   The Housing Minister's announced a refreshed board and new expectations to reduce operating losses. It follows a review by former Prime Minister Bill English saying the ministry's been financially unsustainable.   Former CEO of Monte Cecilia Housing Trust Bernie Smith says private community housing providers can be better at supporting tenants.   He told Mike Hosking that Kainga Ora's previous board made unilateral decisions which negatively affected the market.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/3/20242 minutes, 10 seconds
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Katherine Firkin: US Correspondent on the mood in the Democrats after the Biden-Trump debate

American President Joe Biden continues to face pressure from his own party.  A new Reuters Ipsos poll shows Biden and former president Donald Trump neck and neck on 40% support among registered voters.  Biden's recent debate performance against Trump has prompted calls for him to step aside.  US Correspondent Katherine Firkin told Mike Hosking there have been persistent rumours of panic between the Democrats.  She says part of the renewed effort to calm the public is Biden agreeing to an interview with ABC news tomorrow night.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/3/20243 minutes, 1 second
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Mark Potter: NZEI President on the introduction of standardised testing for primary school students

The primary teachers union says the Government's new school tests won't make a difference.   The Government's introducing phonics checks done after 20 weeks of schooling and repeated at 40 weeks.   Progression monitoring on reading, writing, and maths will also be introduced for children in Years 3 through 8, and done twice a year.   NZEI president Mark Potter told Mike Hosking teachers already assess, analyse, and use that to inform their teaching.  He says there's not that many that don't use these tests, but if they don't, they'll have other assessments that give similar information.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/3/20244 minutes, 11 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK Correspondent on Lucy Letby being found guilty of attempted murder of another infant

Former UK nurse Lucy Letby has been found guilty of trying to murder another newborn baby.  It adds to convictions last year that made her the United Kingdom's most prolific serial killer of modern times.  The 34-year-old was found guilty last August of murdering seven babies and trying to kill six more while working at a Chester Hospital.  She went on trial last month for a second time for the attempted murder of a baby girl after the original jury failed to reach a verdict.  UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Mike Hosking that when the verdict was read the parents gasped while Letby showed no emotion in the dock.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/2/20243 minutes, 20 seconds
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Catherine Law: Avonside Girls High Principal on the dropping number of holidays being taken during the school term

A principal says the number of students going on holidays during the school term has dropped.  Flight Centre data shows a 30% reduction in family bookings during the school term compared to last year.  But the bookings during winter school holidays are up 10%.  General Manager Heidi Walker says it's likely due to the Government's focus on truancy.  Avonside Girls High principal Catherine Law told Mike Hosking that they've seen some significant pattern changes.  She says they're seeing an upward trend in improved overall attendance.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/2/20243 minutes, 32 seconds
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Duncan Greive: Spinoff Founder on the potential impact of the changes to the Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill

A media commentator says a Bill to make tech platforms pay for news has a decent shot at bringing change.   The Government's progressing an amended version of the Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill to make digital platforms like Facebook pay for using news content.  National and NZ First are supporting it, while ACT's invoking its right to 'agree to disagree' and will oppose the Bill.   The Spinoff founder Duncan Greive told Mike Hosking Australia was the poster boy for such a scheme, but Meta has signalled that it won't renew.   He says there's a change from the consumer side, but from a revenue perspective there's money flowing that wasn't before.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/2/20242 minutes, 52 seconds
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Mark Hooper: Federated Farmers RMA Reform Spokesperson says the Government needs to pick up the pace on RMA reforms

Federated Farmers is urging the Government to pick up the pace with replacing the RMA system.   The percentage of applications processed within statutory time frames is falling, from 89% in 2020-2021, to a record low of 76% the next year.   Federated Farmers RMA reform spokesperson Mark Hooper told Mike Hosking that the Government is taking it seriously, but the window is narrowing.   He says the data highlights the urgency and replacing the RMA is the most meaningful long term economic reform the government could deliver for them.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/2/20242 minutes, 30 seconds
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Donna Demaio: Australia Correspondent on the cyberattacks on Australia's big four banks

Australia’s big four banks have been hit with a raft of cyber-attacks.  The systems of NAB, CommBank, ANZ, and Westpac were being hit every minute of every day, leaving customers increasingly vulnerable to scams.  The attackers were trying to gain access to the banks’ computer systems, deny services to customers, use malicious code, or breach security logins.  Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio told Mike Hosking that the banks say that they’ve spent a fortune trying to protect themselves from this, to a sum of about $3 billion a year.  A few hours after, she said, quotes were released from Chris Sheehan calling it a type of warfare, saying that every person who uses one of the big four banks is at risk.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/1/20242 minutes, 39 seconds
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Keith McLaughlin: Centrix Managing Director on the rising number of liquidations

The number of liquidations is starting to rise as small and medium-sized businesses are suffering from a lack of sales.  Businesses are seeing a lack of overall sales, with some people putting off big purchases.  More people are paying their phone bills and mortgages on time in the month, but late payments are up year-on-year.   Centrix Managing Director Keith McLaughlin told Mike Hosking that the level of liquidations in the month of May have been at a 10 year record.  He says the trend is increasing, which is of more concern.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/1/20243 minutes, 51 seconds
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Mark Mitchell: Police Minister on the Government's quarter 3 plans for law and order

The Police Minister says he's starting to see change when it comes to crime, but there's a long way to go.   The Government's committed to passing four pieces of law and order legislation in the next quarter.   It includes allowing police to ban gang patches, confiscate firearms, more efficiency in the courts, and more rehabilitation for on-remand prisoners.   Minister Mark Mitchell told Mike Hosking that their plans are a combination of new law and changes to how police are policing.   He says his letter of expectation to them asked for change in how police deal with gang convoys, and getting on top of the boy racer issue.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/1/20244 minutes, 26 seconds
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Chris Cahill: Police Association President on the Government's commitments to law and order in the next quarter

The Government's committed to passing four pieces of law and order legislation in the next quarter.   It includes enabling police to ban gang patches and confiscate firearms.   They'll also improve efficiency in the courts system and increase access to rehabilitation for on-remand prisoners.   Police Association president Chris Cahill told Mike Hosking that they're liking what they see   He says there's a lot of action and the public would generally say it's what they want to see, which police officers would support.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/1/20243 minutes, 35 seconds
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Shaun Robinson: Mental Health exec on new govt targets

The government has announced a goal of between 80 and 90% of people seeking specialist and primary services getting that help faster.  Shaun Robinson, Mental Health Foundation Chief Executive, says more is needed.    LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/30/20243 minutes, 33 seconds
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Gavin Grey: France, UK set to hit the polls this week

France is going to the polls today, with early voting hinting at a change of Presidency.  UK politicians are doing their final push for votes ahead of Thursday's election.  UK and Europe correspondent Gavin Grey has all the latest.   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/30/20242 minutes, 48 seconds
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Andrew Alderson: Formula 1, T20, and more from the weekend

From Lando Norris and McLaren to the T20 Cup, Andrew Alderson brings you all the sporting updates from over the weekend.    LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/30/20243 minutes, 49 seconds
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Amber Athey: The Spectator Editor on the Presidential debate

U.S. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump went head to head in Atlanta last week in the first Presidential debate of this campaign cycle.  The debate was not a good look for the Democrat side, with calls for Biden to stand down as their nominee.  The Spectator's Washington Editor Amber Athey told Mike Hosking it was a result many were expecting.   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/30/20244 minutes, 27 seconds
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Amber Athey: Spectator's Washington Editor on the upcoming debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump

Joe Biden and Donald Trump go live in Atlanta tomorrow afternoon, New Zealand time.  The televised US election debate is the earliest in the campaign since 1960, with Americans going to the polls in just over four months.  It's the third time the US President and the former President will go head to head after two heated encounters in 2020.   The Spectator's Washington Editor Amber Athey  says the debates don't have as much sway on voters as most pundits would like to believe they do.   She told Mike Hosking that this one will mostly be about showing who's physically and mentally fit to be President.  Athey says so long as you can get through it relatively successfully, not much will change where voters stand on the candidates.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/26/20244 minutes, 17 seconds
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Katherine Firkin: US Correspondent says Boeing's astronauts are likely to remain stuck in space into July

Two astronauts are likely to remain stuck in space into July.   Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams were supposed to return on the Boeing Starliner about two weeks ago after an eight day stint in space.   US Correspondent Katherine Firkin told Mike Hosking that there have been several issues including malfunctioning thrusters and helium leaks.   She says we're being told they have plenty of supplies, and worst case they can hitch a ride on Space X's Dragon Space Craft which is also attached to the International Space Station.  Firkin says it's not great news for Boeing, when it comes to their PR.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/26/20242 minutes, 59 seconds
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Floyd du Plessis: Corrections Association President on the lack of capacity in the face of the Government's sentencing law reforms

There’s uncertainty over whether Corrections has capacity, with more prisoners on the way.   The Government's sentencing law reforms will mean longer sentences and up to 1700 more inmates every year.   Corrections Association's Floyd du Plessis says the prisons are currently full, and while there are more beds in theory, they aren't adequately staffed for them yet.   He told Mike Hosking that more applications are coming through for corrections roles, but the number of viable candidates isn't where it needs to be.   du Plessis says there needs to be more focus on getting real people through the door and into employment.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/26/20243 minutes, 23 seconds
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Ben Green: Gisborne Civil Defence and Emergency Management Group Manager on the aftermath of this week's severe weather

A Gisborne Civil Defence manager says they're now dealing with the clean up from this week's severe weather.   States of emergency in the Wairoa District and Hastings Heretaunga Ward remain in place.  Roads were closed and people evacuated after heavy rain lashed the Hawke's Bay and Gisborne regions yesterday.   Wairoa District Council says 400 properties have been impacted, more than 100 significantly.   Gisborne Civil Defence and Emergency Management Group Manager Ben Green told Mike Hosking that wind was the major issue.   He says the challenge with that was power lines and a significant number of trees down across roads.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/26/20242 minutes, 22 seconds
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Jason Walls: Political Editor on Winston Peters invoking the Agree to Disagree clause

New Zealand First has invoked the Agree-to-Disagree Coalition clause.  Winston Peters says his Party doesn't support the Government continuing the Covid Commission of Inquiry in its current form.   The clause is nestled within New Zealand First's Governance agreement with National, allowing Peters and his MPs to speak publicly about a Cabinet decision.   He's used it voice opposition to the Government splitting the inquiry into two phases, saying the first phase was nothing more than a Labour Party political tool.  Peters agrees with Phase Two, focusing on vaccine efficacy and safety, and the extended lockdowns in Auckland and Northland.  Political Editor Jason Walls told Mike Hosking that as Christopher Luxon said, this is a mature way to go about it.  He said that this is exactly how it’s supposed to work between the two parties, which is why the clause was written into the coalition agreement in the first place.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/25/20242 minutes, 51 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK Correspondent on the gambling scandals in the lead up to the election

A gambling scandal is causing a rocky run up to next week's UK election.   Six police officers, including a member of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's protection team, are in hot water after allegedly placing bets on the election date.   UK correspondent Gavin Grey told Mike Hosking that it's an extraordinary saga, with two Conservative MPs now suspended after also facing accusations.   But he says because they're already on the ticket, they can still be voted on and will have to stand as independents if they win a seat.   The Gambling Commission has also launched an investigation into a now suspended Labour candidate.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/25/20243 minutes, 10 seconds
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Mark Smith: ASB Senior Economist on the spike in global shipping prices

There’s hopes a spike in global shipping prices won't stay around for long.  Conflict in the Red Sea has caused shipping costs to jump three times higher than the rates seen at end of last year.  But, ASB Senior economist Mark Smith told Mike Hosking, the impact on inflation will depend on how long prices remain high.  He says the prices have spiked quickly, but it's still early days.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/25/20243 minutes, 5 seconds
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Seth Stern: Freedom of the Press Director of Advocacy on the precedent set by the Julian Assange trial

The latest in the Julian Assange saga is being coined a dark day in American history and press freedom.  The Wikileaks founder is set to plead guilty to violating US espionage law and will be sentenced to 62 months of time already served before going free.   Freedom of the Press' Director of Advocacy Seth Stern told Mike Hosking that it's a case that the former Trump administration should never have pursued.    He says the Biden administration purports to be friends of the free press, so for them to have continued this for years before finding a way out is disturbing.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/25/20244 minutes, 4 seconds
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Donna Demaio: Australia Correspondent on the changes to Australia's vape ban

Australia is taking a firm stance on vaping.  The sale of vapes will be restricted to pharmacies from next week, as the Greens agree to pass a proposed ban.  However, the Government has agreed to water down restrictions that would have required adults to obtain a prescription.   Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio told Mike Hosking that this has sparked anger, as pharmacists say that they should be prescription only.  She said that restrictions will still be in place regarding packaging and flavours, limiting the products to plain packaging and mint, menthol, and tobacco flavours.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/24/20242 minutes, 28 seconds
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Tony Johnson: Rugby Commentator on the naming of Scott Robertson's All Blacks squad

Scott Robertson’s All Blacks squad has been announced, with Scott Barrett taking the captaincy.  He’s taking over the duties from Sam Cane, with Ardie Savea and Jordie Barrett sharing the vice-captaincy.  Rugby Commentator Tony Johnson told Mike Hosking that he doubts there’ll be any drastic changes right off the bat.  He said that if they’re going to change their playstyle, they’ll do it incrementally as time goes on, and they have plenty of time to do that.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/24/20244 minutes, 34 seconds
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Rachel Hart: Cancer Society CEO on the uncertainty in the timeline surrounding cancer drug funding

The Cancer Society says yesterday was a momentous day but there's still a bit of uncertainty around Pharmac's funding boost.   The Government's committed $604 million, taken in advance from next year's Budget.   It will cover the funding for 54 new medicines, including 26 cancer treatments.   Cancer Society chief executive Rachael Hart told Mike Hosking that it's been an incredibly stressful time so the news brings some relief, but the uncertainty doesn't end.   She says cancer patients still don't know when the drugs will be funded, and when you're shelling out thousands of dollars a month, every month matters.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/24/20243 minutes, 55 seconds
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Mark Mitchell: Police Minister on increasing police officers on the beat

Auckland will soon have Police on the beat 24/7.  Community Beat Teams will be based in major centres, with 63 officers in Auckland, 17 in Wellington and 10 in Christchurch.  It's the Police and Government's newest plan to crackdown on crime rates.  Police Minister Mark Mitchell told Mike Hosking “We want to make sure that we have a safe city – not one that’s plagued with sleepers drug dealers and disorderly behaviour.”  Mitchell said “They’ve already increased foot patrols in the city – but now they’re increasing the number of dedicated police officers that will be out there and highly visible doing their work.”  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/23/20244 minutes, 31 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK Correspondent on the King reportedly not going to visit New Zealand

King Charles will likely skip New Zealand during his upcoming tour to the South Pacific.  According to The Mirror, he and Queen Camilla are set to visit Australia and Samoa - but have dropped New Zealand.  The visit was never officially announced - just rumoured to be on the agenda.  UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Mike Hosking “His Majesty is said to be like a caged tiger - desperate to do more, while undergoing chemotherapy and having the cancer diagnosis.”  Grey said “It’s been decided he’d be better off doing a ten-day trip.”  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/23/20242 minutes, 12 seconds
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Mike Hosking: Delivery and confidence - that's what we want from governments

I think we got enough out of Nicola Willis on the programme Friday to know that today, cabinet’s gonna sign off this money for Pharmac to solve the cancer problem.   The big outworking of this is - I hope they've learned their lesson.   This government has a couple of problems. The biggest one is the mess they inherited. We are going to spend at least the next year deep in it.   Two years of economic misery is a lot to ask of an electorate, and it's a lot to expect of a government to rectify.   Even on a good day - with plenty of intent and hard work - voters get grumpy with whoever’s in charge, whether it was their fault or not.   So given that, problem #2: self-inflicted wounds. The cancer promise was mad. It was mad because governments don't pick drugs.   That's what Pharmac is for. If you don't like Pharmac, fine, change it. But don't keep the same system while trying gerrymandering.   They also put out a list of thirteen drugs, some of which aren't even fit for purpose anymore.   And then, Problem #3: failure to deliver, I mean OMG – did they learn nothing from Labour?   And then last week, scrutiny week, Shane Reti says they'll deliver the 13. Nicola Willis says they will deliver some. David Seymour says he can't make a comment because Pharmac is independent.   Three people, three messages. Mixed messaging - is that problem #4?   So this week, an answer. And seemingly, an elegant one - more money.   The money gets spent on stuff that's needed. Not automatically the 13. It's spent by Pharmac. And it might well mean some spending on other drugs as well.   So, sorted. But big lesson: it never had to be this way.   And if all they're doing this week is handing out money, why didn't they do it in the budget when they had the chance?   Delivery and confidence, that's what we want from governments.   If this is a one off, they'll get away with it. If it's a habit. They're toast.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/23/20241 minute, 59 seconds
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Andrew Alderson: ZB Sports Anchor gives a Super Rugby finals recap

The Blues dominated the Chiefs on Saturday night to take the 2024 Super Rugby title at Eden Park - beating the visitors 41-10.   Caleb Clarke scored a hattrick as Akira Ioane and AJ Lam got a try each.   It's the first time they've won the competition in more than two decades.  Newstalk ZB Sports Anchor, Andrew Alderson, told Mike Hosking “I thought it was going to be closer – but the Blues were so convincing.”  Alderson said “Ever since I’ve been working here, we’ve been talking about the Blues resurgence – and it’s finally come.”  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/23/20244 minutes, 47 seconds
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Malcolm Mulholland: Patient Voice Aotearoa Chair on the government's expected announcement for cancer drugs

The Government’s expected to announce a $600 million boost in funding for Pharmac today.   If approved, it would bump the medicine budget up 40 percent - and cover the 13 cancer drugs the Government initially promised, and more.  Patient Voice Aotearoa Chair, Malcolm Mulholland, told Mike Hosking “From our perspective – this was always going to be the option that the government would land on.”  Mulholland said “The problem doesn’t go away – but we expect it will put a significant dent in Pharmac’s options for investment lists.”  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/23/20243 minutes
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Vincent McAviney: UK Correspondent on the betting scandal facing the Tories

Labour’s lead in the UK election is holding steady as the Tories deal with a scandal.  The party has admitted that their campaign head, Tony Lee, placed bets on the timing of the vote, allegedly just days before Sunak went public.  The BBC revealed that Tory candidate Laura Sanders, wife of Lee, is also being investigated by Britain’s Gambling Commission.  UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney told Mike Hosking that it’s a huge scandal that these people have seemingly used insider information to infringe the UK’s betting laws.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/20/20243 minutes, 45 seconds
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Brad Olsen: Infometrics Chief Economist on the GDP increase and what it means for quarter 2

New Zealand's officially out of a technical recession but may not be out of the woods.  Stats NZ figures show GDP rose 0.2% in the three months to March and the same amount for the year.  However, per capita GDP decreased by 0.3%.  Infometrics Chief Economist Brad Olsen told Mike Hosking that the numbers are not looking promising for Q2.  He said that some of the important pieces of the business economy haven’t been doing as well —construction, non-food manufacturing, professional services— which doesn’t bode well for general economic momentum.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/20/20244 minutes, 5 seconds
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Elliott Smith: ZB Rugby Commentator ahead of the Super Rugby Final between the Blues and the Chiefs

Tomorrow’s Super Rugby Final is set to be an intense match.  The Blues face off against the Chiefs at a sold-out Eden Park, kicking off just after 7pm.   ZB’s Rugby Commentator Elliott Smith told Mike Hosking that the Chiefs have come out of nowhere in the last couple weeks.  The Blues were expected to face the Hurricanes in the finals, the Chiefs entering the playoffs sitting fourth on the table.   He said they’ve stepped up not just one or two levels, but, to use a sporting cliché, they seem to have gone up and grown an extra leg, finding their feet and swept away the hurricanes on their home turf.  “It sets up an interesting final.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/20/20243 minutes, 27 seconds
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Darryn Fisher: North Chamber CEO on the impact of the Northland power outage on businesses

A Northland business leader says the large power outage will significantly impact business.   Widespread power outages began yesterday morning when a transmission tower toppled at Glorit, northwest of Auckland.  NorthPower says supply has since been restored to the majority of Northland.  Top Energy is showing 61 customers in Bay of Islands still without but warns there's potential for further outages as they manage load restrictions.   North Chamber chief executive Darryn Fisher told Mike Hosking that the business impact isn't yet known, but he expects it'll be significant with economic head winds already at play.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/20/20243 minutes, 43 seconds
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James Smith: General Manager of Policy and Advocacy at the National Road Carriers Association on the Brynderwyns reopening from next week

Freight operators are thrilled they can deliver goods to Northland a lot faster from next week.  State Highway 1 over the Brynderwyns will reopen to two-way traffic from 11.59pm next Wednesday, just in time for Matariki weekend.  The Transport Agency says additional space has been created so crews can work on repairs without lengthy closures.  James Smith, General Manager of Policy and Advocacy at the National Road Carriers Association, told Mike Hosking that it's important to note that this repair only gives them another seven years of the Brynderwyns, and then the whole lots coming down.  He said that what they're saying is that while that fix is in place, let's get on with building the diversion as fast as they can, because if the previous government had continued with it, it would’ve been just about done by this point.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/19/20243 minutes, 13 seconds
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Kim Mundy: ASB Senior Economist ahead of the release of last quarters GDP figures

We'll know later today whether New Zealand was in a technical recession last financial quarter. Gross Domestic Product figures for the three months to March are released later this morning. ASB is forecasting a 0.1% rise. Senior economist Kim Mundy told Mike Hosking that they're not expecting another recession, but neither are they expecting strong growth. She says they think the second quarter will actually be worse. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/19/20243 minutes, 33 seconds
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Katherine Firkin: US Correspondent on the call for Boeing to be charged with criminal liability

There's a renewed call for Boeing to be prosecuted after being grilled in the US Senate over its recent safety issues.  US Justice officials have until July 7th to decide if it lays criminal charges.  Family members of the 346 victims of two separate crashes involving Boeing planes five years ago were also at the hearing.  US Correspondent Katherine Firkin told Mike Hosking that they're calling for criminal liability for the company, specifically the upper management.  She says they want Boeing to be fined almost US$25 billion, and for officials to move forward with criminal prosecution.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/19/20243 minutes, 36 seconds
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Christine Rose: Maui and Hector's Dolphin Defenders spokesperson on the SailGP moving from Lyttleton Harbour

Dolphin advocates are celebrating SailGP's decision to move next year's event from Christchurch.  SailGP announced the 2025 edition wouldn't return to Lyttelton Harbour, which has hosted for the last two years.  In this year's event, the first day of racing was controversially cancelled due to a Hector's Dolphin spotting.  Maui and Hector's Dolphin Defenders spokesperson Christine Rose told Mike Hosking that regulations are in place for anyone using boats in Hector's Dolphin habitats.  She says those rules have to apply for everyone else, especially when the scale of impacts is greater.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/19/20242 minutes, 22 seconds
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Gavin Grey: Europe Correspondent on the rescue of migrants in the Mediterranean

Dozens of migrants have been rescued from a sinking ship in the Mediterranean.  German aid group RESQSHIP said it picked up 51 people from a sinking wooden boat, including two unconscious people, and found ten bodies trapped in the lower deck.  A second ship sank nearby, and 64 people total are still missing from the vessels.  Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey told Mike Hosking that the Mediterranean is the deadliest known migration route in the world.  He said that since 2014, over 23 thousand migrants have died or gone missing in its waters.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/18/20243 minutes, 2 seconds
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Victor Billot: Maritime Union spokesperson on the ballooning costs of maintaining the Interislander ferries

Maintenance on ageing Interislander ferries is seen as a short-term solution by the Maritime Union.  Estimated annual maintenance costs to keep KiwiRail’s three ageing Interislander ferries running could almost double to $65 million by next year, and keeping the ferries afloat will be an “ongoing battle”.  A previous assessment of the fleet’s condition raised concerns about steel corrosion, metal getting weak and cracking, and prohibitive maintenance expenses.  The project to replace the fleet with two mega ferries was left dead in the water in December after overall costs, including new terminals and wharf upgrades, ballooned to almost $3 billion and the new Government refused to fund the blowout.  Finance Minister Nicola Willis has previously refused to commit to replacing the fleet by 2026, which is when the now-cancelled mega ferries were due to arrive.  Given the project’s history of delays, budget blowouts, and other problems, Willis said people were “dreaming” if they thought the mega ferries would be up and running with the necessary port development in place by that time.  A Ministerial Advisory Group is looking into new options for the future of the ferry service.  Maritime Union spokesperson Victor Billot told Mike Hosking that ships of this age will have issues, especially on Cook Strait.  He says they are maintaining ferries that are nearing the end of their lives anyway.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/18/20243 minutes, 35 seconds
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John Moffat: Bovine disease vaccine research lead on the impact of Bovine Viral Diarrhoea on costs

There’s hopes an improved vaccine against an infectious disease running rife through New Zealand cattle could ease costs for farmers.  The Ministry for Primary Industries is backing a project which aims to develop a modified vaccine against Bovine Viral Diarrhoea.  It impacts about 80% of our dairy and beef herds and costs the industry more than $190 million each year.  Research lead John Moffat told Mike Hosking that it's one of the many threats farmers face.  He says the virus is one of the most important issues needing to be dealt with in the cattle industry.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/18/20242 minutes, 49 seconds
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Ruth Money: Victims advocate on the introduction of time frame goals in the justice system

A victims' advocate says new measures to address court backlogs are doable if all players in the system play their part.   The Chief District Court Judge has introduced maximum waiting times based on the seriousness of the crime.   For the least serious category —where there's no risk of prison— the aim is six months.   Independent victims' advocate Ruth Money told Mike Hosking that the courts are jammed and delayed.  She says people have their lives on hold waiting.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/18/20244 minutes, 48 seconds
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Donna Demaio: Australia Correspondent on the talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang

Following his visit to New Zealand, the Chinese Premier has begun his visit to Australia.  Li Qiang was greeted by hundreds of supporters and protestors upon his arrival in Canberra on Sunday, receiving a ceremonial welcome at Parliament House.  Australian Correspondent Donna Demaio told Mike Hosking that there has been talks of better military communication, as well as extending the offering of visa-free travel to Australians.  She said that Albanese says the bilateral relationship is back on track.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/17/20242 minutes, 20 seconds
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Ro Edge: Save Women's Sport Spokesperson on the Government taking a watching brief on transgender involvement in community sport

The Government's changed its tune on transgender people participating in community sports.   A policy in the New Zealand First-National Coalition agreement threatened to withhold public funding if sports bodies didn't separate trans athletes from grassroots competitions.   After feedback from Sport New Zealand, Sport and Recreation Minister Chris Bishop says the government will now take a watching brief.   Save Women's Sport spokesperson Ro Edge told Mike Hosking that she thinks Bishop's been given inaccurate information.   She says a letter she received from Bishop wrongly stated Sport NZ's guidelines have exemptions for fairness and safety in female sport.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/17/20243 minutes, 9 seconds
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Malcolm Fleming: Certified Builders CEO on the proposed building law change to building small dwellings

The Government promises “granny flats” of 60 square metres or less will be easier to build after planning changes that will force councils to permit small dwellings on rural and residential zones without resource consent. Making it easier to build granny flats was part of NZ First’s coalition agreement with National. NZ First leader Winston Peters, taking over as Acting Prime Minister while Christopher Luxon is in Japan, used Monday’s post-Cabinet press conference to announce consultation on changes that would fulfil that policy promise. “Making it easier to build granny flats will make it more affordable for families to live the way that suits them best,” Peters said. “Over a quarter of households that do not own their home spend more than 40 per cent of their income on housing. High housing costs have a greater impact on Māori, Pasifika, and people with disabilities, as well as seniors - so unlocking the space in the backyards of family members opens the door to new ways of living. “We know granny flats are a great option for seniors, but they’re also increasingly popular with other families such as those who want homes where their university-age children can live at home but maintain some privacy and independence, or families who want to provide extra support to a loved one,” he said. Feedback's being sought on the proposed change. Certified Builders Chief Executive Malcolm Fleming told Mike Hosking that it's good that proposed designs are required to meet the building code.   But he says there's no checking to ensure designs and constructions adhere to the building code, which isn't such a good thing.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/17/20242 minutes, 38 seconds
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Andrew Alderson: ZB sports reporter on the reduced crowd numbers for Super Rugby semi-finals

This weekend's Super Rugby semifinals have raised a few eyebrows over their smaller-than expected attendance numbers. ZB sports reporter Andrew Alderson suspects this is because these Super Rugby matches had to compete with this weekend's Warriors' clash. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/16/20244 minutes, 31 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on the Princess of Wales making her first public appearance following cancer diagnosis

The Princess of Wales has returned to the public eye for King's Birthday celebrations, making her first public appearance this year. Kate faced wild internet speculation on her whereabouts earlier this year before revealing she's undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer. She was pictured smiling, sitting alongside her three children in a carriage for the Trooping the Colour parade. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says the public were thrilled to see her back. "She looked a little thin, a little drawn, but she did look, still, pretty amazing. And after all the chemo she's been in - perhaps that's no surprise at all."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/16/20243 minutes, 4 seconds
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Mark Potter: NZEI president responds to Ministerial Advisory Group recommending checkpoint tests and a stronger focus on handwriting

One teachers' union is concerned abut the recommended changes to teaching standards in a new report. The Ministerial Advisory Group reviewing English and maths learning has recommended annual 'checkpoint' tests for students. It also recommends children be encouraged to write by hand as much as possible for their first three years at school - and cursive lessons in years four to six. NZEI president Mark Potter says children in society are facing all sorts of issues, but how teachers teach isn't one. "Things aren't going well for children in our society right now, but just focusing on what teachers do in the classroom all the time, especially by political groups and political figures, is not going to help children at all." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/16/20243 minutes, 12 seconds
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Jason Walls: ZB political editor on Prime Minister Luxon's trip to Japan being impacted by plane breakdown

Christopher Luxon is on the ground in Japan, but his business delegation won't be touching down for another day. The Prime Minister's plane has broken down yet again, this time while refuelling in Papua New Guinea. Luxon's been forced to fly commercial to Tokyo, while the business leaders, officials and others in his delegation are travelling to Brisbane and then on to Japan today. ZB political editor Jason Walls says Luxon abruptly disappeared from the airport, leaving his delegation confused about what was happening. "The Prime Minister leaving took everybody by surprise, I saw his face as he was leaving in the motorcade... he was not happy." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/16/20244 minutes, 45 seconds
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Vincent McAviney: UK Correspondent on the Labour Party announcing their manifesto

Britain’s Labour Party has launched its manifesto.  It said on Thursday that it would be “pro-business” and prioritise “wealth creation”.  Among the party’s flagship pledges is the creation of a new publicly owned energy company, a ban on awarding new North Sea oil and gas licences, and reducing medical wait times.   UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney told Mike Hosking that it’s quite different from the manifesto they ran on a few years ago under Jeremy Corbyn.  He said that Starmer is very much saying that his party is the party for change, but he is for stability, and in his own words, there were no “rabbits out of the hat”.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/13/20243 minutes, 35 seconds
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Sam Ackerman: Sports Commentator ahead of the Super Rugby semifinals this weekend

It’s a big weekend in sports as the Super Rugby semifinals kick off tonight.  The Blues and the Brumbies are facing off at Eden Park tonight, the Hurricanes and the Chiefs going head-to-head in Wellington’s Sky Stadium tomorrow afternoon.  Sports Commentator Sam Ackerman told Mike Hosking that if he could only watch one of the matches, he’d take the Hurricanes v Chiefs.  He said it’s got blockbuster written all over it.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/13/20243 minutes, 6 seconds
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Dr Jamie Hosking: Healthy Auckland Together spokesperson on the removal of 24-7 speed reductions around schools

There’s been push back against the Government's plan to scrap around the clock speed limits outside schools.   The Coalition's reversing speed limit reductions implemented over the past four years under the previous Government.   The draft report wants speed limits in place at the start and end of each school day as opposed to the current 24-7 system.    Healthy Auckland Together spokesperson Dr Jamie Hosking told Mike Hosking that kids are outside schools much more than just the first and last 30-minutes of the day.   He says five out of six deaths and serious injuries that happen around schools are outside those times, when the variable limits wouldn't be operating.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/13/20242 minutes, 40 seconds
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Dellwyn Stuart: Mind the Gap co-Founder on the Government's decision to make gender gap pay reporting voluntary

The Government's ditching plans to make gender pay gap reporting compulsory.   The Labour Government pledged it would require companies with more than 250 workers to publish a pay gap report.  But acting Minister for Women Louise Upston's instead developing a tool for businesses to calculate pay gaps voluntarily.  Mind the Gap Co-Founder Dellwyn Stuart told Mike Hosking that while mandatory reporting would likely make more of a difference, it's great to see the Government taking action.   She says most businesses don't set out to pay people unfairly, they just don't see what's happening in their payroll until they measure it, and then they want to fix it.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/13/20244 minutes, 2 seconds
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Katherine Firkin: US Correspondent on the Hunter Biden verdict and his likely appeal

Yesterday saw another historic ruling in the United States, as Hunter Biden was found guilty in his federal gun trial.  The conviction makes him the first child of a sitting President to be found guilty of a crime.  He was convicted of three gun offences for lying about drug use while illegally buying and possessing a gun in 2018.  US Correspondent Katherine Firkin told Mike Hosking that several legal experts have already suggested that there are several avenues of appeal that Biden could take.  She said that the most likely route is that the defence will argue that under the Second Amendment, Biden has a constitutional right to own a firearm.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/12/20243 minutes, 31 seconds
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Mark Smith: ASB Senior Economist on the number of NZ Citizens leaving New Zealand

There's an expectation New Zealanders will continue to file out of the country in high numbers.  The latest figures from Stats NZ show more than 130,000 people left the country in the year to April, the highest number on record.  Among those were a record 81,200 NZ citizens.  ASB Senior Economist Mark Smith told Mike Hosking that we are moving in the right direction, but there’s still a way to go yet.  He said it’s reflective of what’s happening offshore as well, as Australia’s unemployment rate is lower than ours, as well as higher wages and lower living costs being on offer.   He said it’s pretty clear from a New Zealander’s point of view that it’s probably better across the ditch.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/12/20243 minutes, 14 seconds
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Gavin Male: NZ Compare CEO on the problems with New Zealand's electricity business model

There’s a belief that there's a problem with the New Zealand electricity business model, not just the new disclosure rules.  Gentailers —companies that both generate and sell electricity— are required to disclose the price they use internally to sell power to their retail arms.   But NZIER research found the new disclosure rules don't provide enough information to show if companies are artificially inflating prices.  Chief executive of consumer group NZ Compare Gavin Male told Mike Hosking that the market wasn't designed to be dominated by a few large gentailers.  He says a recent OECD report found there's a need for more competition in the sector.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/12/20244 minutes, 1 second
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Gabrielle O'Brien: Rural Women NZ CEO on the growing lack of faith in rural banks

It's thought New Zealanders' faith in rural banks is dwindling.  The Government's requested for the Finance and Expenditure and Primary Production select committees to lead a joint inquiry into rural banking.  Rural Women NZ says their communities are facing a range of problems including banking competition and customer service.  Chief Executive Gabrielle O'Brien told Mike Hosking that a lot of them are losing confidence in the banking sector.  She says they hope the inquiry can address what needs to change and restore that confidence.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/12/20243 minutes, 22 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK Correspondent on the rise in the unemployment and inactivity rates in the UK

Unemployment is hitting the UK hard.  It’s unexpectedly risen to its highest level for two and a half years, climbing to 4.4% in the three months to April.  On the other hand, wage growth has remained strong and is outstripping inflation, having increased at an annual rate of 2.9%.  UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Mike Hosking the other striking figure is the inactivity rate, which is the number of people of working age who are not actively looking for work.  He said that it’s standing at one in five, the highest level in nearly a decade.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/11/20242 minutes, 57 seconds
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Chris Budge: Private Investigator on the $80 thousand reward in the Phillips children missing person case

Police have already received tips on the back of the $80 thousand reward offered in the case of the Phillips children.  The now eight, nine, and ten year olds, along with their father Tom Phillips, have been missing since 2021.  They're believed to be in western Waikato, near or in Marokopa.  Police have given two weeks for the reward to be claimed and say information has been coming in since yesterday's announcement.  Private Investigator Chris Budge told Mike Hosking that it's the best path forward for Police.  He says it's much more economical than using spending money on helicopters and manpower to search.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/11/20244 minutes, 49 seconds
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Jason Krupp: Meat Industry Association Advocacy Manager on the Government's decision to work with farmers to price emissions

The Government's decision to work with farmers to price their emissions by 2030 is being welcomed by the industry.  A law change will stop farming being charged through the Emissions Trading Scheme, which offsets credits against emitting.   It was a fallback option if partnership group He Waka Eka Noa didn't find an alternative for agriculture.  Meat Industry Association advocacy manager Jason Krupp told Mike Hosking that the previous Government wasn't fully committed to finding a solution.  He says a solution was handed to them by the end of 2022, which they sat on for nine months.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/11/20242 minutes, 35 seconds
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Simon Parham: Waitomo Group CEO on the Commerce Commission calling out fuel prices ahead of the removal of the Auckland Fuel Tax

A fuel retailer's applauding the Commerce Commission for raising awareness about prices at the pump ahead of the removal of Auckland's fuel tax.  The commission's calling out retailers who lag in dropping prices at the pump, saying it's costing motorists millions each year.  It says it's a timely reminder, with the Auckland Regional Fuel Tax being removed at the end of this month.  Waitomo Group Chief Executive Simon Parham told Mike Hosking that they can't wait for it to be scrapped.  He says it was poorly thought-out tax and it's created complexity for both customers and themselves.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/11/20243 minutes, 53 seconds
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Lesley Yeomans: Australia Correspondent on the Hornsby Shire council being ordered to repay $36 million

A council in Australia’s New South Wales is displeased after being ordered to repay millions of dollars.  The NSW Government has ordered the Hornsby Shire council to repay $36 million as after six years, it still has yet to develop and build a park.  Hornsby Mayor Philip Ruddock, a former federal minister, has accused the government of looking to save money ahead of the state budget coming next week.  Australian Correspondent Lesley Yeomans told Mike Hosking that the NSW Government said that the council has not been able to prove that they’re on track to have anything developed, so it’s time to pay the money back.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/10/20243 minutes, 46 seconds
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Pete Wolfkamp: Newstalk ZB's Resident Builder on house building costs stabilising

The cost of building a new home's starting to stabilise.  Figures from QV CostBuilder show the average cost to build a three-bedroom home in main centres has risen by 1.8% for the year, and 0.3% this quarter.   It compares to an annual average increase of nearly 5% last December, and nearly 10% last June.  Newstalk ZB’s Resident Builder Pete Wolfkamp told Mike Hosking that the main difficulty builders were facing over the last years were prices rising after they’d been locked into a fixed term contract.  He said that it puts enormous pressure on projects to keep their costs to a reasonable level, which was incredibly difficult.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/10/20243 minutes, 56 seconds
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Grant Duncan: Political commentator on the potential misuse of Census data by Te Pāti Māori

A political scientist says the allegations that Census data has been misused by a political party would be very concerning if true.  The Prime Minister's announced the Public Service Commission will undertake an independent investigation amid allegations surrounding Te Pāti Māori and Manurewa Marae.  It relates to the misuse of Census data and Covid-19 vaccination information.  Political commentator Grant Duncan told Mike Hosking that the alleged mixing of Census and Covid related functions with election campaigning would be inappropriate.  He says all of those choices should be private to the individuals concerned.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/10/20243 minutes, 36 seconds
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Geoffrey Miller: International Relations Expert on Chinese Premier Li Qiang's visit to New Zealand

It's expected China will try to sweeten the pot for New Zealand.  Chinese Premier Li Qiang will arrive in Wellington this week, the first such visit since 2017.  International relations expert Geoffrey Miller told Mike Hosking that expects he'll want to cover business, education, and likely New Zealand's position on AUKUS.  He says tempting offers will likely be made to the Prime Minister.  Miller says an upgraded free trade agreement or wider visa access for Kiwis are potentially on the table.  Christopher Luxon will then lead a delegation to Japan on Sunday.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/10/20244 minutes
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John Carnegie: Energy Resources Aotearoa Chief Executive on government decision to reverse oil exploration ban

The Government will remove the 2018 ban on petroleum exploration beyond onshore Taranaki.  The decision's being labelled a 'backwards step' by environmentalist groups.  Energy Resources Aotearoa Chief Executive, John Carnegie, told Mike Hosking “In New Zealand, the ironic thing is coal has been a balancing energy fuel.”  Carnegie said “There’s plenty of gas here, it’s just a matter of getting more explorers down here and having more wells drilled to find it.”  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/9/20244 minutes, 32 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK and Europe Correspondent on the death of TV Doctor Michael Mosley

British TV presenter Michael Mosley has been found dead on the Greek Island of Symi after disappearing while on holiday last week.  The 67-year-old healthy living advocate, had been a prominent face on TV in the United Kingdom and New Zealand.   His body was found as teams were searching the coastline with cameras, and searchers were approaching a cave.  UK and Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey told Mike Hosking “He appeared to take the wrong route home – there are no suspicious circumstances.”  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/9/20242 minutes, 55 seconds
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Tony Johnson: Sports Commentator ahead of the Super Rugby Pacific quarterfinals

The Super Rugby Pacific quarterfinals are kicking off this weekend.  The Hurricanes are still sitting at the top of the table, just ahead of the Blues on a points differential.  The Chiefs are starting the action, facing off against the Reds tonight at 7pm.  Sports Commentator Tony Johnson told Mike Hosking that the season is heading towards a pretty good climax.  He said that they’ve seen some good footie, and the game has grown as its gone on as well as the crowds getting better.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/6/20244 minutes, 17 seconds
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Nick Leggett: Infrastructure NZ CEO on the $4b investment in pothole prevention

It's a much-needed record funding boost in pothole prevention.  The Transport Agency's confirmed it'll put just over $2 billion into prevention on state highways, and nearly $2 billion for local roads.  It'll cover resealing, rehabilitation, and drainage maintenance, with more than 62,000 holes recorded last year.  Infrastructure New Zealand chief executive Nick Leggett told Mike Hosking that the funding won't cover as much as it would've a few years ago because costs have risen.  He says larger investments and more consistency will result in better efficiency.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/6/20243 minutes, 40 seconds
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Bryan Betty: General Practice NZ Chair on the increasing number of Kiwis unable to access specialist care

A concerning healthcare trend finds more Kiwis unable to access specialist care, leaving GPs to manage cases without extra resources.  Otago University has found between 2018 and 2022, the risk of being declined referred specialist services increased significantly, by 5.2%.   General Practice New Zealand chair Bryan Betty told Mike Hosking that the threshold seems to be changing.  He says the bar to get in to see a specialist seems to be rising, based on the fact there's not enough capacity in the hospital to see patients.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/6/20244 minutes, 4 seconds
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Katherine Firkin: US Correspondent on Boeing's Starliner capsule's launch

Third time’s a charm for Boeing as its first manned ship takes off to space.  Previous launch attempts had been called off due to system and machinery failures.   Two veteran NASA astronauts are riding aboard the Starliner capsule, on a journey to the International Space Station.  US correspondent Katherine Firkin told Mike Hosking that it's a much-needed win for Boeing.  She says the manufacturer had lots of bad press recently including a door blowing out of an Alaskan airlines plane.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/5/20243 minutes, 30 seconds
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Kathy Wolfe: Early Childhood NZ CEO on the Ministry of Regulation review on the sector

The Early Childhood Sector is welcoming the Ministry of Regulation review.  Regulation Minister David Seymour's saying affordability, access, and regulation will be tackled in the review.  In six months, a report will be sent back with recommendations for Cabinet on rules that could be removed or changed.   Early Childhood New Zealand Chief Executive Kathy Wolfe told Mike Hosking that the amount of regulation is a big problem in the sector.  She says new rules were brought in to fix issues and it's morphed out of control.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/5/20243 minutes, 43 seconds
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Peter Dunne: Political Commentator says the allegations against Te Pāti Māori need to be handled carefully

The allegations against Te Pāti Māori need to be handled with sensitivity.   It's been alleged information collected at Auckland's Manurewa Marae was used to help the party's election campaign, something Te Pāti Māori denies.  Stats NZ has appointed an investigator, Police have received a complaint, and the Privacy Commissioner's considering what to do next.  Political commentator Peter Dunne told Mike Hosking that it will turn into Te Pāti Māori tikanga versus the tikanga of the rest of the country.   He says it needs to be dealt with in a way that can't be spun as colonisers attacking the party.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/5/20243 minutes, 51 seconds
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Leanne Watson: Business Canterbury CEO on the proposed changes to the Holidays Act

There's hopes the holiday law changes will benefit Kiwi businesses.  The Government's drafting legislation and will put it out for consultation in September.  It includes proposing moving annual leave from an entitlement system to an accrual system and linking sick leave to hours worked.  Business Canterbury CEO Leeann Watson told Mike Hosking that the system hasn't kept up with modern day work practices.  She says it's not fit for purpose and changes are needed, so this is a step in the right direction.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/5/20243 minutes, 33 seconds
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Adam Blair: Former Warrior on Christchurch Council being urged to back the bid for a South Island NRL team

The Christchurch Council is being urged to back the bid for a South Island NRL team.  It’s said the team could bring in $50 million in revenue for the city each year.  The call’s come from South Island NRL Bid ltd, led by Canterbury Rugby League Chairman Tony Kidd, and is a rival bid to David Moffett’s South Island Kea.  Adam Blair, former Warriors player and commentator, told Mike Hosking that there’s always been conversation about the need for another New Zealand team.  He said that the important thing is having people in the know that have done it before, and he’s not sure if there’s anyone in the South Island who has been in that position and knows how to get it across the line.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/4/20243 minutes, 49 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK Correspondent on the newly revealed details of abandoned Baby Elsa

UK police are still unable to find the parents they say abandoned three babies across East London across seven years.   DNA testing shows newborn Baby Elsa —found in a park earlier this year— is the sibling of two others found similarly in 2017 and 2019.   UK correspondent Gavin Grey told Mike Hosking that a judge has made allowances because of the case's public interest.   He says the public can know the babies are black, and its believed they share the same parents.  Elsa was just one hour old when she was found.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/4/20243 minutes, 29 seconds
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Shaun Robinson: Mental Health Foundation CEO on the dropping rate of people accessing specialist services

More people are getting mental health support in primary care, but not as many are accessing specialist services.   A Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission report shows more people are receiving community-based care.   But access to specialist services dropped from 3.8% of people in 2018 and 19 to 3.4% in 2022 and 23.  Mental Health Foundation Chief Executive Shaun Robinson told Mike Hosking that new services at GP level have drawn resources from specialist services.   He says we keep putting money into one piece of it, but ignoring the whole system, therefore creating a hole elsewhere.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/4/20243 minutes, 13 seconds
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Andrew Alderson: ZB Sports Reporter on the Super Rugby matchups, T20 World Cup

The T20 World Cup is coming up soon, and New Zealand has been put out in the back paddock with no games in the United States.  The Super Rugby quarterfinals have been set after a tense weekend of matches. The Blues are on top of the board, and the final looks to be between them, the Hurricanes, or the Chiefs.  Andrew Alderson wrapped the long weekend of sports.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/3/20244 minutes, 31 seconds
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Mark Mitchell: Police Minister on the large boy racer event in Levin over the weekend

Police Minister Mark Mitchell says there’s been a drop in respect for police over the past six to seven years and they have become “punching bags” - and he wants to fix it.  Speaking to Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking about a large boy racer event in Levin on the weekend - in which two police officers were hurt - Mitchell said police had been overwhelmed by the number of people at the meet.  More than 200 cars were at the gathering, with around 30 police staff deployed to the centre of Levin pre-emptively.  Manawatū area commander Inspector Ross Grantham said police were put at serious risk due to “aggressive behaviour”, with two officers hurt when they were pelted with rocks and bottles when they tried to intervene.  Six cars were impounded and two people arrested, and Mitchell told Hosking more people would be arrested.  Skid marks from cars doing burnouts during a car meet in Levin. Photo / Supplied  The Police Minister said he planned to talk to Transport Minister Simeon Brown about the legislation regarding impounding cars - which he believed meant people’s cars were seized but then given back after a period of time.  ”I want to seize the vehicles and keep them. I think that would be a real deterrent if these boy racers realise that [if] they come out, they’re actually going to lose their vehicles.”  He was uncertain whether there were greater penalties for attacking a police officer than a member of the public, but said it “feels like” when people became officers they became “punching bags” without the rights other people had.  “I want to get our police back to a point where these idiots that come out and break the law - whether gang members or boy racers that terrorise communities - understand that they can’t behave like that towards our police.”  Police Minister Mark Mitchell says police have lost respect in society and are treated as "punching bags". Photo / Marty Melville  Mitchell said there were “handwringers [and] academics” claiming that police couldn’t enforce laws because gangs were too strong.  ”I completely reject that. We just have to get back to a point where the gangs understand that our police are controlling the streets, that they do respect them - because they know that if they take on the two police officers…the cavalry is coming over the hill and we’re just not going to put up with that any more as a society.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/3/20244 minutes
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Robert Patman: Otago University International Relations Professor on Christopher Luxon's visits to Fiji and Nuie

The Prime Minister will be doing what he can to steer clear of Fiji's domestic political issues while there.   Christopher Luxon's visiting Fiji and Niue this week, his first visit to the region as PM.   The Fiji trip will have a significant trade and economic focus and includes a meeting with the country's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.   Otago University international relations professor Robert Patman told Mike Hosking that there's a slight tension between New Zealand establishing itself as a close partner and discussions around AUKUS.   He says many Pacific Island countries aren't keen on that, and don't see themselves as a pawn in a US-China dominance showdown.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/3/20243 minutes, 26 seconds
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Barbara Edmonds: Labour's Finance Spokesperson on the 2024 Budget of 'Broken Promises'

The Finance Minister is defending the time it's going to take to get the Government's books back in the black.  Nicola Willis says a surplus is expected in 2027-28.  Labour's Finance Spokesperson, Barbara Edmonds, told Mike Hosking that Willis isn't delivering the direction she promised.  She said that they’re borrowing way more than Labour would’ve at the end of the forecast period, and running larger deficits than Grant Robertson did, except for at the peak of Covid.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/30/20243 minutes, 13 seconds
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Rachel Hart: Cancer Society CEO on the Budget failing to follow through on funding cancer drugs

The Cancer Society says some patients won't have a year to wait for National to make good on their promise.   Over the next four years the government is spending $6.5 billion to boost hospital and primary care.   Finance Minister Nicola Willis says she's disappointed it couldn't include funding for 13 new cancer drugs, despite promising it pre-election.   Cancer Society Chief Executive Rachel Hart told Mike Hosking that she's also disappointed for the cancer patients who voted for National thinking it would keep its promise.   Health Minister Shane Reti says the funding should come in one year.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/30/20243 minutes
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Elliott Smith: ZB Rugby Commentator on Proposal Two being passed at the NZ Rugby vote

A civil war has been sparked after a vote at NZ Rugby’s headquarters saw Proposal Two passed.  It passed with a majority, 69 votes for and 21 against.  New Zealand Rugby Players’ Association CEO Rob Nichols claims the game could now be in an even worse position than before.  He said that Proposal One, which adopted more of the recommendations from the Pilkington report, was a great opportunity for the game to make the changes required.  ZB’s Rugby Commentator Elliott Smith told Mike Hosking that while it is a democracy, this is not the end of the saga by any stretch.  He said that eyes are now on the provincial unions to implement their ideas, board, and get on with it.  It’s time to see whether they can put their money where their mouth is and whether they can govern the game, Smith said.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/30/20244 minutes
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Elliott Smith: ZB Rugby Commentator on today's vote for New Zealand Rugby's governance structure

Today sees a crucial vote take place for New Zealand Rugby.  A Special General Meeting is taking place, in which the union will vote on the new governance structure.  The proposed changes follow the review last year that found the current model not fit for purpose.   ZB’s Rugby Commentator Elliott Smith told Mike Hosking that he doesn’t think they’ll reach the two-thirds needed to pass either model.  He thinks a stalemate is more likely, but Proposal Two, backed by the Provincial Unions, might get closer.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/29/20243 minutes, 21 seconds
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Deborah Hart: Consumer Advocacy Council Chair on the potential problems with increasing power bills

There are concerns that another rise in power bills could be the straw that breaks the camel's back.  The Commerce Commission is proposing increased revenue limits for Transpower and 16 local lines companies to help cover rising demands of the national grid.  Electric bills would increase by an average $15 a month from April and $5 a month over the following four years to cover maintenance.  Consumer Advocacy Council Chair Deborah Hart says all alternatives need to be weighed up before a decision is made.  She says costs are already too much for some with rising inflation and the phased removal of the low fixed user fees.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/29/20243 minutes, 50 seconds
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Robyn Walker: Deloitte Tax Partner on what can be expected regarding tax cuts in today's Budget

Finance Minister Nicola Willis will unveil the final shape of the tax cuts promised to New Zealanders in the Budget today as well as how the Government will pay for them.  The contents of the Budget will be revealed by Willis in Parliament at 2pm.  Deloitte Tax Partner Robyn Walker says there won't be any major tax shocks in today's Budget.  She told Mike Hosking Walker she’s expecting to see some modest increases in just the thresholds at which tax rates apply.   Walker said it will be a Budget of "adjustments".  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/29/20244 minutes, 28 seconds
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Dan Mitchinson: US Correspondent on the jurors retiring to deliberate in Donald Trump's hush money trial

Donald Trump's hush money trial is nearing its end, with jurors retiring to deliberate.  The former US president is facing 34 felony charges of falsifying business records relating to a hush money payment to an adult film star before the 2016 election.  US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says it's a win-win situation for Trump.  He told Mike Hosking that if he's found not guilty, the jurors will be labelled heroes and the justice system will be deemed great again.  But if he's found guilty, Mitchinson says Trump will become a martyr and his supporters will be convinced that this was a political attack.  The jury must be unanimous in its decision.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/29/20242 minutes, 42 seconds
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Kim Mundy: ASB Senior Economist on the sentiment towards the future of house prices

Interest rate sentiment might have turned, but people are uncertain about the future of house prices and whether it's a good time to buy.  A new ASB survey's found more people expect interest rates to fall rather than lift in the coming year.  Senior Economist Kim Mundy says uncertainty is still high, and the economic outlook isn't very strong.  She says consumers are still going to be cautious around the housing market, even if the interest rates story is likely to improve.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/28/20242 minutes, 54 seconds
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Gavin Grey: Europe Correspondent on Pope Francis apologising after reportedly using a gay slur during a closed-door meeting

Pope Francis has apologised after he was quoted using a derogatory term about gay men.  It's alleged the Pope made the remark during a closed-door meeting with bishops in Rome last week.  They were reportedly discussing whether gay men should be admitted to Catholic seminaries, where priests are trained.  Europe correspondent Gavin Grey told Mike Hosking that the Pope apparently said gay men shouldn't be allowed to train for the priesthood.  He says there's been shock at this, as the Pope has spoken publicly in the past about being respectful towards gay people.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/28/20243 minutes, 8 seconds
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David Seymour: Associate Education Minister on students attending the Toitu Te Tiriti protests

David Seymour is urging students to stay in school tomorrow and not join protests across the country.  Toitu Te Tiriti is urging Māori to strike countrywide across the New Zealand on Budget Day as a demonstration against a Government assault on Tangata Whenua and Te Tiriti.  Multiple hikoi are planned, including rolling road blockages in Auckland and a rally outside the Beehive.  Associate Education Minister David Seymour told Mike Hosking that education needs to be the top priority for students.  He doesn't see how a protest focused on race without constructive solutions will help.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/28/20244 minutes, 25 seconds
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Andrew Holden: News Publishers Association spokesperson on the possibility of the Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill going through

The News Publishers Association remains optimistic the Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill will go through.   A Select Committee's recommended the bill not be passed in its current form.   The bill would force social media giants to pay for using news media.   Media and Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith says they've not made a decision and it's still on the table.   News Publishers Association spokesperson Andrew Holden told Mike Hosking that ACT is against the bill while Labour and the Greens are in support.   He says there's no comment from National or New Zealand First, leaving the ground open for Goldsmith to step in and say exactly what he'd do.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/28/20245 minutes, 2 seconds
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Barry Sheridan: CEO and Owner of NPD Fuel on the choice to take full ownership of the company

Nelson-based fuel company NPD has remained 100% Kiwi owned.  The company left the hands of the founding family, selling a majority of the shares.  One Kiwi in particular now owns the company, current CEO and longtime employee, Barry Sheridan.  Sheridan told Mike Hosking that their goal is to bring the most competitive fuel prices they can as they expand through New Zealand, while still maintaining that strong New Zealand family-owned position.  He said that it helps the economy, as they retain all the funds within New Zealand, which then helps to strengthen the families within New Zealand.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/27/20244 minutes, 14 seconds
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Jon Reeves: Public Transport Users Association Spokesperson on the issues with trains

A public transport advocate believes we're paying the price for a lack of investment in trains.  Only 22.5% of Wairarapa trains arrived within five minutes of being on schedule in April.  It's a slight improvement from February, which had only around 5% of trains within target.  Jon Reeves from the Public Transport Users Association told Mike Hosking that there's a lot to catch up on.  He says new trains are coming in 2028 and there are issues with tracks and tunnels, impacting both passengers and freight.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/27/20243 minutes, 16 seconds
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Kate Gregory: Cancer Society Co-Director on the report of a shortage in public sector radiation oncology services

A struggle to staff the country's radiation oncology services is turning more cancer patients to private care.   RNZ is reporting that a service caring for patients in five regions across the North Island is not allowed to recruit the staff it needs, despite recommendations from Te Whatu Ora.   Cancer Society Co-Director Kate Gregory told Mike Hosking that the shortage is just one reason for the patient shift.  She says the private sector also has more cancer medicine options available.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/27/20243 minutes, 30 seconds
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Andrew Alderson: Charles Leclerc wins home race at Monaco, first lap crash takes out three other cars

- Charles Leclerc’s first win since July 2022 - Max Verstappen started and finished the race sixth for Red Bull - Early crash took out Sergio Perez, Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc won the restarted Monaco Grand Prix from pole position today for his first Formula 1 victory in nearly two years. Leclerc was on pole for the third time in four years, but had previously never finished on the podium at his home race. His first win since Austria in July 2022 took his career tally to six, all with Ferrari. “Tonight’s going to be a big night,” he told his team over the radio. A Monaco victory felt extra special for him, having grown up in a flat overlooking the start-finish line watching cars zooming past below. “No words can explain that. It was the race that made me want to be a Formula 1 driver one day,” the 26-year-old Leclerc said. “Seeing so many of my friends on the balcony, so many people I know. It means a huge amount to me.” The last 15 laps were the most difficult as the realisation of how much winning would mean dawned on him. “I must say I was thinking about my dad,” Leclerc said of his late father. “It was a dream of ours for me to race here and win, so it’s unbelievable.” Championship leader Max Verstappen is bidding for a fourth straight F1 title and saw his lead trimmed to 31 points over second-place Leclerc — 169-138 — with eight races completed. Verstappen started and finished the race sixth for Red Bull, whose other driver Sergio Perez went out of the race after a big first-lap crash. The crash also took out Haas drivers Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg, and caused it to be interrupted by a red flag for 40 minutes. The drivers were not hurt. The race restarted on Lap 3 of 78 and the drivers pulled away cleanly but slowly, with Leclerc managing his tires on a track notoriously difficult for overtaking. Leclerc finished about 8 seconds ahead of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and 9 seconds clear of Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz Jr. in third. McLaren’s Lando Norris was fourth and Mercedes driver George Russell held off Verstappen to take fifth place. Seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton was seventh, with Yuki Tsunoda (Racing Bulls), Alex Albon (Williams) and Pierre Gasly (Alpine) completing the top 10. It was the same order as the starting grid, reflecting Monaco’s reputation as the hardest track to overtake in F1. “The pace at the beginning was incredibly slow,” Piastri said. “But it’s been a great weekend for the team.” All of the drama came at the start. Perez’s right rear wheel was clipped by the front left tire of Magnussen behind him and put Perez into the crash barrier. Perez’s car almost split in half and also sent Hulkenberg’s Haas spinning as he followed behind. A red flag came out with debris littering the track to allow Perez’s mangled Red Bull to be cleared away by a crane. The Mexican driver walked back accompanied by two race marshals. His team said he did not need medical checks. Then, two Alpines tangled near the tunnel with Esteban Ocon’s front nose sending teammate Pierre Gasly’s car up in the air. With other cars just behind and the tunnel approaching, a serious accident was avoided. Ocon will serve a five-place grid penalty at the next race, the Canada GP on June 9. “Today’s incident was my fault,” Ocon said. “The gap was too small in the end.” Governing body FIA ordered a standing restart with Leclerc in pole ahead of Piastri and Sainz going from third, despite puncturing moments after the start. He was trying to pass Piastri and had to use a run-off area at Casino Square. French football star Kylian Mbappé and FIFA president Gianni Infantino were among the guests enjoying the bright sunshine. But the race proved a processional affair. Following the restart, cars trundled around the 3.3-kilometre (2-mile) narrow street circuit as Leclerc seemed determined to make his tires last until the end. Piastri sat on his tail, and by the halfway point he was around 1 second behind, but Leclerc picked up the pace. “To be honest Charles has been mega all weekend,” Piastri said. “It probably would have taken the best lap of my life (in qualifying). I’m happy with P2.” There was not much action to entertain fans, some of whom spent thousands on VIP tickets. Lance Stroll’s left tyre came off as he entered the pit lane on lap 50, but little else happened as Leclerc gradually extended his lead and ended his barren run. “It’s just impossible to get past on the streets of Monaco,” Sainz said. “But I’m very happy for Charles.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/26/20245 minutes, 10 seconds
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Pre-budget: Govt reveals 'more investment' for more teachers

The secondary teachers union says the Government's pre-Budget teacher recruitment announcement is a good start but it needs to ramp up. Education Minister Erica Stanford's announced a 53-million dollar package to train and recruit 1500 teachers over four years. It includes establishing 1200 places for aspiring teachers to learn on the job. PPTA President Chris Abercrombie told Mike Hosking that there's a lot of demand for teachers coming from offshore. He says it can take six months for a teacher to come here and trying to get a teacher that's a right fit for our system, is also an issue.   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/26/20243 minutes, 21 seconds
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Rishi Sunak to bring back UK national service if re-elected

The UK Prime Minister has made a big pre-election promise - ahead of July's general election. The Conservative party wants to bring back 12 months of national mandatory military service.Eighteen year olds could choose between a fulltime military placement or one weekend a month of community service. Rishi Sunak's party has not stated the planned punishment if the compulsory service is not completed. UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Mike Hosking it'll appeal to right wing voters. He says it'll cost roughly five billion New Zealand dollars and Rishi Sunak says it'll foster national spirit.   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/26/20243 minutes, 36 seconds
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Donald Trump Hush Money Trial: "Hard to know how damaging" this will be

This week marks the conclusion to the Donald Trump Hush Money Trial in New York. The first criminal trial of former President Donald J Trump will have its closing arguments on Tuesday before Jurors have to decide to convict him. Mr Trump is accused of falsifying business records to cover up a hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels. Anthony Davis is an LA based journalist and host of Five Minute News and told Mike Hosking it is "hard to know just how damaging this will be" for him.   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/26/20243 minutes, 53 seconds
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Brett O'Riley: Employers and Manufacturers Association on the state of the Economy and Nicola Willis' pre-Budget speech

The state of New Zealand’s economy is a disappointment.  In a pre-Budget speech to the Employers and Manufacturers Association, Finance Minister Nicola Willis confirmed the Government had found savings to pay for tax cuts.  However, she warned that the books are still in a structural deficit, with spending outpacing tax revenue.   EMA CEO Brett O’Riley told Mike Hosking that while it was disappointing to hear how bad the economy has gotten; it’s heartening to know that there’s a long-term plan.   He said the early hints of the Government’s economic growth plan was encouraging to a lot of people in the audience.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/23/20243 minutes, 6 seconds
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Vincent McAviney: UK Correspondent on the campaigning ahead of the July general election

Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer have hit the ground running in the UK.  The leaders of the Conservative and Labour parties, respectively, are out and about ahead of the July 4 election.  But Newstalk ZB UK correspondent Vincent McAviney told Mike Hosking that it hasn't been a smooth start for the Conservative leader.  He says Sunak had an embarrassing faux par in Wales when he asked locals if they were excited to watch the upcoming football, despite Wales not getting through to the Euro finals.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/23/20243 minutes, 50 seconds
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Mark Barrow: Auckland University Dean of Technology on the number of new primary teachers who failed high-school subjects

It’s little surprise a large number of Kiwi teachers didn't pass some high-school subjects.   New research has found a quarter of new primary school teachers failed maths and more than half failed science at NCEA Level One.   More than half who pursued Level Two maths also failed.   The Teaching Council's calling for more investment and widespread changes to how teachers are prepared for the classroom.   Auckland University Dean of Education Mark Barrows told Mike Hosking that they've known for a while people heading into primary teaching tend to be under-qualified in those areas.   He says providers need to think about how they can produce programmes that help students get past that.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/23/20244 minutes, 39 seconds
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Josie Vidal: Straterra CEO on the achievability of Shane Jones' mining proposal

A mining lobby group thinks the Resources Minister's decade-long vision for mining is achievable.  Shane Jones has announced a draft strategy which would see a critical minerals list for New Zealand produced, and a detailed stock-take made of the country's known mineral potential.   He wants to double export values in 10 years, from one billion to two.   Straterra Chief Executive, Josie Vidal told Mike Hosking that there are quite a few mines in the pipeline which they want to get up and running.  She says it takes a long time to do that, so they support the current fast-track process being discussed.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/23/20243 minutes, 45 seconds
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Katherine Firkin: US Correspondent on the brutal tornados and storms hitting the American Midwest

Major tornados hit Iowa, leaving towns devastated and people injured or dead.  Greenfield was struck by the deadliest tornado of the storm, leaving homes and businesses destroyed, and while police confirmed fatalities at a news briefing, they were unable to say how many.  The town’s hospital was among the buildings damaged, forcing the injured to find refuge elsewhere.  US Correspondent Kathrine Firkin told Mike Hosking that there have been brutal storms right across the Midwest, but Iowa has borne the brunt of it.  She said that the exact death tolls are unknown as authorities are still combing through debris trying to work out who is unaccounted for.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/22/20242 minutes, 44 seconds
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Malcolm Knight: Mortgage Advisor and Director of Advice Knight on the OCR announcement and the financial hardship Kiwis are experiencing

The Reserve Bank had a few surprises in its monetary policy update yesterday.  While the OCR remaining at 5.5% was expected, Governer Adrian Orr’s signal that the cash rate may remain “restrictive” for longer, was not.  Domestic inflation is proving more stubborn than expected, and the Bank is also considering hiking rates if it must.  Malcolm Knight, Director of Advice Knight, told Mike Hosking that it’s not just increasing interest rates that are hurting Kiwis, but also rent costs, and the timing of loan repricings.  He said that there's very clear signs of financial hardship as people are withdrawing their Kiwisavers to get by and going through matrimonial splits.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/22/20243 minutes, 49 seconds
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Geoffrey Miller: International Relations Expert on Emmanuel Macron's imminent arrival in New Caledonia

French President Emmanuel Macron's imminent arrival in New Caledonia is being viewed as a show of defiance.  Six have died in the unrest sparked by government electoral reforms.  A further 49 New Zealanders have been rescued from Noumea following the initial 50 people evacuated on Tuesday night.  They arrived in Auckland early this morning aboard a Defence Force plane, having initially being taken to Brisbane.  Logistical arrangements for subsequent flights are still being worked through by MFAT and the defence force.  International Relations expert, Geoffrey Miller told Mike Hosking that Macron's also bringing his Defence Minister and two other senior officials.  He believes it's a sign of defiance from Macron, to show he won't be cowered by the protests.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/22/20243 minutes, 42 seconds
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Brad Olsen: Infometrics Chief Economist on the likelihood of the OCR changing and interest rate cuts

The OCR is expected to remain steady.  It’s expected to remain unchanged at 5.5% when the bank releases its quarterly Monetary Policy Statement this afternoon.  It's signalled a rate cut may not come for another year.   Infometrics' Brad Olsen says the central bank is having to focus on inflation, over other negative economic indicators like rising unemployment.  He told Mike Hosking that he’d be very surprised if they decided to move it.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/21/20243 minutes, 53 seconds
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Rob Nichol: NZ Rugby Players' Association CEO on the potential split from NZ Rugby over the governance change

New Zealand’s rugby provinces have been warned by the professional players to brace for a civil war if they vote to approve their own governance change proposal at next week’s special general meeting.  In an explosive move that shows how distressed the New Zealand Rugby Players’ Association (NZRPA) is with the current governance system and the possibility of it not being fixed in line with independent recommendations, the trade body has told the unions it is ready to break away to form a new and separate entity to manage the professional game.  In a fiercely worded letter sent to all unions as well as New Zealand Rugby (NZR), Super Rugby Pacific clubs and the Māori Rugby Board, the NZRPA says that if the provinces vote in favour of what is known as Proposal 2 —a new governance structure that the provinces have developed themselves and one that differs significantly to an alternative blueprint that aligns with the findings of an independent review— it will withdraw, via its collective employment agreement, the right for NZR to govern the game.  NZRPA CEO Rob Nichol told Mike Hosking that Proposal 2 is a different proposal to what was put up by a group of provincial unions, and unfortunately it doesn’t stack up.  He said that it falls well short of the recommendations and independent analysis undertaken by the expert panel and effectively discredits them.  Should Proposal 2 be implemented, Nichol said, they’ll end up back at status quo, or worse.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/21/20245 minutes, 32 seconds
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Brigitte Morten: Former National Ministerial Advisor on David MacLeod's donation blunder and Darleen Tana being referred to the Electoral Commission

Electoral paperwork is landing two MPs in hot water.  The Greens have referred suspended MP Darleen Tana to the Electoral Commission for failing to put a promoter statement on a magazine advertorial.  The party itself is investigating what she knew about allegations of migrant exploitation relating to her husband's business.  At the same time, National has stripped MP David MacLeod of his Select Committee positions, after he failed to declare 19 donations.  Former National ministerial advisor Brigitte Morten told Mike Hosking that it brings MacLeod's competence into question.  She says with the support available around donation declaration, there's no excuse.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/21/20243 minutes, 28 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK Correspondent on the injuries and death on the Singapore Airlines flight from London

Passengers have described their terror when a Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore dropped suddenly.   A 73-year-old British man has died of a suspected heart attack and dozens of others were injured.   A statement from the airline says 23 of the 211 passengers were from New Zealand.   Flight SQ321 was diverted to Bangkok.   UK correspondent Gavin Grey told Mike Hosking that the plane fell seven thousand feet in six minutes, causing mid-air chaos.  Seven other passengers are critically injured with head injuries.  Singapore Airlines says 18 people have been hospitalised in Bangkok.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/21/20242 minutes, 39 seconds
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Donna Demaio: Australia Correspondent on the increased domestic violence response times in Australia's Northern Territory Police

Police response times in Australia’s Northern Territory have gotten worse.  A domestic violence inquest has heard that police response times have increased in the past year, more than doubling over the previous five.  NT Police Commissioner Michael Murphy revealed that between 2022 and 2023, the number of hours spent on domestic violence cases increased from 712,000 to 882,000, costs increasing with them.  Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio told Mike Hosking that racism within the Northern Territory Police has also been put under the spotlight.  She said that allegations have been made that a serving officer circulated a photo of a topless aboriginal woman via a social media chat.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/20/20243 minutes, 2 seconds
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Andrew Tripe: Whanganui Mayor on Local Government's proposal for city and regional deals

Local councils want a new approach to move decision making away from central government and back into communities.  Local Government New Zealand is proposing city and regional deals, a system which would see councils team up with the government on specific projects.  Whanganui Mayor Andrew Tripe told Mike Hosking that it will give more control to local communities.  He says communities know what they want and should be allowed to deliver projects for themselves.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/20/20244 minutes, 10 seconds
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Robert Patman: Otago University International Relations Professor on the impact of Iran's President's death

The death of Iran's President isn't expected to have immediate impacts internationally.  President Ebrahim Raisi and the foreign minister have been confirmed dead by state media after a helicopter crash near the Azerbaijan border.  Iran has announced five days of public mourning.  Otago University international relations professor Robert Patman told Mike Hosking reaction will come down to whether the crash is deemed an accident.  He says there will be serious international ramifications if foul play is found to be involved.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/20/20243 minutes, 44 seconds
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Chris Glaudel: Community Housing Aotearoa Deputy CEO on the findings of the independent review of Kainga Ora and social housing

Immediate changes are in store for Kainga Ora, in light of a critical independent review.  It found the public housing agency needs significant savings to become financially viable.  Housing Minister Chris Bishop's indicated a total refresh of the board but rules out a mass sell-off of state houses.  Community Housing Aotearoa Deputy CEO, Chris Glaudel told Mike Hosking that the report isn't shocking, but contained a few surprises.  He says the most important thing was the report digging deeper into our overall social housing system and the issues at play.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/20/20244 minutes, 18 seconds
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Jason Pine: Weekend Sport host ahead of tomorrow's A-League game between the Wellington Phoenix and the Melbourne Victory

A sellout crowd is certain as it's just one day til Wellington Phoenix chants ring out across the city.  The nix are playing the Melbourne Victory at a packed Cake Tin.  Excitement's been building up in the capital about the A-League semifinal clash, as the team goes into the second leg on a nil-all aggregate score, at home.  Weekend Sport host Jason Pine told Mike Hosking that he gets the feeling that the match will be settled within 90 minutes.  He said that someone will have the inspirational moment, the flash of brilliance, or someone will make a mistake, and that will settle the game.  “I don’t think we’ll see a nil-all tomorrow night.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/16/20243 minutes, 33 seconds
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Vincent McAviney: UK Correspondent on King Charles returning to work and attending garden parties

King Charles has been attending garden parties as he returns to public duties.   The monarch returned to work in late April, about two months after it was announced he was being treated for cancer.   UK correspondent Vincent McAviney told Mike Hosking that he appeared in good spirits at the garden parties this past week.   He says hundreds of people are invited to the parties, which have days for different industries.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/16/20242 minutes, 54 seconds
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Saunoamaali'i Karanina Sumeo: Equal Opportunities Commissioner on the cost of workplace bullying

The Workplace Relations and Safety Minister's being urged to address the huge cost of workplace bullying.  A report by the Human Rights Commission and KPMG has found the cost of bullying and harassment to employers is about $1.5 billion a year.  Equal Opportunities Commissioner Saunoamaali'i Karanina Sumeo told Mike Hosking that Minister Brooke van Velden wants to look at health and safety laws and the grievance processes.  She hopes the minister's paying attention to the report, because it may be a loss for businesses but it's the people's lives that are at the centre of this.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/16/20243 minutes, 26 seconds
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Richard McIntyre: Federated Farmers Dairy Chair on the response to Fonterra's change in strategy

Federated Farmers says most farmers are looking at Fonterra's change in strategy with cautious optimism.    The dairy giant's signalled its intent to divest well-known brands such as Anchor and overseas brands Fonterra Oceania and Fonterra Sri Lanka.   It wants to focus on producing ingredients and selling them to consumers and other businesses.   Federated Farmers Dairy Chair Richard McIntyre told Mike Hosking that some are concerned about Fonterra's potential move away from value-added products.   But he says they're also talking about investing more in innovation, so it'll be interesting to see the detail.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/16/20243 minutes, 48 seconds
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Mitch McCann: US Correspondent on Joe Biden agreeing to the presidential debates with Donald Trump

After months of goading, Donald Trump has his wish.  Joe Biden has finally agreed to presidential debates, but on a different schedule.  He released a video on social media earlier today saying that he’s ready to debate, and that Trump is available on Wednesdays, referring to the day that Trump’s hush money trial is not in session.  US Correspondent Mitch McCann told Roman Travers that normally these debates take place in the last two or so months of the campaign, but the first will be taking place in June, the second in September.  Biden’s team says the usual model hasn’t been working, and that organisers have failed to keep the debates under control in the past.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/15/20242 minutes, 26 seconds
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Sarah Dalton: Association of Salaried Medical Specialists Executive Director on the junior doctor strike starting today

Hundreds of appointments and surgeries have been cancelled as junior doctors begin another strike.  They’re continuing to fight for better pay and work conditions.   More than 2000 doctors walked off the job at 7am for the second time in two weeks, the strike planned to last two days.  Sarah Dalton, Executive Director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, told Roman Travers that we’re already training many young doctors just to go off and work overseas as the work conditions and pay aren’t good enough for the senior medical workforce.  Now, she said, Te Whatu Ora seems to be doing everything they can to get them to go even sooner.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/15/20245 minutes, 17 seconds
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Tim King: Tasman District Mayor on the slowing economic growth in the regions

There's a small silver lining for regional councils amid slowing local economic growth.  The March Infometrics Monitor reveals economic activity has increased just 0.2% over a year, the slowest growth since the first Covid-19 lockdown.  Building consents have dropped almost 60% in the Tasman District and fell around 25% for all regions.  Tasman District Mayor Tim King told Roman Travers that despite hard times for regions, it does present councils an opportunity  He says with the current economic downturn it's ironically a good time to invest in infrastructure.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/15/20244 minutes, 23 seconds
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Ginny Andersen: Labour's Police Spokesperson on New South Wales fast tracking New Zealand police recruits

Labour's anticipating many Kiwi police officers will take up New South Wales' incentivised offer.  The state is 1500 officers short and has announced it'll fast-track New Zealand officers as recruits.  Training requirements will be shortened and Kiwis with at least seven years' experience can keep their current rank, up to senior constable.   Labour's Spokesperson on Police, Ginny Andersen told Roman Travers that this offers more than other poaching attempts from Australian states.  She says they know that a lot will go, and Police Association President Chris Cahill's said 20 have gone in the last week.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/15/20244 minutes, 1 second
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Roman Travers: New Zealand can't afford tax cuts

With any promise there’s always an element of wiggle room, misinterpretation, or perhaps reversing out at high speed.  Although I have huge admiration for anyone who keeps their word and sticks to a promise verbatim, the coalition government’s promise of tax cuts isn’t a promise I’m happy for them to keep.  Anyone who only heard that promise in the runup to the election and based their voting decision upon that one fiscal soundbite possibly has a dubious voting history. But then again, it’s promises like that which ultimately attract the low hanging fruit pickers to any party.  Yesterday, we heard Prime Minister Christopher Luxon reiterate his governments promise of tax cuts, as we head closer to this month’s budget announcement.  He made the comments in a speech to the Auckland Business Chamber yesterday afternoon; and used the opportunity to bat away criticism of the coalition's promised tax cuts, saying "the squeezed middle" deserved support given the tough cost-of-living.  The ‘squeezed middle’ he refers to must now be equivalent to the area under a bell curve: To the extreme left and right of the squeezed middle must now surely be only poverty and extreme wealth.  It’s demonstrably obvious to anyone living in New Zealand that there are more and more of us tracking the finances daily, and really thinking hard about how on earth to further reduce the already relatively mediocre lives the ‘squeezed middle’ live.  Even those whose only focus at the voting booth was the promise of tax cuts can see that New Zealand cannot afford to receive them.  Of course, it’s admirable to see The Prime Minister reinforcing his fiscal promise and sticking to his word; but I don’t think there would be many of us who’d complain if he came out today and told us that —under the dire current economic climate, with so many things to fix— the promise of tax cuts is off the table for now.  Defer tax cuts. Use that whopping, dangling carrot at the next election.  No doubt it’ll still be appealing – and no doubt, a promise of tax relief will be even more welcome come the general election of 2026.  The truth isn’t always what we want to hear. Sometimes the pain of a promise broken isn’t as painful as one you’re determined to stick to. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/15/20242 minutes, 13 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK Correspondent on the study showing potential heart benefits of weight loss medication

A UK study has found that obesity jabs could reduce health risks.  Researchers looked at semaglutide, otherwise known as Wegovy and Ozempic, and found that the weekly shots could reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.  It was found to benefit cardiovascular health even if the user didn’t lose much weight.  UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Roman Travers that it’s too early to say that it’s definitely working and definitely a side effect, but the potential is fascinating.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/14/20241 minute, 45 seconds
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Roman Travers: Finally, there is good news

If you feel as though you’ve been living in some kind of whack job, futuristic Netflix series when it comes to this country’s deplorable attitude to crime and our increasingly farcical judicial system you were probably suitably blown away by yesterday’s announcement by Police Commissioner Andrew Coster.  Finally, there is good news. Finally, there’s hope that we’ll get to re-establish more than a modicum of control over the growing numbers of gangs and gang members.  Police are establishing a national gang unit, supported by 'district gang disruption teams', to target crime, harm, and intimidation caused by patched gang members. All I can say is it’s about time.  It’s about time that someone took this feral issue by the nostrils and led it out and beyond the growing levels of complacency and the general acceptance we’ve been conditioned and subjected to – for far too long.    The all-new police national team, will work with police districts across the country, drawing on joint operations to gang funerals and other acts of general criminal nuisance and stupidity. Hopefully this will also mean that the police aren’t lagging behind in gang related intelligence.  What we’ve seen in the past have been poorly funded strategies that the gangs know are flawed from the outset, allowing them to keep their criminal wheels turning, or spinning and burning out as is more often the case.  The Police Commissioner, Andrew Coster says there’ll be 25 to 30 staff forming the new national unit while the smaller district teams will be about seven officers.  Andrew Coster also believes there’ll be a reduction in gang numbers, once they get the units up and running and get the tools the government was providing through brand new legislation.  Not only have we seen this huge change in political direction, the general law-abiding public has been demanding big change like this for a very long time.  It’s utterly inconceivable that we haven’t made this move until now, and it’s a complete blight on all previous politicians who failed to let things get to this stage.  There are 9000 pathed gang members in New Zealand today; the same numbers as the population of Queenstown.  Here’s hoping those gang member numbers head to zero at speed before we get another change of government who do a U turn on this overdue policy. Congratulations Andew Coster and Police Minister Mark Mitchell. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/14/20242 minutes, 15 seconds
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Paul Spain: Gorilla Technology CEO on the Christchurch Call becoming a foundation

It's thought the Christchurch Call's refresh is in-line with technology's rapid evolution.  The call —designed to battle online extremism and hate content— is becoming a foundation.  Taxpayer funding ends in July.  Dame Jacinda Ardern will become patron, rather than New Zealand's special envoy.  Gorilla Tech Chief Executive Paul Spain told Roman Travers that the tech world is a different place since the call began, particularly with AI.  He says the tools available now are far better and more powerful than in 2019.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/14/20245 minutes, 29 seconds
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Chris Cahill: Police Association President on the establishment of the National Gang Unit

Some police officers are sceptical about the Government's new crackdown on gangs.  The Police Minister and Police Commissioner have announced the establishment of a new National Gang Unit.  It'll have around 30 people and up to seven ring-fenced officers in each police district.  Police Association President Chris Cahill told Roman Travers that if it doesn't have more funding, you're just asking staff to do more work.  He says officers are pretty keen to get into these gangs, but they're bogged down with the amount of work they've got at the moment.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/14/20244 minutes, 12 seconds
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John O'Neill: Director of Massey University's Institute of Education on the Government reintroducing charter schools

There are concerns the Government's charter schools plan could be a political football.  Associate Education Minister David Seymour's announced more than $150 million to set up 15 new charter schools in the next four years and convert 35 state school in the next two.  Massey University's John O'Neill told Roman Travers that since the last government's disestablished them, it can't be considered a settled policy.  He says the possibility of converting or privatising existing state schools and moving them out of the state sector would be the major new bone of contention.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/14/20244 minutes, 20 seconds
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Donna Demaio: Australian Correspondent ahead of Australia's federal budget announcement

Australia’s federal budget is due today.  With gross debt predicted to rise above $1 trillion by 2026, Treasurer Jim Chalmers is walking a tightrope between offering cost-of-living relief without fuelling inflation.  Repayments on Government debt have become the fastest growing expense in the budget, and Dr Chalmers is facing calls to continue cutting spending.  Australian Correspondent Donna Demaio told Mike Hosking that they’re hearing that inflation could be under control a year earlier than expected.  The early relief could result in interest rate cuts, and there has been talk of energy bill relief for students and welfare recipients, she said.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/13/20242 minutes, 26 seconds
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Elliott Smith: ZB rugby commentator on Sam Cane's retirement from international rugby

All Blacks Captain Sam Cane has announced his retirement from the international stage.  From next year he’ll take up a three-year contract with Suntory in Japan, where he spent this season’s sabbatical.   Elliott Smith, Newstalk ZB’s rugby commentator, told Mike Hosking that it isn’t quite the bombshell people are calling it, but it is still earlier than expected.  He said that Cane was still in the mix to continue the captaincy after he led the team to the World Cup final last year.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/13/20243 minutes, 33 seconds
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Jess Winchester: Stroke Foundation General Manager on the calls for salt regulation in processed foods

There are calls for the government to better regulate salt content in our processed foods.  Research from Otago and Auckland universities reveals about two thirds of packaged foods on supermarket shelves exceed the World Health Organisation benchmark.  Stroke Foundation General Manager Jess Winchester says one fifth of New Zealanders already have high blood pressure.  She told Mike Hosking that the government needs to begin holding food manufacturers to the WHO sodium benchmarks.  Winchester says people shouldn't be risking their lives every time they bite into their favourite pie.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/13/20243 minutes, 22 seconds
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Chris Gallavin: Massey University Law Professor on the Court of Appeal finding the Waitangi Tribunal can summon Karen Chhour

It's thought a Court of Appeal decision finding the Waitangi Tribunal could summon ACT MP Karen Chhour doesn't set a precedent for future cases.  The decision overturned a High Court ruling which found the Children's Minister did not have to front with her reasoning for removing Section 7AA from the Oranga Tamariki Act.   Massey University Law Professor Chris Gallavin told Mike Hosking that lots of ministers have given evidence before the tribunal in the past.  He says it's a bit of a storm in a teacup.  Gallavin says there's lot of agreement between the High Court and Court of Appeal, and they just took different views on one point.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/13/20243 minutes, 21 seconds
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Ruth Shinoda: Head of Education Review Office's Education Evaluation Centre on new teachers not being set up to succeed

New teachers across the country are not being set up to succeed, according to the Education Review Office (ERO).  Two thirds of principals are reporting new teachers coming into the role are unprepared, and a third of new primary teachers claim they are unprepared to teach science.  The ERO is calling for more to be done.  Ruth Shinoda, Head of ERO’s Education Evaluation Centre, tells Mike Hosking the combination of teachers themselves saying they don’t feel prepared, and their principals reiterating this is concerning.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/12/20243 minutes, 23 seconds
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Gavin Grey: Europe correspondent on UK proposal to ban protest groups and new device cutting hospital time for cancer patients

A new proposal could see protest groups in the UK banned in a similar way to terrorist organisations.   Extracts of an upcoming report show recommendations will be made for a new category proscribing “extreme protest groups”, defining these as those which routinely use criminal tactics to try to achieve their aims. Protest groups such as Just Stop Oil and Palestine Action could have sanctions that restrict the groups’ ability to fundraise and rights to assembly in the UK.  Plus, a new device might cut down hospital time for cancer patients.   The Liberty has been given regulatory approval. The device allows patients to take blood tests and upload the results at home without supervision.  Europe correspondent Gavin Grey tells Mike Hosking the device has only been tested on a small number of types of cancer.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/12/20243 minutes, 49 seconds
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Andrew Alderson: Wellington Phoenix nil-all draw, Warriors loss, Dame Lisa Carrington pipped in canoe sprint final

In the A-League semi-finals, the Wellington Phoenix had a nil-all draw against the Melbourne Victory. The Phoenix return home this Saturday for the second leg of the semi.  The Warriors suffered another loss, going down 38-18 to the Roosters in Sydney. The game brought on injury concerns as Shaun Johnson left the field in the second half.  And, Aimee Fisher has beaten Dame Lisa Carrington in the K1 500 canoe sprint final at the canoeing World Cup in Hungary.  ZB Sports Andrew Alderson wraps the latest from the weekend in sport.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/12/20244 minutes, 33 seconds
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Viv Beck: Heart of the City CEO on introduction of 24 hour parking charges in Auckland CBD

Big changes are coming to parking in Auckland’s CBD.  Auckland CBD residents and visitors will be stung with new 24-hour parking charges covering overnight, at weekends and on public holidays from July – as Auckland Transport seeks to collect more money.  Heart of the City CEO Viv Beck tells Mike Hosking news of the parking charges is out of the blue and “completely out of step” with the normal procedures.  AT’s approach to parking is based on demand. Auckland CBD has high demand for daytime parking, but information for outside of this has not been supplied.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/12/20243 minutes, 46 seconds
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Vincent McAviney: UK Correspondent on the UK continuing to allow weapons manufacturers to export to Israel

Unlike the US, the UK is not withholding arms to Israel.  Foreign Secretary David Cameron said that their position is not comparable with that of the US, since the UK is not a large state-to-state arms supplier to Israel.  However, they don’t support a large-scale invasion of Rafah unless there is a plan to protect civilians in place.  UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney told Mike Hosking that what the UK provides is export licenses for UK weapons manufacturers to export to Israel.  He said that it’s a very different situation, and the UK is not going to retract those licenses.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/9/20243 minutes, 21 seconds
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Haydn Marriner: Backpacker Youth Adventure Tourism Association Chair on potentially raising the international visitor levy

There's doubts a potential raising of the international visitor levy will impact tourism numbers.  Overseas visitors pay $35 collected through visa applications, which is evenly split between conservation and tourism.  Speaking at the TRENZ conference, Tourism Minister Matt Doocey says that advice he's received shows it would have to rise to about $42 in today's market.  Backpacker Youth Adventure Tourism Association chair Haydn Marriner told Mike Hosking that's just the cost of business.  He says to expect the same value from that $35 today is to ignore everything we've always had.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/9/20244 minutes, 40 seconds
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Paul Moon: Historian on Archives New Zealand shutting down it's digital archiving programme due to lack of funding

Archives New Zealand's shutting down its digital archiving programme.  It's part of an initiative to digitise historically significant images and documents.  But the agency says it's been unable to secure further funding, and it will have to cut at least three jobs.  Historian Paul Moon told Mike Hosking that this is important work and should remain.  He says the Government should cobble together the small amount of funding needed to keep it going.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/9/20242 minutes, 58 seconds
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Mike Fuge: Contact Energy CEO on the warnings of a power shortage due to the early cold snap

A potential power outage is looming in the chilly air.  Many parts of the country have seen temperatures dropping below zero with an early season cold snap.  Electricity grid operator Transpower's warning households to limit power use between 7 and 9 Friday morning where possible.   It suggests turning off lights and heaters and delaying use of appliances.   Contact Energy Chief Executive Mike Fuge told Mike Hosking that there are lots of plans and investment in growing generation capacity.   He says Tauhara —the sixth geothermal power station near Taupo— is being commissioned, which would provide another 160-170 megawatts.  Fuge says the cold's come a bit earlier and the project's running a bit late.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/9/20242 minutes, 33 seconds
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Katherine Firkin: US Correspondent on the arrests and encampment clearing at George Washington University

Another pro-Palestine encampment was cleared by Police, resulting in the arrest of 33 protestors.  Hundreds of police stormed the grounds at Washington’s George Washington University early this morning, using pepper spray to clear the encampment.  This came just hours before city officials were due to appear before Congress to justify their actions, or lack thereof, regarding the protest.  US Correspondent Katherine Firkin told Mike Hosking that at least 50 campuses are now involved in the protests.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/8/20242 minutes, 42 seconds
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Irene King: Aviation Commentator on Jetstar's reliability overtaking Air New Zealand's

Air New Zealand's reliability has fallen, and it's trailing Jetstar in figures for last month as it grapples with engine problems.  Only 77% of its domestic flights arrived within 15 minutes of scheduled times last month, down from 88% in January.  Jetstar reported no domestic cancellations last month and almost 79% of flights were on time.  Aviation Commentator Irene King told Mike Hosking that Jetstar is an insignificant airline in comparison to Air NZ’s operations.  She said that they only have five planes, all of the same type, so you’d think they’d get it right every time.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/8/20243 minutes, 33 seconds
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Ben McNulty: Wellington City Councillor on the attempts to remove heritage listings from derelict buildings

A Wellington City Councillor says the fight isn't over to remove the heritage listing from derelict buildings.  RMA Minister Chris Bishop has signed off on the council's housing recommendations, unlocking the potential for up-zoning across the city.  But an amendment to de-list 10 buildings to allow for demolition wasn't approved due to legal constraints.  Councillor Ben McNulty told Mike Hosking he believes Bishop wanted to approve the changes but was constrained by the legal framework.  McNulty says they'll keep trying.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/8/20243 minutes, 3 seconds
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Boyd Swinburn: Health Coalition Aotearoa Co-Chair on the new school lunch programme

A public health academic says David Seymour's claims he can reduce funding for the school lunch programme while delivering the same results is a big call to make.   The Associate Health Minister's unveiled a slimmed down version of the programme he says will save $107 million a year.   He says they'll reduce costs by bulk buying and serving simple items.   But Health Coalition Aotearoa Co-Chair Boyd Swinburn told Mike Hosking that what's being called savings is really a withdrawal of investment in childhood nutrition.  He says we're doing nothing otherwise about problems we have with childhood obesity, rotten teeth, poor mental health, and so on.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/8/20244 minutes, 21 seconds
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Fleur Hassan-Nahoum: Former Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem on the ceasefire negotiations and Israel continuing to move into Rafah

Israeli tanks have now entered Rafah, taking control of the border.  Yesterday saw Hamas agree to a ceasefire proposal, but Israel believes the terms do not go far enough and as such, are continuing their mission.  Despite this, a delegation is being sent to negotiate, trying to reach an agreement.   Former Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem Fleur Hassan-Nahoum told Mike Hosking the ceasefire discussion has been quite confusing.  She said that they’d previously presented five ceasefire deals, all of which were rejected by Hamas.  As soon as they sent out warning leaflets to the residents of Rafah, Hassan-Nahoum said, suddenly they come back with an approved deal on an offer that was never made.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/7/20244 minutes, 40 seconds
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Grant Duncan: Political Commentator on the findings of the Auditor-General's report into the 2023 election

There are lessons to be learned from the Auditor-General's review of last year's election.   The report's found the final check of the official election results was done within a few hours on the day it was announced.   The rushed assessment failed to identify multiple errors.  It also recommends improvements to controls, quality assurance, recruitment, training, and risk management  Political commentator Grant Duncan told Mike Hosking that people at the polling stations seemed to be under a lot of pressure.   But, he says, it's good to see a systematic approach taken by the Auditor-General and robust recommendations.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/7/20243 minutes, 19 seconds
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Simeon Brown: Energy Minister on the increase of coal burning to keep up with energy demand

More coal's being burned to keep up with energy demand.  The Gas Industry Company has revealed there was a 12.5% reduction in gas production last year.  It's also found nearly 30% less gas was produced in the first three months of this year than projected.  Energy Minister Simeon Brown says it's because the last Government's disincentivised gas production.  He told Mike Hosking that the low production's threatening our energy security.  He says news from Genesis Energy shows they're burning a lot more coal to meet that need, which is twice as carbon intensive than burning gas.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/7/20244 minutes, 22 seconds
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Donna Demaio: Australia Correspondent on the pilot forced to take evasive action after China detonated flares

An Australian pilot operating in international waters was forced to take evasive action.  A Chinese military jet detonated flares close to the Navy helicopter as it flew above the Yellow Sea near South Korea.  The Defence Department has described the actions of the Chinese Air Force plane as “unsafe and unprofessional”.  Australian Correspondent Donna Demaio told Mike Hosking that there were thankfully no injuries or damage.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/6/20242 minutes, 27 seconds
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Cameron Bagrie: Economist on the OECD's report indicating an 'economic hangover'

The OECD is pointing to an economic hangover in our economy in its biennial report.  It's advising the Government to gradually get the books back into surplus, with economic growth still sluggish and productivity waning.  The OECD also supports cutting government spending but warns of unintended consequences from doing so.  Independent economist Cameron Bagrie told Mike Hosking that there was one issue in the report for the Government to be especially aware of.  He says it's expected poor education outcomes will take a bit of an economic hit to our productivity over the coming years.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/6/20244 minutes
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John Munro: Criminal Defence Lawyer on the $1.9 billion in funding for Corrections

The Government's throwing $1.9 billion at Corrections with a pledge to restore law and order.   It will add more than 800 extra beds at Waikeria Prison and recruit 685 more frontline Corrections staff.   Criminal defence lawyer John Munro says more beds will result in more people in prison.   He told Mike Hosking that we need to be careful we don't end up following in the footsteps of the United States.   Munro says we still need to get the balance of rehabilitation and recidivism right, so the community is kept safe but people leaving prison don't go back to crime.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/6/20244 minutes, 6 seconds
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Gillian Blythe: Water NZ CEO on deal brokered between Government and Auckland Council in Local Water Done Well reforms

The Government has made its first move in its Local Water Done Well reforms – the replacement for Three Waters.  A deal has been brokered with Auckland Council which will allow Watercare to borrow 1.9 billion over the next ten years for long-term infrastructure. The deal will stop the proposed 25.8 percent water rates increase this year, bringing it down to 7.2 percent.  Water NZ CEO Gillian Blythe tells Mike Hosking that ultimately, the challenge comes down to balancing local accountability with affordability.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/5/20243 minutes
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Gavin Grey: Europe correspondent on UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak facing more poor election results, and Sweden tightens security ahead of Eurovision

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is facing down his critics after another set of poor election results.   Europe correspondent Gavin Grey tells Mike Hosking the infighting has begun within Sunak’s party following local council, Mayoral and Police Commissioner elections as well as on by-election all delivering huge losses for conservatives.  And, security is being tightened in Sweden ahead of the Eurovision song contest this week.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/5/20243 minutes, 9 seconds
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Andrew Alderson: Warriors suffer third straight defeat, NZ sevens teams back-to-back victories, Wellington Phoenix to face Melbourne Victory in A-League semi final

The Warriors have suffered their third defeat in a row, falling 14-8 to the Newcastle Knights.  The men’s and women’s New Zealand sevens-teams have completed back-to-back victories to finish the world series regular season. The series-leading women defeated Australia 31-21 to win the Singapore leg, while the men pipped Ireland 17-14 to move into third in the standings. Both sides advance to a finale in Madrid.  And, the Wellington Phoenix now know who they will face in their A-League semi final.  ZB Sports Andrew Alderson tells Mike Hosking the latest in sport.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/5/20244 minutes, 8 seconds
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Elly Waitoa: Auckland Council Animal Management Manager on new campaign aimed to decrease dog attacks

Auckland Council is launching a new campaign to drive down dog attacks.  Research reveals around 2700 related injuries each year, with just under 300 of those to babies and children under 14 years old.   The campaign will include radio advertising, street posters and community papers promoting ways people can keep themselves safe around dogs.  Auckland Council’s Animal Management Manager Elly Waitoa tells Mike Hosking there has been a 28 percent increase in attacks in the past year – compared to the 6 percent increase to the dog population.  Waitoa says the problem comes down to irresponsible dog owners being complacent.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/5/20244 minutes, 7 seconds
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Vincent McAviney: British PM expected to lose half his councillors across England and Wales

UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney brings us the latest on the UK local elections and from London’s fatal sword attack.   McAviney told Mike Hosking “If things are really bad for the Prime Minister, it could see a mutiny on his back benches.”   McAviney said Rishi Sunak is expected to lose around half of their councillors in England and Wales.   McAviney says the only thing that might stop his party from replacing him is that the British public don't want a sixth conservative Prime Minister in fourteen years.   In other news, a man has been charged with murder for the sword attack on a fourteen-year-old boy.   LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/2/20242 minutes, 53 seconds
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Brigette Morten: Political Commentator on Julie Anne Genter's outburst in parliament

Is it time to review the attitudes of MPs inside parliament?  Political commentator Brigette Morten told Mike Hosking that in a week with MP pay rises and James Shaw’s exit - it has become all about her outburst.   “It looks like there’s been a pattern of behaviour,” Morten said.  House Speaker Gerry Brownlee said there’s a justice process, during which Genter can make representations to the Speaker by midday Monday.   Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson told reporters that Genter was currently working from home.  LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/2/20243 minutes, 52 seconds
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Carolyn Young: Retail NZ CEO on the cancellation of this years New Zealand Fashion Week and the lack of interest in local fashion

Are kiwis uninterested in New Zealand Fashion?  New Zealand Fashion Week has been cancelled this August and has decided to shift into a two-yearly schedule.  Owner Feroz Ali says there weren't enough designers to commit to the weeklong event because they're focused on the survival of their businesses.  Retail NZ Chief Executive Carolyn Young told Mike Hosking that it's not that people don't want to buy local.  She says the biggest factor is that people don't have disposable income to spend on discretionary items.  LISTEN ABOVE   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/2/20243 minutes, 49 seconds
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Kyle Brewerton: Auckland Primary Principals' Association President on the $67 million commitment to structured literacy

There's hopes a new policy around education won't be a one-size-fits-all approach.  The Government's committing $67 million in the upcoming Budget for teacher training and resources on what's called structured literacy.  It aims to go 'back to basics', teaching kids how to read with sounds and phonics.  Auckland Primary Principals' Association President Kyle Brewerton told Mike Hosking that this approach works well for underachievers but it's not helpful to those who already can read.  He says we want to make sure we continue to extend and grow their performance.  LISTEN ABOVE   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/2/20242 minutes, 47 seconds
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Henry Russell: ANZ Economist on the rise in unemployment and the labour shortage

Economic pain is being felt in the latest employment numbers.  The unemployment rate is 4.3%, an increase of 0.3 percentage points from the December quarter.  ANZ economist Henry Russell told Mike Hosking that we've come out of a period of intense labour shortages, with migration doing the heavy lifting.  He says skill shortages remain and that's why we continue to import people into New Zealand.  LISTEN ABOVE   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/1/20244 minutes, 6 seconds
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Mitch McCann: US Correspondent on the crackdown on pro-Palestine protests in the United States

Patience has run out for the authorities cracking down on student protests across the United States.  Pro-Palestinian protests at multiple colleges have broken out into violence and property destruction.   US correspondent Mitch McCann told Mike Hosking that police were called to clear out students in New York’s Columbia University.  He says up to 300 people were arrested as a result.  This morning there have been violent clashes between pro-Palestine and pro-Israel demonstrators at UCLA, with reports of fireworks, projectiles, and physical violence.  LISTEN ABOVE   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/1/20242 minutes, 40 seconds
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Wayne Mapp: Former Defence Minister on if New Zealand should join Pillar 2 of AUKUS

The Government's continuing discussions around potential future cooperation with AUKUS but it's still a long way off.   Foreign Minister Winston Peters outlined New Zealand's position to the Institute of International Affairs at Parliament last night.   He says we should be considering exploring Pillar 2 —the technology leg— but we'd first need to be invited to join.  Former Defence Minister Wayne Mapp agrees, telling Mike Hosking that if we didn't join, we'd be turning our back on our traditional allies. He said it's a pretty deep decision to make. LISTEN ABOVE   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/1/20243 minutes, 29 seconds
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Catherine Law: Avonside Girls' High School Principal on NZQA being to blame for the glitches in last year's digital NCEA exams

It's been found the blame lies at NZQA’s feet for a number of digital exam assessment glitches.  An independent review found last year's issues —which included trouble saving exam work and lagging— was down to a number of safeguards failing.  Avonside Girls' High School Principal Catherine Law told Mike Hosking that it wasn't catastrophic from their perspective, but some students would've felt that way.  She says the vision for going digital is great but current issues make it difficult.  Law says she's unsure whether we're as prepared for it as previously thought.  NZQA's accepted the findings and apologised.  LISTEN ABOVE   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/1/20243 minutes, 32 seconds
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Catherine Beard: Business NZ Director of Advocacy on how unemployment is impacting the business sector

Unemployment is continuing to rise.  New figures from Stats NZ show the unemployment rate was 4.3% in the March quarter, up 0.3 percentage points from 4% in the December quarter.  The unemployment rate has been steadily rising since reaching a record low of 3.2% in the December 2021 quarter.  Business NZ Director of Advocacy Catherine Beard told Mike Hosking that the biggest problems businesses are seeing is a slowdown in demand from consumers as opposed to unemployment.  It’s a bit of a crunchy time we’re going through, she said.  LISTEN ABOVE   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/30/20242 minutes, 54 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK Correspondent on the Police response to the fatal sword attack in London

Questions are arising around the Police response to a fatal sword attack in London.  A 36-year-old man has been arrested after a 14-year-old boy was killed in the incident near the suburb of Hainault.  Four other people were injured including two officers.  UK correspondent Gavin Grey told Mike Hosking that the Police's response time will likely be looked at.  He says it took officers 22 minutes to arrive at the scene and taser the man. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/30/20243 minutes
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Vince Cocurullo: Whangārei Mayor on the slip, closure, and subsequent delays in the Brynderwyns

It’s unfortunate but hardly surprising.  Around 10km of highway through Northland's Brynderwyn Hills has been closed since February for repair work.  It had been due to reopen in a couple of weeks, but a slip has put paid to that.  Whangārei Mayor Vince Cocurullo told Mike Hosking that delays had to be expected.  He says around 40-thousand cubic metres of soil will now have to be moved, and it's currently moving as if it was sand.  LISTEN ABOVE   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/30/20243 minutes, 13 seconds
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Jason Walls: Newstalk ZB Political Editor on MPs being granted a pay rise

It's looking like an MP pay rise is going ahead this time around.  The Remuneration Authority's set to increase salaries 2.8% backdated to October, followed by further increases out to 2026.  Ministers inside Cabinet will take home just over $304k a year and those outside Cabinet, nearly $257k.   Newstalk ZB Political Editor Jason Walls told Mike Hosking there hasn't been a pay rise since 2017 - because Parliament can overrule it.   He says the last time MPs were in line for a pay rise, former Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern decided to freeze salaries due to the cost of living at the time.   LISTEN ABOVE   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/30/20244 minutes, 5 seconds
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Donna Demaio: Australian Correspondent on the financial boost received by Queensland domestic, family, and sexual violence support groups

Queensland’s abuse support services are receiving a financial boost.  The state government has announced an additional $36 million in funding that will go to frontline domestic, family, and sexual violence support services over the next 12 months.  Premier Steven Miles said the figure was an increase of 20% of the current funding, calling on the federal government to match it.   Donna Demaio, Australian Correspondent, told Mike Hosking that the Prime Minister has called a national Cabinet meeting tomorrow to discuss the call to action.  LISTEN ABOVE   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/29/20242 minutes, 19 seconds
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Brad Olsen: Infometrics Chief Economist on household spending rising by 6.2%

Household spending seems to be rising faster than inflation.  Data from Stats NZ showed that it rose an average of 6.2% in the year to March, reflecting the average person’s overall costs across the board.  Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen told Mike Hosking that part of the big difference between inflation sitting at 4% and this figure is that inflation doesn’t include interest rates.  He said that interest rates have gone up about 28% over the last year, which households are seeing a lot more.  LISTEN ABOVE   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/29/20244 minutes, 44 seconds
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Graeme Jarvis: Medicines NZ CEO on the impact of the $1.7 billion funding boost for Pharmac

Pharmac's record funding-boost will fill a fiscal hole to ensure it can keep funding the treatments currently on offer.  The drug-buying agency is being promised an additional $1.7 billion over four years in the upcoming Budget.  Medicines NZ Chief Executive, Graeme Jarvis told Mike Hosking that without it, some patients would have lost out on medicines paid for by time-limited funding.  He says while it sounds like a lot of money, it's being spread over four years and simply keeps things as they are.  LISTEN ABOVE   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/29/20244 minutes, 19 seconds
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Chris Wakeman: Christchurch colorectal surgeon on surgery wait list targets estimated to have $723 million price tag

The Government may need to re-consider its stance on healthcare in the upcoming budget.   An OIA has discovered the current health minister’s initial surgery wait list targets are estimated to have a $723 million price tag, over two years.  Christchurch colorectal surgeon Chris Wakeman tells Mike Hosking the biggest hurdle is the lack of people and facilities.  “This is a much bigger picture problem than just a budgetary allotment.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/28/20244 minutes, 17 seconds
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Gavin Grey: Europe correspondent on British troops aid operation in Gaza and the uprooting of thousands of apple trees by UK's largest cider maker

British troops could be deployed on the ground in Gaza to help deliver aid via a new sea route. The US has said no American forces would go ashore from a floating pontoon – a “third party” will drive trucks along a causeway onto the beach. Britain has been closely involved in planning the sea-bourne aid operation.  Europe correspondent Gavin Grey tells Mike Hosking the task is risky due to the accidental killings of aid workers by Israel Defence Forces.  Meanwhile, the UK’s largest cider maker has chopped down a huge orchard, sparking fears for wildlife.   Lower demand for cider meant Bulmer’s Cider, owned by Heineken, had an excess of apples and uprooted thousands of trees.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/28/20243 minutes, 4 seconds
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Elliott Smith: High quality Super Rugby, Scott McLaughlin in pole position, LIV Golf Adelaide

Super Rugby fans saw some high quality action over the weekend.   The Blues v Reds clash was decided dramatically after the siren and the Hurricanes had their unbeaten streak ended, being smothered into submission by the Brumbies.  Meanwhile, Scott McLaughlin took pole position for Monday morning’s IndyCar Grand Prix of Alabama.  And, crowds are flocking to LIV Golf across the Tasman.  ZB Sport’s Elliott Smith wraps the weekend in sport.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/28/20244 minutes, 18 seconds
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Mark Revill-Johnson: President of the New Zealand Institute of Driving Educators on fee removal of driving test re-sits resulting in more no-shows

Professional driving instructors are suffering an unexpected consequence of last year’s change to free re-sits for driving tests.  Since fees for re-sitting practical driving tests were scrapped in October, delays to licence booking times have grown as a result of a surge in demand.  There were 2000 booked no-shows last month alone through VTNZ.  President of the New Zealand Institute of Driving Educators Mark Revill-Johnson tells Mike Hosking that funding training gets better outcomes as people are well prepared when turning up for tests.  Instead, people are using the test as an opportunity for a free lesson, affecting business for professional instructors across the country.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/28/20244 minutes, 15 seconds
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Vincent McAviney: UK Correspondent on the hospitalisations after Household Cavalry horses ran through the streets of London

Horses and people are still hospitalised after a number of animals belonging to the Household Cavalry ran through the streets of London.  Four of the seven horses threw off their riders after being spooked by a loud noise yesterday.  UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney told Andrew Dickens that they were right by Buckingham Palace, running through some of the busiest streets in the city.  He said that it frightened a lot of people, one horse crashing into a cyclist, another into a taxi, and a third into a double decker bus.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/25/20243 minutes, 32 seconds
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Nick Whitehead: Serko Chief Marketing Officer says the industry is seeking clarity on the Government's plans for the software sector

Some of New Zealand's biggest tech names have sent a letter to the Government as millions of public funding is set to expire in the cloud software sector.  The letter sent to Tech Minister Judith Collins includes executives from Xero, Datacom, and Gallagher.  Serko Chief Marketing Officer Nick Whitehead says they want "engagement' not just to talk "funding".  He told Francesca Rudkin that they want to understand what the Government’s plans are for the sector going forward, so they don’t lose all the work put into growing the community.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/25/20245 minutes, 45 seconds
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Mark Knoff-Thomas: Newmarket Business Association CEO on the 30% rise in international visitor spending

The economic value of cruise-ships is on full-display as the season draws to a close.  They've brought in 350,000 visitors, with an estimated value of $540 million.  Newmarket Business Association Chief Executive Mark Knoff-Thomas told Francesca Rudkin they've seen a 30% rise in international visitor spending this season.  But the bounce-back may be short-lived, a 20% decline in port visits is projected for next season as rising costs bite the market.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/25/20243 minutes, 42 seconds
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Marie Dyhrberg: Barrister on the High Court's decision to overturn the Waitangi Tribunal's summons of Karen Chhour

A barrister says the High Court's decision to overturn the Waitangi Tribunal summons of the Children's Minister was a good and clear decision.   It ruled Karen Chhour could not be compelled to appear before the Tribunal over her plans to repeal part of the Oranga Tamariki Act.  Treaty activist and lawyer Annette Sykes has lodged an appeal.   Marie Dyhrberg KC told Francesca Rudkin it doesn't set a precedent, as there's already a law.   She says the judge said had the evidence not been available in other forms, he would not have quashed the summons.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/25/20244 minutes, 52 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK Correspondent on the approval of the UK's migrant deportation bill and the deaths of five migrants

At least five are dead only hours after the passing of the UK’s controversial migrant deportation bill.  Approximately 100 migrants were rescued while crossing the English Channel, placed abroad a French Navy ship to be taken to the port of Boulogne.  The approved bill aims to deter situations like this, deporting illegal immigrants to Rwanda as a deterrent to those seeking asylum.  UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Mike Hosking that so far, some 52,000 people have been earmarked for deportation, Rwanda looking to take in only a few hundred.  He said that if the deterrent works, this will be good for the UK, however, there is a backlog and time is running out for Rishi Sunak.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/23/20244 minutes, 23 seconds
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Greg Murphy: Road Safety advocate calls for stiffer penalties for distracted driving

There are calls for harsher punishments for repeat distracted driving.  New Ipsos research commissioned by AMI found 55% of drivers admit to driving distracted, with 21% admitting to driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.  The top distractions were mobile phones, other drivers, other passengers, and daydreaming.  Road safety advocate Greg Murphy told Mike Hosking that fines have gone up for distracted driving, but it's still not enough to deter people.  He says it's one of those things where a stiff penalty would prevent them from doing it again, but we don't have that.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/23/20245 minutes, 23 seconds
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Prudence Thomson: Accent Health Recruiter says there are systems in place to help migrant doctors adapt

A health recruiter is giving assurances that practices are in place to help migrant doctors.  An Otago University study has found international doctors are struggling with cultural integration and New Zealand is at risk of losing them unless practices improve.   Accent Health Recruiter Prudence Thomson told Mike Hosking that she's been recruiting for 25 years, and migrating is always a challenge.  She says if a good orientation and induction are in place —which the Medical Council has in writing— people adapt pretty well.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/23/20243 minutes, 10 seconds
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Annie Dundas: Auckland Unlimited Destination Director on the collaboration with Auckland Airport and China Airlines to market to business travellers

Chinese business travellers are first priority Auckland tourism for a first-of-its-kind alliance.  Since travel resumed last year, 6% of the 210,000 Chinese tourists were here for business.  Tātaki Auckland Unlimited and Auckland Airport will work with China Southern Airlines to market their daily non-stop flights from their main hub in Guangzhou to business travellers.  Auckland Unlimited Destination Director, Annie Dundas, told Mike Hosking that this is the first collaboration they've had with a Chinese airline.  She says we hosted five thousand people from Amway China last year, and this is the kind of business they're looking for.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/22/20243 minutes, 25 seconds
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Rob Campbell: Former Health NZ Chairman on the possibility of health worker strikes becoming commonplace

There are fears health worker strikes could become common place as conditions worsen.  Two and a half thousand resident doctors will strike next month over pay and conditions.  Former Health New Zealand chairman Rob Campbell told Mike Hosking that it could be the first of many more health worker strikes.  He said workers are feeling increasingly disaffected and unheard.  Campbell said that the agency needs to do better to prevent the strikes, it’s not good management for the issue to be hashed out in public.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/22/20244 minutes
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Donna Demaio: Australian Correspondent on a breastfeeding mother being kicked out of Arj Barker's Melbourne show

An American comedian is defending his decision to kick a breast-feeding mother out of his Melbourne comedy show.  Flight of the Concords star Arj Barker asked breastfeeding mother Trish Faranda to leave his Melbourne show on Saturday, claiming her baby was disrupting his performance.  Faranda says it was humiliating to be publicly called out.  Australia correspondent Donna Demaio told Mike Hosking that Barker "feels bad for any upset involved", but says he was thinking of the hundreds of other ticketholders hoping to hear his show.  He says it was a 15-plus show, and the 700 others in attendance needed to be able to enjoy the event.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/22/20242 minutes, 33 seconds
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Ang Jury: Women's Refuge CEO on the reintroduction of the Three Strikes legislation

Women's Refuge says it will be a waiting game as to whether Three Strikes legislation is effective.  The Government is preparing to reintroduce mandatory prison sentences for violent and sexual criminals committing a third offence, this time only applying to sentences above 24 months.   Women's Refuge Chief Executive Ang Jury told Mike Hosking that in some instances incarceration is the one way to ensure safety.  But she says they need to be getting help while they're in there to change their behaviour, and that's what's missing from this equation.   Jury says there was no indication it worked last time, but something needs to be done.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/22/20243 minutes, 43 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK lawmaker won't run again after allegations of late night call for funds to pay off 'bad people'

A British lawmaker who allegedly used campaign funds to pay off people who were holding him hostage said Sunday that he wouldn't seek reelection after the governing Conservative Party found his behaviour fell below the standard expected of members of Parliament. Mark Menzies' downfall is the latest in a series of scandals to hit the Conservatives, undermining support for a party that has been in power for the past 14 years as it prepares for a general election later this year. The Times of London recently reported that Menzies called a 78-year-old aide at 3 a.m. in December asking for funds to pay off “bad people” who had locked him in an apartment and were demanding money for his release. Menzies' office manager ultimately paid 6,500 pounds ($8,100) from her personal bank account, which was reimbursed from funds donated by political backers, the newspaper said. Menzies, who denies the allegations, has represented the seat of Fylde in northwest England since 2010. “Due to the pressures on myself and my elderly mother, I have decided to resign from the Conservative Party and will not stand at the forthcoming general election," he said. “This has been a very difficult week for me, and I request that my family’s privacy is respected.” Menzies' announcement came after the Conservatives announced the findings of an internal investigation into the matter. The inquiry concluded that the payment had been authorized by two members of a local donors group that sits outside the Conservative Party, and therefore Menzies hadn't misused party funds. “However, we do believe that there has been a pattern of behavior that falls below the standards expected of MPs and individuals looking after donations to local campaign funds which lie outside the direct jurisdiction of the Conservative Party,” the party said. The opposition Labour Party has called for a police investigation into the matter. The Conservatives said they would share information with police if they decide to investigate. The Conservatives have been in power since 2010, but they are trailing in opinion polls amid crumbling public services, high prices that are squeezing consumers and the corrosive effect of ethics scandals. Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who led the party to a landslide victory in 2019, resigned from the House of Commons after an investigation found that he deliberately misled Parliament about parties held at his Downing Street offices during lockdowns imposed to control the spread of COVID-19. Other scandals include a lawmaker who was caught looking at porn in the House of Commons, another who reportedly offered to lobby on behalf of gambling firms and another alleged to have drunkenly groped strangers at a private club in London. But ethical questions are also being asked of opposition politicians as the country prepares for an election that must be called by the end of this year. Conservatives accuse Labour's deputy leader, Angela Rayner, of dodging taxes on the sale of a house sale years ago by falsely claiming it was her primary residence. Police say they are investigating. Rayner denies wrongdoing and hasn't been suspended by her party. - by Danica Kirka, APSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/21/20243 minutes, 26 seconds
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Roger Beaumont: NZ Banking Association chief executive on the Government's financial service reforms

The Government’s cutting more red tape in housing. They’ve announced changes to ease lending criteria for home and other loans, including reforming financial services and updating the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act. The time it takes to process loans will lessen and mortgages will be easier to access. NZ Banking Association chief executive Roger Beaumont joined Mike Hosking. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/21/20242 minutes, 55 seconds
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Elliott Smith: Black Caps v Pakistan - Mark Chapman inspires New Zealand to emphatic bounceback victory

The Black Caps have responded in style, as Mark Chapman inspired New Zealand to a series-levelling seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in Rawalpindi. Just 24 hours after being bowled out for 90 to lose by seven wickets at the same venue, a heavily depleted Black Caps side flipped the script on their hosts, and chased down their target of 179 runs with ease. That chase was anchored by an unbeaten 87 from Chapman, who continued his love affair with Pakistan after being named man-of-the-series in New Zealand’s 2-2 draw just over a year ago. Arriving at the crease at 53/2, Chapman scored a 29-ball half-century, and added a 117-run partnership with Dean Foxcroft (31 off 29) to all but get the Black Caps home. New Zealand’s win was made all the more impressive by the fact the squad was depleted even further, as neither Ben Lister nor Josh Clarkson travelled to the ground after being struck by illness. As captain Michael Bracewell won the toss and opted to field first, the stand-in skipper would have been forgiven for ruing his decision as Pakistan made 178/4 from their 20 overs. While no Pakistan batter passed 50, partnerships of 55 between openers Babar Azam (37 off 29) and Saim Ayub (32 off 22) and 62 between Shadab Khan (41 off 20) and Irfan Khan (30 not out off 20) made up the bulk of the total. Ish Sodhi was the pick of the Kiwi attack, and took 2/25 from his four overs, as the rest of New Zealand’s attack struggled to contain Pakistan. The pair of Zak Foulkes and Will O’Rourke both went wicketless in their first taste of the shortest format at international level. In reply, New Zealand’s openers got off to their best start of the series, as Tim Seifert (21 off 16) and Tim Robinson (28 off 19) added 42 for the first wicket. Once they fell, though, the pair of Chapman and Foxcroft took over. In 42 balls, the pair added a 50 stand, but needed just 17 more to raise their century partnership as Chapman took over. The left-hander plundered nine boundaries and four sixes in his innings, and reached his seventh T20 international fifty in the process. Once Foxcroft went, though, caught and bowled by Abbas Afridi, New Zealand needed just nine runs from more than three overs. And after Jimmy Neesham found the rope with the final ball of the 18th over, Chapman sealed the win at the start of the 19th, and at the very least ensured the new-look Black Caps won’t leave Pakistan empty-handed. Both teams will now enjoy three days off, as the series relocates from Rawalpindi to Lahore for games four and five. Alex Powell is an Online Sports Editor for the NZ Herald. He has been a sports journalist since 2016, and previously worked for both Newshub and 1News.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/21/20243 minutes, 52 seconds
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Gil Barndollar: US Defense Priorities Senior Fellow says Ukraine needs more than just weapons funding for war

An expert says Ukraine needs more than just funding for weapons to get ahead in the war. The US House of Representatives has voted 311 to 112, in favour of a US $61 billion aid package for Ukraine. Taiwan and Israel will also receive foreign aid packages, totalling almost US $95 billion in aid for all three countries. Senior Fellow at Defense Priorities in Washington, D.C. Gil Barndollar told Mike Hosking the funding will help with refilling artillery. But he says it's not just about weapons. “The other big piece is manpower and that’s a little bit of a black box because we don’t know the true numbers of Ukrainian and Russian casualties — especially Ukrainian.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/21/20243 minutes, 49 seconds
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David Trewavas: Taupo Mayor ahead of the Supercar events kicking off this weekend

The Supercar Sprints are kicking off in Taupo this weekend.  The event is expected to bring up to 70,000 attendees, giving a significant boost to the city and surrounding region.  Mayor David Trewavas told Mike Hosking that the town is absolutely buzzing.   He said they had the parade through the CBD last night, and thousands of fans came out to see the cars.  Taupo has a three-year contract to keep the race in the city Trewavas confirmed, and although Taupo isn’t quite large enough to handle to influx on their own, it’s become a major regional event.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/18/20243 minutes, 12 seconds
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Vincent McAviney: UK Correspondent on Prince William's return to royal duties since Kate's cancer diagnosis

Prince William has made his first return to royal duties since Kate's cancer diagnosis went public.  Last month the Princess of Wales revealed she's been receiving treatment amid wild internet speculation.  The family has been away from the public eye but the Prince has returned to show support for a homeless food shelter.  UK correspondent Vincent McAviney told Mike Hosking the public have been showing him and the Princess support.  He says someone gave the Prince a 'get well soon' card and told him to look after Kate, which he replied he would.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/18/20243 minutes, 59 seconds
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Jennifer Mills: Employment specialist on the low availability of jobs for those trying to get off the JobSeeker benefit

The turn of the economy could make it tricky for those on JobSeekers to find employment.   New Social Development figures reveal just under 188,000 people are on JobSeeker, up almost 20,000 people from last year.   Employment specialist Jennifer Mills told Mike Hosking that she's sure many on the benefit are ready to work.  She says the new work check-in arrangement may sharpen the focus for those who are job ready, but the question is whether those jobs exist in this market.  Mills says margins are squeezed, profits are down, and businesses are shedding staff.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/18/20243 minutes, 19 seconds
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Gareth Kiernan: Infometrics Chief Forecaster says financial pressures are expected to continue into late 2025

Experts are forecasting more financial pressure for households, continuing into late next year.  The Infometrics data expects the annual GDP to dip into the negatives mid 2024, meaning slower growth than had previously been expected.  Infometrics Chief Forecaster Gareth Kiernan told Mike Hosking that with higher interest rates more properties are on the market with no buyers out.   He says households are showing the signs of all the interest rate rises over the past few years.   Kiernan says it'll be another 12 months before the worst of the downturn is behind us.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/18/20244 minutes, 19 seconds
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Mitch McCann: US Correspondent on the progression of Donald Trump's criminal trial and the continuing jury selection

Seven jurors have officially been selected for Donald Trump’s ‘hush money’ trial, leaving eleven more still to come.  Despite the trouble they’re facing, US Correspondent Mitch McCann told Mike Hosking that it is moving faster than people expected.  He said it could have taken up to 22 weeks to select all 18 jurors, and they already have seven.  The issue is finding people who don’t have bias for or against Trump, with 96 potential jurors entering court, 50 of which walked out within ten minutes, unable to be impartial.  Manhattan, McCann said, is in some ways a democrat city as they always vote blue, so he’ll have to “find a few red needles in a blue haystack” as they said in the New York Times.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/17/20243 minutes, 34 seconds
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Emily Heazlewood: Christchurch entrepreneur on the creating of new dating app Amor

A Christchurch entrepreneur is attempting to break into the dating app market.  ‘Amor’ is trying to bring something fresh, only giving four matches a week and refusing to show profile photos for the first 2024 hours.  Creator Emily Heazlewood told Mike Hosking that although the market is quite saturated, a lot of them are hook up culture apps.  She said that they’ve gone down the compatibility route with matchmaking, helping drive people away from the app into meeting in the real world.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/17/20244 minutes, 10 seconds
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Kelvin Davidson: CoreLogic Chief Property Economist on homeowners choosing short term loans in anticipation of cuts to the OCR

As inflation cools down, homeowners are starting to hold out for cuts to the OCR.   The CoreLogic April Housing report shows 56% of new loans taken out in February were on one-year fixed terms compared to 36% in December.   Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson says that's a pretty strong indication people don't want to lock in for too long in case rates fall.   He says the report also contains a prediction of general cooling of the previously hot property market. Davidson's expecting prices to be fairly subdued for the next couple of years, which will be good news for those struggling with affordability.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/17/20243 minutes, 23 seconds
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Mark Potter: NZEI President says the new Government health guidance for children could impact employer attitudes to parents

There are concerns the Government's new health guidance for children could impact employer attitudes towards parents.  The guidelines say kids with a mild cough, headache, or runny nose should go to school, provided they don't have Covid-19 or other symptoms like a fever or vomiting.  This move is in an effort to improve school attendance numbers.  But NZEI President Mark Potter told Mike Hosking that parents may be pressured by their employers to go to work, despite their kids being unwell.  He says there's a growing wave of mental health issues at play, which are often very difficult, and parents are struggling with how to help them.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/17/20243 minutes, 24 seconds
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Gary Morrison: Security Association CEO on the powers of Security Guards in the aftermath of the Bondi Junction stabbing

Security guards have no more power than a regular citizen when it comes to a threat of danger.  They're expected to be more visible in malls around Australia and New Zealand following the stabbing at Bondi Junction in Sydney on Saturday afternoon.  Forty-year-old Queensland man Joel Cauchi stabbed six people to death, including a security guard.  Security Association CEO Gary Morrison says they don't carry weapons of any sort.  He says they're there to assist members of the public around how to escape when something like that happens and to make it as simple as possible.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/16/20243 minutes, 28 seconds
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Nick Tuffley: ASB Chief Economist predicts that inflation will drop to 4.1%

Banks are picking inflation to continue falling.  ASB is expecting today's figures to show annual inflation falling to 4.1%, the lowest since June 2021.   ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley told Mike Hosking that things like rates, rents, and insurance are going the wrong way.  But, he says, it's still likely to drop because we aren't spending as much on durables, so some of those behavioural impacts should come through.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/16/20243 minutes, 6 seconds
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Gavin Grey: Europe Correspondent on Copenhagen's 17th century old Stock Exchange going up in flames

Questions are now being raised after a fire has ravaged one of Copenhagen's oldest buildings.  Its iconic spire collapsed during the fire, as emergency services and passerbys rushed to save priceless works of art inside and other valuables.  The 17th century old Stock Exchange building was currently undergoing renovations.  Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey told Mike Hosking the building was covered in plastic wrap and scaffolding.  He says investigators are seeing if the efforts made to save the building are the very thing that caused its downfall.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/16/20243 minutes, 7 seconds
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Duncan Greive: Spinoff founder and media commentator on Stuff taking over the 6pm news bulletin on TV3

Questions are being raised over how the salvaged Newshub 6pm bulletin will be pulled off in its new format.  Stuff has signed on to produce and provide a daily bulletin on TV3 from July 6, following Newshub's closure.   The Spinoff founder and media commentator Duncan Greive told Mike Hosking that the level of scrutiny and quality of performance required to produce 6pm TV news will be challenging.    He says the Stuff staff he's spoken to were expressing this, adding they just don't have a lot of runway to get to the TVNZ or Newshub standard.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/16/20244 minutes, 40 seconds
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Julie Chapman: Pet Refuge Founder on the introduction of the Pet Bonds

There’s hope more landlords will give people with pets a chance in the wake of government changes.   Pet bonds are being introduced: tenants will be liable for all pet damage beyond fair wear and tear and landlords will only be able to withhold consent on reasonable grounds.  Pet Refuge Founder Julie Chapman hopes this means people leaving family violence situations will be able to find places for them and their pets more easily.  Subsequently, Pet Refuge will be able to help more people, sooner.  She says they've been operating at capacity for the last nine months, on a one in, one out, situation for cats and dogs.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/15/20242 minutes, 52 seconds
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Donna Demaio: Australia Correspondent on the father of Joel Cauchi on his son's rampage at Bondi Junction

The father of the man who killed six people and injured 12 others in a stabbing at Bondi Junction in Sydney says his son was a tormented soul.  Eight people remain in hospital after 40-year-old Queensland man Joel Cauchi went on a rampage through the mall on Saturday.  Australia correspondent Donna Demaio told Mike Hosking that his father, Andrew Cauchi, said he did everything to help his son who was mentally ill.  Meanwhile, four people are understood to have been injured in a second stabbing attack in Sydney.  It's understood a teenager entered the Christ the Good Shepard church in Sydney's West before stabbing a bishop in front of his parish.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/15/20243 minutes, 4 seconds
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Kirk Hope: Business NZ CEO on the gaps in New Zealand's immigration data

The Government is being advised to invest in immigration data gathering as record levels of arrivals and departures continue.   In February more than 253,000 migrants arrived and about 122,000 left, putting net migration at almost 131,000.  Business NZ Chief Executive Kirk Hope told Mike Hosking that where they come from isn't a problem as long as skills meet labour market needs.   He says this is one the of the big data gaps the Government needs to look at, to find out exactly which people and skills are coming in versus who is leaving.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/15/20244 minutes, 10 seconds
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Charles Feldman: KNX news presenter says Donal Trump feels his 'hush money' trial is politically persecuting him

Donald Trump's 'hush money' trial has begun, and it’s the first time a US president has faced a criminal trial.   He's charged with falsifying business records, accused of trying to cover up a $130-thousand hush-money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 election.  Trump has pleaded not guilty and denied the affair.   LA's KNX news presenter Charles Feldman told Mike Hosking that Trump's already using it as a pulpit for his presidential campaign.   He says that at rallies Trump talks about how he feels this trial —and others— are politically persecuting him.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/15/20243 minutes, 29 seconds
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Paul Buchanan: International Relations and Strategic Analyst on Iran launching drone missiles on Israel

Iran has launched more than 200 drone missiles on Israel.  Neighbouring nations are calling for restraint, while Jordan, the US and UK military are intercepting attacks.  International Relations and Strategic Analyst Paul Buchanan says the strikes are a direct violation of an agreement between the nations.   Buchanan tells Mike Hosking hard liners want Israel to retaliate but the United States has told Israel they will not support offensive operations against Iran.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/14/20243 minutes, 50 seconds
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Donna Demaio: Australia correspondent on five victims identified following stabbing spree at Sydney mall

Five victims have now been identified as among those killed in a stabbing spree at a Sydney shopping centre, which left six dead.  Australia correspondent Donna Demaio tells Mike Hosking 11 people remain in hospital. Many stories are emerging of near misses with the attacker, and of people who tried to protect others. Sydney lifeguard Andy Reid raced to give CPR to some victims.   The attacker’s family have released a statement revealing the killer battled with mental health issues.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/14/20242 minutes, 41 seconds
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Andrew Alderson: Ryan Fox out of contention at US Masters, the Warriors lucky golden-point draw

New Zealand golfer Ryan Fox has slumped out of contention at the US Masters, currently tied for 20th position.  Meanwhile, the Warriors made a lucky comeback in a dramatic golden-point draw against Manly. The Sea Eagles lead 22-20 with three seconds left on the clock, when a post-siren penalty denied Manly the victory.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/14/20244 minutes, 37 seconds
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Alistair Crozier: Executive Director NZ China Council on Minister of Trade Todd McClay's visit to China

This week, Minister of Trade Todd McClay visits China hoping to promote New Zealand business and exports.   Executive Director of the NZ China Council Alistair Crozier tells Mike Hosking the two countries are very adept at having difficult discussions in the open. NZ exports to China are double what is exported to the US or Australia, and prospects are bright for continued growth.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/14/20243 minutes, 33 seconds
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John Battersby: Massey University Defence Expert on New Zealand's commitment to working closer with the United States

New Zealand is committing to working more closely with the United States.   The countries have agreed to work more closely with each other and common allies like Australia, in areas like defence and intelligence.   New Zealand's joining the US in financially supporting two initiatives in the Pacific to the tune of $16.4 million.   Massey University defence expert John Battersby told Mike Hosking that we're now in a more uncertain Pacific region and things are changing.   He says the one thing we don't want is a contest in our front patch between China and the US.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/11/20244 minutes, 8 seconds
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Judith Collins: Minister for Space on speaking at the Space Symposium in the US and putting NZ on the global map

The Minister for Space has been working on our space image over in the US.  Judith Collins spoke yesterday morning at the Space Symposium as New Zealand’s first Space Minister, putting us on the global stage.  She told Mike Hosking that Rocket Lab has done an incredible job at putting New Zealand on the American space map with the work Peter Beck has done with NASA.  In 2019 a survey was done on the NZ space sector, valuing it at $1.9 billion, but Collins thinks that by now it should be three or more times larger than that.  She said that this is a sector with enormous growth and an extraordinary level of competency.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/11/20244 minutes, 23 seconds
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Mike Atkinson: Aspire Property Management managing director on the bill that could bring back 90-day no-clause terminations for periodic tenancies

There’s concerns the Government's tenancy changes won't affect rent prices.  A Bill being introduced to Parliament will bring back 90-day no-cause terminations for periodic tenancies.  Labour removed them last term.  Housing Minister Chris Bishop believes it'll push down rents.  Aspire Property Management managing director Mike Atkinson told Mike Hosking that the Government skipped the removal of deductibility, which would've had more of an impact right now.  He says landlords haven't been talking about 90-day notices and believes it wasn't needed at the moment.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/11/20243 minutes, 58 seconds
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Mitch McCann: US Correspondent on Arizona deciding to enforce a strict abortion law from 1864

The US state of Arizona is close to joining Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas in imposing a strict abortion ban.   Arizona's conservative Supreme Court has decided an abortion law —first introduced 160 years ago— is now enforceable.  US correspondent Mitch McCann told Mike Hosking that abortions are currently legal until 15 weeks of pregnancy.   But he says this 1864 law —created before Arizona was even a proper state— would make abortions illegal except if the mother's life is in danger.  McCann says it could be enforceable within two months, with Joe Biden calling the law cruel and extreme.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/10/20243 minutes, 7 seconds
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Chris Wilkinson: First Retail Group managing director on Ikea's plans for expansion into New Zealand

Ikea seems to be looking "big picture" as it enters the New Zealand market.  The Swedish furniture giant is looking for a "people and culture manager", ahead of its opening at Auckland's Sylvia Park in late 2025.  The successful manager will first be tasked with recruiting 400 people.  First Retail Group managing director Chris Wilkinson told Mike Hosking that like other big retailers coming here, Ikea is playing the long game.  He says they know things will be different in the future, and they're craving global expansion.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/10/20243 minutes, 10 seconds
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Letitia Harding: Asthma Foundation CEO on the need for further penalties for those selling illegal vapes

Health advocates say enforcement officers are needed to clamp down on the illegal vape trade.  Reports suggest that the sale of vaping products that don't meet regulation is widespread.  Asthma Foundation Chief Executive Letitia Harding told Mike Hosking that retailers selling illegal vaping products need more than a slap on the wrist.  She says penalties like fines could help stamp out the dodgy market.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/10/20243 minutes, 35 seconds
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Bill Ralston: Former TVNZ news boss and TV3 political editor on the Government's response to Newshub's closure and TVNZ's cuts

The mainstream media industry is shrinking, and television is leading the way out.   Newshub has confirmed its closing on July 5th, while TVNZ is cutting four of major programmes.   Media and Communications Minister Melissa Lee says the global market is facing the same difficulties.  She's written a cabinet paper on the media sector but hasn't disclosed any details.   Former TVNZ news boss and TV3 political editor Bill Ralston told Mike Hosking that the Government could step in and do something about it.  He says Melissa Lee has no idea of what she's doing really and is basically saying her hands are tied.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/10/20242 minutes, 23 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK and Europe Correspondent on the threats to and increased security at the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals

European football fans may be seeing increased security at this week’s Champions League games.  A pro-IS media channel has published several images calling for attacks at the stadiums hosting the quarterfinals.  UEFA said it was aware of the threats, but the London, Madrid, and Paris games would go ahead as planned, and Ministers in Spain and France have confirmed enhanced security measures.  UK and Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey told Mike Hosking that while the outlet who posted the images isn’t officially linked to the Islamic State group, it is thought that they liaise with them.  He said that security has been upped across the board, and the London Metropolitan Police Commissioner is confident they have a robust policing plan in place.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/9/20243 minutes, 22 seconds
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John Carran: Jarden Investment Strategist says the OCR is likely to remain at 5.5%

The Official Cash Rate is likely to remain unchanged for at least the next few months.  Most economists expect the Reserve bank to keep the Official Cash Rate unchanged at 5.5% when it comes up for review at 2pm.  It's remained unchanged since May last year.  Jarden Investment Strategist John Carran says it's 50-50 whether the Reserve Bank cuts the OCR in August or November.  The primary focus is on inflation, he said, so that is where they’re looking for the OCR rate.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/9/20243 minutes, 17 seconds
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Anita Rosentreter: First Union Strategic Project Coordinator on Ola ending services in New Zealand

Rideshare company Ola is hitting the brakes in New Zealand.  The Uber rival told Auckland customers they won't be able to book future rides from Friday but can still access their app until it shuts down next month.  But First Union is worried the loss will give Ola's main rival Uber more control of the gig economy.  Strategic project coordinator Anita Rosentreter told Mike Hosking that Ola played a key crossover role for those drivers.  She says drivers would go to Ola when they couldn't get work at Uber and it also created competition between the platforms to offer them incentives.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/9/20244 minutes, 38 seconds
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Robert Patman: Otago University international relations professor on Winston Peters' speech to the UN

Winston Peters has pulled no punches over the need for a two-state solution in Gaza.  The Foreign Affairs Minister has reiterated his calls for an immediate ceasefire at the UN General Assembly in New York.  He says the two-state solution is the only blueprint for peace, but Israel's seizing of Palestinian territory imperils that.  Otago University international relations professor Robert Patman told Mike Hosking that's probably the general feeling among the international community.  He says just because Israel is illegally taking territory doesn't mean that can't happen, and Israel has to consider its legal obligations.   Meanwhile, Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu says a date has been set for Israel to invade Rafah.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/8/20242 minutes, 52 seconds
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Adrian Macey: Victoria University Adjunct Professor on the financial challenge with NZ's climate change targets

A looming financial issue is being highlighted as the country works towards its next emissions budget. The Climate Commission is recommending greenhouse gas is limited by 134-million tonnes between 2036 and 2040.  But Victoria University Adjunct Professor Adrian Macey told Mike Hosking that there's still a massive issue if we are going to meet our Paris pledge.   He says a government between now and 2030 is going to have to find about $20-25 billion to buy carbon credits.  Macey doesn't see any government being able to feasibly do this.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/8/20244 minutes, 22 seconds
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Michael Johnston: NZ Initiative Education Research Fellow on the success of the Government's new education plan overseas

An education expert says the Government's plan to improve students' learning has been successful overseas.  Christopher Luxon's unveiled nine Government targets for delivery by 2030.  They include increasing student attendance and getting more students to the expected curriculum level.   New Zealand Initiative Education Research Fellow Michael Johnstone told Mike Hosking that getting them to turn up will be a challenge but overall, it's a sound plan.   He says focusing on things like the science of learning and structured literacy have worked well in places like England.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/8/20243 minutes, 33 seconds
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Katy Armstrong: Owner and Principal Consultant at Into NZ Immigration on changes to Accredited Employer Work Visa

The Government has brought in immediate changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa.   There will now be an English language requirement for low skilled jobs, while fast-tracking will be removed for construction and the franchisee category will be disestablished.  Owner and Principal Consultant at Into NZ Katy Armstrong tells Mike Hosking the Government was left with no choice but to make the changes as the high trust model did not work.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/7/20243 minutes, 13 seconds
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Gavin Grey: Hate crime law in Scotland targeted by far right, support for Ukraine is diminishing in the EU

A new law in Scotland, designed to prevent hate crimes is being targeted by Neo-Nazi and far-right agitators. The groups are making vexatious complaints en masse in an attempt to overwhelm police systems.   UK & Europe correspondent Gavin Grey tells Mike Hosking the definition of a hate crime is wide ranging, and an inundated system makes policing the reports difficult for authorities.  Meanwhile, support for Ukraine is crumbling in the EU.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/7/20243 minutes, 32 seconds
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Andrew Alderson: The Warriors impressive win, Sevens in Hong Kong, 'hardest geezer' runs the length of South Africa

The Warriors showed their potential over the weekend, beating the Rabbitohs in an impressive 34-4 win. Andrew Alderson updates Mike Hosking on how the team looked.  Meanwhile, the Sevens held at Hong Kong stadium for the last time.   And, a man known as the ‘hardest geezer’ has run the length of Africa. Russ Cook covered 16,300km as the first person to run from the south to the northern tip of the continent.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/7/20244 minutes, 56 seconds
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Chris Cahill: Police Association President on 60 percent of cases reported to police abandoned in 2023

AN OIA has revealed police abandoned almost 60 percent of cases reported to them last year.  Of 962,521 emergency calls, 572,037 were abandoned. In 2023, reports were up 50 percent from 2019 and of cases reported, 179,957 were closed without any investigation at all.  Police Association President Chris Cahill tells Mike Hosking that online reporting has driven up numbers. The Auror retail crime reporting app enables small low-level crime to be reported to police. Less than half of reports made are actual offences.  Cahill says the app is fit for purpose.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/7/20244 minutes, 33 seconds
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Vincent McAviney: UK Correspondent on the British legal experts calling to end weapon sales to Israel

The deaths of UK aid workers from an Israeli air strike has reignited debate in the UK over the level of support, military aid, and weapons they’re providing Israel.   Over 600 legal experts, including three former Supreme Court Justices, have come forward in an open letter calling on the Government to end the sale of weapons to Israel.  They say that the UK are risking breaching international law over a “plausible risk of genocide in Gaza”.  UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney told Mike Hosking that the Conservative Party is currently have strong arguments over the letter, but Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is so far unwilling to heed the call.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/4/20242 minutes, 33 seconds
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Jon Duffy: Consumer NZ CEO on the banking sector's review into victim reimbursement for scams

There’s been a breakthrough in the rules governing whether people who've been scammed are eligible for compensation.   The banking sector has launched a review around victim reimbursement.  This comes after consumer protection criticism and the threat of regulatory intervention from the government.  Consumer NZ boss Jon Duffy told Mike Hosking that although there's a level of personal responsibility, people need to stay alert.  He says some of the scams are extremely sophisticated and those who are falling for them are everyday New Zealanders.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/4/20242 minutes, 58 seconds
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Craig Jepson: Kaipara Mayor on the new Māori ward law requiring they're put to referendum

A Northland mayor is hailing the new law that requires Māori wards to be put to referendum as a win for democracy.   The coalition Government is introducing a bill allowing communities to petition for binding polls on Māori ward decisions.   It reverses legislation from the previous Government that ensured councils would not have wards overturned through public referendum.   Kaipara mayor Craig Jepson told Mike Hosking he believes a lot of Māori would support the new bill.   He says the previous laws were condescending to Māori and don't acknowledge them as hard-working people.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/4/20243 minutes, 4 seconds
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Mark Smith: ASB Senior Economist on the funding of the trillion dollar infrastructure bill

ASB Bank is sending the message their predicted infrastructure bill isn't an impossible figure.   The bank's new research suggests a trillion dollars will be needed over 30 years.  ASB's Senior Economist Mark Smith says it's a huge number and we need to tap into as many funding sources as possible.   He says there needs to be greater alignment between providers and funders, the infrastructure has to be fit for purpose and deliver value for money, while meeting climate objectives.  Smith told Mike Hosking that the list is huge and the challenges are massive, but he believes it can be done.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/4/20243 minutes, 40 seconds
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Angela Lim: Clearhead CEO on why Generation Z is seen as difficult in the workplace

Bosses are finding Gen Z to be something of a nightmare.  They’ve found that they have poor work ethic, miss meetings, and even ditch the company on their first day of work.  In contrast, Gen Z workers say their employers don’t understand them.  Angela Lim, Clearhead CEO, told Mike Hosking that there’s been a distinct cultural shift, boundaries blurring between personal and work lives.   Another shift, she said, is in values. Lim said that young people want their employers to make a stand on social issues, to have more meaning or purpose in their jobs as opposed to just collecting a paycheck.  This can cause a lot of friction, she told Hosking, unless both parties are trained in having difficult conversations and know how to incorporate those different work styles.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/3/20243 minutes, 22 seconds
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Ruth Shinoda: Education Evaluation Centre Head says more off-the-shelf-content would support teaching the whole history curriculum

Students are learning more about our history but less about our place in the world.   An Education Review Office report finds schools have been working hard to implement the new Aotearoa Histories Curriculum.   It's being taught in three quarters of all schools up to and including Year 10, but to varying degrees.   Education Evaluation Centre Head Ruth Shinoda says it takes up a lot of teachers' time making their own teaching resources.   She told Mike Hosking that more off-the-shelf content would help support schools to teach the full range of the curriculum.   Shinoda says those resources could help teachers have more time to teach other social sciences too, like geography and economics.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/3/20243 minutes, 14 seconds
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Kirstin Corson: Drive Electric Chair on the number of electric vehicle sales dropping again

New Zealand's electric vehicle sales have taken another plunge. In March, just over 9% of new passenger cars were EVs, falling from about 27% for all of 2023. Drive Electric Chair Kirstin Corson told Mike Hosking she hasn't written it off, but the market has certainly stalled after losing the clean car discount. She says it's disappointing to see new light diesel vehicles outselling EVs 10 to one, adding this is a massive difference compared to 2023.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/3/20243 minutes, 55 seconds
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Gilli Sinclair: StarJam CEO on the charity's urgent appeal as it faces closure

A disability charity's launching an urgent appeal that it faces closure after more than 20 years. StarJam provides music and dance workshops for young people with disabilities, designed to foster inclusion and wellbeing. It's trying to raise $100,000 to keep the doors open to its 800 members. CEO Gilli Sinclair told Mike Hosking that they've been hit by the escalating cost of living and reduced funding streams. They put out the appeal yesterday and within the last 24 hours raised over $70,000. Sinclair said they're incredibly positive about the opportunity and have full faith in their ability to see their way through. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/2/20242 minutes, 54 seconds
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Gavin Grey: Europe Correspondent on the 12 year old boy responsible for a school shooting in Finland

Finland's gun policy is under scrutiny after a school shooting north of Helsinki. A 12-year-old boy has been detained after the shooting that left one dead and two others, all aged 12, seriously wounded. Finland's education minister says that once the government has a complete picture, they're considering if further measures are needed to protect schools. Europe correspondent Gavin Grey told Mike Hosking that it's believed the gun used was licensed to a close relative. He says in Finland, anyone over 18 can own a gun after passing checks, but a child over 15 can have licences to use other people's firearms. The 12-year-old thought to be responsible is in the care of social services. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/2/20243 minutes, 38 seconds
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Jason Krupp: Meat Industry Association Head of Strategy on the ripple effects of Covid-era policy on the meat industry

The ripple effect of Covid era policy choices are being highlighted as the country's meat industry takes a hit. Silver Fern Farms is reporting a $24 million plus loss for the 2023 financial year compared to it's $189 million profit the previous year. Meat Industry Association Head of Strategy Jason Krupp told Mike Hosking that it's very much an industry issue. He says we're seeing the effects of policy choices in Covid play out in our international markets, hitting us on prices. Krupp says other impacts include high domestic inflation and a weak Chinese market. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/2/20243 minutes, 34 seconds
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Sarah Dalton: Association of Salaried Medical Specialists Executive Director on the machete attack at Wairarapa Hospital

The attack at Wairarapa Hospital is being seen as an example of the increasing violence being seen around the country's Emergency Departments. A visitor was struck with a machete on Saturday night, suffering a fractured skull. An incident team's reviewing what happened as a 62-year-old faces charges. Association of Salaried Medical Specialists Executive Director Sarah Dalton told Mike Hosking that it's a real problem. She says it's usually more verbal violence than physical, but members are saying physical violence is on the increase. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/2/20243 minutes, 12 seconds
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Donna Demaio: Australian Correspondent on the Australian Prime Minister and Energy Minister using two planes to get to a clean energy announcement

Why use one plane when two will do?  The Australian Energy Minister has defended the use of two separate Royal Australian Airforce jets to fly himself and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to a clean energy announcement in NSW.  The announcement involved detailing a $1 billion programme to support solar panels, Albanese calling it one of the most significant announcements made during his term.  Australian Correspondent Donna Demaio told Mike Hosking the Air Force made the decision that the airport they were flying into was not strong enough for one large jet, and as such, had to take two.  She said the opposition has called it a scandal and is alleging that the PM and Minister were using taxpayer dollars to live the highlife.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/1/20242 minutes, 21 seconds
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Vaughn Davis: Social Media Commentator on the UK's Office of Communications' plans to unlock children's social media accounts if they're suspected of playing a role in their deaths

The UK is taking harsher measures to hold social media giants to account.  Media regulator ‘OFCOM’, the Office of Communications, plans to issue orders to social media firms that will unlock a child’s account if it’s suspected it played a role in their death or suicide.  Failure to comply could see the company fined up to 10% of its global revenue.   Social Media Commentator Vaughn Davis told Mike Hosking that there’s no doubt that social media plays a role in bullying and suicide, but it’s mostly the location that’s changing, not the behaviour.  Davis said that while firms like to be seen as though they’re working collaboratively to solve the issue, when it comes to digging into the data and using it to understand and prevent suicide, they’re not as interested.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/1/20243 minutes, 37 seconds
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Brigitte Morten: Political Commentator on the Government's new checklist of priorities

There’s a view that the Government's latest action plan is much more ambitious than the 100 Day Plan.   The Government's laid out its check list, to be completed before June 30th.   The plan features promises like restoring three strikes, creating an attendance plan, and implementing tax relief.   Political Commentator Brigitte Morten told Mike Hosking that they will have to dig deeper to achieve this one.   She says while the 100 Day Plan was a lot of repealing, the next step will involve making actual change.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/1/20242 minutes, 43 seconds
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Murray Edridge: Wellington City Missioner says more needs to be done to prevent another Loafers Lodge Tragedy

There are fears nothing has been done to prevent another Loafers Lodge tragedy.  An investigation into boarding house facilities was initiated after last year's fire killed five people.  It's found only half the 37 buildings inspected had adequate smoke detectors.  Wellington City Missioner Murray Edridge told Mike Hosking that more needs to be done.  He says they're just waiting for this to happen again but isn't hopeful anything will change.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/27/20243 minutes, 20 seconds
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Barbara Edmonds: Labour's Finance Spokesperson on Nicola Willis' Budget Policy Statement

National's promise to keep tax cuts is being criticised.   Finance Minister Nicola Willis has delivered the Budget Policy Statement and reaffirmed the party's commitment to tax relief.   Willis says she's been humbled by how much recent forecasts have deteriorated.   Labour Party Finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds told Mike Hosking that instead of focusing on the previous Government, Willis should focus on the cards in front of her.   She says when the half year fiscal update was worse than expected, she should have revisited them.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/27/20243 minutes, 15 seconds
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Dr Nina Hood: Education Hub Founder on New Zealand school behaviours being the worst in the OECD

Challenging behaviours in New Zealand classrooms are at critical levels.  Over the last 20 years student behaviour has been among the worst in the OECD but new research shows it's worsened over the past two.  Education Review Office research has found a quarter of principals have seen students physically harm others and steal property at least every day.  Education Hub Founder Nina Hood told Mike Hosking that it's important to draw schools' attention to behaviour.  She says it's up to individual schools to create clear expectations, consistent rules, put structures in place, and uphold them.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/27/20243 minutes, 11 seconds
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Dr Ben Beaglehole: Otago Senior Lecturer for Psychological Medicine on New Zealand starting a trial using ketamine and psychotherapy to treat depression

A new trial to treat depression has been given the green light in New Zealand.  Ketamine has been used as a treatment around the world in recent years, the drug showing short-term benefits.  Otago University is running the trial, combining liquid, slower-release ketamine with psychotherapy in an effort to achieve long term results.   The trial is eight weeks long, half the group receiving both ketamine and psychotherapy and the other half only receiving the drug.  Senior Lecturer Dr Ben Beaglehole told Mike Hosking that this is a treatment, not a cure.  He said that depression is a long term problem with factors that they won't be able to reverse with medication or short-term psychotherapy, but they’re looking to see if the short-term benefits of the drug can be prolonged.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/26/20244 minutes, 36 seconds
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Nick Tuffley: ASB Chief Economist ahead of todays Budget Policy Statement

The Government will today unveil its economic plan for how its priorities will be delivered in the Budget Policy Statement.   Finance Minister Nicola Willis will give the speech at one this afternoon.  ASB’s Chief Economist Nick Tuffley told Mike Hosking that it’s a bit too early for them to have the hard and fast numbers, and today is more about setting our expectations.  We’re also likely to get a sense of how inflation is tracking in regard to the budget, though Treasury likely hasn’t finished their economic forecasts completely.   He said that it’s a pretty tough balancing act the Government has to walk with this budget.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/26/20243 minutes, 32 seconds
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Mitch McCann: US Correspondent on the continuing search and rescue efforts after the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore

A search and rescue effort continues after a bridge collapse in Baltimore.   A fully laden container ship rammed into one of the supports and the bridge crumpled into the water below.  Those on board the ship had time to raise the alarm and the bridge was closed.  At least six people remain unaccounted for.  Those missing are believed to be construction workers who were working on potholes on the bridge at the time.  US correspondent Mitch McCann told Mike Hosking that it could have a huge economic impact on the state.  He says it's one of the biggest ports in the US, specialising in shipping motor vehicles and farming equipment and bringing in over US $1 billion last year.  US President Joe Biden says around 850,000 ships go through the port a year and 15,000 jobs depend on it.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/26/20242 minutes, 38 seconds
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Geoffrey Miller: International Relations Expert on the allegations of Chinese cyber-attacks against world governments

An expert says allegations of Chinese cyber-attacks in New Zealand have been at a lower level than our allies.   Spy agency the GCSB has tied targeting of our Parliamentary entities in August 2021 to Chinese state-sponsored group APT40.   China's ambassador to New Zealand has labelled the accusations groundless and irresponsible.  International Relations Expert Geoffrey Miller told Mike Hosking that the UK and US accusations are on a different level.   He says the UK alleged China had gotten the information of 14 million voters.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/26/20243 minutes, 7 seconds
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Lesley Yeomans: Australian Correspondent on the increasing number of Australians looking for second jobs

Millions of Australians are looking for a second job as the cost of living continues to bite.  A survey by comparison website Finder has found that 32% of respondents, totalling approximately 6.7 million people, felt financially pressured to work more than one job.  Australian Correspondent Lesley Yeomans told Mike Hosking that there are jobs available in cafes and retail stores, but it's unknown whether this will bring down the unemployment rate.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/25/20243 minutes, 9 seconds
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Nikki Hart: Nutritionist on the study from Mondelez finding that Gen Z prefers snacks over meals

Kiwi’s eating habits seem to be changing.  New research from Mondelez shows that almost half of Gen Z prefer snacking over dinner, and 40% skip breakfast in favour of a snack.  On average 27% of people skip breakfast, 13% lower than the results in the study.  Nutritionist Nikki Hart told Mike Hosking that we’re definitely seeing a change in behaviour, and it’s not necessarily a good one.  She thinks that Covid changed how younger generations approached eating, as staying up later and online classes allow more opportunities to snack.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/25/20243 minutes, 48 seconds
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Ian Hutson: Salvation Army Social Policy Director has some concerns about the Family Boost Policy

The Salvation Army is welcoming the Government's childcare policy but has some concerns.   The Family Boost policy will see parents and caregivers able to claim back up to 25% of childcare costs from July, with a $75 a week limit.    Salvation Army Social Policy Director Ian Hutson says there seems to be some bureaucracy, with parents having to show three months of invoices to get the rebate.   He told Mike Hosking he's also wondering if it will help the poorest of parents.   Hutson says while $75 seems a lot, it won't be enough to cover some people's growing costs.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/25/20243 minutes, 4 seconds
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Alex Walker: Central Hawke's Bay District Mayor on the independent review into the emergency management response to Cyclone Gabrielle

Overwhelmed and under-resourced.  An independent review has found major failings in the emergency management response to Cyclone Gabrielle.  It finds the system not fit for purpose and "set up good people to fail", during the February 14 disaster.  Central Hawke's Bay District Mayor Alex Walker told Mike Hosking that local emergency management teams were under-resourced.  She says they needed big and fast mobilisation.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/25/20243 minutes, 35 seconds
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Colin Alder: Gisborne Councilor on the 100 person brawl that left two people dead and three seriously injured

Two people have been left dead and three injured after a 100-person brawl in Gisborne on Saturday night.  The victims were stabbed at a 21st birthday party. One person is due to appear in court as a homicide enquiry continues.  Gisborne Councilor Colin Alder tells Mike Hosking it was an tragic event fueled by alcohol and possible drugs. Alder says there continues to be a strong police presence in the community.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/24/20242 minutes, 26 seconds
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Gavin Grey: Messages of support for the Princess of Wales and Ireland set to appoint youngest PM ever

The Princess of Wales and her husband, Prince William, have been “enormously touched” by the messages of support received since she announced her cancer diagnosis.   Europe correspondent Gavin Grey tells Mike Hosking that the video announcement was written and approved by Kate Middelton herself and sparked a wave of apologies from those who published conspiracy theories around Kate’s absence from the public eye.  Meanwhile, Irish politician and higher education minister, Simon Harris is poised to take on the role of Ireland’s youngest prime minister as the leadership contest concluded with him emerging as the sole candidate.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/24/20243 minutes, 42 seconds
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Andrew Alderson: SailGP dolphin policy slammed by Sir Russell Coutts and the future of the race in New Zealand

SailGP was brought to a halt on Saturday after dolphin sightings in Lyttleton Harbour. Chief Executive of SailGP, Sir Russell Coutts slammed officials for their “extreme” dolphin policy.  Andrew Alderson speaks to Mike Hosking about the policy and considers the future of the race in New Zealand.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/24/20244 minutes, 44 seconds
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Jason Walls: ZB Political Editor on Chris Hipkins State of Nation speech and all tax policies being on the table again

Chris Hipkins State of Nation speech and all tax policies being on the table again  In his first major speech as opposition leader, Chris Hipkins gave a State of Nation speech on Sunday.   Tax was a big focus, as the way we live and work continues to change with a smaller proportion of the workforce earning taxable salary and wages.   ZB Political Editor Jason Walls tells Mike Hosking that the speech lacked detail on actual tax policy, being so early in the opposition campaign.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/24/20242 minutes, 56 seconds
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Miles Workman: ANZ senior economist says the GDP per capita is almost as bad as during the Global Financial Crisis

New Zealand's GDP per capita paints a worse picture than the headline figure.   Stats NZ data shows GDP dropped 0.1 percentage points in the final quarter of last year.   After negative growth in the previous quarter, it pushes New Zealand into a technical recession.   Per capita, there was a 0.7% drop in the quarter.   ANZ senior economist Miles Workman told Mike Hosking that taking immigration into account, it's almost as bad as during the Global Financial Crisis.   He says during the GFC per capita GDP growth fell 4.2% and as of yesterday, after five consecutive quarterly declines, it's down 3.9%.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/21/20243 minutes, 32 seconds
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Vincent McAviney: UK Correspondent on the good news regarding King Charles' health

There’s some good news regarding King Charles' health.  Queen Camilla has been carrying out public duties while the King undergoes treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer.  She told crowds in Northern Ireland that her husband is doing well in his recovery.  UK correspondent Vincent McAviney told Mike Hosking that a woman at a local business gave her a get well soon card for the King.  He says Camilla told her Charles was doing very well and he was disappointed he couldn't come.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/21/20243 minutes, 10 seconds
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Rosamund Hill: Neurologist on the new anti-migraine medication costing kiwis $300 a month

New and effective anti-migraine drugs aren't publicly funded in New Zealand, costing those with chronic migraine nearly $300 a month.  An Otago University survey suggests almost half of those with the disease meet the criteria for severe disability.   Some report paralysis on one side of the body and loss of coherent speech.  Neurologist Rosamund Hill told Mike Hosking that the medicine's publicly funded in Australia.  She says it's feasible for Pharmac to identify those at the worst end of the spectrum, and how these drugs would significantly change their lives.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/21/20244 minutes, 53 seconds
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Weston Kirton: Ruapehu Mayor on the massive costs of keeping the Chateau Tongariro Hotel empty and in disrepair

It’s a hefty price for taxpayers to keep the Chateau Tongariro Hotel empty and in disrepair.  The Department of Conservation, which owns the land, has confirmed through an Official Information Act request that it will cost $2.2 million this financial year.  The heritage-listed site has been shut since February last year.  Ruapehu mayor Weston Kirton told Mike Hosking that there are issues around resolving the seismic reports, which put the hotel at high risk.  He says there's a willingness from the Government to resolve them but a timeline is needed to do that.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/21/20243 minutes, 24 seconds
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Letitia Harding: Asthma and Respiratory Foundation CEO on the Government's vaping crackdown

Harsher penalties and restrictions are coming into force as the Government starts its crackdown on vaping.  The Coalition will ban single use vapes and increase fines for selling vapes to under-18s from $10,000 to $100,000.  It's aiming to have all changes in place by the end of the year.  Asthma and Respiratory Foundation CEO Letitia Harding told Mike Hosking that this should’ve been tackled by the previous government.  The reality is, she said, there are no FDA approved products for smoking cessation, and if it actually is for that purpose then it should be under some sort of medical regulatory control.  Harding said that when vaping was introduced in 2017, people were pushing it as the ‘Holy Grail’ to smoking cessation, but the evidence was never out there that it was.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/20/20243 minutes, 40 seconds
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Oliver Hartwich: NZ Initiative Executive Director on the possibility of New Zealand entering a technical recession

Economists are anticipating GDP growth close to zero for the last quarter.   The Reserve Bank's forecasting a flat zero percent, ANZ is expecting a 0.1 percentage point growth, while ASB anticipates a 0.2-point drop.  If today's economic growth figures are negative New Zealand will enter a technical recession after the last quarter also saw negative growth.   NZ Initiative executive director Oliver Hartwich told Mike Hosking that if it goes slightly up or down it doesn't matter as GDP per capita is what's important.   He says it plays out against a background of record immigration with a net intake of 140-thousand people, which means we're going backwards on a per capita basis.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/20/20243 minutes, 38 seconds
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Shane Jones: Associate Energy Minister on the investigation into the re-opening of the Marsden Point Oil Refinery

A re-opening of Northland's Marsden Point Oil Refinery could be on the cards.  The Government's investigating the feasibility of doing so as part of a study into New Zealand's fuel security requirements.  The privately-owned fuel refinery was decommissioned in 2022 to become an import-only fuel terminal.  Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones told Mike Hosking the Marsden Point investigation is a small part of the fuel resilience strategy he's drawing up.  He says in fairness to the last Government, they did put effort into resilience after the refinery closed.  Jones says it all's down to who will pay the $80 million a year to boost the amount of oil we have onshore.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/20/20244 minutes, 3 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK Correspondent on the reveal that more images of the British Royal Family have been edited

Another photo of the Royal Family has been revealed to be edited.  Getty Images has revealed that a photo of the late Queen was “digitally enhanced at source”, adding an editor's note to the image.  The Palace shared the picture on the 21st of April last year on what would have been the Queen’s 97th birthday, saying it was taken by the Princess of Wales at Balmoral in the summer of 2022.   UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Mike Hosking that while many people may have suspected images were being edited, it’s now been confirmed.  While these images are relatively benign in their edits, the lack of disclosure does set a precedent.  Grey said it may lead to things like war images being doctored to make it look better or worse than it actually is.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/19/20243 minutes, 13 seconds
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Terry Collins: AA spokesperson on the discount on road user charges for plug-in hybrids and the removal of the clean car discount

Road user charges are in for a shake-up after an accidental Government U-turn.  Owners of plug-in hybrids will pay $38 per thousand kilometres, a reduction from the planned $53.  The Government accidentally supported a Labour amendment on the matter.  AA spokesperson Terry Collins told Mike Hosking that the clean car discount was working last year so we'll have to wait and see what happens when it gets shut down.  He suspects there'll be a pause in the market.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/19/20244 minutes, 2 seconds
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Jithin Chittibomma: Sandringham Business Association Chair on the police data showing more than 400 retail crimes reported a day in 2023

A local business owner says there needs to be more action on retail crime.   Police data shows more than 400 retail crimes were reported a day last year, with six staff a day complaining to police they'd been assaulted.  Sandringham Business Association Chair Jithin Chittibomma told Mike Hosking the Government has changed, but there's still the same people in the public service they dealt with under the last Government.   He says they're still putting the data in front of ministers but they haven't seen any change on the ground yet.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/19/20242 minutes, 57 seconds
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Haydn Marriner: Backpacker Youth Adventure Tourism Association chair on the price increase for Great Walks

It's about to become more expensive to complete the country's Great Walks.  The Department of Conservation is increasing prices in July for the first time in four years.  Hut and campsite prices will rise by 18% for all walks except Paparoa.  Backpacker Youth Adventure Tourism Association chair Haydn Marriner told Mike Hosking that there's a two-year waiting period for businesses to change their costs.  He says it will be built into the costs and while the increase is quite high, crews and businesses do a heap of work to maintain the walks.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/19/20243 minutes, 48 seconds
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Donna Demaio: Australian Correspondent on the settlement of the class action lawsuit against Uber

A five-year legal battle against Uber has come to an end.  Uber has been ordered to pay $272 million to Australian taxi operators, covering the loss of income and license values since the rideshare app entered the market.  The class action settlement was reached yesterday and is the fifth largest settlement in Australian history.  Australian Correspondent Donna Demaio told Mike Hosking that it works out to be about $33,800 per taxi driver.  She said that lawyers called it a “gruelling battle”, Uber fighting “tooth and nail” every day for those five years.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/18/20242 minutes, 37 seconds
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Bernie Smith: Former Monte Cecelia Housing Trust CEO on the crackdown on Kainga Ora tenant behaviour

The Government's crackdown on antisocial Kainga Ora tenant behaviour is being labelled a "move back to the real world".  It's instructed Kainga Ora to end the Sustaining Tenancies Framework and strengthen its management of disruptive tenants.  Former Monte Cecelia Housing Trust chief executive Bernie Smith says the issues it's having are generations in the making.   He told Mike Hosking that the previous government's soft approach created a lot of mayhem for tenants and homeowners trying to live in peace.   Smith says they allowed tenants to remain in homes no matter the illegal activity or issues they were creating for their neighbours.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/18/20244 minutes, 21 seconds
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Anabelle Creswell: Criminal Bar Association President on the issues faced by New Zealand Courts

Mouldy and flooding courtrooms, the district court backlog, and legal aid issues are among problems the country's courts are facing.   Chief Justice Dame Helen Winkelmann has released her latest briefing to Attorney-General Judith Collins.   It outlines the need to raise the cap on the number of senior court judges, and under-funding in courtroom maintenance.  Criminal Bar Association President Annabel Creswell told Mike Hosking the issue of the cap on judges has been raised for years.   She says everything the Chief Justice has outlined have been problems for a long time, but they're worse since Covid and since the population has increased.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/18/20244 minutes, 31 seconds
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Virginia Nicholls: Alcohol Beverage Council executive director on the wastewater study showing kiwis are drinking less alcohol than expected

New Zealanders are drinking less alcohol than previously thought.  Auckland University has carried out the country's first large-scale trial of testing wastewater to monitor alcohol consumption.  It found the average alcohol consumption to be 1.2 standard drinks per day for people over 15 years, lower than the World Health Organisation's 2018 estimate.  Alcohol Beverage Council executive director Virginia Nicholls told Mike Hosking that the report didn't factor in responsible drinking.  She says 86% of Kiwis are drinking responsibly, but it's a concern that 16% are drinking in a hazardous way.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/18/20243 minutes, 10 seconds
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Jason Walls: ZB Political Editor on Winston Peter's controversial State of Nation speech

Winston Peters delivered a State of Nation speech yesterday to a crowd of around 600 people.  The speech came following the first 100 days of Government and included controversial statements comparing co-governance to the Nazi regime.   ZB Political Editor Jason Walls tells Mike Hosking the New Zealand First leader was firmly back on campaign mode with cracks at the media and opposition, but the speech was mostly focused on going forward.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/17/20242 minutes, 42 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK & Europe correspondent on UK Secretary of State for Defence Grant Shapps cancelled visit to Ukraine

UK Secretary of State for Defence Grant Shapps abandoned a Ukraine port visit in Odessa for security reasons.  UK & Europe correspondent Gavin Grey tells mike Hosking Shapps travelled with the intention to meet Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and senior members of his wartime administration but Russian missile attacks on the city meant the trip was cancelled abruptly.  Meanwhile, friends of Princess Diana have reacted to an ad using her fatal crash to promote euthanasia in France. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/17/20243 minutes, 41 seconds
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Alistair Crozier: Executive Director of the NZ China Council on today's NZ visit from the Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi

In the first inwards visit from a Chinese leader for some time, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi visits New Zealand today.  Executive Director of the NZ China Council Alistair Crozier describes the country’s relationship with China as positive but says NZ will be seeking re-assurances about China’s intentions in the Pacific.  Crozier tells Mike Hosking about what is on the agenda for the Foreign Minister’s visit.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/17/20244 minutes, 7 seconds
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Campbell Barry: Local Government NZ Vice President on the looming rate hikes to contend with rising construction costs

Colossal rate hikes are looming for homeowners as councils contend with rising construction and insurance costs.   Local Government New Zealand says rates around the country will rise by an average of 15%. It says the main factor contributing to the rates escalation is the costs of civil construction.   Vice President Campbell Barry told Mike Hosking that these costs are 20% higher now than predicted, and that’s on top of inflation.   He says bridges have gone up around 36% over the last three years, and similar increases are seen with roads and water networks.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/14/20244 minutes, 28 seconds
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Cath O'Brien: Board of Airline Representatives Executive Director disagrees with claims the NZ airfare market isn't set up to be competitive

The Airports Association is taking aim at the cost of Air New Zealand's domestic airfares.  It's calling on the Government to set up an independent airfare monitoring system.  But the Board of Airline Representatives disagrees with claims that the domestic market isn't set up to be competitive.  Executive Director, Cath O'Brien told Mike Hosking that policy settings allow any Australian airline to set-up shop tomorrow if they want to.  She says the reason they haven't, is because New Zealand's an expensive place to operate in and make a profit.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/14/20243 minutes, 59 seconds
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Helen Murray: Auckland University Neuroscientist on the Billy Guyton's post-death degenerative brain disease diagnosis

The first case of its kind in New Zealand, a former Super Rugby player has been diagnosed post-death with a degenerative brain disease, chronic traumatic encephalopathy.  Billy Guyton played for the Blues, Hurricanes, and Crusaders, but died in a suspected suicide aged 33.  An examination of his brain by the Neurological Foundation's Brain Bank has now identified he had stage 2 CTE.   Auckland University neuroscientist Helen Murray told Mike Hosking that CTE is caused by the repetitive accumulation of head impacts.   She says it's not necessarily the number of concussions but the number of impacts, and that might not have generated any symptoms.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/14/20243 minutes, 18 seconds
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Sian Taylor: Team Green Architects co-owner on the overheating problem in newly built townhouses

An unaccounted-for problem of overheating in some newly built townhouses is being seen as a country-wide problem.   Frustration is brewing among owners in Auckland who are paying two times more for cooling in the summer than they would for heating in the winter.   Some townhouses have just one heat pump to cool the three-storey home, which can leave rooms on higher floors unbearably hot.   But the building code has no requirement to address overheating.   Team Green Architects owner Sian Taylor told Mike Hosking that there's an issue with a lack of forethought for the longer-term implications of design.  She says one of the biggest problems is not shading the building properly from the start, which traps the heat inside.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/13/20244 minutes, 52 seconds
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Weston Kirton: Ruapehu District Mayor accepts that this is the last government bailout for the ski fields

Another bailout for Ruapehu Alpine Lifts as the Government pours $7 million into the ski field.  The operator has been running on a previous government bailout for over a year.  Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says it's their last chance after the Prime Minister previously said no more money would be poured into the ski field.  Ruapehu District Mayor Weston Kirton told Mike Hosking he welcomes the move.  He understands this is the last bailout and wants the operator to get its ducks in a row.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/13/20243 minutes, 4 seconds
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Mitch McCann: US Correspondent on the upcoming Senate vote on whether TikTok should be banned

United States lawmakers are concerned TikTok users' data is being accessed by China.   The House of Representatives has passed a bill that would ban the social media platform if Chinese tech giant Byte Dance doesn't sell its stake within six months.   It will now go to a vote in Senate.  US correspondent Mitch McCann told Mike Hosking that there's a lobbying campaign by TikTok underway.    He says they've hired influencers to talk about the success they've had with TikTok and the impact on small business in America.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/13/20242 minutes, 58 seconds
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Peter Dunne: Political Commentator on Labour's plans to rebuild at today's retreat

There’s a focus on rebuilding today for the Labour Party as MPs head to Wairarapa for their belated retreat.  The annual meeting is usually held in January.  Political commentator Peter Dunne told Mike Hosking that Labour has about a year to rebuild before being competitive for the 2026 election.  He says they're facing a big challenge from the Greens, so Labour needs to rebuild in a way which makes them the leading party on the left again.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/13/20243 minutes, 13 seconds
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Kathryn Dalziel: Privacy Lawyer on Airbnb introducing a worldwide ban on indoor security cameras

Online rental platform Airbnb is introducing a worldwide ban on indoor security cameras.   It says it's updating its policy after consultation with guests, hosts and privacy experts.  Outdoor security cameras and those in common areas, like on doorbells, are still permitted, but hosts will have to disclose their location on the property's listing.  Privacy lawyer Kathryn Dalziel told Mike Hosking that Airbnb has come under fire recently, with guests posting about finding cameras in their accommodation.   She thinks Airbnb's realising its brand is being affected by this negativity, particularly by people who aren't telling people they're recording or filming.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/12/20243 minutes, 41 seconds
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Alan McDonald: Employers and Manufacturers Association Head of Advocacy on businesses' responses to the proposed changes to the Holidays Act

Businesses hope the Government will bring change to the Holidays Act.   Brooke van Velden has laid out her agenda with a focus on regulations around contractors, public holidays, health and safety rules, and personal grievances.   Also a priority is sorting out the law around holidays.   Employers and Manufacturers Association Head of Advocacy Alan McDonald told Mike Hosking that there's no need for lengthy consultation as the Holidays Act has been talked about for some time.   He says most in the business community just want people to get on and make the changes.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/12/20244 minutes, 18 seconds
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Adrian Macey: Climate Change Research Institute Adjunct Professor says the Government's plans for NZ's climate goals are unclear

The Climate Change Commission is urging the Government to cut back the number of carbon credits available.  They say there are too many credits on offer and the problem is just getting worse.  The coalition Government promised to use emissions pricing to meet New Zealand's climate goals.  Climate Change Research Institute adjunct professor Adrian Macey told Mike Hosking that it's not clear what the Government is going to do yet.  He says they want to stick to the existing climate targets, but how they do that is not clear.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/12/20243 minutes
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Brad Olsen: Infometrics Senior Economist on the impact of the disruptions in the Red Sea to NZ's businesses

Are disruptions in the Red Sea hitting New Zealand as hard? Freedom Furniture has reported a $9 million loss in profit, saying that it’s partially due to the chaos in the Middle East.  Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen told Mike Hosking that the disruptions are impacting businesses in quite different ways, depending on whether they’re using that route to ship to Europe.  The challenge for us, he said, is shipping delays.  A delay of 14-21 days will have spill over effects for businesses lasting a fair bit of time.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/11/20244 minutes, 12 seconds
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Nick Tuffley: ASB Chief Economist on the bank's reducing their fixed mortgage rates again

For the second time in as many weeks, Kiwibank and ASB have reduced their fixed mortgage rates.   It follows falls in wholesale rates on the expectation that central banks are getting closer to cutting their benchmark rates.  ASB’s Chief Economist, Nick Tuffley, told Mike Hosking what people are seeing is the settling of rates and the response to news over the last week.  The market is still reasonably patchy, but according to Tuffley its likely to even out slightly as interest rates come down.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/11/20243 minutes, 34 seconds
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Russell Myers: Daily Mirror Royal Editor on the edited photo released by the Royal Family for Mothers Day

The Princess of Wales has admitted to editing an image of her and her three children.   The first image since her abdominal surgery, it was posted to mark Mother's Day in the UK.   It was then pulled by numerous media photo agencies over concerns it'd been manipulated.   Catherine says like many amateur photographers, she occasionally experiments with editing.   Daily Mirror Royal Editor Russell Myers told Mike Hosking that he's not sure why they'd publish the photo themselves or send the photo to the world's media organisations.   He says there's still a litany of issues: how much it was edited, how many photos it was taken from, and when it was edited.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/11/20244 minutes, 19 seconds
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Sue Harrison: Pressure on rents is due to insufficient rental properties

The Property Investors' Federation says easing rents relies on many factors. The Government's re-introducing interest deductibility for landlords. They'll be able to claim 80 percent of interest expenses from April, and 100 percent from April 2025. The Government says it'll ease pressure on rents, also benefiting tenants. Property Investors' Federation President Sue Harrison told Mike Hosking that the pressure on rents, has come from insufficient rental properties. She says they've been put under high pressure from high interest rates, and the money has to come from somewhere.   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/10/20243 minutes
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Gareth Hughes: Chloe Swarbrick can reach across and attract voters

The Green's new co-leadership could look different under Chloe Swarbrick. The Auckland Central MP has won the race to replace James Shaw, and will lead the party alongside Marama Davidson. Former Greens MP Gareth Hughes says Swarbrick's assertive approach to politics is a contrast from Shaw. But he told Mike Hosking that people are looking for passion and authenticity in politics - and some will be drawn to her values. Hughes says people wrote her off in Auckland Central but she won overwhelmingly - so she's someone who's able to reach across and attract voters.   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/10/20243 minutes, 30 seconds
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Gavin Grey: US Ship on it's way to supply aid to Gaza

A US military ship is on its way to Gaza, carrying equipment to build a temporary pier off the coast. It comes after President Biden announced the US would build a floating harbour to help get aid into Gaza by sea. They had carried out an airdrop on Sunday, parachuting in more than 11-thousand meals. Europe correspondent Gavin Grey spoke to Mike Hosking about what it will contain.   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/10/20243 minutes, 34 seconds
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David Seymour: We have restored integrity in the tax system

The Associate Finance Minister says the last Government removing landlords' interest deductibility was a tax grab. The current Government's re-introducing it. They'll be able to claim 80 percent of interest expenses from April, and 100 percent from next April. David Seymour told Mike Hosking that they've restored the integrity of the tax system. He says if you invest in any business or commercial property, you're allowed to deduct interest costs from taxable income.   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/10/20243 minutes, 53 seconds
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Andrew Alderson: ZB Cricket Correspondent ahead of the Black Caps final test match against Australia

The Black Caps have one last shot against Australia.  Today the final test match against the Australian side takes place at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, kicking off at 11am.  Newstalk ZB’s Cricket Correspondent Andrew Alderson told Mike Hosking that last night was the 50th anniversary of New Zealand’s first taste of victory over Australia back in 1974.  So, if New Zealand needs any belief today, he said, the 50th anniversary might do it.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/7/20244 minutes, 27 seconds
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Maurice Williamson: Former National Minister on the Government ticking off its 100 day plan

A former National Minister says this Government's changes are a big turn-around from the last. The Government's first 100 days are virtually up, and it's ticked off almost all of its 49 items.   Many of the things on the list were to unpick the last government's changes or to begin work on their plans.   The last point to tick off is setting major targets for the health system, and that's expected to be crossed off today.   Former Cabinet Minister Maurice Williamson told Mike Hosking that it's a change from the last Government saying it'd do things and not doing them.   He says former MPs can be critical, thinking they were better, but he says this is the best he's ever seen.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/7/20243 minutes, 4 seconds
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Kim Mundy: ASB Senior Economist on the rising confidence in the housing market

There’s more belief in the housing market.  ASB's latest Housing Confidence survey shows net 51% of people expect house prices to rise.  It's the highest reading since October 2021, before the start of the most recent housing market downturn.  Senior Economist Kim Mundy says last time expectations were at this level, annual house price growth was at almost 30%  - this time it's at 2.2%.  So, she says, while it doesn't necessarily point to a degree of house price growth, it does suggest house prices can lift over the coming year.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/6/20243 minutes, 34 seconds
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Kate Gainsford: Secondary Principals' Council Chair on why the number of home schooled children is dropping

The number of students leaving home schooling increased last year.   Education Ministry figures show 2,286 children exited home education, the highest number on record.  More than half those leaving had been learning from home for less than a year.   Total home school numbers remain well above pre-pandemic levels.   Secondary Principals' Council Chair Kate Gainsford told Mike Hosking that there are many factors why people are going back to mainstream.  She says it could be that the realities, demands, and responsibilities of providing education at home are becoming real.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/6/20243 minutes, 58 seconds
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Tania Tapsell: Rotorua Mayor on the Government's new emergency housing laws

Rotorua's Mayor is feeling upbeat about the Government's new emergency housing laws.   Families with children living in emergency housing for more than 12 weeks will go to the top of the social housing waitlist.   The verification process, eligibility settings, and obligations will also be strengthened for those entering emergency housing.  Tania Tapsell told Mike Hosking that there's a lot of children in these environments, so it's great they're targeting those most in need.  She sees hope for a quicker end to what's been a shambles, not only in Rotorua but across the country.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/6/20242 minutes, 56 seconds
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Mitch McCann: US Correspondent on Nikki Haley withdrawing from the US Presidential race after Super Tuesday

Nikki Haley has withdrawn from the US presidential race meaning we're in for another Biden-Trump election.  The former South Carolina governor announced her decision to suspend her campaign this morning, a day after Super Tuesday.  Republican frontrunner Donald Trump beat her soundly in all but one of the 15 nominating contests.  US correspondent Mitch McCann told Mike Hosking that Haley has yet to endorse Trump.  He says it's possible she will in the future, but it's hard to see that happening given what she's been saying about him over the past few months.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/6/20243 minutes, 2 seconds
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Chris Cahill: Police Association President on the Government's plans for an Oranga Tamariki-run military academy for youth offenders

The Police Association President says military academies for youth offenders are worth a crack.   The Government plans to have an Oranga Tamariki-run pilot programme by the middle of this year.   Police Association President Chris Cahill told Mike Hosking that people who sponsored earlier models tell him they saw kids coming in with no self-esteem and leaving with their mana restored.   He says the challenge is when they left, they went back to dysfunctional families and places with gang influence.   Cahill says support at the end of the programmes is needed.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/5/20242 minutes, 46 seconds
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Marilyn Giroux: Auckland University marketing lecturer on the Prime Minister's plane woes making worldwide headlines

It’s a bad look for the country as the Prime Minister's plane woes make worldwide headlines.   The Air Force's Boeing 757 never left the ground yesterday due to a technical fault with the nose landing gear.  It meant Christopher Luxon had to fly commercially to Melbourne for ASEAN talks, missing a couple of meetings due to the delay.  Auckland University marketing lecturer Marilyn Giroux told Mike Hosking that the likes of international outlets Reuters and Australia's Sky News all reported on the troubles.  She says it's definitely not the best look we want for the country, as it's been picked up quite a lot.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/5/20242 minutes, 51 seconds
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The Country's Rowena Duncum wraps last night's P!nk concert in Dunedin

Dunedin's Forsyth Barr Stadium swapped its usual green field for two hours of acrobatic entertainment from pop star P!nk last night.  The three-time Grammy award winner drew 37-thousand people to the first New Zealand show of her Summer Carnival tour.  The Country's Rowena Duncum was there – and told Mike Hosking that P!nk's acrobatics were impressive.  She says it was phenomenal how she could fly through the air —sometimes upside down— and still be able to sing.  P!nk will play Auckland's Eden Park on Friday and Saturday nights.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/5/20244 minutes, 32 seconds
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Chris Jackson: Auckland University Spacecraft Mission Operations Director on the launch of the Methane SAT satellite

The first-ever government-funded space mission is scheduled for take-off this morning.  The American-New Zealand mission will see the MethaneSAT satellite launched into space to study global emissions from agriculture and measure methane leaks from oil and gas production.  Auckland University Spacecraft Mission Operations Director Chris Jackson says the ultimate goal is to drive down global warming effects from methane sources.  He says methane is a very potent greenhouse gas, more so than carbon dioxide, so stopping it leaking can have a reversing effect.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/4/20243 minutes, 44 seconds
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Demelza Jackson: Newstalk ZB Political Reporter on the itinerary for Christopher Luxon's ASEAN visit

What was already a busy day for Christopher Luxon has just become busier.  A fault with New Zealand’s Defence Force plane has forced the Prime Minister fly commercial to Melbourne for today's ASEAN summit.  He has a tight schedule to keep to, meeting with eight South-East Asian leaders on the sidelines of the special ASEAN-Australia summit.  Newstalk ZB Political Reporter Demelza Jackson told Mike Hosking that each meeting is only about ten minutes long, but its more about putting a face on the New Zealand name.  Tomorrow, she said, is all business, with ANZ’s business breakfast in the morning and a trip to a Fonterra factory in the afternoon.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/4/20243 minutes, 11 seconds
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Justin Tighe-Umbers: The National Road Carriers Association CEO on the Government's draft transport plan

The National Road Carriers Association says the Government's draft transport plan is a great step in the right direction.   It features a half billion-dollar pothole prevention fund and 15 Roads of National Significance.  It'll be funded in part by a $25 increase in vehicle registration fees in each of the next two years.  Chief Executive Justin Tighe-Umbers told Mike Hosking that the policy's focused on the right stuff.   He says it's a strong start, so they're pleased, and it's about getting back to basics.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/4/20243 minutes, 43 seconds
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Gavin Grey: Apparent Russian hack of German military meeting and Houthi rebels sink first ship in Yemen

Germany has admitted to an apparent hack by Russia of a military meeting where personnel discussed giving Ukraine long range missiles and possible targets.  Europe correspondent Gavin grey told Mike Hosking the hack is being investigated but it is being questioned why the video conference was held on the WebEx platform rather than a secret internal army network.  Meanwhile, the first vessel to be sunk by Houthi rebels in Yemen could cause a large environmental catastrophe.   The Houthi rebels are targeting boats connected to Israel, the UK and the US – hitting a British registered cargo ship carrying tonnes of ammonium nitrate fertiliser. Experts say the impact of this could decimate wildlife in the area of the Gulf of Aden.  Listen above. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/3/20243 minutes, 1 second
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Professor Boyd Swinburn have requested urgent meeting with David Seymour on long term plan with school lunches

A coalition of health charities has slammed the Government’s decision to give ministerial responsibility for free school lunches to David Seymour after the Act leader campaigned for the programme to be abolished.  Speaking to Mike Hosking on Early Edition, Co-chair of the Health Coalition Aotearoa Professor Boyd Swinburn says nobody wants to see kids trying to learn on empty stomachs.   Universality is what makes the programme efficient, Swinburn says, providing relief for families with food insecurity.  Listen above. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/3/20244 minutes, 23 seconds
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Vincent McAviney: Europe Correspondent on Putin's warning to NATO if they send troops into Ukraine

Vladimir Putin is warning NATO countries of tragic consequences if they were to send troops into Ukraine.  The Russian President is referring to comments made earlier in the week by his French counterpart.  Emmanuel Macron was speculating on opening the doors for European ground troops being sent to Ukraine.  Europe Correspondent Vincent McAviney told Mike Hosking that following Sweden and Finland joining NATO, Putin feels the need to strengthen his defences.  He says Russia would be ready to use their weapons offensively against other nations.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/29/20244 minutes, 24 seconds
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Paul Buchanan: Strategist Analyst on the Government's decision to designate Hamas' political wing a terrorist entity

The Government is making it illegal for New Zealanders to support Hamas.   It's designated Hamas' political wing a terrorist entity, the same as its military wing.  It will also ban from New Zealand several extremist Israeli settlers who have committed violent attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank.  Strategic analyst Paul Buchanan told Mike Hosking that it's about tightening relations with security partners and won't dismantle Hamas.   He says it also runs contrary to the majority of world opinion, which sees a distinction between the political and armed wings of Hamas.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/29/20243 minutes, 30 seconds
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Mark Bekhit: Radiology registrar on the Coroners Court's recommendation of mandatory safety helmets on e-scooters

The Coroners Court is recommending mandatory safety helmets on e-scooters after its report into an Auckland man's death.   The man crashed into a concrete power pole on a modified e-scooter while under the influence of methamphetamine.   Radiology registrar Mark Bekhit says a lot of the e-scooter injuries he's seen have been alcohol or drug-related.   He told Mike Hosking that he can't be sure people will wear helmets if they've taken substances.  Bekhit says it sounds like a simple recommendation that's easier than targeting methamphetamine abuse, but he doesn't know it will solve the problem.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/29/20244 minutes, 18 seconds
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Mitch McCann: Newshub US Correspondent says voters are unhappy with Biden's involvement in the conflict in Palestine

The US Presidential race is heating up as both Joe Biden and Donald Trump win the Michigan Primary votes for their respective parties.  But President Biden's victory in the Democratic race wasn't all smooth sailing, with a sizable contingent issuing a protest vote.  Thirteen percent of voters, which says they weren't uncommitted.  Newshub US Correspondent Mitch McCann told Mike Hosking that many are unhappy with Biden's involvement in the Israel Palestine war.  He says Michigan has the largest Arab community in the country.  Meanwhile, 82-year-old US Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell says he'll step aside in November to make way for a new generation of leadership.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/28/20242 minutes, 56 seconds
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Vaughan Davis: The Goat Farm Advertising agency owner on the closure of Newshub

Newshub's imminent closure has put the size of our population in the spotlight.  Advertising agency owner Vaughan Davis told Mike Hosking that New Zealand is like the Chatham Islands of the world.   He said that maybe we're just too small a country for two TV networks.  Davis said we try to have the big country stuff but it's just five million people on an island, far away from everywhere.  Up to 300 jobs are expected to be lost by the end of June.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/28/20243 minutes, 40 seconds
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Glen Sowry: Queenstown Airport CEO on the Tarras Airport project being put on hold

Christchurch Airport's Tarras project is slowing down.  The airport had been developing a Central Otago airport on 800 hectares of land in the small town of Tarras.  It's been put on hold due to the need of co-investment from both public and private sources.  Queenstown Airport chief executive Glen Sowry told Mike Hosking that the Tarras project hasn't met community demands and expectations as Queenstown Airport has.  He says they've been working hard on making sure their future plans are what the regional businesses and community wants.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/28/20244 minutes, 38 seconds
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Kelly Eckhold: Westpac Senior Economist on the OCR remaining at 5.5%

This year is set to be harder than the last for many New Zealanders.  The Reserve Bank has opted to keep the Official Cash Rate unchanged at 5.5%, in line with most economists' expectations.  It isn't expected to cut the OCR for a while, possibly not until the middle of next year.  Westpac Senior Economist Kelly Eckhold told Mike Hosking that some households will be finding it harder to pay their bills.  He says the unemployment rate is at 4%, which is not particularly high by New Zealand standards, but it will probably reach about five during the year.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/28/20244 minutes, 37 seconds
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International nurses being turned away due to skill issues

International nurses are flocking to our shores - but not with the skills required. Gore Hospital recently had 80 nurses apply for an emergency department role - but say only 98 percent of applicants had the relevant qualifications. It comes as the country is four and a half thousand nurses short. Gore Health chief executive Karl Metzler told Mike Hosking that they're being turned away due to a skill issue - not a lack of understanding in New Zealand culture. He says the hospital employs Russians, Germans, Filipinos and Indians - and prides themselves on being diverse.   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/27/20245 minutes, 10 seconds
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Matt Doocey: Youth organisations are doing a great job

The Government is making decisions on how it carves up funding for our young people. It's allocating just under 10.7 million dollars of Ministry of Youth Development funds to 34 community youth organisations. The funding covers areas from education to mental health - as well as helping those living in regions affected by flooding in early 2023. Youth Minster Matt Doocey told Mike Hosking that he's been impressed by what he's seen of hardworking youth providers around the country. He says organisations at the community level are doing great work - we just need to make sure they're financially supported.   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/27/20243 minutes, 23 seconds
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Donna Demaio: Australian Correspondent on New South Wales police being uninvited from Sydney Mardi Gras due to the deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davis

New South Wales police have officially been uninvited from Mardi Gras, Sydney’s pride event.  Senior Constable Beaumont Lamarre-Condon has been accused of murdering Sydney gay couple Jesse Baird and Luke Davies, and as such, the precinct has been asked not to appear.   Debate over the police's involvement with the march began after Lamarre-Cordon allegedly shot his ex-boyfriend and his new partner with his service gun. Australian Correspondent Donna Demaio told Mike Hosking that police will comply.   She says Police have expressed disappointment in the decision, but will work to ensure a safe environment for all.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/26/20242 minutes, 55 seconds
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Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on Restaurant Brands' major cost issues despite making record sales

Fast food operator Restaurant Brands says that despite making record sales, it still has major cost issues.  The operator of KFC, Pizza Hut, Carl's Junior, and Taco Bell has posted $1.3 billion in full-year sales.  Its net after-tax profit was $15.8 million, down half a million annually.  Brad Olsen, Infometrics Principal Economist, told Mike Hosking that while spending value was up 4.2% year on year, the volume purchased was down by 2.7%.  So, he said, you’re spending more, getting less bang for your buck.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/26/20242 minutes, 46 seconds
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Kyle Brewerton: Auckland Primary Principals' Association President on the lack of communication regarding the pausing of school building projects

Communication problems are running rampant between the Education Ministry and schools.  The Government's ordered a review of school building projects, saying they've inherited a school property system "bordering on crisis".   Already the ministry has put 20 projects on pause, with up to 350 in doubt.   Auckland Primary Principals' Association President Kyle Brewerton told Mike Hosking that the pauses have caught some schools by surprise, with shovels already in the ground.   He says there's confusion around the schools that have been tagged and what's happening now.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/26/20243 minutes, 44 seconds
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Ray Chung: Wellington City Councillor on Wellington Water's lack of transparency

A lack of transparency with Wellington Water is being blamed for the region's water woes.  The Capital's water provider yesterday admitted that it's failed to meet Ministry of Health fluoridation targets at least 95% of the time over recent months.  It comes as the region grapples with leaks and water shortages.  Wellington City Councillor Ray Chung told Mike Hosking that the water agency won't give the council adequate information as to what it's working on.  Wellington Water has also announced that it won't be exempt from new rules around chlorine compliance.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/26/20245 minutes, 4 seconds
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Grant McCallum: National Blue Green Forum 'couldn't have gone better'

Nationals Annual Blue Greens forum was held over the weekend. The prime minister and the party caucus members were all there to talk with the environmental leaders. Greens Forum chair Grant McCallum told Mike Hosking that the meeting was a 10/10 and it 'couldn't have gone better'. When asked how green the national party are he said 'we're very pragmatically green, We're not idealistically green.' LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/25/20243 minutes, 28 seconds
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Ginny Andersen apologises for 'absolutely unacceptable' comments to Mark Mitchell

Ginny Andersen says she'll apologise to Mark Mitchell, over comments she made on last week's Mike Hosking Breakfast. On last Wednesday's show, the Labour Police Spokesperson accused the Police Minister of being paid to kill people when he was a defence contractor in East Africa and the Middle East. Mitchell says he hasn't knowingly killed anyone. Andersen told Mike Hosking this morning, she shouldn't have made the comments, and will personally apologise to Mitchell when they reappear on the show this week.   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/25/20243 minutes, 44 seconds
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John Tookey: AUT Professor of Construction Management on infrastructure maintenance needing more investment

A building expert says people tend to focus on the cost of building infrastructure and think they'll figure everything else out as they go along.  The Infrastructure Commission says we need to spend around 60% of our investment to look after what we already have, rather than building more.  AUT Professor of Construction Management John Tookey told Mike Hosking that people often focus on acquisition costs, rather than maintenance costs because it's easy.  He says that's because the sums get more complicated when you start considering the likes of depreciation and more over an extended period of time.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/22/20243 minutes, 10 seconds
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Louise Upston: Child Poverty Reduction Minister on the new approach to breaking the cycle of poverty

There’s “a new approach" from the Government on breaking the cycle of child poverty.  The percentage of children living in poverty has risen to 17.5, with the percentage of children facing material hardship rising to 12.5.  Child Poverty Reduction Minister Louise Upston says they'll have a target and will be held accountable for it.   She told Mike Hosking that it's not just a matter of addressing incomes.   Upston says those on welfare and the lowest incomes are hit the hardest in the cost-of-living crisis.   She says that's why they have to deal with the costs families face, and housing costs are a significant part of that.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/22/20245 minutes, 41 seconds
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Sandra Grey: Tertiary Education Union National Secretary on the Government's plan to make fees free the final year

There’s concerns the Government's plan to switch the first year of free tertiary study to the final year won't hit the mark.  The Tertiary Education Commission has told a select committee this week that there's no discernible evidence the first-year policy changed numbers of low decile school students attending university.  Tertiary Education Union National Secretary Sandra Grey says once students get past the first year, they usually stay until the end.  So, she told Mike Hosking, it doesn't make a lot of sense to make the final year free.  Grey says students need support when they're trying to transition either off the benefit and unemployment into study, or when they're going from school into study.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/22/20242 minutes, 45 seconds
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Cath O'Brien: Board of Airline Representatives of New Zealand Executive Director on the current conflict between Air NZ and Auckland Airport

Air New Zealand's turbulent relationship with Auckland Airport is taking another turn.  The national carrier is demanding an inquiry into the airport's spending, claiming it will push up airfares to five times the current rate by 2032.  Cath O’Brien, Executive Director on the Board of Airline Representatives, told Mike Hosking that the airport has a history of extremes, going from spending too little on their projects to a significantly higher amount, which its regulatory regime is not designed to handle.  She said the regime is only a five-year look, and so it can’t handle the ten-to-fifteen-year expense of the current plan.  While Auckland Airport denies any significant price changes, O’Brien said that due to the limitations on the current regime, prices will rise a lot more than they’re currently able to say.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/21/20244 minutes, 28 seconds
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Sir Colin Tukuitonga: Pasifika Medical Association Board Director on Efeso Collins' influence on the community

A tribute from one Pacific leader to another.  49 yearold Green Party MP and former Auckland Councillor Efeso Collins collapsed and died at a charity event yesterday morning.   Pasifika Medical Association Board Director Sir Colin Tukuitonga told Mike Hosking that he picked up the causes that other people perhaps wouldn't.  He says that includes young people and poor south Auckland communities, and his joining of the Green Party highlighted his concern for the environment.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/21/20242 minutes, 48 seconds
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Karen Chhour: Minister for Children on Peter Boshier's report into Oranga Tamariki

The Children's Minister says she's prioritising frontline staff investment in Oranga Tamariki.   Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier has released a report detailing two thousand complaints and enquiries he's witnessed in the past four years.   He concluded work is inconsistent across the country, with some parts showing an alarming "absence of discipline"  Minister Karen Chhour told Mike Hosking that we can't keep having report after report saying the same things.   She says we're talking about children and young people with futures ahead of them and we need to do everything we can to ensure these futures are positive ones.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/21/20243 minutes, 51 seconds
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Tony Keddy: Number Eight Studios project leader on the film studio receiving consents to build in Hawke's Bay

It seems the path has been cleared for a multi-million-dollar film studio in Hawke's Bay.  Number Eight Studios has received resource consent from Hastings District Council for its 400-hectare facility in the coastal township of Te Awanga.  Despite having been five years since the first proposal, project leader Tony Keddy says it's been worth the wait.  The idea is for buildings to be built for the specific needs of the film industry, bringing a raft of international productions to Hawke's Bay home.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/20/20242 minutes, 38 seconds
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Brigitte Morten: Political Commentator on Grant Robertson's retirement from Politics

Labour's Grant Robertson is retiring from Parliament next month and will become Otago University's Vice-Chancellor in July.  The 15-year MP was Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister in the Labour Government.  He says the time is right for new challenges.   Political Commentator Brigitte Morten told Mike Hosking that the writing was on the wall when he decided not to run in Wellington Central again.  She said that making room for the new guard is a painful transition, but it's the right thing to do.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/20/20242 minutes, 54 seconds
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Richard Beddie: Exercise New Zealand CEO says NZ is one of the worst in the western world when it comes to being active

There's no silver bullet when it comes to improving our physical activity levels.  Health New Zealand's latest review of the state of our health has found one in three adults carries enough weight to affect their health.  Exercise New Zealand Chief Executive Richard Beddie says we're one of the worst in the western world when it comes to being active.  He told Mike Hosking that if information was key, we could solve it overnight.  Beddie says the answer is easy —move your body— but the behaviour is the complicated bit in terms of how they get people to do that.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/20/20244 minutes, 43 seconds
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Kelvin Davidson: CoreLogic Chief Property Economist on the housing market's slow start to the year

High mortgage rates are continuing to pressure the housing market as the year starts with slow January sales.   CoreLogic data shows there were more than 3,100 sales last month, up just 2% on the same time last year.  It's the slowest start to a year since 1983.  Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson says a slowdown in the Auckland market has also had a big impact.   He says mortgage rates have stopped increasing but aren't falling either, which is creating a bit of variability in the market, which he expects to continue for a while yet.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/19/20243 minutes, 13 seconds
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Donna Demaio: Australian Correspondent on the proposed crackdown on drugs and alcohol in the Australian Parliament

A taskforce is proposing a crackdown on drugs and alcohol in the Australian parliament.  Australian Senator Perin Davey admitted to having a couple glasses of wine before a senate hearing, where she was seen slurring her words.  Australian Correspondent Donna Demaio told Mike Hosking that this isn't the first time an Aussie politician has been caught drinking on the job.  She says the image of former Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce lying and babbling on the street is still fresh in the minds of Australians.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/19/20243 minutes, 15 seconds
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Ian Powell: Health Commentator on St John pulling ambulances off the road and the underfunding of the health system

Lack of resources are being blamed for St John's move to pull some ambulances off the road.  The service is aiming to rein in costs for when a worker is sick or goes on leave.  Health commentator Ian Powell told Mike Hosking that it comes down to having enough staff, and funding isn't matching the increase in health demand.  He says this is not just a St John's problem there's a problem in the model, and there's a problem tangled up in the generalised under-funding of our health system.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/19/20243 minutes, 22 seconds
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Carmel Sepuloni: Labour's Social Development Spokesperson on the Government's plans to ramp up sanctions for those on the Jobseeker benefit

Labour's defending its work in the benefit space when in government, saying it takes time for change to occur.  Social Development Minister Louise Upston's announced a ramp up of work check-ins for jobseekers, with sanctions for those who don't meet obligations, starting in June.  Labour’s Social Development spokesperson Carmel Sepuloni told Mike Hosking that when she was minister, there were record levels of people leaving benefits to get into employment.  But she says there were a lot of people coming onto the benefit who didn't necessarily have the skills to match the jobs that were out there, which is why they invested in upskilling and training.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/19/20243 minutes, 41 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK and US Considering Seizing Russian Central Bank Assets

The British and American ambassadors to Russia have laid flowers at a memorial to Alexei Navalny in Moscow. The Russian opposition leader died after collapsing following a walk in his Arctic prison, over the weekend. Meanwhile, G-7 foreign ministers have met in Munich to discuss ideas to punish Russia for his death.Europe correspondent Gavin Grey told Mike Hosking that the UK and US have suggested seizing Russian central bank assets held abroad to pay for Ukraine. He says they believe the way to make Vladimir Putin uncomfortable is not demanding an explanation for Navalny's death, but to hit him in the pocket.   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/18/20243 minutes, 16 seconds
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Clive Matthew-Wilson: Speed Camera Changes Won't Target Those Who Cause Most Accidents

Scepticism over whether handing over speed camera duties will reduce fatal speed-related crashes. NZTA is taking over the job from Police, with plans to increase the number from 150 to around 800, as part of a high-tech development of the network. It's estimated to process around three million infringements annually by 2030. But road safety campaigner Clive Matthew-Wilson told Mike Hosking it doesn't target those who cause most of those accidents. He says those who actually cause them are a very small group of poorly educated people, usually with substance abuse problems and an attitude.   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/18/20244 minutes, 34 seconds
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Jason Walls: Plenty of People Still Back Luxon Despite Grim SOTN Speech

Prime Minister Chris Luxon gave a somewhat grim outlook of the economy during his State of the Nation speech in Auckland yesterday, but he still has support. Luxon says the state of the nation is fragile, and says the problems the country faces won't be fixed in 100 days .. or 100 days after that .. but his Government is getting to work. Newstalk ZB Political Editor Jason Walls told Mike Hosking a lot of polls show he still has plenty of people backing him. He says Luxon's having to cut through the noise to keep getting his message out there.   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/18/20244 minutes, 13 seconds
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Michael Gordon: Westpac Senior Economist thinks we're reaching the peak of migration inflows

The migration boom is easing ever so slightly.  Latest Stats NZ figures show annual net migration reached just under 126,000 in the year to December.  That's down 6.3% on the record high for the year to November.  The net migration gain is still one of the largest recorded, equivalent to the population of Taranaki.  Westpac Senior Economist Michael Gordon told Mike Hosking that he thinks we’re beginning to reach our peak.  He said he’d be surprised if we continued to see these numbers this time next year.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/15/20244 minutes, 18 seconds
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Geoffrey Miller: International Relations Expert says the Israeli Prime Minister's expectation that the Palestinians sheltering in Rafah can all go to a small village on the coast is unrealistic

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been labelled "unrealistic" as concerns rise for Gazan city Rafah.  International relations expert Geoffrey Miller told Mike Hosking that Netanyahu seems to be in a fantasy land.  He says he seems to think the 1.5-million Palestinians sheltering in Rafah can all go to a small village on the coast seven kilometres away.  New Zealand, Australia, and Canada have issued a joint statement, warning that a humanitarian ceasefire is urgently needed.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/15/20242 minutes, 56 seconds
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Kerri Nuku: Nurses Organisation President on the deadlines for the payouts continuously getting pushed back

The nurses union wants the new Health Minister to intervene on delays to payouts.  Te Whatu Ora owes nearly two billion dollars to nurses after failing to meet Holiday Act requirements, and its only paid roughly $250,000 back.  The union says the rest of the money, owed from 2010 onwards, has been pushed back.  Nurses Organisation President Kerri Nuku told Mike Hosking that they'll be writing to the minister.  She says deadlines keep getting pushed back and they want clarity.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/15/20243 minutes, 49 seconds
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Chris Abercrombie: Post-Primary Teachers Association Acting President on David Seymour's plans to tackle absenteeism

David Seymour's preparing to take a harder line on the parents of chronically absent kids.   As the Associate Education Minister, Seymour's been tasked with tackling increasing levels of absenteeism in schools across the country.   Regular attendance is classed as being in school more than 90-percent of a term.  He says he's investigating whether the power to fine the parents of absent kids should be used more often.  Chris Abercrombie, Acting President of the Post-Primary Teachers Association, told Mike Hosking that he’s not sure if fining parents is the answer.  He thinks making sure that the needs of students are met would be more effective in getting students to school.  Abercrombie said it could be something as simple as making sure they have a uniform or sending around a van to pick up students.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/14/20243 minutes, 37 seconds
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Lynette Hutson: Salvation Army Head of Social Services says lifting people of the benefit is easier said than done

The Salvation Army says lifting people off benefits and into jobs is easier said than done.   The Government's looking to change benefit legislation that would see income support rise only with the rate of inflation.  Under Labour benefits rose with wage growth each year, which generally rises faster than inflation.  Salvation Army Head of Social Services, Lynette Hutson told Mike Hosking that many people receiving them are without any transport or education.  She says it's a very simple answer to say get everyone a job and it will be okay ... it doesn't work like that.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/14/20243 minutes, 27 seconds
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Carl Taylor: Combined Building Supplies Co-op Chair on what Fletcher Building's poor results mean for the wider industry

Fletcher Building's poor results are believed to be indicative of wider pain in the construction sector.  The company's half-year financial results painted a dire picture, with a $120-million net loss.  Chief Executive Ross Taylor announced his resignation yesterday alongside Chair Bruce Hassall.  Combined Building Supplies Co-op Chair Carl Taylor told Mike Hosking that the industry is hurting.  He says it is quiet out there, and their numbers are down too.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/14/20243 minutes, 8 seconds
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Michael Webster: Privacy Commissioner on the data collected by Woolworths as part of their Everyday Rewards program

More privacy concerns for supermarket customers.   It's been revealed that Woolworths will collect personal data like images, audio recordings, and license plate numbers when people sign up to their Everyday Reward cards.  Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster says businesses need to be transparent with what they're collecting from people and what's done with that data once it's been collected.   He says they need to make sure it isn't at risk of cyber-attacks and isn't accessible to those who shouldn't see it.   It follows an earlier controversy with competitor Foodstuffs trialling facial recognition software in North Island stores.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/13/20243 minutes, 27 seconds
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Linda Gradstein: CBS Correspondent on Israel facing pressures around their ground invasion in Rafah, Gaza

Israel is facing pressure from various countries around their ground offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah.  A raft of western allies, including New Zealand, is pleading with Israel not to escalate matters.  CBS correspondent Linda Gradstein told Mike Hosking that the United States has made it clear to Israel that their forces shouldn't go into Rafah without getting civilians out first.  She says there're about a million and a half Palestinians living in Rafah, many of whom have already been displaced twice.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/13/20243 minutes, 31 seconds
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Mark Thomas: Committee for Auckland Director says Aucklanders want a permanent fix for transport problems

The results of decades of under-investment in Auckland infrastructure are becoming clear. Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown's demanding Auckland Transport stop all projects that were funded by the Regional Fuel Tax.  The tax is being scrapped late June, and the mayor says it'll leave a $1.2-billion gap in transport funding over four years.  Trains were also cancelled this week due to heat speed restrictions on the tracks.  Committee for Auckland director Mark Thomas told Mike Hosking that their report found transport is almost the number one priority for the city.  He says they'll be arguing for much quicker and a larger solution to Auckland's problems, because it seems to be getting worse week by week.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/13/20243 minutes, 35 seconds
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Nick Tuffley: ASB Senior Economist on the possibility of future rate hikes

The possibility of future rate hikes remains uncertain.  Despite ANZ shifting its forecast to predict two more rate hikes, there are economists saying that the Reserve Bank has no need.  ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley told Mike Hosking that there is a growing chance that the Reserve Bank will get impatient and lift interest rates.  However, he said, they think that they can hold off since things are going in the right direction.  Tuffley said the question is whether they’re headed there fast enough.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/12/20243 minutes, 48 seconds
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Donna Demaio: Australian Correspondent on the catastrophic bushfire risk in Victoria

Victorian fire authorities are that warning today may pose the greatest fire risk in four years.  Melbourne correspondent Donna Demaio told Mike Hosking that there’s a catastrophic bushfire danger rating for parts of the state, with high winds, heat, and the potential for dry lightning likely.   She says it's going to reach 40 degrees plus, and the fire experts say these forecast conditions haven't been seen since the Black Summer of 2019.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/12/20242 minutes, 48 seconds
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Alex Walker: Central Hawke's Bay Mayor says new water infrastructure legislation could help get things off the ground of a regional model

Councils may continue to join forces to tackle infrastructure around three waters.  The Government's confirmed its plan to repeal and replace the controversial legislation.  It will introduce bills that attempt to make it easier for councils to determine their own water strategy, including making it easier to set up council-controlled organisations.  Central Hawke's Bay Mayor Alex Walker told Mike Hosking that it makes sense for Hawke's Bay, as a region, to work together.  She says communities are socially and economically connected, and this legislation could help get things off the ground for a regional model.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/12/20244 minutes, 4 seconds
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Mark Knoff-Thomas: Newmarket Business Association CEO on the cancellation of Auckland Trains due to the heat

An Auckland business leader says nothing surprises him with the city's railway infrastructure, after trains were cancelled due to heat.   Some Auckland train services were cancelled through yesterday afternoon and evening, including at peak hour.   Kiwi Rail, which manages the tracks, blamed track temperatures, which reached 48 degrees in some places.   Newmarket Business Association chief executive Mark Knoff-Thomas told Mike Hosking that there are other countries hotter than ours with working rail.   He says southern Europe has an amazing railway network and is hotter than Auckland.   Knoff-Thomas wonders if Kiwi Rail bought the tracks of Facebook Marketplace.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/12/20244 minutes, 21 seconds
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Mark Mitchell: Additional Money Will Help With Cyclone Gabrielle Recovery

The Emergency Management Minister says additional money for Cyclone Gabrielle recovery will help Hawke's Bay reach silt removal targets. The Government's announced $63-million for sediment and debris removal. Hawke's Bay Regional Council will get 40-million, three million of that is for removing debris in Wairoa. Gisborne District Council will receive 23-million. Minister Mark Mitchell told Mike Hosking he hopes the money solves the problem. He says the additional $40-million will help Hawke's Bay get to its target of 20 percent of silt and debris removed.   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/11/20243 minutes, 50 seconds
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Ben Harlum: Taylor Swift Brings Huge Crowds Ahead Of Las Vegas Superbowl

Las Vegas is in Super Bowl mode today as thousands are in town for the big game. The NFL match between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers will kick off at 12:30 this afternoon. Sirius XM host Ben Harlum is there, and told Mike Hosking that the streets are packed, security's been increased and the Swifties are in full force. He says he's been to Vegas many times but has never seen it like this. Harlum says the noise is insane and he's had to leave the casino just to get some peace and quiet. Taylor Swift is seeing Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/11/20243 minutes, 41 seconds
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Israel Set To Proceed With Ground Offensive On Rafah

Israel looks set to proceed with its ground offensive on Rafah in southern Gaza, despite a lack of support from western allies. Correspondent Gavin Grey told Mike Hosking the US wants Israel to come up with a plan for protecting the safety of the civilian population, before the military advance begins. Foreign Minister Winston Peters says our government is "extremely concerned" about the potential humanitarian consequences.   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/11/20243 minutes, 13 seconds
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Jordan Williams: Ratepayers Alliance Spokesperson on Wayne Brown's response to the scrapped Auckland Fuel Tax

The Government and Auckland Council are not in agreement over the scrapping of the Regional Fuel Tax.  It will be gone at the end of June, providing what the Government says is a cost-of-living relief.   Auckland mayor Wayne Brown has come out swinging, saying the decision will leave a $1.2 billion shortfall in transport funding over the next four years.  Ratepayers Alliance spokesperson Jordan Williams told Mike Hosking that last week, the mayor was saying Auckland Transport had lost the plot when it comes to value for money.  He says this week it's a bit rich for Brown to complain we need to keep piling money into AT, which just has a long history of wasting it.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/8/20243 minutes, 53 seconds
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Tony Gavigan: Former Ruapehu Snow Sports Secretary on Mount Ruapehu's uncertain future as a skiing destination

Uncertainty continues to plague Mount Ruapehu's future as a skiing destination.  Whakapapa Holdings has pulled its bid on the Whakapapa side of the mountain, claiming there's not enough Crown funding.  It's unclear how that part of the mountain will operate this winter.  It comes as a conditional agreement for Pure Turoa to run the Turoa ski field has been signed.  Former Ruapehu Snow Sports Secretary Tony Gavigan told Mike Hosking that the current-funding model needs to stay, with crown-funding.  He says nobody in the private sector is going to put in the sort of capital and annual commitment required unless they have tenure.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/8/20243 minutes, 48 seconds
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Angus Chambers: GenPro Chairman on government funding issues for general practices reaching crisis levels

GP advocacy groups say funding issues are approaching crisis levels.  Many GPs are hiking their prices as government funding fails to keep up with rising costs.  GenPro Chairman Angus Chambers told Mike Hosking that GP clinics receive different subsidies for different patients.  He says one of the issues is that it doesn't take into account complexity within age groups.  Chambers says he gets the same amount of money for a 65-year-old as he does a 95-year-old, and the latter requires more input.  Health Minister Shane Reti agrees the funding model is not fit for purpose, and he's looking forward to receiving advice on a sustainable solution.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/8/20243 minutes, 51 seconds
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Shirley Johnson: Youth advocate on the reasons behind the uptick in young people going on the benefit and remaining there

Young people are increasingly going on the benefit and staying on it for longer.  Reports released to Newstalk ZB suggest a sharp spike in the time beneficiaries will spend on income support, with a 23% jump in the number of people staying on job-seeker support until retirement age.  Youth advocate Shirley Johnson told Mike Hosking that the education system isn't adequately preparing young people for work.  She says schools haven't kept up with our changing world.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/7/20244 minutes, 26 seconds
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Mitch McCann: US Correspondent on Taylor Swift's cease and desist to try and stop her private jet being tracked

Taylor Swift's lawyers are trying to put an end to public tracking of her private jet, claiming it's 'a life or death matter'.  Student Jack Sweeney uses public data to track take-offs and landings of celebrity planes and posts them to Twitter.  US Correspondent Mitch McCann told Mike Hosking that the 21-year-old's been issued a cease-and-desist to stop sharing Swift's plane location.  He says Sweeney has responded that he believes in public transparency and hasn't promised he'll stop.  Swift's team claims the data gives her numerous stalkers "a roadmap to carry out their plans".  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/7/20242 minutes, 49 seconds
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Mark Smith: ASB Senior Economist says the latest unemployment figures may be reflective, and things may actually be worse

Our latest unemployment numbers have caught some by surprise.  Stats NZ figures show a 4% rise in the three months to December.  That's up from 3.9% in the preceding three months but below most economists' predictions, who'd been expecting between 4.2 and 4.3%.  ASB Senior Economist Mark Smith told Mike Hosking there's potential these figures are more reflective, and things may have actually worsened.  He says other indicators —like benefit numbers— having been rising steadily.    LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/7/20243 minutes, 52 seconds
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Tama Potaka: Māori Development Minister criticises Waitangi coverage for not being "comprehensive"

The Māori Development Minister has hit out at media coverage of events at Waitangi.  The Coalition came under fire from Māori leaders, with both ACT Leader David Seymour and NZ First Leader Winston Peters among those heckled during speeches.  Tama Potaka says he thinks most people came away feeling warm and excited for the future.  He told Mike Hosking that he thinks the coverage was not comprehensive and skewed towards describing angst.  Potaka says after the Government pōwhiri, it felt that while not everyone agreed with everything, everyone had the chance to present themselves.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/6/20243 minutes, 49 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK Correspondent on Prince Harry's arrival in the UK after King Charles' cancer diagnosis

Prince Harry has arrived in the UK alone after his father's cancer diagnosis.  Buckingham Palace announced King Charles cancer yesterday, which was discovered during a separate procedure.  Harry was earlier photographed arriving at Clarence House.  The King's now been seen for the first time since the announcement - being driven with Queen Camilla from Clarence House to Buckingham Palace, where it's believed they flew to Sandringham. UK correspondent Gavin Grey told Mike Hosking that it's not known how long Harry will stay, or if he's going to Sandringham.  He says there's apparently no plan to meet with his brother, Prince William.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/6/20244 minutes, 2 seconds
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Henry Russell: ANZ Economist on the probably spike to the unemployment rate

A spike to New Zealand's unemployment rate may be on the cards later this morning.  Multiple bank economists estimate it to land at 4.3%, up from the September quarter's 3.9%.   ANZ Economist, Henry Russell told Mike Hosking that he agrees.  He says the key driver is the ongoing recovery in labour supply, reflecting the record net-migration we've seen.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/6/20243 minutes, 41 seconds
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Francesca Rudkin: We give in good faith- but we're not idiots

We’re a generous bunch us Kiwis. It never ceases to amaze me how New Zealander’s step up when tragedy or just bad luck strikes someone or a community. In May 2023 - when every second headline was about the cost-of-living crisis - it was announced we’d given $36.6 million to charities and causes over that last financial year. It was a 38% increase on the previous year. That’s a lot of money. We’re givers and we give in good faith, but we’re not idiots and we like to know where the money is going and what it’s going to be used for. This week, a mayor hit the headlines asking why a considerable amount of money raised through Lotto to help communities affected by Cyclone Gabrielle is still in a bank account almost a year after the disaster, with no thought given to how it may be allocated. It’s not a good look. It’s not a good look for Lotto who ran the appeal, or the Department of Internal Affairs who have banked the cash and are earning a bit of interest, or the Fund’s trustees responsible for allocations, to not have a plan yet. If we want people to give when the need arises, and we do in this little country of ours, then having faith in the system is important. We don’t give with the expectation of getting anything in return - but we do hope that if we were in strife one day the same generosity would be shown. Stories like this don’t encourage giving. Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst has expressed concern over the fund and its lack of action and is using the media to get things moving, but when you’re living in an area dealing with the fallout of a natural disaster, I say go for it. Especially when other cyclone-related relief funds have been effective. The Red Cross, who faced criticism last April for being too slow to release their 27.5m in donated funds have, as of November 13, committed $24m of their fund. The Hawke’s Bay Disaster Relief Fund and the Hastings Mayoral Fund have also been hard at work. It’s worth pointing out that because it’s gambling money there are some specific criteria regarding how the money is to be used. It must go to community minded projects like fixing facilities where people come together – sports clubs, playgrounds, marae or community halls – and the Trusts focus is on medium to long-term recovery projects. So, I understand the dust must settle before communities know what they need. It was never going to handed out immediately. But, if you want to rely on the goodwill of the people then it helps to be transparent about the process and the fund’s intentions. If you’re wondering where your donation will end up, answers are apparently coming this month, when the trustees will meet to consider and decide on a timeline. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/5/20243 minutes, 34 seconds
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David Seymour: Hope Of 'Peaceful Debate' To Come Out Of Waitangi

David Seymour hopes a 'peaceful debate' can come out of Waitangi - in the wake of backlash to his proposed Treaty Principles Bill. The ACT leader is being welcomed alongside the coalition at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in the Bay of Islands today. He skipped both last month's Kingitanga's hui-a-motu and Ratana commemorations. Iwi representatives spoke at Waitangi yesterday, expressing criticism over various Government leaders, and stances, in relation to Māori. Seymour told Francesca Rudkin he hopes some of the rhetoric in recent days can be dialled down. He doesn't think it's such a bad thing to have a debate on treaty principles - saying it should be welcomed as it apparently highlights the importance of the treaty.   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/4/20245 minutes, 57 seconds
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Boyd Swinburn: Health Coalition Aotearoa co-chair on the Government's plan to "optimise" the funded school lunch program

The Government is being warned that its attempts to streamline the costs of government-funded school lunches could backfire.   An MBIE briefing has revealed the lunches could end this year unless the Government finds $330 million.  Prime Minister Chris Luxon says his government will fund them beyond the end of the year, but he wants to optimise the programme.    Health Coalition Aotearoa co-chair Boyd Swinburn told Mike Hosking that a programme which only gives lunches to poorer kids has downsides.   He says having certain children line up for the lunches creates stigma for them, which can create so many issues that schools may decide not to bother.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/1/20243 minutes, 39 seconds
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Melissa Ansell-Bridges: Council of Trade Unions Secretary on Brooke van Velden's recommendation of a 1.3% increase to minimum wage

The Council of Trade Unions says it's heartless that the Workplace Relations and Safety Minister recommended a 1.3% minimum wage increase.   The Government's decided to increase minimum wage by 2% to $23.15 an hour from April.    Inflation is at 4.7%.   Council of Trade Unions Secretary Melissa Ansell-Bridges told Mike Hosking that all New Zealanders have a right to a liveable income.   She says the idea that people on low incomes should work harder, train more, and advance themselves is great, but there'll still be someone doing those jobs.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/1/20242 minutes, 36 seconds
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Chris Roberts: Former Tourism Industry Aotearoa CEO on the accommodation providers who are struggling to meet the GST change deadline

Airbnb and its rivals are warning their services may need to be suspended if the Government doesn't delay a GST law change. Accommodation providers and ride-share services such as Uber will become liable for ensuring GST is paid through services booked on their websites from April 1. Airbnb, Booking.com, Bookabach, and Bachcare wrote  to Finance Minister Nicola Willis in December requesting an urgent meeting. Former Tourism Industry Aotearoa CEO Chris Roberts told Mike Hosking that the companies haven't had enough time to prepare for the changes. He said that during the election campaign National was going to scrap the idea, but are now keeping it following coalition agreements. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2/1/20244 minutes, 35 seconds
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Mitch McCann: US Correspondent on the decision Biden has made in how to respond to the drone strike in Jordan

The US has decided on their course of action when it comes to retaliating to the drone strike that killed and injured over forty US troops.  Their response is likely to come in the next couple of days, officials saying that they will respond at a time of their choosing.  US Correspondent Mitch McCann told Mike Hosking that while they have a couple of options, it’s likely that they will target the militia directly as opposed to launching a strike against Iran and potentially widening the war.  He said that the militia responsible announced this morning that they will be suspending their operations, though it may be too late to avoid repercussions from the US.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1/31/20242 minutes, 38 seconds
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Greg Lowe: Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum Co-Chair on the AUKUS discussions set to occur at todays trans-Tasmin meeting

AUKUS is expected to be a topic at today's trans-Tasman meeting.   New Zealand and Australia's Foreign Ministers and Defence Ministers will meet for talks in Melbourne today.   Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum Co-Chair Greg Lowe says it's certainly worth having discussions about the second pillar of AUKUS.   That second pillar involves things like cyber security and AI, rather than military action  He told Mike Hosking that the meeting is happening at an important time.   Lowe says financial troubles following the pandemic have been followed by tough geopolitical circumstances.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1/31/20243 minutes, 38 seconds
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Nikki Chamberlain: Auckland University Senior Law Lecturer on Green Bay High School placing CCTV cameras in bathrooms to stop vaping

An Auckland high school has placed CCTV cameras in its bathrooms in a bid to stop vaping.  Green Bay High School students have taken to social media to voice their concerns, saying it's a breach of privacy.  The school has also installed a glass door to a new bathroom.  Auckland University senior law lecturer Nikki Chamberlain told Mike Hosking that children are vulnerable when it comes to privacy.  She says schools are more likely to face scrutiny from courts for their actions because of that.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1/31/20244 minutes, 56 seconds
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Sasha Lockley: Money Sweetspot CEO says the laws governing the lending process were too restrictive

Banking restrictions are on the chopping block, in the hope to make the lending process smoother.  Laws introduced by the previous government which aimed to prevent loan sharks are set to be scrapped.  Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayley says it had unintended consequences.  CEO of Money Sweetspot Sasha Lockley told Mike Hosking that it made lending too restrictive for both lenders and borrowers.  She says the prescriptive requirements took the human understanding out of lending.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1/31/20242 minutes, 25 seconds
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Cheryl Adamson: Parnell Business Association General Manager on the uptick in disorderly behaviour linked to nearby Kainga Ora tenants

The Parnell Business Association wants more to be done to address what it says is a sharp rise in crime and disorderly behaviour, linked to nearby Kainga Ora tenants.  It's written to Housing Minister Chris Bishop and former Prime Minister Sir Bill English who's leading a review into the agency.  General Manager Cheryl Adamson says that in the last 6-8 months they’ve seen an uptick in the number of disruptive tenants in the area.  She told Mike Hosking unlike in the past, the facility doesn’t currently have full-time onsite security to help pinpoint tenants who would cause trouble.  Adamson said that while they do have their own security systems and hired guards, collaboration works best when they can liaise with onsite management.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1/30/20243 minutes, 38 seconds
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Catherine Delahunty: Former Green MP on the Green's leadership in the wake of James Shaw's resignation

There’s potential for a more radical leadership of the Greens in the wake of co-leader James Shaw's resignation.  Shaw's announced he'll step down in March but will remain an MP for the time being to support his Sustainable Environment Bill.  Green Party rules state that a woman and a Māori person must be in leadership roles, but with Marama Davidson covering both criteria, the floor is wide open.  Former MP Catherine Delahunty says some members are looking for a genuinely radical approach from the Greens.  She says we could see a more authentically strong environmental position, which won't be so popular with the business sector, but at the end of the day that's not the Greens job.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1/30/20243 minutes, 54 seconds
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Mike Hosking: James Shaw is a fish out of water when it comes to the Greens

I have never really been able to work James Shaw out.  As he quit his leadership yesterday, which made perfect sense, he waxed lyrical about the Green Party, and its achievements, and its place in the political landscape.   Which makes no sense because they are a mess and no longer remotely green, and he stands out like the dogs proverbials as the one remaining environmentalist.  Of course, you wouldn't expect him to bag them, but he speaks with such clarity and conviction about them. He is either a sensational performer, or he actually believes it.  He must know surely, he was the last one standing. The rest are just rabid extremists.  And therefore, the future of the Greens is anything but assured. And without his ballast and experience they open themselves to the ever-increasing reality of heading off down a track of performance art, complete with pro-Palestinianan flags and scarves.  Rod Donald and Jeanete Fitzsimons were at least green.  But your Sue Bradfords muddied the waters with their social engineering bent, which then led to your Marama Davidson years where chat about snails and national park walkways gave way to cis white males and anti-establishment fury.  Before Golriz caught the attention of the retail community she too added to the Davidson view of the world: Not a lot of climate change, an awful lot of protest and left leaning angst.  I suppose Julie Anne Genter had green credentials, with her Get Wellington Moving vision and her road to zero campaign, both of which you will note are the most abject of abject failures, but at least they had a tinge of the environment about them.  A lot of us when it came to James sort of felt bad for him. What on earth was he still doing there?  They tried to oust him as leader for goodness sake! He took no part in any of their mad cap protests, marching for causes that had nothing to do with being green.  He looked like a fish out of water, and yet still he stayed for 9 long years.  Until now.  I always had the impression he could have done so much more if only he hadn't been hanging with the crazies.  A decent bloke with his heart and intentions in the right place just hijacked by or held captive by people around him he thought were his mates.  Next stop surely the full-blown freedom of the outside world; run James, run.  There is a big bright world out there and you can do a lot of good in it See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1/30/20242 minutes, 20 seconds
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Oliver Hartwich: New Zealand Initiative Economist Director says Reserve Bank policy needs to be in line with government policy to reduce inflation

High inflation in certain parts of the economy is dashing hopes of a cut in the OCR.   Reserve Bank Chief Executive Paul Conway says despite overall inflation being at 4.7 percent, non-tradable inflation is still high at 5.9 percent.   New Zealand Initiative Economist Director Oliver Hartwich says that non-tradable inflation is produced in New Zealand.   He told Mike Hosking that the Reserve Bank’s policy to reduce inflation needs to be in sync with government fiscal policy.   Hartwich says high government spending makes it harder for the Reserve Bank to do its job.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1/30/20243 minutes, 26 seconds
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Jason Walls: Political Editor ahead of Parliament's first sitting of 2024

Parliament is officially back in business, with the first sitting of the year today.  The Government will resume its 100 Day Action Plan, which still includes scrapping the Māori Health Authority, Auckland Fuel Tax, and Three Waters reforms.   Parliament is still under urgency when it comes to the passing of legislation.  Political Editor Jason Walls told Mike Hosking this impacts things like passing the bill that scraps the Productivity Commission, which is slated to happen today.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1/29/20244 minutes, 6 seconds
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Karen Morrish: New Zealand Apples & Pears CEO on the export forecasts bouncing back to pre-cyclone levels

The annual apple and pear crop is forecast to pip last year's total.  New Zealand Apples & Pears estimates export volume at 21.2 million boxes, a rebound from the 2023 Cyclone Gabrielle-ravaged total.  It's also a return to pre-cyclone levels.  CEO Karen Morrish says there are several factors behind the recovery, including cyclone-damaged crops bouncing back.  She says it's also down to a lot of hard work from growers, coupled with favourable weather.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1/29/20242 minutes, 47 seconds
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Mike Hosking: Do we need to have more logical discussions around the Treaty?

I am assuming you got as bored as I did over the break with the obsession—or mania, as Shane Jones quite rightly called it— when it came to ACT's idea of having a chat about the way we view and interpret the Treaty.  The problem with David Seymour is he is too logical, especially for nutters and extremists.  He wants to debate, to toss ideas about, to —dare we suggest— act like an adult and have a discussion.  Hone Harawira, I noted, in one of the alarmist gatherings just referred to the others who don't agree with him as bastards. So, you can see what poor old David is up against.  In an adult world, minds can be changed through logic, and detail, and fact, and reason.  In Hone’s world... well, you are a bastard.  The media, I noted, started the new year as they left off: unable to comprehend the fact we’ve changed govts and therefore outlooks, and fully lined up alongside the Kīngitanga and espoused the alarm, outrage, and upset.  Seymour, if you think about it logically, is to be admired. All he is asking for is a discussion.  Even National who aren't supporting his plan past select committee are taking that position I suspect not because they don’t agree with him, but because its messy politics.  They have bigger fish to fry like the economy which has been sinking like a stone. A to be fair to them, I’d make it my number one job as well.  But it is a fair-weather approach that National has specialised in for many years; pick the stuff you can get votes on. The moment it looks a bit gnarly? Walk away.  Seymour to his credit, and the end-of-life choice work he did was an excellent example, picks issues and runs with them with no fear, no favour.  It is a laudable approach driven by principle, something more of us should aspire to.  There is no doubt the Treaty has been interpreted many a different way.  The document is not prescriptive, nor that descriptive. It is open to a multitude of reactions. That’s why we have seen the Māori Party formed and reformed, any number of court cases enacted, and lord knows how much activism from the Waitangi Tribunal.  Mostly its caused angst, if not upset. We are not a harmonious nation when it comes to race relations and ACT and Seymour want to talk about it.  If only more were mature enough to give that a crack. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1/29/20242 minutes, 15 seconds
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Michelle McCormick: Infrastructure NZ Policy Director says that decades of underinvestment are to blame for Wellington's water crisis

Decades of underinvestment are to blame for Wellington's water crisis, according to infrastructure experts.  Wellington is facing tightening water restrictions as more than 40% of treated water is lost due to leaks and burst pipes in the region.   Infrastructure New Zealand Policy Director Michelle McCormick told Mike Hosking that the whole country is facing water issues, and we need to better prioritise infrastructure spending.  She says the chickens are coming home to roost.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1/29/20242 minutes, 45 seconds
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Brigitte Morten: Former Senior Ministerial Advisor to National on David Seymour's plans for the Treaty Principles Bill

A political commentator says the Prime Minister is continuing to distance himself from ACT's Treaty Principles Bill. The bill featured heavily in ACT Party leader David Seymour's State of the Nation speech over the weekend. Brigitte Morten says the move to make Seymour Associate Justice Minister, reinforces that it's ACT Party, not National Party policy. She says the appointment has some practical aspects too. Morton says it will allow Seymour to talk more directly to officials on the bill, and will mean he gets to introduce the bill to parliament. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1/29/20244 minutes
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Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on protestors throwing soup on the Mona Lisa painting

The famous Mona Lisa painting has fallen victim to yet another protest attack, with activists hurling pumpkin soup over the 16th century masterpiece. The protestors, who represent a French environmental protection group, took to the painting to raise awareness for the issue of sustainable food. Newstalk ZB Europe correspondent Gavin Grey says the group is calling on food to be more accessible. "Basically, what the want is a food card worth roughly $270 NZD to be given to citizens each month to be used on food." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1/29/20243 minutes, 43 seconds
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Mark Potter: NZEI president says teachers struggling to retain student engagement as schools start up again

It's the first day schools can go back for term 1. The new Government's making compulsory an hour each of reading, writing and maths at primary school. Next term schools will be required to have cellphone policies in place, but it's expected most schools will implement them this term. NZEI president Mark Potter says there's a lot of things competing for children's attention these days. He says teachers have the added battle of making sure they stay engaging for children, which is one of the most important things for them. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1/29/20243 minutes, 53 seconds
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Roman Travers: New Zealand needs more funding to get tourism back on track

New Zealand needs a great deal in order to get back on track, printing money and once again becoming an almost first world nation that the rest of the world wants to come and see, travel and enjoy. The Tourism and Hospitality Minister is Matt Doocey and yesterday, he came out saying that nothing is off the table when it comes to helping fund the industry and the vital infrastructure it needs. Nothing? Really? That sounds like a giant blank cheque for the tourism industry to sink their teeth into right? Minister Matt Doocey has been touring the country, meeting with regional tourism operators in the past few weeks and listening to what they want, and their concerns. That’s great… I’m sure this is great news for anyone with a wale watching venture, a bungy jumping business or sight seeing bus for the vineyards of Martinborough. Minister Doocey says he wants to find out how his ministry can support the tourism sector grow and become a big part of the economic success of Aotearoa. Now doesn’t that sound like the ideal path forward for anyone looking to swing the spotlight upon this great nation? Some parts of the country are already seeing the numbers or tourists getting back to the numbers seen before the world screeched to a halt with the COVID pandemic. Queenstown is one center luxuriating in high numbers of tourists. Other areas that once enjoyed high numbers of sheepskin slipper and stuffed kiwi purchasing pundits – like Rotorua and Dunedin, are not faring so well. The key to getting tourism booming here once again, is funding. That was the key message that The Tourism Minister heard on his road trip around the county. Another aspect that he’s taken back to The Beehive is just how crucial it is for the regions to have the visitor infrastructure necessary to accommodate our overseas friends and to put less strain on communities. Minister Doocey is spot on. The infrastructure of the country is pretty good in some places and completely woeful in others. Anyone who’s had conversations with tourists over the past few months will know that one of the most common complaints they have, is the inability to get anywhere with public transport. We’ve been here a million times haven’t we? New Zealand can’t afford to run trains and busses to all points of the compass at all times. New Zealand doesn’t have the population to sustain the level of infrastructure required to keep you and me happy – let alone the swathe of tourists who arrive here expecting more. They expect more – because largely speaking, they come here from countries that are light years ahead of us. Here; we continue to be hamstrung by our inability to see the rails for the sleepers. I sincerely hope that The Minister for Tourism can convince this coalition government to find the money to build what we need in order to make New Zealand a first class, top-notch destination for all tourists. God knows we need them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1/29/20242 minutes, 47 seconds
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Vincent McAviney: UK Correspondent on the British and Victoria & Albert Museums returning artefacts to Ghana after 150 years

The UK is sending back Ghana's 'crown jewels'.  The long-term loan deal will see the artefacts returned 150 years after they were looted from the court of the Ashanti Empire.  UK Correspondent, Vincent McAviney, told Roman Travers that it consists of 32 pieces from the British and Victoria & Albert Museums.  He says Ghana's chief negotiator is hopeful for a 'new sense of cultural co-operation' after generations of anger.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1/25/20243 minutes, 15 seconds
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Kelly Eckhold: Westpac Chief Economist on the possibility that more banks will lower their interest rates

Other banks might be following ASB in dropping interest rates.   ASB is dropping its rates on its three, four, and five-year home loan terms.   Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold says that last year the Reserve Bank warned interest rates may have to rise.   He told Roman Travers that recent developments have likely flipped that around.    Eckhold says low GDP figures signal further rates drops are likely this year.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1/25/20244 minutes, 23 seconds
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Mary-Lynn Huxford: Voyce National Care Youth Participation Advisor on the data issues at Oranga Tamariki

An NGO is alarmed by data issues at Oranga Tamariki.   An Independent Children’s Monitor report has revealed gaps in information about whether children in state care are receiving medical and dental checkups.   Voyce National Care says it's state negligence, which can't be ignored.   Youth Participation Advisor Mary-Lynn Huxford told Roman Travers that this can have long term effects.   She says the group works with young people footing big medical bills because of earlier negligence.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1/25/20245 minutes, 11 seconds
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Roman Travers: It seems the Associate Health Minister has lost the plot

For the record, New Zealand doesn’t have a minister for the tobacco industry. Or does it?  The Associate Health Minister, Casey Costello is being labelled by some as the Minister for the Tobacco Industry, based on a proposal that’s yet to be confirmed by Casey Costello, that she wants to see a 3-year freeze on the tobacco tax.  What this means is that cigarettes would be insulated from the full impact of inflation under a proposal from the New Zealand First Associate Health Minister.  At the moment, tobacco excise is increased each year in line with the Consumer Price Index. Apart from gathering a swag of tax, it’s a way to encourage smokers to give up.  Health Coalition Aotearoa co-chairperson, Boyd Swinburn has come out all gun’s firing and smoking, saying that Casey Costello needs to be stripped of her duties and that she’s lost all credibility as an Associate Minister of Health.  After all the work done over the decades to encourage smokers to give up the darts, after all the hard work by previous governments and former iterations of The Ministry of Health, why on earth would you give smokers a tax cut now?  This kind of idiotic, retrospective policy change, ties in quite nicely with this Governments position on ‘Smoke Free New Zealand’ by 2025. It’s all too hard, so why bother?  Governments have acknowledged that smoking is an important aspect of tax gathering. So where would this government look to recoup the loss on this proposed, preposterous policy?  The Director of Action on Smoking and Health, Ben Youden, also says that this proposal simply doesn’t make much sense.  There’s a problem here with addiction, I realise that; but it seems that under this proposal, we’re just aiding and abetting those on the fags, to keep incinerating precious money that’d be better spent elsewhere.  Smoking related experts say that prices on tobacco need to walk a fine line between deterring smokers and not financially hindering those addicted. Surely Casey Costello can see that all this does is incentivise more smokers to smoke more, for longer.  Costello has also proposed removing the excise tax from smokeless tobacco products, where the tobacco is heated to a vapour rather than burned.  It would appear to me that The Associate Health Minister has completely lost the plot.  If this policy goes ahead there’ll be more outrage from those healthcare professionals who deal with smoking related diseases each and every day. What a kick in the toolbox for all of them. What possible motivation could an Associate Health Minister have for such mindless proposal?  I also wonder just how many focus groups Casey Costello held with healthcare professions around the county to get their input on this proposal? I can almost certainly guarantee that the answer to that – will be absolutely none.  No one in their right mind would ever suggest that effectively encouraging more New Zealander’s to continue smoking, is ever going to be a good idea. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1/25/20243 minutes
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Jason Walls: Political Editor wraps Rātana and the crowd's response

The Government faced some heat yesterday at Rātana.   NZ First’s Winston Peters and Shane Jones were both booed by some in the crowd, and the Prime Minister himself faced a frosty reception.  Christopher Luxon used his address at Rātana to assure he wants progress for Māori, promising the crowd his Government had no plans to meddle with the Treaty, and wants to partner with Māori to achieve better outcomes.   Political Editor Jason Walls told Roman Travers that the reception they received feels appropriate considering some of the rhetoric that had been seen prior to the event.   Rātana, he said, normally has a quieter, more respectful crowd, so this level of response was quite telling.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1/24/20245 minutes, 43 seconds
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Ashley Church: Property Commentator on the average rent reaching an all-time high and the Bay of Plenty becoming the most expensive place to rent

New Zealand's average rent has gone through the roof and is sitting at an all-time high.    Latest Trade Me figures show the national median rent is $625 a week, about 7.8% percent higher than this time last year.  For the first time, the Bay of Plenty is the most expensive place to rent a home, at $670 a week.  Property Commentator Ashley Church told Roman Travers that when the cost of owning a property is weighed against the rent taken, most property investors have been running at a loss for about a decade.  He said that the market is rebalancing with the change in Government, and a dramatic rent reduction is expected over the next few years.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1/24/20244 minutes, 34 seconds
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Roman Travers: What is achieved by Mitre 10 changing the names?

More so than ever, we live in a world where virtually everyone is outraged or offended more frequently.   There’s never been anything wrong with being outraged or offended – the difference in recent years is that we don’t only want to tell everyone who’ll listen about how we feel, we also want to shame the offender into stopping what they’re doing. We want to cancel them.   The offending now extends to products on the shelf at Mitre 10 stores. The offended took issue with the misuse of Te Reo Māori names being used on several of their products.   Mitre 10’s ‘Legacy Brand’ includes products like the ‘Te anau towel ring' which has quickly become the 'Ellesmere towel ring', while the 'Karapiro towel ring' is now the 'Clutha towel ring'.    Another offender was the 'Kaiiwi toilet roll holder' and is now listed as the 'Legacy toilet roll holder'.   Mitre 10 says that the changes they’ve quickly made intend to make the names more culturally sensitive.   They identified mid-last year that these longstanding product names needed to be changed out of respect for te reo Māori. This ‘identification’ presumably came following complaints from those outraged at the use of te reo Māori.   I admit that I don’t fully understand the misappropriation of Māori names aspect here. Would some Māori have been as offended if the products hadn’t been toilet and bathroom related? What if the products were new cars or bespoke frilly frocks for a flash night on the town?   What is it with this overzealous policing of the language of our indigenous people when all the time we hear the need for te reo Māori to be used more and in more everyday walks of life?    It’s not as though these products were spotted on the shelf in some village in the UK. If these were seen at ‘John Ramsbottom’s Hardware’ in Northumberland – then I’d agree that would be an issue worth pursuing.   Māori cultural and tikanga expert, Karaitiana Taiuru says that Mitre 10 is correct in thinking the original names were inappropriate. He also says that it’s a little bit surprising that someone like Mitre 10 didn't do cultural audits beforehand.   Cultural audits? Really? When was the last time you thought of conducting one at your workplace? When did cultural audits become a requirement?   Surely seeing the language used as a reminder of the rivers, lakes and mountains of New Zealand is just another way to encourage us all to respect te reo Māori?  This kind of highly offended, over the top cancel culture is not helping to keep the Māori language alive. This is an example of what puts some people off it.   What’s been achieved by this name changing in Mitre 10’s across the country?    Nothing. Although being in the news isn’t necessarily a bad thing for foot traffic through one of our biggest home renovation chains. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1/24/20243 minutes, 1 second
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Christina Leung: New Zealand Institute of Economic Research Principal Economist on inflation rates dropping to 4.7%

New Zealand might not be entirely out of the woods with high inflation.   The Consumers Price Index rose 4.7% in the year to December, a two year low.   The New Zealand Institute of Economic Research says inflation is still above the 1-3% Reserve Bank target.   Principal Economist Christina Leung told Roman Travers that while she expects the figure to get under the target this year, some factors are putting that at risk.   She says things like the Red Sea attacks are driving up shipping costs.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1/24/20243 minutes, 35 seconds
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Henry Russell: ANZ Economist ahead of Stats NZ releasing the quarterly inflation numbers

All signs are pointing to a much-needed easing in inflation.  Stats NZ will release its latest quarterly inflation numbers at 10.45 this morning.  They're expected to show the annual inflation rate has fallen below the 5% forecast of the Reserve Bank.  ANZ economist Henry Russell told Roman Travers that they expect most of this downward trend to come from the tradable side of the basket, which is the largely imported component.  The Reserve Bank will be focusing on the domestic driven or non-tradeable component of inflation today, which Russel expects to come in line with the Reserve Bank’s forecast.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1/23/20244 minutes, 28 seconds
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Roman Travers: Seems like no one really knows how to run the Health Ministry

Yesterday we became aware of yet another giant leap backwards for the mankind of New Zealand, based upon an entirely retrospective move by this coalition Government.  Our health system is like one giant lab rat: constantly poked and prodded by each and every Minister of Health with every change of government. It’s no wonder so many of our healthcare professionals want out.  The Minister of Health Shane Reti says he'll shift more health decision-making back to the regions in a monumental change in direction from the previous Government.  You’ll recall that all 20 of the District Health Boards were scrapped 18 months ago to form Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand and the Māori Health Authority, with the aim of ending geographical differences in the care people were receiving.  But Shane Reti now tells us that the reforms went too far. Do you get the feeling that no one really knows how to run a health ministry in New Zealand? Stand by patients, doctors, and nurses… here we go again.  Shane Reti says that “There are some parts that need to be owned by the centre, absolutely, but we need to be very careful because what’s happened here is we've lost local accountability. We've lost local decision making and it's all owned by the centre.”  What he doesn’t tell you is that we also lost all the Barbara’s and Johns across the country, who popped up on DHB’s year after year with their insatiable appetite for free sausage rolls and often absolutely no expertise in anything.  Any idiot can see that you don’t actually need to have a decision maker on the ground in a town or city in order to determine the best spend on health priorities.    We have a population and demographic similar to that of a Canadian province where they might also only have one health authority.    Some would say that reversing at high speed is both entertaining and skilful. Not when it comes to The Ministry of Health, who look to be heading backwards at high speed.  Minister Reti also says decisions are better in the hands of iwi and hapū. What on earth is he basing that assumption upon? He also plans to give decision making authority to Māori directorates within Health NZ and the Ministry of Health.  Minister Reti stopped short of saying he would reintroduce DHB’s, adding that the new IT systems, along with key services like radiotherapy machines being examples of what should remain centrally managed.    Clearly, he needs to pop down the corridors of power and see how many ministries are run out of Wellington without the need to have representation at a local level in every town or city.  About the only statement that Shane Reti made yesterday that I completely agree with is that ‘our health system is in crisis’.  Sadly, this is another example of how not to fix a crisis. Retrospective moves like this one will continue to be the catalyst for more of our highly undervalued doctors, nurses and health administrators leaving the service, if not the country.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1/23/20242 minutes, 53 seconds
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Geoffrey Miller: Geopolitical Analyst says that New Zealand should focus on diplomatic endeavours instead of military involvement against Houthis

Fears that New Zealand's military involvement in the fight against Houthi rebels in Yemen could close diplomatic doors.   Six personnel are being deployed to the Red Sea to support coalition forces carrying out precision attacks on Iran-backed groups who have been attacking commercial shipping.  Geopolitical Analyst Geoffrey Miller says several US presidents have bombed Yemen and haven't solved the problem.   He told Roman Travers that the Houthi attacks are tied to the war in Gaza and that should be our focus.   Miller says New Zealand would be better served in assisting in diplomacy to get a ceasefire.   Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says the two issues shouldn't be conflated.    LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1/23/20246 minutes, 21 seconds
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Dr Bryan Betty: General Practice NZ Chair on the Health Minister wanting to return decision making to the regions

Health Minister Dr Shane Reti wants to return more decision making to the regions.   The previous government scrapped district health boards, forming the central bodies of Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand and the Māori Health Authority.   General Practice New Zealand chair Dr Bryan Betty told Roman Travers that in a lot of areas there's a breakdown between Wellington and what's needed in the regions.   He says this is a reaction to that. It's not going back to the way it was but is a halfway point.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1/23/20244 minutes, 17 seconds
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Donna Demaio: Australian Correspondent on the possibility that Anthony Albanese will break a tax cut election promise

The Australian Prime Minister looks to be breaking his election promises when it comes to tax cuts.  Amidst a cost-of-living crisis, Anthony Albanese looks set to adjust the Stage 3 tax legislation, scrapping the planned tax cuts for those earning over $180,000 a year to make room for an adjustment to the tax-free bracket.  Australian Correspondent Donna Demaio told Roman Travers that the potential changes have ruffled a lot of feathers.  She said that if it actually transpires, the Opposition is ready to pounce.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1/22/20242 minutes, 35 seconds
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Roman Travers: Don't stop whingeing

It’s fair to say that we all love nothing better than to complain about what gets up our collective noses right?   Whether it’s the weather, a perennial go to over a cuppa with friends or the cost of living; we’ve all got something to say – and we love letting others know how we feel.   But there’s a big difference between whingeing to your mates and taking that step forward towards action that’ll make a difference. Although there’s not a great deal any of us can do about the weather; other issues that simmer close to the surface have got many of us taking photos and demanding action from our local councils.   Good luck getting any action out of Upper Hutt or Wellington City Councils. But there’s a massive difference around the country about what we complain about, and the timelines taken to get things sorted.   Some of the regular offenders on the list for councils to deal with are things like neighbour's trees impinging across boundaries, overflowing rubbish bins, and stuff mounting up around charity clothing bins.  The ‘Snap Send Solve’ app used by councils across the country received 106,979 reports over the course of last year. If you’re a photo snapper of offending situations, I’m sure you’ll know about this avenue for complaining.   Wellington features with 273 complaints relating to water leaks, along with the associated photo evidence. Northlanders sent in 383 snaps and complaints about their pothole collection.  You’d think Auckland would be up there with the biggest number of complaints to council, right? Wrong. Auckland sent in 10,198 complaints to council. The biggest city of whingers turns out to be… wait for it… this may shock the pearls of your necklace… Christchurch.   I was as shocked as you are! Yes indeed, Cantabrians sent in a whopping 10,833 complaints to their council. The stuff that got up the noses of the good people of Canterbury were broken water pipes, graffiti, tree issues, and potholes too.   Now of course, some councillors will say that some of these complaints were unnecessary, and some were genuinely useful; my message to you is simple: don’t stop whingeing!    When you see something that’s broken, overflowing, or graffiti where it shouldn’t be – which is anywhere you see it – get stuck in! Take those photos! Fire up your councils ‘Snap, Send, Solve’ app and lodge it all with them.   If we continue to slip into this insidious malaise of ‘she’ll be right’ lackadaisical stupidity, then things will only get worse. I’m sure there’s nothing more a council would like to see than having no complaints to deal with.   Pick your battles though. Don’t use this as a means to create your own version of war with your spiteful neighbour from hell… the one who always plays The Bee Gees at full volume when they’re on the gin and tonics, late into the night.   We shouldn’t tolerate graffiti. We definitely shouldn’t tolerate valuable clean water running down the road. We’ve been conditioned to accepting mediocrity over recent years. If we don’t complain, why should we expect anything get better? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1/22/20242 minutes, 19 seconds
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Logan Church: 1News Correspondent on Ron DeSantis dropping out of the Republican nominee race and endorsing Donald Trump

How this year's US presidential election is shaping up may come as a surprise.  Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has dropped out of the race for Republican nominee and endorsed Donald Trump, despite the ex-president giving him the nickname 'Ron De-Sanctimonious.'  South Carolina's Nikki Haley remains in the running ahead of tonight's New Hampshire primary.  1News correspondent Logan Church said that it's going to be an uphill battle for Haley.  The former US ambassador to the UN is polling way behind Trump.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1/22/20245 minutes, 7 seconds
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Bodo Lang: Massey University Marketing Professor on the Commerce Commission's investigation into supermarket pricing and promotional practices

The Commerce Commission's launched investigations into the two big supermarket chains' pricing and promotional practices.   It's looking into whether the practices of Woolworths, Foodstuffs North Island and Foodstuffs South Island, comply with the Fair Trading Act.   It comes following a Consumer NZ complaint to the commission, after it asked shoppers for examples of unclear or misleading prices.  They offered 600 responses.   Massey University marketing professor Bodo Lang told Roman Travers that the Commission's options range from a compliance letter to court proceedings with fines.   He says a charge is really just a signal but consumers would react negatively, leading to changes in practices.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1/22/20244 minutes, 14 seconds
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Grant Duncan: Political Commentator on the potential benefits of the Treaty Principles Bill

There’s fears the Treaty Principles Bill could be a missed opportunity.   ACT is seeking to introduce legislation to redefine the Treaty principles by the end of May.   Political commentator Grant Duncan says National said it would support it to select committee, but that's where the party's support stops.  Duncan told Roman Travers that with proper long-term consultation, such a bill could be beneficial.   He says it could stop the issue festering away for the next generations.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1/22/20245 minutes, 31 seconds
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Richard Arnold: Biden Backs Supreme Court Ruling On Trump

President Biden is backing a Colorado Supreme Court ruling, which sees Donald Trump struck off the state's ballot papers. Colorado's highest court voted the former president, ineligible in the upcoming primary elections, for his involvement in the January 6 Capitol insurrection almost two years ago. Newstalk ZB US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Tim Dower that it's uncommon for Biden to even mention the name of his potential rival.   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/21/20236 minutes, 27 seconds
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Gisborne Rebuild: Mayor Welcoming Visitors For Summer

As rebuilding efforts continue in Gisborne, the Mayor is welcoming visitors for summer. The city was hit hard by Cyclone Gabrielle with homes and infrastructure destroyed. But Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz told Tim Dower that it is encouraging people to experience the white sand beaches and vineyards in the region. She says it's been tough, but they have so much to offer.   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/21/20235 minutes, 7 seconds
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Logan Church: TVNZ US Correspondent on the Republicans voting to investigate impeaching President Joe Biden

Politics is heating up in Washington DC in the lead up to next year's presidential election, with Republicans voting to investigate impeaching President Biden.  But so far, no evidence has been produced by the 121 House of Representative Republicans, with some now questioning the merits of the investigation.  TVNZ US Correspondent Logan Church told Tim Dower that it seems like more of a stunt than a serious challenge.  He says things are bound to get very messy between now and next November.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/14/20233 minutes, 27 seconds
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Tim Dower: Only six cases of excessive force isn't so bad

Remember those protests at Parliament last year, and the incredible scenes at the end?  Once it was over and the fires were out, and the rocks and broken glass were cleared from the street, police received just over 1900 complaints.  1900. The largest number of complaints ever about a single policing operation. Sounds terrible, doesn't it? 1900 complaints... until you dig just a little deeper.  Most of the people who did complain were nowhere near the protest at the time.  They either saw it from the comfort of their couches as the whole thing unfolded live on TV or watched it on the news that night.  Or they read heavily tainted, or even completely made-up crap on social media, and followed the mob to lodge a complaint.  So out of your 1900-odd complaints just 1% turned out to be worthy of investigation.  Out of those, police were found to have used excessive force in six incidents.  Essentially they're about police actions trying to clear the grounds on March 2nd, or put up bollards, or clear streets in the days leading up to the big battle.  There's a detailed report on the IPCA's website that walks you through each of the clashes that were investigated, and there's a common theme to all of them.  The cops are either trying to hold back angry demonstrators, or make an arrest, or defend themselves after being thumped or kicked by people who later go on to complain.  Look, the use of reasonable force by the policed is permitted under the law.  And the fact of the matter is, if you comply rather than resist, no force is necessary.  And when you think of the appalling behaviour of that mob, tearing up paving stones, chucking rocks and lumps of wood and human faeces, starting fires... it was a full-blown, bloody, riot.  So, to come away from that with only six cases of excessive force? Not so bad really.  There's a lot you can criticise police managers and others for over what happened during the protest and how it got to what it did.  But the front line, the women and men who were sworn and spat at, and kicked and punched? No.  End of the day, if you got hurt in that protest, you asked for it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/14/20232 minutes, 29 seconds
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Michael Reddell: Former Reserve Bank Economist on the GDP falling by 0.3 percent in September

An economist says signs on inflation are finally looking more positive.   GDP fell 0.3% in the September quarter, a much worse result than most economists predicted.   The June quarter figures were also revised down from 0.9% to 0.5% growth.   Former Reserve Bank economist Michael Reddell told Tim Dower that the Finance Minister is right in saying New Zealand needs urgent economic repair, and she's inherited a large fiscal deficit.   He says a focus on expenditure restraint is important, and it's not the time for tax cuts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/14/20233 minutes, 51 seconds
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Nick Hill: Tataki Auckland Unlimited Chief Executive on the FIFA Women's World Cup boosting Auckland's economy

Auckland continues to prove that it's the sporting capital of the country.  The city played a major role in this year's FIFA Women's World Cup - hosting nine matches.  As a result, more than $87 million in GDP was injected into the region's economy, and over 175,000 guest nights were recorded in the city.  Tataki Auckland Unlimited chief executive Nick Hill told Tim Dower that Auckland's hotels, restaurants, and tourist hot spots all bought in to the event.  He said Auckland hosting the United States team made a big difference.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/14/20233 minutes, 54 seconds
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Tim Dower: Backing out of the Interislander deal was a no-brainer

I think the new Government's actually done at least one thing right this week.  Backing out of the Interislander funding deal was a no-brainer really, if you have any doubt about that, have a look at the piece on the Herald site under the title ‘How to blow $15b.’  That digs into the Auditor-General's report on some of the previous government's insane spending.  Back when Grant was splashing money about like a drunken sailor, anybody with a half-baked plan to burn up a couple of billion was welcomed with open arms.  Cost no object, value for money? Doesn't matter. Possible overruns, blowouts if you like, worry about that later.  Just spend it.  The main reason these new guys don't want to pour buckets of your cash into the Cook Strait ferries is they don't trust the numbers.  Much of the money would have gone on terminal upgrades, and Nicola Willis said she reckoned the numbers were undercooked.  In other words, they think KiwiRail deliberately went in with a low-ball cost in an environment where they knew they could go back for more.  Look, there's no question the Interislanders are at the end of their useful lives and becoming increasingly unreliable, and maybe there's an argument for some level of public contribution. It is after all, a vital transportation link.  Some people see Cook Strait as part of State Highway One, and if you take that view then sure, it's public infrastructure.  And if you think it's right to publicly subsidise rail freight up and down the country, then you have to include crossing the Strait.  But there's also a private operator, BlueBridge, charging more or less the same to take people and cars.  Founded by a New Zealander who saw a need, took a risk, invested, and built a profitable business.  Now look, I'm not saying KiwiRail shouldn't have any state backing, but maybe it needs to try a bit harder making a business case to outside investors.  During the campaign, National talked about finding new ways to fund infrastructure projects.  If ever there was a project that could attract private investment, surely this is it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/13/20232 minutes, 22 seconds
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Nick Tuffley: ASB Chief Economist ahead of the release of the September GDP figures

New Zealand's GDP is predicted to see a minor pre-Christmas bump.  Stats NZ will release the September quarter figures later this morning.   Gross Domestic Product rose 0.9% in the June quarter.   ASB Chief Economist, Nick Tuffley, told Tim Dower that he's forecasting a 0.2% increase, as recent indicators point to flat growth.  He says while the economy's expanding, it still feels like a recession for a lot of people.  Tuffley says generally GDP has been edging backwards for the last year, so it's challenging.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/13/20235 minutes, 5 seconds
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Max Whitehead: Small Business Voice CEO on rising requests for redundancy and restructuring support

The economic climate has many small businesses making tough decisions to stay afloat.   Strong inflationary pressures and a drop in consumer demand has meant costs are sky high for many businesses.  Requests for redundancy and restructuring support has surged by 50% this year and liquidations are up 500%.  Small Business Voice CEO Max Whitehead told Tim Dower this just proves how hard it is for small businesses at the moment.   He says while economists are saying things are getting better that isn't what they're feeling on the bottom floor.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/13/20233 minutes, 6 seconds
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Jon Reeves: Public Transport Users Association spokesperson on the Government scrapping the Cook Strait mega-ferry upgrade

It's back to the drawing board for KiwiRail on the future of the Interislander as the government axes new upgrades. Contracts were signed to buy two new mega-ferries and upgrade portside infrastructure, but Finance Minister Nicola Willis says the cost has got too high. However, Jon Reeves of the Public Transport Users Association told Tim Dower that backtracking on contracts does reputational damage to the country. He claims this acts as a warning for international companies, that they can't trust New Zealand to honour contracts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/13/20234 minutes, 43 seconds
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Tim Dower: RealMe wants too much

Look, thanks so much for taking part in this, just a little experiment on people's reaction to, response, and experience with this portal passport arrangement: RealMe. That kind of, well, it's been around for a little while, it's had a bit of a refresh, and now they're trying to push it and promote it. Here's, here's another one. Gary says ‘I've used RealMe for some years now at on a very regular basis and have no issues at all, generally. So, nine out of 10.’ Right at the other end of the scale, here's Warwick: ‘Score zero. It's a Nate National Animal Identification and tracking electronic ID tagging system for people. Orwell’s nightmare realized.’ Now, look, I'm kind of, I'm swaying towards your side of things Warwick, so I'm not gonna call you a conspiracy theorist or anything. It wants too damn much information for a start, far too much. I wanted to use it for the purposes of a small charity that I'm involved with and some paperwork that we need to do, okay? So, in order to get established you have to fill in all this business of the getting in, the identity, the password. And then you've got this very, very early internet security system, you know, where they used to ask you the question about your first animal or what school you went to, and you're supposed to remember what you said in response. Should you need to refresh it, you go through all that palaver. Now they've added a second layer, so you've got two tier authentication. So, you've got the phone text thing, you know, and it goes beep and there's your number and you gotta go through all that. When it got to the point where they're asking me what night of the week I cut my toenails, I thought, you know, I'm not into this! It's too much. So, it's clunky, it's clumsy, and it takes so long. It wants everything, it just wants too much of you. So, in the end I gave up, I got very cross. They sent me, they said, all right. Last thing now, you gotta go and get your photo taken at the AA. You gotta get your photo taken at the AA.   You tried to get anything done at an AA office recently? You're a more patient person than I am. So, I'm gonna give it a one. I didn't want to sort of taint things by giving you my score right at the outset, but good to hear that some people have persisted and managed to get somewhere with the whole thing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/12/20232 minutes, 36 seconds
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Adrian Macey: Climate Change Research Institute Adjunct Professor on the Climate Change Commission's advice to meet emissions reduction goals

The Climate Change Commission's released advice to the government to meet emissions reductions goals by 2030.   It makes 27 recommendations including building more renewable electricity, swapping from fossil fuels, and preparing for the rapid rollout of low emissions technologies and practices on farms.   Also included is directly resourcing iwi and Māori efforts to reduce climate pollution.  Climate Change Research Institute Adjunct Professor Adrian Macey told Tim Dower that there needs to be a more coherent policy around forestry.   He says it's been a real mess, and the government needs to get its act together.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/12/20235 minutes, 16 seconds
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Dom Kalasih: Transporting NZ Interim Chief Executive on the blanket speed limit reduction requirements being removed

The Transport Minister's hit the brakes on blanket speed limit reductions.  Simeon Brown's removed requirements for Road Controlling Authorities to implement speed management plans.  Work will begin to account for economic impacts, community views, and safety when setting speed limits.  Transporting NZ Interim Chief Executive, Dom Kalasih, told Tim Dower that some limits are simply too low, losing credibility among drivers.  He says the main issue with blanket reductions was that it wasn't risk-based.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/12/20233 minutes, 33 seconds
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Mike Atkinson: Aspire Property Management Managing Director on whether the rental market can meet the demand from migration

How long can the rental market meet demand for migrants?  Stats NZ data shows 245,600 migrants arrived here in the year to October; a new record.  Net migration is nearly 129,000.  Compared to Australia, we've taken in 30% more people when adjusted for inflation.  Aspire Property Management Managing Director, Mike Atkinson, told Tim Dower that it's an enormous amount of people, putting a strain on the system, and could push rents up even further.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/12/20233 minutes, 1 second
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Tim Dower: Bit of an about-turn on immigration from the PM

Bit of an about-turn on immigration from the Prime Minister.  Christopher Luxon now says the current numbers are unsustainable, and the Government expects it to slow down.  And you'd hope so! Nearly 119,000 have poured in over the past year, that's the net gain.  At the same time, we saw a record net loss of New Zealand citizens: 44,000 went.  So, overall, the number of people new to the country is actually more than 160,000.  Our total population has grown nearly 3% in a year, roughly one in every thirty people in the country now, has arrived in the past year. Wow.  Bear in mind we've had some very wonky years because of COVID.  That meant only a tiny number of reluctantly approved arrivals and thousands of our own people locked out or having to go through a lottery for a chance of coming home.  Net migration actually dropped to zero literally overnight in 2020, and stayed there or went negative for the next two years.  So, a bit of catch-up was only to be expected.  Needed even, when we heard constant cries for help from the health sector especially during the pandemic.  The most obvious question when we've got so many more people coming in than leaving is where are they all going to live?  We can't house the people we've already got, let alone more.  And the Reserve Bank is getting twitchy about it, citing the immigration numbers as the reason to potentially push interest rates even higher, worrying it'll push up rents and house prices.  So, credit to Luxon for recognising the issue.  But he's fallen into the trap of blaming the last lot. Saying the settings went from being way too restrictive to being way too loose. Okay. You got your shot in, but you're in charge now Mr Luxon. What are you gonna do about it?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/11/20232 minutes, 5 seconds
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John Carnegie: Energy Resources Aotearoa CEO on gas demand outstripping supply by 2025

Gas demand could outstrip supply by 2025, causing an energy shortfall.  The Gas Industry Company's latest research shows renewable supply options are on the horizon but will still take time and investment to develop.   Energy Resources Aotearoa Chief Executive, John Carnegie, told Tim Dower that the predictions are sad, but not unsurprising.  He says the previous Government's policies for the sector have damaged investment.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/11/20234 minutes, 34 seconds
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Michael Johnston: New Zealand Initiative research fellow on delaying the introduction of new maths and literacy tests as an NCEA requirement

The previous Government's plans to introduce new maths and literacy tests as an NCEA requirement from 2026 have been delayed.   Trial runs of those tests have had failure rates of more than 40%.   New Zealand Initiative research fellow Michael Johnston told Tim Dower that he understands kids will still be able to do the tests, but can also meet requirements through NCEA achievement standards, like in the past.   But, he says, he'd like to see a certification for students who do pass those tests and meet requirements that way because they are more rigorous.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/11/20233 minutes, 49 seconds
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Alan McDonald: The Employers and Manufacturers Association Head of Advocacy and Strategy on the expansion of 90 Day work trials

All employers will soon be able to use 90 Day Work Trials, which the previous Labour government restricted to small businesses.   The new Government is passing a bill to do so under urgency by Christmas.   The Employers and Manufacturers Association's Alan McDonald told Tim Dower that it'll mainly be used by smaller employers.   He says it might encourage them to take a chance on someone returning to the workplace after a long absence, or a school leaver looking for their first job.   Cabinet's also confirmed that it will repeal Fair Pay Agreements before Christmas, which made it easier for workers to band together to negotiate wages and working conditions.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/11/20234 minutes, 36 seconds
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Donna Demaio: Australia Correspondent on the Australian Government looking to increase the difficulty of overseas migration to the country

Migrating to Australia is set to get more difficult.  The Australian Government is looking to halve overseas migration to 250,000 by 2025 after a record number of people arrived in the last financial year.  Australia correspondent Donna Demaio told Tim Dower that a number of the changes will impact international students and workers.  She says there will be more difficult English tests and visa requirements.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/11/20232 minutes, 32 seconds
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Chris Bullen: New Regulations May Make It Harder For Smokers To Switch To Vapes

Vape retailers are selling higher strength vapes at lower prices - before new rules kick in. From next Thursday, disposable vapes can't be sold, unless they have removable batteries, maximum nicotine limits, child safety features and follow new labelling requirements. All vapes will have to meet those requirements in March - and there'll be limits on flavours. Auckland University public health professor Chris Bullen told Tim Dower the new regulations may make it difficult for people who have been smoking heavily to switch to vapes. He personally thinks there's scope for higher nicotine concentration vapes to be available through prescription.   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/10/20234 minutes, 35 seconds
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Tim Dower: We've Created A Whole New Class Of Addicts

There's a fire sale underway at the vape retailers, and some pretty arresting advertising lines are being used.  “Stock up while you still can” ... “Get them before they’re gone” ... “Don’t be left stranded without a vape”  By gone, they mean illegal...new laws from the 21st of this month put restrictions on disposable vapes...including maximum nicotine limits.  So, at some places it's basically a fire sale, devices going for a couple of bucks or even being given away free.  Fair enough I suppose if you've bought stock in good faith and then basically had the rug pulled from under you by a law change.  But there's also a whiff of the frenzy to dump synthetic cannabis products, when that particular experiment went so badly wrong.  And thinking about it...our experience with the whole vape thing has been uncannily similar to the synthetics.  Hailed as a legal...controlled...and therefore theoretically safe alternative to the real thing.  And with vaping pitched at us as a tool to help the sorry old smokers get off tobacco...it was pretty easy to get it on the market.  Reality...vapes hit the shops and people are out blowing vast clouds in the streets...and something quite different happens.  Before you know it...lolly flavoured vapes are pitched at the kids, and we've created a whole new class of addicts.  The number of 15- to 17-year-old New Zealanders who vape daily quadrupled in just a couple of years.  Only last week, front page stories about 8-year-olds caught vaping at school, it's out of control.  The thing is, there's a perception these products are completely harmless...that's what the kids taking it up think...but the fact is we just don't know that.  Less dangerous than tobacco...maybe...probably even...but the fact is we just don't know.  So, what we've been doing is running an experiment on a living population of people, just to see how things pan out.  In the end, if it all turns to the proverbial...well...we can always ban it outright...or just tax it, more and more every year.  That'll get them to quit. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/10/20232 minutes, 18 seconds
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Parliment Will Sit Under Urgency This Week As Govt Push Through First Changes

Parliament will sit under urgency this week - with the new government pushing through the first changes in its 100 day plan. Part of this is repealing Fair Pay Agreement legislation. Former National ministerial adviser Brigitte Morten told Tim Dower every opposition complains about the use of urgency - then use it themselves when in government. She says the last Labour government used it considerably more - and while it'd argue Covid meant it had to respond with emergency legislation, they were pushing a lot more through under urgency even in August.   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/10/20233 minutes, 44 seconds
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Tim Dower: Mitchell's letter wasn't meddling, it was managing

 Now we've had a full day to digest Mark Mitchell's letter to the Police Commissioner, was he actually out of line to release that?  His Labour predecessor said on this show yesterday that Mark Mitchell was huffing and puffing, talking up a big game and chest beating.  To quote Ginny Andersen, “I think it's a demonstration of bravado”, and then saying, "He's getting dangerously close to telling the Commissioner how to do his job.”  Thing is, we all know there's a line between setting a strategic direction and meddling in day-to-day operational activities.  Mark Mitchell noted that, loud and clear, in his letter.  So, what the Minister was doing was not telling the Commissioner how to do the job, but outlining what the priorities of the job are.  That's not meddling, it's managing.  If you want an example of meddling, look no further than sacked Minister Stuart Nash on the phone to the Commissioner over a court case, hoping to persuade him to get prosecutors to appeal for a stiffer sentence.  So why was Ginny squealing so loudly over this? Well probably because she knows Labour hasn't got a leg to stand on when it comes to law and order.  Their priority was to slash the prison population, regardless of how much crime the rest of us had to endure.  That would have meant Andrew Little's letter to the Chief Justice when he took office in 2017 was saying ‘hey... dial it back a bit would you?’  ‘Let's not lock up all these bad people... surely, it's OK to stick ankle bracelets on them, even when they're convicted of violent sex crimes or on trial for murder.’  Didn't that work out well.  Point here is that Mitchell's letter to the Commissioner is entirely normal. It's the way things are done.  Issuing it publicly is called transparency. It puts pressure on Andrew Coster but it also sends a message to the front line.  We've heard you, it says, and things are going to change.  And now it's in the public domain, everyone knows what page we're on. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/7/20232 minutes, 7 seconds
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Sandra Grey: Tertiary Education Union National Secretary on the decision to disestablish Te Pukenga

Anger at the Government's decision to disestablish tertiary education programme Te Pukenga.  Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds announced the move yesterday, following a Letter of Expectation saying they're not prioritising it.  But the Tertiary Education Union is worried Simmonds has no clear plan on what happens next, and no vision for the sector.   National Secretary Sandra Grey says their members won't have any job certainty until well into the new year.  She says they go into Christmas not knowing if they'll have a job, lose it, or have to apply for something entirely new.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/7/20234 minutes, 33 seconds
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Vincent McAviney: UK Correspondent on the second day of Boris Johnson's appearance before the UK's Covid-19 Inquiry

A grilling over Boris Johnson's decisions during the pandemic on the second day of his appearance before the UK's Covid-19 inquiry.   It's heard evidence from former advisers that the then-Prime Minister wanted to let the virus spread, rather than order another lockdown   Johnson's also accused of saying "let the bodies pile high", something he strongly denies.  UK correspondent Vincent McAviney told Tim Dower that he also faced criticism for a campaign encouraging people go to restaurants while the virus was still out there.   He says the campaign, called " Eat out to Help out" was derided by scientists as " Eat out to help out the virus".  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/7/20233 minutes, 27 seconds
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Katie Wesney: Enable Me Head Strategic Coach recommends thoroughly checking where your money is going to save money

Take stock of what you have and save a little where you can.   That's the advice of one financial coach to those feeling the squeeze.   ASB is predicting a $70 increase in weekly living costs for the average family in 2024, that's down from the $115 increase this year.   Enable Me's Katie Wesney told Tim Dower that people should thoroughly check all the places their money is going.    She says everything has to serve you in the current environment.  That way you get the little one percent gains that alleviate pressure and position you to grow your wealth.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/7/20233 minutes, 12 seconds
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Geoffrey Miller: Geopolitical Analyst on the wording in the Government's call for a ceasefire in Gaza

The Government's being told phrasing in its call for an end to violence in Gaza needs to pack a stronger punch.  All parties in the House have supported a motion urging those involved in the conflict to 'take urgent steps towards establishing a cease-fire.'  Geopolitical analyst Geoffrey Miller told Tim Dower that the wording is telling.  He says the Government clearly didn't want to call for an immediate cease-fire, so 'steps towards' was the compromise.  He says as the UN has called for an immediate end to fighting, we should follow suit.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/7/20234 minutes, 4 seconds
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Mitch McCann: US Correspondent on Taylor Swift being named Time Magazine's Person of the Year

Taylor Swift says being named Time Magazine's Person of the Year is the proudest and happiest she's ever felt.  The 33-year-old beat finalists including Barbie, King Charles and OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman.  It caps off Swift's stellar year, which includes her record-breaking 'Eras Tour', two album re-recordings, and becoming Spotify's most most-played artist.  US Correspondent Mitch McCann told Tim Dower that Swift has become even more of a cultural icon in the last year.  He said that her tours both provoked an inquiry into Ticketmaster’s sales practices, and her concert in Seattle reportedly generated seismic activity equivalent to a 2.3 magnitude earthquake.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/6/20231 minute, 48 seconds
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Tim Dower: Where was their parental instinct?

True story, abbreviated for time.  San Francisco, about 15 years back now, coming out of the subway following my two teenage daughters.  A group of tatty half-drunk, half-baked beggars hanging around with their paws out for money.  And I hear some leering, grubby, smutty comments being directed at my children.  I sense danger, move a little closer to them.  And the leerers embolden one another. It gets a bit grubbier, I feel the anger boiling up inside me.  Then out of nowhere comes this guttural, aggressive, very loud, and very threatening voice.  It sounds like a lion, and it roars, it truly roars: BACK OFF.  Everyone jumps. The leerers, the girls, myself, other people passing by turn to see where it came from.  It's not until this point, as we quicken our step and move up the stairs into the street, that I realise that powerful, guttural, threatening roar came out of me.  There was no thought behind it, and believe me, I'm not a confrontational or threatening person at all.  I'm a weed. I'm not brave, and I don't think of myself as anything special on the parenting front.  It was simple, basic, human instinct, a pre-programmed, primal urge to protect my offspring.  Any Dad would have done the same.  So why mention this today?  It came to mind when I read the mother of Baby Ru now remembers the blow that killed her child.  She seems to be seeking some kind of credit that she's now ready to tell police the truth, six weeks after the fact.  And it made me ask: where was your pre-programmed urge to protect your child when it mattered?  And if it failed you, why not come forward sooner, to seek justice for your child?  The bottom line all of this makes me ask, where was your parental instinct? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/6/20232 minutes, 4 seconds
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John Tookey: AUT Professor of Construction on the need to strengthen earthquake-prone buildings in Wellington

There’s a pressing need to strengthen hundreds of Wellington buildings that are quake-prone.  Experts are warning deadlines are closing in for the work, with more than 500 buildings needing strengthening, including residential apartments.  AUT Professor of construction, John Tookey, told Tim Dower that building owners need to start, or hundreds could be left homeless.  He says it's a public safety issue, and councils should consider incentivising the work.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/6/20234 minutes, 18 seconds
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Terry Collins: AA Principal Policy Advisor on fuel prices dropping before Christmas

Good news for kiwis as the price at the pump is dropping just in time for Christmas.   Oil prices have dropped four cents since Friday and now sit at $77 USD, almost 30 cents down from September.   AA Principal Policy Advisor Terry Collins told Tim Dower that the recession may be acting in our favour, combined with a lack of demand coming out of China and Europe.   He was predicting fuel prices would be closer to $3.50 than $3 three months ago, and he's glad he's wrong.   Terry Collins says he was starting to feel like the Christmas Grinch, but now he's feeling things are much better.   He predicts we'll probably see the prices drop a little further over the summer period.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/6/20234 minutes, 41 seconds
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Ginny Andersen: Former Police Minister on Mark Mitchell's letter to Andrew Coster

Police Minister Mark Mitchell's predecessor says his letter to the Police Commissioner seems a bit redundant.   He's made his letter to Andrew Coster public.  It focuses on things like tackling youth and gang offending, supporting frontline officers, and strengthening policing in communities.   Ginny Andersen told Tim Dower that it's important that police have operational independence.   She says the letter doesn't cover much new ground.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/6/20234 minutes, 55 seconds
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Tim Dower: Would you pay for private schools?

$27-28,000 a year. That's about the going rate for private secondary education in New Zealand right now.  And you'd pay it gladly wouldn't you, if you could afford it.  I hope the kids whose parents are working or on their way at five in the morning to help pay for it recognise what a privilege it is.  I referred to that St Andrew College prizegiving a little earlier, and the takeaway for me is the value of a good education.  The basics? Yep, obviously, but opportunities too for kids to explore what they're really interested in, and seek the passions that'll give them exciting, rewarding, and worthwhile lives.  And you know what? You don't need, actually, to fork out for private to get that. We've got some great state schools in New Zealand too.  My kids went to cracking state primaries in Auckland: Botany Downs, Mellons Bay, Farm Cove Intermediate, then onto MacLeans.  I think they know they were lucky. Like in health, our education system is a bit of a postcode lottery.  Would I have pushed for private if we'd had the money? It's hypothetical, but probably, yes.  Rough calculations: taxpayers are currently spending well north of 10 grand a head teaching secondary students.  We do it more cheaply than the OECD average, except, and who knows why this is, in tertiary education.  How much of the overall $21 billion that goes on education gets soaked up by ideologues at the Ministry or wasted on endless reviews and rehashings of the system is a mystery.  But you get what you pay for in life and education is no exception.  Maybe this is another area like infrastructure, health, and immigration, where we need less political meddling and to-ing and fro-ing with each change of government, and more of a long term, locked in plan.  Just think what we could achieve in productivity, creativity and quality of life, if every kid had the chance those at our best schools do now. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/5/20232 minutes, 20 seconds
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Jason Walls: Political Editor says Te Pati Māori's protest sets the stage for their party's role over the next three years

Te Pati Māori's challenge to the incoming Government has been heard loud and clear, likely foreshadowing what is to come.    Thousands answered the party's call to protest the Government's incoming Treaty and Te Reo reforms yesterday, while MPs swore allegiance to both their mokopuna and Te Tiriti, as well as King Charles III.  ZB Political Editor Jason Walls told Tim Dower that it sets the stage for the sort of party Te Pati Māori is going to be for the next three years.  Walls says the party's positioning themselves as a thorn in the Governments side on all Māori issues.  But he says it's fair of Prime Minister Chris Luxon to question why there are protests only a week into their first term.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/5/20235 minutes, 13 seconds
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Chris Abercrombie: PPTA Acting President on the declining PISA scores

More stability in education is being floated as an idea to reverse declining test scores.   New Zealand's 2022 PISA reading, maths, and science scores have all dipped since 2018, and they show longer term decline.   New Zealand is still above the OECD average in all three standards.   PPTA Acting President Chris Abercrombie says all countries have seen a decline.   He told Tim Dower that constant curriculum changes between different governments have contributed. Abercrombie says curriculums need time to develop and if they're changed too often it disrupts children and teachers.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/5/20234 minutes, 27 seconds
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Ernie Newman: Business Consultant on Woolworths' $76 million gain despite profits falling by 52%

Where shoppers are seeing food prices rise, Woolworths New Zealand is seeing profits fall, but is still walking away with $76 million in its pockets.   The latest annual figures show a 52% drop from last year, the source of which one business consultant says is ‘very opaque.’   Ernie Newman told Tim Dower that he believes the recent $400 million rebranding and transfer pricing has something to do with it.   Transfer pricing is when multi-nationals adjust their books and take their profits in whatever country they want to, usually to a country with the lowest tax rate.  He says there's no sign of any benefit in this for consumers.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/5/20233 minutes, 6 seconds
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Tim Dower: Te Pati Māori are shooting themselves in the foot

So, a Day of Action called by Te Pati Māori. Organisers promise they'll target busy roads and even try to jam the motorways.  They're talking about gridlock on roads into central Auckland, and gleefully suggesting this will cause millions in lost productivity.  Wow. What a useful and worthwhile objective that is.  Now, this is supposedly about an assault by the new Government on tangata whenua and the Treaty.  That assault as they see it comes in the form of dialling back the extensions to smokefree laws, scrapping the Māori Health Authority, and repealing Three Waters.  It's probably worth mentioning that those changes —with the exception of smokefree— were well flagged up during the election campaign.  And if there hadn't been broad support across the voting spectrum then we'd have ended up with another three years of a rotten Labour government, and its rotten policies.  The people have spoken, and the people want the country back on track.  The people, as I read it, wanted less divisive policy and a focus on reducing crime and tackling the cost of living.  Unravelling some of the smokefree changes was a surprise, but how can you interpret that as an attack on anyone?  Smoking is, after all, a personal choice. Nobody apart from those who sell tobacco is actually encouraging anyone to take it up, are they?  Look, it's a Tuesday, less than three weeks out from Christmas.  The Māori Party perhaps doesn't realise most people just want to get on with things, and can't afford a day off for a protest, especially when they don't really know what it's about.  Stopping regular working people from getting in and earning a crust could be seen as an attack on them. You're shooting yourselves in the foot guys.  Look, I don't expect big crowds out there protesting today, but as we've seen in Wellington, all it takes is half a dozen tossers with super glue to bring a major artery to a standstill.  Work from home anyone? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/4/20232 minutes, 17 seconds
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Nathan Wallis: Neuroscience Educator and Child Development Expert on the study linking screen time to mental health in children

Screen time may be making young children more prone to mental health problems.  A new study measured the link between screen time and mental health in 16,000 children in China, across the ages of three to six.   Neuroscience educator and child development expert Nathan Wallis told Tim Dower that flashing lights from screens affect the part of the brain associated with emotions and empathy.  The World Health Organisation says the appropriate number of minutes per day a child under two can look at a screen is zero.   Wallis says that has nothing to do with the content, it's completely to do with the flashing lights.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/4/20233 minutes, 33 seconds
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Miles Workman: ANZ Senior Economist said further spending cuts could be in line

The new government's increasing the Working for Families rates.   The tax credits will rise $8 to $144 after tax for their first child, and by $6 for subsequent children.   Finance Minister Nicola Willis says there'll be a mini budget December 20th.   ANZ senior economist Miles Workman told Tim Dower that further spending cuts could be in line to maintain a fiscal balance and eventual surplus.   He says the previous government increased spending by a very significant amount during Covid-19, and never unwound it despite the economy becoming overheated.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/4/20234 minutes, 35 seconds
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Grant Duncan: Political Commentator on today's Te Pati Māori-organised protests and the Government's response

A prediction that this morning's Te Pati Māori-organised protests could be just the beginning.   They're rallying people from one end of the North Island to the other, against policies perceived to negatively affect Māori.   Political Commentator Grant Duncan says the Prime Minister will have to make a decision on how to handle them.   He told Tim Dower that he hopes Chris Luxon offers an olive branch, wanting to see him listen and be conciliatory.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/4/20233 minutes, 41 seconds
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Tim Dower: Are Our Borrowing Trends Getting Out Of Hand?

Couple of canaries going off in the coal mines over the past few days. Ominous warnings actually, of how tight things are getting out there in the real world. First off...the Centrix figures showing how many people are doing Christmas on credit this year. It is normal for people to borrow a bit here and there to...smooth out if you like...the household budget over the heavy spending period. Credit cards were up nearly 12 percent...Buy now pay later jumped 7...personal loans are up 3 percent. This is a seasonal thing...quite normal for a November month. But Centric said this...and I precis...“there will be a segment stretching beyond their means". More of a tell-tale sign though...the growing number of people falling behind with their debt. That's mortgages in arrears or car loans or credit card debt that's not getting paid down. The monthly count of people behind on their payments is up...not a lot...I don't want to over-egg this...but year-on-year arrears have increased 6.1%. Mortgage arrears are up by a quarter year-on-year...25 percent...and that is bad. Higher interest rates are obviously driving that, and there are still more people yet to roll off those cheapo post-covid deals. Now we learn that people are increasingly turning to their KiwiSaver money...the retirement nest-egg. Hardship withdrawals have almost doubled in the past year. And that's crap, because it's borrowing from your own future...the Retirement Commission reckons more than half of retirees now say they're in financial difficulty. Conclusions? It's tough, and getting tougher...these figures are the beginning of the trend, the bottom of the curve. As the PM said on Hosking the other day, it's likely the new Government has inherited a recession. Solutions...Christ, don't ask me, I'm not a politician.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/3/20232 minutes, 7 seconds
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John Carnegie: "Better ways" to spend $16B than Onslow Pumped Hydro Scheme

The energy sector is pointing to international evidence to back axing the Lake Onslow pumped hydro scheme. Energy Minister Simeon Brown says the 16-billion-dollar project, was pouring money down the drain, at a time when we need to be reining in spending. He says axing the scheme will increase confidence to invest in more energy production. Energy Resources Aotearoa John Carnegie told Tim Dower that Australia's Snowy 2.0 is enough evidence to show it wouldn't have delivered for Kiwis.   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/3/20233 minutes, 29 seconds
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Robert Patman: "No Prospect Of Further Ceasefire" In Gaza

Another ceasefire in Gaza seems unlikely - as fighting resumes on both sides. It comes after a pause in fighting, which saw the release of some hostages kidnapped by Hamas, in exchange for scores of Palestinian prisoners. Otago University international relations professor Robert Patman told Tim Dower both Hamas and Israel are saying there's no prospect of further ceasefire negotiations. He says Israel's withdrawn its negotiations and Hamas is saying it won't resume negotiation's, until the current Israeli military campaign ceases. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/3/20235 minutes, 35 seconds
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Tim Dower: Do we need more A&Es?

Really interested in this Medical Journal piece about emergency departments.  The impression we often get is they're horribly overcrowded, patients lying in corridors for hours in agony, constant panic stations.  Friday and Saturday nights are bedlam, we're told: drunks staggering around the place, people unleashing their stress and anger at the staff.  And in the winter, people with coughs and colds packing out the waiting area.  Hospitals are begging us to go to our GPs, even giving out vouchers to take the pressure off, because a lot of people can't afford to pay for a doctor's visit.  What the Medical Journal piece says is that actually, New Zealanders overall make fewer calls to A&E than people in other countries.  So, what does that tell us?  Do we need more A&Es? Or would it be better to spend a greater chunk of the health budget in primary care?  Have we fallen victim to a perceived need for the glamour projects like new hospitals?  Would more GPs on the ground, especially in rural New Zealand, improve our overall health?  And where do the privately run A&E centres fit in?  Free healthcare at the point of delivery —in other words you pay for it in your taxes— is on the face of it simpler and more cost-effective.  But the reality is that some GP surgeries are technically insolvent. Half our existing doctors are planning their retirement, and there's nowhere near enough new ones on the way to replace them.  I'm hoping we'll shed more light on this before six, but it's obviously a complex situation.  Dr Reti was making all the right noises when he was on with Mike this week.  He's repeatedly said the system is in crisis, and now's the time for him to show that a crisis can sometimes be an opportunity for real, radical change. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/30/20231 minute, 58 seconds
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Vincent McAviney: UK Correspondent on the UK sending a second warship to the Middle East as the truce in Gaza enters a seventh day

Tensions are heightened in the Middle East as the truce in Gaza enters a seventh day.  The UK is sending a second warship —the destroyer ship HMS Diamond— to the Gulf to join the frigate HMS Lancaster.  It comes after Israel and Hamas reached a final-hour agreement last night to extend the ceasefire to the end of today.  Correspondent Vincent McAviney told Tim Dower that the UK Defence Force is describing its latest deployment as critical to bolstering its presence in the region.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/30/20232 minutes, 21 seconds
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Owen Vaughan: OneRoof Editor on Wellington's house prices increasing by 2%

Wellington's housing market is ending the year on an upwards trajectory.  Latest One Roof-Valocity figures show the nationwide average property value has jumped 2% in the past three months, to reach $968 thousand.  Wellington prices are up 2%, while Auckland's are up 2.5% and Canterbury's are up 1.7%.  OneRoof Editor Owen Vaughan says interest rates are still inhibiting price growth.  He says while we've dusted ourselves off and we're getting back on our feet, we're not seeing the rampant growth we saw during the boom time.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/30/20233 minutes, 52 seconds
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Clint Smith: Former Senior Labour Staffer on the party's front bench line up

Some former ministers have taken top positions in Labour's front bench while others have lost out. Carmel Sepuloni has social development, Grant Robertson has finance, Ayesha Verrall has health, and Ginny Andersen keeps police. Damien O'Connor's been taken off agriculture, with Jo Luxton taking up the spokesperson role. Former senior Labour staffer Clint Smith told Tim Dower that Luxton's one of the more rurally based Labour MPs. He says Damien O'Connor has been around a while and Chris Hipkins probably wanted to give important roles to some younger MPs.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/30/20234 minutes, 28 seconds
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Peter Boot: Northcare A&E Medical Director on the need to invest in primary care to ease pressure on hospital emergency departments

A fresh plea for a helping hand for primary care, to ease the pressure on hospital emergency departments.  An opinion piece in today's New Zealand Medical Journal suggests ED overcrowding may not be caused by unnecessary visits, but an increase in more urgent cases.  But Northcare Accident and Medical's Peter Boot says primary care is more efficient at dealing with small issues filing EDs, and it needs investment.  He told Tim Dower that 30% of General Practices are technically insolvent.  Boot says doctors are leaving, and about half of the workforce are older or planning to retire in the short term so there's a crisis in primary care.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/30/20234 minutes, 33 seconds
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Tim Dower: Jeez do dogs get to you

Dogs eh... jeez do they get to you.  It's 12 years this Christmas, Luka and me. 12 brilliant years for me, and what a mate he's been. A great, great mate.  We had a long talk last night, cos I wanted say things while he's still with me.  Kinda with a warm heart and not a broken one, cos I know the day will come.  He truly scared me last night; I thought it was the end for a little while.  All stretched out on the grass in the sun... I know your leg hurts mate. Doctor again today, but the panting and the restlessness had me going.  And he was all cuddly, and licking me, and big deep sighs.  Anyway, after a little nap he's up on his feet again —bit wobbly— and soon after that the honking starts.  And he brings it all up. Two, three massive blobs of... just mess. Oh wait, there's a bit more. Here we go.  Now I don't know how many times over the years I've tried to stop him eating disgusting decomposing crap on the beach, or in the bush, or something stinky in the park.  He hears me, but he ignores me until he can't pretend any more. Freakin' Labrador.  Incorrigible Labrador. Totally loyal, but an absolute rogue and definitely his own man.  And the other day on the grass out the front: a sheep's head. A sheep's head! For God's sake dog.  Last night? Totally self-inflicted, and he knows it.  Right after his dinner he'd sneaked out and cleaned up the crap I put out for the chooks. Stuff he knew wasn't his, but heck, it's there.  Bloody Labrador.  And while I'm mopping his chunder off the floor, he's fine again, sitting on the couch licking his paws.  Did you puke on your shoes mate? Well... serves you right.  But you're forgiven. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/29/20232 minutes, 2 seconds
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Roger Young: Cawthron Institute scientist on New Zealand's freshwater quality report

It's thought New Zealand's achievement of water quality targets hinges on every Kiwi getting behind efforts.  A new report has evaluated four contaminants —nitrogen, phosphorus, E. coli, and sediment— in rivers, lakes, and estuaries nationwide.  Every region needs a substantial reduction in at least one to meet freshwater standards.  75% of land is contributing more E. coli to water than is allowed.  Cawthron Institute scientist, Roger Young, told Tim Dower that achieving targets could require land-use changes in some areas and mitigation work in others.  He says in those cases, fencing and wetlands enhancements and protections could be enough.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/29/20233 minutes, 30 seconds
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Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on the Reserve Bank keeping the Official Cash Rate at 5.5%

A push back from the Reserve Bank against the financial markets. The central bank kept the Official Cash Rate at 5.5% and signalled that no cuts are on the immediate horizon. It's also kept the door open for another rise if inflation pressures are stronger than anticipated. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen told Tim Dower that markets had been getting excited in recent weeks, wondering how quickly they could cut rates. He says the Reserve Bank doesn't meet for another three months, so leaving that sort of view unchecked and allowed to come through would have been dangerous for them. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/29/20234 minutes, 52 seconds
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Jason Walls: Political Editor says that many laws are likely to be changed by early next year

The incoming Government isn't wasting any time in getting down to business.  Chris Luxon has unveiled a 100-day plan that will include scrapping Auckland's fuel tax and the clean car discount, repealing Three Waters, and passing new RMA laws.  Political Editor Jason Walls told Tim Dower that many laws will be changed by early next year.  He says it sounds like a lot of the legislation will be passed under urgency, starting in the next few weeks.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/29/20235 minutes, 52 seconds
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Mitch McCann: US Correspondent on the search and rescue operation for the crashed US Airforce osprey

Search and rescue operations are underway after a US Air Force osprey crashed while performing a routine training mission off the coast of Yakushima Island.  US correspondent Mitch McCann told Tim Dower that this is not the first time this type of aircraft has fatally crashed.  He says that so far, one crew member is confirmed dead while the other five are still unaccounted for.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/29/20231 minute, 55 seconds
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Tim Dower: The low-down on the Public Interest Journalism Fund

So here's the low-down on the Public Interest Journalism Fund.  55 million bucks dished out over a series of funding rounds, and all gone now. The fund's been wound up.  The company that owns this station won nearly $7 million in round one, another $3 million in round two, and a couple of top-ups after that.  In fact, all the major players, including the already publicly funded broadcasters, everyone, every outfit including some you've never heard was in the trough.  Let's remember the context —Covid— and the wave of redundancies that caused right through the commercial media.  Advertising revenue evaporated and some media companies were on the brink of failure.  Now, to get your hands on the money you had to agree to this:  "A clear and obvious commitment or intent for commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, including a commitment to te reo Māori."  On top of that, we had to commit to public interest journalism, data provision, New Zealand content, freely available online distribution, media standards and so on.  Overall, it funded 219 jobs and 22 development projects.  NZME used it on Journalism Cadetships for Māori and Pasifika, covering court proceedings and community journalists in provincial papers.  Jobs that most likely wouldn't have been there without the money.  But was it a bribe?  Well... I'd ask you how any media company could function in New Zealand without a commitment to the Treaty. It's a part of our lives, like it or not.  A commitment to te reo... well I think we've been involved in Māori Language Week since it began back in the 1970s. Is it enough? I think it's enough for our audience.  And was there ever any public money to cover it? Actually no.  And while we're at it, there's never been public funding to my knowledge for coverage of Waitangi Day, the Tribunal, or other matters Māori.  On the subject of, let's not say bribery, let's say incentive, what was the billion-dollar Provincial Growth Fund?  And what's the unwinding of smokefree changes or more money for the racing industry? Obviously, most definitely, not a bribe. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/28/20232 minutes, 29 seconds
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Christina Leung: NZIER Principal Economist expects the OCR to hold steady at 5.5%

Don't expect any major change to interest rates before Christmas.  The Reserve Bank is tipped to keep the Official Cash Rate unchanged at 5.5% at its next review at 2pm today.  Economists and commentators remain divided on whether there will be further hikes in the current cycle.  NZIER's Christina Leung told Tim Dower that, for now, previous hikes appear to be having the desired effect.  However, she says there is still work to be done yet to ease inflation.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/28/20233 minutes, 25 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK Correspondent on the first transatlantic flight powered by alternative fuels taking off from Heathrow airport

A big step for sustainability within the aviation sector   The first transatlantic flight by a large passenger plane powered only by alternative fuels has taken off, flying from London's Heathrow to New York's JFK airport.  The Virgin Atlantic flight is a one-off flight at this stage and isn't carrying passengers.  UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Tim Dower that the industry's acknowledging they can be more environmentally friendly.  He says sustainable aviation fuels can be made from things like crops, household waste, and cooking oils.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/28/20233 minutes, 15 seconds
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Wayne Walker: Auckland Councillor on Wayne Brown's plans to sell the long-term lease of the Ports of Auckland

It’s believed that more thought needs to go into the Auckland Mayor's plans to sell the long-term lease of the Ports of Auckland.  Wayne Brown is putting forward two options for the port in his proposed 10-year budget, which also includes a rates rise of 7.5%.   He proposes either keeping the business and gradually releasing land for public use or selling the lease to raise up to $3 billion.   Auckland Councillor Wayne Walker told Tim Dower that the port does bring in a good amount of income.   He says they've been told it could be returning $2 million a week, which it's on track to do, as it's returning a million a week now.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/28/20234 minutes, 48 seconds
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Vaughan Davis: Media Commentator on Christopher Luxon's handling of Winston Peters' comments about the Public Interest Journalism fund

Prime Minister Chris Luxon has headache to deal with after his Government's first Cabinet meeting.  Winston Peters called a $55 million Public Interest Journalism Fund provided during Covid a "bribe".   He told reporters to "tell the public what they had to sign to get the money".  Media commentator Vaughan Davis told Tim Dower that Luxon handled the situation poorly.  He says avoiding the comment didn't help the PM, and it left Peters squarely in the spotlight.   Funding applicants were asked —when appropriate— to produce content supporting our public interest.  NZME's funding agreement included acknowledgement of absolute editorial independence.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/28/20234 minutes, 38 seconds
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Tim Dower: Auckland Council isn't great at leading by example

I'm wondering if people in Auckland will, in a few years, look more kindly on their current Mayor.  Fair to say that Wayne Brown didn't exactly get off to a flying start, especially with the media, and let's face it, no one's happy when the rates go up.  On that score, you've seen nothing yet.  I've been reading Mr Brown's proposals to build long-term financial and physical resilience.  It's a dose of reality and long overdue, and, boiled down to a few simple bullets, here we go:  Fix the infrastructure.    Stop wasting money.    Get Auckland moving.    Make the most of the harbours and environment.    Take back control of the CCOs.  And running through the document, a recurring theme: the message being that Auckland can't continue living beyond its means.  The chickens are coming home to roost to quote the Mayor, and he's flagged up that losing the Regional Fuel Tax and scrapping Three Waters will only make things worse.  Brown talks about, and I'm quoting here, “significant financial restraint and efficiencies".  "Auckland Council has to stop wasting money,” he says, “and start getting things done faster, better, and cheaper.”  Even achieving all of that, the rates are going to have to go up.  There isn't time to go through the whole document but it's online, and if you're invested in the region one way or another, it’s worth reading.  Look, sometimes we feel we need to apologise on a national station for talking about Auckland, but the reality is it is our economic engine room.  It's the first place most visitors see, and we all know how powerful first impressions are.  And as the largest and arguably most complex, if Auckland can do things well, so too can every other local body across the country.  But unless the Council can get to grips with this stuff the Mayor's talking about, Auckland is stuffed.  New Zealand's Queen city, currently looking well... not so regal. And without some serious work, it's on its way to being a hobo town. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/27/20232 minutes, 2 seconds
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Dougal Sutherland: Clinical Psychologist on lockdowns potentially causing an increase in learning and behavioural issues in children

Covid lockdowns may have played a part in the increase in learning and behavioural issues being picked up at early childhood education.   The Educational Institute says the increase has meant waiting lists for specialist support are far too long.   Clinical psychologist Dougal Sutherland told Tim Dower that the main thing kids that age do is play and interact with other kids, which provides social and cognitive development and learning.   He says that while teenagers could jump online to socialise with their friends, that play and interaction can't be replaced, so young kids missed out during isolation.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/27/20234 minutes, 31 seconds
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Brigitte Morten: Former Senior Ministerial Advisor to National on the Government's first meetings

It's thought the new Government will start with some of the 'easy wins' in its 100-day plan.  Ministers from our first three-party coalition of National, ACT, and New Zealand First meet for their first Cabinet meeting today.  Prime Minister Chris Luxon says today's meeting will lay out expectations, and at tomorrow's meeting they'll discuss items like agreeing to a plan.  Former Senior Ministerial Adviser to National, Brigitte Morten, told Tim Dower that there's only about nine sitting days left for the year, so they'll move quickly.  She believes they'll be looking to introduce legislation to get rid of Fair Pay Agreements, and repeal Three Waters and RMA.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/27/20234 minutes, 54 seconds
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Michael Brooks: Egg Producers' Federation Executive Director on the egg shortage potentially being over

New Zealand's egg shortage may be over, according to producers who say prices have levelled out.  Shelves were left bare at times last summer after supermarkets pledged to only sell cage-free eggs.  Egg Producers' Federation executive director Michael Brooks told Tim Dower that the new restrictions have been difficult for the industry, but prices are finally coming down.  He says free range eggs will always be a more expensive option because of the land required to farm the hens.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/27/20233 minutes, 34 seconds
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Gavin Grey: Officials Are Blaming Far-Right For Dublin Crashes

Calm's been restored in Ireland's capital after a stabbing last week led to unrest. Three young children were among five people taken to hospital after a knife attack in Dublin, which sparked riots in the city centre. Thirty-four people have been arrested. Europe correspondent Gavin Grey told Tim Dower that officials are blaming far-right agitators for the clashes. He says it's thought an Irish citizen, originally from North Africa, might be the person in connection with the stabbing - but that's not yet confirmed.   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/26/20233 minutes, 45 seconds
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Judith Collins: Thrilled and Humbled By New Roles In Government

The incoming Attorney-General says it's a big job but she thinks she has the experience for it. Judith Collins has picked up the portfolio alongside seven others including Minister Responsible for responding to the Christchurch mosque inquiry. She says it will be a challenge, but the roles are quite closely aligned. Collins says told Tim Dower that her background as a lawyer, holding a practicing certificate for 40 years, makes her well qualified. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/26/20234 minutes, 39 seconds
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Action For Smokefree Director Ben Youdan: Scrapping Smokefree Laws "Disappointing"

Backlash to the incoming government scrapping smokefree laws to fund tax cuts. Advocacy groups say removing regulations on levels of nicotine and the age of who can buy cigarettes is irresponsible. Action for Smokefree Director Ben Youdan told Tim Dower that the Government is putting the interests of the cigarette industry before the health of the nation. He says more people will die if these laws change.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/26/20234 minutes, 49 seconds
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Tim Dower: Tax Cuts Or A Tobacco Free New Zealand?

Nicola Willis is blaming ACT and NZ First for the momentous dismantling of Smokefree laws. That's what she said over the weekend, telling Newshub the minor parties were insistent on reversing the amendments, not even a year after they were passed.  ACT says tobacco taxes bring in about 1.8 billion all up, and we're given to believe taking those new restrictions away will be worth about a billion.  So, handy money...especially when you've just had to sacrifice a different cash raising scheme which you'd hoped would help fund tax cuts.  But what do we read from this? Isn't this a matter of principle, a moral issue even, and where was this in the manifestos?  Are we to infer that delivering tax cuts is now more important than saving thousands from the misery of being addicted to tobacco? And if you haven't been there...believe me...it's a miserable addiction.  Are we to infer that it's really Act and New Zealand First in the driving seat...and if so...what further horrors are to come?  There'll be a lot of dairy owners heaving a heavy cough of relief...they'll still be able to stock tobacco and some will tell you it's a vital part of their revenue...it keeps a lot of them going. It also makes them a target for ram-raiders and the like. Look...smoking is a personal choice, and I'm all for personal choice.  And is it the job of governments to protect people from themselves...of course not. But honestly...if you think of the time most smokers get started...in their teens...are we equipped at that time to make a wise and informed adult decision? Of course not.  But it took legislation to achieve seat belts...helmets for motorbike riders and cyclists...an inconvenience if you want...imposed on us all to save lives.  Bottom line...if it's a choice between a tax cut...and us maybe being one of the first countries in the world to shake the tobacco monkey off our back...you can keep your tax cut.  I don't want it, if this is how you're paying for it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/26/20232 minutes, 20 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: It's time to turn off the early alarm

So, this is my last day – not just for the year but for good. It’s time for me to turn off the early alarm.   I’ve been so conflicted about making this decision, purely because I love the job so much, it’s the most fun and best time I’ve ever had in my broadcasting career. Radio is addictive. It’s dynamic and instant and an intimate connection with your audience. I’ve felt privileged to be in your cars, your kitchens, your headphones, an earpiece while you’re still in bed... the fact you choose to tune in here as you start your day, is something I never take for granted.   We’re a small team – my producer Hannah and I, but I’m really proud of how hard she works. It’s not easy getting up in the dark and putting out a radio show, but I’ve been lucky to have had awesome producers alongside me over the years. Mike’s team of Sam and Glenn have also been amazingly helpful, and I’ve been blessed with the best in newsreader and all-time fun zone Niva, and the statesman of sport Andrew Alderson. The pre-dawn camaraderie is part of what makes this job so awesome... we’re all tired, we’re all trying to do our best and put out the best product we can for our audience.   I’ve been doing this show for 6 years, but my career in radio actually began 16 years ago. I was on maternity leave after the birth of my daughter, at home with two small children and a baby when the then boss of ZB called me up and asked if I’d ever thought about trying some radio. Only knowing TV my whole life, I found the prospect of it daunting. He said they could work around family commitments, juggle shifts around the kids, he said - give it a go. I’m glad I accepted the challenge.   I began filling in on news reading shifts, did the odd stint filling in on Drive and some weekend shows. I found radio instantly addictive. One, they back their people, they were encouraging, and two, they pushed me. There was this constant striving for excellence, something I’d argue is lost in mainstream journalism these days. I joined the Paul Holmes Breakfast (pre–Mike Hosking Breakfast) as newsreader, and I just found radio so much fun.  Six years ago, when the opportunity came up to host my own show I was terrified, I didn’t think I could do that either. But again, ZB encouraged me, pushed me, made me feel like I could do it. The magic of our boss Jason Winstanley —who is hands down the best boss I’ve ever had— is that he manages to make every host on this station feel like they’re the most important person on the network, which is no mean feat. Especially when we all know that’s Mike….   Who, speaking of which, has been my constant biggest cheerleader, listener, and fan, closely followed by my dad, who wakes every morning at 5am to listen in via an earpiece in bed. I am forever grateful to these two incredible men in my life – both great broadcasters of their own, for being so lovingly supportive of me.   But that early alarm takes a toll. Shift work is tough on families and our kids have two parents who do brutal hours, obsessively follow news, go to bed early, and are often tired and grumpy (trust me, having to absorb as much news as we do – which is largely negative – makes most people grumpy before you even add in the lack of sleep!). It’s my daughter’s final year at High school next year and all she’s known is Mum shift working weird hours and turning news bulletins up loud in the car all the time. I’m keen to enjoy her last year with her and be a bit more present at home, instead of side tracked by politics and inflation and editorial deadlines.   I’m actually looking forward to not following so much news. I will however be up at 5 and listening to this show. I’ll have to check the new guy isn’t stuffing it up. My boss Jason says I’ll be bored witless in 3 months and I’ll be back. He may well be right. In the meantime, thank you for being here, for all your support, all your feedback, it’s honestly been the best fun I’ve had in broadcasting. You’re an awesome audience and I’ve loved our early morning chats.  Thank you for the privilege. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/23/20234 minutes, 41 seconds
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Simon Arcus: Wellington Chamber of Commerce CEO on Black Friday Sales

Shoppers hunting for a bargain will be hitting the malls over the weekend for Black Friday sales.  Tens of thousands of shoppers are expected to swarm the shops.  But Wellington Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Simon Arcus told Kate Hawkesby that consumers should be careful to ensure they are getting a fair deal.  He says shoppers should look online to see if the same product can be bought cheaper elsewhere.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/23/20232 minutes, 37 seconds
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Adam Pearse: NZ Herald Political Reporter on the coalition agreement being signed today

More details on the incoming governing trio are expected to come soon.  National, ACT, and New Zealand First have agreed on a deal which will be signed in Parliament today.  It'll have the parties' policy agendas, details on who's in and who's out of Cabinet, and who's becoming the Deputy Prime Minister.  Herald political reporter Adam Pearse told Kate Hawkesby that we've apparently been in the final stages for more than a week now.  He says they're expecting statements of support from the three parties throughout this morning.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/23/20233 minutes, 25 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Nicola Willis looks like the most mature of them all

So has the anticipation of this government been greater than the event itself?   Will it be under whelming when we finally see the state of it?   Did we just build it up as this huge thing full of controversy and twists and turns, when in fact it was just a boring longer than expected meeting of negotiating endless minutiae?   I actually felt sorry for them yesterday – especially the ones who are parents to young kids, like Nicola Willis. She was desperate to get back to Wellington and see her 4 young children, Chris Bishop was wearing a borrowed shirt because he'd run out of clothes... I mean all of that just reeks of a thing that went on longer than anyone expected. Longer than perhaps it needed to. I know even David Seymour was saying that.   But how will we remember all this and Luxon’s abilities around it? Well, that’s the thing, possibly not at all. The news cycle moves fast, a week’s a long time in politics, this will all be ancient history before long. I don’t know that people will care in three years' time whether he spent two or three weeks negotiating a coalition deal, I think they’ll care more about how he’s run the country and a three headed government.   That’s surely the true test.   And if we do get it all revealed today, how much notice are you taking? How much do you care whose inside Cabinet and who isn’t? I mean I know political tragics like me will be fascinated, but can you really name all the Ministers of the previous government? Short of the ones who are terrible, or got in trouble, or said and did really stupid things that blew up in the news, we probably don’t really care who's in charge of what. Unless it affects you directly of course. Willie Jackson in charge of Broadcasting was always a bitter pill to swallow for many in the media myself included, but as long as they’re competent and don’t do anything stupid, we tend to forget about them don’t we?   The coolest person in the room now though is Nicola Willis, isn't she? Not interested in the baubles, more interested in the business of governing, she says she never wanted to be deputy PM, Seymour and Peters can scrap it out between them, she's back to home to Wellington to see her 4 young kids who’re missing their Mum. I mean she’s all class and so far, looks like the most mature of the lot of them. I think in her saying what she said, she clearly showed the others up for what they are and removed herself from the fray. Good on her.   She's keen to get on with governing, showing she’s truly about the good of the country, not the good of her ego. And I do think that's the risk being run here by Seymour and Peters. They start to look petulant and like they're holding the country to ransom, delaying the formation of a new government. Which look, I understand if you've had to swallow a lot of dead rats and you're going for broke on the final curtain, but if Peters wants Foreign Minister and Deputy PM I think that's a stretch. The Deputy PM can't be off travelling all the time, because what if they're needed at home to step up for the PM?  Luxon's argument is best person for the job and spreading the talent... we get that, but as their wage payers we want to see value for money too. These guys are on the big bucks, they need to be competent and efficient.   So far the most efficient one appears to be Nicola Willis, seeing the spectacle unfolding for what it is and saying ‘see ya guys, I'm back home to Welly.’ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/22/20233 minutes, 7 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Nicola Willis looks like the most mature of them all (1)

So has the anticipation of this government been greater than the event itself?   Will it be under whelming when we finally see the state of it?   Did we just build it up as this huge thing full of controversy and twists and turns, when in fact it was just a boring longer than expected meeting of negotiating endless minutiae?   I actually felt sorry for them yesterday – especially the ones who are parents to young kids, like Nicola Willis. She was desperate to get back to Wellington and see her 4 young children, Chris Bishop was wearing a borrowed shirt because he'd run out of clothes... I mean all of that just reeks of a thing that went on longer than anyone expected. Longer than perhaps it needed to. I know even David Seymour was saying that.   But how will we remember all this and Luxon’s abilities around it? Well, that’s the thing, possibly not at all. The news cycle moves fast, a week’s a long time in politics, this will all be ancient history before long. I don’t know that people will care in three years' time whether he spent two or three weeks negotiating a coalition deal, I think they’ll care more about how he’s run the country and a three headed government.   That’s surely the true test.   And if we do get it all revealed today, how much notice are you taking? How much do you care whose inside Cabinet and who isn’t? I mean I know political tragics like me will be fascinated, but can you really name all the Ministers of the previous government? Short of the ones who are terrible, or got in trouble, or said and did really stupid things that blew up in the news, we probably don’t really care who's in charge of what. Unless it affects you directly of course. Willie Jackson in charge of Broadcasting was always a bitter pill to swallow for many in the media myself included, but as long as they’re competent and don’t do anything stupid, we tend to forget about them don’t we?   The coolest person in the room now though is Nicola Willis, isn't she? Not interested in the baubles, more interested in the business of governing, she says she never wanted to be deputy PM, Seymour and Peters can scrap it out between them, she's back to home to Wellington to see her 4 young kids who’re missing their Mum. I mean she’s all class and so far, looks like the most mature of the lot of them. I think in her saying what she said, she clearly showed the others up for what they are and removed herself from the fray. Good on her.   She's keen to get on with governing, showing she’s truly about the good of the country, not the good of her ego. And I do think that's the risk being run here by Seymour and Peters. They start to look petulant and like they're holding the country to ransom, delaying the formation of a new government. Which look, I understand if you've had to swallow a lot of dead rats and you're going for broke on the final curtain, but if Peters wants Foreign Minister and Deputy PM I think that's a stretch. The Deputy PM can't be off travelling all the time, because what if they're needed at home to step up for the PM?  Luxon's argument is best person for the job and spreading the talent... we get that, but as their wage payers we want to see value for money too. These guys are on the big bucks, they need to be competent and efficient.   So far the most efficient one appears to be Nicola Willis, seeing the spectacle unfolding for what it is and saying ‘see ya guys, I'm back home to Welly.’ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/22/20233 minutes, 7 seconds
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Joanna Pidgeon: Pidgeon Judd Law Director on the emerging trend of seniors dishing out inheritance before they die

A trend is emerging of older New Zealanders opting to dish out inheritance to their family before they die.  NZ Seniors data shows more than a third are doing just that.  More than half worry over what they'll be able to leave their kids because of current economic challenges.  Pidgeon Judd Law Director, Joanna Pidgeon, told Kate Hawkesby that people are living longer, and don't want to see their kids struggling with renting into their 50s.  She says with prices increasing, help upfront can get them onto a more stable home-owning road.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/22/20234 minutes, 47 seconds
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Geoffrey Miller: International Geopolitical Analyst on domestic pressure driving the hostage release agreement

Domestic pressure in Israel is said to be the driving factor behind the hostage deal.  Israel's cabinet has agreed to a four day pause in fighting in exchange for the release of 50 women and child hostages taken by Hamas on October 7th.  It's believed there are around 200 Israeli hostages.   The agreement also includes Israel releasing 150 Palestinian prisoners.   International geopolitical analyst Geoffrey Miller told Kate Hawkesby that hostage families have mounted a high profile "bring them home" campaign.  He says Israeli public opinion has turned, with 54% in favour of some sort of prisoner swap deal.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/22/20234 minutes, 54 seconds
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Mike Atkinson: Aspire Managing Director on rental growth running at historically high levels

An influx of migration and lack of property investors is thought to be driving up rental prices around the country. Rental growth is running at historically high levels, hitting 6.1% in the year to October, with Auckland skyrocketing by 8.5% over the past year. Aspire Managing Director Mike Atkinson told Kate Hawkesby that he's warning the incoming Government that prices need to be reined in. He says if prices continue to rise renters will fall out of the market, putting more pressure on social housing wait-lists. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/22/20233 minutes, 6 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Seymour for Deputy PM?

I don’t begrudge David Seymour tipping his hat into the ring for Deputy PM.   Many would argue it’s a relatively inconsequential role - it doesn’t mean much. I mean most of last term we couldn’t remember who was deputy leader or deputy PM: Kelvin Davis or Carmel Sepuloni. It didn’t really matter, no one really cared.   But it does carry gravitas. There is something about the title which carries weight – and of course the obvious additional bonus of stepping into the PM’s shoes when they're out of the country. So you can’t argue it doesn’t carry some responsibility too. And Seymour’s argument is fair I reckon. Proportionality. He’s arguing that the role makes sense for him given they’ve got the second-largest government party, so he says, the second-biggest role makes sense. He thinks that’s the clear case for him to be Deputy PM.   However, he’s also saying he doesn’t know if he’ll get it – he said outside Luxon’s house yesterday that, “a negotiation's a negotiation, and you never know your luck ... so I'm not going to try and predetermine it one way or another.” But in saying that, he's also making a public bid for it which is an interesting tack, and may be nothing more than a power play. Which again is a bit odd given he's also always said he’ll serve in any role and he’s not into the baubles.  We know for sure who is into the baubles, so whoever gets this bauble will be interesting. In general Seymour believes ACT should get more ministerial roles than NZ First based on the party vote, and that’s not a bad point. Surely that’s the fairest way to do it? Seymour argues ‘proportionality's important to democracy’, and if we subscribe to the philosophy that every vote deserves its weight in representation then he’s right, isn’t he?   But if we take that at face value, then Deputy should really be Nicola Willis. Why isn't it her? I don’t know where Luxon’s head will be at with this stuff, I don’t know how much he’ll have had to give away, how much of a tanty Winston may throw if he doesn’t get all his baubles. I mean I wouldn’t want to be Luxon juggling all this, and God only knows how he’s dishing it out.   But I feel like Seymour worked really hard during the campaign, he got the party vote for Act up to an historic high, and they won a record result at the election. He worked his butt off; he deserves some plaudits for that. And he’s right, they are the second biggest party in government now. That’s a huge achievement. But if you argue his proportionality argument, then it still leaves the obvious Deputy PM as Nicola Willis.   If Luxon is prepared to trade this away from National though and he has to pick between Winston Peters and David Seymour, then I'd pick Seymour. Hard working, always available, enthusiastic, and a good communicator. I am impressed at how much Seymour's fronted and tried to keep everyone in the loop throughout this; he’s a big believer in transparency and accountability. I know it's appreciated by the media but I’m just not sure how much that’ll be being appreciated by the other party leaders.   It’s a fine line he’s dancing. And whether he’s twerking his way into being Deputy PM or not... we’ll have to wait and see. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/21/20233 minutes, 2 seconds
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Irene King: Aviation Commentator on Air New Zealand's sinking demand and lower pre-tax profit

Questions are arising over whether Air New Zealand will have to continue to discount domestic flights in coming months as it grapples with sinking demand.  October passenger data highlights the slow down, alongside lower-margin leisure travel and lower capacity.  The airline's forecast a pre-tax profit of up to $230 million for the second half of 2023, down from nearly $300 million last year.  Aviation commentator Irene King told Kate Hawkesby that the data was taken before its capacity problems in which aircrafts were taken out of the system.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/21/20232 minutes, 38 seconds
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Brad Olsen: Infometrics Chief Economist on the import and export stats for October

We’re heading in the right direction, but they’re still not great numbers on the trade deficit.  Stats NZ data for October shows exports fell to $5.4 billion annually, with imports down to just over $7 billion on last year.  The annual trade deficit is $14.8 billion, slightly better than September's $15.41 billion.  Infometrics chief economist Brad Olsen told Kate Hawkesby that it's an improvement, but it remains a concern.  He says we're still importing more than we're exporting.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/21/20233 minutes, 52 seconds
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Brigitte Morten: Former Senior Ministerial advisor for National on the allocation of cabinet portfolios

Wrangling continues in Auckland today between National, ACT, and New Zealand First, of the allocation of Cabinet portfolios in the new government.  David Seymour, Winston Peters, and Nicola Willis are all in the running to be Deputy Prime Minister.  But Brigitte Morten —a former senior ministerial advisor for National— told Kate Hawkesby that the allocation of other roles will be more crucial.  She says finance positions are likely to be given to both parties, and the allocation of justice, police, and Attorney-General portfolios will also be important.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/21/20233 minutes, 54 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: I think we've reached peak woke

I think we’ve reached peak woke, or at least I hope we have... who would know? But I think we’ve reached it when I see that in China now, they’re looking at banning clothes that hurt people’s feelings. You heard that right. CNN reported that, ‘China’s legislature has proposed changes to a law that if approved would allow authorities to fine and detain people who wear clothes that “hurt the nation’s feelings”.’  This to be honest is probably less about wokeism and more about patriotism and control, and it did of course set off a chain of concerns over freedom of expression. But how on earth do you define clothes that hurt people’s feelings? I mean I find Crocs offensive, should they ban those? The mom jean I’m not a big fan of, they’re everywhere. Jorts... horrific, yet back in fashion. As are wedge jandal heels. I mean it’s a minefield of offensive clothing out there already as far as I’m concerned.  But who are the arbiters of this offensive fashion? Well turns out China’s National People’s Congress Standing Committee, wants to ban any garment that is ‘detrimental to the spirit of the Chinese nation.’ It’s a draft amendment proposed for consideration. The proposed amendment's rules would alter the Public Security Administration Punishment Law, ‘which gives Police power to detain suspects for weeks’, or fine them the equivalent of about a thousand NZ dollars. It’s been up for consultation, and you can just imagine the push back. CNN reported that, ‘several legal scholars questioned the implicit vagaries of the proposed amendment, and absence of specific guidelines.’ Many called it an overreach. I would have thought the key thing would be a definition of what is construed offensive, and the fact this was missing gives me pause that it will go anywhere. But these days you never know. China’s also cracked down on tattoos and ‘artists with effeminate styles’... whatever that means. But you surely can’t enforce a law as vague as ‘offensive clothing’ without being specific about what that is. One social media user questioned whether suits would be deemed offensive, given they’re ‘the embodiment of Western Capitalism’ as he put it. So, the proposed law, which many have described as ‘excessive and absurd’ could lead to abuse by officials in terms of what constitutes offence. Hence, it’s problematic. So a lot of this is obviously about control but the bit that leads me back to whether it’s wokeism is the fact that it’s about ‘hurt feelings’. Hurting feelings —or not as the case may be— has become such an acceptable catch phrase it’s now getting used as an excuse to enforce laws.A couple of months ago people who wore ‘rainbow print clothing were denied entry to a Taiwanese concert in Beijing..’ leading one social commentator to ask: ‘When did the feelings and spirit of the Chinese nation become so fragile?’ And it’s not just China, everywhere seems fragile these days. I’m with Ricky Gervais, look, when times are weird, we have to turn to the great oracle Ricky Gervais. He famously said, ‘how arrogant are you, to think you can go through life without anyone ever saying anything you don’t agree with or like? Just because you’re offended, doesn’t mean you’re right.’ He’s bang on. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/20/20232 minutes, 23 seconds
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Dennis Maga: First Union General Secretary on Woolworths' new security measures

Questions over how fog cannons and body cameras in Woolworths stores will mitigate the rising abuse of staff.  The supermarket giant is reporting a 131% rise in physical assaults on staff in the past six months, compared to the same time last year.  It's also launching an in-store campaign to encourage customers to respect workers as they head into the busiest time of year.  First Union General Secretary Dennis Maga told Kate Hawkesby that those security measures could work short-term.  He says intervention is needed in the long run, particularly as the rate of unruly behaviour increases.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/20/20234 minutes, 17 seconds
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John O'Connell: Life Education Trust CEO on teenager's increasing use of online gambling

High school students are increasingly visiting online gambling sites.  An investigation by Newstalk ZB has found that sports betting and online casino games are increasingly popular with teenagers, who even access the sites during the school day.  Life Education Trust Chief Executive John O'Connell told Kate Hawkesby that phones among young people have caused a number of challenges.  He says schools should be aware that students with mobile phones have gambling in their pocket.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/20/20233 minutes, 9 seconds
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Ben Thomas: Political Commentator on the length of time it's taking to form Government

A political commentator is suggesting that we should relax a little about how long it's taking to form a government.  There's been much commentary on the fact it's been 18 days since the release of the official election results, and we still don't have a government.  Former National party staffer and now political commentator Ben Thomas told Kate Hawkesby that this time will be quickly forgotten.  He says in six months time —whether the Government is flourishing or floundering— no one is going to be remember the difference between two weeks and three weeks of negotiations.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/20/20233 minutes, 31 seconds
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Adam Pearse: Herld Political Reporter Talks Ongoing Coalition Talks

The weekend has come and gone, but coalition negotiations continue into another week. Incoming Prime Minister Chris Luxon says about three issues to settle remain between National, Act and New Zealand First. The trio's been meeting in Auckland since Wednesday, where Luxon now believes they'll stay for the next few days. Herald Political Reporter Adam Pearse told Kate Hawkesby that Luxon described his meeting with Peters yesterday, as 'helpful'. He says it was a departure from previous conversations in which he described talks as 'positive' and 'good' and cast a better light on things.   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/19/20234 minutes, 11 seconds
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Vincent Macaviney: David Cameron visits Ukraine as UK Foreign Secretary (1)

Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron had his first outing as Foreign Secretary yesterday as he made his way to Ukraine to meet President Zelensky.   UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney told Tim Dower that when they saw a Range Rover coming up Downing Street on Monday and David Cameron climbed out “mouths were literally a gog.”  He added that Cameron doesn’t have the best reputation across the continent given his mishandling of the Brexit referendum and then bouncing as soon as he lost it.   “we'll see how he fares in the rest of Europe in the coming months to get that support going again.”   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/16/20233 minutes, 45 seconds
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Vincent Macaviney: David Cameron visits Ukraine as UK Foreign Secretary

Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron had his first outing as Foreign Secretary yesterday as he made his way to Ukraine to meet President Zelensky.   UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney told Tim Dower that when they saw a Range Rover coming up Downing Street on Monday and David Cameron climbed out “mouths were literally a gog.”  He added that Cameron doesn’t have the best reputation across the continent given his mishandling of the Brexit referendum and then bouncing as soon as he lost it.   “we'll see how he fares in the rest of Europe in the coming months to get that support going again.”   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/16/20233 minutes, 45 seconds
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Kelly Eckhold: Westpac Chief Economist on the Reserve Bank's decision to build up its foreign currency assets

Economists are praising the Reserve Bank's decision to build up its foreign currency assets.   It's bought and borrowed to drive its total foreign currency holdings up by a third, to a total of almost $18 billion.   Westpac Chief Economist, Kelly Eckhold, says it will give a signal the central bank is willing to step in if there's a shock to the economy.   He told Tim Dower that the move should reassure people.   Eckhold says it would be worrying if the bank didn't have the capacity.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/16/20233 minutes, 48 seconds
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Tim Dower: The talks are dragging on too long now

Last time I had the privilege of hosting this show I said I had confidence in Chris Luxon's approach to these coalition talks.  I said it seemed businesslike, and I sensed he was out to cut a good deal that'll stick.  I hope I’m not proved wrong on that.  One thing you have to say about the way it's being handled is that all three of the key figures involved have been disciplined and kept things quiet.  Political editors and reporters are coming up against a brick wall when they seek comment.  Not so much as a sneaky hint has leaked out, and to me that speaks to good faith. The horse trading and hard talking is being done between these three and their teams, not in the media.  But still, it's dragging on too long now. Christmas is coming and I for one want to see Parliament sitting again, a clear direction set, and some action.  It's not about who does what job really, I didn't vote with that uppermost in my mind.  Like more than half of the people who did vote, I wanted shot of the last awful crowd and a change of direction.  I want action on crime, education, the health system, the cost of living, on social cohesion.  Was that a hint from Winston about some dude from Rarotonga being in town, the fact he had to see that guy indicate he might lining up another stint as Foreign Minister?  I'd be OK with that if it's the only bauble Winston First gets.  The blunt truth is without Mister 6 percent, this could have been cleaned up three weeks ago.  And we'd have a start on the real stuff, the change I mentioned before.  Everyone assumes it's Mister Peters dragging the chain, and history would support that theory, but it could be Seymour, or it could be Luxon himself playing hardball.  Thing is, the people either getting ready for work at 5:30 in the morning or are on their way, or already there —the people who pay the taxes and send their kids to school because they want to play their part and get ahead— I don't think they care too much who does what job.  What we want is good government with a good plan it can see through.  Every day without a deal that produces that is a day wasted.  But it's a far smaller waste than what we had, or what we might’ve ended up with if this had been rushed. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/16/20232 minutes, 30 seconds
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Elias Kanaris: Customer Contact Network CEO on the unprecedented levels of abuse call centre workers are facing

Call centre staff are facing unprecedented levels of abuse, with industry experts warning of a future dominated by customer service bots.  Customer Contact Network CEO, Elias Kanaris, told Tim Dower that he's pleading with the public to be civil when dealing with contact centre staff.  He says customers need to remember staff are real people who are simply trying their best to resolve your issue.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/16/20235 minutes, 47 seconds
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Grant Duncan: Political Commentator on how close we are to Government being formed

Could we have a new government by Sunday?  Talks continued late into the night and are set to resume in central Auckland this morning, with Chris Luxon, David Seymour, and Winston Peters all pointing to a deal being close.  Political commentator Grant Duncan told Tim Dower that there will be final issues all three parties want to resolve.  He says it has to take as long as it takes, because it's important all three parties are on the same page about what the plan will be for the next three years.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/16/20232 minutes, 59 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Finnish study finds Early Birds get the worm

I’ve got some good news for you. Every one of you up now listening, is a go getter. Early birds are into it as we know, but not only that, research tell us they also earn more.   A recent study showed night owls earn 4 percent less than early risers ..and it’s all down to circadian rhythms apparently. Scientists discovered in a Finnish study of more than 12 thousand people, that those who are more active at night, tend to earn less than early risers. That’s  because they’re more likely to make poor lifestyle choices.. like drinking more alcohol, smoking, not exercising as much, and having an unhealthy diet.   Night owls are also more likely to have more screen time, affecting their melatonin production and ability to sleep.. therefore they sleep worse and wake later, feeling less energized. Many according to the study, also had higher BMI’s.   Scientists discovered that on average, night owls accumulate less human, social and health capital. This is because they apparently acquire less work experience, make those poorer health and lifestyle choices, and end up with sleep problems. Which, let’s face it, is one of the key components of good health… a decent night’s sleep. So that part makes sense.   Early birds, on the other hand, are the first awake, they’re more likely to have slept better and earlier, in those crucial pre midnight hours of sleep, and they’re starting fresher and more ready. They’re more work ready.   But this all comes down to chronotype according to the researchers. You may not be able to help it that you’re a night owl or an early bird, it’s just the way your body is wired. Your body may not be able to function or be active at the set time of day you might want it to.   I know people who, try as they might, just cannot get their bodies to function early in the morning, but they feel their peak activity and fitness comes in the middle of the day. Likewise there are early birds like me who literally can’t stay up past 10pm without feeling like they’re on the verge of collapse.   But being a Nana at night time serves us well if it means you can be more productive in the morning. And as this study shows, it can also make you a stronger income earner.   Not all is lost for night owls though. According to scientists, ‘evening type individuals could likely earn higher wages through better lifestyle choices.’ Which seems obvious given everything is a domino effect isn’t it? Stay up later, you get hungrier, you eat more crap, you drink more, you’re less tired, you look at screens for longer, then you’re too wired, so you sleep poorly.   They actually got some hard data on the numbers in terms of income, men who were night owls had ‘a four percent average lower income.’ Which is food for thought next time you’re staying up late binge watching Netflix with the choccky biscuits. Not all night owls are staying up late just to eat rubbish and watch TV though, some are genuinely just more productive at night because that’s when their body clock is more alert. The nub of it is what you do with that alert time.   The study concluded that ‘evening type people could earn higher wages if they made better lifestyle choices.’ So that part’s in their hands. But for us early birds it’s validation here surely, that being up at the crack of dawn, is actually not only smart, it’s lucrative. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/15/20232 minutes, 43 seconds
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Mike Jones: BNZ Chief Economist says 'internal migration showing various trends'

Some markets are feeling economic pain more than others. Infometrics latest economic monitor suggests a primary sector slowdown as annual average growth has slowed to 1.7 percent. BNZ Chief Economist Mike Jones told Kate Hawkesby internal migration numbers are showing various trends. He notes that when people move around the country, employment and construction often follow.Jones thinks cheaper house prices are attracting more people to the South Island.   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/15/20234 minutes, 1 second
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Jacqui Southey: Save the Children Advocacy Director says trauma injury deaths have reached 'unacceptable rate'

New research has found children in New Zealand are dying from serious trauma injuries at twice the rate of those in the Australian state of Victoria. The study examined cases of more than 13 hundred children seriously injured between mid-2017 and mid-2022. It focused on injuries usually caused by cars, motorbikes, bicycle accidents and serious burns. Save the Children Advocacy Director Jacqui Southey told Kate Hawkesby the results are unacceptable. She say officials need to focus on raising the level of health care for children across the country.   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/15/20233 minutes, 58 seconds
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Jason Walls: Political Editor Says Coalition Negotiation Talks Are Preliminary

A month on from the general election, and the leaders of National, Act and New Zealand First have met together for the first time.  Chris Luxon, David Seymour and Winston Peters caught up face-to-face at an Auckland hotel yesterday. Peters briefly returned last night, seemingly for further talks.  Seymour says they haven't yet dealt with major substantive discussions, in a potential coalition deal.   Political Editor, Jason Walls told Kate Hawkesby more meetings are pencilled in for this week.  He says the first meeting was preliminary to discuss timelines and they'll hopefully get into the meat and potatoes shortly.    LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/15/20233 minutes, 54 seconds
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Mitch McCann: US Correspondent on the upcoming meeting between US President Joe Biden and China's President Xi Jinping

Joe Biden will be hoping to ease geopolitical tensions in today's meeting with counterpart Xi Jinping.  The two leaders will meet at 8am NZST in San Francisco at the APEC summit, marking Xi's first visit to the US in six years.  They're expected to discuss resuming military communications, the climate, and control of a fentanyl pipeline.  US correspondent Mitch McCann told Kate Hawkesby that US-China relations have been frosty in recent times.  He says tensions have been heightened over Taiwan and the South China Sea, as well as a claimed spy balloon being shot down earlier this year.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/15/20231 minute, 56 seconds
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John Morrison: Former Black Cap and Commentator ahead of the semifinals match against India

Tonight will reveal if the Black Caps have what it takes to make it to the World Cup Final.  They’re playing India in the semifinals at 9:30pm NZDT.  Former Black Cap and Cricket Commentator, John Morrison, told Kate Hawkesby that while the team has been written off by many critics, he thinks they’re capable of an upset.  He said the team has a pretty good line up that is capable of knocking India over.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/14/20233 minutes, 25 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Public services workers are doing what they can

When you think about all the sectors and industries in this country which have gone to the dogs lately —much of the public service, (electoral commission anyone?), the media, airlines, airports (namely Auckland), Hospitals— there’s an underlying common denominator.   Within all these sectors there are still amazing people doing amazing things. I hear so often for example from people who, despite all the doom and gloom and horrible news about our Hospitals, have the best experiences with considerate, hardworking, and dedicated nurses. People who say they could not fault the care and attention they received.   Likewise for every horror story about bus drivers and public transport, you’ll hear from someone who says they’ve only ever had a positive experience. I think a lot of the baggage and toxicity from these industries is at the top, amidst the bureaucracy and the layers of BS. Whereas often at the coal face, people are doing incredible things.   I experienced this myself the other day at a medical appointment for an echo cardiogram. That’s done by a specialist cardio sonographer, trained specifically in that area given the heart is so complex. And as she scanned the four chambers of my heart looking at blood flow, she had fascinating insights into the prevalence of heart disease, especially in women, and how preventable it is. Great tips about how diet is more important than exercise: as long as you’re moving each day it doesn’t need to be aerobic and hardcore, just walking or moving, and as women get older, strength training is great too. But what you put in your mouth counts. Hearts like healthy body weights.   But she had some good insights into the state of the health sector at the moment. How much bottom of the cliff healthcare we’re dishing out, instead of having people proactively take care of their health.   It’s funny because I thought the same thing during Covid. We heard a lot about masks and hand washing but we didn’t hear about nutrition, exercise, and vitamins or taking good care of ourselves to proactively improve our own health outcomes.   But we were talking about the sad demise of primary care in this country – the lack of GP’s, the lack of interest in new Med students to be GP’s, how we’re now having to outsource most of our healthcare workforce to other countries. Which if you think about it, means we lose the nuance of the Kiwi experience and what’s unique to us. But GPs are so stretched and so time poor these days.   She was saying she has a lot of GPs as clients, and the lament how little time they have for patients these days, how in a 15-minute window you can’t get to know people or get an insight into how they really are. You have just enough time to check, diagnose, maybe write a script, and that’s it. I know from personal experience that if you try to raise more than one issue too, you’ll likely get told they don’t have time for that, or they have to charge you for a second appointment. That’s if you can get into your GP in the first place.   But it made me think about mental health in this country, and what a difference we could make at the primary care level if we had more GPs who had more time to really gauge where their patients were at, and maybe intervene earlier.   Maybe just like heart disease, we wouldn’t have the crisis we do if we just got to people sooner.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/14/20233 minutes, 4 seconds
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John Tookey: AUT Professor of Construction on Wayne Brown wanting to stop spending on seismic strengthening

Auckland’s Mayor wants the new Government to review earthquake-strengthening rules.  The region hasn’t shown signs of earthquake activity for 100,000 years, Wayne Brown said, and instead they should focus on the risk of volcanic eruption.  He’s keen to stop spending on seismic strengthening unless a building is likely to fall down.  John Tookey, Professor of Construction at AUT, told Kate Hawkesby that it’s a matter of public safety.   He said that no one thought that Christchurch was going to be a major problem until it became a major problem.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/14/20233 minutes, 57 seconds
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Peter Dunne: Former United Future Leader on the current coalition negotiations

The soon-to-be coalition partners are meeting for the first time today, but there's no end in sight to negotiations.   New Zealand First leader Winston Peters didn't show up for an anticipated meeting with National and ACT in Wellington yesterday.   ACT's David Seymour confirms he flew back to Auckland last night, reportedly also with National leader Christopher Luxon.  Former United Future Leader Peter Dunne told Kate Hawkesby that their rapid return to Auckland suggests negotiations are very much being done on Peters’ terms.  He that there's a perception growing that Christopher Luxon's earlier confidence may have been misplaced.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/14/20233 minutes, 22 seconds
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Philip Gregan: NZ Winegrowers CEO on the decrease in global wine production but the increase in domestic production

Despite a decrease in global wine production New Zealand winemakers feel optimistic.   The International Organisation of Vine and Wine says international wine production's expected to be about 7% lower this year than last.   Statistics from New Zealand Winegrowers show the total production in 2023 is about 360-million litres, down from 383-million last year, but higher than the eight years prior.   CEO Philip Gregan says that over time, wine production in Europe has declined, while in New Zealand, it's grown.   He says our markets are now global rather than just supplying wine domestically, and those markets continue to be strong.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/13/20233 minutes, 33 seconds
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Donna Demaio: Australian Correspondent on the DP World Australia cyberattack

Australian port operating systems are getting back online, after a major cyberattack halted imports and exports.   DP World Australia —which moves about 40% of items coming into Australia— stopped on Friday after the breach.   It created a backlog of 30,000 containers.  Australian Correspondent, Donna Demaio, told Kate Hawkesby that about 4000 containers started moving again yesterday.  She said that the ripple effect they were concerned about is now unlikely, but they still don’t know what happened.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/13/20232 minutes, 11 seconds
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Lynda Grant: Mercury Bay Business Association Chair on the reopening of State Highway 25A 3 months earlier than planned

Coromandel businesses are popping the champagne in anticipation of State Highway 25A reopening three months earlier than planned.  The route between Kōpū and Hikuai —badly damaged during Cyclone Gabrielle— will be in business by December 20.  The tourism-reliant area suffered a severe economic downturn following the route's closure.  Mercury Bay Business Association Chair, Lynda Grant, told Kate Hawkesby that while there was a little bit of hope, nobody really thought it would reopen before Christmas.   She said that it’s a win-win for everyone.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/13/20234 minutes, 36 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Alarming new data on vaping

So we got new data yesterday on vaping, and it's nothing short of alarming.   We here in NZ are among the biggest vapers in the developed world. The OECD found 8.2% of people aged 15 or older regularly vape in New Zealand, which puts us in second place, just behind Estonia.   I was speaking to a specialist cardio sonographer the other day, and she was telling me that she thinks we’re going to find out down the track that vaping is worse than smoking. We just don't have enough research on it yet, but the toxins you're inhaling when you're vaping... no good can come of that.   The worst part of course is all the young kids taking it up and how many of them are addicted to nicotine now and can't give it up. I was reading about some schools where kids are having withdrawals during exams and running out in breaks to vape; school kids, that addicted.   To have the highest vape rates in the world —just behind Estonia— is a travesty and it's something we should be leaping up and down about to fix. Because not only are we inheriting a population full of nicotine addicted kids, but all the knock-on negative health side effects that are going to clog our health system down the track too. The stats are woeful and the evidence coming in on vaping is shocking.   According to one Australasian health educator, vaping is too hazardous health wise, even as a means of quitting tobacco. And yet we still have large groups of our population thinking it's not that harmful. This health educator says the online government material is misleading, in her view, because it provides such a bald description of vaping - 'vaping does not have the toxins in tobacco smoking', it says, and yet vapes have to contain propylene glycol to make an aerosol, and chemicals for the smell.   So, is that implying to vapers that it’s safe? At the very least it’s underestimating the potential harm. What about warnings or plain packaging? Why is there none of that? And why aren’t they regulated better? There are concerns the public are not informed enough about a product that is engulfing our youth. The real worry is the health and social impacts already manifesting, and the costly 'tsunami' of problems in the respiratory and cardiovascular sectors, as many commentators and health researchers have already pointed out.    Those jumping up and down about it include clinical specialists, GPs, school principals, parents... they all petitioned the previous government to act. But I really think the last government dropped the ball on this and never took it seriously enough. We should be deeply worried about the pace of uptake in vaping amongst our young people, the lack of widespread research into its side effects, and the lack of detailed information on the risks.   There’s a lot this new government needs to crack on with, and I hope dealing properly with vaping is on the list. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/13/20233 minutes, 10 seconds
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Robyn Walker: Deloitte Tax Partner on tax policy being the main point of disagreement in National, ACT, and NZ first forming a coalition

Tax policy is set to remain the main point of disagreement as coalition talks continue this morning between National, ACT, and New Zealand First.  Newstalk ZB understands that New Zealand First is taking issue with some elements of National's tax plan.  That includes the proposal to redirect money from the Climate Emergency Response Fund to tax cuts, and the proposed tax on foreign home buyers.  Deloitte tax partner Robyn Walker told Kate Hawkesby that National is committed to some form of tax cuts, but the specifics of those tax cuts may have to change.  She says National is proposing quite extensive tax cuts, but they may have to scale those back and make them more targeted.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/13/20233 minutes, 21 seconds
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Andrew Alderson: Ben Campbell wins Hong Kong Open to upstage Cam Smith

World No 635 Kiwi Ben Campbell birdied the final two holes to edge major winner Cam Smith and claim the US$2 million ($1.7m) Hong Kong Open overnight. Campbell drained a 15ft birdie putt on the 18th hole to top playing partners Smith and Thailand’s Phachara Khongwatmai who earlier caused a bizarre 20-minute delay. Campbell had not led at any stage of the tournament until his last putt to finish at 19 under par and beat Smith by one and Phacahara by two. For Campbell, who also birdied the 17th, it was his maiden win on the Asian Tour with his only other win in the professional game coming at the New Zealand PGA Championship in 2018. He won US$360,000. “It’s good to finally get the monkey off the back and yeah, sort of just battling away all day,” said Campbell. “Sort of didn’t get off to the greatest of starts and swing wasn’t feeling that great. Sort of went back to a few close losses and wrote a few notes down in my yardage book last night, and really used them on those last four or five holes. “It was getting a bit tight in the swing and just from those past experiences managed to, I think, you know, put a couple of nice swings coming down the stretch which really helped.” The victory is also just reward for a player who has struggled with injuries and missed six months last year due to a back issue that required surgery. “Even probably four months ago I was sort of battling with the body. I’ve had quite a few operations, and bulged discs in the back and things like that, so had to change the swing quite a bit, especially in the last two or three years. So yeah, great to put that behind me now and the monkey’s off the back which is good.” The most recent Kiwi winner of the Hong Kong Open was Frank Nobilo in 1997, while the only other was Walter Godfrey in 1972. Smith and Phachara had started the day sharing the lead with Campbell one back. Phachara looked to be heading for the win when he birdied three in a row from 11 and led by one from Smith and two from Campbell with three to go. However, drama unfolded on the par-four 16th when he hooked his tee into the trees. He chose to try to hit his ball back into play from a treacherous lie but failed to get it out before just being able to advance his ball to the edge of the fairway with the next. Smith and Campbell appeared visibly irritated by Khongwatmai’s actions, which led to a 20-minute delay. “He can’t stand all over this, can he?” Campbell was heard saying to officials. Phachara ended up making a costly double. He also birdied the next hole before his disappointing finish on 18. “Today my putting was not so good like the last three days, but I played well since the beginning until the 16th hole,” said Phachara. “I was in a very difficult situation at that moment that I couldn’t do anything. Also, there were broken trees, which was an obstacle, so I couldn’t step backwards to drop the ball. I had to keep trying to hit it. However, I’m satisfied with my overall performance that I can make under par for today.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/12/20232 minutes, 27 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: I'm not sure Kiwis are really willing to potentially mask up for another Christmas

I thought I was in a bad dream at the weekend when I saw the headline ‘Health experts recommend people wear masks and celebrate Christmas outdoors amid another Covid-19 wave.’  So, my first thought is – what ‘experts’ said this, and what wave? And how big is the wave? And when will we stop reporting waves?   Turns out it was Australia’s New South Wales Health Ministry who were saying there’d been a ‘moderate’ rise in Covid cases, and they’d asked people to consider wearing a mask inside crowded indoor spaces.   It didn’t take much scrolling further down the story to find the name Michael Baker though. He was recommending for Kiwis, booster jabs, masks, and staying home if you were sick.   Now here’s the thing about these guys, had we not been bashed everyday nonstop for two years by them in the media telling us what to do and how to do it, we may take it more seriously.   But the hysteria drummed up over a two-year period of lockdowns and social distancing has left us all with a bit of collective PTSD.   We don’t want to hear from them anymore, we associate them with misery and bad times, it was overkill at the time, and now we are turned off whenever their heads pop up above the parapet again.   It’s the same for many people with Jacinda, it’s an instant reaction – I mean she got so toxic she had to step away from the Labour Party, she was that triggering for people.   So, I’m just not sure after all this time, and after all we’ve gone through, that we want to go into yet another Christmas with being told to mask up and keep our distance.   I mean the obvious one about if you’re sick stay home, we probably could work that out for ourselves, couldn’t we?   So how big is this new wave? Well, the key word was ‘moderate’ rise. That was for Australia, what about here? Baker says we’re in our 5th wave. I missed the last few, so I’m paying attention now for the 5th.   Apparently, our immunity is waning, hence his call for boosters. I’m not sure how many are adhering to these calls, that would be a more interesting story I reckon, what are the booster numbers? I’d hazard a guess very little.   As for the size of our wave, the last update on Covid numbers was 5 people in ICU, 212 in hospital with Covid. Remember the ‘with’ is important, they may well be in hospital with other things, and they happen to have Covid as well.   I personally know of two people recently who went to hospital with other things and picked up Covid while in there. Getting Covid in hospital makes you a statistic of someone in hospital - with Covid. So bear that in mind.   I don’t know who's in charge of marking the waves, I’m not sure how helpful it is to keep reminding us of them, or who wants to still hear about them, I mean will we still be reporting 6th, 7th, 8th, 25th waves? Or will we at some point accept that Covid is around now just like the flu and colds are around?   I’m just not sure about the merits of making people fearful about how they spend their Christmas Day and telling them they may need to spend it with a mask on.   I mean I’m prepared to be wrong, but how many people, who aren’t immune deficient or vulnerable in any way, do you reckon are spending Christmas Day with a mask on? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/12/20233 minutes, 27 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK correspondent says southwest Iceland has seen around 20,000 earthquakes since late October

Long-dormant Icelandic volcanoes are waking up and threatening to erupt.   The country declared a state of emergency and evacuated thousands from the southwestern town of Grindavik.   There are more than 30 active volcano sites in Iceland and there's currently a 15-kilometre river of magma underneath the surface.   UK correspondent Gavin Grey told Kate Hawkesby the likely eruptions follow intense seismic activity.  “20,000 tremors have been recorded in southwest Iceland since late October.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/12/20232 minutes, 59 seconds
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Ian Caplin: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment spokesperson says they want to make people more aware of authorised scams

New Zealanders lost just under $200 million to scams over the past year.   That's according to 11 of the country's largest financial institutions.   The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has released the figure for Fraud Awareness Week.   Spokesperson Ian Caplin told Kate Hawkesby they want to make people more aware of authorised scams – where people agree to a payment.  “The scammers are getting very sophisticated and they are making things like sort of hoax sites.”  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/12/20234 minutes, 34 seconds
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Jason Walls: Newstalk ZB Political Editor says race relation policies could be holding up National-ACT-NZ First coalition talks

Certain policies could be sticking points in holding up negotiations between National, Act and New Zealand First.   National will need both parties to make a government after they lost two seats following special votes.   Newstalk ZB Political Editor Jason Walls says it's hard to figure out how much progress was made over the weekend.   He told Kate Hawkesby while there seems to be agreement on infrastructure issues, race relations policy could be causing tension.  “Christopher Luxon – he hasn’t ruled out, say for example, the Treaty referendum, but it sounds like he very, very, very much doesn’t want that to be a thing because of how divisive he envisions that being.”  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/12/20234 minutes, 8 seconds
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Claire Matthews: Massey Business School Associate Professor on BNZ's profits continuing to rise

BNZ’s profits are continuing to rise despite the economy slowing.  The bank’s net profit after tax rose by 6.7% in the year to September to a total of $1.5 billion.  BNZ’s net interest margin —a key measure of profitability— jumped 25 basis points to 2.4%.  Claire Matthews, Massey Business School Associate Professor, told Roman Travers that while they made a substantial profit, things did slow in the second half of the year.  She said that they hadn’t done as well in the last six months as they did in the first, reflecting the slowing economy.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/9/20234 minutes, 18 seconds
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Pat Newman: Te Tai Tokerau Principals Association President on attendance rates slipping again

Regular attendance is still at lower rates than in 2019, before Covid-19.   Education Ministry data shows just 47% of students were regularly at school in term two.   That's down from 59.5% in term one, but an increase on 40% in term two last year.   Te Tai Tokerau Principals Association President Pat Newman told Roman Travers that it's about illness.   Attending school 90% of the time is considered regular attendance.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/9/20234 minutes, 24 seconds
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Jacqueline Rowarth: Lincoln University Adjunct Professor on the Fonterra's sustainability goals possibly pushing farmers away

A warning that Fonterra's new sustainability goals could push farmers away.  The dairy giant is planning to cut 30% of emissions by 2030 via new technology, carbon removal through vegetation, and on farm practises.  Lincoln University Adjunct Professor Jacqueline Rowarth says farmers will look to other companies if they can't cope.   She says this could all come back to bite Fonterra if other countries don't do what we're doing.  Rowarth adds it's hard for farmers to do better when our farming emissions are already low.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/9/20235 minutes, 20 seconds
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Roman Travers: How NZ sits on the global financial stage

It's been 27 days since New Zealand general election.  27 days of relative peace, calm, and tranquillity, even though our GDP resembles a 737; out of gas and plummeting to earth at less than 1% growth.  Isn't it luxurious to live in a country where perhaps our biggest problem is wondering if the pre-election promises will be fulfilled to turn everything around?  Talks between the three political parties continue as we wait to see who gets what and undoubtedly the compromises that'll be made.  Forming a coalition with friends and foe can't be all beer and skittles. Given what was said prior to the election, some almost certainly will reluctantly capitulate on their promises, having their arms shoved up their backs or biting their tongues.  To get a coalition government formed and working at the mammoth job of turning around our floundering economy, will only be hindered by the demonstrable egos at the table.  When asked yesterday if there was a deadline for the coalition talks to conclude, Winston Peters told us that speed is of the essence. There's a refreshing change from someone who's been at times, the personification of a handbrake.  It's gutting to know that our gross domestic product is currently at less than 0.1%, when so many of us are doing everything we can to ensure that work gets done.  We are now working the second longest hours within the OECD nations. So much for a work life balance.  Our proud reputation of being a leader in so many measurable economic facets, is now something muttered about with a sense of shame, as people try to change the topic, looking for a positive distraction.  We're now looking at a ranking of 159th in the world according to the international monetary fund.  That's not a number anyone wants to have when trying to sell New Zealand to the world.  But what've we got left to sell? Which primary sector is still unique to New Zealand? What aspect of our primary produce have we not taught other countries to grow and manufacture as well - if not better than us?  Is the future of our economy to simply provide highly skilled labour to international markets who will always outbid those same employers in New Zealand?  In fairness to the three political parties working hard to come to consensus, it didn't help that so many people rocked up to the polling booth on election day looking to enrol and to vote. The whole process has been slowed down by a large chunk of apathy.  Here's hoping that next week we have something solid to talk about.  Here's hoping that when the clock starts ticking on that first 100 days with so many promises made, we get to see those promises put into positive action. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/9/20232 minutes, 35 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: When do we give up on public transport?

I am just wondering at what point we give up on trying to get anywhere by ferry in this country? If you’re an Aucklander, or a visitor to Auckland, you know the Waiheke Island Fullers ferry service is unreliable, often fraught with maintenance, or staffing or scheduling issues. Locals who regularly commute on and off the island by and large hate it – but they’re trapped as Fuller’s has had a monopoly and been their only means to get across the Gulf... up until now, with a new player in town. And God speed to Island Direct that they can make a go of it, get well patronized, and give Fullers a run for their money. But for years now, Fullers has been it and it's been a rubbish service. Then we have the Cook Strait ferries. I mean, where do we start? Who would take the gamble of getting on board one of those ferries and expecting that you’d actually get to your destination?  The interislander ferries are notorious, and then just yesterday, we see the reports that “a Bluebridge Cook Strait ferry had to turn back after it hit a wharf as it was leaving Wellington.”   How does a professional operation whose job is solely to get passengers from wharf to wharf, actually smack into the wharf? So that whacked the wharf and now has a dent in the hull and a hole. A tired and old fleet of ferries doesn’t help, but as reported back in April this year, under the headline, ‘Chaos on the Cook Strait’, “there’s been a decades long history of things going wrong here.  So how is our infrastructure and maintenance so dire? Why has not enough proactive investment been done? It feels like our approach in this country is wait until stuff breaks, and people are leaping up and down, until you do something about it. That’s certainly how it’s been with the roads too.   But if you look at public transport in general in this country, we’ve got buses that are unreliable, have a lack of patronage, routes being cut, delays, driver shortages.. all of that only serves to put people off. Then we’ve got violence at bus stops, vandalism, that’s before we get to the trains. They’re in the same category as the buses, often whole routes cancelled, trains not showing up, unsavoury behaviour on trains, a lack of any general kind of professional service.   Just yesterday somebody texted me about their experience on a bus where the driver was asked to concentrate on the road instead of looking in a bag taking their eyes off their driving, and the driver took umbrage and stopped the bus and started yelling at the passenger to get off. When the passenger refused to, the driver then sped up, driving recklessly trying to intimidate the passenger. They said why would anyone put their life in the hands of a lunatic like that?   Now I’m sure for every lunatic bus driver there’s a great one too, but the point is we need consistency. We need buses, trains, and ferries to work, be on time, run to schedule, not crash, for there to be consistency among drivers and for passengers to want to use public transport. Otherwise, we’re never getting out of our cars are we. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/8/20232 minutes, 46 seconds
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Sally McKay: Auckland University Nutritionist on the study finding children who drink fizzy drinks try alcohol earlier

A study's found that kids who drink fizzy drinks try alcohol earlier.   The study from Seoul National University found children aged 9 to 10 who drink caffeinated soft drinks daily were twice as likely to try alcohol within a year.   The researchers say the study can't show if the soft drinks are causing differences in behaviour and brain activity.   Auckland University nutritionist Dr Sally McKay told Kate Hawkesby that many RTDs look and taste like fizzy drinks.   She says it can be a natural change, given they're already quite familiar.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/8/20234 minutes, 17 seconds
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Geoffrey Miller: International geopolitical analyst on Israel's plans to occupy Gaza after the war ends

The United States is cautioning Israel against occupying Gaza.   It comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the country will have overall security responsibility for an indefinite period after the war ends.   International geopolitical analyst Geoffrey Miller told Kate Hawkesby that Israel doesn't want a power vacuum in Gaza or Hamas to rebuild, so their only option is occupation.   He says that will be disastrous, and a bit like when the US occupied Iraq after the Iraq war.  However, Miller concedes it'll probably be the only option.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/8/20233 minutes, 40 seconds
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Shannon Barlow: Frog Recruitment Managing Director on the survey that found unpaid overtime increased

Employees are going above and beyond, often without compensation for it.  A Hays Recruitment survey's found overtime increased in more than a third of organisations last year.  It also found overtime was unpaid in 30% of organisations.  Frog Recruitment Managing Director Shannon Barlow told Kate Hawkesby that often people do what's needed to get the job done.  She says there's also been a shift for employees wanting to protect their roles and making a personal decision to work more than they're required to.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/8/20233 minutes, 48 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Will Labour's decisions sway voters next time?

I’m not surprised Chris Hipkins is staying on as leader. I mean let’s face it, one, who else have they got? And two, when you’re a career politician, what else is it you’re going to do at this point? But it’s the best possible option for Labour I reckon. He’s adept at politics and playing the media – and those two things go hand in hand these days. He’s quick on his feet, he’s an attack dog – which is what opposition is all about. But how attack-y is the potential problem for him... as in, is he too much attack dog? I think he will have to tone it down. I think voters have had a gutsful of mudslinging and negativity and scrapping in the gutter. The Willie Jackson style of politics of flinging grenades everywhere and not caring where they land... it’s reckless and we tolerate it less and less nowadays. There seems, as the election result would indicate, to be an appetite to get some adults back in the room. And more important than snapping at the government in these next few months, is going to be getting his own party back on track. Rebuilding it won’t be easy given there are factions there now that seem obviously divided: the hard-core lefties wanting to move further left, and the retail middle of the roaders who want to remain more centrist. Although, throwing a wealth and capital gains tax back on the table so soon would indicate the lefties have gotten to him (that's a sop to them). Key question is whether it entices disgruntled Labour voters back to the fold. It seems a bit quick and flip floppy to have reversed that decision so quickly. But they’ll be having a good hard look at themselves in terms of what the bulk of their support base wants. They've got to think about how much they hand out and to who though, I mean look at the Māori caucus, look at how much they lost there, despite all the compensations made to Māori by the Labour Government. The Maorification of pretty much everything did not see the party get thanked or rewarded by Māori, who abandoned Labour in their droves. So who is the Labour party going forward? I heard one commentator say that in voting to keep everyone who lost on the party list, essentially, the people who lost them the election are still there. Many would also argue the future leader of the Labour party is not among them. So you’ve got a lot of potentially jaded talent hanging around, with the electorate jaded by them too. So how do you refresh with all the old dead wood? I think Grant Robertson will go, David Parker probably too, and that may be no bad thing. In fact a clear out is probably just what the party needs. It also needs a fresh approach to leadership. If it’s still Chippy, who says he wants to see it through to 2026, then he needs to work out who he is and how he's doing it. And it’s got to be a step up from just zinger slinging. It’s got to sound more calm and professional. I’m hoping the shouty yelly election style bickering we saw will be put to one side. So how the Labour party gathers itself together and rebuilds from here will be critical. And I think they’ll really want to make a good go of it, because if I was Labour looking at this three headed monster Luxon’s trying to put together, I’d be thinking odds are on that the Nats, ACT, NZ First trifecta may only be a one term government. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/7/20232 minutes, 58 seconds
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Cathy Wilson: Montessori NZ CEO on the early childhood teacher strike and the government funding model

Teachers from about 100 early childhood centres will strike today.   They're part of the Early Childhood Education Collective Agreement and say negotiations have reached an impasse.   NZEI says the government funding model isn't fit for purpose.   Montessori New Zealand chief executive Cathy Wilson told Kate Hawkesby that the incoming National government has said they'll initiate a funding model review.  She says the funding model is challenging, the funding is inadequate, and it's easy to get into trouble because you've done something wrong.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/7/20233 minutes, 27 seconds
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Peter Dunne: Political commentator and former United Future Leader on the discrepancies found at polling places

The Electoral Commission is looking to see whether discrepancies at three polling places are isolated or more widespread.  It's launched a check of all voting place results after our newsroom picked up errors at two polling places at Port Waikato, and one polling place in Ilam.  More than 500 votes at one polling place were wrongly assigned to the Leighton Baker Party, rather than National.  Political commentator and former United Future Leader Peter Dunne told Kate Hawkesby that it's one of several issues that will need to be addressed when the electoral process is reviewed at select committee.  He says the commission also needs to answer questions about the time it took to count the votes, and whether there were enough polling places on election day.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/7/20234 minutes, 9 seconds
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Nick Leggett: Infrastructure NZ CEO on the removal of parking and restrictions on loading zones on Karangahape Road to make way for a new bus service

Businesses being left frustrated about transport changes in Auckland's city centre is being put down to poor communication.  Auckland Transport has decided to remove all car parking on Karangahape Road and restrict the times on loading zones to allow room for a new bus service.   Businesses say they've been given very little notice.  Infrastructure New Zealand Chief Executive Nick Leggett told Kate Hawkesby that no shop owner should wake up and find their loading bays are all but gone.  He says these things always become a problem because we don't engage properly in discussions right at the start  AT has apologised to businesses for the communication around the change.   It says there will be a grace period until December 11 for vehicles caught using the bus lanes at the wrong time.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/7/20234 minutes, 59 seconds
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Grant Duncan: Political Commentator ahead of Labour's Caucus meeting in Wellington after the release of the final election results

Labour's caucus will this morning begin picking up the pieces of its election loss at a special caucus meeting in Wellington.   As well as the party's direction and the election of whips, MPs will participate in a leadership confidence vote.  Political Commentator Grant Duncan told Kate Hawkesby that while there are some great people on that team, there’s no obvious rising star to take Hipkins’ place as leader.  He said that in order for Labour to succeed, they need to think about how they’re going to restore themselves and voters’ faith in them.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/6/20233 minutes, 35 seconds
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Haydn Marriner: Backpacker Youth Adventure Tourism Association Chairman on Queenstown hostels reaching capacity ahead of summer

Ninety percent of Queenstown hostels and backpackers are at capacity ahead of summer.  It comes as a third of hostels have shut down post pandemic, and many tourism operators are expecting a surge in visitors over the next few months.  Backpacker Youth Adventure Tourism Association Chairman Haydn Marriner told Kate Hawkesby that he's putting it down to a lack of available housing in Queenstown.  He says the massive oversupply of Airbnbs is causing huge problems for the region's rental market.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/6/20233 minutes, 48 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Disruptions make a tough time for NCEA students

So, exams are now underway for NCEA for High Schoolers who‘ve had —to be frank— a pretty crappy couple of years post Covid at school.   Disruptions due to strikes, floods, weather... and that was all after they were just getting their feet back under the desks post lockdowns. So not a great few years for those trying to head to Uni in a couple of years time.   But I know that in my many cases, teachers have worked really hard to get everybody up to speed and make up for lost time. It’s tough though because the stats aren’t great when it comes to where our kids are at educationally. It’s one of the key planks of the new government’s focus —to turn those stats around— and rightly so.   The less we educate our kids and the less time they spend in school – the worse the outcomes are for them. We as a country then suffer too with low productivity, a low skills economy, young people disengaged, and a general dumbing down of society.   Actually, I wonder if that’s already happened.  But there are still far too many young people not attending school or dropping out early. What I’ve found from our experience, with kids who leave school early versus those who see High School through to the end, is that the ones who dropped out early in a rush to get out into the world regret it later down the track. There is something about finishing something you started. Even though these days to be honest many of them have already passed their grades for that year before they even sit the exams.   So you can see how it’s tempting, if you’ve already passed the year in July, then there seems no point in staying on grades-wise. But there’s something collegial and lovely about friendships at school and going through stages with your peers.   I’ll be fascinated to see what happens to Uni stats in the next couple of years, having had a big decline in on campus attendance, whether that pings back up or not. But how ready these kids coming through High School at the moment will actually be for Uni remains to be seen. Given all the disruptions, all the curriculum issues, all the poor test results and high failure rates, how will they actually fare in a tertiary environment? Are our High Schools who’ve been hit with so much chaos due to Covid, weather, strikes and so on churning out students good enough to go forward and do well?   Because if they’re not, then we as a country are inheriting a way bigger problem than just bored kids. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/6/20232 minutes, 7 seconds
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Donna Demaio: Melbourne Cup Correspondent on in the lead up to the 163rd running of the Cup

Cloudy conditions are forecast for today's 163rd running of the Melbourne Cup.  The TAB is expecting New Zealanders to put more than $12 million on the big five o'clock race.  Several horses have New Zealand connections, including Kiwi jockey James McDonald and Sydney-based Kiwi trainer Chris Waller.  Melbourne Cup correspondent Donna Demaio told Kate Hawkesby that there'll be an electric atmosphere.  She says 24 local and international horses will be racing around the track at Flemington, with $9 million in prize money.  Off the track, Christchurch's Lily Simons is set to represent New Zealand at the Fashion on the Fields competition.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/6/20232 minutes, 22 seconds
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Anna Martin: Parenting Expert on parents becoming more relaxed about device usage and screen time

New Zealand parents are becoming more relaxed about device use and safety.   A survey by NIB has found device use and screentime is still a concern for 73% of surveyed parents, but only 46% are limiting screentime.   That's down from 51% in 2021.  Parenting expert Anna Martin told Kate Hawkesby that the pandemic has had an impact.   She says research suggests that parents relaxed their attitude to online use during Covid, as it was helpful in allowing them to have some personal time.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/6/20234 minutes, 45 seconds
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Andrew Alderson: ZB Sports Reporter wraps up this weekend's sporting events

The NZ Kiwis won the Pacific Nations Cup on Saturday with an emphatic victory over Australia in Hamilton. While India continue to cement themselves as favourite for the Cricket World Cup. And the build up for the 2023 Melbourne Cup continues. ZB Sport's Andrew Alderson wrapped up the weekend's sports with Kate Hawkesby on Early Edition. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/5/20232 minutes, 36 seconds
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Nicola Willis: National Deputy Leader says coalition talks are complex

No guarantees from National on when it will have a government in place.  New Zealand First leader Winston Peters isn't answering questions about negotiations and he and Act's David Seymour aren't talking.  National doesn't know whether deals will be done in time for incoming Prime Minister Chris Luxon to attend the Apec Leaders' Summit in San Francisco on Sunday.  Deputy Leader Nicola Willis told Kate Hawkesby the coalition negotiations are a complex process.    LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/5/20233 minutes, 52 seconds
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Jason Walls: ZB Political Editor says don't expect coalition talks to end just yet

Political pundits wouldn't be surprised if coalition talks go on for some time yet.  New Zealand First leader Winston Peters isn't answering questions about negotiations and he and Act's David Seymour aren't talking.  National doesn't know whether deals will be done in time for incoming Prime Minister Chris Luxon to attend the Apec Leaders' Summit in San Francisco on Sunday.  Newstalk ZB Political Editor Jason Walls told Kate Hawkesby Luxon has said, if need be, he will can that trip.  He says it could drag out for a while or be done quickly, but Luxon has been doing some work in the lead up to the specials.    LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/5/20234 minutes, 35 seconds
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Gavin Grey: Drama at Hamburg Airport as man drives on Hamburg Airport tarmac, causing hundreds of delayed flights

Questions raised after an 18-hour long hostage situation at Germany's Hamburg Airport.   A 35-year-old man, with his four-year-old daughter, drove through airport security and onto the tarmac - before parking his car underneath an aeroplane.  The chaos, that suspended almost 290 flights involving more than 34-thousand passengers, was revealed to be over custody arrangements.   Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey told Kate Hawkesby the man eventually gave himself up, with the girl unharmed.   He says questions are being asked around how it was so easy for the man to drive through airport security.    LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/5/20231 minute, 52 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Maybe Winston's experience will be a good thing

So, we now know Winston’s in the mix in a real and tangible way. He’s needed.   We can thank special votes for that.   So, I’m trying to look for positives, and trust me, it’s not easy - but I found one.   He at least has institutional knowledge of how parliament works, what being a politician means, and how the place functions.   That’s a benefit to Luxon because that’s more than he’s got.   Being a newbie, it’s all new to Luxon.   So, you add one old dog and one newbie - and maybe there in the middle lies some kind of middle ground where they can connect.   What wisdom about how the place works can Winston pass on to Luxon? How can Luxon learn from Winston’s years and years in this environment?   No Winston’s not a shining light or a good example of a model politician by any stretch, but he’s at least got runs on the board.   He knows the place. He knows the rules. He’s seen it all before.   He knows the inner workings of government’s better than Luxon would. So that’s the potential plus.   The other positive? We are not having a second general election.   Remember that threat?   During the campaign Chris Bishop didn’t rule out having to go to the polls again, remember?   Well thank God we are not doing that.   I think our appetite for another election is zero, we could barely summon up enough enthusiasm for this one, so if not working with Winston would have meant having to have another election then I guess we should be grateful they’re going to work with Winston.   But look that’s about where the positives end for me.   I don’t see this trifecta of parties being anything short of prickly and problematic.   If it is - they’ll get tetchy, it will get messy, and eventually they will get turfed out as an unsuccessful one term government.   Given that’s not what any of them want, given how much they’ve talked about strong stable government, given how much they all want to turn around New Zealand then I’d like to think they work hard at making it work.   So far so good in terms of tight lipped.   No one’s getting sucked into a demanding media vortex hungry for 24/7 information, they’re holding their tongues.   Luxon for his part has managed to keep his caucus together, leak free, and on message, long may that continue.   Seymour has not gone too rogue yet.   Even Winston appears to be playing ball. Could we be seeing a new dawn? Could this finally be the adults taking charge and determined to act like grown-ups?   Can they stay above the fray and get this country back to some kind of order and productivity?   Time will tell but I think we have high hopes that after such a scarring six years of shambles, unproductivity and angst, that we can get some runs on the board finally.   Our expectations are high.   And re the timeframe, how much longer will we have to wait for it?   Well personally I’d rather wait and have them sort it out properly and in a robust manner that can go the distance, than have them cobble together a rushed job which potentially implodes down the track.   I mean nothing will necessarily be perfect, but I hope enough goodwill and good faith is at play, that it’s the best possible shot.    LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/5/20233 minutes, 17 seconds
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Max Whitehead: Whitehead Group Employment Relations Expert on the research finding kiwis still experience barriers when finding work

New research finds 46% of kiwi jobseekers still experience barriers when finding work.  The 2023 Randstad Employer Brand Research Survey found factors such as sexual orientation, disability, language, gender identity, and ethnicity to be a barrier when applying for and securing a job.  It found that 28% of male candidates believed these factors resulted in them missing out on the role, and 22% of women refused to work for a company whose values don’t align with their own.  Employment Relations Expert, Max Whitehead, told Tim Dower that he’s a bit suspicious of these results.  He said that employers are absolutely desperate for workers, and if someone doesn’t fit the mould but has the skills necessary, they would bend over backwards to hire them.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/2/20234 minutes, 56 seconds
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Tim Dower: These past few weeks were a demonstration

Special votes, as I'm sure you know, are usually good for the left and National has said it expects to lose one or two seats from the election night count.  If it was two, and even if the overhang goes, the maths is undeniable. It's a 120 seat Parliament, but that one-seat majority for the Nats and ACT is gone.  And we all know what that means.  I think Winston's petulant display in Wellington right after the election told us a lot about the way the new coalition is being drawn together.  My read of it, is that Mr Peters had been well and truly put in his place over the weekend.  I suspect the rules of engagement were spelled out very clearly, and he knows he's not going to be wearing the pants in any future relationship.  Not to start with, anyway.  The other thing to bear in mind, and unless you're actually doing the counting there's no way of telling, is whether the specials will favour the left as much as some people think.  There's a school of thought that says people outside the country, and in particular people who were locked out of the country during COVID, might have been less inclined to continue their support for the previous administration.  Maybe there'll be further punishment to come.  Maybe the Nats and ACT will have the numbers and the confidence to press on without New Zealand First.  What a relief that would be.  So, why have a got a good feeling about this?  Luxon. That's why.  He's used to being in charge, and maybe that's why it took him time to find his feet as a political leader, where your authority and decision-making are questioned day after day, and even the people who pretend to be your mates are carrying sharp knives around.  I believe what we've seen —and what haven't seen— in the past couple of weeks are a demonstration of how things are going to be done.  It's going to be business-like and people who want to be on board are going to have to respect who's boss.  Bring it on. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/2/20232 minutes, 5 seconds
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Lesley Yeomans: Australian Correspondent on the arrest and trial of alleged mushroom murderer Erin Patterson

The Australian woman who cooked and served a lunch that killed three will appear in court today.  Erin Patterson faces three murder charges and five attempted murder charges.   Her former in-laws Gail and Don Patterson as well as Gail's sister Heather all died from suspected toxic mushroom poisoning in July, and Gail's husband Ian was hospitalised.   Three other charges relate to incidents in 2021 and 2022, as police allege a 48-year-old man became ill after meals.   Australian correspondent Lesley Yeomans told Tim Dower that Police spent yesterday searching her home.   She says they also sent in technology detector dogs, trained to hunt down things like SIM cards, phones, and USB sticks.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/2/20233 minutes, 41 seconds
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Jason Walls: Political Editor ahead of the final vote count releasing today

The future shape of our next government all comes out today.   While the preliminary votes for the election were all counted up, the results of the around 570 thousand left over special votes will be released at two this afternoon.   It will likely decide whether National and ACT will need New Zealand First to get into power.   Political Editor Jason Walls told Tim Dower that the majority of special votes do tend to favour the left.  He says people like John Key and Chris Bishop both expect to see National lose at least one seat today.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/2/20233 minutes, 54 seconds
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Nikki Hart: Nutritionist on Countdown's plan to move confectionary out of checkout isles

A nutritionist would love to see confectionary moved away from the checkouts.  Countdown's aiming to make healthier choices easier for customers, and combat checkout 'pester power'.  The supermarket chain —soon to be Woolworths— has committed to 80% of foods at checkouts carrying a Health Star Rating of 3.5 or more.  It's also moving "kids confectionary" elsewhere.  Nutritionist Nikki Hart told Kate Hawkesby that it’s got to be better than the current trend.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/1/20234 minutes, 43 seconds
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Mitch McCann: US Correspondent on the opening of the Rafah crossing from Gaza to Egypt

The Rafah crossing from Gaza to Egypt has opened for the first time since Israel's siege began more than three weeks ago.  Palestinian officials say 335 foreign passport holders and 76 injured Gazans have been able to leave so far.  It's thought 88 injured Palestinians and around 500 foreign nationals will be allowed out in the first phase.  US Correspondent, Mitch McCann, told Kate Hawkesby that the exits are due to a deal brokered by Qatar between Israel, Hamas, and Egypt, coordinating with the US.  He said that US passport holders are not expected to be among the first nationals to be released.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/1/20232 minutes, 23 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Special votes are finally out tomorrow

So tomorrow we finally —after such a ridiculously long wait— get the final vote count. Specials will be done, duplicates checked, ballots finalized, we will know where we’re at, and more importantly, what form the new government might take. The fact we’ve had three weeks in limbo is completely ludicrous and at least the incoming PM has acknowledged that and claims he’ll do something about changing it. Which as far as I understand involves changing the law and the way the electoral commission operates, and I hope they do that. The electoral commission did not cover itself in glory: botching some people’s booth experiences by not having enough forms, closing early or opening late, not getting easy vote packs out in good enough time for early voting, and generally operating like it’s 1953. Even Luxon said that three weeks is too long, that they should be working 24/7 to count votes. He also reckons they should do a daily release of votes counted and take over local government elections so they’re up to speed a year before general elections. The main thing is he wants the vote counting sped up, so let’s hope he makes that happen. As for the new government and how that looks... he seems confident they’re on track for a swift and seamless transition with good faith and goodwill from all parties. Actually, someone —who will remain nameless— in this newsroom had a bet that a new coalition government would be announced and formed all set to go Friday arvo. That overly ambitious idea was smacked down by Luxon himself who said that there’ll be no government announced Friday arvo. Good news – they’re closer to an actual government than they were a week ago. Bad news – not so close that it’ll be wrapped up by tomorrow afternoon. Luxon said they still have issues they’re working through and things to be agreed on, but they’ve been working diligently in good faith for a strong stable government, and he says progress is being made. So how long? Luxon says no timeframe exactly – but there are good intentions not to draw it out. Maybe next week? Who knows. Even Winston though, claims it’ll be quick. Can we trust anything Winston says? Having said that, you have to hand it to them all, not a peep out of them. No one’s broken ranks, no one’s leaked, no one’s spilled the beans. Luxon has to be congratulated for consolidating everyone together in a way that seems clean and tight. Winston hasn’t been playing it out in public, Seymour has kept his cool, it all seems, so far, tickety boo. If they can keep it that way, they’ll manage to prove all the naysayers wrong. Every person who said it would implode and that it'd be a cluster and they’d all be at war with each other... so far, so good. None of that. The true test is if Luxon can keep it that way – if he can, he’ll be seen as a genius. I mean who’d want to wrangle Winston and David Seymour on a daily basis? Not me. Best case scenario, they don’t need Winston, and NZ First can just stay out of the fray altogether. Worst case, he’s in and he goes nuts wreaking havoc and making it all about himself and the whole thing implodes. That would be disastrous not just for Luxon, but also for our country. So fingers crossed tomorrow goes their way and it’s a clean two party Nats/ACT deal and they can get on with some governing. If not, get out the popcorn. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/1/20233 minutes, 4 seconds
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Henry Russell: ANZ Economist on the impact of increased mortgage interest rates

It’s being predicted that the household budgets for mortgage holders will be squeezed further in 2024.  Those on extremely low interest rates in 2019 are turning over to new rates now.  A Reserve Bank report says the average household will spend about 18% of their income on interest payments alone by mid-next year.  ANZ economist, Henry Russell, told Kate Hawkesby that it's not unexpected, and the Reserve Bank needs to see demand in the economy slow to get on top of inflation.  He says there's still many households with 2% or 3% interest rates who'll face a tough adjustment when they rollover to six or seven percent.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/1/20233 minutes, 21 seconds
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Jane Searle: Child Matters CEO on the revelations in the Ruthless-Empire case and Oranga Tamariki needing a shake up

More calls for Oranga Tamariki to be shaken up following new details about a toddler that was killed in Lower Hutt.   A homicide investigation has been launched into the death of almost two-year-old Ruthless-Empire Wall. Newstalk ZB understands his uncle contacted Oranga Tamariki wanting the child to be uplifted. It comes after it was recently revealed 57 children have died since the agency was established.  Child Matters Chief Executive Jane Searle told Kate Hawkesby that it reflects the need for change.  She says they've known for a long time Oranga Tamariki's not fit for purpose, with this being just another example.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11/1/20234 minutes, 32 seconds
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Ian Powell: Health Commentator on how the next government should tackle problems in the health sector

A health commentator has given his thoughts on how the next Government should tackle problems in our hospitals.  Te Whatu Ora metrics show the national rate of preventable hospital admissions for 0–4-year-olds has increased by 35% in the last year.  It also shows the number of patients waiting more than four months to see a specialist has increased by 46% over the same period.   Ian Powell told Kate Hawkesby that there's one change the new Government shouldn't make, and that's restructure the whole system again.  He says it sounds as though the new government is not going to do that, which is a plus.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/31/20234 minutes, 59 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Rugby Union has to evolve

Well, three days on from our loss at the Rugby World Cup and we’re still not over it... clearly.  It’s still front-page news, the dissertations and opinions continue, disputes over how it was reffed, anger over the TMO and officiating of the game continue. But let’s face the hard facts: the best team won on the day.   Painful as it is, relitigating red cards versus yellow ones as we might, hating the TMO as we all do... it doesn’t change the facts. The best team won on the day.  We couldn’t get our act together in a sloppy first half, we couldn’t pull it off in the second, we didn’t win.   Sad but true.   Death threats to Wayne Barnes and all the other nonsense which has come out of the loss is futile and detracts from the reality. Which is that beyond the nitpicking over all the minutiae of that one game, a broader conversation needs to be had around what’s happening to rugby.   The Herald’s Luke Kirkness said, “Rugby union is facing a looming crisis. The game is losing its appeal with many turning to alternative sports like basketball due to perceived complexities and a lack of engagement.” And he’s dead right. A slow game, as I said after our loss, is a boring game and a switch off. Israel Dagg said it best – he didn’t mince his words about the final at half time. He said, “I’m honestly just fed up. And I know I’m gonna sound like a sore loser here, but …. we’re seeing a snore-fest out there.” And again, that was down to the slowness in general of the game now.   Kirkness pointed out that while there’s “plenty of suggestion that New Zealand has fallen out of love with rugby, one of the sticking points is... how hard it is to understand and follow the game.”   So is that it? We just need to simplify it again and just let the players play? Is it TMO changes? Changes to the card system? The points system? The rules themselves? The culture? Maybe a combination of all of those things.   Whatever it is, we do need to look at it, and seriously. You can’t lose all those eyeballs and have large numbers of people switching off, and just disregard it. That’s an arrogance that takes you nowhere. The game has to evolve and change with its audience. It is, at the end of the day, entertainment after all.   But here’s what we know is already changing: they’ve appointed a new coach —scandalously while the old one was still in the job— and there’s new coaching staff so arguably new direction already.   All the calls for heads to roll, most of those have now been rolled. Then there’s the team, many departing and going different directions so changes afoot there too. But it doesn’t change the fact that the rules are now so cumbersome, it’s a turn off. That’s the real challenge ahead of the rugby union, that’s the real worry.   I’m sure they’re hoping that a charismatic character like Razor is going to bring some zing and give the game a bit of an image makeover – you know, much beloved coach, in his long awaited and aspired-to hot seat with all this new energy and new focus. The Rugby Union will be hoping he attracts a certain amount of buzz and new eyeballs.   But that sizzle will only last so long... at the end of the day the game itself has to change and grow and evolve with the fans or it’s going to leave them all behind. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/31/20233 minutes
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Chris Roberts: Former Tourism Industry Aotearoa CEO on the outcome of the Whakaari White Island trial

Changes have already been made to adventure tourism safety as the Whakaari White Island trial ends. The island's owner, Whakaari Management Limited, has been found guilty on one health and safety charge brought by WorkSafe.   It failed to ensure adequate risk assessments ahead of the 2019 tragedy that killed 22 people. Former Tourism Industry Aotearoa CEO Chris Roberts told Kate Hawkesby that there was concern that WorkSafe was the prosecutor.  He says it was clear there were failings in WorkSafe's oversight, but they weren't prosecuted, they were the prosecutor.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/31/20233 minutes, 27 seconds
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Brad Olsen: Infometrics Chief Economist predicts a rise in unemployment figures ahead of the Stats NZ release

It's widely anticipated that New Zealand's unemployment figures will rise today.  Stats NZ numbers for the three months to September will be released later this morning.  Infometrics Principal Economist, Brad Olsen, told Kate Hawkesby that he predicts it will lift from 3.6 to 3.9%.  He says realistically, the market is still tight, with anything below 4% unusual for New Zealand.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/31/20233 minutes, 34 seconds
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Edward Yiu: Auckland University Associate Property Professor on the link found between Airbnbs and higher crime-rates

Airbnb could be damaging the value of some neighbourhood homes.  Researchers using Auckland census data have identified links between more Airbnbs in communities and higher crime-rates.  It highlights how Airbnb's replace long-term owner occupiers with short term occupants, which can erode the anti-crime capability of the community.  That leads to lower house prices.  Auckland University Associate Property Professor, Edward Yiu, told Kate Hawkesby that this is especially apparent with apartment-type housing.  He said in the past a gate with a code could be installed, but because strangers can enter for their Airbnb, it’s raised security concerns.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/30/20234 minutes, 23 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Where has the year gone?

It’s Halloween tonight, so stand by for trick or treaters coming to a doorbell near you.  Although weather in many parts of the country may keep little trick or treaters at bay, it probably won’t deter teenagers. We’ve had a mixed run of approaches to Halloween over the years. When the kids were really little, they would find some of the costumes frightening and we wondered the merits of tiny children roaming the streets at what should be bath and bedtime, to ask for lollies from strangers. It didn’t feel right so we said no.  Mean parents.   Later on, as they got a bit older and more savvy that this could involve a whole bunch of stuff usually off limits - lollies, late nights, roaming the streets in costume with mates... they persuaded us the other way. But we contained it. Co-ordinated with neighbours, organised a small early trick or treat session, with neighbours knowing in advance and happy to participate, and with rules around how much sugar could really be consumed. Spoiler alert - not much.   Mean parents strike again.   But 5 kids is a lot to wrangle and get costumes on and roam around with, and there was no way when they were little that we’d let them do that on their own. So there was a small window where we would decorate the letterbox and fence, do the costumes, have their mates over, but it never felt authentically a tradition we could get behind. It just felt super American, cheesey, and over the top, not to mention unhealthy. Lollies from strangers? All that sugar? Yuk - seemed wrong on so many levels.   Once they got older - I mean like teenager stage, they wanted to go out on their own, their costumes got increasingly questionable, their motive seemed less sweet treats and more just hanging with mates. I have just never thought teenagers patrolling the streets with Scream masks on threatening to throw eggs at people’s houses is a particularly good look. Still don’t.   But I’m surprised at how much it’s caught on here, how big it seems these days in this country. People go all out – the parties are plentiful, the dress ups extravagant, the night seems to last a lot longer than one night. Many houses are already decorated, I see skeletons dangling from trees in people’s front yards, cobwebs adorning letterboxes and gates, the treats have been in supermarket aisles for a while now.   No, we’re not quite at America levels of Halloween obsession, but in some places it feels intense. I don’t mind the groups of toddlers out walking with Mum or Dad in an organised fashion, early, and causing no harm. But I do feel for those who live alone or are sick or don’t want to be bothered and have to contend with noisy teenagers late at night banging on their doors for something they surely should have grown out of by now.   In fact, in the US there's debate at the moment as to whether trick or treating should have an age limit. In some cities there, it's limited to 12 years old or younger only due to too many teenagers wreaking havoc. But no sooner do we have Halloween, than Guy Fawkes is here. A mere 5 days later we’ve got crackers and cherry bombs to deal with. That’s a tough night for the animals more than the humans I reckon.   But if we can get past monster costumes, lollies, and fireworks season, then next stop's Christmas. Next we’ll be welcoming Santa... can you believe it?   Where’s the year gone? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/30/20233 minutes, 19 seconds
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John Duffy: Consumer NZ CEO on Supie entering voluntary administration and the barriers to enter the grocery market

Supie customers may be left out of pocket.   The online grocer's entered voluntary administration with PwC, owing some $3 million after launching two years ago.   It promised to bring competition to the market, and subscriptions to the service cost an annual fee of $99.   Consumer New Zealand CEO Jon Duffy told Kate Hawkesby that they don’t know all the reasons that lead to Supie going into voluntary administration, so they can’t say the duopoly is the one to blame.  He said that they do know that the market is really difficult to enter, and they’re looking to lower those barriers of entry.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/30/20233 minutes, 40 seconds
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Jeremy Andrews: Key Mortgages mortgage broker on ANZ increasing its test rate

A major bank has increased its test rate, which is the rate at which it checks that borrowers can afford a loan.   ANZ has upped it to 9.1%.   That's despite home loan rates sitting around 7% for a two-year fix.    Key Mortgages mortgage broker Jeremy Andrews told Kate Hawkesby that it's the first bank to make such a move in decades.   He says interest rates have been going up since Covid came along, so test rates have too.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/30/20232 minutes, 40 seconds
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Andrew Alderson: Woeful England collapse again as India maintain perfect record

India stayed perfect and England remained awful as Mohammed Shami bowled a stunning opening spell to give the hosts a 100-run win at the Cricket World Cup. Shami and Jasprit Bumrah shared an initial five wickets in a fiery exhibition of pace and seam movement in a six-over spell in the first powerplay and blew away the English top-order. That came after India had been put into bat and scored only 229-9 in 50 overs on a tough pitch with Rohit Sharma contributing 87 runs off 101 balls. The total proved more than enough for India to defend. Shami finished with 4-22 in seven overs, while Bumrah returned 3-32 in 6.5 overs, as England suffered yet another batting collapse, crashing to a fifth defeat in six games. Defending champion England were left languishing in 10th spot after a miserable outing in Lucknow against Indian pace and spin – all out for 129 runs in just 34.5 overs. India continues to fly high as the only unbeaten team in the tournament. The hosts top the standings with 12 points from six games, two points ahead of second-place South Africa, with New Zealand and Australia a further two points back. England, the 2019 champions, stayed last with two points and only one win in six games. Australia in 1992 is the only other defending champion to lose four or more matches at a World Cup. Chasing 230, England faltered after their openers put on 30 runs. Bumrah bowled Dawid Malan in the fifth over for 16. The very next ball, Joe Root was out lbw for a golden duck – plumb in front, shuffling across the stumps. He appealed unsuccessfully. While Bumrah’s hat trick was denied, Shami then was on one himself at the other end. His opening overs were near unplayable as Ben Stokes struggled to put bat to ball. Stokes went for a slog and was bowled in the eighth over for a 10-ball duck. The very first ball of his next over, Bairstow played on off Shami as England was down to 39-4 in 9.1 overs. The pacers’ opening salvo saw England lose four wickets for nine runs across 26 balls. After a drinks break, it was spin’s turn. Despite heavy dew, Kuldeep Yadav sent down a beauty to bowl Jos Buttler for 10. Buttler had no clue as the ball turned in sharply off length, leaving England at 52-5. Moeen Ali and Liam Livingstone added 29 runs for the sixth wicket – the second highest partnership of England’s innings. But the pressure never eased. Shami returned to have Ali caught behind for 15 runs and Ravindra Jadeja had Chris Woakes stumped for 10 in the 29th over. Yadav then trapped Livingstone lbw – out for 27 – as England crashed to 98-8. England did manage to reach 100 but it was small consolation as Shami-Bumrah returned to finish off proceedings. Earlier, India got off to a poor start as England choked the top-order. Woakes bowled Shubman Gill for nine in the fourth over and three overs later, India was 27-2 as Virat Kohli chipped to mid-on and was out caught for a nine-ball duck off David Willey. Woakes sent back Shreyas Iyer for four runs, out caught pulling a short ball, his Achilles’ heel as the score read 40-3 in 11.5 overs. Sharma and Lokesh Rahul resisted with a sedate 91-run partnership for the fourth wicket in their 111-ball partnership. The usually hard-hitting Sharma played an innings of great control. He did survive an lbw shout early on, but the ball was gliding past leg stump on DRS review. Sharma scored his second half-century in the tournament – his fifth 40-plus score in six innings – off 66 balls as he anchored the Indian innings. At the other end, Rahul scored 39 off 58, with three fours, but fell against the run of play. Willey returned to dismiss him in the 31st, as Rahul mistimed a pull shot. Wrist spinner Adil Rashid bowled with great control for England, taking 2-35 in 10 overs. His first wicket was vital to hold back India’s score – Sharma holed out to deep midwicket, 13 runs shy of his hundred. At 164-5, India was in trouble and England looked in control. Suryakumar Yadav helped push the score past 200. Yadav scored 49 off 47 balls, with four fours and a six. He put on 18 runs with Jadeja (18), and then another 25 with Bumrah. Yadav was caught off Willey, leaving India at 208-8. Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav added 21 runs for the ninth wicket. England has only beaten Bangladesh and has also lost to New Zealand, Afghanistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka. Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya was still unavailable for India and is nursing a left ankle injury. In his absence, the hosts went with a similar combination as it did against New Zealand a week ago in Dharamsala – six batters and five bowlers. Both India and England fielded an unchanged side at the BRABVE Stadium.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/29/20233 minutes, 44 seconds
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Gavin Grey: Adam Johnson, American-born ice hockey player, dies after getting cut in the neck by a skate blade in England

American hockey player Adam Johnson, who appeared in 13 NHL games with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2019 and 2020, has died after his neck was cut by a skate blade during a game in England on Saturday, his team said. He was 29. Johnson was playing for the Nottingham Panthers in a Challenge Cup game against the Sheffield Steelers when he suffered the skate cut during the second period of the Elite Ice Hockey League game at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena. Johnson’s injury was so horrific it forced the game to be abandoned and left traumatised fans in tears. “The Nottingham Panthers are truly devastated to announce that Adam Johnson has tragically passed away following a freak accident at the game in Sheffield last night,” the team said on Sunday. “The Panthers would like to send our thoughts and condolences to Adam’s family, his partner and all his friends at this extremely difficult time. Everyone at the club including players, staff, management and ownership are heartbroken at the news of Adam’s passing.” His mother Kari shared two photos with her son on social media, writing: “I lost half of my heart today.” Shocking video from the game, which the Herald has chosen not to share, shows a Sheffield Steelers’ player knock into one of Johnson’s teammates before becoming completely airborne and connecting with the Panther’s player. According to the Daily Mail, Yorkshire Ambulance Service were called at around 8.21pm and sent two ambulances and a critical care paramedic. Johnson was taken to Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital. South Yorkshire Police were contacted four minutes later, and confirmed that Johnson was pronounced dead at hospital. Police officers remained at the scene overnight and an investigation into the incident is ongoing. A Minnesota native, Johnson spent 13 games over parts of the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons playing for Pittsburgh in the NHL before spending the 2020-21 season in Sweden with the Malmo Redhawks. He had a goal and three assists for the Penguins. “The Pittsburgh Penguins join the entire hockey world in mourning the life of Adam Johnson, whose life tragically ended far too soon,” the Penguins said Sunday in a statement. “We offer our deepest condolences to Adam’s family and friends, as well as all of Adam’s past and present teammates and coaches. Adam will always be part of the Penguins family.” Johnson played college hockey at Minnesota-Duluth, helping the Bulldogs reach two NCAA Tournaments. He scored an overtime game-winner in the 2017 tournament, sending Minnesota-Duluth to the Frozen Four by beating Boston University. He also played for three American Hockey League clubs during his career and in Germany with the Augsburger Panther in 2022-23 before agreeing to join Nottingham for this season. “Our thoughts are also with the fans and staff of both clubs, especially those who attended or were following the game, who will be devastated following today’s news,” the team added. “The Panthers would like to thank everyone who rushed to support Adam last night in the most testing of circumstances. Adam, our number 47, was not only an outstanding ice hockey player, but also a great teammate and an incredible person with his whole life ahead of him. The club will dearly miss him and will never ever forget him.” The league announced that all three games scheduled for Sunday in Belfast, Fife and Guildford were postponed following Johnson’s death. Nottingham’s game scheduled for Tuesday also was postponed. Ian Laperriere, who coached Johnson with the AHL’s Lehigh Valley Phantoms, said it was tough news. “Great kid [and] teammate,” Laperriere said in a text message. “Only great things to say about him.” The NHL has had skate cut scares throughout its history, most notably Buffalo goaltender Clint Malarchuk, who took a blade to the neck during a game against St Louis on March 22, 1989. Malarchuk received rapid medical attention and played again 10 days later.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/29/20233 minutes, 4 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: This will be a game that gets digested for a long time yet

There’s not a lot to say about that game that hasn’t already been said — however it will be a game that gets digested for a long time yet. Mainly over the place of TMO in rugby and how slowed down the game is these days. It’s almost like they’re not allowed to play it anymore. It must make players incredibly nervous when every move is questioned, yellow carded, TMO’d and often red carded. It’s too much. Yes there’s safety and rules to go by, but there’s also a game to be played. When you slow it down that much and spend too many valuable minutes analysing the play, staring at replays, talking to players on the field and generally making it too technical, then you also lose people’s interest. And they wonder why people are switching off the game. I’m sad for Fozzy, I really wanted him to get a triumphant send off and a fairytale ending. A big redemption and a successful World Cup win to prove the naysayers wrong. Having said that, yes of course they did well to get to the final — I know it seems weird saying that about an All Blacks team but this team has taken a pasting — amazing how many times they had to pick themselves back up and just keep going. I know they’ll be so gutted. To have a captain red carded and off so early into a World Cup final game was just heart breaking. The reffing seemed unfair — it seemed laser focussed on any misdemeanours of the AB’s. And I’m sure the Wayne Barnes fury will run for sometime yet as questions get asked about what on earth was going on. How long til we've got AI reffing games? But for the Kiwis who were there, in the stadium at the game live, I hear it was an electric atmosphere, that the place was awash with ABs supporters. That they loved the game and felt very proud to be there and to be Kiwis. It was a different experience to what we got watching from home. (or certainly at my place anyway with all the shouting and swearing at the TV.) But what a way to end the World Cup. For many of those players, big names like Aaron Smith, Sam Whitelock, Sam Cane, Beauden Barrett — that’s their last game. That’s their send off. They’ll be so gutted. It would have been so good to go out with a win. But you have to hand it to the Springboks - they played with real conviction and proved too tough to beat. I only hope Ian Foster — and the players for that matter — can walk away from this experience in a few days time when they’ve digested the pain of the loss with their heads held high. I don’t think a sports team playing at the highest level ever deserves to be vilified the way we spank our sportsmen and women when they lose. They get out there, they give it their all, they play for their country and they have every intention of bringing home a win. It’s easy to sit on the sidelines as we do, from the comfort of our couches and say oh you suck. But they don’t suck because they get out there and they do it. They got to the final, they were playing to win. It wasn’t meant to be. One point made all the difference in the world. But we’re still proud of them and the sun still came up today and they still deserve kudos for representing their country at the highest level. Which is more than the bulk of us armchair critics could do.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/29/20232 minutes, 52 seconds
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Robert Patman: Otago University international relations professor says international mood has changed in Israel-Hamas war

Israel says its next stage of war with Hamas has begun as it expands ground operations in Gaza. Telephone and internet communications in Gaza have been partially restored after a more than day-long blackout, which badly impacted rescue operations. The UN has warned civil order in Gaza is deteriorating. Otago University international relations professor Robert Patman told Kate Hawkesby two-thirds of the UN supported calls for a humanitarian "pause" in Gaza. “I don’t think Netanyahu’s government can make the claim now that the world is fully supporting Israel’s response.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/29/20235 minutes, 13 seconds
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Elliott Smith: Newstalk ZB rugby commentator recaps the gutting All Blacks loss in the Rugby World Cup final

History does unfortunately repeat itself with an absolutely gutting loss for the All Blacks. The All Blacks have had to settle for second in the Rugby World Cup after losing to the Springboks 12-11 in Paris. They had to play the majority of the game with 14, after captain Sam Cane became the first player sent off in a Rugby World Cup final. Newstalk ZB rugby commentator Elliott Smith joined Kate Hawkesby. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/29/20234 minutes
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Hennie Le Roux: Former Springbok on the upcoming Rugby World Cup Final between the All Blacks and South Africa

It’s finally time for a rematch.  Back in 1995 the All Blacks faced South Africa in the Rugby World Cup Final and will be doing the same this Sunday morning.  Hennie Le Roux was a member of the Springboks when they took the cup in ‘95 and told Kate Hawkesby that they’re preparing themselves for an enormous battle this time.  He said that New Zealand has shown that they’re a power to reckon with and are probably consistently the best team in the world over a long period of time.  Le Roux said that if the Springboks are going to lose, they’d rather lose to New Zealand than anyone else.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/26/20234 minutes, 21 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: For Fozzy's sake, I hope they win

There are lots of reasons, obviously, why we all want the ABs to win this weekend, but my main one to be honest is Ian Foster.   That guy got dragged through the ringer, treated like utter crap from everyone, from fans to the Rugby Union itself, and he just carried on. Plugging away, keeping his head down, taking it all on the chin, and just trying to do his job. I mean he got slandered. Thumped verbally every which way but sideways. How he carried on is beyond me. Many wouldn’t have.   But he’s got clearly a couple of powerful things going for him, one, obviously a deep inner strength and calm, and two, the players love him. They love him and are loyal to him and want to win for him. They have a sense of duty I think to see him off in style and make him proud, to prove the naysayers wrong, to let him have his moment, to shut up all the vociferous critics.   So, for that reason alone, I hope they do it. I hope he gets to leave this World Cup a champion coach who won a World Cup under less than supportive conditions. An underdog who got to prove everyone wrong. A leader who had the backing of his team throughout, even when everyone else abandoned him.   And what a great final to do it in. A brilliant opponent, a neutral ground, a team we know we can beat, but a team that holds its own. It’s got it all going on, all the makings of a fantastic on field contest.   What I am pleased about is how much Fozzy’s mood has improved, how much he’s been clearly buoyed by the wins and the way the team’s playing. But not only that, the turnaround of the fans.   He said this week they’ve been so encouraged by all the positive feedback and messages they’re getting, he said how grateful they are to receive all the support – especially at this end of the tournament. And you can imagine, after four years of being slated as a loser, how good it must feel now to a) be proving people wrong, and b) have people back on board.   But he says the behind scenes support now is “phenomenal”. And to be fair, Kiwis do love a World Cup, and do tend to get amped about it as the final stages close in. I mean if you think back to the start of this, at the start of the pool matches, people were a bit blasé, there wasn’t the enthusiasm for it, there was mistrust the ABs could perform, there was disillusion with the way it was being run, there was internal scrapping and bitching. But now look at us. What a distant memory that will all be if they’re winners this weekend.   I hope those who wrote Foster off can find it in their hearts to apologise, I hope even the most boisterous of critics will make some sort of verbal recompense in terms of how they treated him. Although I wouldn’t bet on that. Fozzy says they’re playing for the country, which they are, but it’s a country that abandoned him and treated him pretty badly, so for that reason I hope they win Sunday and win big. If they don’t… I shudder to think how awful it will be for them.   But we have to remember how far they’ve come, how proud they’ve made us up until now, and that at the end of the day, Ian Foster is a human being who was just doing his job, the very best way he knew how. But if this final match is a loss, unfortunately all of it will mean nothing.   Everything rides on Sunday, and getting it done. So I hope for Fozzy's sake, they can. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/26/20233 minutes, 10 seconds
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Kelvin Davidson: CoreLogic Chief Property Economist on the reasons mortgagee sales remain low

Reports that demand for financial help is growing among employed people and property owners.  CoreLogic data shows that despite interest rates doubling over the past two years, mortgagee sales remain below pre-pandemic levels.   But it says this is a "fingers crossed scenario" and is dependent on people's ability to keep their jobs and maintain home payments.   CoreLogic Chief Property Economist, Kelvin Davidson, told Kate Hawkesby that while it is dependent on other factors, the key one is that basically nobody wants a mortgage.  He said it doesn’t help that banks don’t help the borrower, and do things such as switch interest rates, and extend the term of the loan.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/26/20233 minutes, 5 seconds
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Marla Hoffman: Portland Press Herald Lead Reporter on the latest mass shooting in Maine

The suspect in the latest mass shooting in the United States is still on the run.  At least 18 people in the city of Lewiston in the state of Maine are dead, and a further 13 are injured. Police are hunting 40-year-old Robert Card, who is believed to be armed and dangerous.   There's a "shelter in place" order for residents and two neighbouring towns.   Portland Press Herald lead reporter Marla Hoffman told Hawkesby that these places are small town America, and it's unfathomable to think it's happening there.   She says it's broad daylight now and people are very scared and in shock.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/26/20234 minutes, 37 seconds
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Kirk Hope: Business NZ CEO on the Retail Sales Index showing a drop in confidence

There are hopes Christmas will bring businesses a cash bounce.  The latest Retail NZ sales index —for the third quarter— shows many retailers sat in a holding pattern before the election.   59% reported increasing prices and just 57% felt confident their businesses would survive the next year.  Business NZ CEO, Kirk Hope, told Kate Hawkesby that there’s a lot more certainty after the election.  He said that there is a very clear pathway for businesses and a lot more clarity around what policy is going to be.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/25/20232 minutes, 50 seconds
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Simon Arcus: Wellington Chamber of Commerce CEO on the impact of the new Town Hall budget

Further concern about the state of Wellington City Council's books as it agrees to a new budget for the Town Hall.  The council agreed to approve up to $147-million towards the redevelopment, an expense which could bring the total up to $329-million.  The heritage-listed building has been closed to the public for the past decade for quake-strengthening.  Wellington Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Simon Arcus worries this could impact rates or other projects.  He says they've raised concerns about debt for a long time.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/25/20233 minutes, 58 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Taxpayers deserve better than this wasteful spending

You’ve got to think there’s something very rotten in the state of the public service in this country that they’re carrying on —in some quarters where they know full well they’re getting cancelled— that they’re carrying on hiring people, working on projects, spending money, commissioning work.   Why? They’re not going anywhere. Three Waters, light rail, Let’s get Wellington Moving... why are people on these projects persevering when they must know it’s over? They’re gone, surely the spending stops. It’s reckless and wasteful, and smacks of a deluded sense of entitlement that they can carry on in the false belief —or maybe just arrogance— that wasting taxpayers' money on contracts and outlay trumps the reality, which is they’re toast.   Give it up. Stop already. Hundreds of thousands of dollars are being spent on things that will be completely irrelevant and non-existent. There is a guy, as we know from yesterday, at Three Waters hiring people. What a waste of time and money.   This is another problem with delayed special vote counting and a delayed formation of a government of course. It all takes too long. I was heartened to hear even PM in waiting Chris Luxon saying the process needs to be sped up. The electoral commission —under the previous government— actually extended the special vote count period if you can believe it. To account for those enrolling on the day, they added another week.   Madness. So now we wait this crazy three weeks whereby belligerent public service operators carry on with their head in the sand spending money on stuff going nowhere. If the new government had been able to get their feet under the desk sooner, all this would have been stopped by now and the country would not still be haemorrhaging cash on go nowhere projects. People like the Three Waters man would be stopped in their tracks.   Luxon said people should have been able to read between the lines by now and those projects stopped. Full stop. Those resources and that money needs to go to other things, he said. He’s incredibly frustrated with the time delay and people like that guy abusing it by hiring and carrying on, wasting our money, says everything you need to know about how the previous government operated and why they lost our trust.   Luxon said they can’t stop these projects themselves until they’re officially a government, but he did say he’d have hoped people would read the room and stop. Mark Mitchell said it’s a complete disrespect of taxpayers' money and I agree with that.   So how much responsibility should the caretaker government have in all this? Should they be putting this stuff on ice? Why are they allowing a spend up free for all on stuff the incoming government will axe? Megan Woods agreed it seems wasteful but said they’re in caretaker mode. Is that a good enough excuse? She said it’s up to the incoming government to disestablish any programmes, she said it’s not a perfect world but it’s the way it is.   It just feels to me that while all the excuses and hot air is getting bandied about, yet more money’s being spent, or should I say wasted. And I think we as taxpayers deserve better.   Hopefully a change in direction and a shift in priorities with this new government will refresh outdated attitudes within the public service, and this nose-in-the-trough-to-the-bitter-end mentality, will stop. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/25/20233 minutes, 14 seconds
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Henri Eliot: Honorary Consul for Israel says New Zealand needs to recognize Hamas as a terrorist organisation

New Zealand's Government has made further public comment on the conflict in Israel and Gaza.   Outgoing Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, in consultation with incoming Prime Minister Chris Luxon, has joined international calls for humanitarian corridors in Gaza and designated safe areas.   Honorary Consul for Israel, Henri Eliot, told Kate Hawkesby that what's missing is the New Zealand government recognising Hamas as a terrorist organisation.   He says the hostages still being held in Gaza aren't being talked about enough.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/25/20234 minutes, 15 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Are we having to wait too long to form a government?

Peter Dunne is someone I really respect because he’s emerged from a life inside politics to remain an engaged and informed observer on the outside.  He makes a lot of sense, which is why I love having him on this show. He recently gave an interview where he talked about the fact we shouldn’t have to wait this long for election results. I agree.   I’m sure most of us do. I mean we voted for a system like MMP which is not that clear cut so that parts on us, but surely the mechanism for counting special votes can be sped up. As it stands, special votes have to be sent back to their electorates. That’s your first hold up. Secondly they’re counted manually. They’re also taking all this time to scrutinize the roll, check for any duplication of votes, recount votes... and bear in mind there are around 567 thousand special votes apparently this year.   But Peter Dunne says we need to speed it up.   He said, “the votes need to be transmitted back to the electorates, they should be counted much more quickly and then those results declared within days.” So days, not weeks, and I agree.   Could they do it? An overhaul of how the electoral commission operates would be needed, and I actually think that’s not a bad thing. I mean on the face of it, the electoral commission seems an antiquated cumbersome old system. Too much paperwork, easy vote cards and voting packs having to be sent out to every letterbox, which were in many cases too slow to get out anyway, and as it turns out you don’t even really need them. A wacky rule around when a candidate dies in terms of adding a seat to create a potential overhang and having to go through a costly by election. Crazy.   But all of this dilly dallying and waiting three weeks means we wait almost a month after voting to get a government formed. All that time of limbo and nothing happening. All that time of a new government ready to get going and sink their teeth in and make some changes but can’t until it knows what shape it’s taking, and crucially, who’s in it.   It actually puts us all back if you think about it. If you factor in that three quarters of the country wanted a change of direction, then that’s three quarters of us stuck going nowhere. Which means the country is going nowhere.   I guess the alternatives would have to be soundly tested though – I mean automatic vote counting machines like in the US could be considered dodgy by some, so however the system changed it would have to get buy in. But surely not sending votes back to their electorates would be one easy fix to speed things up. That seems OTT.   Because it’s not just getting on with it to appease our curiosity as to what formation the next government will take – ie, with or without Winston, but also what decisions need to be made, what changes are coming. Whether the new government has time to enact much before Christmas. Can they get a new mini budget up? Can they get going on their first 100 days list? Can they push through the reforms they want to push through?   Starting a new government about 8 weeks out from Christmas doesn’t leave much time to kick into gear, and as far as I can gather, we’re all pretty keen for change to kick into gear, sooner rather than later. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/24/20232 minutes, 45 seconds
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John Swan: Wellington Lawyer on the analysis of Wellington City Council's finances

Concerns that Wellington City Council's financial books aren't in a good state.  Castalia was commissioned by a group of locals for an independent analysis of public records, which suggests a one-billion-dollar budget blowout.  Group member and Wellington Lawyer, John Swan, told Kate Hawkesby that the council's 'reckless.'  He says they've bitten off more than they can financially chew, but concedes that some of it is down to inflation.  Council Chief Financial Officer Andrea Reeves says the analysis makes assumptions based on outdated information.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/24/20233 minutes, 30 seconds
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Fisher Wang: Rotorua Lakes Councillor on transparency in local democracy

A Rotorua Councillor says they'll be more transparent with the public, but some meetings need to be confidential.  A Chief Ombudsman review of eight councils has found some have effectively closed workshops to the public for invalid reasons.  It followed complaints they were undermining local democracy by making decisions away from the public eye.  Rotorua Lakes Councillor Fisher Wang told Kate Hawkesby that the community should also expect the council to be fully informed.  He says that means sometimes they have to meet and discuss things behind closed doors when the topic is of a confidential nature.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/24/20234 minutes, 23 seconds
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Jonathan Coleman: Former National Health Minister on the negotiations of coalitions

Christopher Luxon's staying tight lipped about coalition discussions.   Meanwhile, ACT's David Seymour says he's happy to make the coalition agreement public once it's been struck.   Arrangements in 2017 weren't made public by Jacinda Ardern, with the Chief Ombudsman ruling details couldn't be requested under the Official Information Act as it came within her capacity as Labour leader.   Former National Health Minister Jonathan Coleman told Kate Hawkesby that historically, it's always happened behind closed doors.  He says negotiations are always kept private, and even in retrospect no one really knows what went on and why things were negotiated.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/24/20233 minutes, 42 seconds
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Donna Demaio: Australian Correspondent the emergency warnings issued due to fires in Queensland

Emergency warnings have been issued for people in the way of fast-moving fires in southern Queensland.  From today, residents in several towns about 250 kilometres from Brisbane have been urged to leave their homes immediately.  Evacuation centres have been set up.  Australia correspondent Donna Demaio says one of the fires, which has burned about 200 hectares of land already, is deemed suspicious.  She says temperatures will also be hovering around the mid 30's which will make things extra tough.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/23/20232 minutes, 18 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: The buzz of summer has begun

How good is a long weekend?    And is Labour weekend not one of the best? It’s the downhill slide to Christmas, which by the way is just nine Fridays away now.   It’s heading into summer, it’s just a vibe. I notice people had an extra spring in their step – the sun was shining, the AB’s won a place in the final, we had two good games of rugby to watch in fact, there just seemed a real buzz over the weekend. I’m sure great weather helps, especially after the winter we’ve had.   But I always think Labour weekend signals just how crazy busy the summer season may get if you live anywhere near a tourist hotspot. Where we live rurally is near a thriving wee summer hotspot which attracts huge crowds of people – particularly at weekends, but even more so at public holiday weekends. And it’s a catch 22 for locals.   On the one hand you’re thrilled for your local pub and shops and village to get such great business, but on the other hand you can’t even get through the traffic to get a Pub lunch. So, happy for the Pub, sad for us.   I bet locals in places like Waiheke, or the Wairarapa, or Raglan, or Kaikoura, or Northland, etc, feel the same way. But it does make me wonder how much small communities are prepared for the summer surges, how much infrastructure is in place to cope with the sudden influx?   It would be nice to have some way of expanding facilities or road access at times like this, but the fact it’s so seasonal makes that a bit tricky, doesn’t it? You can’t build a bigger Four Square and have extra through roads, if in reality they’re going to sit empty for the rest of the year.   But how good to see business back buzzing and tourists in town. Beaches filling up, surfboards on roofs, boats being towed, cafes overflowing. Even if it means you can’t get lunch at your local Pub because it’s so chocka. We are lucky to have such beautiful surrounds in this country – and especially at a time like this with so much volatility going on around the world, it makes you feel grateful to live in a haven like New Zealand.   Yes, there’s a lot wrong in this country right now but we still have free access to beautiful beaches, parks, and hikes. We can get in a car and drive to spectacular scenic vistas that people from other countries would pay big bucks to be able to do.   When the world feels tumultuous, somehow our distance from it all, makes us feel safer. Or at least lucky to be so far away. Doesn’t make chaos in other parts of the world any less hard to watch, but it does make us grateful for what we have I reckon. And in rural areas in particular it does feel a million miles away from chaos.   But the gateway to the summer season always starts to unlock the crowds, which definitely happened this weekend. It’s not just rurally though, cities are about to be flooded with people too. The cruise ship business says it's preparing for a huge influx of cruisers arriving soon. Which makes you wonder how ready our CBDs are for that too actually.   So this weekend was maybe the calm before the real surge starts to pump. How good though, especially if the sun was shining where you were. I reckon sun, an AB’s win, and a change of direction for the country, is a great combo that’s got us all on a bit of a buzz after a long wet tedious winter. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/23/20233 minutes, 16 seconds
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Anna Leask: NZ Herald Reporter on the inquest into the March 15th Christchurch terror attacks

Four years on from the March 15th Christchurch terror attacks, the coronial inquest is beginning today. Coroner Brigette Windley will hear up to eight weeks of evidence.   She will determine the cause and circumstances of the 51 deaths and make recommendations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.   Herald reporter Anna Leask told Kate Hawkesby that the coroner will look at whether people could've lived if emergency services or hospital staff had done things differently.   She says there are a few other questions the families don't feel have been answered, including whether the gunman had help.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/23/20233 minutes, 56 seconds
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Geoffrey Miller: International Geopolitical Analyst on New Zealand's response to the Israel-Hamas conflict

The outgoing and incoming governments are blaming the caretaker convention for keeping tight-lipped about the situation in the Middle East.   The convention applies when an outgoing administration is preparing to make way for an incoming one.   International Geopolitical Analyst Geoffrey Miller told Kate Hawkesby that New Zealand's done the minimum: condemning the Hamas attack, calling for restraint from Israel's response, and funding humanitarian aid.   He says beyond that, ministers have been reserved by design because of the caretaker convention.   Miller says we're waiting for formation of a new government for a fuller response.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/23/20234 minutes, 50 seconds
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Robert MacCulloch: Auckland University Macroeconomics Professor on the supposed soft-landing for the economy

A macroeconomics professor is hitting back at a forecast our economy is on track for a soft-landing.  Infometrics has revised its expectations for next year up to 0.9% growth, saying strong migration figures are having an effect.  Auckland University Professor Robert MacCulloch told Tim Dower that the report is silly.  He questions how they could come out with a line like that when next year the International Monetary Fund ranks our GDP growth at 180 out of 189 countries in the world.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/19/20233 minutes, 15 seconds
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John Tookey: AUT Construction Expert on the plans to build on land which flooded during Auckland's January floods

There are suggestions that we need to redefine what constitutes a one-in-75 years flood.  A new housing development on land which flooded during Auckland's record-breaking January downpours is drawing criticism.  AUT construction expert John Tookey told Tim Dower that there's legislative requirements that you have to be able to deal with degrees of flooding.  He says if you're in a zone such as this, you need to have design features within the property which reduce the worst effects of a one-in-75 years flood.  The site's developer declined to comment.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/19/20234 minutes, 57 seconds
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Tim Dower: Alcohol advertisements aren't the end of the world

Fresh concerns today about alcohol advertising near schools.  Today's Medical Journal reports on a survey around more than 50 Auckland schools, which found each of them had at least one alcohol ad within 500 metres.  And it's pointing out there was alcohol advertising close to 63% of low-decile schools.  Instinctively, that doesn't sound so good but can we just back up the bus here for a second?  One alcohol ad within 500 metres of a school... does that strike you as an end of the world is nigh situation?  No, me neither.  If it's the only ad for anything in that 500 metre radius and it's as big as a house, maybe that would register but would it send you steaming off to a bottle shop?  Did advertising have anything to do with your early choices around drinking? No? Thought not.  More likely the influences that steered you towards or even away from a particular product, or from alcohol altogether, were a lot closer to home.  Wouldn't it have been your peers, your family, and the way they conducted themselves around alcohol?  That's likely where most of us get our early impressions of the pros and cons of alcohol.  Most likely where we saw it going a bit awry from time to time.  Now obviously advertising works. We know it does. Radio advertising works particularly well, just quietly.  And if advertising didn't work at all, businesses wouldn't do it.  Advertising for tobacco is maybe a good example. Did you know it's been 60 years since we started banning ads for tobacco on radio and television?  But did taking away the ads cause everyone to stop smoking overnight? No. It's taken a lot more work and a lot more regulation than that.  I'm not saying advertising doesn't play a part in encouraging people to try different brands.  But to jump from seeing a few ads to saying it causes young people to start drinking earlier and even binge drink, that's too much of a leap.   And to be honest, when you make wild claims based on small amounts of data you probably do your cause more harm than good. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/19/20232 minutes, 46 seconds
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Jeff Wilson: Former All Black and Sky Sport Presenter ahead of the All Blacks v Argentina semifinals

Tomorrow morning brings with it what is set to be an intense match.  The semifinals between the All Blacks and Argentina kicks off at 8am.  Former All Black and Sky Sports Presenter, Jeff Wilson, told Tim Dower that this tournament was never going to be won in round one.   He said once you get to this point of the tournament, the draw doesn’t matter as the teams have nothing to lose.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/19/20234 minutes, 46 seconds
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Vincent McAviney: UK Correspondent on Rishi Sunak's support of Israel

The UK Prime Minister has publicly pledged his support for Israel, in Israel.  Speaking alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Rishi Sunak says he stands by Israel's right to defend itself in line with international law.  He says he also welcomes Netanyahu's decision to allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, and the UK will increase its aid to the region.  UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney told Tim Dower that he was echoing the same sentiment of the US, warning them to be cautious about occupating Gaza.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/19/20232 minutes, 48 seconds
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Jacqui Southey: Research Director at Save the Children on the dire humanitarian situation in Palestine

Dire scenes in the Middle East.  At least 500 people have been killed in an airstrike of a Gaza Hospital.  Hamas says it was caused by an Israeli strike, while Israel claims a rocket from a militant Palestinian group falling short is responsible.  Jacqui Southey, Research Director at Save the Children, told Kate Hawkesby that the humanitarian situation is becoming dire.  She said that food, water, and medical supplies are running out, but it’s impossible to get aid in without a ceasefire.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/18/20234 minutes, 51 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Why can't we have a functioning airport?

I want to thank Auckland airport shareholders for being vocal on the state of Auckland airport.  They got grumpy and got into it with the airport at the annual meeting this week. And it's not before time. Issues with delays, queues, bags, lack of service, lack of staff, have been going on far too long and too many travellers have already suffered needlessly.   The worst time I think was when the airport CEO came out and said 'it's complex'. Well, that's running an airport, isn't it? Of course it's complex, yet airports all over the world, in countries all over the world, way busier and bigger than us manage to do it every day. So why can't we?   So frustrated shareholders apparently grilled the airport over all the problems, for which the airport and biosecurity officials apologised. But is an apology enough? I'd say no - what we need is action, we need it turned around, we need it fixed. It was reported that 'one shareholder hit out at the airport's inconsistency in service.' They'd called the airport 'an absolute zoo'. Another called it 'an absolute shambles,' and the lack of help, 'disgusting'.   But in acknowledging the problems and saying they're unacceptable and apologising for them, the airport's still not actually fixing them, are they? I notice whenever we challenge the airport on all these issues and their lack of any decent service, they all run for the hills pointing the finger at each other. 'Oh it's not us it's them. It's not customs, it's bio security, it's not baggage, it's the bridge guys, it's not our fault it's the airlines fault.'   And yes there are a lot of moving parts - airlines, ground handlers, customs, bio security, and so on... but why can't they cohesively all be overseen in a way that functions? It's not like we haven't had a functioning airport before, so why can't we have it again? What's wrong? What's changed? No one seems to want to be honest enough to say what it is - or bother pinpointing what the problem is.   I'd hazard a guess it's lack of staff, lack of qualified or decent staff, lack of systems, lack of good management. All of those things can be fixed, but to do that you have to be honest about identifying the problems, and you have to want to fix them. Running around pointing fingers blaming different departments is not going to cut it.  And as for the airport blaming flight delays, I mean that's just BS quite frankly. Flight delays are nothing new. Airports have dealt with flight delays for as long as planes have been flying. They say their rosters can't cope if the flight changes, then hire more people. Work the rosters in a less regimented fashion. Stop operating on some rigid intransigent unionised schedule. Be flexible - work with all the moving parts you've got. You can't argue it's a place of so many moving parts and then fix it with rigid rostering.   So I'm not sure how this gets sorted if the powers that be won't actually work with what the problems really are, and try to address them honestly, and with real intent to actually make it better. And maybe that's the crux of it - are the 'powers that be' actually just the wrong people for the job? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/18/20233 minutes
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Mitch McCann: US Correspondent on the re-opening of the Alec Baldwin Rust trial

Hollywood actor Alec Baldwin may be re-charged over the shooting of his colleague on the movie set Rust.   Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed during rehearsal in 2021, after the gun Baldwin was handling went off.   US correspondent Mitch McCann told Kate Hawkesby that special prosecutors dropped the involuntary manslaughter charges five months ago, because the gun might have been modified and malfunctioned.  He says since then, they've reportedly received new analysis of the weapon, which could lead to new charges in the coming weeks.   Baldwin's lawyers are calling this a misguided prosecution.    LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/18/20231 minute, 57 seconds
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Shannon Barlow: Frog Recruitment Managing Director on the employment market tipping in favour of employers

AA’s view is that the employment market has tipped back in favour of employers.   Seek data shows the number of job ads fell 2% in September.   Frog Recruitment Managing Director Shannon Barlow says workers are better off than pre-covid, with wage increases coming through and more flexible working conditions.   She told Kate Hawkesby that now with fewer jobs around, employees may be less choosy.  Barlow says they may not push as hard for more benefits.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/18/20234 minutes, 4 seconds
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Vaughn Davis: Social Media Commentator on X's 'Not A Bot' $1 supscription

A social media expert says imposing a fee on users to verify their accounts is a smart move.  In a bid to combat bots and scammers, X —formally Twitter— is creating a $1 annual fee for new, unverified users, starting with New Zealand and the Philippines.  Social media commentator Vaughn Davis told Kate Hawkesby that it means credit card companies will have to verify who's real and who's not.  He says requiring someone to pay just one dollar, the burden will be on the bank to figure out who's real and the social media platform won't have to jump through those hoops.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/18/20233 minutes, 58 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: We needed some light relief, didn't we?

Two things that have come to light out of the weekend that I think shed a real insight into how shallow we are as a country.   And don't worry I include myself in this, I’m as shallow as the best of them, and in fact I was front row for both of these sideshows.   One, whose Toni?   And two, Luxon’s wife’s arms.   I mean when Chippy said he wanted to thank a new special person in his life and then went on to announce a new partner by the name of Toni, I almost fell off my chair. Mic drop moment. Was this the outgoing PM coming out? Would someone so intent on family privacy be doing this now? On election night? During his concession speech? Inviting the whole of NZ into his private life?   I wondered if it was just me frantically googling Toni, but then I saw a story saying Google searches for Toni spiked Saturday night – so fess up, come on, we were all doing it. Not that there’s anything wrong with him having a new partner of course, just that it was odd he would announce a marriage break up a year ago and ask for us all to stay out of his private life, and then to an enormous audience invite us all back into his private life.   And although I’m very happy for him to have a new love in his life, I also wonder how much of a distraction that was during the year given how often he turned up unprepared for interviews and hadn’t read or seen any media. So maybe that explains something. But all the best to him of course.   Which brings me to shallow obsession of this country number 2: Amanda Luxon’s arms.  Given the interest in her unbelievably toned and spectacular biceps, Luxon was asked to explain it. (Of course he was). To which he told media she’s always had biceps, just no one’s ever noticed them before. Imagine the day after you win an election, one of the things you have to explain is your wife’s biceps. But here we are.   Maybe we’re all desperate for some light relief? Maybe we all just genuinely want the inside scoop on how to have arms like she does? He said she’s fit, runs every day, is a go getter. We also heard she’s a former ballet dancer, and the ballet dancers tell me once a ballet figure, always a ballet figure, so that’s a good advertisement for ballet. But Luxon said she helped him with his exercise and diet regime during the campaign, which was apparent actually, given he lost weight and seemed to gain energy throughout. You know what they say, behind every great man... I feel like we all need an Amanda Luxon at home telling us what to eat and how to exercise, and maybe she could share arm workout tips too?   So aside from a new government, we got new goss didn’t we? Chippy’s new partner, and Luxon’s super fit one. Hopefully for both of them, that’s it and we’ve had our moment of fascination and they can go back to being behind the scenes which is obviously where they prefer to be. But we just needed some light relief, didn't we? The campaign was too long, the election night was long, and now coalition negotiations could be long too.   Is it any wonder small distractions —albeit yes, shallow ones— are grabbing us right now? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/17/20233 minutes, 2 seconds
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Robert Patman: Otago University International Relations Expert on the purpose of Biden's visit to Israel

US President Joe Biden will head to Israel tomorrow, hoping to prevent a regional war.  Otago University international relations expert Robert Patman told Kate Hawkesby that Biden is taking a calculated risk should the conflict escalate.  He says the purpose of Biden's visit is to express solidarity with Israel and open up a humanitarian corridor.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/17/20234 minutes, 34 seconds
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Gavin Grey: Europe Correspondent on the suspected terror attack in Belgium

Security has been ramped up in parts of Europe after a suspected terror attack in Belgium. Two Swedish football fans were shot dead near the stadium hosting a Euro 2024 qualifying match. The Tunisian man who claimed responsibility has been killed by authorities in a Brussels Cafe. He'd identified himself as a member of the Islamic State. Europe correspondent Gavin Grey told Kate Hawkesby that those hosting games are staying on high alert. He says security has been tightened for the England-Italy game at London's Wembley Stadium, as well as the upcoming France and Scotland match in Lille.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/17/20233 minutes, 42 seconds
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Max Whitehead: Small Business Voice NZ CEO says businesses are still feeling the pinch despite lowering inflation

A small business advocate says companies are still feeling the pinch despite lowering inflation.   The inflation rate in the year to September was 5.6%, lower than the 6% in the year to June.   Small Business Voice NZ Chief Executive Max Whitehead says while he's optimistic for the future, that lower rate isn't being reflected in many's experience.   He told Kate Hawkesby that there isn't the confidence at the moment for businesses to reinvest in themselves.   Whitehead says they're reluctant to put money into things like machines which can improve productivity.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/17/20233 minutes, 57 seconds
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Tony Williams: Driving Safety Instructor on the new speed cameras being installed in Auckland

There are hopes that the new speed cameras being installed in Auckland will change driver behaviour. They measure the average speed a vehicle travels between two cameras and will only ticket drivers if the average speed between them is over the limit.   Research shows they can reduce road injuries or fatalities by more than 50%.  Driving safety instructor Tony Williams told Kate Hawkesby that the sophisticated cameras are likely to have an astronomical cost.   The cameras are being installed at Matakana, Dairy Flat, Redvale, Whitford, Karaka, and Glenbrook, with testing starting in December.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/17/20233 minutes, 5 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Coalition chaos

‘Jacinda was prepared to sell her grandmother”.. read the headline yesterday.   A statement made by Ron Mark when interviewed about how coalition negotiations have gone in the past with NZ First. Unfortunately, he went on to say in the article that not only was she ready to sell her grandmother, but she did.   Ouch.   What an indictment on an already unpopular leader. But it should serve as a warning to Luxon and co as they head into the rocky, murky waters, that is the negotiation of coalition deals. Hopefully they don’t feel they need to sell the grandparents.   Two other things to bear in mind: one, Winston’s’ a wily old dog, and two, Luxon is new to this politics game. I hope he’s flanked by enough political savvy to keep him from trying to flog the family jewels, but then again, he may not even need Winston. All the talk of the specials leaning left I don’t buy this time round. Remember, a lot of those specials are overseas voters – the very ones who got locked out, pinged in MIQ, missed funerals for loved ones, or scarpered overseas post the lockdowns, in disgust with where our country was going. The brain drainers... how do you reckon they’re voting?   Yes, the specials tend to lean left – as they have in the past, but this time round is different. This time who's to say they won’t go the way the rest of the votes have gone, a punishment for Labour? The Greens of course always pick up all the student votes, and they may pick up those disgruntled Labour voters who can’t bring themselves to vote for National – but we wait, we watch, we hope for the best.   And when I say the best, I genuinely believe a two-party government beats a three-party one, purely because there are less moving parts. I said this before the election and I still believe it. And no, it’s not because I hate Winston, as some texters have accused me, I just don’t believe he adds value. He has pet projects he obsesses with: racing, provincial growth fund, superannuitants, but outside of that he seems to not really care. He's a lot of noise and grandstanding, not a lot of action. Although super gold card holders will disagree, they probably think he's the messiah. I’m just not sure NZ First voters this time will get what they wanted or hoped for, out of their vote for him – especially if he’s not even in government.   So a tricky time of negotiations ahead and I’m not sure how over it we all are in terms of being happy not to hear about any politics for 3 weeks while they sort it out, or desperate to be across every aspect as they go. I mean when Luxon says we’re not negotiating it through the media, that’s fair enough and I believe that’s his wish. But what if ACT or NZ First – if they’re involved, think differently? You’d like to think that with so much rhetoric around the grownups being back in charge, that they would actually all act like grownups, but we’ll see.   The temptation to use the media will loom large for anyone feeling disgruntled, but it will be a particular irony if that’s Winston given he’s so adept at shunning them and talking them down all the time. But you just know that if anyone's going to loop them in, leak, and play a negotiating game including them, it will be him. Oh the irony. So a long three weeks ahead? Or we just don’t care? Let me know what you think. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/16/20233 minutes, 9 seconds
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Peter Dunne: Former Labour MP and Political Commentator on Labour's loss and their first caucus meeting post-election

Labour MPs are set to realise the magnitude of their election loss today.   The party is set to farewell a large number of outgoing MPs at their first caucus meeting this morning. Former Labour MP and Political Commentator, Peter Dunne, recalled what it was like in 1990 when the party had a big election loss.  He says the big shock was when the new caucus met and they realised how few of them were left.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/16/20233 minutes, 57 seconds
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Gareth Kiernan: Infometrics Chief Forecaster says inflation likely to rise once more

Inflation is likely to be back on the rise as motorists continue to pay more at the pump.  Stats NZ will release its latest inflation figures at 10.45am.  Infometrics Chief Forecaster Gareth Kiernan expects inflation in the year to September to reach 6.2%, up from 6% in the year to June.  He told Kate Hawkesby that global events and the removal of the fuel subsidy are pushing up fuel prices, but National's plans to reduce government spending could reduce inflationary pressure.  Kiernan says it will take time for any cuts of departmental spending to show up in our inflation figures.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/16/20232 minutes, 52 seconds
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Yasmeen Abutaleb: Washington Post Reporter on Joe Biden's recent response to Israel's actions in Gaza

A whirlwind trip to Israel could be on the cards for US President Joe Biden.  The death toll in Israel has surpassed 1,400, while Gaza has reported more than 2,700 hundred casualties.  The planned trip comes after Biden said in an interview that an Israeli occupation of Gaza would be a huge mistake.  Washington Post reporter Yasmeen Abutaleb told Kate Hawkesby that it's the first time he's drawn a limit on what he'd endorse from Israel's response.  She says Biden has said previously Israel has a duty to respond overwhelmingly to Hamas' attacks.  Meanwhile, MFAT says around 50 New Zealanders are understood to still be in Israel, with 20 registered in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/16/20235 minutes, 20 seconds
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Nat Keall: ASB Economist on the growing confidence in the housing market

The number of people who expect house prices to continue to fall is dropping.   The ASB Housing Confidence Survey shows 8% believe that, down from 34% last quarter.  More people think now's a good time to buy but there's still a split.   Aucklanders are the most confident house prices will increase.  ASB economist Nathaniel Keall says it suggests the market's at a turning point.   He says people still think prices will fall further and interest rates will rise, but the number is far less than even a few months ago.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/15/20234 minutes, 26 seconds
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Gavin Grey: European Correspondent on the increasing struggle of evacuating Gaza

Gazans are being urged to evacuate south as Israel prepares for ground operations.   Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to "demolish Hamas" after their deadly rampage through Israeli border towns.   Israel has unleashed a ferocious bombing campaign on Gaza in retaliation for the attacks that killed some 1300 Israelis, mostly civilians.   Gaza authorities say more than two thousand 200 people have been killed there, a quarter of them children.  European Correspondent, Gavin Grey, told Kate Hawkesby that it's become increasingly difficult to get foreign nationals out of the country.  He said that the UK’s foreign secretary is working to secure the opening of the Egyptian border for a short time in an effort to get British nationals out.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/15/20232 minutes, 58 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: It really got to the point of crazy

Well what a weekend.   From the nail biter of a fantastic AB’s game, which, for the record, I was never in any doubt of. For those of you who were still listening to our election night coverage at midnight Saturday night you would have heard me say I picked the AB’s to win – so you know, never in any doubt from me, just saying. Just so happy for Fozzie to be honest. I feel like he deserved that.   Likewise I thought the Nats deserved to win Saturday night like they did. You can’t take away from Luxon what he was up against... from a shambolic leaking party at the start, to some in house scandals, to an unsympathetic media, to constant grilling about how unliked and unpopular he was, to a gruelling and nasty campaign against him from Labour and their Union mates at the CTU.  He had it all thrown at him, and he just kept going. Slow and steady wins the race. On reflection, personally, if we made one mistake it was getting sucked in by the polls, we started to believe them. I did anyway. I think questions need to be asked now about how pollsters are conducting these in this post-landline age. They seemed ropey at the beginning, but then as they stacked up and up and up – and we sure weren’t short of polls— they seemed to all be telling a similar story.   Turns out, they were wrong. Worst culprits were obviously Newshub, where an excited Jenna Lynch breathlessly announced just a couple of days out from election day that ‘the Nats had crashed’.   It really got to the point of crazy at the end there. Maybe we all just went nuts because it was such a long campaign, we were all delirious by then. But I don’t think we as voters were well served by the so called non-biased press gallery reporting, and by sideshows like whether Chris Luxon believed in dinosaurs.   I think what the wipe out for Labour very clearly points to is a rejection of Jacinda – particularly in Auckland where National did so well. I mean Chloe won the electorate seat of Auckland Central, but Auckland had a massive blue wave. And I actually put Chloe’s win down to name recognition and just being a face of Auckland for so long. Mahesh came dangerously close there and I think he'll be a force to be reckoned with next time – he just needs more time and more name recognition.   But Hipkins got a hospital pass from Jacinda of the very worst kind, I felt bad for him in the end. Voters rejected lockdowns and her sneering treatment of them and the fact her very own Mt Albert electorate is so close to flipping blue for the first time in history, speaks volumes about how toxic the Jacinda brand had become. International coverage leapt on it, one headline calling it a ‘devastating verdict on Jacinda Ardern as New Zealand votes out Labour party in 'bloodbath'.   CNN said: "New Zealand shifts right as voters punish ruling party". And I do think it was the party getting punished —and Jacinda— more so than Chris Hipkins himself.   So look it’s all on for Luxon now. After an exhausting campaign it now seems the nitty gritty of the hard work really starts for him: how he cobbles together his government, who gets what, does he need Winston after specials are counted or not, and how the heck does he make it all work.   All I can say at this point is thank god the All Blacks won, thank goodness the election campaign is over, now all we need is for the sun to keep shining. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/15/20233 minutes, 16 seconds
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Nicola Willis: National Party Deputy Leader on the party's negotiations

The National Party says it's keeping the special votes in mind as it starts working out how it will form government.   Deputy Leader Nicola Willis says they won't be doing any negotiating via the media because they want to respect the privacy of prospective coalition partners.   She told Kate Hawkesby that work is going on.   Willis says they're progressing relationships with parties they want arrangements with.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/15/20234 minutes, 54 seconds
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Michael Corcoran: Irish Rugby Commentator ahead of the All Blacks v Ireland quarter-finals

The All Blacks have made it to the quarter-finals, facing Ireland on Sunday morning.  The team for the match has officially been named, and Mark Telea is out for disciplinary reasons.  Irish Rugby Commentator, Michael Corcoran, told Kate Hawkesby that it’s finals footy from here on in.  He feels that whoever wins this match will go all the way to the finals.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/12/20234 minutes, 18 seconds
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Vincent McAviney: Europe Correspondent on the UK arranging special flights to get British Nationals out of Israel

A number of airlines have suspended their services out of Israel, leaving hundreds of thousands of people stranded.  As a result, the UK arranging special flights to get British nationals out of the country.  Europe Correspondent, Vincent McAviney, told Kate Hawkesby that they are commercial flights, and as a result people will have to pay for them.  But, he said, this will allow them to flee the conflict and get back to the UK.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/12/20232 minutes, 48 seconds
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Peter Haddock: West Coast Regional Council Chairman on the rising of the Waiho River

A catch 22 for a West Coast town facing a daunting prospect of eventually being washed away. The Waiho River has been changing its course and rising due to sediment build up.  If nothing's done, it's feared the township of Franz Josef could be gone in 20 years.   The West Coast Regional Council put forward a 10-year plan to sacrifice the southern stopbanks protecting farmland and properties.   Chairman Peter Haddock told Kate Hawkesby that the community has been aware of the build-up of the river for the last 20 years.   He says the council has a responsibility to act now, because if it does nothing they'll end up like Hawke's Bay's Esk Valley, which has seen devastating flooding.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/12/20233 minutes, 37 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Final thoughts before the election

Well this is the last time I talk to you before Saturday... although we’ll all be here Saturday night. Mike, me, Heather, and Barry, if you want to tune into ZB’s election coverage or watch it live streamed on the ZB or Herald websites, we’ll be here. Depending on how it goes if you look closely on the livestream you may see me tearing my hair out.   Honestly, I’ll be glad to see the back of it. It’s been too long, too divisive, too feisty, too nasty. I think that’s all been a turn off for voters and it may go towards explaining the current apathy. If the polls don’t pick up Saturday, then I think that says something about how this whole campaign —from every side— has been run. The sniping, accusations and insults has been gross. The misinformation that’s been allowed to run unchecked, fuelled by media, has been a disappointment. Christopher Luxon said on this station yesterday when Kerre asked him what’s true and what isn’t given all these attack ads that he was grateful to be given the opportunity to clarify that, given no journalist had asked him that yet. Can you believe that? All the disinformation out there and not one journalist stopping to ask if it’s even true. Luxon says he’s confused as to why the media waste time asking random inane questions like, ’do you believe in dinosaurs?’ which then becomes a feature on the 6 o’clock news over and above policy that will impact the daily lives of New Zealanders.   Labour has a high-powered machine of negative publicity blitzing National these last couple of days, making claims that simply are not true. Attacks is all they have, but the sad thing is how many people may fall for it without checking for themselves or reading the policy. How many believe the attacks and think National will cut their winter energy payments? (Not true) Or sack teachers (not true), add interest to student loans (not true), drop University fees free (not true), the list is endless. Luxon says they’ve tried to counter all this misinformation, but if the media won’t cover it, how do they get cut through?   But the key thing we as voters need to start doing I think, alongside understanding MMP better, is think more big picture.   We’re so in the weeds now and into the micro, that we’re not pulling back and looking at the bigger picture. A change of government is one thing, but it’s not enough – that government needs to be able to act decisively to elicit wholesale change to turn around the direction of this country. If it can’t do that, if it's encumbered by in fighting, hobbled by the handbrake that is Winston and his petty demands, or him siphoning off money for side shows like the provincial growth fund, then they achieve nothing. They’re ineffective, and we don’t get the change we need.   And then come 2026, they’re potentially out. The country lurches left again – probably with a new iteration of a fresh version of a Jacinda, and with a greater push to move further left, back to all the things Hipkins shelved like a wealth tax and a capital gains tax.   We don’t want to waste 3 years on a circus act. We need proper government that can be bold decisive and effective, and if there are too many pieces in that puzzle, then it won’t be real impactful change.   Anyway we’ll know, hopefully tomorrow night just how messy or otherwise it’s looking. And if you haven't voted already just remember, your most important vote is your party vote. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/12/20233 minutes, 13 seconds
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Jason Walls: Political Editor wraps the election campaign and the final debate

Chris Hipkins and Chris Luxon went head-to-head last night in their final debate before polling day tomorrow. Political Editor, Jason Walls, told Kate Hawkesby that he agrees with commentators who described the tone as 'cranky'. He says it was clear Hipkins' tactic was to try get under Luxon's skin which worked for the most part. Walls says he found Hipkins to be quite aggressive during the debate. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/12/20233 minutes, 37 seconds
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Mitch McCann: US Correspondent on Israel's war cabinet and the US Secretary of State flying to Israel

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is on his way to Israel.  Once there, he'll meet with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.  Netanyahu and opposition leader Benny Gantz have formed an emergency government and war cabinet.   US Correspondent Mitch McCann told Kate Hawkesby that they will only deal with bills and government decisions regarding the conflict.  He said that it’s Israel’s latest step, and it’s predicted they’re preparing for a ground attack on Hamas.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/11/20231 minute, 53 seconds
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Brigette Morton: Political Commentator on the results of the final polls before the election

A tale of two polls - but there's just one answer.   Newshub-Reid Research and 1News-Verian have released their last opinion surveys before election night on Saturday.   Both suggest the only viable coalition is National, paired with New Zealand First and ACT - but the margins are narrowing.  Political Commentator Brigette Morton told Kate Hawkesby that the election is shaping up to be about getting the vote out.  Advanced numbers are currently sitting behind what was predicted, and there’s been much discussion about the soft and undecided votes.  The problem with the polls, Morton said, is that for them to actually matter the parties have to get out and get every single vote they can.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/11/20234 minutes, 44 seconds
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Satish Ranchhod: Westpac Senior Economist on what incoming migrants are doing for work

Incoming migrants are giving the New Zealand workforce a boost.  Stats NZ has revealed the year to August saw record high net-migration, with 110,000 more people moving to New Zealand than leaving.  Westpac Senior Economist, Satish Ranchhod, told Kate Hawkesby that part of the reason job ads have come down is because businesses are able to find staff more easily.  He said that without migrants, they had to advertise much more widely and were still unable to find the workers they needed.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/11/20232 minutes, 25 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Two Ws might ruin our weekend

Two Ws are potentially going to ruin our weekend: Winston and Wayne.   Winston could kill all the fun Saturday night by holding the whole country to ransom and not forming a government. Wayne Barnes could ruin Sunday morning with his calls against the AB’s... we are potentially in for a rocky weekend of woe and misery leaving us all with a collective hangover Monday. The country could sink into a deep depression. More so than it already is. Yikes.  I’m still aghast at how many people don’t understand MMP. I know someone who went to vote yesterday, the person next to them said to the volunteer at the polling station – ‘so wait a minute have we got two votes?’ The volunteer said, ‘yes one is party vote one is electorate vote.’ He replied, “what’s electorate vote?”   I know of another person who wants to change the government, hates the way the country’s going, wants change, but in the booth decided they were fed up with all the politicians and so did a “protest vote” and voted Green. Now Green doesn’t change the government. Protest votes don’t work, there’s no such thing. It’s just a vote. Your party vote is the most important one. Where you put it matters. It changes the government or it doesn’t. We still as a country do not seem to understand this. After all these years of MMP, we still don’t know what we’re doing which worries me no end.   I’m also worried about the polls, the lack of enthusiasm and engagement, and the difficulties I’m hearing about with overseas voting —links not working, papers not uploading or downloading— because when it’s too hard people give up.   If I had a magic wand, I would change the voting system. MMP doesn’t work, I regret voting for it. In my defence, I had no idea what I was voting for. It seems now 25 years on, many of us still don’t get it.   That’s a shame. Because if you think about it, why don’t we educate ourselves on this stuff? We can cite exactly the machinations of how the World Cup works, who's in what draw playing what side and where they’ll end up after pool games, who gets who in the quarters and what that means for the semis and whose refereeing, we can tell you everything about that and educate ourselves happily on that. But on one of the single most important things we will ever do, every 3 years, we can’t be bothered working out how it works.   Is it that we don’t fully understand how important government is? Is it a slow boil lobster in a pot situation? We don’t wake up to how bad it is until it’s too late and then we get all mad and hate what’s happened but when we get our chance to have our say, we don’t understand it, so we just tick any box. Or worse, don’t vote at all.   The people who don’t vote and see that as a protest, again, it’s not, it’s just a wasted vote and a missed opportunity to participate in democracy. If you don’t vote, you can’t complain about what New Zealand chooses for you. But is politics so boring that we just switch off, and then when it comes to voting we can’t really be bothered finding out how it works? So we just moan a lot but don’t make any effort to fix anything.   I know well educated people who still don’t know how it works and haven’t bothered trying to find out. Last night’s polls —if we believe the polls— tells us Winston is likely kingmaker. And then if Wayne Barnes buggers it up for us at the quarter final, don’t be surprised if I sound depressed Monday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/11/20233 minutes, 27 seconds
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Louisa Barham: Area Schools Association President on rural kids being less likely to obtain University Entrance

New research shows rural kids are less likely to gain University Entrance than urban counterparts.   An Auckland University study's found rural students had a 15% lower university entrance rate, creating barriers for them to get into courses like medicine.   Area Schools Association President Louisa Barham told Kate Hawkesby that it doesn't surprise her or concern her.  She said that there’s a difference in pathways and curriculum between urban and rural schools, as the environment influences what is focused on and what students are likely to do once completing their education.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/11/20234 minutes, 18 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: How is hazing happening in 2023?

I’m just not sure how —in this day and age— we’re still doing hazing rituals at Uni initiations.   I know it’s huge in America, but like all the US’s bad habits, why’s it come here? It seems particularly prevalent in Otago. So far this week we’ve heard of horrific initiations, one involving biting the legs off a live duck, I mean I can’t even believe we’re saying that in a sentence it’s so barbaric.   The other one being where two students allegedly got told to strip down to their underwear only to be called “piggies”. It was reported they were told “to strip to their underwear and stand in the centre of the room while 30 men and women watched on.” The second-year students who’d asked them to do this, then ‘used marker pens to circle parts of the young women’s bodies deemed to be “fat” and called them “the piggies” during the evening.’   I mean how is this happening in 2023? How is this possible that women could do this to other women? The idea was to humiliate them, which was very effective. It’s disgusting. Other initiation incidents apparently include ‘a group of women who were made to chain smoke inside wheelie bins, which then filled with carbon monoxide, causing one of them to pass out.’   I mean shame on the people demanding other students do this kind of thing, but also shame on the participants for doing it. How is this a thing? The duck leg thing was horrific enough, the students who allegedly ‘were forced to bite the legs off a live duck as part of a “sick and twisted” flat initiation, along with binge drinking games that involved eating their own vomit.’   I mean when it’s that sick and twisted, why are you participating? And whose overseeing all this? Who at the initiation end of the Otago Uni experience is not warning newcomers about these sick grotesque rituals and letting them know they don’t have to do it? Where’s the heads up? Where’s the duty of care to these students? Stuff like this could scar you for life. It’s an impressionable age, kids just want to fit it in, they obviously believe they’ve got to do it.. so why is the University not more on top of this stuff? Embarrassing people as a means to have them secure a place in a flat by making them do horrific things may seem outside of the University’s remit, but it’s not. This is their students, in their student town, being forced to indulge in dumb student rituals that can have dangerous and lasting consequences.   The Otago Student’s Association claims these are ‘pretty isolated incidents’ and not part of the culture there. But the people who were humiliated of them claim it is part of the culture. So whose right? Otago Uni for its part had sent the proctor ‘to ‘flats identified as likely to host events and providing face-to-face information, followed by specific targeted email advice’ in a bid to crack down on initiations apparently, but that clearly didn’t work, the message did not get through. Their warnings were ignored.   I just think emails and warnings and claiming its ‘pretty isolated’ actually has zero effect on the perpetrators. There needs to be a zero-tolerance approach to students who want to behave like barbarians. I’m not sure how Otago Uni gets that message through, but they need to work a bit harder at it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/10/20233 minutes, 19 seconds
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Ishaan Tharoor: Washington Post Foreign Affairs Columnist on how Joe Biden will address the Israel-Hamas conflict

The death toll in the Middle East conflict continues to rise.  A thousand Israeli people have died since Hamas' surprise attack, while retaliatory attacks in Gaza have killed more than 800.  Up to 150 Israelis are believed to be held hostage currently, with Hamas saying it won't negotiate over them 'until the end of the battle'.  US President Joe Biden will address the American people shortly about the conflict.  Washington Post Foreign Affairs Columnist, Ishaan Tharoor, told Kate Hawkesby that there are questions of how Biden defuses a crisis like this — one which potentially may reach a scale never seen before.  He says he'll have to articulate some form of vision beyond his already pledged 'unwavering support'.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/10/20234 minutes, 45 seconds
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Carmel Sepuloni: Deputy Prime Minister on the conflict between Israel and Hamas

The conflict between Israel and Hamas rages on.  Israel's death toll has surpassed 1000 people since Hamas' attack, while more than 800 are dead in Gaza following retaliatory strikes.  Up to 150 Israelis are being held hostage currently.  Deputy Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni told Kate Hawkesby that they're waiting on the next steps and will provide humanitarian support when the opportunity arises.  She says those kinds of measures take time, but New Zealand is always quick to provide support and will do so when possible.  US President Joe Biden will address the American people about the conflict shortly.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/10/20235 minutes, 5 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: It stood out how relaxed Hipkins was

I think what stood out for me yesterday when Chris Hipkins was in the studio with Mike for a couple of hours, was how relaxed Hipkins was.   As the two hours slipped by, he seemed to get more relaxed, leaning back in his chair more and more, taking it easy. I wondered if the Coke Zero hadn’t kicked in, or maybe he was just tired, or maybe he’s just given up.   I mean don’t get me wrong, I thought he came across well, I think relaxed is good. But I was interested to hear what he backs about his government, and what he was less proud of. MIQ, the debt still owed to them over that and their handling of how to manage that, he thinks they could’ve done that better or differently.   As an Aucklander who felt like they got locked down for way too long I can tell you from where I sit, I’d have liked to think he would have felt they could have handled that better. He didn’t mention any regrets around slow procurement of PPE or RAT tests or locking Kiwis out of their own country for so long, or having the borders shut seemingly forever, but he did think they could've managed the costs owed for MIQ better. He still doesn’t know how much money is owed from that, interestingly. But he does back his government’s approach to crime, co-governance, and management of the economy.   He puts a lot of the criticism of his government’s performance down to international headwinds or global pressures, doesn’t take much responsibility for what their part in it all has been. But when asked if he backed his Foreign Minister, Nanaia Mahuta, he said he did. Now her appointment was odd from the get-go.   She was a Jacinda appointment that left people scratching their heads, she had no background in foreign affairs whatsoever, she didn’t like travel, she hadn’t held senior roles at cabinet level before... it didn’t make a lot of sense. She also yesterday put her foot in it when she didn’t condemn the attacks on Israel. While other international leaders condemned them, she described it as ‘an outbreak of violence between Israel and Gaza...’ and called for ‘an immediate end to all violence.’   Now alongside being so embarrassing that the PM and leader of the opposition had to jump in immediately and correct that statement, it also got picked up by overseas media. Sky News Australia reported that she failed to condemn the attack. Nicola Willis, who we had on the show yesterday, said Mahuta’s statement was so weak, that Christopher Luxon had to speak up and condemn the attacks on Israel, followed by the PM.   So does the PM feel Mahuta is out of her depth as Foreign Minister or does he support her? Well he told Mike yesterday he supports her and thinks she’s doing a great job, although he said he thought her words ‘could have been stronger’. But here’s the weird thing, she didn’t even run that statement past him, they didn’t even talk before it went out. Hence he had to put out another one straight after it. But he backs her on the international stage, said he has absolute confidence in her. Which I think helps explain why his party is so often accused of not reading the room.   If you think that’s an acceptable offering from your foreign minister, and you don't even want to pick up a phone to each other beforehand, then you’re probably not aware of how low the bar has sunk. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/9/20233 minutes, 2 seconds
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Alexander Bukh: Victoria University International Relations expert on the conflict between Israel and Hamas

It's thought that up to 1,300 have died in the conflict between Israel and Hamas so far.  Around 800 Israeli people have been killed since the Palestinian militant group launched its attack, and almost 500 have died in Gaza after Israel retaliated.  It's thought up to 100 Israeli citizens have been taken hostage.  Israel is cutting off all electricity, food, and fuel to the Gaza Strip.  Victoria University international relations expert, Alexander Bukh grew up in Israel.  He told Kate Hawkesby that citizens are in a state of shock and pain.  Bukh says the Israeli Government is punishing Hamas and unfortunately Palestinian civilians also living in Gaza.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/9/20234 minutes, 39 seconds
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Ben Schmidt: Tertiary Education Union organiser on the losses faced by Massey University and its science department

Pleas from Massey University's science faculty seem to have fallen on deaf ears.  The university is forecasting a loss of more than $50 million, well up from last year's deficit of around $8.8 million.  It plans to slash around 100 science jobs and stop teaching engineering at Albany.  Tertiary Education Union organiser Ben Schmidt told Kate Hawkesby that Vice-Chancellor Jan Thomas seems determined to push through with it.  He says she needs to slow down, listen to staff and work for better funding, maintaining these services and access to education.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/9/20234 minutes, 31 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: One thing that should be on the new govt's radar is the state of our cities

One of the many things that are hopefully on the new government’s radar come October 15 is the state of our cities.   I mean yes our communities and our suburbs are in dire straits too getting ravaged by crime and unruly gangs in many places, but our CBDs are a mess - they’re unsavoury places.   They don’t feel safe anymore. I get people messaging me every day about the CBD, particularly Auckland, and what a mess it is, or how embarrassed they are of it. Which is a shame because parts of it are really cool.   There are cute little precincts and awesome little shopping areas which have been hijacked by dickheads and losers.   Two messages I got just this week, from two completely different people, travelling in Australia at the moment.   The first one said, “In Sydney, not a road cone in sight, streets are clean, everyone looks lovely, don’t feel unsafe at all, city is buzzing, Michael Hill don’t have security guards.. didn’t realise how bad NZ was til we left.”   Another one said, “Hi Kate I’m in Sydney. What I have learnt being here only two days is they know how to do things right, and clearly NZ doesn’t. The city also has a vibe and you can feel it. Auckland city feels like a morgue.”   Now these messages make me sad, as a born and bred Aucklander, who was once a proud participant in city life, it’s heartbreaking to see what it’s come to. It’s a crying shame the very same streets I frequented as a teenager at night, I now warn my own children not to go anywhere near.   But the vibe thing that second texter sent me really resonated.   The vibe is actually so important, it’s not ethereal, I think it’s true to say you can feel the vibe of a city. I felt it myself recently in Sydney. Clear as a bell, it felt awake and buzzy and energized.   And yes, markedly different to Auckland city.   I’ve thought about this a lot, because the easy answer is just leave, which actually isn’t all that easy. It’s easy to say, but pretty hard to do.   Not everybody can just pack up and leave and haul kids out of school or move away from family and friends and commitments.   You build a life in your community and in your area. I mean I admire the people that can and do, do it, successfully, but it’s not easy.   Having said that, I have an increasing number of friends who are selling up their big Auckland houses and moving out, not necessarily overseas, but just out of Auckland given it’s become so hard to live in these days.   If it’s not crime it’s sink holes, or traffic, or lack of decent public transport, or supermarket thefts or the odd car jacking.   I mean people do wonder how bad it’s going to get, how much more we have to put up with.   But I continue – perhaps naively – to have faith that we can turn it around. Looking at what Sydney does would be a good place to start.   The same way Auckland airport should look at Singapore’s Changi as a role model of how to do things properly, we should be looking to Sydney.   There’s much we could learn from how they do it. I think a big part of it is making people feel safe, is to clean up the CBDs, and I know with the number of cruise ships expected in this summer - bringing with them hundreds of thousands of new tourists, that we just have to do better and be smarter than we currently are. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/8/20233 minutes, 3 seconds
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Geoffrey Miller: Geopolitical analyst says it was appropriate for Chris Hipkins to condemned the Hamas attacks in Israel

Calls have come for New Zealand to use its voice as a war breaks out in the Middle East.   Dozens are believed to have been captured by Palestinian militant group Hamas which has launched an attack on Gaza.  The Government says more than 600 Israelis have been killed in attacks from Gaza.  It's believed that as many as 100 soldiers and civilians were kidnapped when Palestinian fighters crossed the border and raided communities. Palestinian officials say retaliatory Israeli air strikes have killed at least 370 people in the Gaza Strip, with 2,200 wounded.  Democracy Project Geopolitical analyst Geoffrey Miller says it was appropriate for Chris Hipkins to condemned the attacks.  He says there was no condemnation in the Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta's earlier statement.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/8/20234 minutes, 52 seconds
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Nicola Willis: National's Deputy Leader defends the party's warning of a second election

National's Deputy Leader Nicola Willis is defending the party warning of a second election. The party has ramped up efforts to keep New Zealand First out of the mix - warning there's a growing possibility National wouldn't be able to get a deal done. Willis told Kate Hawkesby there's always a risk they won't get enough support. She says a lot of people already believe there's going to be a change - but they have to vote. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/8/20235 minutes, 8 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: I wonder if the Govt. regrets dropping the ball

As we reflect on the —let’s be frank— end of this government’s tenure, I can’t help thinking about all the stuff they dropped the ball on, that I wonder if they regret.   Mental health, the $1.9 billion none of us know where it is. Light rail. Child poverty. Kiwibuild, a tangible disaster. Not taking the country with them when they had a majority, an unheard of opportunity to take us with them, and they blew it.   The MIQ shenanigans, the shutting of the borders for so long, the crime levels, the co-governance, three waters, they had so much promise, and they just dropped the ball on it all. Too many consultants, too many reviews, too many ministers with scandals and issues that saw them off one by one, just too much chaos.   But I wonder if we only feel acutely about the stuff that affects us directly. I was in the car yesterday and heard a caller ring Kerre when she had Hipkins on. He had a question for the PM, who was sitting in his hotel room, doing the interview over Zoom. But this guy sounded really mad, he sounded emotional and he sounded angry, and you just got the sense he was speaking from the heart. And his question was about vaping.   Now I don’t know for sure if he was the Dad of some young vapers, but he sounded like he might be. He sounded personally affected by it. He started by saying to the PM – “I really don’t think you or your party have any idea what goes on in the real world.” So, a bold start to the question. He told the PM he thought he was “detached from reality”. He went on to say that one of the things that “disgusted and perplexed him the most about the Labour party was the lack of will to follow Australia’s lead around hardening up on vaping.” He said it was “akin to child abuse” in his view. He said the “fluffy regulations” they’d put in place were “a detachment from reality.”   You’ve got to ask yourself at this point if Hipkins is thinking twice about doing Zoom interviews from isolation. I mean personally if I was him and tanking in the polls like they are, and stuck in a hotel room isolating with Covid, I’d just hunker down and watch the Beckham doco on Netflix and be done with it. So you’ve got to hand it to him that he’s even still bothering turning up virtually for this stuff.   But this caller said he reckoned they’d ‘passed the buck here —passed the responsibility onto others— palming it off to retailers,’ he said. Hipkins replied with Labour’s policy on it – limit the number of vape stores nationwide to 600, and keep them away from schools etc. But he then defended not going any harder than that because he said he didn’t want people going back to smoking tobacco.   I think Hipkins missed the point, in that this caller was talking about youth access to vapes, the epidemic now so prevalent among that cohort who’re taking up vaping. So maybe they were talking at cross purposes, the PM was more interested in adults who’re giving up smoking and switching to vaping. Which perhaps made this caller’s point. A slight detachment from reality here in terms of who vaping is really harming.   And it made me think about how much of this stuff the government’s misread. And whether in their quiet moments they regret not doing more with the mandate they had from this country in 2020.   If being in politics is all about legacy, I just wonder what this past term government’s really is. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/5/20233 minutes, 4 seconds
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Katherine Rich: Aged Care Association CEO on the halt and review of the care and support workers equity claim

Pay equity for care and support workers has been halted.  Te Whatu Ora's called for a review as the claim process nears the end, much to the disappointment of unions and employers.  Aged Care Association Chief Executive, Katherine Rich told Kate Hawkesby that she believes the health agency halted the process as the cost was more than anticipated.  She says they're calling foul as it impacts the most vulnerable and lowly-paid workers in the sector.  Te Whatu Ora says the review seeks further assurance on specific technical questions, and once answered they'll progress to the next stage.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/5/20234 minutes, 38 seconds
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Glyn Lewers: Queenstown Mayor has concerns over the country's water supply crackdown

Queenstown's mayor is raising concerns over the country's water supply crackdown.  Water regulator Taumata Arowai has sent a letter to 27 councils lacking in a sufficient protozoa barrier, informing them they have till mid next year to get a plan in place.  Queenstown Mayor Glyn Lewers told Kate Hawkesby that when it comes to enforcement, the regulator has teeth, with fines and jail time both being a possibility.   He believes he's under-mining the industry they're trying to regulate.   He says rates will likely increase as councils compete for resources, which have largely been sucked out of the country thanks to Queenstown's cryptosporidium infection outbreak.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/5/20233 minutes, 13 seconds
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Grant Webster: Tourism Holding Limited CEO on the need for an international cruise port in New Zealand

A bumper summer is expected ahead of the cruise ship season.  A total of 54 ships will make 1,000 visits to New Zealand shores this season, expecting to bring around 350,000 passengers.  Kaikōura and Bluff both have forward bookings, and Lyttelton is back on the calendar following upgrades.  But Tourism Holding Limited CEO Grant Webster warns that infrastructure issues will eventually come into play.  He says we need a quality international cruise port, and we'll lose the cruise ships to Australia if we don't invest in that.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/4/20232 minutes, 43 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: I'm none the wiser as to how this will go

I’m rallying the troops at the moment to early vote.   By troops I mean family members, but also anyone who’ll listen. So far I think just my husband, my sister and I have early voted. Others are waiting til the last minute. I’m not sure what might happen last minute that could change your mind, short of a scandal of some kind I guess. But you either like the direction the country is going and want to keep it this way, or you don’t.   At the heart of it we’re essentially voting for change or more of the same. My concern is the short memories of Kiwis as I said the other day, and how many will try to justify pepper potting their vote around like some kind of MMP pick and mix. That’ll only end in tears, probably mine if Winston has anything to do with it.   I do worry about people’s understanding of how government works that they want to appoint a troublemaker to the mix and think that’ll elicit change for this country, It won’t. it’ll just elicit chaos. And surely we’ve had enough of that. But, democracy is democracy, and we deserve what we vote for.   But I am getting a small understanding of why people aren’t enthused and maybe don’t want to vote. They’re fed up. Sick of the negativity and angst and politicians bashing between themselves. Sick of the media attempting endless gotcha moments, sick of the aggressiveness, just sick of all of it.   My sister was saying she went out to vote yesterday and there were five lovely people working at the polling station so delighted to see her because she was the only one there. Not another soul in sight, she’s in Christchurch. She felt like the only person early voting in her area. She said they couldn’t thank her enough for coming in. But she’s sick to the back teeth of all of it and has tuned out.   She says this campaign feels like the comments section on Facebook, and reminds her why she’s not on Facebook. She said it’s just dissolved into a name calling, back stabbing, petty little hate fest, full of bitterness and negativity and it’s a total turn off. She can’t wait for it to be over, she said they’re all acting like children. The politicians that is, and the media. She said they’re all as bad as each other and she’s sick of them.   And that sort of helps explain the disconnect by those who’re not engaged and not enthused. I mean I genuinely hope early voting numbers pick up, and people do exercise their right to vote, but I can see how the acrimony is a turn off. I think most campaigns descend into this kind of stupidity and pettiness but we’re so far into the weeds now and I just don’t think people care about the minutiae, I don’t think they care who did or didn’t turn up for a debate, or who said what about who, they just don’t care.   They want to know how they’re going to pay their mortgage and how much petrol’s going to cost, and whether their local Dairy will continue to get ram raided and if their streets will ever feel safe again and whether they’ll ever get seen at A&E, or their kids will get a good education.  They want the fundamentals to be right and the direction and vision for the country to be heading in the right way. But with this endless bickering and noise, all it does is drive people to the fringes – to the old punishment vote, or the ‘I’ll show them!’ vote, and those are all wasted votes. They’re not votes that’ll elicit fundamental change.   So, 9 days out, it’s safe to say I still feel none the wiser as to how this could go. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/4/20232 minutes, 59 seconds
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Mark Wheeler: Marlborough District Council CEO on the growing expenses needed for road repair

Marlborough residents could be in for an expensive few years, with millions more needed for road repairs than first thought.   Fixing the flood damaged transport system is expected to cost $74 million more, totalling $234 million.  Marlborough District Council Chief Executive Mark Wheeler told Kate Hawkesby that their cost estimates were cautious but reflect the current reality.  He says construction cost, inflation, and contractor shortages have also added to the expense.  Wheeler says rates are expected to rise by 10%, assuming Waka Kotahi provides financial assistance.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/4/20233 minutes, 35 seconds
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Kelly Eckhold: Westpac Economist ahead of the Official Cash Rate review

The Reserve Bank is tipped to keep the Official Cash Rate unchanged at 5.5% when it comes up for review this afternoon.  Westpac's Kelly Eckhold told Kate Hawkesby that a change is unlikely so close to an election.  However, she said, the markets are looking at a 50-60% rate increase in November, earlier than the Reserve Bank had previously indicated.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/3/20233 minutes, 5 seconds
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Richard Burke: Leaderbrand CEO on the impact of the heavy rainfall on the vegetable industry

A year of wet weather has taken its toll on some in the veggie industry.   New data from NIWA shows that in September, areas like Otago, Southland, Canterbury, Wairarapa, and Auckland received well above normal rainfall.  But last month was also the warmest September on record.   Leaderbrand Chief Executive, Richard Burke told Kate Hawkesby that recent rainfall has been difficult.   He says it's been the hardest 18 months they've seen from the growers right through to sales, with outages and a lack of product.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/3/20234 minutes, 14 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Looks like Auckland Airport is improving

I come to you today with – fingers crossed – great news.   I say fingers crossed because let’s hope it lasts, I don’t want to be accused of speaking too soon, but I’m hearing reports that Auckland airport is on the improve. For starters, it’s opened an express lane. Very heartened by the headline yesterday which read, “Auckland Airport trials screening Express Lane to cut down unacceptable wait times”. I mean is that not music to all of our ears?   I was reading a text to you guys yesterday about the listener who had paid extra to fly home via Christchurch airport purely to avoid travelling through Auckland. We’ve been aghast at the number of messages, emails, texts and complaints from people saying how chaotic Auckland airport is. How long it takes, how shambolic it is, how disorganised... not enough staff, staff who don’t know what they’re doing, lack of communication, just general mayhem. And this has been going on for months. So if they’re onto sorting that already, fantastic.   Because don’t forget Greg Foran from Air NZ even got involved and said he'd have it sorted by Xmas, which at the time, seemed nigh on impossible given the state of it. And also, not his problem, but obviously he has a vested interest in it working smoothly. But I’m hearing already, things are on the improve. To a point. Depends when you travel.    A couple of people messaged me yesterday saying they’d come in through Auckland Airport this week with absolutely no issues and in good quick time. But my brother and sister-in-law came through it yesterday and said it’s still hit and miss. The new trials of things are underway, but not all seamless yet.   So while screening may have an express lane to speed things up and move a bit quicker, customs can still be a bit cumbersome. The trial of the new digitised arrival cards works for some people, but not others. I’ve heard mixed reports on those – sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t. I also hear they’re trialling a new scheme whereby those digital arrival cards can be scanned a variety of ways on entry, again, it’s hit and miss.   But look, any and all attempts to iron out the issues at the gateway to our country are gratefully appreciated. It’s long overdue and it’s so critically important given Auckland is the welcome mat for so many to our country.   I did have to laugh when I read the airport spokesperson who said, “the New Zealand arrivals process is a complex one with many moving parts.” I mean is that or is that not directly from the Labour party playbook? It’s all a bit complex. Saying stuff is complex these days will excuse you from just about anything, corporates in particular love saying it. “It’s a bit complex.” The irony there is, it’s no more complex than what every single other airport in the entire world deals with, and some of the busiest airports – way busier than Auckland’s, still manage to pull it off without making people wait two hours.   So I live in hope that we are on the way to having Auckland airport fixed for travellers. It’s had a really bad rep, it’s taken a beating, so no doubt they’re keen to have it ironed out too and restore a bit of credibility. I don’t doubt extra resource has been thrown at it to cover off the school holiday period, which ends this weekend, so I guess the real test is whether after that it’s still on the improve.   I know you guys will let me know if it’s not. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/3/20233 minutes
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Daniel Newman: Manurewa-Papakura Ward Councillor on the expansion to Auckland's Botanical Gardens

It was too good an opportunity to pass up.  Auckland Council has spent more than $12 million expanding its Botanical Gardens.   It's bought 1.6 hectares, the size of two soccer pitches, on Hill Road in Manurewa.   More than 10 million dollars of the purchase price will be funded by debt.  Manurewa-Papakura Ward Councillor, Daniel Newman, says he lobbied hard for the purchase.   He knows money's tight, but this was the only time they could buy this particular parcel of land.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/2/20233 minutes, 1 second
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Eric Crampton: NZ Initiative Chief Economist on Labour's pledge to help new supermarket retailers

There’s been a mixed response to Labour's pledge to do more to help new supermarket retailers set up shop in New Zealand.  While details are in the early stages, help with finances, gaining land space, and making regulator changes are on the cards.  New Zealand Initiative's Eric Crampton told Kate Hawkesby that changes to zoning for new supermarkets would be welcomed but warns against subsiding entry for new chains.  He says starting new retailers on subsidies could lead to chains asking for more handouts down the line to stay in the market.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/2/20233 minutes, 46 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: I don't understand the people who don't vote

I went out in search of some democracy yesterday, trying to early vote.   I looked up on the Vote NZ website where in my area had early voting places open and what time. I headed out on a walk confident I’d found the place but as I rocked up there, the lights were out; the first bad sign. Then I saw an actual sign on the ground, blown over in the wind, it said ‘no early voting here until October 9th’.   So back to the website I went, determined to find a place. Turns out it couldn’t have been easier, the local Westfield mall had a huge polling station open, lots of bright orange signage and as it turns out, lots of people looking to early vote. I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised, they say about two thirds of us early vote usually, and they’re expecting more this time round. I think they were saying they're expecting about 80% of Kiwis to early vote this time.   We stood in line behind a man in a suit who was talking to another man who’d not even registered to vote but wanted to. So he was in the special vote line, registering and enrolling on the spot so he could cast a vote. The man in the suit said to us he’d been waiting so long for this day and he was so excited to finally get to vote. He wasn’t even in his electorate, but you don’t need to be in your electorate, or even enrolled, or have your voting card on you, just turn up, they sort it. It’s too easy.   So don't think you've got to wait for your vote card... you don't. After I did my ticking, it was my husband’s turn. He wasn’t going to vote early, he’s all about tradition and doing it on the day and he had fond memories of walking to the local church with the kids when they were old enough to vote, and us all voting together in a nice big family outing. But these days barely any of our voting age kids live in NZ, or even Auckland, so I reminded him his trip down memory lane while sweet, was not going to be recreated this time.   As he went into the booth to cast his vote, a lady in the booth next to him popped her head up over the top and said to him, “Two ticks Chippy?” So shout out to her for being hilarious and making the experience even more fun.   And I mean it when I say fun. I actually love voting. I love exercising our right to democracy, I love that we can, I never take it for granted. Every time I’m in the polling station I think of all the places where they can’t do this or can’t do it with any freedom or integrity anyway. I mean it might not always go your way, and you might not like the system, but at least you have the right to do it. Nothing's stopping you from doing it.    I can’t understand people who say they don’t vote. It’s a right we fought for and are so lucky to have. It’s one of the few times you get to have a tangible real say in what you want for our country. We get to participate in democracy, we get to have our voice heard. It’s a privilege. I think it’s churlish to snub that privilege and just say you can’t be bothered, or you hate all politicians or there’s no point. There is a point. You get to do something many countries shed blood over, go to war over, but not here.   The fact we get a voice, and get to have it heard, is something to be celebrated, and it’s something I will never take for granted. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/2/20233 minutes, 19 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Be careful not who you vote for, but what you vote for

I know I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again, I’m so over this election. Please let it be over already.  Now that Winston’s crept back into the fray, we've got the old gameplaying of not just the politicians - but the voters now too who seem to believe they can rig MMP in their favour.  They want to design their own bespoke government. After all these years, we still don’t seem to get it. Essentially NZ voters are their own worst enemies.   Nearly two thirds of New Zealand voters think the country is heading in the wrong direction – but the smorgasbord of wasted votes plays to those who indulge themselves in delusions of grandeur that MMP provides them an ability to vote tactically.   They truly believe they can change the direction New Zealand is going with a sprinkling of some self serving bias - but it sadly doesn’t work like that.   Believing you can ‘send a message’, or ‘take out some insurance’ or ‘punish’ a party, is deluded.   To vote ‘tactically’ against a party you traditionally support or to counter the perceived threat of another minor party, means you’re at the same time ignoring a raft of potentially crazy economic and social policies, to tick a box which you mistakenly believe will ‘hold the new government to account.’   John Key once famously said if you want steak, order steak. And yet still, when we say we want steak, there are some who order mince instead, and with a side of veges, ‘just to keep the chef on his toes.’   It makes no sense.   Countless polls have shown the two core issues at stake in New Zealand right now are the cost of living and rampant crime. That’s before you get to our broken health or failing education systems.   Yet a large chunk of New Zealand voters, who are desperate to see a change in direction of this country, somehow think they can afford to split their vote and yet still expect to see a change in direction.   They are not doing the maths, they are not reading the room.   Based on latest polling, a coalition of Labour, Greens and Te Pati Maori  gets 45 percent of the seats in Parliament, even though 66 percent of voters think the country is going in the wrong direction.   Head scratch.   A coalition of National and Act, which would arguably change the direction of this country which two thirds of voters think is heading in the wrong direction, on latest polling has only 50.8 percent of the seats.   This makes no sense.   Don’t even get me started on Winston.   Any government involving NZ First will go in no direction, it will stall as Winston looks to negotiate, grandstand and play games – hauling on the handbrake of progress in any and all directions.    Yet in latest polling, with a backdrop of two thirds of New Zealanders thinking the country is heading in the wrong direction, NZ First is on the precipice of holding progress to ransom as kingmaker.    This will inevitably put New Zealand into a sleeper hold – right at a point in history where it needs to be taking some deep breaths and big bold steps.   Be careful not who you vote for, but WHAT you vote for.   Rhis is before we get to the woeful tail of tiny parties like TOPP, Vision NZ, Liz Gunn, Hannah Tamaki and co, the waste of time territory. We either want change or we don’t.   The stakes for New Zealand have never been higher, we are at a cross-road – and we cannot afford to stall now in the middle of the intersection.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/1/20233 minutes, 2 seconds
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Vanessa Taylor: Real estate market expert discusses report finding national average asking price stayed flat the whole of September

The property market is experiencing some pre-election jitters.  It seems Kiwis are holding off on making big decisions until after D-Day - with the national average asking price staying flat the whole of September - this is according to realestate.co.nz's last report before the election.  Vanessa Taylor, head of sales at realestate.co.nz, joined Kate Hawkesby on Early Edition to discuss the report's findings. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/1/20233 minutes, 43 seconds
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Nicola Willis: National deputy leader says their economic plan is solid despite widespread doubts

National's Deputy leader says its economic plan is solid despite widespread doubts.   The party released its fiscal plan on Friday, Finance Minister Grant Robertson describing it as being built on sand.   A recent Newshub Reid Research poll found 53 percent of respondents don't think National can pay for their tax cuts.   The tax plan was also criticised by economists from across the political spectrum.   Despite the doubters Nicola Willis told Kate Hawkesby the plan has been carefully put together.  She says there are buffers in place in case parts of the plan go over or under expected cost.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/1/20235 minutes, 8 seconds
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Tim Dower: The process of political polls

Polls are great. I love ‘em and I love the occasional surprise we get from them.  They're really useful in providing those snapshots of public opinion at any given moment.  And you'll be aware the political parties use them extensively, not just to see how they're tracking but for all sorts of nefarious stuff like testing out our reactions to policy ideas.  On top of that there's also a lot of research into the way leading figures are perceived, all part of the process of moulding and shaping them for maximum ballot-box efficiency.  But the thing about polls that we rarely take much notice of, and should, is the sampling process.  It's vital, if you want accurate answers to your questions, to be scrupulous about the sampling process.  Let me explain.  Say you're doing a political poll; you want to be sure your respondents match the demographics of the population as a whole.  So, you end up having to interview so many men, so many women, and a set number of people in each age group to match the voting population.  For example, the 1News poll uses roughly half and half randomly selected people on mobiles and volunteers from a panel; these are people who've done interviews in the past and have agreed to take a phone call from time to time.  Like most of the others, a sample of about a thousand people are called up over a two or three-day period.  Thing is, no matter how careful you are errors start to creep in. For a poll using a thousand people, even carried out very cautiously, your results are only good to within plus or minus three points.  So reporting numbers within that margin —in this example say, how many people are going to vote NZ Loyal— well it's pretty much pointless.  What's the point of all this?  The point is that I suspect polls influence the way people vote, possibly even whether people bother to vote.  And I'm going to suggest that this is such an important election that you can't leave it to the polls to make up your mind. Yet at the same time, we're all voting tactically. We kinda want that extra bit of information.  For what it's worth, and again I'm not trying to influence your vote, I've made up my mind on the issues—on the principles, and the issues.  I'll vote on Monday and try to forget about it until 14th.  Let's just hope we're collectively a little less grumpy once this is all over. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/28/20232 minutes, 32 seconds
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Bodo Lang: Massey University marketing expert on Sanitarium dropping Weet-Bix from Warehouse stores

Sanitarium has dropped Weet-Bix from the Warehouse stores, blaming supply issues.   The Warehouse Group is questioning why only its stores are affected and the Commerce Commission is looking into it.   Massey University marketing expert Bodo Lang told Tim Dower that it's unusual to target just one retailer.   He says it's something we don't see very often, and the way Sanitarium has handled it doesn't help as it hasn't clarified why only The Warehouse has been shutout.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/28/20233 minutes, 35 seconds
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Mitch McCann: US Correspondent on the American soldier who ran across the North Korean border

A young American soldier who ran across the North Korea border is in US custody and heading home.  Travis King made a sudden dash from South to North Korea whilst on a civilian tour of the demilitarised zone two months ago.  Before he ran to North Korea, the 23-year-old had served in a South Korean prison for assault and was due to be sent home to Texas to face consequences.  US Correspondent Mitch McCann told Tim Dower that he's now been flown to China to be held in US custody.  He says King will face the consequences of the US military this time.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/27/20232 minutes, 9 seconds
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Brigitte Morton: Political Commentator on Chris Hipkin's chances of remaining Prime Minister

The chances of Chris Hipkins retaining his role as Prime Minister appears to be fading by the day.  The latest One News-Verian result puts National on 36% while Labour sits at 26%.   Earlier this week, the Herald's Poll of Polls showed Labour has a 0.2% chance of staying in government, the worst result for any main governing party since the Great Depression.   Former National Party advisor and political commentator Brigitte Morton told Tim Dower that the chances Hipkins will continue as Prime Minister are getting down to zero.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/27/20233 minutes, 51 seconds
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Tim Dower: Picking a winner from last night's debate

Trying to pick a winner from a TV debate is a tricky thing to do.  First thing I have to bear in mind is that I'm not impartial when I look at these things. I've already decided who I want to win, so that's bound to be an influence.  I started going through it round by round, first one to Luxon, even in the second, Hipkins in round three.  Four to Luxon, five to Hipkins... overall, I'd have to say Hipkins was the winner on the night.  Which you might expect, given he's the career politician.  Did Luxon score at all? Well yes actually, he did okay for a comparative beginner.  Multi-millionaire he may be, but to my mind Luxon actually came across as the more real of the two. More in touch with what the public is saying and thinking.  Hipkins, and again my perception is obviously slanted by my political position, Hipkins was aggressive from the get-go and even looked a bit desperate.  Once he'd hit his straps and got a few zingers in he started to look cocky, arrogant, and a bit sneery.  His face formed into that 'I know better', pursed-lip, mouth like a cat's bum expression.  Luxon, and again, this is tainted by my politics, I thought he actually radiated more warmth and humanity.  The way our politics functions now puts a lot more pressure on the party leaders to have all the answers. We didn't elect Labour last time, or the time before, we elected, well, you know who we elected.  Point I'm making is that these debates are vote-winning opportunities.  Hipkins won the debate and he's probably shored up some Labour supporters who might have been wavering.  But Luxon went that little further. There were moments when he showed he's aspirational for the country, not just himself and the party.  For the first time since he became leader I felt I could actually see him as Prime Minister.  And that's something other people have said about meeting Luxon in the flesh; he's serious about the task and he's come a long way. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/27/20232 minutes, 30 seconds
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Deborah Manning: KiwiHarvest Food Rescue founder on the results of the Rabobank-KiwiHarvest survey

More than $3 billion worth of food waste is filling up New Zealander’s bins every year.  Rabobank-KiwiHarvest's survey estimates household's waste 12.2% of groceries yearly, a slight decrease from last year's 13.4%.  Gen Z remain the most wasteful age group.  KiwiHarvest Food Rescue charity founder Deborah Manning told Tim Dower that one of the problems is consumers demand to see a high quantity of food at stores.  She says people want to see full shelves of bread at every hour of the day.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/27/20233 minutes, 29 seconds
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Viv Beck: Heart of the City CEO on the state of Auckland's events sector

A plea for whoever's in Government next month to address the worrying state of the events sector in Auckland.    Auckland Unlimited has revealed to the council that no major events are confirmed in the city beyond August next year due to a lack of funding.  Heart of the City Chief Executive Viv Beck told Tim Dower that it's a major international city, so this needs to be resolved.   She says there's a big opportunity coming up for the incoming Government to really look at the whole funding mechanism for Auckland.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/27/20234 minutes, 15 seconds
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Tim Dower: National's beneficiary sanctions are unlikely to work

I guess it had to come at some point in the campaign... National's traditional swipe at the beneficiaries.  I really don't know why they do this, sanctions of one kind or another have been tried and tried again, but the fact is they really don't work.  This time the formula includes mandatory community work experience, and of course benefit cuts or suspensions.  None of its new. We've seen variations of this kind of thing for decades and little ever seems to change.  Fact of the matter is we are carrying a cohort of people who are satisfied enough with a life on the bludge.  They could work, but that's a mug's game to them when your beer money comes automatically every fortnight on the benefit.  You and I know it's their loss. Standing on your own two feet is good for the soul, work is good for the mind and body.  But when you lash at them you also hurt a lot of genuine cases, kicking people when they're down basically, and I'm not up for that.  Bashing beneficiaries is lowest common denominator stuff. It plays to a certain crowd. It pleases those of us who resent feeding people who could legitimately feed themselves.  This time National wants jobseekers to reapply for the benefit every six months, and provide proof they've been out looking for work, to keep getting a benefit.  There's no arguing with the numbers: benefit dependency has surged, there's 60 thousand more people on Jobseeker than when Labour took office.  And in the latest figures from MSD, everything's gone through the roof. Not just base benefits but things like accommodation supplement, special needs grants, 650 thousand hardship payments in the March quarter alone.  Now for sure, the numbers move around a bit, but the fact is we will never change the mindset of those people who just don't want to work.  And that element will always be there, they won't change until there's some kind of epiphany, or they just grow out of it.  So what do we do? Do we bang about tough new regimes and clampdowns that achieve next to nothing, or do we get on with stuff we can actually change?  I say go for the stuff we can change: the economy, law and order, the health system, productivity.  And oh, fix the bloody roads will you? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/26/20232 minutes, 46 seconds
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Ah-Leen Rayner: Breast Cancer Foundation CEO says political leadership needs to act on breast cancer

A challenge has been laid down for political parties to act on breast cancer.  The Breast Cancer Foundation is releasing election scorecards which shows that all parties want to raise the free mammogram age to 74.  Only the Greens, New Zealand First, and TOP would lower the minimum age for higher risk women.  Chief Executive Ah-Leen Rayner says there's a willingness to do more, but responses were light on detail or didn't go far enough.  She says breast cancer is a human issue not a political issue, but needs political leadership to address it.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/26/20233 minutes, 20 seconds
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Catherine Beard: Business NZ Advocacy Director says economic growth is likely to be marginal

Business New Zealand is predicting a gloomy outlook for the economy.   It says economic growth is likely to be marginal over the next year in New Zealand.   It's also predicting global growth to be slow over the next few years.   Advocacy Director Catherine Beard says that alongside China's economic slowdown, other factors are adding to the disappointing predictions.   She says other factors like increasing oil prices and the Reserve Bank's battle with inflation will contribute.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/26/20233 minutes, 28 seconds
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Carmel Sepuloni: Labour's Social Development spokesperson on National's welfare scheme

Labour's accusing National of beating up on the vulnerable with its new welfare scheme.  The opposition is promising to introduce traffic light style sanctions to those on the dole who aren't meeting Jobseeker requirements.   A red light breach could mean reductions, mandatory work experience, and someone's money being managed by WINZ.  Labour's Social Development spokesperson Carmel Sepuloni told Tim Dower that it's in line with previous National parties, she's still surprised by the timing.   She says given the challenges the country is facing, she was disgusted by the timing of the announcement.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/26/20234 minutes, 14 seconds
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Dr Grant Duncan: Political Commentator on the latest Newshub-Reid poll

Latest polling shows National will need New Zealand First on board to form a government.  The latest Newshub-Reid Research poll shows Labour's fallen slightly to 26.5% and National's dropped to 39.1%.  The Greens' boosted to 14.2%.  With ACT's 8.8% the right-bloc would have 60 MPs, just below the 61 needed to form a government.  New Zealand First's 5.2% would be required.  Political commentator Dr Grant Duncan told Tim Dower that Luxon 'had to' end the speculation, because in all likelihood, he may be having to make that call after the election.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/25/20234 minutes, 26 seconds
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Donna Demaio: Australian Correspondent on Air Vanuatu's Boeing being grounded

Hundreds of Air Vanuatu passengers have been left frustrated and stranded.  The airline's only Boeing 737 is grounded in Brisbane while it waits for parts following a technical fault.  Australian correspondent Donna Demaio told Tim Dower that suggestions are being made as to how this could be prevented.  She says one travel agent has suggested Air Vanuatu partners with other larger airlines so it can offer more consistent flights.  She says it's caused anger and anxiety amongst many passengers, with some first learning of the situation on their way to the airport.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/25/20232 minutes, 13 seconds
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Tim Dower: Has National played a smart card?

Now we've had a day to mull it over... has Christopher Luxon played a smart card or a dopey one?  Up until yesterday we were under the impression Luxon wants nothing less than to have to deal with New Zealand First.  But this feels like an admission of defeat, as though Luxon has realised NZ First may well hit the threshold, and if they do that's going to drag down the number of seats National can have.  He says he'll do whatever it takes to form a coalition and I guess a lot of people will have wanted to hear that, and his reinforcing line about ACT being his preferred coalition partner without New Zealand First.  But by putting it on the agenda on a Monday morning less than three weeks before polling day has Luxon gifted a swag of attention, if not votes, to his least preferred coalition partner?  With the prospect of seats around the Cabinet table and of course an important job for Winston Peters, that vote looks a lot less like a wasted vote than it might have done.  So some right-leaning voters, mentioning no names here, are going to feel cheated and sold down the river.  Interesting to see what Sir John Key says about it all. He's been there, done that, and he's pretty much endorsed the Luxon move.  That's despite the fact that Key himself did rule out New Zealand First.  Key says it's a wise strategy based on simple maths, and there's a very high expectation from New Zealanders that the largest party after an election will do everything it can to put together a government and save us having another election.  I guess when you look at it like that, yes, we do expect the biggest party to lead the way towards a coalition.  But we expected that six years ago when National won 56 seats and Labour had 46, and what did we get? And why did we get that?  Work it out for yourself. What really happens if NZ First hits the threshold? They haven't gone with National in 27 years, is that about to change?  Not my place to tell you how to vote. I'll just say this: we're not at a political crossroads in New Zealand, we're at a T-junction  Start down either of the roads ahead of us and it's a hard road back if we get it wrong.  So, which way are we going? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/25/20232 minutes, 16 seconds
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Tim Dower: We're now at the point where the election campaign is limping into a petty bidding war

You know you're getting down to the rats and mice when you've got a major political party promising to change speed limits, if only we'll vote for them.  Now I'm not saying National's wrong about a lot of those 30k zones especially, some of them are probably really daft but others might make sense.  I guess the point is we're down to fairly trivial stuff now and the election campaign is limping into a petty bidding war.  Where is the meaningful debate about political ideas? Where is the serious discussion about where we see ourselves in five, ten years from now?  Where is the vision of a better New Zealand for our children, our grandchildren?  I guess we only have ourselves to blame, because when it comes to ticking the box on the day, what's going to motivate most of us?  I'll go out on a limb and say it's money.  Most of us are going to vote for the party which will either improve our lot in life, or at least not make it any worse.  Some of us may be contemplating what we're leaving for the kids, some may even think a little more broadly than that: what's going to make for a better New Zealand overall?  I don't know that changing speed limits, or even how many new state houses are coming will figure that high in the calculation.  And I guess the political parties know how fickle we are, and how easily swayed.  So in case you missed it, this is actually a really important election.  But it's not about speed limits or public housing or special visas for overstayers or how much we spend getting gang tatts off prisoners' faces.  It's about two distinctly different directions we could take the country in.  Do we go further down the disastrous track we've been on this past six years: dismantling law and order, widening dependency on the state, dishing out favours based on race?  Or do we hope it's not too late to fix some of the problems and try to turn this ship around?  This election should not – and hopefully will not – come down to who lets us drive fastest. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/24/20232 minutes, 26 seconds
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Gavin Grey: Some UK police put down guns after an officer is charged with murder in the shooting of a black man

London’s police force said Sunday that some officers are refusing to conduct armed patrols after a colleague was charged with murder in the fatal shooting of an unarmed Black man.  A Metropolitan Police marksman was charged Wednesday over the September 2022 death of Chris Kaba, 24. Kaba was killed after officers in an unmarked vehicle pursued and stopped the car he was driving. He was struck by a single bullet fired through the windshield as he sat in the Audi car.  The case renewed allegations of institutional racism within the London police department. Kaba’s family welcomed the murder charge against the officer, who has not been publicly named. He was granted conditional bail and is expected to stand trial next year.  Only about one in 10 of London’s police officers carry firearms, and the ones that do undergo special training.  The Metropolitan Police force said Sunday that “a number of officers have taken the decision to step back from armed duties while they consider their position.” It said officers were concerned that the murder charge “signals a shift in the way the decisions they make in the most challenging circumstances will be judged.”  The BBC said more than 100 officers had turned in their firearm permits and that police from neighboring forces were called in to help patrol London on Saturday night.  The force said it still had “significant firearms capability," but had asked the Ministry of Defense to provide assistance with “counterterrorism support should it be needed.”  The request means soldiers could be called on to do specific tasks the police are unable to perform, but they won't perform routine police work or have the power of arrest.  Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who is in charge of policing for the U.K.’s Conservative government, said she would review armed policing to ensure that armed officers “have the confidence to do their jobs.”  “In the interest of public safety, they have to make split-second decisions under extraordinary pressures,” Braverman posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “They mustn’t fear ending up in the dock for carrying out their duties. Officers risking their lives to keep us safe have my full backing, and I will do everything in my power to support them.”  Fatal shootings by police in the U.K. are rare. In the year to March 2022, armed officers in England and Wales fired weapons at people four times, according to official statistics.  It is also extremely rare for British police officers to be charged with murder or manslaughter over actions performed while they were on duty.  In one of the few cases in recent years, a police constable was sentenced in 2021 to eight years in prison for the killing of Dalian Atkinson, a former professional soccer player who died after being shot by a stun gun and kicked in the head during an altercation. The officer, Benjamin Monk, was cleared of murder but convicted of manslaughter.  Kaba's shooting came amid intense scrutiny of the Metropolitan Police. In 2021, an officer pleaded guilty to kidnapping, raping, kidnapping and killing Sarah Everard, a 33-year-old woman who disappeared while walking home from visiting a friend. Another officer, who worked in the same parliamentary and diplomatic protection unit, pleaded guilty in January to committing dozens of rapes between 2003 and 2020.  In March an independent review found the London force had lost public confidence because of deep-seated racism, misogyny and homophobia.  The force says it is committed to rooting out misconduct, and has dismissed about 100 officers for gross misconduct over the past year. But it said last week it could take years to remove all corrupt officers.  - by Jill Lawless, APSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/24/20232 minutes, 58 seconds
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Adam Cooper: Newstalk ZB Wellington sports reader wraps the weekend in sport

Not the best of weekends for New Zealand sport.  The Warriors bandwagon has come to a grinding halt, after the Kiwi side’s 42-12 defeat in Brisbane to the Broncos.  But the Warriors have a lot to celebrate regardless, having gone from wooden spoon candidates to one game away from the big dance.  The Silver Ferns’ post-World Cup hoodoo remains, after their 55-54 loss to England’s B team.  Despite a last-quarter fightback, the young England side proved too strong in both attack and defence in the first three.  Newstalk ZB Wellington sports reader Adam Cooper joined Tim Dower.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/24/20233 minutes, 23 seconds
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Dylan Thomsen: AA Policy Manager says they like some of National's speed reduction promises

The Automobile Association is expressing its support for some of National's speed reduction promises.  National's announced it'll return many state highways to 100 km/h from 80, and many local roads to 50.  AA Policy Manager Dylan Thomsen told Tim Dower they like the idea of increasing expressway speeds, having more variable speed limits near schools, and fewer unmanned roadwork sites.  “That’s an area that’s a common frustration for a lot of people, so if we can improve that and have less of that, that’d be great.”  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/24/20234 minutes, 15 seconds
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Nicola Willis: National deputy leader confirms possibility of working with NZ First if that is the only option

National's deputy has confirmed the party would work with New Zealand First - if it came to it.   It's understood leader Chris Luxon will confirm in a social media video today that he's willing to work with Winston Peters if necessary.   It comes after weeks of questions.   Nicola Willis told Tim Dower their preference is to form a two-party coalition government of National and ACT.  “Realistically, if New Zealand First is to return to Parliament and we need to pick up the phone to Mr Peters to keep Labour out, to keep the coalition of chaos of Te Pati Maori and the Greens out.”  LISTEN ABOUTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/24/20234 minutes, 31 seconds
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Judge Frances Eivers: Chief Children's Commissioner on the results of the latest Oranga Tamariki review

The Chief Children's Commissioner has labelled the latest review of Oranga Tamariki shocking.  The latest probe into the government agency has found that there needs to be urgent change to fix major issues, including those related to staffing and capacity.  Judge Frances Eivers told Francesca Rudkin that it's not good enough and our children in care deserve better.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/21/20234 minutes, 3 seconds
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Vincent McAviney: UK Correspondent on Rupert Murdoch stepping down as head of Fox and News Corp

Rupert Murdoch is stepping down as head of Fox and News Corp.   The 92-year-old media mogul has been an influential figure in the US, UK, and Australia for decades, owning numerous tabloids, newspapers and TV channels.   He's passing the baton to his son Lachlan but will remain with both companies as chairman emeritus.   UK correspondent Vincent McAviney told Francesca Rudkin that Murdoch's age is a factor in him stepping down, with some reports of health problems in recent years.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/21/20232 minutes, 19 seconds
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Francesca Rudkin: Insight from the minor parties debate

So on Tuesday evening I was quite excited about the first Leaders Debate.   It was a funny old evening. I thought Jessica Mutch McKay did a good job moving things along but the two Chris’s energy wanned, and so did mine. It wasn’t a dynamic debate.    There wasn’t actually a lot of debate.    So, after a solid, but slightly disappointing Leaders Debate, I then turned my attention to the Newshub Nation Powerbrokers' Debate featuring Minor party leaders, which took place last night on Three. Surely this was going to be more entertaining? It did after all feature David Seymour, who put in a sharp and humorous performance at the ASB Great Debate last week in Queenstown. And it was set in a pub.    Joining him was New Zealand First leader Winston Peters, Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, and Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson.    Rebecca Wright was the moderator and she did a commendable job keeping this lot under control, although it was a challenge and there was plenty of spirited bickering.  They covered off race issues, tax reform, law and order, and coalition plans. If you are a politics’ nerd, you probably didn’t learn anything new from the candidates, with each repeating their party’s already known policies.    For others though, this debate likely provided more exposure to the minor parties and some clarity on their values and a few of their policies.    Performance wise Marama and Debbie managed to get their messages across crisply and put on a good double act. Marama in particular was ‘on’ and didn’t take any nonsense.    David Seymour and Winston Peters in contrast tended to ramble and didn’t always deliver a clear message.    But there was plenty of fun as well. Especially when Rebecca Wright asked each party for their bottom lines in possible coalition negotiations. While Greens and Te Pati Maori spoke simply —wealth tax and poverty— Winston Peters and David Seymour put on a show over whether they could work together that gave you a glimpse of what Luxon may have to deal with...    Firemen and adults with trousers on is what to expect folks! Rebecca Wright probably summed that up well when she said, I’m beginning to pity Christopher Luxon.    So what do you think? Can they work together? Of course they will if they have to right - but it might be like herding cats.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/21/20233 minutes, 1 second
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Kate Hawkesby: Have our CBDs seen their best days?

I see it reported that 'the Auckland restaurateur whose close to the site of Monday’s fatal bus stop stabbing is worried “people are afraid to come out to the area to eat” after the second violent attack on innocent members of the public in Albany in months.' The other one was the axe wieldng man attacking diners back in June.   But also at the the Albany bus stop, a 16-year-old told the Police that she was randomly attacked there, getting punched in the head and having her shoes stolen. And they wonder why we don't take public transport in Auckland. But it made me think about the suburbs versus the CBD, because Auckland city's struggling too apparently.   A bar and restaurant owner in the CBD told Mike's show this week that the change in our behaviours heading to town are dramatically different to what they once were. Fewer people in the office, fewer people in town, work functions starting earlier, or on work time, like 4 o’clock, so the function’s over by 6.30 and people can go home. She reckons part of its corporate driven – firms don’t want to be seen to be spending too much money on this kind of thing so they’re reigning it in, and employees less likely these days to want to ‘waste time’ on work functions. People would rather go home to their families.   I mean she added the obvious point that Auckland city feels dangerous to a lot of people these days, plus it’s largely inaccessible by car so you’re on foot – which means in the rain you’re not bothering. In fact she said when it rains, 50% of RSVP’s don’t turn up to the function, they’re too worried the train or ferry will be cancelled, or the Harbour Bridge shut, which is a good point. The public transport system in Auckland has become so obsessed with shutting or not running that it’s a real turn off for people. Likewise the rise in violent incidents is a turn off too.  But this bar owner sounded depressed about the outlook for Hospo. She said they’re barely hanging in there, it’s gotten that bad. She’s suspicious after work drinks may be a thing of the past – it’s too much of a liability for companies – they don’t want the hassle of any scandals or issues, and employees increasingly can’t be bothered.   None of this surprises me about Auckland, but I wonder about other CBDs. I often hear from people saying the problem in other CBDs is not so much the patronage, but more so the ownership - bar or restaurant owners wanting people out by 9pm because the owner wants to shut up, or staff need to get home. We had a 1pm lunch in Christchurch the other day, for 4 of us, and at 2.30pm the waitress put the bill on the table and said, “we’re closing now".   But I reckon the post lockdown bounce back for us is taking so much longer than other countries. You go to Europe, London, parts of America, even Australia, and you’ll see CBDs have bounced back to a far more vibrant scene than what we have going on here. Which makes me wonder if we’ve actually changed for good now. Is this who we are now? People who just want to go home, stay home, drink at home, socialize at home? Suburban bars and cafes must be benefitting from all this. People seem happy to stay local, so maybe that’s where the trend’s gone.   But if our CBDs have seen their best days and this is it now, then I reckon that’s quite sad. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/20/20232 minutes, 10 seconds
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Nick Tuffley: ASB Chief Economist on the GDP figures of the second quarter

Economists are expecting the latest GDP figures to have risen in the second quarter.   The numbers will be released this morning.   After two drops, the country entered a technical recession in the first quarter of the year.  ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley told Kate Hawkesby that things are likely to get a bit more challenging again later on this year.  He said that there’s a risk of a double dip back into some negatives.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/20/20233 minutes, 46 seconds
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David Seymour: ACT Leader on the party's proposed education policies

ACT is promising a huge shake-up to the education system, aiming to hold underperforming schools to account.  Its new education policy would crack down on ECE providers that don't teach children the basics.  The party would increase surprise visits to early childhood providers and penalise those failing standards.  Leader David Seymour told Kate Hawkesby that they need to start thinking out of the box and find new ways to make the education system work.  He said that if they don’t, New Zealand runs the risk of losing its first world status.   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/20/20235 minutes, 47 seconds
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Aaron Martin: Employment lawyer on Labour's migration package and the removal of the 90 day trial period

Labour's announced changes for migrant workers are being described as a soft cushion at the bottom of a cliff.   The package includes basic financial support to help with accommodation and essential living costs.  The Government also plans to remove 90-day trial periods for employers utilising the Accredited Employer Work Visa.  Employment lawyer Aaron Martin told Kate Hawkesby that the changes won't be much help at all, as most migrants arrive with no job.   He says the 90-day trial period isn't the problem, the problem is the Government's visa system.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/20/20234 minutes, 1 second
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Gavin Grey: UK Correspondent on the BBC's internal review of Russell Brand

Amid the recent allegations against Russell Brand, the BBC has announced an internal review of the comedian's time with them.  Brand hosted a series of programs on BBC 6 Music and Radio 2 between 2006 and 2008 as well as being a guest on other shows, overlapping with the period of time the allegations fall within.  The BBC has now removed programming featuring Brand from their streaming services, saying it now “falls below public expectation.”  UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Kate Hawkesby that the BBC may have more to answer for, as one of the victims alleges that she was picked up by a chauffeur driven car provided to Brand by the BBC, who brought her to his house.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/19/20232 minutes, 40 seconds
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Shae Ronald: Youthline CEO on extreme weather and economic uncertainty being major stressors for young people

The events of the past few years are having a major impact on young kiwis.  Extreme weather and economic uncertainty have become a source of concern and anxiety for young people, with social media and vaping being other common stressors.  Youthline’s ‘State of the Generation’ report found that a quarter of those surveyed had been impacted by extreme weather events, and half of that group’s mental health suffered as a result.  Youthline CEO, Shae Ronald, told Kate Hawkesby that there is a range of reactions within that group.  She said that for some, especially those directly impacted, it's really increased their rates of anxiety, whereas for others its resulted in an underlying sense of unease and fear for the future.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/19/20232 minutes, 40 seconds
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Carmel Sepuloni: Deputy Prime Minister and Labour MP on the Government's approach to youth crime

Labour says it's taking a long-term approach to reducing youth crime.  In Auckland, a 16-year-old boy has been charged over Monday's fatal bus station attack, the victim's family revealing he was a 24-year-old alleged 501 deportee from Australia.  And in Christchurch, an 18-year-old learner driver is facing charges over Sunday's fatal Rangiora crash, with new figures revealing Canterbury has been facing a sharp rise in serious boy racer incidents.  Labour's Carmel Sepuloni told Kate Hawkesby that she understands community concerns about youth crime, but there is no easy short-term fix.  She says the Government has to continue to do what works to reduce crime over the long term.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/19/20234 minutes, 28 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: How over the violence are you?

How over all the violence are we right now?   I can’t tell you how over it I am. I’m sure you are too. It’s actually getting ridiculous and what I’m worried about now is that not even a change of government is going to stop it.   A stabbing murder at an Albany bus stop in Auckland Monday, another knife incident 30 minutes later in Auckland’s Waterview, the next day, Tuesday, a person taken into custody after a knife found Kepa Road, in Auckland’s Orakei. That same day a shooting at a Rotorua intersection.   And it’s not just Auckland and Rotorua, the night before in Christchurch ten youths went on a crime spree, breaking into shops to steal stuff, also stealing cars. The week prior there were three aggravated robberies across Auckland’s Point Chevalier and Mt Albert... a gang member was rounded up for those.   These are just the ones that make the news. And don’t get me started on all the people out on ankle bracelets on home detention who’re committing crimes and absconding from Police. The level of crime, particularly youth crime, is a major issue... we know it, we’ve had years of it building to this point. It’s one of the things politicians argue about at length in terms of how to solve. Is it absent disinterested parents? Is it gang households? Is it gang recruiters? Is it school absenteeism and boredom from disengaged youths who’ve dropped out of school? Is it addiction issues... alcohol, drugs, vapes? Is it poverty? Is it cost of living? Is it Tik Tok? Is it Kelvin Davis’ genius plan to empty the prisons? A plan they’re now resiling from, surprise surprise.   How much can we pin on that particular disastrous policy? Probably quite a lot to be honest. Consider the irony, when the new Labour government back in 2017, promised to reduce the prison population by 30% over 15 years. Commentators at the time said, “the last thing any Government wants is to look soft on crime.” Fast forward to 2023 and what do we have here? An election about to be lost by the government based on exactly that. They've looked too soft on crime. Endless soft on crime decisions, which have seen us end up where we are.   So given all that, what are the solutions? The criminals and the gangs already running amok. The horse has bolted. So how to turn this around? It's complex, complex, complex, they keep telling us. And to be fair, I think it is. So are the solutions community based? Do offenders need to face tougher penalties? Should we lock more young people up? Should we invest more in their education? Should we work with parents more? Are schools doing enough? Are the Police well enough resourced to deal with it?  Last night at the leaders debate Chris Hipkins said he wants to 'turn young people's lives around'. That's a bit rich when you've had 6 years to do that, and you didn't. Luxon said they'll tackle the gangs and back the Police. Hipkins then said they'll go after gangs too. But all the tough talk doesn't mean much if the reality doesn't match. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/19/20232 minutes, 47 seconds
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Jason Walls: Newstalk ZB political editor on the first leaders' debate between Chris Hipkins and Chris Luxon

Some are picking Chris Luxon as narrowly taking the crown in last night's leaders’ debate.  The National Party Leader went head to head with Labour Party Leader Chris Hipkins in the first of three debates ahead of the election.   Newstalk ZB Political Editor, Jason Walls, told Kate Hawkesby who he thought came out on top.  He says Luxon was more passionate and had a better plan on law and order, whereas he believes Hipkins couldn't defend the Government's record on that issue.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/19/20234 minutes, 59 seconds
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Peter Dunne: Former MP and political commentator on the Leaders' debate tonight

A former MP has some advice for both candidates in tonight’s leaders’ debate.  Labour's Chris Hipkins will face off against National’s Chris Luxon on TVNZ.   Peter Dunne mastered the crowd reactor tool the Worm during TV debates in the 2000s, and says Hipkins should control his words to avoid seeming snide.   But, he told Kate Hawkesby, there are traps for Luxon too.   He says Luxon needs to avoid management language and really connect with people.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/18/20234 minutes, 20 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Are the Chrises ready to face the heat?

David Seymour said yesterday that the media can’t be trusted to fairly carry ACT’s message.  Based on the texts we got yesterday from people who attended the ACT launch rally, there may be some truth in that. In general, I don’t think we’re being well served by election coverage at the moment... but from all sides. The annoying disruptors, the shadow boxing politicians, the agenda driven clickbait media who proclaim not to have any agenda at all. Give it up, we can see your agenda, it’s plain as day. When you start insinuating someone is racist because someone else disrupted their campaign launch when that same person is a serial disruptor at multiple political party events, then you’ve lost the plot.   I think it’s just disingenuous all round. There is so much sideline noise this election campaign that it’s very difficult to actually hear any policy or detail over the hubbub of accusations and claims and counter claims. The hysteria around the coverage is drowning out any facts. I don’t know if it’s because the media are desperately trying to keep people engaged in the campaign and keep it interesting, therefore beating things up? Or are they worried about engagement dropping off now that the polls show a clear mood for change? Or are they doggedly trying to change people’s views in the hope a left-leaning government is restored? Either way, this ain’t it.  Which brings me to tonight. Tonight is the first televised leaders' debate, on TV One. All eyes will be on Christopher Luxon... the newbie, the rookie, they’ll be watching his every move and breath. That’s a lot of pressure on his shoulders, maybe he should’ve asked Shaun Johnson for some tips on how to carry a lot of pressure. I spoke to Nicola Willis on the show yesterday and asked her if he’s up for it and if we’re going to see him fire up a bit. She reckons he’s passionate and set to go.. the proof will be in the pudding.   Because an area ACT is getting cut through is on is their messaging that the Nat’s are just Labour Lite. We’re hearing that a lot from people at the moment. That Luxon needs more mongrel, he’s not hungry enough, not strong enough, he’s too corporate and soft.   So, it’s a fine line isn’t it for him tonight. He’s got to balance those who want to see a bit of a harder edge and a real difference between National and Labour, with those soft middle swing voters who may be scared off by too much mongrel. He’ll be walking that line in a difficult setting, live TV, maybe a studio audience, every commentator in the country watching him, up against a seasoned debater and scrapper who we know will be throwing everything at it.   I’m not sure what to expect, I suspect Luxon’s been doing his homework and prepping for this as much as he can, but all the prep in the world can’t prepare you for what can go down on live TV or what a moderator may choose to pick up on. By contrast, Hipkins doesn’t go into this with underdog status, but the expectations from within his party for him to perform are immense... he is currently dead man walking. Tonight either flicks Hipkins to life in stupendous fashion and silences his internal party critics, or it’s the death knell for him.  High stakes for both. How many of us will actually be watching though? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/18/20233 minutes, 5 seconds
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Steve Armitage: Hospitality NZ CEO on the ABC Business Sales stats revealing high hospitality rates

New Zealand is making a comeback on the world hospo map as new overseas arrivals drive up demand.   ABC Business Sales says enquiries from potential hospo owners is nearly twice that compared to 2019.  It shows that's due to migrants filling staff and ownership shortages.   Hospitality NZ CEO Steve Armitage told Kate Hawkesby that the country is viewed overseas as a safe place to do business, and customers here love to have cuisine experiences from around the world.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/18/20233 minutes, 23 seconds
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John Carnegie: Energy Resources Aotearoa CEO on Labour's energy package

Labour's latest energy package is copping flack from some of those in the sector.  It includes a rebate of up to $4000 for installing solar panels and will provide $20 million for community energy projects.  Energy Resources Aotearoa CEO John Carnegie told Kate Hawkesby that its not the right move.   He says they should lay off picking winners in the energy sector and rely on the emission trading scheme and the sense of consumers.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/18/20234 minutes, 13 seconds
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Jennifer Mills: Employment lawyer says she's unsure if an entrepreneurial mentorship programme will go far in addressing pay inequality

Labour's made a suite of announcements targeting women.   The party's released its first women's manifesto promising improved endometriosis care and extended breast cancer screening.   It'd also introduce gender pay gap reporting and establish an innovation and entrepreneurship scholarship programme for low to middle-income women.   Employment lawyer Jennifer Mills told Kate Hawkesby New Zealand rates well on gender equality, but there is pay inequality.  “I’m not sure that frankly an entrepreneurial mentorship programme will go far in addressing the problem, but at least it’s a good start.”  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/17/20235 minutes, 4 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: What a weekend for sport!

Wasn’t the Warriors game just the much-needed boost we all needed? Amazing scenes on Saturday night, a wild home crowd, as raucous as any I’ve seen.   I mean that was ebullient and electric – how awesome to have been there for those who were. I was so thrilled for Shaun Johnson – a last-minute bounce back from injury and what a superb performance he gave right up until his final minutes on the field, which was a lot longer than I think any of us anticipated.  One reporter described it as a masterclass and it really was. He’s a leader and just such a great performer – so deserving of the standing ovation he got as he left the field.   But seeing how far the Warriors have come, watching them progress to this end of the competition and to look like such a class act with it – confident, strong, bulletproof. Whatever happens, this team under Andrew Webster have grabbed us all like nothing else.   My sister-in-law was bemoaning the fact her family had to leave their restaurant dinner early Saturday night as my niece – who was watching the Warriors game on her phone at the table got so excited at the game, she made them all hurry up and finish eating so they could head home and watch it on the big screen. No time for dessert, they all had to run.   She’s now trying to convince my sister that tickets to Brisbane this weekend are essential. Although flights look like an issue there - apparently if you don’t already have a ticket booked you may not get one now.   My sister was asking whether they’d failed as Kiwi parents, that both their kids are obsessed with league and F1 as opposed to rugby.   I just think it’s that so much about the spirit of what’s happening with the Warriors – and with Liam Lawson at the F1 for that matter, has captured us and enraptured us.   Maybe it’s the underdog thing? Maybe it’s the small player taking on the big guns? Whatever it is we are mesmerized by it.   Young people love it, whereas much of what rugby stands for these days is older tropes that no longer serve young sports fans.   Although to be fair to the AB’s, we are not yet at the business end of the World Cup, so it’s understandable that people aren’t that enthused yet.   But even the anticipation, on Friday’s show last week, people were texting me “let’s just focus on the really important issues.. up the Wahs.”   So the anticipation was there, and the Warriors certainly delivered. I mean the pressure Shaun Johnson was under – and the way he just took that and ran with it – and exceeded probably everybody’s expectations. I mean you can’t bottle that.   The place they’ve gotten to as a team, especially with him on the field, it’s just magic.   Likewise, Liam Lawson is blowing everyone’s minds at the F1, another fantastic story. A rookie who doesn’t even have an F1 seat, just a young guy being thrown an opportunity, grabbing it with both hands and laser-focused on nailing it.   He said to Mike a couple of weeks ago after the Dutch Grand Prix that all they’d really hoped from him as a fill-in reserve driver is that he didn’t crash the car. And now look at him.   Holland, to Italy, to Singapore – outclassing even top drivers, points for AlphaTauri – unbelievable – and next week Japan.   He feels unstoppable, in the same way the Warriors do at the moment. And I reckon it’s that kind of momentum, energy and focus that grabs us, enthuses us, and keeps us absolutely riveted. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/17/20233 minutes, 13 seconds
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Nicola Willis: National deputy leader wraps fiscal plans, co-governance and gang funding proposals

As policies fly about here and there in these last 4 weeks heading into the election, Labour's deputy prime minister and National's deputy leader will join once a week to gain insight into all things party-related.  National’s Nicola Willis joined Kate Hawkesby to discuss any fiscal plans, Act vowing to end co-governance and Labour supposedly turning down proposals to stop gang funding.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/17/20235 minutes, 35 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK correspondent says Russell Brand isn't stepping out of the spotlight amid rape and sexual assault allegations

Police in the UK are approaching the paper which brought allegations to light against Russell Brand and one of his former employers.   The comedian has been accused of rape and sexual assaults between 2006 and 2013.   Police have gone to Channel 4 and The Sunday Times to make sure any victims of crime can be made aware of how they can report it to police.   UK correspondent Gavin Grey told Kate Hawkesby Brand is denying the accusations and isn't stepping out of the spotlight.  “He went ahead with a scheduled gig on Saturday night. He started an hour late – people thought he wasn’t going to turn up but he did. He received a very warm response.”  Meanwhile, the Trevi Women & Children's Charity in the UK has announced it has ended its association with the star.  LISTEN ABOVE   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/17/20232 minutes, 38 seconds
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Andrew Alderson: Liam Lawson earns first F1 points with ninth-place finish in Singapore

Liam Lawson continues to press his case for a fulltime Formula One seat in the 2024 season. In just his third race of deputising for injured AlphaTauri driver Daniel Ricciardo, the 21-year-old Kiwi has earned his first two points in Formula One with a ninth-placed finish at the Singapore Grand Prix. Not only was it his first finish in the points, it was the best result any AlphaTauri driver had achieved all season. Red Bull’s sister team are yet to confirm their driver lineup for the 2024 season as Ricciardo is only on loan from Red Bull until the end of 2023, and Lawson has well and truly put his hand up after missing out on a fulltime seat coming into this season. Lawson caught plenty of attention in qualifying for the event when he made it through to the third session – being the only Red Bull-affiliated driver to do so; keeping reigning World Champion Max Verstappen out of the final session in qualifying. It was a sign of things to come from Lawson, who ultimately qualified to start the race 10th on the grid. After qualifying, Lawson noted it would be a challenging race but he drove a solid and clean race despite losing a couple of spots immediately off the starting line. While AlphaTauri drivers have struggled with the package they have been given this year, that hasn’t been the case for Lawson, who has consistently found the pace to be competitive. At the front of the pack, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz converted qualifying in pole position into a race win, with McLaren’s Lando Norris and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton rounding out the podium. Lawson also finished second in voting for the Driver of the Day award behind race winner Sainz. “I’m pretty tired right now,” Lawson told Sky Sports. “The race was long, it was hot. We didn’t quite have the speed for the guys in front, so that was a bit tricky, but on my side I need to sort these starts. It’s two weeks in a row now that I’ve lost two spots off the starting line and making our life more difficult. “We did the hard work yesterday to put ourselves in Q3 and to lose those two spots off the line is tricky. For the rest of the race I gave it everything.” Lawson was overlooked for a fulltime role with AlphaTauri for the 2023 season due to a lack of experience, and has spent most of this year racing in the Japanese Super Formula competition – where he remains in title contention with two races to go. However, has only taken forward steps since getting his chance to show he is ready for the top level since making his Formula One race debut at the Dutch Grand Prix late last month. After missing out on points by just one place at the Italian Grand Prix last weekend, Lawson wouldn’t be denied in Singapore – a race known for being one of the toughest of the series both physically and mentally given the length, the fact it’s contested at night under lights and the added elements of the heat and humidity. “I’ve been beating the drum since before driving in F1, trying to get this shot. Now I have this opportunity I’m just trying to maximise it,” Lawson said. “I have this very short window. I basically want to get to the end of it and look back and know I’d done everything I could. “It’s tricky to get a fulltime seat in this sport but rather than looking at all those external things, for me it’s focusing on every session, trying to maximise each time I’m in the car and show what I can.” - by Christopher Reive, NZ HeraldSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/17/20232 minutes, 50 seconds
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Elliott Smith: Newstalk ZB rugby commentator on tomorrows match between the All Blacks and Namibia

Another exciting weekend of Rugby kicks off tomorrow, as the All Blacks face Namibia in their second World Cup pool match.  Newstalk ZB’s rugby commentator, Elliott Smith, told Kate Hawkesby that they can be fairly confident in winning.  He said that it should be a comfortable win tomorrow and a good chance to build some confidence back.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/14/20234 minutes, 7 seconds
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John Duffy: Consumer NZ CEO on Labour's justice policy

Consumer NZ is backing Labour's policy to shake up the legal system to make class action lawsuits easier.  Labour says it will establish a formal class actions regime, allowing groups of people to band together to sue.  Leader Chris Hipkins says people are blocked out of justice due to costs or system delays.  Consumer NZ Chief Executive John Duffy told Kate Hawkesby that class action lawsuits are rare in New Zealand.  He says they're very common overseas, and often used for consumer rights, health and safety, and environmental issues.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/14/20234 minutes, 12 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Unfortunately for Labour, voters don't care about costings

It’s funny as we get to the sharp end of the election campaign, what exercises people and what doesn’t.   The media are exercised by the Nats tax cut plan. They’re exercised by it largely I assume because the Labour party are exercised about it. And the Labour party are exercised about it because they hate it because it’s popular. It’s seen poll surges for National, and they’ll do anything to try to stem that tide.   Problem is, as the feedback I’ve received this week would attest, and as the polls would suggest too, it is popular. And people seemingly do not care how it’s costed, or what a handful of economists say about it, or how much Grant Robertson bangs on about it being flawed.   The reality is, this government can’t really talk smack about costings to anyone given the state they’re leaving the economy in. They can’t really talk costings when they’re the government who oversaw wasteful spending like we’ve never seen, money poured into mad ideology that went nowhere like bike bridges and light rail, and a general mismanagement of our economy including bloating the public service and taking away targets for anything.   So in a nutshell – bit rich from a government who didn’t even hold themselves accountable on anything, to now throw stones at the opposition. It’s not credible, the criticism is falling on deaf ears. Unless you’re the media of course, who love it and will run with anything this deep in the weeds if the Labour party tells them to.   My point is – it’s of no interest to the average voter. People are looking at the mood, the state of their bank accounts, the state of their mortgages, the state of the country in general, and they’re saying, no thanks. Time for change.   Now, whether they think that change is ACT or the Nats or Winston or any of the other minor parties, that’s an MMP roller-coaster we’ll probably be on for the next few weeks. But the upshot is, it ain’t Labour. So no amount of haranguing Luxon and co over tax cut costings is going to move the needle in my opinion. Too much is going in the wrong direction to turn the truck around now.   I guess attacking all the Nats policies is all they’ve got though – because Labour releasing policy now just looks kind of desperate. Suddenly they’re waking up to a whole bunch of stuff they had six whole years to fix. Suddenly they’re realising we need more doctors, we need better qualified teachers, we need better healthcare, we need more Police, they’re suddenly coming up with policy promises around all these things. It’s just too little too late.   All that time spent naval gazing about how low speed limits should be and how many judder bars to put in, all that time spent wondering how to go easier on criminals, facilitate gang convoys, where to put up more Maori signs, all that time on stuff that in the end got us nowhere and just infuriated everyone. It didn’t advance us economically, or productively, or in terms of our enthusiasm and motivation, it just saw our best and brightest wave ta-ta.   So as frustrating as it must be for Labour and for the media, who are so determined to run the ‘we want costings!’ rhetoric —which by the way they pick and choose when they ask for it, think of all the stuff they’ve not asked for costings on— but as determined as they are about hammering this one, the reality, as the polls suggest, is that voters just don’t care. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/14/20233 minutes, 6 seconds
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Meg Taylor: Wanaka Stakeholders Group Chair on the opposition to the planned Tarras Airport

Central Otago residents fighting to stop the planned Tarras Airport are doing all they can to make their voices heard.   A new survey has slammed Christchurch Airport's plans with more than 80% of the region's surveyed residents and businesses in opposition.   The study has found opposition has risen by nearly 10% compared to two years earlier.   Wanaka Stakeholders Group Chair Meg Taylor told Kate Hawkesby that it will have a major impact on their region.   She says almost 96% of respondents say Wanaka and the Upper Clutha should or must be involved in the decision-making process.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/13/20233 minutes, 38 seconds
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Ian Powell: Former Executive Director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists on Labour's plan to train more doctors

A health commentator says it'll be over a decade before new medical school students make an impact. If elected, Labour's promised to train an additional 335 doctors every year from 2027, with medical school numbers increasing from next year.   National's previously announced a new medical school at Waikato University, which would provide 220 extra places by 2030.   Ian Powell told Kate Hawkesby that we need international recruitment, and Australia offering more pay isn't being acknowledged.    He says when competing with Australia internationally, New Zealand's only advantage is not having snakes.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/13/20234 minutes, 39 seconds
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Tony Bouchier: Criminal Barrister says the current approach to crime is working

A criminal barrister says our current approach to crime is working.   ACT Party leader David Seymour's pledging to boost prison capacity by 500 beds and toughen sentencing for offending against vulnerable workers.   The party also wants new youth justice beds under Corrections and ankle bracelets on youth offenders.   Criminal Barrister, Tony Bouchier told Kate Hawkesby that crime is becoming too much of a political football.   He says on the whole things are working, and politicians aren't the experts on this.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/13/20234 minutes, 21 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Groceries aren't getting cheaper anytime soon

I’ve been obsessed with grocery prices this year – I mean, haven’t we all? Anyone who does the shopping knows what a shock it can be when you see the prices of some things literally quadruple right in front of you.   I have an ongoing debate with the person in our household who does not do the groceries about this. His solution is: if you don’t want to pay $20 for blueberries, shop around. Now, that’s all well and good if you have lots of time on your hands and all day to trawl through supermarkets and greengrocers all over the city, but most of us don’t.   You’ve also got to ask yourself how much you want to be inconvenienced by the whole experience, how long you want to sit in traffic for, and how much money you’re actually spending on petrol driving around all these places.   But if you do shop around, you'll see the disparities. The other day for example, a stick of celery was 4 different prices at 4 different places. $3.49 at Pak n’Save, $3.99 at Fruit World, $5.79 at New World, Countdown... $6.99! For a stick of celery you can get at half the price at Pak n’Save.  Now when you look at it like that – it’s hair raising and a bit of a no brainer... maybe we should shop around. But you can’t do half your groceries somewhere, a few somewhere else, then go somewhere else for your broccoli and celery can you? Do you? I’d love to know how many people do do that.   I actually did find blueberries the other day down to the bargain price of $10.00 a punnet, having been $20 a punnet at Farro the other day, so a whole 10 dollar difference, but still way too high in my opinion. And yes, don’t text me telling me to buy frozen ones, or grow my own, I’m talking retail prices here on fresh stuff.   Anyway Infometrics data shows food prices have again increased last month by 6.6%. Groceries went up 7.5% in July and 8.3% in June, so technically the trend is downwards, but as Infometrics Brad Olsen warned, our groceries aren’t getting cheaper anytime soon. We’re still paying way too much for groceries basically, as any of us who’ve recently travelled overseas and compared, knows full well.   And for all those who like to message me about buying frozen, well interestingly, frozen foods ‘saw the largest monthly increase in supplier costs and have increased on an annual basis more than produce.’ Ouch. That used to be the cheaper way to go, now it’s not.   And here’s the other rub, Brad Olsen said he, ‘worries the "new normal" might be more intense inflation than what New Zealand is used to: “when we've looked at the latest data... there are some areas where there's a little bit more pressure than we'd like to see, “ he said he’s, "still worried that ... that sort of new normal might still be more intense inflation than we've previously been accustomed to."   So that’s unfortunate isn’t it. I mean try as we might, we can’t seem to stop the inflation juggernaut continuing to come right at us, and it looks like it’s going to keep smacking us in the face for a while yet. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/13/20232 minutes, 52 seconds
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Paul Spoonley: Demographer on the record high net migration rates

New Zealand's migration figures are above pre-pandemic levels.   There was a net gain of 96,200 people in the year to July, with 135,000 non-citizens arriving, and 39,400 New Zealanders leaving.   Demographer Paul Spoonley says the Productivity Commission says we need to align the number of immigrants with the infrastructure and services we can provide.   He says we're back in high annual population growth rates but with the same problem we've had for 10 or 20 years: an inability to keep up.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/12/20235 minutes, 14 seconds
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Claire Matthews: Massey University banking expert on the calls for an investigation into banks and international investment scams

There are calls for a cluster of international investment scams to come under scrutiny.   Financial expert Janine Starks wants a banking ombudsman to launch an investigation after accusing banks of corporate failure.  She says there's systemic failures with foreign scams estimated to be stealing up to $200 million a year from New Zealanders.  Massey University banking expert Claire Matthews told Kate Hawkesby that it's difficult to know what an investigation might show.   She says it may reveal banks are doing everything they can, or it may show there are things they could be doing better.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/12/20232 minutes, 51 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: How deep is the prezzy card pot?

I'm just wondering if there's a big box of prezzy cards stashed somewhere inside the Beehive, or somewhere all the bureaucrats can go, to just bundle up endless prezzy cards to hand out to people.   In the latest prezzy card scandal —and let's not forget there've been a few— 'defendants on serious charges', it was reported, got $75 dollar prezzy cards to attend meetings. These were meetings in Hawke's Bay at the courts, and it was reportedly to ‘share ideas and court experiences.'’  So the news report said 'about 50 people attended the meetings'. This was at the start of the month, a couple of weeks ago, and they were held in Napier and Hastings. So who held these meetings and were handing out the prezzy cards?   ‘Ministry of Justice Chief Operating Officer Carl Crafar..' alongside 'Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated, and supported by the Ministry.' The story said the meetings 'were held in order to gain a deeper understanding of the local community’s aspirations for Te Ao Mārama.' Which means enhancing justice for all. Which starts with prezzy cards it seems.   The Ministry of Justice's COO was reported saying, "the vision for the District Court, [was] a journey towards a more enlightened justice system, in response to repeated calls for transformative change."   Now here's the key point: the story says the Ministry of Justice claims it didn't know how many attendees at these meetings were defendants or victims. Why not? Why didn't they measure that? Surely that helps inform what they're trying to do in terms of how to improve the experience. Don't you need to know who people are in regards what end of the court system they were dealing with? But it gets worse, Stuff said one attendee was someone currently on bail 'while facing various charges of assault including a charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.' So a very serious charge, an offender still before the courts, on bail, getting handed a prezzy card to the value of 75 dollars so he can buy himself something nice for the trouble of his time to tell the Ministry how his experience before the court could have been better. Are you kidding me?   The Ministry's chief operating officer was quoted saying 'the knowledge shared at the wānanga was invaluable for all those involved, and many participants expressed their appreciation at the opportunity to share their views.' I bet they did. I just don't know how or why this prezzy card reward system has grown into such a big thing for government departments, and why they're so happy to spend our taxpayer dollars on token rewards for anyone and everyone they want information out of. Including alleged offenders.   There has become this general acceptance it would appear, that the best way to entice people to do stuff, is to hand them prezzy cards, or KFC, or takeaways, or any token gesture that gets them over the line... at our expense. I mean I guess it's cheaper than millions on consultants, but how much is being spent on prezzy cards by government? How deep is the prezzy card pot? And why is there no vetting of whose getting them and who isn't and why and how even offenders can get them?   It just feels like more reward-based politics, based on little fact, and using our hard earned money to achieve... what? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/12/20233 minutes, 1 second
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Rishabh Kapoor: Impression Real Estate CEO on the increase of tenants viewing Auckland city rentals

There’s been a 900% increase in the number of prospective tenants viewing an Auckland rental property in just six months.  Impression Real Estate data shows on average, more than 50 people attend each viewing in the city.  Chief Executive, Rishabh Kapoor says demand comes from those who lost their homes in the January floods, and recent migrants.  He says property managers are seeing more cases of people offering to pay more for rent, or offering bribes.  Kapoor says it's concerning for two reasons —the first being that it's illegal— and the second being it speaks to the desperation among people for rentals.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/11/20234 minutes, 2 seconds
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Brigitte Morton: Former Senior Ministerial Advisor for the National Party on the Newshub-Reid poll results

Labour has plunged 5.5% in the latest Newshub-Reid Research poll, taking the party to just under 27% support.   National has shot up to 40.9%, while ACT's on 10%, the Greens 12.3% and New Zealand First is tip-toeing up to the threshold at 4.6%.  Former Senior Ministerial Advisor for the National Party Brigitte Morton told Kate Hawkesby that it’s a significant swing and is likely to stabilize back.   She said that this is probably the most significant downfalls in popularity that the Labour Government has seen.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/11/20234 minutes, 53 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: The polls four weeks out from election

I’m wondering at this point who’s more obsessed with the election, the media, the politicians, or the voters.   The bulk of the feedback I’m getting at the moment is: we’re over it, open early voting, let’s get on with it, we just want change and a new direction. So as the politicians ramp up the campaigns and the polling starts spewing out percentages, and we begin crunching numbers and policy's getting released... who’s listening and watching? Over the weekend several policies got released - how many can you name or do you care about?   The people caring deeply right about now will be the Labour party’s strategists. Last night’s Newshub Reid research poll had Labour tumbling further, it’s tanked to a result not seen since Andrew Little was leader, and you know what happened then.   Newshub called it ‘a crisis poll’.  26.8% Labour’s dropped to a ‘catastrophic’, as the reporter called it, 5.5% fall. The gap’s widening with the Nats up to a whopping 40.9%, which is up another 4.3%. The Greens were on 12.3%, Act was down to 10.1%, so they’re down 2%. But NZ First’s still not quite making the 5% threshold, they were on 4.6%. So based on that poll, the Nats and Act would have 66 seats and comfortably govern.   Newshub’s reporter said this is Labour in a death spiral. On top of that, Hipkins is no longer the most preferred PM. Luxon has jumped up 6.6% to be level pegging with him as most preferred. It’ll surely only be a matter of time before Luxon overtakes him. So the energy Luxon's exuding is paying off. He says he’s “bouncing out of bed at 4.30 every morning” and he’s ‘wanting to get on with the job of the new National led government.’   Does he have it in the bag though? There’s no question both Luxon and the Nats have momentum, but four weeks is a long time in politics. A lot can happen between now and then. And don't forget the debates coming up. How prepared they all are for this is beyond me - I’d argue Hipkins is not a prepper, doesn’t appear to read much or get into the finer details, but he’s a scrapper and a fighter and will no doubt give it his all because he’s got nothing to lose. He'll throw everything at it. If he throws too much negativity and shade though, it could backfire.   Luxon on the other hand is the big unknown in that setting. He’s corporate, polite and moderate. Whether he can be deft on his feet remains to be seen. It’s not something you can prep too much in advance for either - what people want to see is whether he can come to life in a spontaneous fashion or at least sound a bit human. I hope he can just talk. Sound normal, not too rehearsed or staged, but also, arc up if need be. Passion is good, someone as upset and angry about what’s happened to this country as we are.   Can he do all those things? I don’t know. There're some who say it could be a vote loser for him if his debate performance is bad, but that brings me back to my original question: how engaged are we? How much do we care about all these things? Do people really change their mind on how they’ll vote, based on some bad TV? But then again, stranger things have happened.   Momentum is everything right now and all Luxon has to do is keep it up. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/11/20232 minutes, 46 seconds
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Gavin Grey: Rishi Sunak chides China after report a UK Parliament staffer is a suspected Beijing spy

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak chastised China’s premier on Sunday for “unacceptable” interference in British democracy, after a newspaper reported that a researcher in Parliament was arrested earlier this year on suspicion of spying for Beijing.  Sunak said he raised the issue with Premier Li Qiang when the two met at a Group of 20 summit in India. He told British broadcasters in New Delhi that he’d expressed “my very strong concerns about any interference in our parliamentary democracy, which is obviously unacceptable.”  The two men met after the Metropolitan Police force confirmed that a man in his 20s and a man in his 30s were arrested in March under the Official Secrets Act. Neither has been charged and both were bailed until October pending further inquiries.  The Sunday Times reported that the younger man was a parliamentary researcher who worked with senior lawmakers from the governing Conservatives, including Alicia Kearns, who now heads the powerful Foreign Affairs Committee, and her predecessor in that role, Tom Tugendhat, who is now security minister. The newspaper said the suspect held a pass that allows full access to the Parliament buildings, issued to lawmakers, staff and journalists after security vetting.  Tensions between Britain and China have risen in recent years over accusations of economic subterfuge, human rights abuses and Beijing’s crackdown on civil liberties in the former British colony of Hong Kong.  Britain’s Conservatives are divided on how tough a line to take with Beijing and on how much access Chinese firms should have to the U.K. economy. More hawkish Tories want Beijing declared a threat, but Sunak has referred to China’s growing power as a “challenge.”  Former U.K. Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith said news of the March arrests “gives the lie to the government’s attempt not to see China as a systemic threat.”  U.K. spy services have sounded ever-louder warnings about Beijing’s covert activities. In November, the head of the MI5 domestic intelligence agency, Ken McCallum, said “the activities of the Chinese Communist Party pose the most game-changing strategic challenge to the U.K.” Foreign intelligence chief Richard Moore of MI6 said in July that China was his agency’s “single most important strategic focus.”  In January 2022, MI5 issued a rare public alert, saying a London-based lawyer was trying to “covertly interfere in U.K. politics” on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party. It alleged attorney Christine Lee was acting in coordination with the Chinese ruling party’s United Front Work Department, an organization known to exert Chinese influence abroad.  An opposition Labour Party lawmaker, Barry Gardiner, received more than 500,000 pounds ($685,000) from Lee between 2015 and 2020, mostly for office costs, and her son worked in Gardiner’s office. Lee and the Chinese government both deny wrongdoing.  China has repeatedly criticized what it calls British interference in its internal affairs and denied meddling in the politics of foreign nations.  Sunak and Li met days after Foreign Secretary James Cleverly visited Beijing, the highest-level trip by a British politician to China for several years. Chinese President Xi Jinping did not attend the G20 meeting in India. Sunak defended his approach of cautious engagement, saying “there’s no point carping from the sidelines – I’d rather be in there directly expressing my concerns, and that’s what I did today.”  - by Jill Lawless, APSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/10/20233 minutes, 9 seconds
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Ashley Church: Property commentator says ACT's housing policy sounds good in theory - but a step too far in reality

A view ACT's new housing policy sounds good in theory - but is a step too far in reality.    The party's unveiled its housing policy - which would see builders able to use insurance companies as an alternative authority for consenting - to speed up the process.   It aims to cut local councils out of the consenting process.   Property commentator Ashley Church told Kate Hawkesby he believes in getting rid of bureaucracy - but this policy is all over the place.  “I think there’s a risk with this that you’ll end up with shoddy housing – you'll end up with some equivalent of what happened with leaky homes back in the late 90s and we’ll be right back in that space again.”  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/10/20235 minutes, 16 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: It's not all bad news with a dry hot summer en route

Like many of us, I was hoping for a triumphant Saturday of wins - the AB’s against France and the Warriors against the Panthers.   OK fair enough that was probably a tougher call the latter one, but a double win would have been a much-needed morale boost for a country in the doldrums at the moment.   Sadly it was not to be. And after some fleeting optimism and pre-emptive excitement - we are all back in the doldrums again.   And our mood or collective funk is not only annoying, but it must be worrying politicians. Because when we are grumpy we are likely to go one of two ways.   Apathy - can’t be bothered - there’s no light at end of tunnel, everything sucks. Or two, the current situation sucks so bad we simply have to blow it up and start over. That option is bad news for Labour.   Mind you apathy’s not a great option for them either. I think we may be on track for setting a record for gloom in this country, in terms of how long it’s lasting, so I’m looking for silver linings. I was thrilled to see some hope potentially on the horizon in the form of the weather. El Niño is coming! Apparently a hot dry summer is on the way, which is just in the nick of time given we all feel totally rained out and over the wet.   Also given we feel short-changed from not getting much of a summer last year. We all badly need some sunshine, some warmth and some longer days.   It’s good for morale and it’s good to lift general mood. But I also think we need to get back some pride in where we live - some pride in our country and our environment.   We want our streets and CBDs cleaned up, our oceans cleaned up, our walkways rejuvenated, our roads fixed. Our neighbourhoods to feel safe again, our grocery trolley to not cost so damn much every time.   That’s not going to happen overnight sadly - but the hope of it happening will hopefully drive optimism and confidence.   I was watching the ‘Blue Zones’ documentary on Netflix over the weekend and one of the commonalities of Blue Zone regions - which by the way are places where people live the longest – so they’re places with the highest number of centenarians in them and one thing they all have in common no matter where in the world they are, is their love of their own environment.   They love where they live. How often can we say that? Another factor is that the stresses they feel are stressors they can control or do something about.   So they live in a way that they don’t absorb any stressors that are outside out of their control which enables them to actively cope with their stress.   For example, their goat is cold, find a way to make the goat warm. The stress is solvable. They’re not consuming global media, social media, large amounts of information that can be overwhelming and out of their control.   There are lots of other factors at play of course, like nutrition and exercise and so on, but it’s a good lesson in just managing what you can control, and what’s around you - rather than worrying about all the stuff we have no input on.   So I guess my point is, maybe with Spring on the way and a warm summer promised, change potentially on the horizon, and a good dose of optimism and gratitude for what we have, maybe we’ll all cheer up a bit soon, no matter how many times the ABs lose. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/10/20232 minutes, 48 seconds
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Andrew Alderson: Ryan Fox finishes in share of third at Irish Open

Ryan Fox must be wondering when the luck of the Irish will fall his way after finishing just short at the Irish Open for the third time of his career.  Fox, playing in his first tournament since the PGA Tour’s 3M Open in July, held a share of the lead midway through the fourth round but dropped a shot on the penultimate hole to end his chance of another victory on the DP World Tour.  Fox carded a final round 70 at the K Club to finish two shots (12-under) behind Swede Vincent Norrman at 14-under in a share of third. Norrman had the low round of the day with 65 to win his second tournament of the year.  The Kiwi finished runner-up last year behind Adrian Meronk and also in 2018, edged out by Russell Knox. This year he shared third with Grant Forrest (Scotland), Shane Lowry (Ireland), Triston Lawrence (South Africa) and Hurly Long (Germany).  Fox earns $315,000 (NZD$535,000) for his third placed finish.  He missed a birdie chance at the 16th which would have tied the lead, but the ball held up just short of the hole. An errant drive on the par four 17th left him with a tough approach and he clipped a tree leaving his ball well short of the green. He recovered well to land his third on the edge of the green but his par attempt finished short.  Needing an eagle on the par five 18th, Fox’s drive landed in the rough ending any hope of a playoff.  Fellow Kiwi Daniel Hillier finished in a share of 13th at 10-under following a final round 69.  Next week is the lucrative BMW Championship at Wentworth. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/10/20233 minutes, 7 seconds
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Peter Boot: Northcote A & M medical director says National's health target plan completely misses the point

National's being accused of missing the point with its target for emergency departments.  The party's pledging to bring back health targets if elected, including 95 percent of ED patients to be admitted, discharged or transferred within six hours.  Northcare Accident and Medical's Peter Boot told Kate Hawkesby they should be thinking about primary care, which is falling over because doctors are either moving offshore or about to retire.  “And National’s policy of bolstering up secondary care is completely missing the point. It’s like mopping up the floor when the roof’s leaking.”  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/10/20234 minutes, 19 seconds
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Marie Black: Hurunui Mayor says the addition of a Great Walk would be a boost to local economies

The National Party is promising to build a new “Great Walk” as part of its new tourism policy.   It's planed an $14m upgrade the 80km Waiau-Toa/Molesworth walking track in Canterbury, creating the 11th Great Walk.  Hurunui Mayor Marie Black told Tim Dower that having a track of this distinction in their district would be a significant boost for the local and regional economies.   She said that the district would embrace something of this nature, and it could bring in the big spenders.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/7/20233 minutes, 37 seconds
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Steve Cullen: Criminal Lawyer on Labour's gang convoy policy

Labour's law and order policy would allow Police to confiscate cars, motorbikes, and even tractors.  Police Minister Ginny Andersen says it's designed for large scale convoys going through public roads, disrupting people's daily lives.  Criminal lawyer Steve Cullen told Tim Dower that it appears they'll come at them after the fact.  He says they will have to show there's a breach of the road laws by people in two or more vehicles.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/7/20234 minutes, 21 seconds
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Tim Dower: There's a lot at stake

Really? New Zealand First... really?  I mean, I know it's a pretty desperate time... we're all a bit lost and confused and disappointed, frustrated and seriously peed off at the state of the country right now.  But to see a poll showing New Zealand First potentially over the five percent threshold? I guess it shows how desperate things are for a lot of people.  It's not my place to tell you how to vote, or how not to vote, but what I will say is: just think of the history.  Think of the dramas, the twists and turns, how you thought you had a clear commitment on something, only to see a complete 180 when it comes to the crunch.  Think how many times we've been held to ransom, double-crossed, gaslit, and bullshitted... you really wanna go there again?    I've heard Chris Luxon saying he's focused on National and getting the best result he can, and I think that's the right tack to take.  But I suspect he and other senior figures in the party will be disappointed that they're not yet winning over more of the centre-right or right leaning vote.  ACT has been doing well, and while you want your potential coalition partner to be strong and well run, it's not so much fun when they're eating your lunch.  The conclusion has to be that National has a way to go in getting its message across properly, hitting the right buttons and doing it convincingly.  If it was, what we saw in the Talbot Mills poll last night wouldn't be happening.  People whose natural tendency would be to vote for the Nats aren't convinced. They're not happy. This is a disaffected protest vote.  There's still a long way to go, five weeks of campaigning yet, and of course people don't necessarily always tell pollsters the truth.  To my mind, what we need from this election is a clear decision, one way or the other.  There's a lot at stake. It's not a game. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/7/20232 minutes, 2 seconds
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Jacqueline Rowarth: Lincoln University Professor on the dairy sector's response to Labour's economic principles

Some in the dairy sector are less than convinced by Labour's five economic priorities.  The list includes growing an export-led country, boosting renewable energy, enhancing tourism, and focusing on sustainable agriculture technology.  Lincoln University Professor Jacqueline Rowarth told Kate Hawkesby she's confused by what the party's trying to achieve.   She says New Zealand already is a centre for agricultural sustainability expertise, and that's why delegations from other countries come here to see how we do things.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/6/20233 minutes, 57 seconds
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Simon Douglas: AA Chief Policy Officer on National's EV policy

The Automobile Association says when it comes to EV structure, investment needs to happen ahead of demand.  The AA's pleased with National's promise of 10-thousand public EV chargers over the next four years, a promise that will cost $257 million.  The party would also dump Labour's clean car discount scheme and ute tax.   Chief Policy Officer Simon Douglas told Kate Hawkesby that big car manufacturers are beginning to invest in electric cars.  He says we'll reach a point where EVs and internal combustion engine cars are equal in price, and things will take off.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/6/20234 minutes, 1 second
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Luke Blincoe: Electric Kiwi CEO on the Commerce Commission complaint that electricity providers are abusing their power

The country's big four electricity providers are being accused of abusing their power.  Electric Kiwi is taking a complaint to the Commerce Commission, claiming that Meridian, Mercury, Genesis, and Contact are taking advantage of their market dominance and driving out competition.  Chief Executive Luke Blincoe told Kate Hawkesby the complaint is extensive.  He says there are 37 pages of examples of actual refusal to supply some hedge products and constructive refusal to supply, meaning prices are offered but they're well outside the market.   Mercury is rejecting Electric Kiwis' claim, saying it supplies hedge products to Electric Kiwi and other retailers.  It claims the electricity market is highly competitive.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/6/20231 minute, 51 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: The rise in uncontrolled dogs is a problem

In my ongoing obsession with all things canine, I was interested to see that Wellington has a problem at the moment with uncontrolled dogs.   It was reported in a Wellington City Council dog control report, that “the number of uncontrolled dogs has increased by 26 percent in the last year. Sixty-five attacks on people, 78 on animals, and 697 uncontrolled dogs were reported.” Not only that, but disturbingly ‘the report suggested the high number of attacks and aggressive dog behaviour appeared to be a nationwide issue.’   And I’m not surprised. The number of people who let their dogs off leash in parks or public spaces —who then run rampant menacing people— and other dogs is outrageous. And it’s not even the dog’s fault half the time, it’s poor ownership.   I was at a park the other day with my dog and an owner drove up, flicked open her car boot and two huge unleashed dogs leapt out and just went beserk all over the place running up to people and their dogs and bothering them, jumping up on them, running at other dogs, all the while the owner carried on with her takeaway coffee like she was oblivious. She looked completely disinterested in the fact her dogs were going crazy bothering other dogs. This is despite very clear rules around dogs on leashes in public spaces.   So what can you do?  I’m not sure dog patrol officers are that interested unless there’s an actual attack. Travelling overseas in places where dogs in pubs and shops is commonplace, I notice that given those privileges afforded to dogs and their owners, the dogs seem better behaved. They have fewer violent incidents or out of control dogs. It’s unheard of to see a dog walking down the street without a leash. Owners seem to have them in check and under close and careful watch. The dogs behave accordingly.   We were talking about this recently in London. The dogs were just so docile, same in New York. Dogs everywhere but not a single one bothered you as they were all well contained and well behaved.   One of the excuses given up here for our increasingly badly behaved dogs is that Covid and lockdown meant dogs were less socialized. I have no idea how that’s true given people walked their dogs like there was no tomorrow during lockdowns. It’s the one thing people did do – lots of dog walking and you had way more people at home with their dogs.   But an out of control dog is not just a problem for other dogs, but also people. Dog attacks can be absolutely vicious, and in some cases fatal. I’ve been bitten by a dog – it’s nasty. Not to mention all the faff that goes with it of antibiotics, tetanus injections, and a long slow healing process. But they also attack wildlife, that’s been an issue in Wellington too. “Several little blue penguins were killed by dogs in the Wellington region”.. reports said coastal areas could be extremely dangerous places to have a dog off a lead.   Yet we see it all the time don’t we? Every time I raise the issue of dogs people always contact me saying it’s the owner, the owner, the owner, it’s not the dog. Yes and no. There are some dodgy backroom breeds out there from some dodgy operators or illegal breeders who make a lot of money out of putting pesky dogs out into the world. I’m sure solutions to this problem are multifaceted, but we need to clamp down on it because badly behaved aggressive dogs being on the increase is not a good thing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/6/20232 minutes, 15 seconds
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Stu Davidson: HighGround Dairy Consultant on the increase in milk prices

Dairy prices have risen for the first time in four months.  Overall prices are up 2.7% at this morning's latest Global Dairy Trade auction, making up slightly for a 7.4% fall at the last auction three weeks ago.  The news is even better for the all-important Whole Milk Powder price, which is up 5.3%.  HighGround Dairy consultant Stu Davison told Kate Hawkesby that it's too early to say whether this is a turn-around in the trend, or a one-off.  He says it's positive news nonetheless.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/5/20233 minutes, 38 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Brazen theft in supermarkets

Having witnessed a supermarket theft the other day, as we all probably have by now, I was not surprised to see that supermarket crime ‘has surged’.   In just Foodstuffs North Island stores, it's reported there are ‘more than a thousand incidents a month.’ And the thefts are brazen. There was one video of a man ‘armed with a screwdriver stealing nine legs of lamb’. Foodstuffs say that in more than a third of these crimes, it’s repeat offenders.    So it’s not surprising they’re taking matters into their own hands and 'investing 45 million in security measures.’ They’ve had a ‘jump of more than 300 percent in assaults and thefts over the past six years'. And that's just physical assaults and thefts. In terms of security incidents in general, they're up more than 800 percent, reportedly.   I mean that's untenable as a business to have to put up with that. And so unfair on staff. They shouldn’t have to deal with the sort of crap they're now dealing with. 'Knives were a common weapon to be pulled on staff, and even handguns..' according to supermarket execs. They also said that people stealing groceries was happening daily, sometimes 'multiple times a day'.. which is what I've heard from check out operators too. And the staff are unable to stop it. This 45 million Countdown wants to spend on security, that'll take a while to trickle through to implement all the security changes needed. They're going to spread it over 3 years, spread it around stores, and try different things.   One of them, the trolley locking system, which a check out operator told me about the other day, is good in theory. It’s basically a smart technology system whereby the trolley locks up automatically, so if the trolley hasn't stopped long enough at the exit - long enough to go through a checkout, then it will automatically lock. The idea being this prevents the thief running out with a full trolley of groceries.   But what this check out operator told me was that in trials of it, although effective at stopping the trolley, it didn't stop the thieves. In fact it made them more angry. So once the trolley locked up and they realised they couldn't move it, they started grabbing items inside the trolley and running out with armfuls of whatever they could carry. On top of that they'd use some of the groceries as weapons - she'd seen thieves grabbing things like cans or wine bottles and throwing them at staff to deter them from chasing them. It also creates a good distraction and makes a hell of a mess. So, she said, it’s actually quite scary.   You then also have the problem of what about the trolley's locking up which aren't being used in thefts? What if you're just quick through the check out with a few items and then your trolley decides you must be a thief and it locks up?   They have to do something though - but adding new camera technology and trolley technology is all well and good but I think they need to be able to do more with their people. Equip and enable security staff to actually be able to do something about thefts. Currently all they can do is watch them leave the supermarket with stolen goods, follow them to their car and take a licence plate, they can’t physically stop them. They then have to rely on Police following all these nuisances up and then rely on the courts do something about it.   So you can see why there’re so many repeat offenders. It’s good Foodstuffs is trying to fix the problem, but it’s 45 million wasted dollars if the courts and police don’t back up this kind of crackdown. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/5/20233 minutes, 1 second
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Vaughn Davis: Social media expert warns against relying on Facebook Marketplace for your business

Experts are warning against relying on Facebook Marketplace for your livelihood.  A New Plymouth couple has been locked out of their business account without explanation, cutting them from their income.  Social media expert Vaughan Davis told Kate Hawkesby that putting all your eggs in this basket is risky.  Davis says it means hitching your wagon to an offshore company who can change the rules at any moment.  He says the issue is becoming more common.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/4/20234 minutes, 29 seconds
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Sarah Dalton: Association of Salaried Medical Specialists Executive Director on today's strike

Senior doctors and dentists say they don't want to see anyone harmed by today's strike.  Members of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists will strike for two hours from midday after rejecting Te Whatu Ora's latest offer.  Around 250 planned procedures are being changed as a result.  Executive Director Sarah Dalton says there are contingency plans.  She told Kate Hawkesby that she's been taking calls in the last few days about surgeries that can't be delayed, and they've approved staffing for that.  But Dalton says many procedures are currently postponed or cancelled across the country every day due to a lack of staffing.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/4/20234 minutes, 24 seconds
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Grant Webster: Tourism Holdings Ltd CEO on tourism bouncing back after Covid

Tourism is making a comeback and people are deciding to spend more time here.  Before Covid it was our largest export.  It's clambered back up to number three on the list, with visitors spending 2.1 billion dollars in the last quarter.  Tourism Holdings Limited Chief Executive Grant Webster told Kate Hawkesby that it's recovering faster than he anticipated, partly down to a good ski season and the Fifa World Cup.  He says we saw a lot of people visiting over winter, and the attractions in the regions played a big part.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/4/20233 minutes, 44 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Let's not lose our sense of humour

A fascinating insight into what it’s like to move countries —which I think is timely given how many Kiwis are doing it right now— appeared on social media the last couple of days from an ex-pat living here.   It was reported that a British native said they were moving back home to England from NZ, because Kiwis lack interest in other people’s lives, and we’re short on banter. That part made me laugh to be honest because I think it depends who you hang with and where you are.   This person lives in Wellington so I can understand how people may be a lot more serious and intense in the political capital than they are other places. They’re more likely to be wokesters who easily take offence, that could be part of the problem. But this person said they’d not been able to form ‘fulfilling friendships’ in the 4 years they’ve been here, and that Kiwis take themselves too seriously.   I think we might take ourselves more seriously now, but we didn’t use to. But again it depends who you’re surrounded by and what your experiences are. Many of us are still traumatized by years of lockdowns, harrowing weather events, economic disarray and a crippling cost of living crisis... so there’s no question humour has become a distant memory for many.   Also, I think people do in general take themselves too seriously these days, by and large we’re not as light of foot as we used to be. The current climate – predominantly on social media especially, is to look for offence everywhere.   But I’d argue that’s not just a Kiwi thing. The UK has its fair share of righteous and indignant wokesters not seeing the humour in anything anymore too. Just ask Ricky Gervais. He calls it out all the time. But it was reported that this person’s given up on NZ and is moving back to the UK, which had the comments section awash with arguments for and against staying versus moving back.   What grabbed me though was the ex-pats who agreed with them. “You do lose yourself here, no sense of humour or banter..." said one in the report, “Our humour is wasted here. My belly laughs are few and far between... “ said another.   Now having lived in both the UK and NZ, I find that bit pretty hard to swallow, because I always found the biggest thing we had in common was our senses of humour. The British banter married up beautifully with Kiwi banter and there seemed an overall understanding between the two cultures that certainly superseded any American humour. But time’s have changed and I don’t doubt now that in parts of NZ where we may take ourselves a bit too seriously, that this has diluted that commonality.   However this ex pat’s been here four years and during that time the whole world has grappled with a pandemic and the whole world has changed because of it. I don’t doubt the UK they left behind 4 years ago is a very different one to what it is now. The grass isn’t always as green somewhere else, is probably the real lesson here. It’s hard to move countries and have it feel like home. But I would like to apologise to this ex pat for our lack of banter and humour, because the one thing we Kiwis used to be really good at, is having a laugh.   We’ve lost a lot of things as a country these past few years, but let’s not ever lose our sense of humour. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/4/20233 minutes, 4 seconds
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Justine Shroder: Mt Fyffe Distillery owner on the rise of gin distilleries in New Zealand

Gin-lovers rejoice!  The number of distilleries creating gin in New Zealand has shot up from just 15 to more than 150 in recent years.  So what are the challenges for owners working in a now-saturated market?  Mt Fyffe Distillery owner Justine Shroder joined Kate Hawkesby.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/3/20233 minutes, 47 seconds
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Gavin Grey: France to soon ban disposable vapes under an anti-smoking plan

French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne said Sunday that disposable vapes will soon be banned in the country as part of a national anti-smoking plan.  Borne, speaking on RTL radio, did not say when the ban would enter into force.  She said the government would soon unveil its new plan to combat smoking, which she said is the cause of 75,000 deaths a year in the country.  It will include a ban on disposable vapes, which she said “are giving bad habits to young people.”  “It’s a reflex and a gesture that young people get used to. That’s how they get into smoking,” she added.  Most of the disposable e-cigarettes, which are thrown away after they’re used up, come in sweet and fruity flavors like pink lemonade, gummy bear and watermelon that makes them attractive to teenagers. They are sold in France usually at a price of between 8 euros ($8.7) and 12 euros ($13).  An existing ban on the sale of electronic cigarette devices to those under 18 is not widely respected. Promoting or advertising such products is also banned.  - APSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/3/20232 minutes, 46 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: The whole lead-up to the election so far feels a bit low rent

So a weekend chocka of political campaigning as the parties hit the ground running in the lead-up to the election.   I don’t know about you but I’m finding the whole lead-up so far a bit low rent. As in, a lot of gutter politics, name-calling, misinformation tactics, and a lot of needless disruption and chaos. And I reckon that puts voters off, so I’m not sure why political parties do it. It has the opposite effect of engaging people, I think what it does is make people think they’re all a bunch of clowns and they don’t want to vote for any of them.   Brian Tamaki’s Freedoms party has already said it hopes to cause ‘a massive political earthquake’ this election, and they seem intent on doing this by crashing other parties' campaign announcements.   Newsflash to Brian Tamaki, that’s not how you win friends and influence people. It certainly won’t win them anywhere near the pie-in-the-sky aim they have of getting 15 to 16 percent of votes.   Freedoms NZ protestors disrupted Labour’s campaign launch Saturday, about 50 of them heckling Hipkins and Helen Clark. That’s after they’d heckled Luxon at a press conference last week, not to mention the hijacking of Hipkins on another walkabout a couple of weeks ago.   But Tamaki defends all of this – of course. He said, “he doesn't believe people are tired of his party's disruptions.”  I think a lot of New Zealanders are quite happy that we're standing up for people's rights, for family,” he told reporters. Really? He thinks a lot of New Zealanders are happy about that? I think after the fiasco of the last few years what New Zealanders are really desperate for is some common sense, some grown-ups, some solid sensible behaviour and some decent leadership.   I think circus acts are the last thing New Zealanders want right now. When I heard the Freedoms Party were looking to disrupt the National Party’s campaign launch yesterday, and that protestors were already gathering hours in advance, I thought uh oh, another shit show.   But kudos to National, they got that cleaned up pretty swiftly, there appeared to be no disruptions inside. The protestors did not manage to breach the building, Luxon said they worked hard on their security and registration process, obviously harder than Labour worked given protestors did manage to infiltrate their launch.   But keeping them out of National’s launch enabled Luxon to make an uninterrupted speech announcing their 8-point pledge. Lowering inflation, growing the economy, tax cuts, building infrastructure, introducing boot camps for serious young offenders, stronger sentencing, lifting school achievement, cutting health wait times, increased support for the elderly - basically assuring people that help is on the way, making the sort of reassuring noises voters may be looking to hear.   That’s if anyone can hear them over and above the cacophony of sideshows, and some of the sneering media coverage they receive. I think Luxon’s best line actually yesterday was that they as a party can handle 41 more days of attacks, but the country can’t handle three more years under Labour.   So the Nats seem buoyant – certainly evidenced by their launch yesterday. If they can keep up that momentum, they may yet be able to drown out all the noise from the sidelines. But I have the feeling that for us voters and observers, this is going to feel like a very long 41 days. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/3/20233 minutes, 8 seconds
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Andrew Alderson: Liam Lawson finishes just outside points as Max Verstappen, Red Bull set new win records

Liam Lawson’s Formula One stocks continue to rise.  After impressing in his debut last weekend, the 21-year-old Kiwi posted a new season’s best result for the second AlphaTauri car with an 11th-placed finish in the Italian Grand Prix.  In just two races since replacing the injured Daniel Ricciardo, Lawson has come away with better results than the Aussie (two races) and teammate Nyck de Vries (10 races), proving he is ready for the top level of the sport, while he equalled the best qualifying performance of the second AlphaTauri car this season by putting it 12th on the grid at Monza.  After the race, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner confirmed Ricciardo (broken arm) is unlikely to return for the Singapore Grand Prix or the following week in Japan, meaning another few races for the Kiwi.  “Singapore, I don’t think there’s any chance he’ll be ready for then. It would be optimistic for Japan,” said Horner of Ricciardo.  There was a delay of about 20 minutes following the formation lap at Monza, as Lawson’s AlphaTauri teammate Yuki Tsunoda, who was due to start 11th on the grid - was forced to withdraw on the formation lap due to a power unit failure, with smoke billowing up from his steering wheel.  Once Tsunoda’s car had been cleared, pole driver Carlos Sainz led the group on a second formation lap in his Ferrari, before racing finally began.  Whether it was due to the delay or the initial strategy, Lawson was among the minority of drivers to take a two pit stop approach to the 51-lap race, switching from medium to hard tyres early, before switching back to mediums late in the race in the hopes of finding some late pace.  Lawson drove a clean race, spending most of it just outside the top 10 and was ultimately left hoping for an error from a driver ahead of him if he was to secure points. It wasn’t to be, but he fought until the end, missing out on his first points by one position.  AlphaTauri are yet to confirm their driver lineup for 2024 and, with Ricciardo only with the team on loan from Red Bull until the end of this season, the young Kiwi has certainly given the powers that be plenty to consider as he looks for a fulltime opportunity next year and could get two more chances to impress at Singapore and Japan.  The race was won by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who became the first driver to win 10th straight grand prix races. It also set a new team record, with Red Bull having won the last 15 consecutive GPs. Verstappen has won 12 of the 14 races this season, with his teammate Sergio Perez winning the other two. The last time a non-Red Bull car won a race was in Brazil last November, where Mercedes’ Geroge Russell stood atop the podium.  Perez finished second in Italy, with Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz beating out teammate Charles Leclerc for the last spot on the podium.  - by Christopher Reive, NZ HeraldSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/3/20233 minutes, 56 seconds
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Jason Walls: Newstalk ZB Political Editor says people are starting to poke holes in National's just-released tax plan

Very different campaign launches by the two major parties over the weekend.   Chris Hipkins launched Labour's in Auckland on Saturday, with the promise of free basic dental care for those under 30 by 2030.  The following day, in the same city, Chris Luxon went with an eight-point pledge card to voters, but no new policy.  Newstalk ZB Political editor Jason Walls told Kate Hawkesby Luxon didn't want to take the focus away from the party's just-released tax plan.  But he says people are starting to poke holes in it.  Walls says the issue of the foreign buyers' tax has started to rear its head, and Luxon and finance spokesperson Nicola Willis have had to answer many questions about that.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/3/20234 minutes, 59 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Fruit and veges aren't exactly garden to table

I am on what seems a never-ending quest to find a good fruit and vege supplier - and it’s not the supermarket. I’m so sick of soft old apples and wilted lettuce on supermarket shelves, I’m hankering for a good farmers market vibe to get fresh produce into the house. I’ve tried many of the online ones, the companies who purport to pick it fresh that morning and deliver straight to your door. But so far not great, they’re average, but not as fresh as you might hope. Bit hit and miss. You may get a dodgy bunch of bananas and a questionable cucumber, the salad greens are OK - but it’s consistency I’m looking for. My husband and I often talk about growing our own, the problem though with country living is that unless you have a greenhouse or a raised covered vege bed, you’re going to get attacked by pests. My parents raised their vege gardens on Waiheke, then put extra fencing around them, the rabbits still found a way in. A whole family of them. Any rural vege patch is usually taken over by small furry (unwanted) friends. I’ve tried pots, I’ve tried raised troughs, but I only manage to keep things alive and growing for a short time though. And that’s before we get to the elements - a big gust of wind and some torrential rain makes sure anything you thought you might have hope in growing is decimated before you can say ‘green thumb’. I think the costs of veges these days, and the increasingly dodgy quality of them only exacerbates consumer annoyance with this particular food group. Also having been in Australia, seeing so much bountiful fresh produce available – and so much cheaper – really makes you feel ripped off here in NZ. The things we do manage to grow at home – easy things like grapefruit, lemons, feijoas, figs, oranges and mandarins.. they’re all fantastic – but they require very little of us. They grow in spite of us. Any vege or fruit that needs a lot of nurturing tends to become a fulltime job, like the avocado trees which are yet to produce any fruit despite my determination to persist with them. So I have huge admiration for the growers who are doing it and doing it well – but something happens between them harvesting it, and it reaching us. It’s not exactly garden to table. It’s garden to store house to conveyor belt to bag to truck to more storage facilities, to supermarket fridges to supermarket shelves. Which is why it’s not surprising that half the stuff you see on supermarket shelves has virtually wilted before you’ve even driven it home and unpacked it. Any time I raise this people tell me to ‘buy in season’ and ‘grow your own’ and we do try where we can. I mean the $20 a punnet blueberries I saw the other day are a joke and I'm not sure who's buying those, but you can at least get decent strawberries at the moment for a quarter of that price. But I just wonder why it’s so hard to consistently get good produce – even when it is in season. When fruit and veges were cheaper, you could understand why people would be less fussy about it, but the way fruit and vege is priced these days, means if you have to chuck out a whole lettuce or bunch of silverbeet because it's lifespan was half an hour, then that’s cost you dearly. And that’s before you even get to whether it’s organic or not. A bunch of organic silver beet the other day was $10 at my local supermarket. Ten dollars, for about eight leaves of silver beet. You can see why people say it’s hard – and expensive – to eat healthy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/31/20233 minutes, 19 seconds
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Rob Nichol: NZR Players' Association CEO discusses review into NZR finding structures are 'not fit for purpose'

The review into New Zealand Rugby is being labelled a step in the right direction.   It found rugby unions constitution and structures 'are not fit for purpose in the modern era.'  And there's questions being raised of how to ensure change is made moving forward.   New Zealand Rugby Players' Association CEO Rob Nichol joined Kate Hawkesby. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/31/20233 minutes, 31 seconds
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Irene King: Aviation commentator says Air NZ copying Qantas over Covid travel credits expiry makes sense

Air New Zealand is expected to follow suit and ditch expiry dates on Covid travel credits. Qantas is removing the expiration dates for the credits that were due to run out at the end of the year. Customers with these credits can request a cash refund, while Jetstar customers can use their vouchers for flights indefinitely. Aviation commentator, Irene King, told Kate Hawkesby copying the idea would make a lot of sense. She says it's a competitive market, particularly across the Tasman, so we're going to see change. LISTEN ABOVE     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/31/20234 minutes, 40 seconds
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Leeann Watson: Canterbury Business Chamber CEO says 59 percent of businesses are pessimistic about the economy

Conflicting reports have emerged of how business owners are feeling about the state of the economy.  ANZ's latest business outlook survey shows business confidence has lifted another nine points in August, with inflationary expectations down.  But, Canterbury Business Chamber CEO Leeann Watson told Kate Hawkesby they've done their own survey - which paints a different picture.  She says 58 percent of businesses expect the economy to get moderately or significantly worse, compared with just 39 percent last quarter.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/31/20233 minutes, 49 seconds
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Mitch McCann: US Correspondent says more than 300,000 in Florida and Georgia are without power after Idalia

Hurricane Idalia has thrashed Florida’s Gulf Coast, sparking the evacuation of millions of residents as they hunker down for a surge of tidal water.  At least two storm-related deaths have been reported.  US Correspondent Mitch McCann told Kate Hawkesby says more than 300,000 residents in Florida and Georgia are without power.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/30/20231 minute, 37 seconds
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David Letele: Community leader National's tax plan does a lot for middle income earners, but not much for those struggling

A foodbank owner says National's tax plan does a lot for middle income earners, but not much for those really struggling.  It's promising a $14.6 billion package - adjusting income tax brackets for inflation and expanding tax credits.   Community leader David Letele told Kate Hawkesby if we can help people, we should.  He says they're seeing more and more starving children, and some who haven't gone to school since March because they're in emergency housing.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/30/20232 minutes, 57 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: If this election is going to be about middle swing voters, the left’s tactics will lose them

So the Nat’s tax plan – is good – and we know it’s good for two reasons, one, because of all the positive feedback it’s had, and two, because of how ropeable the Government are about it.   They are dark on it because they know they’ve been badly exposed here, by a sensible party doing sensible things, which reeks of common sense.   It reminds us just what common sense feels like - a distant memory for most of us politically these days let’s be honest.   But the left are increasingly angry – they’re on the ropes and you can feel it.  They’re alleging all sorts of crazy and negative claims against the right, they’re starting to look unhinged. Cue the government’s cheerleaders stage left - the Unions.   Now here’s where this whole thing’s going to come unstuck and it’s all going to backfire on them.   Yesterday the CTU launched an attack ad on Luxon – by mistake, it apparently got launched early by mistake.   But it was a digital billboard with a big close-up picture of an angry looking Luxon, with the caption, ‘Out of touch, too much risk.’    The ad has since been removed – but it’s a signal of what’s to come and where the left’s heads are at; fighting dirty.   NZ Council of Trade Unions president Richard Wagstaff authorized the billboard, but the ad agency put it up before the Union itself had signed it off. It’s scheduled to run next week.   And here’s what voters should be worried about, undecided voters, of which there are tons, don’t tend to like dirty tactics - women in particular don’t like it.   They don’t like personal attacks and name calling, and this is what this whole campaign is.  If you are someone who’s paying union fees to the CTU, how do you feel about them spending money on this sort of negative highly personal style attack?   How do you feel about the Unions tight and perhaps now blind allegiance to a government that’s pumped up your cost of living and delivered you very little?   The CTU’s time and energy and money would surely be better spent on initiatives, ideas or policies that could advance the plight of its members.   There seems increasingly no separation between the Labour government and the CTU - both seem blinded by the same ideology, both seem out of step with the people who prop up their coffers.   Why are members fees not being sheeted towards billboards demanding better working conditions, policies that work better for them, new ideas around how to get real traction on solutions around pay and conditions.   For a government that campaigned last time on kindness and hugs and teddy bears, how do they justify this time round going so rogue? So gutter? So scrappy?   Even members of Labour’s own support base are abandoning them. As the left’s very own Chris Trotter pointed out the other day, this government has been so divisive, that it refuses to now work with anyone who ‘doesn’t embrace Labour’s radical social agenda.’   Trotter wrote, ‘once celebrated for its broad inclusiveness, Hipkins’ party has opted to greet potential supporters with a grim pair of ideological bouncers.’  Trotter suggests that ‘those who balk at co-governance, or reject trans women competing against biological women in sport’, are ‘no longer welcome inside Labour’s ‘big tent’.   The party’s broadchurch is increasingly, I reckon, looking like a narrow field of radical ideologues and rabid attack dogs, who when cornered, can only bite back and fight dirty.   If this election is a fight for the middle swing voter, then I think this tactic of the left is a sure-fire way to lose them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/30/20233 minutes, 28 seconds
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Barry Coates: Mindful Money CEO says investments by KiwiSaver into fossil fuels is at a record high

KiwiSaver investments in companies that cause social and environmental harm have reached a record high.  Charity Mindful Money has found 8.9 percent of KiwiSaver funds go into companies the public generally want to avoid.  Mindful Money Chief Executive, Barry Coates, told Kate Hawkesby climate change is a major concern, but investment in fossil fuels by KiwiSaver is at a record high.  He says they're worried about climate change, animal cruelty, and human rights.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/30/20232 minutes, 27 seconds
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Sarah Dalton: Senior doctors' union believes Te Whatu Ora needs to shift its focus following audit

Our national health service is being accused of structural imbalance.   New documents reveal Te Whatu Ora's contractor workforce may not have earned their high wages.   The number of contractors has dropped from more than 1,000 to just over 600 - after the audit found significant deficiencies in the agency's recruitment processes.  The Association of Salaried Medical Specialists Executive Director Sarah Dalton told Kate Hawkesby bringing 20 DHBs together was always going to be challenging.   She says the agency has things the wrong way round and the focus needs to be on clinical services.  Dalton says the allied health professionals should be allowed to drive the system.     LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/30/20232 minutes, 54 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Everyone seems to know what to do about killer seaweed - except the Govt

Labour announced yesterday that ‘bottom trawling and Danish seining will be banned in most of the Hauraki Gulf as part of a plan to better protect the 1.2-million-hectare marine park.’   They have four options going for public consultation next week, one of them stipulating that ‘bottom-trawling would be banned from 89 per cent of the Gulf. Currently, 27 per cent of the Gulf is closed to bottom trawling and Danish seining fishing methods.’   Bottom trawling involves dragging weighted nets over the seafloor to catch fish.   Danish seining, I had to look up because I had no idea what that was, but it’s apparently ‘similar to a small trawl net, but the wire warps are much longer and there are no otter boards. The seine boat drags the warps and the net in a circle around the fish. The motion of the warps herds the fish into the central net,’ according to Wikipedia.   So is the Government’s announcement yesterday of looking to ban this in most of the Hauraki Gulf, too little too late though?   Because we have a massive problem in the Gulf that the Government’s arguably dropped the ball on, and it’s not trawlers, it’s seaweed.   Two years ago an invasive and destructive seaweed named Caulerpa, you may've heard about it already, was detected around Great Barrier Island.   It reportedly spreads rapidly and suffocates the seabed, resulting in a loss of 50 percent of our fish biomass and 30 percent of our marine biodiversity.   So what did the government do about this?   Well, MPI implemented a monitor and observe strategy, despite Caulerpa causing catastrophic and irreversible marine damage in different parts of the world, the Ministry responsible for our oceans' biosecurity, have spent two years ‘aggressively monitoring’.. as it’s spread rapidly along our North Eastern coastline.   So have they shown enough readiness and urgency in tackling this?   Given it’s one of the most harmful species to take up residence on our coastlines, I’d argue not. Caulerpa is now so widespread on the western coast of Great Barrier Island, that it’s spread to the Mercury Islands, Bay of Islands and Waiheke Island.   That’s a huge amount of coverage in an area described as Auckland’s ‘jewel in the crown’.   And bear in mind, they’ve known about this for more than two years.   So arguably we’re now at a critical point - a three month window before summer arrives - water temperature increases and boat and fishing activity peaks - all of which is a perfect storm for the seaweed to flourish and entirely smother our ocean seabed.   Internationally, if you look at experience from North America where the weed’s been suppressed, contained and eradicated, it shows that immediate action between government and communities delivered a successful result.   Here, mana whenua, community groups, local and international scientists have all voiced their concerns about the extreme threat Caulerpa poses to our coastline's biodiversity and ecosystems.   They’ve even offered up a range of solutions that they all agree on, despite their frustrations at how slow government has been to act on this in any decisive fashion.   They’ve agreed on how to combat it, ways to suppress the spread, investment that will enable community to take a localised approach to dealing with surveillance, extraction and monitoring.   And yet what’s the Government doing? Monitoring and observing - and at this rate, all that's doing is allowing the killer algae to spread. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/29/20233 minutes, 37 seconds
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Sara Chatwin: Psychologist warns Govt to tread carefully ahead of police mental health co-op announcement

The Government is expected to announce a mental health co-response model between Police and health today.   Psychologist Sara Chatwin says it's a nice notion, but when it comes to mental health you need to tread lightly.  Chatwin joined Kate Hawkesby on Early Edition. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/29/20233 minutes, 59 seconds
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Paul Spain: Tech Commentator says new Digital Services Tax may lead to overseas companies hiking their NZ prices

Fears have come that new legalisation aimed at taxing multinational companies that provide digital services might not be as effective as hoped.   The Government has unveiled the Digital Services Tax, which will slap three percent on New Zealand revenue of companies like Amazon, Meta and Google.  It's expected to bring in $222 million over four years.  However, Tech Commentator Paul Spain told Kate Hawkesby some companies may simply put up their New Zealand prices to cover the difference.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/29/20232 minutes, 57 seconds
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Craig Elliffe: Tax expert says changing tax brackets is a good idea for middle New Zealand

National is expected to make tax bracket changes to keep up with inflation.  It'll unveil its policy in a few hours, with Finance Spokesperson Nicola Willis saying it'll be funded through a mix of spending cuts and "targeted" revenue tools.  She's long talked about the "squeezed middle", meaning as much relief for middle income earners as higher income earners.  Auckland University tax expert Craig Elliffe told Kate Hawkesby changing the brackets is a good idea for middle New Zealand.  He says the fiscal drag caused by inflation means there's more tax on them right now, so it's a sensible signal of a policy.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/29/20233 minutes, 7 seconds
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Francesca Rudkin: The message is clear around kids' sport, but is it being listened to?

There’s a lot of sport going on at the moment – school sport I mean - and I’m always amazed at how dedicated and committed parents and volunteer coaches are to these school teams.  Having had kids as players, and later on as coaches, having seen how much work goes into it all, it’s very impressive.   Especially in terrible weather and especially in a cost of living crisis where things like sports gear, shoes and uniforms are not cheap.   Some families are paying a fortune for their kids to do sport – and I’m always amazed at how many prioritise it.   It takes up weekends and evenings too, so it’s very time and finance heavy.   But it’s those sports teams and club games which often spark real enthusiasm for kids, not to mention set them up with a lifetime of friendship or a good foundation for fitness. Both of which are crucial for mental health, so it’s got to be good for them, even if they’re pretty average at it.   I remember when my husband was the girls’ netball manager back in their primary school days, and it was so intense, the planning, the practices, the draws, the matches.   But it bonded a lot of kids together, and it gave them a real sense of achievement whenever they won – which my husband will happily tell you was always - they had an undefeated run while he was in charge, he likes to remind us.   But it was always fun first and foremost.   This week is the big Secondary Schools Winter Tournament Week, so there are kids and parents heading off all over the country to compete.   My daughter’s school, like I suppose many others, sent an email home saying that as a ‘fair play school’, they want to remind participants of their aims.   That it’s enjoyable and rewarding for all involved, that they compete with fairness, respect the rules and abide by them. That they respect the role of officials and abide their rules, that they respect opponents and value the spirit of sportsmanship, and to accept victory or loss with equal dignity.  So that was the message for players - but what was more telling was the message to parents and supporters.   Spectators were asked by the school to ‘focus on effort and performance, not the outcome of the event, to help the child set realistic goals and reduce the emphasis on winning.’   This reduction on the emphasis of winning is increasingly a thing these days. When our kids were little, parents used to shout on the sideline of a cross country race until they were almost hoarse. It was about winning. Gradually over time, it got to be more about participation though.. and everyone getting a prize.   Being first was not so highly prized anymore - just being involved was key. But these days the other creeping social construct is making sure parents don’t get too carried away.   The school’s email went on to say, ‘remember children are involved in organized sport for their enjoyment not yours,’ ‘applaud good play by both teams’.. ‘if you disagree with an official, raise it through the appropriate channels rather than question an official’s judgment in public.’   Now our school’s not unique here, you can see where the vibe for school sport is at these days.  Tone it down, just have fun and compete, nobody get too carried away.   As valiant as it is for schools to promote this kind of thing, you only need to be on any rugby sideline any Saturday morning, to see that despite all that, there’re still bucket loads of kids and parents who are in it to win it - and they’re pretty loud about it too. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/28/20234 minutes, 5 seconds
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Feroz Ali: NZFW owner ahead of refreshed edition of the event after three years away from the catwalk

New Zealand Fashion Week is being refreshed after three years away from the catwalk.  Starting today Kiwi designers will have their talent showcased across more than 50 runway shows, talks, and workshops.  Owner Feroz Ali told Kate Hawkesby this time round there's greater opportunity for the public to see work from a more diverse pool of designers.  Ali says there are a lot more indigenous and emerging designers coming through.   He says the new talent will be shepherded by stewards like Kate Sylvester, who is celebrating 30 years in the local industry.  The event is partnering with Ngāti Whātua.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/28/20234 minutes, 5 seconds
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Alan McDonald: EMA Head of Strategy says many businesses are looking to cut costs rather than take on more people

There are fears unemployment could rise as many businesses look to restructure.  Seek's latest report for July shows job ad volumes dropped four percent month-on-month and are 26 percent lower year-on-year.   They're now just one percent higher than in July 2019 - while applications per job have risen by 11 percent - the highest level on record.  Employers and Manufacturers Association Head of Strategy Alan McDonald told Kate Hawkesby many businesses are looking to cut costs rather than take on more people.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/28/20232 minutes, 27 seconds
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Nicola Willis: National Finance spokesperson says Grant Robertson can't deliver on the savings he's announced

National says Grant Robertson can't deliver on the savings he's announced by slashing public contractors and consultants' spending.  The Finance Minister says the move will mean savings of almost $4 billion over the next four years.  He's also announced a trimming back of programmes and a limit on future budget allowances.    National Finance spokesperson Nicola Willis told Kate Hawkesby this won't make any difference. She says the Government has thrown billions at growing the bureaucracy and this kind of spending - so it's too little, too late.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/28/20233 minutes, 29 seconds
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Peter Dunne: Former MP on Labour ruling out working with NZ First

A former Cabinet Minister believes Chris Hipkins has snookered Luxon very cleverly.  The Labour leader has ruled out working with New Zealand First, saying Winston Peters no longer holds policies fit to run the country.  Hipkins has labelled Peters a force of instability and chaos.  Former MP Peter Dunne told Kate Hawkesby that he's reinforced in people's minds that a vote for New Zealand First is a vote for National.  He says National's hand has been forced to make clear whether he'll work with Peters, which could be risky.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/27/20233 minutes, 54 seconds
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Clive Fernandes: National Capital Director and KiwiSaver expert on what the contribution rate should be

A new report reveals that the majority of New Zealand employers are contributing the minimum 3% towards their employees Kiwi Saver.   The latest Value for Money Report by KiwiSaver watchdog, National Capital, shows the average contribution rate for all New Zealanders is 4.3%.  Director and KiwiSaver expert Clive Fernandes told Kate Hawkesby that based on the average contribution rate, retirement expenses, and inflation the contribution rate average should be 6.3% .   He says the extra money saved now will take a lot more pressure off when it comes to retirement.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/27/20234 minutes, 18 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Does NZ First stand a chance with National?

We went to Christchurch at the weekend, and we were waiting to board the plane and a woman comes up to us and says to Mike, “Just wanted to say I love your show, I listen all the time, but I have to say I think you’re wrong about Winston.”   First things first, this woman was under 70 years old. She looked about mid-40’s I guess, so not your average Winston supporter.   Mike replies, “What do you mean?”. She says, “You’re wrong about him not having enough support, I reckon he’ll be in government, he’s going to get at least 5 percent.” Mike replies, “Are you insane?” Which, personally, I’ve always thought is a weird way to address your listeners in public, by asking them if they’re insane, but hey, who am I to judge.   So she goes on to point out all the reasons why she thinks Winston’s in: ‘he’s getting lots of talk,’ ‘people are listening to him,’ ‘there’s buzz,’ etc. All the stuff that on a statistical graph ranks absolutely nowhere; it’s more a ‘feeling’ than anything logical or statistically based, but she's adamant.   So Mike goes on to debate with her the reasons why he thinks Winston won’t make it, and I’m just sitting there hoping they call our flight soon... but she’s not buying it, she’s clearly into Winston.   Here’s the thing though – in order to get to be in government and achieve any of the things his fan base are liking the sound of, a major player, as in a main political party, has to want him there, and offer him a seat at the table. And so far, that’s not happening.   Yesterday even Labour ruled him out. Which, to be fair, didn’t make a lot of sense given he’s already ruled out working with them anyway– but no one believed that given last time, so to now have Hipkins not just rule him out but also chastise his party as being a bit obsessed with toilets, not real issues, could mean any prospective partnership there is really over. Although never rule out Winston changing his mind.   But here’s the thing with all this – has Hipkins snookered Luxon here? Luxon had ample opportunity to rule Winston out months ago and never did, has he now left it too late? Is he now looking like the only leader left who's possibly going to get lumped with Winston? And if he doesn’t rule him out now, does Winston continue to gain traction in the polls?   My husband during his random conversation the airport with the total stranger did point out that Winston tends to poll higher than he gets on the night – much like the Greens, but as the pundits always say – can we really ever rule Winston out?   So is Luxon left in a quandary now? If he doesn’t rule him out is he leaving the door open for a possible coalition containing two parties who hate each other – ACT and NZ First? Or does he rule him out now and run the risk of not having enough numbers on the night and finding he actually needs him?   So I get the dilemma he’s facing, it’s an unenviable position to be in. I’d be bullish though if it were me, I’d rule Winston out, on principle, and be confident I could get the numbers in the night. But does Luxon have the backbone? That’s the question... and we may not get an answer for a while yet. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/27/20233 minutes, 22 seconds
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Francesca Rudkin: I think we’re in for a messy and potentially nasty ride to the election

The Prime Minister may not have been able to articulate whether he had or had not started campaigning for the election earlier this week -  but we all know he started campaigning the minute he was confirmed as the new Labour Party leader and Prime Minister on 22nd January.  What is clear is that campaigning has stepped up a gear. If the antics of this week are any indication of what’s to come then we should buckle up – I think we’re in for a messy and potentially nasty seven-week ride to the election.    This is largely a cost-of-living election. The major parties are doing their best to convince us they’re the most credible party to manage the economy. They’re both focused on ‘bread and butter’ issues and helping the “squeezed middle” and “hard-working New Zealanders”. The minor parties are offering more extreme versions of the same policies - and in the process look like they’re offering action and a real alternative.  But this week any hope the election would be focused on having constructive debates about front of mind issues was dented as our politicians instead focused on discrediting each other.    Te Pati Maori leader Rawiri Waititi went all out, appearing to substantially breach a name suppression order in Parliament’s debating chamber.    The well-preforming ACT party came under scrutiny for some interesting candidate selections – including one candidate who had made a comment in the past comparing vaccine mandates to Nazi concentration camps. Once this was revealed she promptly resigned, which Seymour sensible accepted, even if he couldn’t stop making jokes about blowing things up.    National’s had to deal with bullying claims, with Tim van de Molen stood down from his portfolios after a Privileges Committee report found his behaviour towards Labour MP Shanan Halbert was threatening and that he was in contempt of Parliament. He was swiftly rolled out to offer an apology and accepted all the findings.    Former Minister Michael Wood likely hoped all this drama would mean everyone would forget his shares kerfuffle, but the Privileges Committee recommended he offer an apology for being asked at least 12 times to deal with a perceived conflict of interest and not doing so.  Oh, and let’s not forget National had to deny having a ‘man-ban’ after it was reported MP Michael Woodhouse had suggested he was the victim of diversity.    The Privileges Committee has been busy and it doesn’t feel like the complaints and reports are going to end anytime soon. Let’s hope these are balanced by at least some informative and constructive conversations breaking out during the grubby hit fest.    Seven more weeks. Honestly. Give me strength. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/24/20232 minutes, 32 seconds
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Sean Fitzpatrick: Former All Black captain ahead of last test before the World Cup against Springboks at Twickenham

All eyes will be on the television tomorrow morning for the final All Blacks test before the World Cup.  They remain undefeated so far this year beating all they have come up against including an emphatic win against long-time opponents South Africa.  They're taking on the Springboks at Twickenham in front of a sell-out crowd of 82,000 - kicking off at 6.30am New Zealand time.  Former All Black captain and Sky Sports commentator Sean Fitzpatrick joined Francesca Rudkin out of the UK. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/24/20234 minutes, 37 seconds
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Shane Henderson: Waitākere ward councillor sees hope for the community in a new flood recovery deal

A West Auckland councillor sees hope for the community in a new flood recovery deal.  The Council will share the $2 billion cost of recovery and resilience works with central government.   It includes $774 million to purchase about 700 Category 3 residential properties and $820 million for resilience against future flooding.   Waitākere ward councillor Shane Henderson told Francesca Rudkin it includes engineering solutions like raising roads - so communities can continue living near streams.   He says that's important for a lot of communities - including those in West Auckland that were particularly slammed by rising floodwaters.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/24/20234 minutes, 27 seconds
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Brigette Morten: Former National Party advisor says people are unlikely to change their vote because of Tim Van de Molen's conduct

National leader Chris Luxon had little choice in the way he responded to an MP's conduct.   Tim Van de Molen has been stripped of all his portfolios after the Privileges Committee found him in contempt of the House for threatening behaviour against Labour's Shanan Halbert.   Former National Party advisor Brigette Morten told Francesca Rudkin people are unlikely to change their vote purely because of this.  She says people's view of Luxon won't change based entirely on yesterday's events - but multiple issues could have an effect as it has on Prime Minister Chris Hipkins.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/24/20233 minutes, 51 seconds
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Francesca Rudkin: Sometimes things that help kids aren't that hard - money for libraries for instance

About five years ago we started talking about how school pools where being closed. 165 school pools had closed in the previous five years and more were at risk of closing due of health and safety or maintenance costs. The big losers were, of course, the kids. We want our children to know how to be safe around water, especially with our drowning figures. But with schools struggling to build enough classrooms, let alone manage a pool only used for part of the year, it wasn’t a surprise to see schools find alternative ways to teach children water safety. Even more appallingly, a recent Listener article in the NZ Herald tells how schools are now sacrificing libraries too.   First pools, now libraries – where’s the fun in going to school?!   So here’s the thing, libraries are not mandated. It’s up to the school’s management and board of trustees to decide whether they have the space and resources for a library, maybe even a librarian, or whether they need that space or budget for something else.   It’s a fascinating article by Paul Little and I encourage you to read it. In it Little writes “New Zealand has 2,434 state and state integrated schools. The School Library Association of New Zealand Aotearoa estimates 900 of them do not have a library...”.   I found that number confronting. We have plummeting literacy rates, and many schools do not have a library. Apparently, research shows schools that have “libraries with librarians have higher reading test scores, academic achievement and positive attitudes towards learning.” Basically, they do better.   I’m not saying a library is the silver bullet to solving our low literacy standards (and not all schools are big enough to justify a library) but libraries do play a part, even if it’s just a small corner filled with books and a few bean bags.   If you’ve had a child go through school you will have seen how reading impacts their learning - kids who read tend to flourish. The benefits though are more than that - it’s so much more fun being allowed to choose your own book rather than the dry ones you’re made to read in class. It’s good to get out of the classroom and learn in a different environment. It’s a place of sanctuary for many children who need a moment's respite from the chaos of the playground. For many it is the only opportunity to access books, and for others marks the beginning of being a lifelong library user. So as we head into this election, it’s excellent to hear all this policy about how we get back to teaching the basics and focusing on reading, writing and maths. Over the next few months we’ll see lots of political posturing, positioning, announcements and kneeling for photos with kids. Sometimes, though, the things that help aren’t that hard – like money for school libraries so our kids have something to read.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/23/20232 minutes, 59 seconds
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Kathryn Phillips: HELP executive director on potential affirmative consent legislation

A Select Committee is wanting to see greater legislative change around defining sexual consent. It's asking the next government to lawfully outline what consent is in sexual offences - like many other countries have. Current New Zealand laws only state what is not. HELP executive director Kathryn Phillips joined Francesca Rudkin. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/23/20234 minutes, 46 seconds
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Owen Vaughan: OneRoof Editor says house price figures not a large increase, but still significant

OneRoof figures show the house price slump is over in Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington. The quarterly rises show a 0.3 percent increase in the value of Auckland properties, a 2 percent increase for Christchurch properties and 0.1 percent decrease in Wellington properties - but One Roof believes that will rise again shortly too. Editor Owen Vaughan says it's not a large increase but it's still significant - he joined Francesca Rudkin. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/23/20233 minutes, 30 seconds
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Kirk Hope: Business NZ CEO says food and fibre export numbers are good, but there are underlying factors

Food and fibre export revenue has hit new heights. It's drawn $57.4 billion for the year to June 30, bringing $1.2 billion more into the economy than was originally forecast. Dairy, horticulture, seafood and processed food exports have driven the record increases. Business NZ chief executive Kirk Hope told Francesca Rudkin these are good headline numbers, but there are underlying factors. He says, for example, while dairy by value is up the milk price is down by what was forecast from $8.30 to between $7 and $7.75. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/23/20235 minutes, 9 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: The dining experience has changed - not always for the better

So our post-pandemic dining behaviours, according to this Herald article I read, talked about how much more expensive dining out is these days - $50 mains it quoted. The upshot is we appear to be getting less food for more money, restaurants are getting tougher on turning tables, and people are dining earlier. The reporter asked, ‘what’s happened to hospitality?’ and I take her point. It can feel like it’s not all that hospitable anymore. The last time we dined in Auckland’s CBD at a well-known well-regarded restaurant we felt something was amiss - a new kind of disinterest in diners, a slackening of service, an unapologetic approach to it all, and just not that much of a pleasant experience, for quite a lot of money. Like many diners, I don’t mind parting with hard-earned cash for an experience when it’s good, not so much when it’s below par.   We thought maybe we’d just struck this particular restaurant on a bad night, but have since been told by others their experience replicated ours. So how do they get away with it and how do they continue to profit from an increasingly poor experience? Many restaurateurs would argue it’s not that profitable for them anymore, and that may be part of the problem. I’d also hazard a guess our lengthy closed border and a lack of access to staff has had a huge impact. The other Covid – induced side effect is we got used to eating at home, we got good at sourcing our own food, making it ourselves, we also got enthused about ‘supporting local’ and dining in our local hood more. On top of that, I’d also argue that especially in main centres like Auckland and Wellington, there are more people who can’t be bothered with the drama of the CBD. Too hard to get into, no access, no parking, too many homeless, too much violence, not worth the hassle. A nice night out at a restaurant kind of loses its gloss if you have run for your life at the end of it. Increasing costs for the hospo industry in terms of labour and food I don’t doubt is horrendous for them – and they’ll of course be passing it on. But another thing we’re doing apparently now is dining earlier. Now I know this to be the case, because we are early diners ourselves due to our crazy early work hours, and increasingly we’re finding restaurants are fuller earlier. People tell me they sometimes can’t even get a 5.30pm booking anymore, because there’s an increase in ‘demand for 5pm tables.’ I actually think that’s good and could mean a lot of things. One, we’re maybe dining with our young kids more, like Europeans do, therefore we're after earlier tables, two, we're perhaps more educated on health and wellness these days and know the importance of digesting food early and not eating late into the night before bed. Three, we want to get ahead of any 7.30pm potential rush when service can slow down to a snail’s pace, and four, maybe it’s older people are the only ones left with any disposable income these days to spend on eating out, and they’re habitually earlier eaters. I don’t know, but I’d say there’s a lot at play in terms of how the dining experience has changed - not always for the better. I don’t envy hard working restaurateurs trying to keep up with it all, but I’d like to think the good ones know that to keep people returning, you have to keep offering up a good experience. Especially given the cost of it these days.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/22/20232 minutes, 56 seconds
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Paul Goldsmith: National blames Labour's 'soft on crime' approach for increase in gang members serving home detention

The Opposition's blaming Labour's 'soft on crime' approach for an increase in gang members serving home detention. The number of gang-affiliated offenders sentenced to home detention has risen nearly 60 percent in six years. Corrections figures show 623 people with gang-links have been put on home detention in the past financial year. National's justice spokesperson Paul Goldsmith told Kate Hawkesby he wants to make sure there are 'real consequences' for crime. He says they want to make being a gang member an aggravating factor at sentencing. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/22/20232 minutes, 58 seconds
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Dr. Bryan Betty: General Practice NZ chair says patients will get pros and cons in new surgical mesh consenting process

A pause has come on using surgical mesh for a common birthing injury. Director-General of Health, Dr Diana Sarfati, maintains it's not a ban but will allow the rolling out of measures to reduce harm linked to surgical mesh used for stress urinary incontinence. These include tailored training for surgeons, and a patient registry. General Practice NZ chair Dr. Bryan Betty told Kate Hawkesby patients will also get clear pros and cons in an amplified consenting process. He says there'd be a team of experts talking about whether it's the right choice for the patient. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/22/20234 minutes, 8 seconds
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Kevin Hackwell: Former Forest and Bird advisor has concerns DoC plans over kiwi deaths aren't going far enough

Concerns that the Department of Conservation's planned changes after the deaths of 17 kiwi aren't going far enough. An independent review has found the birds' deaths between 2016 and 2017 at Hawke's Bay's Cape Sanctuary were due to staff turnover, a dry summer and predation. DOC has given itself two years to implement changes to documentation, monitoring and complaint management. But former Forest and Bird chief conservation advisor Kevin Hackwell told Kate Hawkesby it doesn't address the conflict between kiwis' welfare and tourism. He says when that conflict arises it's vital that welfare wins over tourism. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/22/20233 minutes, 55 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: The same Labour that now wants to build roads, also now wants to clamp down on student achievement

The same Labour Party that now wants to build roads all of a sudden, also now wants to clamp down on student achievement. It wants to mandate reading writing and maths ‘core teaching requirements’ across all schools. So, in essence, they want to get serious now on education. After six years of abandoning every fundamental core principle there was in regards to student achievement and learning. Two things immediately jump to mind here, one, since when did Labour abandon all its mad cap ideology on what curriculums should look like and decide that the fundamental basics are in fact important in education, and two, what’s with now copying National? The first answer is, after six years of failed experiments, ideological tweaking, and neglect of education, record truancy numbers, teacher shortages, uni drop outs and failed achievement standards - they’ve realised the jig is up. The thought bubbles on rewriting curriculums and forcing Te Reo into every facet of every subject as a priority has left the fundamentals floundering. Discovering how many students can’t pass basic tests, how many can’t read or write, how many can’t do maths, has perhaps focused the mind a bit? Or, does tanking in the polls now focus the mind on aiming at the centre voter? Here’s the other thing with Labour’s latest education announcement, which by the way, I’m not sure how Jan Tinetti pulls off with a straight face, but they now want targets too. Remember those? They were the things this Government abandoned and didn’t seem all that fond of. They want ‘learning progress steps’ to ‘track students’ progress on their core learning.’ Fancy that? Tracking progress?! The Nat’s claim Labour’s stolen their policy, and it’s not an unreasonable claim given it smacks of National rhetoric - fundamentals, basics, progress, tracking achievement - these are all from the Nat’s vernacular on education. You can almost hear Erica Stanford’s voice when you read those words. And yet all of a sudden they’re coming out of Jan Tinetti’s mouth. They’re either stealing National policies to try to win centre voters and they truly believe they’ll get back in that way, or they’re just flying a big kite here in the hope voters may fall for it now, and forget about it later. Like Kiwibuild, light rail, child poverty, and all the other promises they made that went nowhere. What’s easy for political parties to do is spout promises and get headlines and make stuff sound appealing in a generic sense. What’s harder though, is cutting through the spin, and making it a reality. Making it part of the landscape. I can tell you, having spoken many students who’ve looked to go into the education sphere at a tertiary level, that the key message they’re given by school, is that in order to be part of the education sector in any way, the most crucial thing they can do is learn Te Reo. It’s not just students who say that, it’s teachers, careers advisors inside schools, and it’s Universities too. The message current students who want to teach future students are getting, is that the most important thing they can learn, is Te Reo. To have fundamentals and basics taught well, and to get the sort of cut through the Labour party now allegedly wants in education, means they have to look long and hard at where they misdirected that focus the past six years. How they aim to turn that around, is the key question.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/21/20233 minutes, 25 seconds
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Kate Gregory: Cancer Society's medical director says Nat's cancer funding plan will fill treatment gap with Australia

The wait could be soon over for new cancer drugs in New Zealand. The National Party's promising to ring fence $280 million over four years to fund 13 new cancer drugs which are used in Australia. It will be funded by restricting fee-free prescriptions to superannuitants and those on low incomes. The Cancer Society's medical director Kate Gregory told Kate Hawkesby this would fill the treatment gap between New Zealand and Australia. She says it can be distressing for someone living here to find out they could have access to different cancer drugs across the Tasman. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/21/20233 minutes, 29 seconds
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Peter Dunne: Political commentator says failed promises by Labour may be contributing to their slip in the polls

Failed promises by Labour may be contributing to their slip in the polls. The latest 1 News Verian poll sees the party drop to 29 percent -- and National rise to 37. The Greens are up two points to 12 percent while Act is up one, to 13. Political commentator Peter Dunne told Kate Hawkesby there's a series of big pledges made before the 2017 election that haven't been fulfilled, like KiwiBuild and Auckland light rail. He says now Labour is making some big aspirational promises and people must be wondering, why should we believe you this time? LISTEN ABOVE    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/21/20235 minutes, 32 seconds
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Chris Abercrombie: Post Primary Teachers Assn are concerned about Govt legislating how some school subjects are taught

The secondary teachers' union is concerned about the Government legislating how some subjects are taught. The Government has announced it'll mandate core teaching requirements in maths, reading and writing. It's been working on a common practice model to ensure nationwide consistency. Post Primary Teachers Association acting president Chris Abercrombie told Kate Hawkesby it could make teachers' jobs harder. He says one size doesn't fit all - so they'll have to think of other ways to teach to support all students. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/21/20232 minutes, 54 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK Correspondent says Lucy Letby may not appear for her sentencing

One of Britain's most prolific serial child killers is about to be sentenced. Former nurse Lucy Letby has been convicted of murdering seven babies and found guilty of trying to kill another six. Police believe the 33-year-old may have harmed dozens more infants. UK correspondent Gavin Grey told Kate Hawkesby that it seems she'll refuse to appear for the sentencing, and many are saying she should be made to. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/20/20233 minutes, 4 seconds
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John O'Connell: Life Education Trust CEO on Labour's plan to make teaching financial literacy compulsory

There’s some concern over Labour's promise to make teaching financial literacy compulsory. The party's vowing to make the change happen from 2025, if it's re-elected. Life Education Trust CEO John O'Connell says it's great it's finally being recognised. But, he told Kate Hawkesby, he's worried about it being taught mainly via the maths and social sciences curriculums. He says we have to shift the mindset of financial literacy being an academic achievement, because it's actually a life skill. O'Connell says until we do that we'll continue to fail. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/20/20233 minutes, 59 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Hipkins has no choice but to keep showing up

I’m thinking the people we should be feeling most for this election campaign are the government’s security detail. Judging by the Prime Minister’s outing to Otara markets in South Auckland over the weekend, it could be a rough old time on the hustings. Bear in mind, this is South Auckland, Labour territory. The PM was not wandering through Fendalton or Remuera. He was in an area which should have his back, but not this time. Protestors from Freedoms NZ, which it’s reported is, “a new political party, joining together the Tamaki-led Vision NZ party and the Outdoors and Freedom Party..” reportedly, “chased him around the market, two on bicycles and others carrying big blue banners, until the prime minister eventually left.” So they caused such a ruckus, they ended Hipkins visit early. From the footage at the event, the person looking most surprised was the PM’s security. Chippy just kept smiling. Was he not aware of how bad it was? Did he just not care? Was he smiling to just keep up appearances? But this could be something he needs to get more used to. People are angsty, they’re angry, they’re seemingly going to make their voices heard. And not always just to offer him a sausage roll. Hipkins was reported saying he won’t change his campaign strategy because of it though. He still hopes to get out and about and said he won’t curb his movements... is that true though? I don’t doubt that behind the scenes the logistics peeps are busy working out how best to avoid this bad press, to avoid this unrest, and to keep him out of the fray. Let’s not forget what happened when Jacinda started to get booed in public, she stopped visiting places where she might find an unpopular reception. She stuck to safe spaces like primary schools or Universities, places where she knew she’d be well received. Will Chris Hipkins have to start doing the same? And that’s before we get to how much the party is internally disputing how they’re tracking, and how much solidarity there is among them as they lose support and lose face, on the back of losing so many Ministers. Hipkins is looking increasingly like a bit of a lone wolf, making a few ‘big calls’ but then having them backfire. GST on fruit and vege being one glaringly recent example. How much of it will come down to him though, versus the party’s lack of delivery, versus the sheer fact Kiwis are just fed up with the direction of the country and feeling stuck in a never-ending cost of living crisis. If Labour go on to lose in October, what went wrong will be dissected ad nauseum. Was it one too many Cabinet minister dramas? Was it Chippy going out on a limb trying to be all things to all people and instead falling between stools? Was it just tide out time on a tired and out of ideas government? Was it too much media focus on fringe minor parties making a lot of noise and getting too much attention? The next couple of months are going to be crucial for Labour, but many inside the party will be asking if the damage has already been done. However Hipkins has no choice really but to keep showing up everywhere, protestors or no protestors, I guess.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/20/20233 minutes, 16 seconds
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Ryan McArthur: Beervana Event Manager says Wellingtonians are finally snapping up tickets to the city's craft beer festival

Wellingtonians are finally snapping up tickets to the city's craft beer festival. Two Beervana sessions are fully sold out, overturning concerns people weren't keen this year. Event Manager Ryan McArthur says there's a lot to get excited about this weekend. He says almost 60 breweries are represented, some from Australia, and about 340 brews to try. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/17/20233 minutes, 25 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Ginny Andersen shouldn't throw stones

So we spoke with Mark Mitchell earlier this morning on Ginny Andersen's claim that he's unfit to be Police Minister. This came about because he said the Government wasn't going after gangs properly, and more than half the charges they were laying for gangs were administrative like traffic offences or minor infringements. This is Operation Cobalt, the Government's so called 'gang crackdown' which the Police Minister is very defensive of. She fired back that the charges Police were laying were not minor, that many were for serious offences like burglary and theft. She went on to say it was ‘frankly appalling’ that Mitchell was ‘going after hard working police officers.’ Which is of course not what he was doing at all, but it’s election season, and a desperate government will latch onto anything as a means of a personal assassination of their opposition right now. What I don’t even need to point out to you here, because it’s so glaringly obvious, is that when you have achieved absolutely nothing in that space, in your portfolio as Police Minister, it is a bit rich – if not farcical, to come out and fire salvos at someone else. This is why Mitchell called it a ‘desperate showing from a Labour government that has utterly failed in law and order.’ He says he's ‘proud of the job our frontline Police do in a very challenging environment created by this hopeless Labour Government’  and that he ‘takes issue with a Government that purports to be 'tough on gangs', while presiding over a 70 percent increase in gang membership, a 33 percent increase in violent crime, and gang-related shootings becoming commonplace.’ He says ‘Labour has zero credibility in law and order, and none of the four Police Ministers they've had over the past year have changed that,’ it was reported. See, that’s the problem. People in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. Andersen doesn’t have a record she can stand on, she doesn’t have a metric she can be proud of, all she does is highlight the failures of the Labour government in this space. Look don’t get me wrong, it’s election season and everyone’s tetchy and the Labour party are looking increasingly frazzled and strung out. When Nicola Willis said the other day they need a cup of tea and a lie down or a holiday – it’s true. I don’t begrudge them that. It could be a long lie down if they find themselves in the Opposition benches, but I would’ve thought in these final weeks, avoiding own goals would be helpful. Ginny Andersen critiquing National’s Police spokesperson, himself a former Police officer, is a waste of her time and energy. Pretending that he was having a crack at hard working officers was also a delusional stretch. Of course an opposition spokesperson is going to look to hold government claims around successful metrics, to account. The focus for Andersen at this time would be better spent on actually trying to improve things Kiwis can tangibly notice. Like the violence in our CBD's, the crime in our retail sector, the aggressive burglaries, the gang takeovers of our streets, that would be a great place for the Police Minister to expend her energy between now and October 14th. Less time spent taking pot-shots at former cops and more time bolstering the ones you have.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/17/20232 minutes, 43 seconds
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Mark Mitchell: Nat's Police spokesperson responds to Ginny Andersen's claims he is unfit to be Police Minister

We have another stoush between Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen - this time over Operation Cobalt. National's police spokesperson this week claimed more than half of charges from the gang crackdown were for minor offences. The Minister has fired back, saying that's simply not true and those "minor offences" include burglary, theft, fraud and others. She claims Mitchell is "unfit to be Police Minister." Mark Mitchell joined Early Edition. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/17/20234 minutes, 47 seconds
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Vincent McAviney: Europe Correspondent says the UK's biggest names are paying tribute to veteran broadcaster Sir Michael Parkinson

Some of the UK's biggest names are paying tribute to veteran broadcaster Sir Michael Parkinson. The talk show great has died at 88 after a short illness. He presented 'Parkinson' from 1971 to 2007 quizzing celebrities over more than 800 episodes. Europe Correspondent Vincent McAviney told Kate Hawkesby he's being remembered for his dedication to making his guests feel comfortable. He says he always made sure the interviewee was the person who shone. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/17/20232 minutes, 21 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Sentences like we saw the other day are why many sexual assault victims don't come forward

Everything that's wrong with our justice system at the moment was summed up this week by the judge who gave those two sex offenders home detention. They were described as two of this country's most notorious sexual predators, their offending so heinous one of the victim's called it depraved, one's had PTSD and flashbacks since, one had attempted suicide twice. The judge apparently choked back tears as he said, ‘The harm to the victims can only be described as profound.’ The judge 'described graphic details of some of the offending, which at times involved the use of beer bottles and a deodorant ball.' Yet given all that, what did the judge give them? Permanent name suppression - and a discounted sentence. One offender got 11 months home detention, the other got seven months. The victims urged the judge to lift name suppression, they said they felt like they had little value or worth and 'this victim blaming culture would never stop', but the judge upheld the suppression, based on the fact he felt the offenders met the category of extreme hardship - and would not be able to move on with their lives if their names were made public. They had their sentences reduced due to their age at the time, with the judge saying ‘youth is relevant as it explains the lack of consequential thinking.’ What message does that send young offenders in our current climate of rampant youth crime? That you have another excuse for your behaviour - you're too young to be thinking clearly. So despite the profound impact on the victims lives, the trauma, the flashbacks, the suicide attempts, the bravery in coming forward and going through this whole process, despite all of that, what are they left with? How is there any justice served for them? The judge was concerned about the offenders’ ability to move on with their lives, but what about the victims? How do they move on with their lives? This is why so many victims of sexual violence and sexual offending never come forward. This is why they feel the system is broken and rigged against them. How many times do we hear about the plight of the offender? Their background, their upbringing, their challenges? Why is that seemingly prioritised over and above the plight of the victims? These guys didn't even show remorse. The judge said, ‘I am not convinced there is a high level of remorse, remorse needn't be extraordinary but it must be genuine. There is a lack of tangible evidence of this.’ So no remorse, but still a light sentence. When the TV news crews filmed one of these guys leaving court he flicked the bird at them, had his middle finger up at them the whole way out. Does that indicate a chastened offender whose learnt the lesson or understands the gravitas of what they've done? Of course not.  It's just another guilty criminal who beat the system. A system that is seemingly designed to favour the offender. It's a travesty not just for the victims, but for all the families involved in trying to hold predators to account. What it says is - the crime committed against you may have ruined your life, but the justice system wants to make sure it doesn't ruin the lives of the offenders too. I just don’t see how that's fair - or just. It feels like we have a justice system working backwards, where there's actually no justice at allSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/16/20233 minutes, 21 seconds
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Kelvin Davidson: Property Economist says OCR remaining at 5.5 percent is neutral for the housing market, recovery likely

The housing market is unlikely to be greatly impacted by the latest Reserve Bank announcement. The bank confirmed the Official Cash Rate will remain at 5.5 percent, although there is a possibility this could be raised again this year. Corelogic Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson told Kate Hawkesby the decision is neutral for the housing market, with a muted recovery still likely. He says whatever was going to happen to the housing market will still happen. Davidson says there is no need to panic and the hint of a further OCR hike is just a warning. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/16/20234 minutes, 15 seconds
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Gary Gotlieb: Criminal law expert wonders whether it's appropriate for juries to determine cases like Lauren Dickason's

Deciding the verdict in the Lauren Dickason trial would've been an extremely difficult decision for any jury. The 42-year-old has been found guilty of murdering her three daughters at their Timaru home in 2021. Dickason pleaded insanity, caused by postpartum depression. The Criminal Bar Association's former president Gary Gotlieb told Kate Hawkesby it was a case of having to weigh up the different views of experts. He questions whether it's appropriate for juries to determine the outcome in cases like these - where experts themselves are divided. Dickason has been remanded to Hillmorton Hospital, before her sentencing. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/16/20235 minutes, 5 seconds
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Jon Reeves: Public Transport Users Association warns having just three spare bus drivers in Auckland is a bit dicey

Auckland Transport is celebrating an end to bus driver shortages, but some believe it's too early to pop the champagne. At the height of the crisis AT needed 578 drivers. The city has three more drivers than the 2,206 required to operate the bus schedule. But, Public Transport Users Association's Jon Reeves told Kate Hawkesby only having three spare is a bit dicey, when it comes to staff sickness. He says people will hear buses are all running again, then experience a cancellation due to illness and feel let down by the marketing. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/16/20232 minutes, 56 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: When did we just accept every social and mental health issue is fine to pour all over our streets?

I see one of the favourite holiday playgrounds for many Kiwi families, has been hit with a travel advisory over violence. ‘Fiji police to increase presence after reports of violent attacks on tourists’ read the headline. These attacks apparently include assaults, robberies and sexual assaults, mainly in Suva’s downtown nightspots. Fiji, one of the safest countries in the world, facing the same problem many CBD’s are facing these day;  increased violence. I mean if a safe haven like Fiji can end up with a travel advisory for New Zealand, the US and Canada to ‘remain alert in public places’ then god knows what the warning should be for tourists coming to downtown Auckland these days. It sort of seems unfair that Kiwis are being told to ‘exercise increased caution in Fiji’ - I mean that’s what I’d tell anyone visiting Auckland too to be honest. But every time I raise how dangerous Auckland is these days, people always contact me from other centres telling me crime is rampant there too. It’s not just the violence though is it, it’s the low rent factor as well. The social issues tipping out all over our streets. I was in two opposite ends of Auckland yesterday, and both places had barefoot beggars at intersections tapping on car windows asking for money. Some are organised with signs, some just wander aimlessly banging on car windows and waving their hands. Most of the cars I noticed ignored them, in fact all bar one guy in a Ute who wound down his window and flicked out a couple of coins. But who has cash these days anyway? They can’t be making much business out there at the intersections. It used to be window washers asking for money, but these days they’ve ditched the soap and brush and they’re just straight up asking for money outright. I often wonder how intimidating that must be for little old ladies alone in their cars, or young students on their restricted, nervous about why someone is walking through moving traffic banging on their car window. It’s actually dangerous, I saw one guy almost get hit. Cars had to swerve for him, I’m not sure how it’s allowed, but that’s the point. Nothing’s not allowed anymore is it? We’ve just come to accept that our suburban streets may look at times like downtown New York, minus the cops. Barefoot beggars wandering through traffic, and people on street corners yelling obscenities is somehow normal now. When did that happen? When did we just accept that every social and mental health issue is fine to just pour out all over our streets? A woman wrote to me the other day saying her son and a friend had been walking down Auckland’s Queen St last year after attending a gig, and a group of men in a car was going past yelling at pedestrians. The car then stopped, the men got out and attacked her son and his friend. Her son was tasered and stabbed in the chest, puncturing his lung, his friend was bludgeoned with a hammer, resulting in a fractured skull. No one was found or held accountable for the attack. but she said she found herself saying to her son after the Auckland CBD shootings recently, that he was lucky he only got stabbed. She said the fact she even thought that, far less said it out loud, was extremely sobering. It’s a telling sign of where we’re at isn’t it? The bar has sunk so low now, that we’re just grateful we didn’t get shot.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/15/20233 minutes, 12 seconds
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Kelly Eckhold: Westpac Chief Economist is sceptical of claims Official Cash Rate hikes will be halted until next year

A leading economist is sceptical of claims Official Cash Rate hikes will be halted until next year. The Reserve Bank is providing an OCR update today, with economists predicting it will stay at 5.5 percent. Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold says the bank believes this will be on hold until the second half of next year. But he told Kate Hawkesby with a strong labour market, strong migration, and high inflation, he isn't confident this will be the case. Eckhold says the Reserve Bank may need to lift the OCR a bit more, so it can get the inflation rate back to under 3 percent in a reasonable time frame. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/15/20233 minutes, 3 seconds
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Amber Phillips: Washington Post Political reporter says phone call to Georgia Secretary of State essential in Trump indictment

Former US President Donald Trump is facing his fourth indictment in less than five months. He's been charged in Georgia with attempting to overturn his 2020 election defeat - he denies all 13 charges including racketeering and election meddling. A phone call has emerged of him pressuring a Georgia Secretary of State to find votes. Washington Post Political reporter Amber Philips told Kate Hawkesby prosecutors believe the call is an essential piece of evidence. She says they believe it was an overt act in the conspiracy of trying to overturn the election results. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/15/20234 minutes, 51 seconds
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Tom Hartmann: Personal finance expert on data showing 55 percent of Kiwis are starting to sink when it comes to money

More than half of New Zealanders say they're starting to sink when it comes to money. Fresh data collected by the Retirement Commission, shows 55 percent are having a hard time with their finances, up 17 percent from 2021. However, Sorted Personal Finance Lead Tom Hartmann told Kate Hawkesby the research also shows more people are starting to focus on positive money management skills. He says more people are considering purchases before they buy, which will help get through this financial rough patch.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/15/20233 minutes, 16 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Hipkins may regret Auckland's lockdown, I can tell you who regrets it more

The audacity of this Government - seriously, it makes you wonder whether this the most hypocritical government ever. Yesterday, Chris Hipkins - as in pulpit of truth Chris Hipkins – Covid Minister Chris Hipkins, the guy who ran the whole shebang alongside Jacinda - showed he's now so desperate for votes, that he said he now regrets the 2021 lockdown length for Aucklanders. No kidding. Does he really? I lived through that lockdown, alongside everyone else in Auckland. These guys could not have banged on about the importance of locking us down more. They could not have been clearer and surer that they were doing the right thing. Despite all of us who were vocal at the time - myself included - that it was overkill, and too much, and out of hand, and ridiculous, and way too long, they defended it. They chastised those who spoke out against it. They tried to frame anyone who railed against it as some kind of far right conspiracy theorist or anti-vaxxer. They lambasted and discredited anyone who questioned it. They hung on to the power they held and waved it around with gay abandon. And yet - now look. Suddenly Chris Hipkins regrets it. I mean how do we take these guys seriously? Will they literally throw away very ounce of principle they ever had to try to win this election? We’ve already had Grant Robertson swallowing the dead rat that is GST off fruit and vege. Now we’ve got Hipkins regretting Auckland’s lockdown time. Too late mate. Way too late. We lived it. We lost it. We’ll never get that time back. All the people who missed funerals, lost weddings, sacrificed being at their child’s birth, never got to say goodbye to a dying loved one, all the operations delayed, all the people shut out, all the businesses gone under - none of them can get any of it back. So a glib ‘it was probably a bit long’ doesn’t cut it. You don’t get to go back on your decisions now. Not decisions of that magnitude. It’s reprehensible that you could enact such strict rules, with such courage of conviction at the time, only to completely back-peddle later – based on poor poll results and a desire to get back into power. Is this not the pinnacle of unprincipled government? They should hang their heads in shame for what they’ve done to New Zealanders. An apology was owed to Aucklanders - not a cheap line about it probably being too long a lockdown. ‘Looking back,’ Hipkins said, the length of Auckland’s 2021 lockdown was ‘probably one of the decisions he would change.’ Do you reckon? He acknowledged it was a challenging time for this country, but that ‘out of adversity had come strength’. Well while that’s a nice sentiment and possibly true in some cases, it also resulted in people broken, bankrupted, and bereft. To now say you probably regret it just smacks of the amateur hour we knew at the time was running the show. People out of their depth, determined to control the narrative, to shut down any opposition, to rule the roost and play God with people’s lives. We got scammed by power drunk rookie leadership, one of whom has already scarpered leaving one who now has the audacity to tell us he regrets it. So while he may regret Auckland’s 2021 lockdown, I can tell you who regrets it more; Aucklanders.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/14/20233 minutes, 11 seconds
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Andrew Pragnell: New Zealand Football CEO reviews the Women's World Cup from NZ's point of view

The curtain is closing on the Women's World Cup for New Zealand, with just one game left on home soil. Spain and Sweden will go head to head tonight at Eden Park in the first semifinal. Over half a million tickets have been sold for the 29 New Zealand games - with the country hosting some of the world's best talent.  New Zealand Football CEO Andrew Pragnell joined Kate Hawkesby to give a review of the tournament from New Zealand's point of view. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/14/20232 minutes, 54 seconds
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Sharon Zollner: ANZ Chief Economist on NZ posting largest net migration loss in a decade for June

More Kiwis are starting new lives overseas despite migrants arriving in droves. In the year to June, annual net migration rose to more than 86,000. But, the loss was nearly 35,000 citizens - the largest in a decade. ANZ Chief Economist Sharon Zollner told Kate Hawkesby we're losing New Zealanders to Australia because it's seen as a low-risk  option. She says changes to the citizenship and wage levels reassure people to make the move. LISTEN ABOVE    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/14/20235 minutes, 37 seconds
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Donna Demaio: Australian correspondent says Erin Patterson has released a new statement, admitted lying to investigators

The Australian woman who served up poison mushrooms suspected to have killed three people has sent a new statement to police. Erin Patterson now says she was hospitalised after the meal and had bought the ingredients from two different shops. Australian correspondent Donna Demaio Kate Hawkesby says Police are continuing to investigate the deaths. She says Patterson says she released the statement so 'people are not so quick to pass judgement.' She's also admitted lying to investigators that a food dehydrator found at a local tip had been left by her months ago. Patterson says she actually dumped it in a panic after the lunch,  when questioned about it by her ex-husband. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/14/20232 minutes, 35 seconds
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Steve Armitage: Hospitality NZ CEO says scrapping of Covid restrictions couldn't have come soon enough for the industry

The scrapping of Covid restrictions couldn't have come soon enough for the hospitality industry. All remaining restrictions were dropped as of midnight last night, including the seven day isolation period. Hospitality New Zealand Chief Executive Steve Armitage told Kate Hawkesby they're surprised it's taken as long as it has, but are keen to move on. He says we need to trust people to manage their business themselves and this development will mean they can finally move forward with recovery. Armitage says it will provide much needed certainty for businesses around staff availability. LISTEN ABOVE    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/14/20233 minutes, 8 seconds
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Eric Crampton: NZ Initiative Chief Economist on Labour's plan to remove GST from fruit and vegetables

Criticisms of Labour's latest election promise are rising. The party's promising to axe GST from fresh and frozen fruit and veggies from April, with the average household expected to save roughly $20 a month. But New Zealand Initiative Chief Economist Eric Crampton told Kate Hawkesby that these policies always end up costing more in revenue than they deliver to families, and make the tax system more complex. He says the accounting gets more difficult, and lawyers have a field day on definitions of what's included and what isn't. Labour's also promising to boost In-Work Tax Credits by $25 a week, and lift the Working for Families abatement threshold. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/13/20235 minutes
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Rehette Stoltz: Gisborne Mayor on the damages in the region six months after Cyclone Gabrielle

Homes are still covered in silt and roads are far from repaired six months on from Cyclone Gabrielle. The devastating weather event left Gisborne without power and communication for days, and took the lives of 11 people nationwide. Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz told Kate Hawkesby that resilience is as important as recovery, which could cost billions. She says we can't just keep on patching up these areas, as more storms expected in the coming years. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/13/20233 minutes, 20 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: I worry about the Kiwis with short memories

Democracy's interesting isn't it? I mean it’s our best option, but look at what we got this weekend in the latest mad grab for power. We’ve got an anti-vaxxer conspiracy theorist revealed as a NZ First candidate (read the Stuff piece from yesterday and weep), and we’ve got a ruling party announcing no tax on fruit and vege, in a completely pointless policy that even their own Finance Minister hates. It feels like a world gone mad, but then I have to remind myself, we voted for this, and people may yet vote again for it. Democracy in action can be a terrifying ride. I said on Mike’s show last Friday that I worry about the Kiwis with short memories who are saying they’ll vote for Winston again this time round. My colleague Kerre Woodham put it best when she said, ‘I’m sure there are intelligent people who vote NZ First, but I’ve never met or heard of one’. To throw a vote to Winston is to waste your vote. The people voting for Winston are doing it because they say he’ll ‘get rid of all the Maori signs’, or he’ll ‘get rid of all the gender nonsense.’ I mean those two statements alone give you some insight into the NZ First voter’s mindset. But what these people fail to understand is how MMP works. They’re voting for Winston like he’s going to be Prime Minister, like he’s going to have enough sway to move the needle and change things in this country, like the bigger parties are just going to do everything he says. Like he's going to be in government. Think again. Firstly, he's not NZ First he's Winston first. His goals for this country are less about caring about what’s right for it and more about what’s beneficial to him. He appointed a losing party to government in 2017, ignoring everyone who voted for him, just because he wanted to take the biggest bribe and settle some scores. He abandoned his base, for power. And once there, he allowed that government to implement all the things he now rails against. As Richard Prebble wrote the other day in his Herald column, “New Zealand First was no handbrake. Peters was part of a Government that issued compulsory vaccination mandates and developed co-governance. Only he would have the nerve to campaign against policies he made possible. If history is a guide, then the more Peters rules out supporting Labour, the more likely it is that he will support that party.” All voting for NZ First will do, is split the right vote further and make for a more chaotic outcome, or worse, push a left leaning coalition back into power. For all the people who bemoan the state of the country and ‘that’s why they’re voting for Winston’, they’re rolling the dice on no change at all, on keeping status quo – but potentially worse. A coalition of Labour, the Greens, Te Pati Māori and NZ First. Let that sink in for a minute. It’s not a vote for change at all. It’s a vote for a circus act. For those who're voting for Winston because they ‘don’t like Luxon’, you either want change or you don’t. Think about the party and the policies, not just the person. For those who're voting for Winston because they like him personally, bear in mind he'll be one year off 80 next year and he won’t be hanging around. It’s more for him about scoring points, proving something, making his mark and then buggering off to go fishing again. So if you vote for him thinking he’ll be sticking around, I think you’ll be disappointed. When I give my thoughts on Winston, invariably people text me that they’re - 'never listening to me on radio again'. I hope that’s true. The head in the sand Winston worshippers I can live without.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/13/20233 minutes, 47 seconds
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Roman Travers: Any political party - just promise to fix NZ and then actually fix it once you’ve won

Getting to work on time isn’t usually an issue for me.   I have a well-staged and orchestrated routine that has me rolling out of bed on the first alarm, staggering with mediocre accuracy to the bathroom where I plunge my freshly light tortured eyes and body into an overly hot shower, before dressing at fireman like speed and sliding down the lift shaft to my Newstalk ZB racing car.  Today, all of that speed and agility was once again exercised expertly as I’ve done hundreds of times before.  But then I was caught like a possum in the lights at the intersection of Newton and Ponsonby Road. As I approached, the lights for me were red. And they stayed red for what seemed like hours.  I sat there contemplating all forms of wizardry that might entice the lights to change to that favourable shade of green that we all love. I sat there calculating the action of getting out of the car, running over to the pedestrian lights and activating those – so that the opposing green light would within seconds turn red.  Then I sat there and contemplated inching my way into the intersection, against the red light; in a very safe manner of course. But as I sat there contemplating this highly dodgy action, I realised that the red light camera was well and truly trained upon the Early Edition racing car.  I then began to delve into further calculations and ran the scientific odds of this camera actually working in light of just how broken New Zealand’s infrastructure is.   Then I thought, what are the odds of me easing my car into the intersection, gently running the red light only to find a police officer waiting to set off his own display of red and blue lights. Those odds by the way were overwhelmingly in their favour. Not mine.  By this time, many other cars had piled up behind me, possibly running the same calculations; and mentally urging me to be the one to break the law, run the red light and commit the crime of Friday morning.   After what seemed like hours of interminable pain and suffering; the lights turned green and I was eventually able to get to work and tell Executive Producer Hannah all about my epic early morning contemplation of law breaking frustration.   I know New Zealand isn’t completely stuffed. But at 3:30am when traffic lights don’t allow you to get to work and your stress levels are through the roof… only one thought coursed through my head. Just fix the infrastructure.   Anyone. Any political party. Just promise to fix New Zealand and then actually fix it all once you’ve won the election. Please. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/10/20232 minutes, 43 seconds
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Brigette Morten: Political commentator examines latest Taxpayers' Union Curia poll

One political party is making a comeback. New Zealand First has gained popularity in the latest Taxpayers' Union Curia poll, gaining enough support to push over the five percent threshold to return to parliament. It comes after Act leader David Seymour says he refuses to partner with Winston Peters. But that may have to change as a National-Act government is looking more solid. Political commentator Brigette Morten joined Roman Travers to break down the latest numbers. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/10/20233 minutes, 45 seconds
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Roman Travers: The only way we can make a difference is you and me choosing where we bank

Yesterday's news that another of our major banks has made another record profit, just about had me falling off my financially unstable rocking horse. ASB have reported another record annual profit in the same week that the TSB have said they'll be closing seven of their 25 branches, even though they are rated highly in customer service and satisfaction surveys. The ASB is our third biggest bank, and they've just reported this record profit, after all costs, of an eye watering $1.56 billion which is an increase of 6% on last year. In a way that's supposed to induce some form of pity for them, they've also announced that because of the slowing economy and rising interest rates, their earnings have been detrimentally affected. Oh dear. Oh my. How tragic is that? Isn't it amazing to see the power of the PR machine spinning madly in the background even with a business as profitable as the ASB bank? Isn't it sickening to see that within the same outward gush of hot halitosis breath, laced with stale gin and tonic from yesterday's celebrations after announcing another record profit; this sentiment of sadness and sorrow apropos their reducing profits? So why is it that we still flock to these major foreign owned banks regardless of the record profits they make and return offshore? Are we so short-sighted when it comes to the demonstrable benefits of supporting our own New Zealand made banks - that supporting the big foreign owned major players is just a forgone conclusion? Another key part of the ASB's record profit announcement yesterday came in the form of their commitment to reducing scams and illegal activity. I guess when you're making such obscene levels of profit, you can invest in anything you want to. I don't buy into the PR spin of, "we're here for New Zealand and we are here for the New Zealand economy". Ultimately, that could not be further from the truth. Ultimately, as a business, you're there to impress your senior executives and your shareholders. That's it. Bottom line. The final part of the ASB's PR statement yesterday was to acknowledge that they are 'actively engaging' with the Commerce Commission market study into personal banking services. I wasn't aware that there was a choice. Of course they have to comply with the commerce commission study. The only real choice, and the only way to make a difference comes in the form of you and me and where we choose to bank. I can only dream of a day when we have a commercially, competitive and viable bank that's completely New Zealand owned and operated.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/9/20232 minutes, 40 seconds
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Mitch McCann: US correspondent says fires on Hawaiian island of Maui are being exacerbated by wind

Six people have died as wildfires engulf the Hawaiian island of Maui. Residents and tourists have been escaping into the sea to escape the blazes, devastating the town of Lahaina. Some with burns and smoke inhalation, are being flown to Honolulu for treatment. US correspondent Mitch McCann told Roman Travers the fires are being exacerbated by wind from a hurricane moving past the island. He says thousands of homes have lost power and cell services, leaving people stranded and unable to call 911. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/9/20232 minutes, 3 seconds
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Bodo Lang: Marketing professor says McDonald's personalised prices on their app are counterintuitive

There is an expectation McDonald's will address charging loyal app users higher prices. Users have taken to complain on social networking site Reddit, after pointing out a $3 difference between what app users and casual customers are charged. McDonald's says the prices may be different to entice some customers to return to the app. But Massey University marketing professor Bodo Lang told Roman Travers it's doing the opposite. He says companies want people to engage with it and this personalisation of prices is counterintuitive. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/9/20234 minutes
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Mark Potter: NZEI President says primary teachers' pay rise is a good step to recognising the value of teachers

The primary teachers union says the secondary teachers pay rise is great news for the whole sector.  PPTA members have accepted a 14.5 percent pay bump, meaning roughly 30,000 teachers will receive the first of three pay boosts between now and the end of next year. NZEI President Mark Potter told Roman Travers there's more to be done, but this is a good step towards recognising the value of teachers. He says resolutions to workload and resourcing issues are also needed to bring the teaching profession back to the status it once had. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/9/20234 minutes, 41 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: For all the people ‘hopping across the Tasman’ at the moment, I can tell you it’s not a hop

For all the people ‘hopping across the Tasman’ at the moment I can tell you one thing - it’s not a hop.   It used to be a short haul quick trip - painless. But these days it seems to be less painless and more painful. I’m not sure who’s more at fault - Auckland Airport or Air New Zealand, or both. Of the three times I’ve crossed the Tasman in the last month; I’ve been held up on the tarmac or delayed every time - twice without any communication at all. Once was a lengthy tarmac sit where they announced after an uncomfortably long wait - that there was an issue with the brakes needing fixing. More delay - then another announcement - they’d need to actually replace the brakes. How you can’t sort the brakes out before you board everyone is beyond me but that added two hours to our flight, so the short hop across the Tasman was no longer short and we hadn’t even left the ground yet. Likewise coming home the airport had no dogs rostered on, so they were screening every single bag of every single passenger including flight crew - queues for miles, no one knowing what was going on, so much delay my sister missed her connecting flight to Christchurch. Many others missed their connections too. Air NZ also has this new annoying thing where they announce boarding, yet when you get to the gate there are no staff there, no one is boarding anyone, and no communication. So passengers are all standing around wondering what’s going on. This last trip to Sydney a man got verbally abusive over the fact that when they did finally allow people to board they boarded everyone at once and didn’t prioritize premium passengers as they’d said they would. This man started yelling at the ground crew that as a premium passenger who’d paid extra he should not be at the back of a very large queue. He was yelling, but the crew did nothing. My brother was flying out of Auckland yesterday in a party of eight, they got an email from Air NZ saying they were downgrading aircraft and therefore passengers, so a heap of people got put down the back into economy - people who’d booked business class and premium. Cue more grumpy travellers. At check in, the only oversized baggage conveyor working had a glitch where the in-feed belt didn’t load, so massive queues, more upset passengers worried they’d miss boarding. When they called everyone to the gate for boarding, again there was no boarding, more delays and then they announced engineering issues.   Again, why board everyone if your plane isn’t ready to go. And why aren’t the planes ready to go? So further delays for what was ostensibly just a three hour flight. He was on the tarmac delayed for an hour fifteen, before they even pushed back from the gate. His group were all separated on board, which also happened to my daughter and I, as the seat booked for her was broken, so she ended up on the opposite side of the cabin to me. This is all a bad buzz for people wanting to travel - it doesn't inspire goodwill from your customers. We deserve better - but so do our visitors to this country. It's an embarrassingly shoddy experience that gives an awful first impression. Both Air NZ and Auckland Airport have some serious work to do, to be more professional, so it feels less amateur hour out there. They need a manager on the ground at Auckland airport walking the floor and seeing in real time what a circus it is - and then doing something about it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/8/20233 minutes, 35 seconds
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Vaughan Davis: Social media expert says studies show cellphone use in schools doesn't really hurt, or improve learning

National plans to crack down on cellphone use in schools, if it wins the October election. It would ban phones for all year groups - with some exemptions for those needing the devices for health or learning purposes. Party Leader Christopher Luxon says it's about eliminating unnecessary disturbances and distractions.  But social media expert Vaughan Davis told Kate Hawkesby studies show cellphone use in schools doesn't really hurt, or improve learning. He says the accusation that they hurt academic performance doesn't really stand up. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/8/20232 minutes, 59 seconds
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Nathan Wallis: Neuroscience educator says a change in attitudes is needed before people will stop using phones in cars

A change in attitudes is needed before people will stop using cellphones in their cars. A six-month Waka Kotahi safety camera trial across Auckland spotted 242,000 potential offences, including drivers using handheld phones or not wearing a seatbelt. Neuroscience educator Nathan Wallis says we need a culture change so people don't have to be constantly available by phone. He told Kate Hawkesby people need to take the issue more seriously, as continual phone use is just waiting for an accident to happen. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/8/20234 minutes, 9 seconds
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Dileepa Fonseka: BusinessDesk journalist says climate deal with BlackRock Capital doesn't emphasise one form of energy over another

Criticism of the Government's climate deal with a major investment company is being disputed. BlackRock Capital has launched a $2 billion fund to help New Zealand achieve 100 percent renewable electricity. ACT condemned the announcement saying it amounts to the Government micro-managing energy supply. But BusinessDesk journalist Dileepa Fonseka says this isn't the case. Fonseka says the fund doesn't emphasise one form of energy over another. He adds they could be referring to the target, but this also isn't set by the fund. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/8/20233 minutes, 45 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: We can't put our heads in the sand and pretend this violence isn't happening

I got sent a video yesterday, which I assume is doing the rounds, of the Point England shooting in Auckland on the weekend. 2.30pm on a Saturday afternoon in a suburban neighbourhood in Auckland. That makes three shootings in a week by the way for our country, three separate gunmen on the loose – still at large – and three victims dead. It seems unfathomable that this is the state of our country right now. The video of the Point England one shows a scene of chaos; people running around, as shots volley out across the reserve. It’s incredulous to watch and think this is just a family suburb of Auckland. How did we end up here? The answer to that is lengthy, but the consequences are people left terrified in their own communities. The Herald yesterday reported a “traumatised mother who’d spoken of her horror after her two young children witnessed the fatal daylight gang shootout from their living room window. She told the Herald her children, aged 6 and 8, were watching television when gunshots rang out. “They saw two men firing guns at each other right outside our house,” she said. ‘Two people were shot, with one later dying in hospital. Police described it as “reckless violence” in community spaces and “deplorable” to authorities and the public,’ it was reported. This woman's been left traumatised and on edge since the incident.’ She said she won’t let her kids play in the reserve now like they used to as she ‘feels insecure’, she said. We know of a grandmother in the area who’s scared to leave her house now. These people are lucky they weren’t hurt, but with that unfolding outside your window and the killer still at large, you can see how locals would be terrified. Likewise downtown Auckland in the CBD (the scene of two shootings this month), has become a scary place to be after dark. I know of several people who now have to rethink their schedules to account for random violence and nut jobs accosting them. They either hybrid work some days from home, change hours to enable them to leave town before dark, or have changed their mode of transport home for safety reasons. Swapping from the bus to an Uber, some book taxis rather than risk waiting for an Uber on the street. Good decent hard working people, changing their routines and schedules, just to try and stay safe. They shouldn't have to, but they’re being proactive, they feel forced to by the lack of patrols downtown, the lack of security, the lack of a Police presence. That’s how dangerous downtown Auckland’s become. It’s a travesty. There're plenty of people who don’t like hearing this stuff, but why shouldn’t we report the facts? When the streets and parks of our communities and our CBD’s are so awash with crime and violence? We should be appalled; we can’t just put our heads in the sand and pretend it’s not happening. We don’t fix it or move forward by denying it. We have to confront the stark reality that this country is not what it was, the streets do not feel safe, random people with guns are shooting them and not being arrested because they’ve scarpered. And then we get told to ‘keep a look out’ for dangerous criminals on the loose. Is anyone feeling safer yet?  I don’t think so.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/7/20233 minutes, 2 seconds
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Tony Johnson: Sky Sports rugby commentator discusses All Blacks' World Cup squad

The All Blacks' squad for the 2023 World Cup has been named. Former player Richie McCaw announced the 33 players heading to France at an event in Napier last night. The first game with France verses New Zealand is Saturday 9th September local time. So will the boys handle the heat? Sky Sports rugby commentator Tony Johnson joined Kate Hawkesby to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/7/20233 minutes, 58 seconds
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Donna Demaio: Australian correspondent says police in Victoria are keeping an open mind after poisoned mushroom deaths

Police in Victoria are keeping an open mind after three people died from a poisoned mushroom lunch, cooked by their daughter-in-law. Another guest is in critical condition in hospital. Australian correspondent Donna Demaio told Kate Hawkesby the daughter-in-law is denying any malice.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/7/20232 minutes, 6 seconds
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Greg Smith: Retail expert says NZ's main fast food company Restaurant Brands full year profit could be half of last year's

The country's main fast food company says its full year profit could be half of last year's. Restaurant Brands, responsible for KFC, Taco Bell, Carl's Junior and Pizza Hut, is blaming inflation. Devon Funds Management Retail Manager Greg Smith told Kate Hawkesby there's a clear driver of higher costs in the sector. He says the price of ingredients has risen threefold in some cases. The company is expecting between $12 and $16 million in profit. LISTEN ABOVE    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/7/20233 minutes, 14 seconds
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Viv Beck: Heart of the City CEO says Auckland is now at risk of no longer being seen as a safe place

A plea for action has come to address the recent spate of violent crime. Police are raising concerns about rising gang tensions, after fatal shootings in Auckland's Point England and Palmerston North's Highbury over the weekend - both linked to gang rivalries. They're also continuing to hunt for the man wanted over Thursday's fatal shooting in downtown Auckland. Heart of the City Chief Executive Viv Beck told Kate Hawkesby Auckland is now at risk of no longer being seen as a safe place. She says if that doesn't change now, Auckland could become known internationally as a "dangerous city". LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/7/20234 minutes, 7 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: We've gotten complacent and happy with average

"It’s a fantastic place to grow up as a kid... and it’s also a great place to retire... it's the in-between bits that are tricky,” said Neil Finn when once asked what NZ was like. It’s the same now I’d argue. He also said, and bear in mind this is many, many years ago, that it was "the worst place in the world to be if you had any ambition.” That’d be true now too I reckon. And at the risk of sounding like Marc Ellis and all the other Kiwis bailing, we have definitely lost our mojo. We are backwards on too many metrics. Australia - where I’ve been three times in the last month —Sydney and Melbourne— is more forward focussed than we are, it’s going places, people are upbeat - my sister's currently in Queensland, she says it’s the same there. Here, it feels like we are still mopping up from a pandemic and a shut down that we should've bounced back from ages ago. The fact we haven’t yet, or don't want to, or don't know how to, speaks volumes about where we are and who we are. Focussed on all the wrong things, held up by all the wrong belief systems, dragged down by lowest common denominator BS. Take our Universities for example, laying people off, closing down courses, low enrolments, high dropout rates. Compare that to Australia… in huge demand by international students, drawing in large numbers of Kiwi candidates - in fact at Sydney Uni they say the waitlist for some on campus accommodations is so long you’re best to apply now for 2025. The gap now between Australia and us seems ever wider. You can feel it when you’re there. NZ just seems down at heel, and to be frank, miserable. So how do we turn it around? Because a change of government I don’t think is going to be enough. The change needs to be radical. We need wholesale changes in attitudes and ambition. We need to want for better and demand more. From our government, from our law and order, from our bureaucracy, from our thought leaders, and from ourselves. We’ve gotten complacent and happy with average. And that’s seeped into every orifice. And the problem with average is it just erodes into below average before you know it. But I’m desperate to turn it around because as I watch more and more of our young people refuse to hang around here - it makes me more determined to fix it. How have we become a country our children don’t even want to stay and study in? A country that anyone with ambition or drive, is leaving. I don’t know how we fix it or how we grow everything back up, bit when Marc Ellis said NZ’s best days were behind it… that cuts deep. That’s writing off a whole country forever and I refuse to believe we can’t bounce back. It’s not as simple as just ‘go’ if you don't like it, not if you're established here with a home, family, kids in schools, jobs, pets, commitments. It’s not that easy for everyone to upsticks and leave and I’m not sure that’s the answer. I think we have to dig deep at this juncture and work out what we can do to build a brighter future here, and turn attitudes around. A few simple things might get us back on track, like cleaning up the levels of crime, working on our infrastructure, paying better attention to the liveability of our CBD’s. It’s really confronting when you travel and see just how quickly other cities have moved on from where we're still stuck, but just because it’s hard, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/6/20233 minutes, 26 seconds
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Simon Bridges: Auckland Business Chamber CEO on the Government's plan to build a second harbour crossing

Auckland's Business Chamber is keen to see some momentum on a second harbour crossing. The Government's released a plan which will include two 3-lane vehicle tunnels and a light rail route connecting Albany and the CBD. Chamber Chief Executive Simon Bridges told Kate Hawkesby that the plan is positive, and he'd love to see more details. He wants to know if it can be sped up, and exactly how much it will decongest the roads. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/6/20233 minutes, 44 seconds
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Francesca Rudkin: I go to concerts for the music, not to get famous on TikTok

So what is going on with people throwing objects at musicians on stage?   I know. It’s not the most pressing issue in the world today, but it’s Friday, after all.   What we’ve seen at recent concerts is a breakdown in the social etiquette that normally sees an artist and an audience coming together respectfully. We’re seeing an increase in aggressiveness and rudeness – from both sides -  and the desire for concert goers to steal the limelight from the star on stage with attention grabbing antics designed to make them go viral online.   I don’t know if you saw the Cardi B video of her reacting to someone from the crowd throwing water at her during a Vegas concert. The retribution was swift and brutal as Cardi B hurled her microphone. I don’t know if she hit her target or a loyal fan – but the result is a law suit.   I don’t condone Cardi’s B’s behaviour but it does represent how fed up artists are at being targeted. Recently Harry Style’s was hit in the eye by a flying object, Bebe Rexha took a phone to the face and needed stitches, and Justin Bieber put a phone thrown at him down his pants. At a Pink concert, someone handed her a wheel of cheese, and at another concert someone allegedly threw a bag of their mother’s ashes on stage. Needless to say Pink was taken aback when she found out what was in the bag. And the list goes on… Whatever happened to tossing a pair of knickers?   Throwing things on stage is not new. There will be many of you who like me have been going to gigs for decades, and watching singers gracefully dodge projectiles coming their way without the slightest pause in performance. It used to be mostly bottles that were thrown – only for the culprit to be swiftly removed, without achieving any infamy.   While there has always been a divide between floor and stage this doesn’t mean the line can’t be crossed – as long as it’s instigated by the artists. Stage diving, crowd surfing and audience participation has been part of the concert experience for years.   And then there’s the aforementioned Knicker trend – which never seems to end. The sexual revolution has been blamed for knicker throwing taking off in the late 1960s. Over the years Tom Jones, Engelbert Humperdinck, Mick Jagger, Jon Bon Jovi, Drake and One Direction, just to name a few, have been confronted with underwear hitting the stage. Apparently Lana del Rey has also received her fair share of underwear. As has John Farnham, which did not go down well with Dame Kiri Te Kanawa. They had a series of concerts planned in 2005 but she pulled out after watching videos of women throwing knickers at Farnham during one of his concerts. It ended up in court; our Dame won. So while not new, it is interesting to see how artists are reacting to it now. No longer happy to see the funny side of it and deal with it in good grace, they’re calling time out. Recently Adele spoke out against the spate of people throwing objects at musicians, telling her audience she would “kill you” if they tried. I wouldn’t try it on with Adele.   Clearly I go to a concerts for a difference reason to some others.   I go for the music, the show, the atmosphere, the shared experience and the talent. And that’s the way it should be. Not to make yourself famous on tiktok.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/3/20233 minutes, 9 seconds
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Chris Wakeman: Colorectal surgeon says surgery wait times are a tough problem to fix

Surgery wait times continue to be lengthy, despite the Government saying its targeted approach is working. Health Minister Ayesha Verrall says the total number of planned care treatments, including minor operations, is increasing nationwide. People waiting longer than three years for treatment now either have a date and plan, or have been treated, and officials are working their way down from there. Christchurch colorectal surgeon Chris Wakeman told Francesca Rudkin it's a tough problem to fix. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/3/20234 minutes, 32 seconds
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Francesca Rudkin: It's time for the Ministry, teachers and principals to get back to prioritising students

It’s taken over a year, but maybe, just maybe, all the disruption to teenage schooling is coming to an end after the government accepted a recommendation by the Arbitration Panel and offered to increase secondary teachers’ base salaries by 14.5 percent by December 2024.   This package to settle the teachers and principal’s agreement is the final offer from the Government, and will add $680 million to the $3.76 billion already set aside by the Government to resolve this issue. The extra money is coming from savings found in departmental funding through project deferrals, a forecast underspend on staffing and removing the reimbursement of bank staffing.   The Post Primary Teachers Association is “pleased” to see the offer and will be recommending to members they accept it ahead of a vote next week. Wouldn’t that be good.   I think we all agree teachers are undervalued. I think we accept their argument for a pay increase matching inflation, better conditions so they can do their jobs more effectively and a deal which attracts and retains teachers.   Surely these have been met by this offer, and surely they will accept.   I’m not sure even parents who consider education fundamental for our children and the country, and believe the value of teachers should be reflected monetarily, can stomach the use of their children as pawns in this stalemate anymore.   It was always expected that as the election draws near the Government would want to demonstrate it values education and teachers – it wants their votes after all. Equally, the PPTA could be concerned about a potential change in government and more austere times ahead, so are trying to get the best deal they can now.   This deal seems to tick both boxes, and it's time for the Ministry, teachers and principals to get back to prioritising students.   Yesterday, data came to light from the Education Ministry showing that last year 75 percent of school leavers attained NCEA Level 2 or above – down from 81 percent in 2017. Māori school leavers fared worse, with just 59 percent getting NCEA Level 2 or above.   The overall figure should come with some context. Many students began working during Covid, apprenticeships are on the rise and unemployment levels have been low, but serious work needs to be done to find more ways to keep students in some form of education.   I’m not saying teachers haven’t been putting their students first. But you’ve got to admit, the ongoing pay stalemate has been a distraction.   Let’s get back to focusing on the real issue; finding a way to successful educate all Kiwi kids.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/2/20232 minutes, 54 seconds
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Wayne Langford: Federated Farmers National president talks GDT results, whole milk powder price decrease

GDT results have taken a sharp dive - down 4.3 per cent. Whole milk powder - which more or less dictates Fonterra's farmgate milk price - is down 8 per cent. It's all painting a fairly bleak outlook for farmers.. Wayne Langford, Federated Farmers National president, joined Early Edition to discuss the impact of the figures. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/2/20234 minutes, 25 seconds
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Brad Olsen: Economist says even if we don't know size of shortfall, it appears the Government books have taken a hit

We don't know how bad the Government's books are, but there are signs things are worse than previously thought. National is calling on Finance Minister Grant Robertson to be up-front about the state of the books. Robertson has confirmed he's called in Crown chief executives for a meeting about financial restraint. But Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen told Francesca Rudkin the Finance Minister won't be specific about any revenue shortfall. Olsen says even if we don't know the size of any shortfall, it appears the Government has taken a bit of a hit. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/2/20235 minutes, 14 seconds
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Allan Harvey: Kids Need Dadz field worker says National's approach to parental leave is more 'flexible' than current rules

Claims National's approach to parental leave is more "flexible" than the current rules. A member's Bill proposed by National's Nicola Willis would allow parents to take paid leave at the same time, one after the other, or in overlapping instalments. Currently, primary carers can't take parental leave together. Labour was the only party to vote against it - using its majority in the House to block it. Kids Need Dadz field worker Allan Harvey told Francesca Rudkin giving families the ability to chose is important.  He says allowing both parents parents to take time off, while not having a financial impact is a good idea. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/2/20233 minutes, 48 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: A new study might change my 24 year attitude to coffee

I’m amped by this new study on coffee. I know, I know, everyday a new study telling us something we should or shouldn’t be doing that we thought previously we could or couldn’t do. Llike chocolate’s bad for you, then it’s good, wine’s bad for you then it’s good, coffee’s the devil and now it’s good. But still, I love a good bit of research, especially broad spectrum studies and this latest one on coffee was a 15-year-study of more than half a million participants. It showed ‘people who drank coffee were less vulnerable to a range of chronic illnesses’. “Drinking coffee is protective for health,” it said. You can have two to five cups a day and get the cognitive and health benefits. Apparently the cut off is seven, so don’t go more than seven cups a day for goodness sake. But it can reduce the risk of colorectal cancers, it helps flush toxins through your system, it promotes good gut bacteria for your microbiome, it’s got polyphenols which protect against inflammation apparently - this includes decaf by the way. It can improve brain function, there’s a link ‘between coffee drinking and better cognition in later life’.   One researcher was quoted saying she believes ‘the components in coffee may be helpful in maintaining neuronal plasticity and activity.’ It can also help prevent Type 2 diabetes, according to a Swedish professor quoted in the report. Apparently, all these health benefits stem from ‘the complex mixture of minerals and chemicals within coffee, from magnesium to chlorogenic acid, {which} potentially alters how the body produces and uses insulin.” Basically it’s full of antioxidants that potentially have anti-inflammatory properties. It can boost your metabolism, increase dopamine, protect against neurodegenerative conditions, the study says, so you know, the list goes on, and it’s sounding pretty bloody promising to get into that morning brew. There’s a reason our body obviously craves it. But here's the thing, here’s the point of this whole story. I gave up coffee 24 years ago when I was pregnant with my first child. I was very hippie and dedicated to having a body free of stimulants or caffeine but the upshot is, I never went back. I kept having babies and then once I’d finished doing all that procreating and breastfeeding I found I’d just lost the taste for it. Then years later it became cool to stop drinking coffee and I thought wow I’m so far ahead of this trend without even realizing it. So I just kept going, but then I see this study. On top of all the other studies, saying how good it is for you, so now I’m wondering, do I take back up coffee? Because I’m into the health benefits. And if I do, do I start with decaf and ease back in gently? Or do I go a hardcore double shot? My husband drinks espressos, black, straight up caffeine. He loves his coffee machine but he’s a purist coffee drinker. I would need to add milk, thankfully the health benefits are not lost when you add milk, they’re only lost when you add sugar.  So a double shot flat white this arvo for me? Or a slow intro like a decaf latte to begin with? Let me know, coffee drinkers and non-coffee drinkers, what would you do? Do I break a 24 year run? This is the big question of the morning.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/1/20233 minutes, 10 seconds
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Sharon Zollner: ANZ's Chief Economist ahead of last unemployment figure before election released today

Unemployment figures are out today - and it's the last data set before the election. It's currently sitting at 3.4 percent and no-one is expecting much change to that. Sharon Zollner is ANZ's Chief Economist and she joined Kate Hawkesby ahead of the figure's release. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/1/20233 minutes, 3 seconds
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Jithin Chittibomma: Sandringham Business Association points to Govt justice policies as a reason for increasing crime

The retail sector is pointing to Government justice policies as a reason for increasing crime. Police figures suggest only 2.3 percent of reported retail crime results in arrests. The number of retail offences reported to police last year was over 125,000, up from 61,000 in 2021, although that year saw lengthy Covid-19 lockdowns in several regions. Sandringham Business Association Chair Jithin Chittibomma told Kate Hawkesby the Government's approach leaves a lot to be desired. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/1/20232 minutes, 53 seconds
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Erica Stanford: National's Education Spokesperson slams Labour's legacy in schools after NCEA data released

The National Party is slamming Labour's legacy in schools. Education Ministry data shows last year 75 percent of school leavers attained NCEA Level 2 or above - down from 81 percent in 2017. Maori school leavers fared worse - with just 59 percent getting NCEA level two or above. National's Education Spokesperson Erica Stanford told Kate Hawkesby she's not surprised. She says it's been a trend that the stats have gone down every single year since 2017. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/1/20234 minutes, 58 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: The effects of being soft on crime are harming NZ, the domino effect is it’s harming guests too

A friend of my nephew was king hit from behind in town by a bouncer several months ago when he was out in Auckland city. He was a visitor from the US, being shown around NZ, being shown some nightlife in Auckland. He wound up in hospital needing several stitches to his head. The bouncer didn’t like the look of them, came down some steps after them, followed them a short distance along the street and then punched him in the back of his head as he was walking away. The whole thing was filmed, there were witnesses, the Police were called and turned up, they were shown the video footage, CCTV footage, they spoke to everyone concerned, they had everything there right in front of them including the culprit. Did they make an arrest? They did not. The Police at the time were unsure what to do; they said they needed to ‘think about it’. The next day, many questions were asked, including why no charges had been laid. They’d be ‘following it up in due course’ they said. Witness statements were made, reports filed and then silence. Crickets chirping. Month after month ticked by, nothing. Then, the other day, seven whole months after the event, a police spokesperson got in touch with an update. The bouncer had been ‘spoken to’ about the incident. He had ‘taken full responsibility’. No kidding, he was all over all the footage being caught in the act. He was offered a ‘community panel’ which is ‘an alternative to court.’ Why? Who knows. Who’s on this panel? Again, who knows. Why was he offered it? Why did he get to choose between court or a community panel? Who would know. I looked up community panels, called Te Piki Oranga. It’s an ‘Iwi Community Panel, where the participant is given the choice of attending a panel hearing or going to Court. Panels are made up of three community people. They are not judges or lawyers. Their job is to decide what should happen as a result of the offence.’ The offender had to ‘meet some outcomes’ the police spokesperson said. What outcomes? Who knows. Who’s checking he meets them? As far as the police were concerned, it’d been ‘dealt with’. They’d handed it over to the community panel. Case closed. So a violent attack in town that saw a young man, a tourist to our country, wind up in the back of an ambulance and in hospital for hours awaiting stitches, is wrapped up seven months later by a chat with a community panel. No arrests, no charges, no court, no sentence. Did this offender get to keep their job? We understand yes. So will this person offend again and thump someone else they don’t like the look of one night? I can’t see why not, given the lack of consequences shown this time. So what are we saying to victims in these scenarios? We are saying, you may encounter violence in our country, and your complaints won’t be followed up for seven months, at which point the offender will get off scot-free, bar a few unknown ‘outcomes’ they’ve been asked to meet. Your ambulance trip to hospital, your stitches, your recovery from head injuries and trauma, your terrible experience here, that’s just tough luck. Will this tourist be back to our shores? He absolutely will not. Will he tell others about his experience here? You betcha. So when we say the effects of being soft on crime is harming our country, the domino effect is it’s harming guests to our country too, which has far reaching effects that we should be more cognizant of I reckon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/31/20233 minutes, 8 seconds
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Lisette Reymer: Europe correspondent on Ukranian drone strikes on Moscow and what reaction can be expected

In the latest in a series of attacks, Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelenskiy says war is returning to Russia. Russia's Defence Ministry says it brought down three Ukrainian drones after a strike on Moscow yesterday. It damaged a high rise building before being intercepted.  Newshub's Europe correspondent Lisette Reymer joined Kate Hawkesby to discuss the developments. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/31/20234 minutes, 46 seconds
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Max Whitehead: CEO of Small Business Voice on data showing company liquidations are up 36 percent year on year

Businesses are continuing to struggle under cost pressures. Latest Centrix data shows a climb in business credit defaults, with company liquidations up 36 percent year on year. CEO of Small Business Voice, Max Whitehead joined Kate Hawkesby to discuss the effects on owners. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/31/20232 minutes, 5 seconds
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Mike Newell: Secondary Principals' Association says MoE's 14.5pc pay offer is a compromise on what teachers wanted

Pay will be just one part of the puzzle in getting teachers on board in negotiations. An arbitration panel has recommended secondary school teachers get a 14.5 percent pay rise over three instalments. Secondary Principals' Association Chief Executive Mike Newell says it's a pragmatic pay offer which compromises on the 17 percent rise teachers wanted. He told Kate Hawkesby other things are missing from the system which need to be addressed. He says we need a way to get teachers in the door, to end our over-reliance on foreign teachers. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/31/20233 minutes, 34 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: A big loss to us

So I’ve just been to Sydney last week and I’ve got to go again this week – these are not holiday trips, these are events I’m attending so I’m in and out, but here’s what I can tell you about Australia, it’s going off. And by that I mean it’s energized, it feels ambitious, it’s got everything going for it that we used to have but have sadly lost. Even in Melbourne when we were there a few weeks back, the vibe was more upbeat, and that’s a city that’s mimicked Auckland’s a lot in terms of post Covid decline... more homeless, more edgy peeps around at night, more for lease signs. Yet the city still hums. Yes, population helps. But it’s attitude I’m talking about. The attitude of hospo staff, the attitude of workers, the attitude of people in general. The malaise we have that’s so oppressive here, is not there. They’re still aiming high. And it’s one of the reasons why I think people are heading across the Tasman. Yes food is cheaper and salaries are better in many cases, but real estate’s still expensive, there are still drawbacks, it's just the vibe is different. And it’s why I can guarantee you the latest high profile high flier from Auckland is leaving, and why so many young people are leaving and why our most productive are going. Richlist property developer Ben Cook, it was reported at the weekend, is outta here too. “One of the country’s biggest private retail real estate investors is quitting New Zealand for Australia - sparking a $100 million dollar sell-off..” it was reported, “Ben Cook boasts a portfolio stretching from Auckland to Central Otago including a string of Countdown supermarkets, and Bunnings… He also owns iconic Auckland buildings. But he is now using his Sydney home as a base and says he doesn’t plan on returning to New Zealand… “I just prefer Aussie now that kids have finished school,” he said. “I just prefer Aussie,” says exactly what we know it says. This country is not aspirational anymore, it’s not desirable, it’s not a place for go-getters. He’s not the only high net worth person leaving. “Some properties {he owns} are co-owned with people who have already left New Zealand to live in other countries..” Others who’ve already gone. Other high net worth individuals taking their investments, developments, money and productivity, out of this country. A designer was also quoted at the weekend moving with her husband and 4 children to Australia - again for better opportunities and a better way of life. we also got reports of the ex-pat who came back with his family only to discover how backward the NZ school system is, and in disgust, moved back to Europe for better education. There will be people who say ‘good riddance’ to this, and you know what, that’s everything that’s wrong with where we’re at right now. Because what is happening when all these people take their business and their brains out of NZ? They take it elsewhere. Our loss. Ben Cook’s “looking to expand in Australia” it was reported, the designer's taking her business to Australia, brains and investments are leaving this country. So a big loss to us, a loss of productivity, jobs, development, drive, intelligence, and money. How many people like that are we prepared to lose, and what does that leave us with? And is that the sort of future you want for your kids here?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/30/20232 minutes, 55 seconds
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John Tookey: AUT construction expert on the tweaks to the Government's rent-to-buy scheme

Plenty of ways to spin the Government's tweaks to its rent-to-buy scheme. Changes to the Progressive Home Ownership programme will allow eligible people to buy existing homes, instead of just new-builds. The income cap is also rising from $130,000 to %150,000. AUT construction expert John Tookey told Kate Hawkesby that if you're in power you say it's a marvellous scheme that's done well and being expanded. He says if you were in Opposition, you'd say it's been a disastrous scheme that's not doing well so you have to spin it out. Tookey says the other view is to say you don't have much faith in new-builds and we're going to see a drop off. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/30/20233 minutes, 9 seconds
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Alan McDonald: Employers and Manufacturers Association Head of Advocacy on ACT's personal grievance policy

There’s support for some aspects of the ACT Party's personal grievance policy, and scepticism over others. ACT wants all personal grievance cases brought before the Employment Relations Authority resolved within a month. Its proposed legislation would see staff who don't manage that facing dismissal. The Employers and Manufacturers Association says the current timeline of cases is too long. Head of Advocacy Alan McDonald told Kate Hawkesby that firing ERA staff because of the deadline may not be practical. He says it seems harsh because there's a backlog that needs to be cleared. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/30/20234 minutes, 23 seconds
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Francesca Rudkin: Te Pāti Māori’s tax policy unsurprising

Yesterday Te Pāti Māori released their tax policy ahead of the election. The policy wasn’t a huge surprise. At their election campaign launch a few weeks ago they made it clear their tax reform policy would have a focus on redistributing wealth. So the proposal for a new wealth tax, an increase in income tax for those earning over $200,000, and a tax free threshold for income up to $30,000 are all expected. During Matariki, Co leader Rawiri Waititi said, “100,000 people are homeless in New Zealand, 60,000 of those are Maori”, so it’s no shock they’re also pushing for new taxes for land banking and vacant houses as well as a capital gains tax. They’ve clearly decided to go all out. So also plan to raise the corporate tax rate from 28% to 33%, as well as new taxes for foreign companies. They call the policy radical and transformative and representative of their values - but there’s plenty of debate as to whether these policies will encourage or hinder productivity. It’s easy to take a radical approach when you’re a minor party. When it comes to the compromises required for coalition negotiations it’s important to have something to lose. Te Pāti Māori’s tax reform policy comes after the Green Party recently released their plan to pursue a wealth tax and universal income guarantee. The person this creates a headache for is the Prime Minister - who recently made a Captain’s Call pledging no new capital gains our wealth tax as long as he’s Prime Minister. It makes for an interesting potential coalition negotiation doesn’t it. And it means the Labour party needs to be very clear about their tax policy, which is expected to be announcing imminently. Obviously voters would like the labour party to be transparent about what they would be prepared to consider from coalition partners when it comes to tax reform, but they’ll see no upside in having that discussion before the election. Hipkins’ announcement on capital gains and wealth taxes was pure politicking, and accepted by his cabinet even if they didn’t entirely agree. Which is becoming a theme. National’s finance spokesperson Nicola Willis has pipped the government’s tax policy announcement by doing it herself. She confidently claims Hipkins’ plans to announce the removal of GST from fruit and vegetables, even after his Finance Minister ruled out the idea earlier in the year. It’s a difficult idea to put in place, and it will be hard to know if we’re saving 15% on our fruit or veggies without more supermarket regulation, but with the heightened cost of a weekly shop it could be a popular move. Hipkins’ is making the big calls and he now has the tough job of assuring party faithful they’re living by their values, while also appealing to a wide demographic feeling the pinch of a cost of living crisis. Something tells me, he may need more than just a fruity rehashed idea from 2011 to get the job done.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/27/20232 minutes, 8 seconds
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Vincent McAviney: UK correspondent says Kiwi born London police officer Matiu Ratana's killer will spend the rest of his life in prison

The man who killed a New Zealand-born London police officer will spend the rest of his life in prison. Met Police Sergeant Matiu Ratana died of a chest wound after being shot with an antique gun smuggled into a custody block in September 2020. The judge has handed down a whole life sentence to 26-year-old Louis De Zoysa. UK correspondent Vincent McAviney told Francesca Rudkin he's only the 65th person ever to receive that punishment. He says that means he will never be let out, no matter what appeals he tries to make. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/27/20233 minutes, 1 second
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Mark Casey: ASB Chief Economist says removing GST from fruit and vegetables can become very complicated

An economist says removing GST from fruit and vegetables can become very complicated in practice. National claims it is part of Labour's election tax policy, but Prime Minister Chris Hipkins is refusing to either confirm or deny it. Nicola Willis says she has been leaked the information. ASB Senior Economist Mark Smith told Francesca Rudkin the extra administration to do this comes at a cost. He says ideally you would take a targeted approach, but that is hard to do. Smith says other countries ask people show their income to get the discount, but it comes with problems. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/27/20234 minutes, 18 seconds
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Mike Casey: Orchard owner on trialling country's first electric tractor

How do you feel about electric tractors? The first one arrived in the country this week and Forest Lodge orchard owner Mike Casey has been trialling it out. It's 40 horse power on the small side, and costs about $150,000 - $200,000 if you include shipping. Mike Casey spoke to Francesca Rudkin. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/27/20234 minutes, 25 seconds
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Nathan Limm: Newstalk ZB Sports Reporter with a preview of Netball World Cup kicking off tonight

Netball fans will be fizzing as the kick off for the 2023 World Cup draws closer. The first game is 7pm NZ time tonight, in Cape Town, South Africa with the Silver Ferns taking on Trinidad and Tobago. ZB Sports Reporter Nathan Limm spoke to Francesca Rudkin. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/27/20235 minutes, 9 seconds
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Mitch Mccann: US correspondent on Hunter Biden pleading guilty to tax crimes

The President Joe Biden’s son Hunter is today expected to plead guilty to tax crimes and possession of gun. US correspondent Mitch Mccann talked to Kate Hawkesby.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/26/20231 minute, 52 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Supermarket thefts are hourly, according to the checkout operators

I was at the supermarket this week and I got to witness first-hand the theft that is taking place on the daily. In fact it’s more than a daily basis; it’s like hourly, according to the checkout operators. My check out operator by the way, I’m convinced, was some kind of angel on earth. She wanted to help the thief. The guy, who to be fair looked dodgy and if I was in the business of profiling customers who may be stealing, I would have picked him all day long: hoodie, head bowed, scruffy, sifting through the aisles looking uncertain, and in his trolley just a couple of packets of meat. Anyway he’s in front of me at the checkout and the operator puts through his small amount of groceries then looks at him and says, “Hey I just wanna let you know, you’ve been spotted by security, they know you’ve got stuff on you and I just want to give you the opportunity to hand it over to me now so you don’t get in any trouble.” I’m thinking - wow this woman is brave, he looks angry, he shakes his head and denies he has stolen anything and says, ‘nah nah nah’. But she’s not letting up. “Hey I want to help, I’m happy to buy you milk and bread if you need it, I just don’t want you in trouble, if you want to give me what you’re hiding now, and you getting to just walk out no issues.” He refuses, looks annoyed, proceeds to the door, where two security guys immediately stop him and ask him if he’s got anything he hasn’t paid for. I ask the checkout woman what happens here, have they beefed up security, what are they doing now? She says, “Watch… nothing. We can’t stop them, we can’t search them. We can’t do anything.” He runs to his car and she says that’s the only thing they can do, take a car rego plate and give it to the cops. What do you think happens then? You’re right, nothing. So they get away with it and they know they get away with it, which is why they keep doing it. I asked her if this was still happening regularly, she said all the time, it’s constant. She said the new thing the supermarket is doing is attaching a monitor to the trolleys which registers if you stop for long periods of time in the aisle just loitering. Once that trolley gets to the door, that monitor then triggers the brakes and stops the trolley dead. The idea being that if it’s been loaded up with stolen goods and someone’s trying to make a run for it, the trolley doesn’t budge. I asked how successful that’s been. She said it works to stop the trolley but it doesn’t stop the people and they get angry. She said she’s seen colleagues have cans of baked beans and bottles of wine thrown at them, people just chucking stuff out of the trolley making a scene as they grab at whatever groceries they can and make a run for it. She said it’s so sad and the staff get abused a lot, but she keeps working in a supermarket because she cares about her customers and she wants to help. Is she or is she not an angel on earth? She also gets up every day at 4.20am she told me, she listens to this show, so we know she’s smart. And it’s people like her that deserve every cent of our increasing grocery bills, people like her at the coal face and wanting to help. Isn’t it a shame that more of our hefty grocery bills these days don’t go towards people like her, on the front line of a really ugly epidemic of brazen theft that they just should not have to put up with?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/26/20233 minutes, 42 seconds
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Joerg Buss: Tech expert says merging Cert NZ and GCSB is a smart move

The government is merging CERT NZ - who help the public with cyber-attacks - and the GCSB together. This decision's had huge opposition who say it's been rushed through. GCSB minister Andrew Little says he's after a single front door for cyber security reporting, triage and response. Darkscope Technical Director Joerg Buss talked with Kate Hawkesby. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/26/20233 minutes, 7 seconds
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Maurice Williamson: Former Customs Minister hopes cooling relations between Australia and New Zealand will make trans-Tasman travel easier

A former Customs Minister is cooling hopes of making trans-Tasman travel easier. A taskforce is being set up by our government and Australia's, to look at ways to make travel more seamless. Maurice Williamson told Kate Hawkesby he doesn't believe new efforts in the space will lead to much progress. He says the speed you can travel between the two countries is quite fast now - and he doesn't believe we'll get to a point where travellers won't need passports. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/26/20233 minutes, 25 seconds
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Ian Powell: Health Commentator on Christchurch's urgent care facility being forced to close overnight

Severe staffing shortages gripping Christchurch are being viewed as a replica of the pressure healthcare systems are facing nationwide. Pegasus Health's after-hours medical centre shut it's doors at midnight, and won't re-open until 8am. This comes as Christchurch Hospital faced its busiest 24 hours ever, earlier this month. Association of Salaried Medical Specialists former executive director Ian Powell told Kate Hawkesby it's happening across the country. He says it's not just in urgent care facilities - but hospitals and emergency departments - and is now normal rather than abnormal.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/26/20234 minutes, 42 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Someone needs to front on the state of Auckland Airport

With all the travelling that’s taken place these last few weeks with school holidays and people bailing to beat the winter blues, I’m confounded more and more by the state of Auckland airport. It’s a shambles. Now during and immediately after Covid, you can accept staffing’s an issue, that a few things aren’t right, that it’s not running as well as it should be. You can forgive the dysfunction. But all this time later, it’s still a shambles. It still appears to have staffing issues, it still doesn’t function. Why? Why have they not got it together yet? Worse still, it’s the gateway to our country, it’s currently welcoming FIFA guests and tourists, and it’s just an abomination. You wait forever for an air bridge so you can disembark, then you wait forever for your bags, then you get into the world’s longest queue for MPI clearance – which in my case at the weekend involved the biggest queue I’ve ever seen and no ‘nothing to declare’ lane. It was just a seething mass of people, including flight crew, all having to queue up in an endless snaking line, as three flights descended at once – which by the way is not many, and yet the holdup turned out to be due to, I kid you not.. lack of dogs. Exasperated like so many others in the queue, and standing with some tourists from Australia who were loudly complaining about what a joke this airport was, I enquired as to what was going on. “Oh it may be because it’s busy and there’s heaps of flights in?” one airport worker hazarded a guess. This should not define busy for an airport, I’ve seen way more flights arrive at once, something was slowing it up, it was crawling, if moving at all. I asked another airport worker, “Dunno,” they shrugged, “we just do what we’re told.”  Then I asked a third person, “The dogs aren’t on,” he told me. “What?” I asked incredulous, “this is down to the dogs?” “Well the dogs are on a roster and there’s no rostered dogs on so we have to screen every bag.” That’s every single bag, of every single passenger, from every single flight, including flight crew. The crowd at the airport was bristling, angry, it was a poor introduction to New Zealand. I was travelling with my sister who needed to catch a connecting flight on to Christchurch, I asked about people like her who may miss connecting flights because of this huge hold up. Another shrug. As it turned out she did miss her connecting flight – as did many others. So what I want to know is, where’s the airport management on the ground, inside the terminals? I know there’s like an overarching manager who fronts for media, and manages from a head office somewhere, but apart from the rostered workers who’re just doing their jobs and don’t have any insight into the bigger picture, whose on the ground looking at the shambles in real time and going, you know what, this sucks, we can do better, this is a bad customer experience. Where’s that person? At international airports around the world, there are so many people in high vis wandering round yelling instructions or opening up queues or connected to walkie talkies overseeing things, that you feel like it’s all in hand. Auckland airport by contrast has a Wild West vibe. No one knows what’s happening and nothing makes sense. It makes for a horrible entry to our country, and if we’re looking to build the tourism industry back up, I’d say the first place we need to start is our front door.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/25/20234 minutes, 10 seconds
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Jason Pine: ZB football commentator wonders whether the occasion got the better of the Football Ferns against Philipines

Wellingtonians have come down with a severe bout of football fever. Over 30,000 people packed into Wellington Regional Stadium for the Football Ferns match last night. But the crowd couldn't stop the result, New Zealand went down 1-0 to the Philippines. Newstalk ZB's Voice of Football and Weekend Sport Host, Jason Pine told Kate Hawkesby for some reason players couldn't find the same confidence they had in their opening win. He wonders whether the occasion got the better of them. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/25/20233 minutes, 24 seconds
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Gavin Grey: Europe Correspondent says the wildfires scorching the Mediterranean are likely to get worse before they get better

Warnings the wildfires scorching the Mediterranean are likely to get worse before they get better. Impacts are widespread across the region, with forest fires killing at least 34 people in Algeria. In Greece, two pilots are dead after their water-bombing plane crashed attempting to put out a blaze spreading across the island of Evia. Europe Correspondent, Gavin Grey, told Kate Hawkesby close to 3,000 tourists have been evacuated from Rhodes. He says it's being described as a living nightmare and 19,000 people have evacuated from the island as temperatures reach 40 degrees. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/25/20232 minutes, 40 seconds
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Angus Luffman: Financial services expert on report showing a 5.3 percent rise in applications for credit

People are back buying cars and doing home renovations again - with demand for credit on the rise. A quarterly report by financial services company Equifax shows a 5.3 percent rise in applications in the three months to June - however mortgage finance remains subdued. Equifax New Zealand Managing Director Angus Luffman told Kate Hawkesby says it follows seven quarters of decline. He says the increase is being driven by unsecured credit among applicants 30 years and older. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/25/20233 minutes, 24 seconds
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John O'Connell: Life Education Trust CEO on loophole found in law allowing vapes to be sold within 300m from schools

A children's health charity says the government needs to do more to support young people's vaping addiction. A loophole in a new law banning specialist vape stores from setting up within 300 metres from schools or marae from October, exempts dairies and supermarkets. The Health Ministry has confirmed general retailers can still set up from October 1. Life Education Trust chief executive John O'Connell told Kate Hawkesby schools need more health access to support addicted students.  He says schools are struggling for solutions - and too often it becomes a behavioural issue and a child is stood down, when they need health support. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/25/20233 minutes, 5 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Did Labour fumble their duty of care towards Kiri Allan?

The end of Kiri Allan’s political career throws up a couple of key questions. One, does it also spell the end of the government as in, the final straw? They look too unstable as a party, they are losing too many ministers, they have no one else to take on serious portfolios and the management of our country now looks like a school project. And two, was enough duty of care employed by the Labour leadership to look out for her? Labour is desperately trying to paint itself as not responsible for any of this. They did their best, they offered her help, counselling, mentorship, they say. Hipkins says he spoke with her and was reassured she was fine. But how often do people in a hole, or a bind, tell you they are fine when they are not? How much exploratory work was done on whether she truly was fine? And given many of us could tell just from the small snippets we saw of her in the media and from what we were hearing that she was clearly not fine, how did the Labour leadership misread it so badly? There is an onus on leaders to really account for the wellbeing of people under that much pressure, especially people who have already stated they’re under pressure and suffering mental health issues. You don’t just bounce back from mental health issues like you do a cold. It takes time, and lots of it. I have experienced first-hand management which takes a pastoral approach to care and staff wellbeing. When I got a very bad dose of Covid, I felt so terrible about all the time off work I was having, I felt the weight of responsibility to turn up. I was trying to get back to work by telling myself I was ready, but my boss's response was very clear: while we’d love you to be back we don’t want you back until you are 100% well rested and you are actually ready for it. He said it would be futile to rush back only to then relapse and need more time off. That’s a duty of care, that’s good management, and that’s taking people’s health and wellness seriously. I wanted to return, just as Kiri Allan obviously did, but management thought better of it. So is Labour responsible here for accepting her at her word that she was fine and not looking at the bigger picture of all she was dealing with? Were they blinkered by their own desperation to steady a rocky ship and have the party out of the headlines for all the wrong reasons? The key question is whether this affects their vote. I heard another host on this station who shall remain nameless (Mike Hosking) saying if this doesn’t show an unstable government then what does, and he predicts “a landslide” for the Nats come October. I’m not so sure about that. Labour loyalists are hardcore. I know this personally, I'm donkey deep in family members who are hardcore Labour fans, and hardcore Labour loyalists don’t see any of this as affecting the party’s purpose. They don’t see the failures or the lack of delivery, they love Jacinda, even now, and they don’t hold anything against the party because they can only see Red. Nothing will sway them, not even a crumbling cabinet, to vote anything but red. So the Labour party faithful won’t be moved. It’s the swing voter who needs to be riled by this. Will they be though? Or will this just add to a long line up of shemozzles that get forgotten about come polling day?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/24/20233 minutes, 11 seconds
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Jim McMillan: True Honey Co. CEO on their honey having that's got the highest unique Manuka factor in the world

A Kiwi Manuka honey company continues to break its own records. The true honey co. has just harvested a Manuka honey that's got the highest unique Manuka factor in the world. So aside from an expensive jar of honey, what on earth does that all mean? The founder and CEO of True Honey Company Jim Mcmillan talked to Kate Hawkesby. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/24/20233 minutes, 7 seconds
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Warrick Dent: Wellington business leader says the FIFA Women's World Cup is a real winner for businesses

Wellington is set to reap the economic benefits of the FIFA Women's World Cup for a long time to come. The capital is one of the four New Zealand cities hosting matches for the international tournament. Kick-off for the Football Ferns game against Philippines in Wellington is half past five this afternoon. Wellington Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive, Simon Arcus says the event is a real winner for businesses. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/24/20235 minutes, 5 seconds
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Bryce Edwards: Political analyst says Chris Hipkins is playing a dangerous game in choosing not to spread the load among his MPs

A political analyst says Chris Hipkins is playing a dangerous game in choosing not to spread the load among his MPs. Kiri Allan has resigned as Justice Minister after crashing a car on Sunday night - she's been charged with careless driving and refusing to accompany police. Police Minister Ginny Andersen is taking over the Justice portfolio. Political analyst Bryce Edwards told Kate Hawkesby it adds up to a lot of weight on her shoulders. He says it goes to show Hipkins is making the same mistake as Jacinda Ardern, by loading up too few Ministers with too many heavy roles. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/24/20233 minutes, 56 seconds
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Dylan Thomsen: AA Road Safety Spokesperson on ACT's road toll scheme

A road safety advocate says we can't simply toll our way to a better transport network. The ACT party's promising to replace fuel excise taxes with road tolls, and invite foreign investment in infrastructure projects. AA Road Safety spokesperson Dylan Thomsen told Tim Dower that we don't have anywhere near the same volume of traffic as overseas, so some form of tax will still be needed. He says tolls can't cover all the cost of the project and they might help, but we will still need a fuel tax or road user charges. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/23/20233 minutes, 22 seconds
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Gavin Grey: European Correspondent on the wildfires and evacuations in Greece

Thousands of tourists and locals on the Greek island of Rhodes are sheltering in schools and stadiums, after being forced to flee a raging wildfire. Europe correspondent Gavin Grey told Tim Dower that it's the largest evacuation in Greek history. The tourist coaches weren't ready to take anyone anywhere, so those who didn't have hire cars were left stranded. Some people managed to make it to beaches to be taken away on boats. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/23/20233 minutes, 56 seconds
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Glenn Dobson: Drug Detection Agency CEO on the Government spending less than promised on Te Ara Oranga

It seems the Government's spending far less than promised on a highly effective methamphetamine programme. It promised to spend $38-million this Parliamentary term to expand the Te Ara Oranga programme to another four thousand people. But figures released to RNZ show it’s spent less than a fifth of that. The programme has a 34% harm reduction rate. Drug Detection Agency chief executive Glenn Dobson told Tim Dower that that's significant for any rehabilitation programme - particularly for meth. He says it's an incredibly difficult drug to rehabilitate, as there's both a physical and psychological dependency, and results indicate the programme’s been successful across the community. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/23/20233 minutes, 31 seconds
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Tim Dower: Can't imagine people are excited about more toll roads

I can't imagine a lot of people are excited about the idea of more of New Zealand's roads being tolled. You'll be aware the ACT Party sees this as the way to go if we want to get those big infrastructure projects we need so badly moving more quickly. ACT would have road development and maintenance funded through a system of tolls. Both domestic and foreign companies would be able to fund projects instead. And as the money wouldn't be coming from fuel excise tax, that would be reduced. So what you'd end up with is, first of all, a much more targeted way of paying for those big schemes, much more of a user-pays system. And for people who don't use the newer roads —the tolled ones— in theory... cheaper petrol. Slight catch: some existing roads would also be tolled as long as another viable free route is available. On the face of it, not bad, if it actually got things done more quickly. Like a new harbour crossing for Auckland perhaps. Problem for ACT is that public-private partnerships don't exactly have a good name with the general public. Transmission Gully for example... or the Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway... both were years late opening, and tens of millions over budget. What is most appealing about the ACT plan is taking a long-term view toward infrastructure. Too many politicians think 'long-term' means 'too hard. Let's kick the can down the road, make it someone else's problem sometime in the future. And we need to invest billions, not just in roads but also rail. So I'd go further. Set up and entrench a stand-alone Infrastructure Agency, funding guaranteed, safe from political interference. Safe from half-wit Transport Ministers who think they know best. Major investments with years of planning, and consenting, and land acquisition suddenly abandoned because a new government thinks they're vanity projects.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/23/20232 minutes, 26 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Is Marc Ellis right about New Zealand?

After yesterday’s shooting in Auckland, those words are still hard to believe - 'shooting in Auckland', a lot of debate’s been thrown up around law and order, crime, people on home detention, discounts given to offenders and so on. There are those saying this was only a matter of time given the state of law and order in this country these days. I know the state of our country right now is enough to drive people out, I know many who are doing just that - upping sticks and leaving. I don't know him personally, but Marc Ellis is another of them. The former All Black, and iconic Kiwi personality, is leaving for Italy. And who can blame him? His reason is, we’ve lost our mojo. As in the country - and he’s not wrong. He’s trading us in for Mediterranean coastal paradise, pasta, property ‘as cheap as chips’ as he put it, happy people, and ‘gorgeous food at reasonable prices’ he said. Sounds alluring. What’s wrong with NZ? He said our finest days are behind us. “We’re not at our peak, you don’t feel the same vibe or energy anymore,” he says. As hard as it is to hear those brutally honest words, it’s also confronting because it’s true. It’s horrible to admit, but he's right. There isn’t the same vibe or energy anymore. There’s angst and friction and division, there’s fear and there’s a malaise we can’t seem to shake. There’s low productivity and high expectation that everyone else will solve your problems. There’s less personal responsibility, less ambition. Stats are all going backwards, education, health, crime, it’s a shambles. And that’s before we even get to Auckland’s CBD witnessing a traumatic shooting yesterday. And so we surely can’t blame those who are seeking refuge elsewhere. Ellis says, “New Zealand is being pulled apart at the seams. I thought we were egalitarian and unified,” he says, “but some people who feel slightly disenfranchised use that to exacerbate rifts for political reasons. There is a cost of living problem and it has become a heavy place – it’s not the New Zealand of five years ago.” It’s awful to hear it isn’t it, because we know there’s truth in it. We wish it wasn’t so. I’m always amazed at how little time it took to wreck a country but I feel like that’s what’s happened here. And the worry I guess for many of us, is how do we turn it around? Can we? Or is it too late? How do you turn around all our woeful stats? How do you encourage productivity again? How do you get that vibe back?  It’s almost an overwhelming concept for the next government, I’m not sure how they take on all this debt, all these issues, all these attitudes, and actually do anything tangible about it, it seems like an uphill battle. Aside from better weather and warmer seas, Ellis says the people are happier in Europe too. He says there’s ‘twice the product at half the price.’ That could be why people are happier. I mean when you look at what we pay for stuff here it really feels like an island nation at the bottom of the world doesn’t it.  Limited supply, inflated prices, increasing crime and violence. Yesterday's shooting doesn't help. So is Ellis right when he says our glory days are behind us? Sadly, I think he is.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/20/20232 minutes, 57 seconds
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Christopher Luxon: National Party leader has questions around Auckland CBD shooter wasn't in prison

National wants to know why the 24-year-old Auckland CBD shooter wasn't in prison. Matu Tangi Matua Reid was on home detention for domestic violence,  and had approval to work at the construction site. National party leader, Chris Luxon, told Kate Hawkesby the perpetrator had committed some pretty violent crimes. He says the issue of not sending our violent offenders to prison has filtered down through the judiciary system, and we've ended up with soft sentencing. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/20/20231 minute, 18 seconds
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Dougal Sutherland: Psychologist says shooting in Auckland's CBD may have prolonged psychological impacts on Kiwis

The shooting in Auckland's CBD may have prolonged psychological impacts on Kiwis. Clinical Psychologist Dougal Sutherland told Kate Hawkesby people could feel heightened anxiety from this for up to six weeks. “The public nature of it, it’s such a big impact on people. Watching it on TV, certainly a similar thing happened after the Twin Towers.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/20/20234 minutes, 10 seconds
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Paul Clark: Tourism Industry Economist says industry is going to find it increasingly challenging to make a profit

A new Westpac report has revealed our tourism is doing well - but could do better. The latest Westpac Economic Tourism bulletin shows while the sector has seen some recovery, businesses will need to adapt to the changing market. Industry Economist Paul Clark told Kate Hawkesby the industry is going to find it increasingly challenging to make a profit. He says while the trajectory of international passenger arrivals has started to taper off - the sector is still hopeful. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/20/20233 minutes, 38 seconds
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Kirk Hope: Business NZ CEO discusses inflation figures

Inflation has finally fallen to six percent but how are we looking in the domestic front? Businesses are continuing to struggle with less demand and less spending. But with China's market back open the pressure may start lifting. Business NZ CEO Kirk Hope joined Kate Hawkesby to discuss the topic. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/19/20233 minutes, 11 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Aucklanders count yourself lucky not to have Wellington's Mayor

For everyone in Auckland who bemoans our Mayor, and actually I’m not sure there are many of them left anymore or maybe they’ve just gone quiet, it could be worse. We could have Wellington’s Mayor. Now Tory Whanau has had her fair share of headlines and bad press since her arrival. There was the infamous “don’t you know who I am” alleged drunken incident at a Wellington restaurant, as well as leaving without paying the bill. She also made headlines back in June when she faced criticism for not attending meetings or events. In other words, claiming to be a busy Mayor but having a very empty diary. Apparently the events she did attend, she only stayed very briefly, or cancelled at the last minute. Then there’s her council. It has had issues with data breaches - two in fact: breaching the privacy of submitters to the Golden Mile proposal, and inadvertently releasing the names of more than 4000 people involved in road crashes. Now this is not a seasoned politician. We are talking about someone who completed a media degree with a thesis on Zombies, then worked in insurance, before becoming Chief of Staff for the Green Party. Golriz Gharamann is one of her besties apparently, and the word is Helen Clark is mentoring her. I have no first-hand knowledge if that’s true, but that’s the word. So yes, she’s learning on the job. But is her fascination with horror playing out in real time for her now as Wellington’s Mayor? She came onto the scene with a bang, as a media luvvie, much like our old mate Jacinda did - and we all know where that particular horror show ended up. But Whanau was quoted saying on arrival “I'm an outsider from the council, never worked in council, I'm going to be a breath of fresh air and make Wellington fun and cool and positive again.” Let me know Wellingtonians if it’s fun, cool and positive again yet? And actually is that what we want from our Mayors, or do we just want someone competent who can run stuff? Anyway, my point here is, another controversy just this week is engulfing her. And this one I have some sympathy for, because no one loves dogs more than me, but she is bringing her dog into work. That’s against the rules. You’re not allowed to bring dogs to work; it’s a breach of the council’s tenancy agreement to have her Staffordshire Bull Terrier Teddy rocking up to the office. Not only does she bring it in, it’s reported she gets staff to regularly walk it. Wellington ratepayers, quick question? Is that a valuable use of your ratepayer dollars? Now as a dog lover, particularly of my own dog, I too would love to bring her into the office. But I know not everyone’s a dog person and it’s not my work’s job to house my dog while I’m there. We had someone who shall remain nameless bring their dog in once, but it did number two’s on the newsroom carpet, so it was outskis and no dogs have been seen in our office since. But none of that’s the point; the point is the Wellington Council premises does not allow animals, and yet Whanau is flouting that for her own precious pooch. So my first question is, is this acceptable? My second question is how many personal controversies surrounding a Mayor are too many? Thirdly, Wellingtonians, are you having fun yet? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/19/20233 minutes, 18 seconds
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David Seymour: Act Party leader discusses Labour's new crime policy

Yet another announcement from Labour in a bid to put a stop to crime. The party has announced 12 and 13 year old ram raiders will be charged in youth court, while adult offenders could face up to ten years in prison. Act Party Leader David Seymour joined Kate Hawkesby to discuss the policy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/19/20234 minutes, 16 seconds
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Maia Jackman: Kiwis are not embracing the Women's Football World Cup

One of our greatest footballers believes New Zealand has dropped the ball when it comes to supporting the FIFA Women's World Cup. Thousands are set to flock to tonight's opening match at Auckland's Eden Park, where our team will verse Norway. Political leaders including Chris Hipkins, Carmel Sepuloni, and Grant Robertson will all be in attendance. Maia Jackman told Kate Hawkesby it's a different feel here than in Australia where the tournament is being heavily embraced. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/19/20234 minutes, 56 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: $880 million is too much money to not account for landslides

No one is more beside themselves about the Puhoi Motorway schemozzle than me. Well, to be fair there are probably people more upset than me, but I’m pretty upset. I mean, finally, finally after so long, such an interminable wait, finally we got our glorious smooth new road North. The gateway to the winterless North, bypassing all the windy roads and single lane hills and crappy old tar seal. A new perfect, smooth, pothole free, scenic and lush drive North, shaving big time savings off the journey, making everything feel easier and safer. And then, wham. The headlines yesterday sent a shudder down my spine, because you just know our brand new highway is going to be for the high jump if they don’t secure this and fix it. This ’slow moving landslide’ we now know about alongside it. Oh no biggie. Just a SLOW MOVING LANDSLIDE. This new motorway was an $880 million build. It took a painstaking six years to finish. They finally opened it, we’ve driven it every single week since it’s opened. It’s only been open a month. But now we learn, it’s got cracks. It’s potentially a safety risk, they say. Cracks have appeared in concrete barriers, and an entire section may be moving underneath it, it was reported. Why can’t we build stuff in this country? Why can’t we do the job properly? This motorway was supposed to be built to last a hundred years. It hasn’t even lasted a month before we have front page ‘landslide’ news. Waka Kotahi is been criticized for ‘disjointed and reactive decision making’ in ‘not doing enough to factor in resilience at many transport projects.’ ‘This has led to ‘suboptimal and inefficient investment choices,” it was reported. Why can’t we trust government departments to do their jobs properly? Why does this give such backward banana republic vibes? Why are we like this? It was exactly the same with our local main street recently when they put new traffic lights in. Waka Kotahi coned off a huge area for ages and poured concrete to footpath holds for the traffic light poles - but left no room for water run off or level adjustments for rain. Local business owners said it looked dodgy, complained that they needed to allow for rain or the run off from the new slopes would go right into their shops. Waka Kotahi was told, they did nothing, they sat on their hands, they didn’t listen, whatever it was, the advice was ignored - and then it rained. Water flooded the pavements and poured into the shops, the whole area had to be shut down, everything dug up and re done - at God knows what cost, and of course it tripled the timeframe of completion. So these guys have form, on even small scale projects, at not doing things right the first time. Please for the love of God can we get some people into the Government’s transport sector who actually know what they’re doing, and get it right the first time. $880 million is too much money to not account for landslides. So they’re doing remedial works, at this stage they’re not shutting the highway - yet. They claim the work will be done by October, they’ll keep monitoring it, and the ‘unstable terrain’ it’s on. And as for us Northern commuters, I guess we just keep our fingers crossed, and our eyes peeled for cracks.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/18/20233 minutes, 23 seconds
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Henry Russell: ANZ Economist on whether the Consumer Price Index will fall again

Most economists are tipping the Consumer Price Index will fall below six percent. It would be for the first time since December 2021. ANZ Economist Henry Russell joined Kate Hawkesby to discuss. LISTEN ABOVE    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/18/20233 minutes, 13 seconds
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Bodo Lang: Marketing expert discusses whether Countdown/Woolworths rebrand is a waste of time and money

It's thought Countdown's $400 million rebrand is a waste of time, money and poor timing as many Kiwis struggle to pay for their groceries. The supermarket chain will revert back to Woolworths early next year, 12 years after changing to Countdown. Sign changes start next month, along with store upgrades. Massey University Marketing expert, Bodo Lang, told Kate Hawkesby there's a danger the Australian ownership becomes more noticeable in the rebrand, and puts New Zealanders off. He says there's also a risk the rebrand's costs will be passed onto consumers, at a time food prices are already at record highs. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/18/20233 minutes, 27 seconds
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Chris Cahill: Police Association President on Labour's new crime policy

The Police Association's questioning how much difference the Government's latest crackdown on youth crime will make. New measures have been announced — including coercing young people to commit crime an aggravating factor in sentencing. Posting criminal behaviour online will also be considered an aggravating factor in sentencing. President Chris Cahill told Kate Hawkesby that it's great that there's a focus, but we'll have to wait and see what actually becomes a reality. He suggests judges will continue to bend over backwards to give as many discounts to offenders as they can. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/17/20233 minutes, 42 seconds
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Martin Miles: ChargeNet COO on the implementation of a charging roaming trial for electric vehicles

Taking your electric vehicle on holiday may be about to get easier. ChargeNet, Z Energy, and Openloop have come together to launch a charging roaming trial, which would allow drivers to charge at any of the three networks. Currently New Zealand drivers need individual memberships with each charging provider. ChargeNet Chief Operating Officer Martin Miles says this move will help to attract more people to this sustainable mode of travel. He says they want to make charging point access as simple as possible. The trial starts early next year. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/17/20233 minutes, 16 seconds
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Leighton Roberts: Sharesies Co-CEO on National's Kiwisaver policy

Investing platform, Sharesies, isn't a fan of National's new Kiwisaver policy. National's pledging to let under-30s dip into their fund for a tenancy bond. Money would transfer directly from their savings to Tenancy Services, returned at the end, or transferred to the next rental arrangement. Sharesies Co-Chief Executive, Leighton Roberts, told Kate Hawkesby that Kiwisaver's main goal is to save for retirement, and secondary purpose is for first-home buying. He says at the moment we aren't achieving good outcomes on either, so adding additional factors that could compromise either isn't the right move. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/17/20233 minutes, 56 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: I reckon Luxon is a good operator behind the scenes

So another poll out last night showing a right block government —just— and slipping support for Labour. What's interesting though, is it's the second poll in a row to show Christopher Luxon edging up in the preferred PM stakes... so, is he turning a corner in terms of likeability? Because he's seemingly been a hard sell. Though people are sick of the direction the country’s going in, they’ve been unconvinced he’s the saviour. And let’s be honest, personality politics dictates that we have to love or hate the person who fronts the party. It’s not the reality of course. The Party is a whole team, but we seem to be obsessed with the front person. No better example of that than Jacindamania, which then turned to so much vitriol against her that she ended up stepping down to save the party’s chances. Chippy came in as the great hope; he had boy next door vibes, he loved a sausage roll, people were enamoured with the prospect of fresh blood. But he too has gradually eroded that popularity. Which leaves us with the alternative... Christopher Luxon. Who, arguably, has had a tough run, but how much should a leader play the media and look to be Mr Popularity, versus just doing the job? I mean look at Jacinda. Played the media and the public like a fiddle. Did not put a foot wrong, everyone ate out of the palm of her hand, the international press lapped it up, she was queen bee. But as we now know, how good a leader was she? What was really going on behind the scenes? How tight of a ship was she running and how good were they as a government under her leadership? Useless. As we now know, complete chaos. Poor old Hipkins has been mopping up the fallout ever since. So while she was popular, she was shambles. We elected a leader with zero experience of running anything, to run our country because she was popular. Look how that turned out. What might happen if we elect a leader who isn’t Mr popularity, but knows how to run stuff? What would you prefer?   I reckon Luxon is a good operator behind the scenes. Solid, methodical, strategic. His record speaks for itself at Air NZ, he’s reigned in the Nats which was leaking and falling apart, he’s stopped all that – and I don’t think got enough credit for it. I just don’t think he’s great on camera. He seems uncomfortable around the press pack, and to be frank, wouldn’t you be if you were him? I also think there’s been a bit of a campaign around his unpopularity which has been peddled beyond its legitimacy. But if you look at the latest poll results, he’s actually only 4 points off Chippy now in the preferred PM stakes. But here’s the thing, for all those who've been calling Luxon out as a loser and saying he should step aside for Nicola Willis, I think that’s misguided and myopic. Look at the big picture, what’s our issue as a country right now? 65 and a half percent of us don’t like the direction it’s going in, according to the latest poll. That’s a great big majority of Kiwis saying, this sucks. So what do we want? Things run better, handled better, going in a better direction. Can Luxon do that? I think so yes. I don’t know him personally, but I don’t obsess with how he appears on TV. Look at the team, and in the case of Luxon the leader, look at his record.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/17/20233 minutes, 9 seconds
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Gavin Grey: European Correspondent on the extreme weather in various parts of the world

Extreme weather is causing problems in several parts of the world. Southern Europe is bracing for a second heatwave in a week, with record temperatures expected to be broken in places like Italy, Greece, and Spain. Europe Correspondent, Gavin Grey, says one of Spain's Canary islands has been hit hard. He says in La Palma, troops are evacuating more than four-thousand people and four and a half thousand hectares of woodlands have been destroyed by wildfires. Almost a third of Americans are under extreme heat advisories, while at least four people have been killed by severe floods in Pennsylvania. In South Korea, the death toll has risen to at least 37 after flooding across much of the country. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/16/20232 minutes, 20 seconds
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Nick Leggett: Infrastructure NZ CEO on Nations road transport policy

The country's infrastructure industry is describing National's $500-million road transport policy as a good start. The party has declared it will redirect funding from road safety initiatives to pothole repairs and road renewals, if it wins the election. Infrastructure New Zealand Chief Executive Nick Leggett told Kate Hawkesby that the man power exists to make this promise a reality, but there has to be a guaranteed pipeline of work. He says if the work is there, the resources will follow. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/16/20233 minutes, 11 seconds
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Alistair Crozie: NZ China Council Executive Director on the China Business Summit

A chance for businesses to reconnect with a changing China. The China Business Summit began in Auckland at 7am this morning. Prime Minister Chris Hipkins will speak —covering topics like trade and investment— and insights from his recent trip to China and Nato Summit attendance. The Chinese Ambassador and the New Zealand China Council are also attending. Council Executive Director, Alistair Crozie told Kate Hawkesby that it's significant, being the first in-person summit since Covid. He says no-one's been to the market until recently and this event gives businesses a chance to get to grips with how China's evolved. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/16/20233 minutes, 4 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Slogans tell us about a party's focus

Labour released its party slogan over the weekend and it says ' In it for you', which as some cynical person observed sounds like something you'd say on Tinder to secure a date. What it says to me, is that the two main parties slogans this election year very much reflect their parties approaches. One is a slogan which is ambiguous:  what's it even mean, 'in it for you'? Sounds kind, has the feel good factor I guess, sounds like it got work shopped in a focus group on a white board and people went 'oh yeah, sounds nice.' But what's it actually mean? And that's the problem. It's just more words, platitudes, word salads, things that sound potentially kind or good, or about us, but we're not sure. The great irony of course being that this party, since its 2020 mandate, has been in it for them. One hundred percent for them, not us. In fact their raison d'etre has been to tell us how we should all be living, what we should be doing, whether we should drive cars or take public transport, when we're allowed a RAT test and how many, how we should read road signs, how we should manage our appliances over winter, dictating to us what the media landscape and our workplaces should look like. They've been largely obsessed with pushing their own agenda and that of their Maori caucus, they haven't really been 'in it for us', at all. So do we even believe them? And when Hipkins says he's 'in it for you'... who’s he talking to? The disillusioned Labour voter who saw them swing so wildly to the left this term that they don't recognise the party anymore? Or the middle swing voter who voted for Jacinda last time, not the party, but the woman, and now Chippy's trying to get a slice of that support back by sounding like he too can be their cheerleader. Problem is, those voters have been burnt. Is it all a bit late to sound like you're in it for us, when 6 years of this government, and especially the last 3, tells us you're actually not. Then there's National's.. 'Get NZ back on track'. It's a goal, an ambition, a focus, a target. It's clear what it means; it speaks to the 65 plus percent of us who on current polling say the country's going in the wrong direction. It's clear, and it's a promise they're making, which we will be holding them to as a country because we know how badly we all want the country back on track. The National party gets to sound ambitious because it's in opposition, yes, but what it does bring to the table and always has, is targets. Accountability. Looking to measure progress, looking to achieve goals, hit targets, weigh things up, balance the data and aim for better. Given the race to the bottom we've had the past few years, that's quite appealing. Not that we vote on slogans, the same way we shouldn't vote on leaders personalities, but the slogans do tell us about a party's focus. One, wants to get the country back on track, the other wants to be there for us, or be 'in it' for us. And when you weigh both of those things up, I think it's clear which party has a vision for change and progress, and which wants to just sound like a mate, but achieve nothing.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/16/20233 minutes
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Kate Hawkesby: Jason Ryan is right - pitch invaders need tougher consequences

I said earlier this week that my hero of the week was any CEO who walks the talk and works the floor and gets amongst the team. That was off the back of my parents having Greg Foran, Air NZ CEO, check them in at Auckland airport. He’s out there often apparently, doing various jobs inside various departments to learn more about the airline and be present, and it’s a good look – it’s appreciated. But then I’ve found something else this week that I appreciate; common sense. Or at least people who speak it – and we seem to be thin on the ground on those people these days. But in light of the Sam Cane pitch invader saga All Blacks forwards coach, Jason Ryan, has come out and blasted pitch invaders. Which is good, because for a while there it was looking like we were busy apologising to them and handing them a bunch of free rugby merch for their troubles. Which made no sense to me, but then a lot of the weird woke stuff that goes on these days doesn’t make sense to me. Like how we seem to kowtow to offenders more than victims now, how we let gang members run riot, we’ve sort of become a nation of apologists, excusing everyone for bad behaviour and just hoping by handing them some rewards like KFC or some rugby kit, that they’ll stop being a pain the arse. Anyway Jason Ryan’s having none of it, he’s said, in lieu of the All Blacks’ first home test this weekend, that they won’t be tolerating pitch invaders. Which is lucky, because given Sam Cane’s grovelling apology and the invader getting some gear out of it, it may be seen as an incentive for others to randomly pitch invade. Ryan says pitch invading’s been ‘a shambles’ lately, he was reported saying he’s got no time for it, the players have got no time for it, and that it needs to stop. He said someone’s going to get hurt and they have to make the consequences a bit harder, he pointed the finger at security saying they need to ‘do their job’. He said they’re there to watch the crowd, not the game. Which is a good point, how are these clowns getting onto the field in the first place, they shouldn’t be able to get anywhere near it if security’s awake and doing their job. But I can’t help thinking Cane’s little trip up of that invader was not a bad thing - it sent a message. Come on here, you’re gonna get hurt. Sadly that didn’t end well in that he then decided to apologise and hand out gear but I support Ryan’s firm stance on invaders. They’re menaces, and they should be not only discouraged but actively stopped. Look at what’s happening at live concerts these days with artists being thrown things on stage and getting hit in the face. Then there’s copycat behaviour, and you’ve got even more people throwing stuff at people on stage. The pitch invasions are the same, there’s a domino effect. So Jason Ryan is right when he says there needs to be tougher consequences, he’s right that they need to harden up on it. I’ll be very interested to see how alert and onto it security guards are at this weekend’s Test match, in terms of keeping these baffoons off the field. I wouldn't be surprised if they increase security for it, and if they don't, then I at least hope the security that is there does its job.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/12/20233 minutes, 6 seconds
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Deniz Özkundakci: Freshwater ecologist on plastic pollution in Lake Rotorua reportedly comparable to lakes in Europe, US

Plastic pollution in Lake Rotorua is reportedly comparable to lakes in Europe and the US. Three places in New Zealand have been part of a global analysis of plastic pollution levels in freshwater lakes. Deniz Özkundakci is a University of Waikato Associate Professor and freshwater ecologist. He told Kate Hawkesby it's disappointing we're seeing high levels here. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/12/20233 minutes, 7 seconds
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Helen Garner: Business mentor on stats showing almost half of small to medium business owners aren't paying themselves

News that business owners are struggling to make ends meet isn't surprising to some in the sector.  Research by accounting software company Xero shows almost half of small to medium business owners aren't paying themselves. Business mentor and Whanganui Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Helen Garner told Kate Hawkesby the statistics are dismaying. Garner says there are ups and downs in business, but with money not moving as it should be, these are not ideal times. She says there is no way of telling at the moment how long this will last. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/12/20232 minutes, 50 seconds
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Robyn Walker: Deloitte tax partner says wealth taxes don't bring in a huge amount of revenue, but create higher costs

Capital gains and wealth taxes may not accomplish the goals advocates think they might. After investigating, Chris Hipkins has ruled out those changes while he's Prime Minister.  Deloitte tax partner Robyn Walker says wealth taxes don't bring in a huge amount of revenue, but create higher administration and compliance costs. She says there are unintended consequences which have been seen in overseas countries,  like Norway. Walker says the wealthy and "the want to be wealthy" have fled the country. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/12/20232 minutes, 33 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on Huw Edwards’ wife naming him as BBC presenter at centre of allegations

There’s no evidence a BBC presenter who allegedly paid a teenager for sexually explicit photos committed a crime, London police says as the broadcaster’s wife publicly identified him for the first time as veteran news anchor Huw Edwards. Metropolitan police said it made its decision after speaking with the alleged victim and that person’s parents. The parents had complained to The Sun newspaper last week that the BBC had allowed the presenter to remain on air after they told the broadcaster in May that he paid the youth more than $72,000 starting in 2020 when the person was 17. As the scandal remained atop the news all week, colleagues at the BBC had called for the unnamed presenter to come forward. Edwards is one of Britain’s best-known news broadcasters. Photo / BBC It was only early Thursday morning that his wife, Vicky Flind, issued a statement identifying Edwards. She said her husband was suffering from serious mental health issues and was hospitalised. Flind said after “five extremely difficult days for our family” she was naming him “primarily out of concern for his mental well-being and to protect our children”. “The events of the last few days have greatly worsened matters, he has suffered another serious episode and is now receiving in-patient hospital care where he’ll stay for the foreseeable future,” she said. Colleagues at the BBC called for the unnamed presenter to come forward. Photo / AP Edwards, 61, is one of Britain’s best-known and most authoritative news broadcasters, lead anchor on the BBC’s nighttime news and the face of its election coverage. He led BBC coverage of the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in September. He’s among the broadcaster’s best-paid stars, with an annual salary of at least $896,000. The UK’s publicly funded national broadcaster had not named Edwards, but said it had suspended a male star over the allegations. The BBC said it will continue its investigation into the matter. A lawyer representing the young person in question, who was not named, told the BBC earlier this week that “nothing inappropriate or unlawful has taken place between our client and the BBC personality”. The lawyer said the allegations reported in The Sun were “rubbish”. Though the age of sexual consent in Britain is 16, it is a crime to make or possess indecent images of anyone under 18.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/12/20233 minutes, 24 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: I think Threads is targeted to Millennials - they're welcome to it

So more than a hundred million users have signed up for Meta's new Threads platform - making it the fastest growing online platform in history. Can you believe that? How do more than a hundred million people still have so much to say that they need to say it on a whole new platform? It was set up to rival Twitter; it's kind of a Twitter 2.0 but they’re trying to make it ‘kind’, they say. Clearly they don’t understand how the internet works. Anything that even for one moment purports to be ‘kind’ is corrupted eventually - the internet is just not a ‘kind’ place. Even Instagram, which started out as the least nasty of all the social media platforms, still has keyboard warriors coming for you, still has trolls lining up in your DM’s to ask if you were wearing a seatbelt in that last video, or if you really should let your children walk around without shoes on. But with the proliferation of platforms, there are just more outlets for more people to say more stuff - most of which is either irrelevant or of no importance to your life whatsoever. It truly is the domain of bored people and stalkers. Or influencers. Or comedians. Or those with an agenda. You go into it knowing all that and taking it for what it is surely? But I just don’t know why we need more of it? It's like streaming services these days too, are we not so awash with content now that it’s actually just a turn off? Too much of everything? At a time when we are supposedly meant to be getting back to nature and sunlight and less screen time and less stress? Are we not in the process of eating ourselves here? The other thing that gets me about Threads is because it’s linked to your Instagram, apparently once you get it you can’t delete it, without deleting your whole Instagram. So they’ve got you. I was listening to a podcast the other day by a Guru out of India who was saying the world now is just full of expression, rather than perception. We don’t listen anymore, we don’t tune in to what’s really happening, we don’t use perception to enhance our lives, because these days there are so many platforms to express ourselves that we’re just busy expressing all the time. Espousing our opinions, expressing our beliefs and spewing outwardly so much that we take nothing in. We are hungry for more platforms to express more of our views. More social media platforms, more podcasts, more, more, more. But the point he makes is, when we’re so busy all the time expressing, when are we stopping to listen? And if we’re not stopping to listen, then when do we learn? How much of what is being ‘expressed’ is just regurgitated ignorance? There’s a growth in ‘silent’ retreats these days. People are paying to go somewhere and just shut up. They’re paying to stop the noise. There is so much expression now that people actually pay to get away from it. So I look at the addition of Threads to our lives with a certain level of cynicism. I’m not saying I won’t be suckered into it, eventually, but I happily exist without Twitter, Facebook and TikTok, so maybe not. Then again I’m not the target market. I think it’s for Millennials. And you know what? They’re welcome to it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/11/20233 minutes, 8 seconds
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Marie Dyhrberg: King's Counsel barrister on court system backlog leading to 170 day delays to District Court cases

The court system backlog continues. Families are waiting on average nearly 500 days for answers to Coronial cases - and over 170 for District Court case resolutions. Family Court decision wait times have tripled in five years, forcing people to wait over 1000 days for answers. King's Counsel barrister Marie Dyhrberg joined Kate Hawkesby. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/11/20234 minutes, 16 seconds
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Christina Leung: Economist on whether we will see a surprise in latest Official Cash Rate figure

We shouldn't see any surprises from the central bank on the Official Cash Rate today. Most economists are picking no change after Reserve Bank head Adrian Orr indicated they were done. It's expected to be confirmed around 2pm this afternoon. Christina Leung, Principal Economist at the New Zealand institute of Economic Research joined Kate Hawkesby. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/11/20233 minutes, 6 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK correspondent says people are questioning the BBC's response to allegations against a high-profile presenter

People are questioning the BBC's response to allegations of inappropriate behaviour against a high-profile presenter, with a second person coming out with complaints. The second lot of allegations are from a person in their 20s, who met the presenter on a dating app and allegedly received abusive messages and was pressured to meet with them. The BBC has confirmed it didn't speak to the presenter until last week, despite initial claims being made in May. UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Kate Hawkesby the BBC took only two attempts to contact the complainant. He says the presenter's identity is still unknown but they are suspended. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/11/20232 minutes, 56 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: CEOs on the ground is hopefully the norm nowadays - rather than the exception

I tell you what’s a good look - CEOs who walk the talk - and we’re seeing a bit more of it these days which is great. Because I think we’re at a time now where we expect more of our leadership, one of the things we expect most is that they’re the real deal. That they ‘walk among us’ and seem a little bit human. More and more you’ll see bosses or those in leadership roles sitting at desks in open plan offices rather than being squirreled away in a vault somewhere removed from the hoi polloi. When I started out my media career many moons ago as a naïve 21 year old intern at TVNZ, bosses were tucked away in upstairs offices. You got summoned to them by a PA who would brief you before you went in – so as to prepare you for ‘face time with the boss’. “He’s in a good mood today you’re lucky..”, or “hope you’re not going to be too long in there because he’s flat out today..” There was this constant middle man go between, between you and the manager. Even walking up to see the manager was a big deal. People would see you going along towards the ‘management’ corridors and say stuff to you like ‘hope you’re not in trouble!’ So there were mind games being played on you before you even got to their door. Then when the Pitbull PA or the executive assistant finally allowed you in, the big boss would reach into his filing cabinet and pull out your contract or your folder (pre everything being online) and take a good hard look at the notes before looking up to engage you. A nerve wracking time? To say the least. Thank god those days are over. At least I assume they’re over, please tell me if they’re not where you work, but I’m assuming those days are well and truly over. These days the boss is just another one of you, they’re on the shop floor, they go to pub quiz night, they play on the work social sports teams, they keep communication lines open - or the good ones do anyway. But I raise all this because my parents were at the airport the other day, it was absolutely chocka, school holiday madness, they were waiting to check in, and this guy comes over and offers to help. He’s helping others, he sees them struggling – confused as to where to do bag drop or something, and he offers to help them. He does their bag labels, points them in the right direction, walks them to where they need to be, sorts it all out for them. Anyway, turns out, it’s Greg Foran. Now this isn’t new; Air NZ’s CEO is often out at the airport working the floor in various departments. Staff know it, passengers know it, it endears management to people, it means they’re visible and approachable.. two key attributes of modern leadership. But if you ask Foran he’ll tell you he does it because it helps him get to know the company – and every aspect of it, better than any time in a board room will. Nothing like being on the front line. So that’s impressive, it’s noted by customers, it’s appreciated by staff, it sends a good message that he's one of the team, and that he's not above lugging bags onto a travellator. CEOs on the ground pitching in is hopefully more often nowadays the norm rather than the exception. And if it's not, it should be.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/10/20232 minutes, 44 seconds
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Dr Kari Clifford: Researcher on studying finding exercising before an operation will substantially improve your recovery

A new study has confirmed exercising before an operation will substantially improve your recovery. Researchers at Otago University collated data from their own and other existing studies and found high intensity interval training can reduce the risk of surgery complications by 56 percent. Lead researcher Dr Kari Clifford says even a brief four week programme makes a difference, while also giving patients agency at a time when they may not feel in control. Clifford says it's something meaningful they can do before their surgery that will actually improve their outcome. She adds getting people out of recovery sooner will alleviate pressure on the sector. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/10/20233 minutes, 45 seconds
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Kelvin Davidson: CoreLogic property economist says building sector is slowing down - but new builds won't be cheaper

Dwelling consents have fallen 10 percent this year - slowing down demand for residential building. Latest CoreLogic figures show construction costs still increased by 0.6 percent in the June quarter, in line with March figures. But it's a decrease on the average quarterly rise of two percent which we've seen in 2021 and 2022. Chief property economist Kelvin Davidson says the sector is slowing down, but that doesn't mean new-builds will get cheaper. He says wages are still a big component of the new-build price - and those aren't going to fall. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/10/20233 minutes, 18 seconds
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Alf Filipaina: Auckland Councillor says the community will hold the Govt to account if changes aren't made to Dawn Raid practices

A Pasifika representative says the community will hold the Government to account if changes aren't made to Dawn Raid practices. An independent review suggests the Government should make deep changes to the Immigration Act - and out-of-hours visits should be only the last resort. It also calls for the consideration of those, like children and the elderly. Auckland Councillor Alf Filipaina told Kate Hawkesby the recommendations are clear. He says the Government needs to be held accountable for the changes that need to be made to the practices. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/10/20233 minutes, 49 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK Correspondent on the BBC investigating allegations that a lead presenter solicited explicit photos of a teenager

One of the BBC's leading presenters has been suspended over allegations that he paid a teenager for sexually explicit photos. The broadcaster says it's working to establish facts around the unnamed male presenter, who's a regular presenter and a "household name". London's Met Police says while no formal referral or allegation has been made, it's received initial contact from the BBC. UK correspondent Gavin Grey told Kate Hawkesby that the broadcaster is taking the allegations very seriously. The allegations are that the presenter paid the equivalent of 70 to 80-thousand NZD for explicit photos of the teenager over a three year period. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/9/20233 minutes, 17 seconds
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Steve Cullen: Criminal Lawyer on ACT's youth crime policy

A criminal lawyer is casting doubt on the benefits of throwing the book at troubled youth. The Act Party wants 17-year-olds to be charged as adults, and for youth justice facilities to be run by Corrections, not Oranga Tamariki. Steve Cullen told Kate Hawkesby that the policy would make problems worse. He says putting 17-year-olds in prison would create a fertile source for gang recruitment. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/9/20232 minutes, 45 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: I hope the Government reflects on what they've done

So while we were away the news from home was pretty much standard. Another MP facing conflict of interest questions (looking at you Peeni Henare), another MP in meltdown and on leave, another Dairy owner attacked, the (entirely predictable) revelation that government debt was way higher than forecast, the disturbing news of half a billion dollars on almost expired RAT tests being stored in a warehouse exemplifying the very worst of this government’s wastage of our money, more youths on roofs being handed KFC for their troubles, and some more gaslighting by Ministers regards how we’re all feeling. Fresh from her ‘we’re all feeling safer’ tone deaf blunder, Police minister Ginny Andersen was busy alleging that Labour hasn’t failed on crime.  She ‘does not accept,’ it was reported, that the Government's record on crime is a "social and moral failure". Not even ‘hammer wielding offenders storming a Dairy and injuring two people’ could sway her. Nope, nothing to see here. No issues with crime, it’s all hunky dory folks! Just in the interests of data, which tends to outweigh and contradict the Police Minister’s opinions, records show “retail crime shot up 39 percent between 2018 and 2022..” according to Ministry of justice figures. The Nat’s Paul Goldsmith blames government mixed messaging. He says, “the one target that they've had is to reduce the prison population irrespective of what's happening in the community and they've created a culture of excuses for crime and that has led to this sense of impunity," it was reported. And he’s right isn’t he? No real consequences for crime and the offenders know it. But when asked if the Government’s soft on crime, Police Minster Ginny Andersen said she ‘refuted it’ (straight from the Jacinda playbook). But she can refute it all she wants, she can deny they’re soft on crime, she can claim it’s not a failure of her government, but the facts and the numbers speak for themselves. The evidence daily in our communities speaks for itself. We know how we feel (not safer), we know what’s going on at our local dairies, (increased and more violent crime) we know what’s happening at Police level (fewer arrests, fewer charges) and we know how it all ends up in our justice system (a cultural background report, a slap on the wrist with a wet bus ticket and at best an ankle bracelet). This is not to be sneering or nit-picky about what’s going on, it’s just the facts. And it's why the Government should spend less time gas lighting and telling us nothing to see here when we see it very clearly with our own eyes on a daily basis. I really hope that when this government is finally relieved of its shambolic approach to running our country in October, that they take some time to reflect on what they’ve done here. Leaving behind eye watering levels of debt, a warehouse full of millions of dollars worth of expiring RAT tests, a country divided, record levels of crime and truancy, a health system in tatters... it's not pretty. F or a government that promised to be transformational, honest, open and transparent, they’ve been nothing but a bumbling circus act of failures and waste. I for one, won’t miss them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/9/20233 minutes, 1 second
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Francesca Rudkin: The World Cup kicks off at the end of the month - where's the hype?

Yesterday was a big milestone for the FIFA World Cup here in New Zealand. The first of the 15 teams, Norway and Vietnam, stepped off planes at Auckland Airport. They received a warm welcome in the arrivals area, which has been transformed into a football field, signed autographs, high fived the FIFA mascot and headed to their bases.   The FIFA World Cup kicks off in New Zealand on 20th July - and I’ve got to say: where’s the hype?   This tournament is huge for New Zealand - even if it’s shared with Australia. It's set to be the biggest event New Zealand has ever hosted. FIFA estimates the tournament will bring more than $200 million into the New Zealand economy.   30,000 spectators are expected to arrive in the county to watch the tournament, throwing extra income into local economies. Tourism New Zealand is working hard to promote New Zealand to the potential 1.5 billion international viewers expected to watch the games. It’s all good. The benefits for both the country and women’s football are massive.   But aside from the economic benefits and the beautiful videos Tourism New Zealand is producing for overseas audiences, there doesn’t seem to be a much fuss. We don’t seem to understand or have embraced the magnitude of what’s about to take place.   I may be wrong. You may have a footballer in your house and a countdown on the fridge for the New Zealand vs Norway opening game at Eden Park on 20th July. Or for the other games taking place in Hamilton, Wellington and Dunedin. If I’m wrong - set me right. Reassure me we’re ready to go.   But slow-ish ticket sales suggest we’ve been doing the Kiwi thing of waiting until the last minute to get tickets. Giving ourselves time to confirm it’s ‘going off’ and something worth being part of. How much the hype grows, and the country gets behind the Cup, will also come down to how the Football Ferns go.   On the Sunday Session I’ve spoken to footballers who’ve played at a World Cup, or are ambassadors for this World Cup. They tell me you won’t find a more exciting atmosphere and that it’s a great sporting spectacle whether you’re a football fan or not.   So it’s time to commit, because it’s not just the tourists and footballers who will make this a successful tournament for NZ. It’s us.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/6/20232 minutes, 29 seconds
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Elliott Smith: Newstalk ZB rugby commentator breaks down All Blacks squad for Rugby Championship opener v Los Pumas

The All Blacks squad has been named for the Rugby Championship opener against Los Pumas this weekend. We don't have to cast our minds too far back to the Pumas' historic win against the the All Blacks in Christchurch last year. Newstalk ZB rugby commentator Elliott Smith joined Francesca Rudkin from Argentina. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/6/20234 minutes, 23 seconds
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Sunny Kaushal: Chair of Dairy and Business Owners' Group ahead of meeting with the Police Minister over retail crime

Dairy owners aren't surprised there's been another horrific attack at an Auckland store.  Two men armed with hammers seriously injured the wife of a dairy owner and a customer in Mount Roskill, Central Auckland. A Givealittle page has been set up in support of the owners. It comes as the Police Minister's sitting down with dairy owners next week. Sunny Kaushal is the chair of the Dairy and Business Owners' Group and he joined Francesca Rudkin. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/6/20232 minutes, 51 seconds
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Buzz Burrel: General Practitioners Interim Chair says he's glad the unused Covid test figures weren't swept under the carpet

Questions over how the Government managed to spend $531 million on unused Covid tests. Our newsroom can reveal Te Whatu Ora has almost $60 million rapid antigen tests in stock around the country, with 30 percent of them either having already expired or due to by month's end. General Practitioners Interim Chair, Buzz Burrell, told Francesca Rudkin he's glad the figures weren't swept under the carpet. He says we need to be asking where they've gone wrong, as someone has given the Government some well-meaning but not very helpful advice. A Te Whatu Ora spokesperson says they're considering approaching the market - to seek recycling and disposal options or creative sustainable waste solutions. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/6/20235 minutes, 57 seconds
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Francesca Rudkin: I'm grateful for those that raised concerns about the draft science curriculum

When the first thing you read about the new science curriculum is a group of science teachers saying “Where’s the Science” it’s hard not to feel despondent - especially if your child is going through the school system.   It’s important to say before we begin this conversation that the information being commented on has come from a leaked draft document from the Ministry of Education - which was sent to just a few teachers for their feedback. They were so taken aback by what they saw they couldn’t help sharing it.   It is a draft document. Once selected feedback has been collected a full document will go out to the wider sector and public for feedback in August. So what’s been seen isn’t set in stone, but I’m grateful to those who have raised alarm bells because it’s in all parents’ interest to be engaged in this conversation. The main concern expressed by the science teachers is that the proposed school science curriculum makes no mention of physics or chemistry. I don’t know about you but I’m under the impression these are quite central to the study of science.   The Ministry wants to take a more holistic approach and excite students by engaging with the issues of the day and teaching science through five contexts: earth system, biodiversity, food, energy and water, and infectious diseases. My science-loving daughter just groaned. “They’re turning it into a social studies or English class. We’re already dealing with the big issues of the day in every other class”, she said, “can’t we just keep setting our hands on fire”   Some context is probably required here. My daughter loves science, not because of the curriculum or because she’s good at solving problems with a formula, but because she has an awesome science teacher who engages the class with exciting experiments to bring the science basics to life. And yes, if the class has done well or has had a good week she lets them set their hands on fire - in a perfectly safe and scientific way.   There’s something in the idea of making a curriculum more relevant and fun for students. Great teachers have already worked out how to do this, but school can’t always be fun and engaging - sometimes it's work.   No amount of playing around with the curriculum is going to make a kid who doesn’t like science suddenly like science. It’s one of those subjects you tend to like if you’re good at it, but will those students be happy to study just five main areas throughout their secondary education.   More importantly though, how is this going to prepare our teenagers for tertiary education. From the friends I know whose offspring have headed off to university to study engineering, math or science, many speak about what a step up it is and how in some ways they didn’t feel adequately prepared. Surely the curriculum also needs to be driven by what universities require of students.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/5/20232 minutes, 44 seconds
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Sarah Dalton: Medical Specialists' union backs National's plan for a third medical school at Waikato University

It looks like National's plan for a third medical school is being well received. The Party is promising a new school at the University of Waikato to train more doctors and address the health worker shortage. The Association of Salaried Medical Specialists is backing the idea and Executive Director Sarah Dalton joined Francesca Rudkin. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/5/20232 minutes, 53 seconds
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Vee Blackwood: Housing inquiry manager says it's as hard as ever for vulnerable communities to find housing

All Members of Parliament are being urged to treat housing as a human right. The final report in the Human Rights Commission's housing inquiry says all available resources must be used to alleviate the housing crisis. It's found housing affordability has dropped, a shortfall in accessible homes and many houses, particularly rentals, are not healthy to live in. Housing inquiry manager Vee Blackwood says too many people are out in the cold. They say it's as hard as ever to find somewhere to live - particularly for vulnerable communities, Māori, Pasifika, elderly and disabled people. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/5/20236 minutes, 5 seconds
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Mark Mitchell: National's police spokesperson says rising crime rates is coming at an enormous human cost

National's police spokesperson says rising crime rates is coming at an enormous human cost. Ministerial briefings have revealed police response time targets have been extended due to rising pressure on staff and resources. This comes as two people were seriously injured in a broad daylight attack at a dairy in Auckland's Mt Roskill yesterday. National's Mark Mitchell told Francesca Rudkin there's a frustration over the lack of police response - and demand has overtaken any benefit of the additional police officers. He says shop keepers are building cages around themselves - and that's not the New Zealand they want to be living in. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/5/20236 minutes, 23 seconds
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Francesca Rudkin: It may have taken a year to come up with plan, but credit where it's due

On Monday I reflected on a year of Te Whatu Ora, and how those within the sector rate the new centralised health system.   I said that, from what I’ve been told, Te Whatu Ora has not worked hard enough or quickly enough over the last year to get staff on side, to fill the staffing shortages, to fix the postcode lottery, to shorten surgery and GP wait times, to give emergency departments some relief or provide adequate mental health services.   No reasonable person expects them to have solved all these problems in a year, but we should expect they’ve made some key moves.   Since Monday morning the Ministry of Health has been firing out announcements as if it’s on steroids, and doing their best to show the naysayers like myself that tangible action is on its way.   So far we’ve had a new pay equity offer for nurses, another 830 clinical placements for nursing students, a new nation-wide lower threshold for cataract surgery, and yesterday the release of a comprehensive health recruitment and retention plan.   It’s this last announcement which got me excited. The reason is that this recruitment and retention strategy gives us a hint the government has a grip on where they’re at. We finally have the data to know how many staff members we’re short of and in which areas.   It’s estimated we’re currently short by 4800 nurses, 1700 doctors, 1050 midwives, 220 dental or oral health practitioners, 200 anaesthetic technicians, 170 pharmacists, 120 sonographers, 30 radiation therapists and 30 clinical or cardiac phycologists.   There’s more. It’s also estimated we’re going to need a further 8000 nurses, 3400 doctors and 250 midwives make up shortfalls in health demand out to 2033. They’re substantial numbers, but at least now we know where we are at and what we need to work towards.   The reason this is so important is because you can announce increased and improved services all you like, but if we don’t have the resources and plans to achieve these new targets, they’re pointless.   Health Minister Ayesha Verrall has said she expects this plan will make a difference to workforces within a year's time. It may have taken a year to come up with the plan and a plan’s only successful if its executed, but some credit where credit is due, at least we finally know exactly what needs to be fixed. Step one – tick.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/4/20232 minutes, 42 seconds
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Alison Eddy: College of Midwives CEO says midwifery has had one of the most significant shortages in the health sector

Midwives want a seat at the table for boosting their work force in the long term. It comes after the Government launched their workforce action plan - aiming to fill more than 8,000 vacancies of doctors, nurses and other health staff. It includes boosting offshore recruitment, rural training, earn-as-you-learn schemes and wellbeing support. College of Midwives Chief Executive Alison Eddy told Francesca Rudkin midwifery has had one of the most significant shortages in the health sector. She says Government claims there's a 40 percent shortage but Eddy says it's likely higher. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/4/20233 minutes, 40 seconds
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Fiona McNamara: Family Planning Health Director says students should be learning about consent in schools

Health advocates are calling for mandatory consent education, throughout someone's high school years. It's often paired with health class, which isn't required past Year 10. However, Family Planning Director Fiona McNamara told Francesca Rudkin students should be learning about consent in schools, around 15 hours a year. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/4/20234 minutes, 17 seconds
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Francesca Rudkin: If you’re a politician out with a friend - just remember to pay the bill

I like to have a good time, I let my hair down occasionally, and over the years I have by no means always behaved perfectly in public after a few drinks on a Friday night. I’ve worked in the media for 25 years after all, an industry that really can’t throw shade at anyone else’s Friday night mishaps. However, Wellington mayor Tory Whanau is likely wishing she had one less glass on Friday night. You know the story; apparently, she turned up to a restaurant with few drinks under her belt, had a meal and a few more drinks with a friend, and then made a bit of scene. Supposedly she said, “Do you know who I am” at some point to wait staff - although we’re not sure of the tone. Was it threatening, like in The Godfather? Comical? Or a genuine question? Then she accidently left without paying the bill - a miscommunication between friends.   Tory Whanau would have been just one of many, many people putting on a show in Wellington, and any other New Zealand town on Friday night. But she’s a public persona responsible for leading Wellington Council, a council currently dealing with a lot of challenges. So was it a good look?   No it wasn’t. It was embarrassing, and unnecessary, and another controversial headline for the Mayor. I like the way Tory Whanau is herself, speaks her mind, and doesn’t appear to be hand-held by a public relations team, but yesterday she should have come out with less excuses; instead simply apologised and moved on. The vast majority of us would have sympathised and also happily moved on.   Former Mayor Kerry Prendergast made a good point on Newstalk ZB last night. She claims this kind of behaviour “diminishes the respect and mana of the office” and the issue is probably more to do with behaviour and what we deem to be acceptable as opposed to whether the Mayor can do her job.     And it’s not like alcohol and politics haven’t always had a cosy relationship. There are books on it. BBC journalists Ben Wright wrote in his book Order, Order, which charts the rise and fall of political drinking in the UK, that “Politics just floated along on a sea of claret for about two centuries.” I’m sure there is a history of New Zealand politicians who can relate to that sentiment.   The reality is much of politics is about relationships, and sometimes there’s no better way of getting to know someone than over a lunch or dinner. And if you’re a politician out with a friend - just remember to pay the bill, presume no one knows who you are, and beware that if they do know who you are they’ll be watching closely.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/3/20233 minutes, 24 seconds
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Lisa Te Morenga: Health Coalition Aotearoa Co-Chair says the Government hasn't made food safety a priority

Public health and nutrition experts are calling for a national food strategy to fix our obesity epidemic. The latest Healthy Food Environment report reveals 1/5 of preventable deaths are related to unhealthy diets. At the same time, one in eight children live in households where there's not enough to eat. Health Coalition Aotearoa Co-Chair Lisa Te Morenga told Francesca Rudkin Government hasn't made food safety a priority. She says not much progress has been made since governments started monitoring the safety of our food supply 12 years ago. LISTEN ABOVE    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/3/20235 minutes
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Bryan Betty: General Practice Chair on questions whether system has resources to deliver changes to those suffering with cataracts

Questions have been asked over whether the health system has the resources to deliver the changes to those suffering with cataracts. All New Zealanders with mild vision impairment from cataracts will now qualify for surgery under the new nationally consistent threshold, which removes what's known as the postcode lottery. This will enable approximately 3,500 more surgeries to be delivered. General Practice Chair Bryan Betty told Francesca Rudkin these are likely to be rolled out slowly. He says the issue is that if you put 2,000 - 3,000 people on a operating waiting list you have the be able to resource it. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/3/20234 minutes, 16 seconds
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Malcolm Fleming: Certified Builders Assn CEO says homeowners are favouring doing up their own houses instead of building new

Building consents are coming back to earth after record highs last year. Stats NZ says consents fell 11 percent in the year to May. Certified Builders Association Chief Executive Malcolm Fleming says homeowners are favouring doing up their own houses instead of building new ones. He told Francesca Rudkin that doesn't mean builders haven't been busy. Fleming says there was already existing high demand so builders have good workloads. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/3/20233 minutes, 26 seconds
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Gavin Grey: European Correspondent on the French riots

The family of a French teenager killed by Police is calling for riots around the country to stop. France has seen its most violent riots and protests since 2018, following the death of a 17-year-old by police at a traffic stop. Thousands have been arrested since it started last week. Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey told Francesca Rudkin that 45-thousand Police Officers have been deployed across the country. He says the relatives of the dead 17-year-old want the riots to stop, and say they just want a re-evaluation of how Police carry arms.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/2/20233 minutes, 9 seconds
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Kate Weston: College of Nurses Executive Director on the additional clinical placements

Time will tell whether a move to ease nursing shortages will be sustainable long-term. The Government has announced more than 800 additional clinical placements for nursing students, with 130 starting from the July and August intake. For the 2024 intake, Te Whatu Ora will work with nurse education providers to bring in another 700 placements. College of Nurses Aotearoa Executive Director Kate Weston told Francesca Rudkin that the country needs to increase its supply, but questions whether it will be sustainable. She says they'll need to see high quality placements but the other main concern is the considerable financial pressure on the university and polytech sectors. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/2/20234 minutes, 29 seconds
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Richard Harrison: Auckland Transport Metro Optimisation Manager on minimising the bus driver shortage

Auckland Transport says it's been working hard to trim down the bus driver shortage. It's managed to cut it by 72% since its peak, and the agency only needs to recruit another 170 drivers. Auckland Transport Metro Optimisation Manager Richard Harrison says they've searched both locally and internationally for drivers. He told Francesca Rudkin that pay has been a key factor in getting people on board. He says the average wage is now 28 dollars an hour, with hopes that help from the Government can get that up to 30 dollars. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/2/20232 minutes, 57 seconds
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Francesca Rudkin: The Government would've been hoping for a better report card

Saturday marked a year since the new heath system Te Whatu Ora kicked into gear. Twenty district health boards were abolished and replaced with a centralised system aimed at getting rid of our postcode lottery of health care.   A year ago, I wished the then Minister of Health Andrew Little good luck with his venture. Our health system had been under pressure way before the pandemic hit, and clearly needed an overhaul.  I liked the fact the government was taking a big swing at this and trying to make sure that New Zealander’s, regardless of where they lived, got the same services and healthcare. Us Kiwis love fairness!   But, for all the good intentions it turns out making changes as large as this, off the back of a pandemic which had further reduced an already depleted work force, may not have been such a great idea. Nor does it seem the transition was as considered or well executed as well as it needed to be.   A year later, it’s not obvious what has changed – except the automatic signature on the bottom of their email, as one specialist told me. Association of Salaried Specialists executive director Sarah Dalton said the union was giving Te Whatu Ora a mark of two out of five so far.   She told me yesterday on the Sunday Session, “There are significant workforce shortages, there are gaps that are simply not being filled and acute demand just keeps getting higher and higher. Which, in turn, is making it really difficult to deliver the planned care." There was a great article in the NZ Herald over the weekend from senior investigative journalist Alex Spencer, looking into the state of our A&E's and work place conditions. I saw this first hand recently.  My son and I visited Auckland Hospital Emergency Department a few weeks back and after a wait of 5 and a half hours, the doctor was very apologetic. As were we; we didn’t want to be clogging up the system. My son got excellent care, but when I asked the doctor if the wait time was normal, he unleashed an exhausted and frustrated monologue about wait times, how long it takes to get a bed in a ward, the lack of staff, and the pressure on the system. His final words were “Make sure you use your vote wisely this election.”   I’ve thought about that doctor often since that night. It was an unexpected and startling moment of candour. What are we doing to these people? We can’t afford to be driving doctors away.   From what I’ve been told, Te Whatu Ora has not worked hard enough or quickly enough to get staff on side, to fill the staffing shortages, to fix the postcode lottery, shorten surgery and GP wait times, give emergency departments some relief or provide adequate mental health services.   No one expects them to have solved all these problems in a year. We understand this is a massive undertaking and it will take time to see results, and yet when those in the system, at the frontline, are saying they see very little change it only seems fair to question the idea and the execution.   Either way, several months out from an election, the government would have been hoping for a better report card than 2 out of 5.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/2/20233 minutes
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Kate Hawkesby: Three Waters cost blow out speaks volumes about this Govt's ability to read the room

If we ever needed proof this Government was one giant overlord of bureaucratic blow outs, it’s the estimated $1 billion blowout on establishment costs for Three Waters. It’s been reported now that “the cost of creating 10 new Water Services Entities over a transition period that now stretches to July 1st, 2026 is expected to reach $2 to $3 billion. The estimate before recent revisions to the plan was $1 to $2 billion.” But wait, there’s more. “The Crown is expected to foot additional costs in the first instance, costing taxpayers, but costs might ultimately be charged back to the new Water Services Entities, costing ratepayers,” it was reported. Ratepayers, that’s you and me. Us mugs who’re already facing rising rates. But there could be even more. “Official documents also showed further costs to the Crown would likely be required to operate the drinking water regulator, Taumata Arowai,” it says. “An extra $200 million in Crown costs is expected due to the later establishment date. And the fixed costs of establishing 10 Water Service Entities is anticipated to be higher than for four,” the report also said.   Here’s the thing. I’m glad Three Waters is back in the news making headlines again because it got forgotten for a while there as the news cycle moved onto other things, and we all stopped being exercised about it. We were instead busy being exercised by ram raids, youth crime, truancy rates, violent offending and government minister side shows. But now that Three Waters has reared its head back into the news, it makes for sobering reading. It’s a story of cost blowouts, budget over runs and bureaucratic heavyweights raking in large sums of cash. It’s a story of more costs being sheeted our way. The Nat’s Local Government spokesperson said it’s “an extravagant example of this government spending money to set up a mega bureaucracy.. instead of using money to fund needed water infrastructure.”   He said New Zealanders had been promised a plan that would cost less, but which is not panning out that way. Why are we not surprised? I think we are potentially so punch-drunk by this Government’s ineptitude now that we just shrug our shoulders when we hear figures like millions and billions being doled out. It’s par for the course, sadly. But you have to ask the question – why is this government so adamant on this? Why are they progressing on something so expensive, so controversial, so divisive and so flawed? Something that’s not likely to start until they’re potentially not even in government anymore, anyway? Something that potentially only fills consultants wallets, but alienates voters? It speaks volumes about how much this Government has lost its ability to read the room. It has all the hallmarks of a government in a death spiral frantically trying to throw everything at it before the doors close on them. It smacks of the arrogance we’ve come to expect from them, and their disregard for the voter. The crying shame here is that few would argue our water infrastructure doesn’t need upgrading, but the way this entire process has been painfully dragged out has left a bad taste. The cost of it now is making the taste even worse.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/29/20233 minutes, 16 seconds
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Debra Goulding: Foodstuffs Sustainable Packaging Manager single-use plastic items will be officially banned from shelves

Single-use plastic items will be officially banned from shelves from tomorrow. It's the second step in the Government's plan to reduce plastic waste. Plastic cutlery, plates and bowls, cups, straws and produce bags will all be cut. Foodstuffs Sustainable Packaging Manager, Debra Goulding joined Kate Hawkesby. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/29/20234 minutes, 49 seconds
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Dave Bodger: Gull NZ General Manager says sales have been up, rather than manic before fuel tax returns

Time is ticking to fill up, before the fuel tax returns. The Government's relief package ends tomorrow, meaning petrol prices will rise around 29 cents a litre including GST. It'll still be substantially less than the peaks seen after Russia's Ukraine invasion in March last year which saw oil prices skyrocket. Gull NZ General Manager, Dave Bodger told Kate Hawkesby sales have been up, rather than manic. He says yesterday's sales were about 50 percent higher than usual, and expects today will be much like a regular pre-Christmas special. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/29/20233 minutes, 33 seconds
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Martyn Weatherill: Primary school principal claims their latest government offer of a 6% increase is bittersweet

A primary school principal claims their latest government offer is bittersweet. It includes a six percent base salary increase in July, and further rises next year. There's also lump sum payments and allowances for cultural leadership and professional coaching. Auckland's Laingholm School Principal Martyn Weatherill Kate Hawkesby says it's a step in the right direction - but there's still more to do. He says more funding is still needed for learning support. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/29/20233 minutes, 10 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Try as we do to endlessly support the Police, they’re not making it very easy for us

Try as we do to endlessly support the Police, they’re not making it very easy for us are they? This story of the citizen’s arrest this week irked a lot of people - and rightly so. If you missed it, a Christchurch business owner and some tradies tackled a thief to the ground after he allegedly stole motorcycle parts, he had an armload of stuff, they chased him, got him on the ground, held him down while they called Police. The guy was putting up a fight and was yelling apparently that if they called the cops he’d ‘go back to prison’. Some pause for thought there as to whether getting sent back to prison might be your motivator to not rob people in the first place, but that’s another story. So these guys call the cops, the Police ask if the offender has any weapons on him, when they say, not that they can see, the Police tell them to let him go. Let him go. An offender, caught red handed, in possession of stolen goods, let him go. They do, he runs off down the street, free as a bird. Now the Police here make a not invalid point- they can’t attend every callout, they can’t prioritize a guy stealing motorcycle parts when they have arguably more serious offences to attend like where people’s lives or safety’s at risk. The Police claimed they had several high priority family harm events to attend at that time. And I don’t doubt that. The sad reality is that they have to prioritise the crimes they attend, because there are not enough of them to attend everything. That’s not their fault, but it doesn’t endear the Police to business owners trying to get by, these guys were aggrieved there was no follow up from the cops, other than being told to file a report online - and Police didn’t contact the business owner to even do that until after the Herald had chased them up on the story.   So that’s disappointing, but again you could argue they’re too stretched, and that’s not their fault. The Commissioner, Andrew Coster admits trust and confidence in police is declining but says it's an international trend. Is it? And if it is, does that make it OK does it? Do we justify things based on whether they're happening overseas or not? He says he's proud of the Police and their work, but that it is a thin blue line. Many of us would argue it feels thinner than ever before. He says they're dealing with high demand, but that doesn't soothe the concerns of law abiding citizens or help placate the plight of victims.   It’s disappointing if you’re a victim of crime, no matter how much you may appreciate how busy and stretched cops are, that they can’t or won’t follow up on incidents. Part and parcel of us all knowing this these days though, unfortunately, is that more people are turning to citizen arrest style action. More people are reticent to call cops and think they can just deal with it themselves. We’ve seen it time and time again with retail crime and witnesses jumping in to try to stop offenders. It’s a dangerous path to go down though, because there could be a weapon involved, you could make things worse for yourself or others. Admirable as it is to have people try to jump in, it’s preferable the professionals are left to deal with it. The glaring problem here is, there are seemingly not enough professionals available, or willing to do so.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/28/20233 minutes, 2 seconds
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Paul Spain: Tech commentator on Meta adding new child protection safeguards to Messenger and Instagram

Is Meta finally doing better at protecting kids online? The tech giant is adding new safeguards across Messenger and Instagram. It's the first time parental supervision tools will be connected to their instant messaging app. Tech commentator Paul Spain joined Kate Hawkesby. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/28/20233 minutes, 52 seconds
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Diane Calvert: Wellington councillor ahead of D-Day vote of no confidence for Let's Get Wellington Moving

It's D-Day for Let's Get Wellington Moving. The council will vote on a motion of no confidence today as seven councillors push for the programme to be scrapped. Yesterday, the capital's Mayor Tory Whanau rejected a compromise from the group. Diane Calvert is one of the councillors who's signed the motion - she joined Kate Hawkesby. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/28/20234 minutes, 35 seconds
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Mitch McCann: US correspondent on Donald Trump suing E. Jean Carroll for defamation over sexual abuse case

Former President Donald Trump is trying to turn the tables on the advice columnist who won a $5 million jury award against him in a sexual abuse lawsuit, saying in a countersuit that she owes him money and a retraction for continuing to insist she was raped even after a jury declined to agree. Lawyers for the Republican presidential candidate filed papers late Tuesday saying E. Jean Carroll should pay Trump unspecified compensatory and punitive damages and retract her damaging statements. The countersuit comes a month after Carroll's lawyers filed a rewritten defamation lawsuit seeking at least $10 million more from Trump over comments he made after the jury verdict in May. The jury concluded after a two-week trial that Trump sexually abused Carroll in a luxury department store dressing room in spring 1996. It also found that he defamed her in comments he made denying the attack last October. But the jury rejected Carroll's claim, first made in a 2019 memoir, that Trump raped her in the Bergdorf Goodman dressing room. At trial, Carroll testified that the rape occurred after a chance encounter with Trump at the midtown store, initially friendly and flirtatious, turned into a violent assault after they teased each other to try on a piece of lingerie. Trump has consistently denied ever raping Carroll or knowing her. He said the department store encounter never happened. In his countersuit, Trump's lawyers cited comments Carroll made in a CNN interview after May's verdict, saying that when she was questioned about the jury's finding that she was not raped, Carroll responded: "Oh yes he did, oh yes he did." And they said Carroll also revealed that when she spoke to Trump attorney Joe Tacopina immediately after the verdict, she said she told him emphatically: "He did it and you know it." The lawyers, Alina Habba and Michael T. Madaio, wrote that Carroll "made these statements knowing each of them were false or with reckless disregard for their truth or falsity." "The Interview was on television, social media and multiple internet websites, with the intention of broadcasting and circulating these defamatory statements among a significant portion of the public," they added. In a statement in response to Trump's counterclaim, Carroll attorney Robbie Kaplan said that Trump "again argues, contrary to both logic and fact, that he was exonerated by a jury that found that he sexually abused E Jean Carroll by forcibly inserting his fingers into her vagina." She said four of five statements cited by the counterclaim were made outside of the one-year statute of limitations when a claim must be made and predicted the other will be dismissed by U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan. "Trump's filing is thus nothing more than his latest effort to delay accountability for what a jury has already found to be his defamation of E Jean Carroll. But whether he likes it or not, that accountability is coming very soon," Kaplan said. Kaplan is not related to the judge. Trump, who is seeking the Republican nomination to run for president again next year, did not appear at the initial trial. But extensive excerpts of his recorded deposition were played for jurors, along with an infamous video revealed shortly before Trump's 2016 election in which he bragged that celebrities can grab women sexually without consent. - LARRY NEUMEISTER Associated PressSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/28/20232 minutes, 11 seconds
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Hamish Piercy: Crash investigator on 111 people dying in incidents where a driver was over the breath alcohol limit

A new peak has been reached in our drunk driver fatalities. Last year, 111 people died in incidents where a driver was over the limit - up from the 53 seen in 2013. In the last five years, the highest numbers were recorded in Waikato, Auckland, and Northland. Crash Investigator and former Police officer, Hamish Piercy told Kate Hawkesby there's no doubt there has been a spike, but it's important to remember the legal limit changed in 2014. He says they made the limit zero for under 20s, and 250 micrograms per litre of breath for adults - meaning more people have potentially been captured in the statistics. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/28/20233 minutes, 51 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Be prepared for a bunch of cost increases over the next few weeks

We are in for a bunch of cost increases over the next few weeks. I know, more. It’s not like we haven’t been facing a steady stream of rising costs for a while already, but a couple of things are coming up to bite us. One, the Government’s petrol subsidy is coming to an end this Saturday, which’ll see petrol prices jump by 29 cents a litre. That’s a lot, and it’ll hit hard in a cost of living crisis. Not just in our tanks, but it’ll be passed on across the board in terms of transport and logistics for pretty much everything we buy. Two, fruit and veges. That’s been rising steadily too, in fact food inflation is at its highest level in 36 years, according to a recent report. “Stats NZ’s food price index rose 12.5 percent in the year ended April, the highest annual rate since late 1987. The main drivers over the year were a 14 percent rise in grocery prices, and more than 22 percent for fruit and vegetables prices,” the report said - more than 22 percent.   That’s huge, and we know it because we see it in our trolleys at the supermarket, we get less food for more money, it’s depressing. But there’s more pain to come it would seem. Producers are struggling to get stuff out of Gisborne, due to State Highway 2 north of Gisborne being closed due to flooding and storm damage, which has made all transportation of goods a logistical nightmare. Gisborne’s Mayor said the closure’s having a big impact on the region. Meanwhile, Countdown this week put out a release saying that due to those weather events, there’s going to be limited supply of fruit and veges on supermarket shelves everywhere. “Due to road closures, key produce suppliers are facing difficulties in transporting fruits and vegetables from Tairawhiti and Hawkes Bay, unfortunately it may take some time before the situation improves,” they said. They highlighted bagged salads, lettuce, broccoli and mandarins as an issue, and acknowledged it’s been a challenging time for growers this year. You’ve got to feel for them, they’ve been up against it. So if you’re lucky enough to find broccoli and mandarins on supermarket shelves, you might find you’re paying a bit more for them too. And it’s not like we don’t already pay through the nose for fruit and veges, the sector was the ‘second-largest contributor’ to the hike in food prices this year, ‘driven by tomatoes, avocados, and potatoes.’ Haven’t avocados been dodgy? Lack of supply, hiked up prices to $10 an avocado for a while there, and now though they’re trickling back onto shelves at better prices, the quality’s still not great. I will admit they’re hard to grow though, trust me I’m trying, I have three avocado trees on the go and am still, a couple of years later, waiting for them to produce fruit. So we pay more for the good stuff, it’s going to be harder to get for a while due to road closures, and then as of Saturday we’re going to pay more for petrol too. So, I'm just wondering, what basics are left these days that don't cost a bomb?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/27/20233 minutes, 3 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK Correspondent says former health secretary Matt Hancock says the UK's pandemic planning was 'completely wrong'

In the UK, the former health secretary says the UK's pandemic planning was "completely wrong". Matt Hancock, the secretary during the pandemic, has told that country's coronavirus inquiry the attitude was to plan for the consequences of a disaster. He claimed medicines for intensive care were within hours of running out. UK and Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey told Kate Hawkesby Hancock says he's "profoundly sorry" for the response. He says Hancock told the inquiry they should've been looking at how to slow down or stop the spread of Covid-19. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/27/20232 minutes, 24 seconds
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Julie Douglas: Tertiary Education Union pres hopes govt funding boost will allow unis to reconsider job cuts

The Tertiary Education Union is welcoming the $128 million cash injection to the struggling sector. Split over the next two years, it'll increase tuition subsidies by an extra four percent at degree-level and above. The Government is also promising to review the funding system for universities. Union National President Julie Douglas is hopeful the boost will allow Vice-Chancellors at Otago and Victoria universities to reconsider job cut proposals. She says the universities have a level of autonomy over what to spend it on, but the money wasn't given for a new building and stems from a long union campaign. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/27/20233 minutes, 10 seconds
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John Tookey: Professor of Construction says it will be impossible to have increased community say, and faster consenting in RMA

There have been mixed feelings about Resource Management Act reforms. The Environmental Select Committee has suggested amendments including faster consenting and enabling local voices. AUT Professor of Construction John Tookey says it will be impossible to have both increased community say, and a faster consenting process. Part of the RMA reforms is reducing the number of RMA plans from 100 to 16, one for each region. Tookey told Kate Hawkesby this will bring positive changes.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/27/20233 minutes, 44 seconds
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Dr Rose Crossin: Researcher on findings that alcohol is the most harmful drug in New Zealand

Concerning new research from Otago University suggests alcohol is the most harmful drug in New Zealand. The first of its kind study ranked alcohol as the most harmful drug for the overall population, followed by methamphetamine, synthetic cannabinoids, and tobacco. Researcher Dr Rose Crossin says the findings suggest the need for policy reconsideration to reduce overall drug harm. She questions the current drug policy settings given that a legal drug is the most harmful. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/27/20234 minutes, 30 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: I think we're best served by sticking to 'everything in moderation'

So another day, another study on alcohol - in fact I’ve seen two just in the last two weeks and of course they say different things. One says even the smallest amount of alcohol can age your brain, another says a small amount is beneficial. So which is it? I honestly believe a lot of it has to do with the makeup of your own body and metabolism, and what makes you tick, what’s in your DNA. As in, some people drink like fish their whole lives and live to almost a hundred (looking at you Prince Philip), others are lightweights who can barely finish a glass of wine without falling asleep (a.k.a me). We all have different tolerances and constitutions. Different strokes for different folks. I also think we get to know ourselves better as we get older, we work out what we can and can’t tolerate because our body lets us know. CNN reported the other day that “For decades, large epidemiological studies have shown that people who consume moderate amounts of alcohol - less than one drink a day for women, and one to two drinks a day for men - have lower risks of major cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes compared with people who abstain from alcohol completely as well as those who drink more. Scientists have never been able to tease out exactly why this is the case, however,” they reported. So if the scientists can’t tease it out, God help the rest of us trying to understand it. Constant mixed messaging certainly doesn’t help. A small amount of alcohol is good for your brain and heart, shouts one study, a small amount can increase your chances of cancer, shouts another. We do of course have Dry July coming up, starting next week, where we’re all encouraged to stop and think about how much we’re drinking and why, and pause for a month. I think the why’s important. Mostly I reckon its habit. A glass of wine or a beer after a hard day, or on a hot day sitting in the sunshine – it’s sort of a rite of passage. It wasn’t until I voluntarily stopped drinking one day many, many years ago that I realised I didn’t really miss it, didn’t really need it. Felt better without it. But I’m a lightweight who was never really that into alcohol in the first place. I get that if you’re a wine collector like my husband is or someone who savours the taste or just appreciates the addition of alcohol in their lives then it’s far tougher to give up. And not everyone needs to or should give up. I think if we’re aware of what we’re doing, and we’re not starting drinking at 9am or binge drinking, then we can by and large regulate ourselves. But what it’s doing to our bodies remains a mystery that I’m not sure any number of studies will get to the bottom of. The same way we hear coffee or chocolate is good for us one day, bad the next. It’s hard to keep up. I think we’re best served, as my Nana used to say, by sticking to the mantra, ‘everything in moderation’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/26/20232 minutes, 58 seconds
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Weston Kirton: Ruapehu Mayor says skifield liquidation a complex situation, but the financial backing helps jobs

Hopes a multi-million dollar government loan to Ruapehu Alpine Lifts liquidators gets the skifields off thin ice. The Government is chipping in up to $5 million towards the liquidators, as a new bid has entered the table A group on behalf of iwi is now proposing to take over operations of the skifields - the bid for operations to be split between two other companies is still on the table. Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton says it's a complex situation, but the financial backing helps jobs. He's sure businesses and communities are clapping with joy, and he's hoping for a good snow season. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/26/20233 minutes, 6 seconds
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Alistair Crozier: NZ China Council director says Hipkins needs to sell NZ to Xi Jinping as open and accessible

There are hopes Prime Minister Chris Hipkins can shine in his first meeting with Xi Jinping. The pair will meet to discuss topics like trade and the war in Ukraine tonight in Beijing. New Zealand China Council Executive Director Alistair Crozier says New Zealand needs to be sold as an accessible and open country. He told Kate Hawkesby it will be a chance to make up for lost time.  Crozier says it will be the first trade delegation of its kind for seven years. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/26/20233 minutes, 46 seconds
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Tric Malcolm: Food bank director says govt cash injection is great news, but the question is whether it will be enough

A $6 million cash injection has been welcomed by food banks, as the number of families struggling with food insecurity rises. The latest funding top up by the Government will be given to community food providers and distributed to areas in need. Zero Hunger Collective Executive Director Tric Malcolm says it's great news, but the question is whether it will be enough. She told Kate Hawkesby the number of people struggling, as well as the level of support needed, is increasing. Malcolm says this is particularly evident in communities that have experienced weather events - where many have lost their basic items. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/26/20235 minutes, 15 seconds
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Steve Cullen: Criminal Lawyer on National's crime policy

A reminder of the importance of judge's discretion as the National Party pitches a crime crackdown. It's called for a limit on the sentence reductions judges are allowed to grant, limiting it to 40%. National would also reinstate three strikes and remove taxpayer funding for cultural reports, instead diverting funds into victim support. Criminal Lawyer Steve Cullen told Kate Hawkesby that the law often deals with people who have had horrific childhoods. He says that's when it's important for judges to have discretion to put them on the right path again. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/25/20233 minutes, 10 seconds
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Gloria Masters: Advocate against the sexual abuse of children on The Handing the Shame Back campaign

A survivor of child sex trafficking for 16 years is pushing for more to be done over New Zealand's alarmingly high rate of sexual abuse. The Handing the Shame Back campaign aims to give children who have suffered abuse a way to communicate - including using an open palm signal. Our country has a high rate of sexual abuse with one in three girls sexually abused by the age of 16. Author, survivor, and advocate Gloria Masters told Kate Hawkesby that they've spoken to police but there's still work to be done. She can't sit back and watch these rates, and is wondering where the outcry from the public is. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/25/20234 minutes, 1 second
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Kate Hawkesby: We need to build more roads

I’ve decided we need to build more roads. I don’t know why we don’t just build roads everywhere all the time. The most transformational thing this government –who said they’d be transformational– could have done was build more roads. I don’t know why they hate them so much and cancelled so many of them. The irony of this government having to officially open the Puhoi road the other day, that they originally opposed, was not lost on anyone. It’s a fabulous piece of road, makes the journey smoother, faster, more scenic, it’s actually such a thrill, we were so excited to finally get to drive it now that it’s finally open. But it really is transformational. Trucks were flowing without clogging up a small winding one lane hilly road, cars weren’t held up by them with dangerous bends and passing lanes. Traffic was flowing, and markedly reduced. It was genuinely an amazing experience. I know I sound super excited about just a bit of tarseal, but honestly, roads are fantastic. They get us from A to B safely. They get goods and services to people, they provide access to and from communities and cities. They reduce traffic and wait times. They make our lives easier. Why have we demonized roads so much? It felt so much safer being on that highway, it made the whole experience so much more enjoyable. I know there was similar excitement for those on Transmission Gully and the Waikato expressway. Locals in both those areas still rave about the difference those roads make to their lives. There’s genuine excitement around infrastructure that improves our quality of life, saves us time, makes commuting easier. It’s delusional to think we just don’t build any more new roads. How can we not? Why would we think just adding bus and cycle lanes is it? Surely that can’t just be the be all and end all. We are not hopping out of our cars anytime soon, despite all the carrots and incentives and free public transport enticing us to do so – we still love our cars. We need our cars, there are a million reasons many of us can’t or won’t take public transport, and so we need the roads. Not helping the cause of buses at the moment is a video floating round the internet of an Auckland bus driver getting severely verbally abused and sworn at by someone threatening the driver for several minutes until the bus is stopped. Even then the abuser doesn't hop off before yelling more obscenities. It’s uncomfortable viewing and makes you think twice as to how safe you’d really feel on a bus with an experience like that. Who wants their kids on a bus like that? We do of course want safer roads once we have kids of driving age. Smooth roads with no pot holes, wide roads with plenty of space. Why do we put up with such substandard infrastructure in this country, and such crappy roads? I’d almost forgotten what it was like to drive on a big wide clean straight road. Yes they cost a lot of money, but so does lost productivity due to gridlock, and accidents due to poor road conditions. I think we don’t realise how bad our roads are until we drive on a new one and see how slick they can be. We put up with long winding clogged single lane traffic because we forget how it once was. Roads don’t have to be a thing of the past, they don’t have to be the big evil they’ve been made out to be. Drive a nice new stretch of highway sometime soon like we did at the weekend, and come back to me on how good that feels.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/25/20233 minutes, 34 seconds
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Tim Dower: Is owning a gun a right or a privilege?

Hard to believe it's taken so long to get this new firearms register up and running. Then again - it's a government IT project and we all know there's a well-established track record of these things going way past deadline and of course way over budget. On top of that, it's likely to be clunky, overly complicated and not very well thought out so don't be at all surprised if it needs a multi-million dollar overhaul within the first couple of years. And don't be surprised either if it has no impact on the rampant crime wave we're enduring. Police themselves say there's been a marked increase of guns being used for criminal activity. That's in spite of the fortune we spent on gun buybacks, after the Christchurch mosque attacks. And they say a lot of the weapons they're seizing these days are being traced back to legal buyers. Some get stolen in burglaries, but some have also been on-sold to people who simply shouldn't have them. So, the logic for collecting all this information on legally licensed gun owners and the weapons they're holding is that some of these weapons end up in the wrong hands. The Council of Licensed Firearm Owners doesn't like it; they say legitimate owners are being singled out for police failures. I see their point, but maybe because licensed owners are mostly legitimate owners with legitimate intent - maybe they've lost sight of the potential carnage a gun can be used to inflict. So, while those owners say they're being scapegoated, do they not have a major part to play in making sure these weapons don't get into the wrong hands? Is owning a gun a right or a privilege? Like driving, I'd say it's a privilege. A privilege some people shouldn't have. So, on the face of it, keeping good records of what weapons we have, who has them, and where they are, has to make sense. All we can hope is that the people who've built it haven't ballsed it up and that police use the information they get from it to come down hard on people who shouldn't have guns.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/22/20232 minutes, 7 seconds
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Colin Mansbridge: Crusaders CEO ahead of Super Rugby final and Scott Robertson's last game in charge

The Super Rugby final is tomorrow night - with tickets now sold out. It's Chiefs versus Crusaders - and Scott Robertson's last match in charge of the Crusaders. Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge joined Tim Dower. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/22/20232 minutes, 19 seconds
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Viv Beck: CEO of Heart of the City on Auckland being named Top 10 of world's most liveable cities

Auckland has scraped into the Top 10 in a new ranking of the world's most liveable cities. It comes in at 10 - tied with Osaka, in Japan. 173 cities were compared by the economist intelligence unit on factors like stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education and infrastructure. Viv Beck is the CEO of Heart of the City and joined Tim Dower. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/22/20234 minutes, 57 seconds
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Chris Cahill: Police Association president says new gun registry will be a key tool to reducing crime

There is optimism the country's first digital gun registry will put criminals under the pump. The online registry goes live tomorrow, aiming to track nearly 240,000 licensed gun owners. It relies upon people registering within five years. Police Association president Chris Cahill told Tim Dower it'll be a key tool to reducing crime, as it would track those selling guns to criminals. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/22/20234 minutes, 28 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: I don’t know whether to laugh or cry at this point for the Labour Party

I don’t know whether to laugh or cry at this point for the Labour Party and Chris Hipkins. I mean the state of it. It really is from the sublime to the ridiculous. Who's left? Who around that Cabinet table is capable enough to seriously manage all the portfolios of the other ministers who are dropping like flies? It’s a shambles. But is it all a shambles of their own making? Have they played a bit fast and loose with the rules, been a bit slow to react, a bit slow to follow up on anything, a bit cavalier about the importance of being beyond reproach? Is it arrogance? Is it incompetence? The PM sounded absolutely fed up with Michael Wood yesterday and I’m not surprised. Wood hung him out to dry. How you can claim to be so busy and so important that you don’t run a ruler over your potential personal conflicts of interest is beyond me. Especially when you’ve already been in the gun for conflict of interest - how do you take that long to clarify any other conflicts of interest? I initially defended Wood as being probably just a decent guy who’d stuffed up. But now I’m not so sure. Is he decent? Or reckless? Or arrogant? Or both? But imagine being Chippy right now. Week after week after week, distractions and implosions in your own party, in your own cabinet, that keep undermining what your government is trying to do. I mean don’t get me wrong, what this government is trying to do is nothing short of disastrous at the moment anyway, but this is a major distraction Hipkins doesn’t need. He sounded angry and over it. He threw his former Transport Minister right under his much loved bus in saying he was disappointed and it was ‘deeply frustrating’. And we are frustrated as voters too. Frustrated this keeps happening, frustrated that this clown show is still bumbling along unable to follow its own rules, unable to discern what’s appropriate or not appropriate. It’s laughable, but as I said before, do we laugh or do we cry? They’re a joke, but the tragedy is many New Zealanders still take them seriously. But how can voters trust that this Government’s abiding all the rules? How much confidence do you have in their transparency? Honesty? Openness? Are we still falling for that? Speaking of transparency, Nicola Willis alleged yesterday in Parliament that Grant Robertson’s been looking at some further tweaks to tax and has been seeking advice on possible options for increasing or decreasing income tax.  Grant Robertson wouldn’t answer about it, she asked if he could rule out tax changes rejected by Cabinet re-emerging as part of the Labour party manifesto. Robertson would only say the manifesto’s not finished yet. Nicola Willis took the public interest route – that we deserve to know what the Government’s planning re tax. Robertson wouldn’t budge. So what do we deduce from that? That tax changes are coming as part of the Labour election campaign, you can almost bank on that. But we don’t know exactly what because Grant wouldn’t answer. What we should be working out by now as voters, is how much we trust this Government, how much we trust what they do with our hard earned money, and whether they can get their act together in a cohesive way between now and October.See omny.fm/listener for privacy information.
6/21/20233 minutes, 15 seconds
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Bryce Edwards: Political analyst says the sheer number of scandals will be hurting Labour's credibility

The political headaches continue to pile up for Labour, four months out from the election. Chris Hipkins is expressing his disappointment in Michael Wood - who's resigning as a minister after more revelations about his failure to declare shareholdings. The Prime Minister is also promising to take another look at the rules around ministers' investments. Victoria University political analyst Bryce Edwards told Kate Hawkesby while many voters won't care about the specifics, the sheer number of scandals will be hurting Labour's credibility. LISTEN ABOVE  See omny.fm/listener for privacy information.
6/21/20234 minutes, 14 seconds
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Ruth Money: Victims' advocate believes there will be more disclosures during a review of Oranga Tamariki

A victim advocate believes there will be more disclosures during a review of Oranga Tamariki. The department has revealed two staff members have been stood down as they're investigated for alleged sexual misconduct with young people in the past year. Former Police Commissioner Mike Bush will conduct a review. Victims' advocate Ruth Money told Kate Hawkesby there could've been a vetting issue. She says if people haven't been convicted or had a notation on their file before, they'd look clean - which is a huge issue with the vetting process around the country. LISTEN ABOVE  See omny.fm/listener for privacy information.
6/21/20234 minutes, 9 seconds
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Colin Bond: Kiwifruit Growers CEO says only about half of kiwifruit growers expect to break even this year

Only about half of kiwifruit growers expect to break even this year, amid a particularly bad harvest. Production this year is down about 35 million trays on 2022, mostly due to storms. Kiwifruit Growers CEO Colin Bond told Kate Hawkesby there are ways to mitigate the risk like frost protection and artificial shelters. He says the quality of this year's harvest is higher than last year. LISTEN ABOVE  See omny.fm/listener for privacy information.
6/21/20233 minutes, 51 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: The question that is hard to answer without being embarrassed to be a Kiwi

I was at my physio yesterday, she’s South African. She moved here to an allegedly ‘safe’ country with her children, they live on Auckland’s North Shore, they’ve eaten at the Albany restaurants where the axe attack took place. She said it could have been them, her, or her children. She asked me what’s happened to this country and why it’s so violent now. It’s hard to answer that question without feeing embarrassed as a New Zealander that our little slice of paradise has come to this. “It’s complex”, I told her, sounding like a Labour politician trying to explain away our many and varied issues. From being soft on crime and reducing the prison muster and leaving too much crime out on the streets, to an increase in gang memberships and gang notoriety thanks to an apologist media and government who seem enamoured with them instead of appalled by them. Then to a mental health system in crisis, to the prevalence of drugs in our society, to a broken and divided country which got locked down for three years and has never really come right since then. I don’t know what the circumstances are around the axe attack, but I’m assuming it will be a combination of one or more of those factors. None of that excuses the act. Just like none of the apologists standing up for gang culture, excuses the way they intimidate and offend. The other day in Auckland’s swanky shopping precinct Newmarket, outside the new Westfield mall, a group of girls picked on an innocent victim, another young girl, and beat her up. In broad daylight, four in the afternoon on a busy Saturday full of shoppers walking by.. none of whom stopped to do anything about it – she got slapped, punched kicked, fell to the ground then got kicked in the head some more. She was 12 years old, did not know the offender apparently, who grabbed her by the hair and just randomly started beating her up. That’s someone’s daughter, age 12, middle of the day in a busy shopping area, just randomly being savagely attacked. Imagine what that does to that girl once her injuries and bruises heal, what has that done to her mentally? Who are these children attacking other children and why are they so vicious and so unfiltered as to think this is in any way acceptable behaviour? And where are the offenders now? Will it just be another case of tag and release? If they even get caught?   I was talking to a bunch of high school kids the other day, they’re in their final couple of years at school, I was asking them what they’re doing when they leave, where they’re going for uni. “ABNZ”, they all replied. Anywhere But New Zealand. They don’t want to stay here, they’re all seeking uni applications offshore. When I asked them why, they looked at me like I was insane. “Why would we stay here?” they replied. That’s heart-breaking. ‘Where is safe these days for our teenage kids to go?’ my physio asked me. Where can they go that you don’t worry about them ending up a victim of crime? It’s horrible to even have to ask that question in New Zealand now, it’s even worse that I can’t answer it.See omny.fm/listener for privacy information.
6/20/20233 minutes
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Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on Titanic submarine - Coast Guard says extensive search yielded no sign of missing vessel

Rescuers in a remote area of the Atlantic Ocean are racing against time to find a missing submersible before the oxygen supply runs out for five people who were on a mission to document the wreckage of the Titanic. Despite an international rescue effort, US Coast Guard officials said the search covering 26,000 square kilometres had turned up no signs of the lost sub known as the Titan, but they planned to continue looking. Authorities reported the carbon-fibre vessel overdue Sunday night, setting off the search in waters about 700km south of St John’s, Newfoundland. Aboard were a pilot, renowned British adventurer Hamish Harding, two members of a Pakistani business family, and a Titanic expert. The submersible had a 96-hour oxygen supply when it was put to sea at roughly 6am Sunday, according to David Concannon, an adviser to OceanGate Expeditions, which oversaw the mission. That means the oxygen supply could run out tomorrow night (NZ time). Titanic tourist submersible missing graphic CBS News journalist David Pogue, who travelled to the Titanic aboard the Titan last year, said the vehicle communicates by text messages that go back and forth to a surface ship and safety pings that are emitted every 15 minutes to indicate that the sub is still working. Both systems stopped about an hour and 45 minutes after the Titan submerged. “Either they lost all power or the ship developed a hull breach and it imploded instantly. Both of those are devastatingly hopeless,” Pogue told CBC yesterday. The submersible had seven backup systems to return to the surface, including sandbags and lead pipes that drop off and an inflatable balloon. One system is designed to work even if everyone aboard is unconscious, Pogue said. The Titan is prepared for a dive into a remote area of the Atlantic Ocean on an expedition to the Titanic on Sunday, June 18, 2023. Photo / AP Experts said the rescuers face steep challenges. Alistair Greig, a professor of marine engineering at University College London, said submersibles typically have a drop weight, which is “a mass they can release in the case of an emergency to bring them up to the surface using buoyancy”. “If there was a power failure and/or communication failure, this might have happened, and the submersible would then be bobbing about on the surface waiting to be found,” Greig said. Another scenario is a leak in the pressure hull, in which case the prognosis is not good, he said. “If it has gone down to the seabed and can’t get back up under its own power, options are very limited,” Greig said. “While the submersible might still be intact, if it is beyond the continental shelf, there are very few vessels that can get that deep, and certainly not divers.” Even if they could go that deep, he doubts rescuers could attach to the submersible. By Tuesday morning, 26,000sq km had been searched, the US Coast Guard tweeted. The Canadian research icebreaker Polar Prince, which was supporting the Titan, was to continue conducting surface searches with help from a Canadian Boeing P-8 Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft, the Coast Guard said on Twitter. Two US Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft also conducted overflights. The Canadian military dropped sonar buoys to listen for any possible sounds from the Titan. Concannon, who said he was supposed to be on the dive but could not go, said officials were also working to get a remotely operated vehicle that can dive to a depth of 6km to the site as soon as possible. OceanGate’s expeditions to the Titanic wreck site include archaeologists and marine biologists. The company also brings people who pay to come along, known as “mission specialists”. They take turns operating sonar equipment and performing other tasks in the submersible. The Coast Guard said Monday that the Titan carried a pilot and four “mission specialists”. However, OceanGate’s website suggests that the fifth person may be a so-called “content expert” who guides the paying customers. Authorities have yet to formally identify those on board, though some names have been confirmed, including OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, who, according to the company, was a member of the crew. Billionaire adventurer Hamish Harding looks out to sea before boarding the submersible Titan for a dive into the Atlantic Ocean on an expedition to the Titanic. Photo / AP Rush told the Associated Press in June 2021 that the Titan’s technology was “very cutting edge” and was developed with the help of Nasa and aerospace manufacturers. “This is the only submersible – crewed submersible – that’s made of carbon fibre and titanium,” Rush said, calling it the “largest carbon fibre structure that we know of,” with 12cm-thick carbon fibre and 8cm-thick titanium. Harding, who lives in Dubai, was one of the mission specialists, according to Action Aviation, a company where Harding is chairman. Harding is a billionaire adventurer who holds three Guinness world records, including the longest duration at full ocean depth by a crewed vessel. In March 2021, he and ocean explorer Victor Vescovo descended to the lowest depth of the Mariana Trench. In June 2022, he went into space on Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket. US Coast Guard Rear Admiral John Mauger, commander of the First Coast Guard District, talks about the search for a missing submersible that carries people to view the wreckage of the Titanic. Photo / AP Also on board were Pakistani nationals Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman, according to the family. The Dawoods belong to one of Pakistan’s most prominent families. Their eponymous firm invests across the country in agriculture, industries and the health sector. Shahzada Dawood also is on the board of trustees for the California-based Seti Institute that searches for extraterrestrial intelligence. French explorer and Titanic expert Paul-Henry Nargeolet was also aboard, according to David Gallo, a senior adviser for strategic initiatives and special projects at RMS Titanic. Gallo identified Nargeolet, a friend who has led multiple expeditions to the Titanic, on Tuesday during an interview with CNN. Greg Stone, a longtime ocean scientist based in California and a friend of Rush, called the lost submersible “a fundamentally new submarine design” that showed great promise for future research. Unlike its predecessors, the Titan was not spherical.  “Stockton was a risk taker. He was smart. He had a vision. He wanted to push things forward,” Stone said. The expedition was OceanGate’s third annual voyage to chronicle the deterioration of Titanic, which struck an iceberg and sank in 1912, killing all but about 700 of the roughly 2200 passengers and crew. Since the wreckage’s discovery in 1985, it has been slowly succumbing to metal-eating bacteria. OceanGate’s website said the “mission support fee” for the 2023 expedition was $250,000 a person. Recalling his own trip aboard the Titan, Pogue said the vessel got turned around looking for the Titanic. “There’s no GPS underwater, so the surface ship is supposed to guide the sub to the shipwreck by sending text messages,” Pogue said in a segment aired on CBS’ Sunday Morning. “But on this dive, communications somehow broke down. The sub never found the wreck.” - Ben Finley & Holly Ramer, APSee omny.fm/listener for privacy information.
6/20/20232 minutes, 47 seconds
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Weston Kirton: Ruapehu Mayor says everyone is waiting with bated breath to see if companies step in to purchase skifields

Uncertainty is plaguing Ruapehu. A bid to liquidate Ruapehu Alpine Lifts is being heard in the High Court in Auckland this morning, dubbed a 'worst case scenario' by some. The Government and local council's preferred option, to allow two companies to take over skifield ownership, did not make it over the line in meetings yesterday. Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton told Kate Hawkesby everyone is waiting with bated breath to see if companies step in and make a purchase. LISTEN ABOVESee omny.fm/listener for privacy information.
6/20/20234 minutes, 1 second
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Stuart Crosby: LGNZ President says councils have been crying out for funding for some time

A strong message has come that New Zealand's cash-strapped councils cannot make money out of thin air. The Future for Local Government Review has made more than a dozen suggestions. They include lowering the council voting age to 16, introducing transferable votes, and an annual transfer of around a billion dollars a year from central to local government. Local Government New Zealand agrees with ten of the proposals. President Stuart Crosby told Kate Hawkesby increasing funding has been a priority. He says it's been a cry for a long time with them being asked to do more and more with the same funding tools. LISTEN ABOVE  See omny.fm/listener for privacy information.
6/20/20233 minutes, 23 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Is this Government going out of its way to lose the upcoming election?

Is it just me, or is this Government going out of its way to lose the upcoming election? I mean, I’ve had the vibe for a while they’ve given up. Chris Hipkins sounds more and more over it and uninterested in what’s going on in the country he’s supposed to be running. Grant Robertson has sounded despondent for a while – I’m sure he quietly quit months ago, many of the Ministers behave in a way that would suggest they too have given up, but this latest revelation from the Health Ministry.. come on. Race-based healthcare is of itself not new in this country, we kind of knew how it worked, and then Covid came along and the focus again was Māori and Pacifica, but this latest revelation on the surgeries. That just takes the cake. As one texter to me yesterday pointed out, this is not just a jab in the arm vaccination we’re talking about here, it’s major surgery. It can be life or death. No one’s suggesting health outcomes for Māori and Pasifika aren’t worse; there just must be another way. The problem with this Equity Adjustor Score as it’s called, is, as Dr Shane Reti pointed out yesterday, the metrics are not clear. No wonder surgeons are pushing back on it. The Health Minister Ayesha Verrall, when asked about this scheme by Reti, confirmed to him that the measuring process was ‘dynamic’.. in other words, there’s no set method to how patients get scored or prioritized, it’s just ‘dynamic’. Meaning, it can change and flex anytime. So if you’re in the health system, and you’re on a waiting list, you potentially will never know exactly where you are on that list because it could shift anytime based on any given surgeon’s ‘dynamic’ scoring. There is a real problem here to be addressed in terms of inequitable access to healthcare but this solution just doesn’t feel right. A chunk of the texts I got yesterday were from people who were either Māori or Pacifica themselves, saying they were embarrassed by this, felt demeaned by it, or were just sick of the government using race as political leverage. One woman said it was absolutely racist in her view, she was Māori , she’d never used that as a lever in the hospital system before, but now that she was awaiting surgery and heard of this measure, she said she’s going to use it. She acknowledged it’s not fair, and said in her view it was racist. But if it gets her surgery quicker, then she’ll take it. And you can’t blame her. Blame the system. Some surgeons have said it’s medically indefensible and they’re disgusted by it. David Seymour said it’s completely wrong and promotes racial discrimination. Dr Shane Reti said the Nat's would repeal it. However the government defends it, and again I think that shows us just how out of touch they really are, how far they’ve pushed us without even realizing it, and how this election is just getting further and further away now from their grip.See omny.fm/listener for privacy information.
6/19/20233 minutes, 22 seconds
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Cathy Wilson: Montessori Aotearoa CEO says communication around ECE sector changes is an issue

A change to the Government's flagship budget policy on childcare is raising more questions than answers for the sector. It's backtracking on conditions involving the 20 hours free Early Childhood Education, after providers complained about the pay-by-the hour system. Montessori Aotearoa Chief Executive Cathy Wilson says the sector is pleased they're having their concerns responded to. But she told Kate Hawkesby communication is an issue and they've only met with the associate minister, not Education Minister Jan Tinetti. LISTEN ABOVESee omny.fm/listener for privacy information.
6/19/20233 minutes, 9 seconds
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Grant Dodson: Forest Owners' Assn president says amendments to the ETS removing forestry is a bad idea

The forestry industry is sick of being made into the villain on reducing emissions. The Government is proposing to amend the Emissions Trading Scheme and incentivise innovation over offsetting through planting. One option is taking forestry out of the scheme altogether and creating two separate markets. Forest Owners' Association president Grant Dodson says it's a bad idea and he joined Kate Hawkesby. LISTEN ABOVESee omny.fm/listener for privacy information.
6/19/20234 minutes, 23 seconds
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Robert Patman: International relations expert on Chris Hipkins' meeting with Xi Jinping next week

Chris Hipkins is set to discuss some of the world's most contentious topics with one of the world's most powerful men. The Prime Minister has secured a meeting with President Xi Jinping during his week-long trade visit to the country next week. It comes as the US and China restarted high-levels talks overnight with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese President Xi Jinping pledging to stabilise their tense relationship during a meeting in Beijing. Otago University international relations expert Robert Patman says Hipkins and Xi are likely to discuss a range of issues, including China's position on Russia and Ukraine. He says China knows New Zealand wants Russia to return to its borders, but may want to hear from Hipkins first hand. LISTEN ABOVE  See omny.fm/listener for privacy information.
6/19/20233 minutes, 24 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK Correspondent on Boris Johnson's rule breaking and resignation

UK police are looking at fresh video of a rule-breaking event during lockdown at Tory Party headquarters. Footage shows Conservative staffers drinking and dancing in December 2020 during lockdown. Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson quit Parliament altogether last week. UK correspondent Gavin Grey told Kate Hawkesby that Johnson's still causing current PM Rishi Sunak headaches. LISTEN ABOVESee omny.fm/listener for privacy information.
6/18/20231 minute, 57 seconds
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Bryan Betty: General Practice NZ Chair on Te Whatu Ora's new medical waitlist

A leading doctor says inequities in the health system need to be addressed. Ethnicity is now a factor in a new medical wait list Te Whatu Ora has rolled out in Auckland, alongside clinical priority, time already waiting, location, and deprivation level. General Practice New Zealand Chair Dr Bryan Betty told Kate Hawkesby that there are dreadful health outcomes for Māori and Pasifika. He says it's an attempt to try to even up the playing field, and something has to be done. LISTEN ABOVESee omny.fm/listener for privacy information.
6/18/20234 minutes, 9 seconds
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Owen Vaughan: OneRoof Editor on the New Zealand suburbs who have not experienced a loss in the last five years

New research is highlighting the resilience of New Zealand's housing market. OneRoof and its data partner Valocity analysed residential home sales between 2018 and the start of this year. They've found sellers in 48 suburbs around the country have never made a loss in the last five years. OneRoof Editor Owen Vaughan says despite a recent slowdown in the market, sellers have been doing well overall. He says retail profits have declined since the market downturn, but the majority of sellers are still making a profit. LISTEN ABOVESee omny.fm/listener for privacy information.
6/18/20234 minutes, 42 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: I hope the Minister was listening, because the kids are right

So as we look down the barrel of another week of potential strikes, I am heartened by the students calling for it to end, and the prospect that it just might with some independent arbitration. Not before time. As frustrated as we are with the striking teachers, I don’t blame them, it’s the government who’s dragged the chain here in not resolving it and allowing kids to be pawns in all this. So far teachers have rejected the latest pay offer, lump sum, and three payrises, as suggested by the Ministry. Teachers say it’s not good enough. They have more strikes planned right up until the end of term. But over the weekend the PPTA said they’d now look at an Employment Relations Authority proposal that they suspend strike action and start independent arbitration. I can only hope they make a decision on this quickly and that it’s the right decision – to suspend the industrial action. Obviously the Ministry of Education wants it stopped, and parents and many students want it stopped, but it may mean the Ministry has to step up a little bit more to make it happen. Students don’t deserve all this interrupted learning. And they’re saying so. I was encouraged by the group of Waikato students who wrote an open letter to Minister Jan Tinetti saying enough is enough. They said “the greatest detriment to our future as New Zealand students is education disruption. While you battle over pay and conditions, students across the country are being sent home. Yet again our learning - despite all the rhetoric to the opposite - is happily being used as a pawn for political and union conflict”, they wrote. Good on them. Dozens of student leaders from Waikato schools signed it. They also pointed out that ‘as strike action continues, the Education Minister and her staff are contradicting the entire purpose of their jobs - to ensure the education of the country’s children and young people.’ They said, “We, as a student body, are in our fourth year of disruptions. We have not had it easy. However, we have compromised and done our very best, as we knew that the past three years were out of anyone’s control. This time, we do have control. You have control and right now this is a change we can make. Why are you putting us, the students, in the middle of a discussion where we are your focus..” They went on to say that as strike action goes on, ‘the Education Minister and her staff are contradicting the entire purpose of their jobs - to ensure the education of the country’s children and young people.’ So I take my hat off to them for telling it like it is. They have a right to be angry and they have a right to voice it. I only hope the Minister was listening. Because they’re right. They are contradicting the whole purpose of their jobs. The kids are over it. They’re knee deep in internals, they’re stressed, they’re fed up, they want it over. If the government can’t see the damage this is doing, then they’ve got their head in the sand. Let’s hope independent arbitration is agreed on and can work towards a good outcome here, that doesn’t involve more time off school for hard working students who are just trying to get their NCEA credits, and get a bit of learning in.See omny.fm/listener for privacy information.
6/18/20232 minutes, 52 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Three things have stood out to me as a bit of a let-down this week

So as we end the week three things have stood out to me as a bit of a let-down this week. One; the gangs and their cosy relationship with Police. Two; the media. Three; the teachers. I'll start with the Mob and the coppers. 'Working together collaboratively' as one of the Police put it, is not something that endears us to the force. This is not a collab, it's law enforcement and thugs. They're supposed to work at opposing ends - not together. Yes the motivation was clear - keep communities safe - but the execution involved inconveniencing and penalising those communities by allowing the gangs to run riot. And then telling us they did a good job because no one got hurt, and it was 'under control'. A gang intimidating a whole town and closing it down is not under control. It's being under the thumb of the gang. It's sending a message that gangs can close state highways and railroad through towns as they please, and the cops will stand by and wave them through. The odd vehicle will be searched but on the whole, we can do better. We should demand better. Two; the media. In a week where the aforementioned Mongrel Mob shut a town down and the country was plunged into a recession, and teachers stayed on strike and our kids spent two days rostered at home with no learning, some in the media chose to focus on what Luxon said that was stupid this week. Apparently a throwaway line about us having more babies, him calling the country inward looking and negative, and him cancelling a Tesla work car order last year, were the key messages of the week politically. So Luxon's likely to lose the election, according to some media, because he says dumb stuff. That was how we were dished up political news this week. In a week where as I said, teachers continued to strike, we went into recession, and we had gangs close down a whole town. Is it just me or is there not some politics in there that could have been covered? With a rather large spotlight on the government and what it's doing, versus what the leader of the opposition was saying. And that's before we get to the appalling way TV news media covered the gang funeral like they were eulogising some kind of lovely local man, instead of a gang boss. Again, we can do better. And then we get to the teachers. Twice my daughter was home this week, as they continued their strike. She'll be off for some days next week and the week after if they don't call the strikes off or accept a deal. It's a massive inconvenience and backwards step for our kids’ learning and education, at a time when NCEA internals are due, and work is being missed because of reduced classroom time. The non-Unionised teachers themselves are stressed at the backlog of work needing to be cleared here, they're worried about reputational damage what this is doing in terms of losing community support, and they too worry about the impact on these students. It’s not fair on the kids and they're the victims in all this. Their private school contemporaries are all in class getting ahead with the work because they don't have striking teachers. These public school kids will be measured up against them - it's not a level playing field where they're all competing for the same marks, yet some have all their days in school as per, with all their teachers, others don't. It's not fair on them. Again, we can do better here too. Let's hope next week looks a bit better than this one.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/15/20233 minutes, 6 seconds
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Elliott Smith: ZB rugby commentator on whether South Africa will react to no changes to Rugby Championship schedule

Is South Africa going to react to no change confirmed to the Rugby Championship Schedule? Sanzaar had to awkwardly clear up claims from its Rugby Australia chair Hamish McLennan on a potential change. Moving the schedule would give South African players a break from a gruelling calendar year. The chair's comments were made on Newstalk ZB's Rugby Direct podcast, hosted by ZB rugby commentator Elliott Smith. Elliott joined Kate Hawkesby. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/15/20234 minutes, 22 seconds
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Vincent McAviney: UK correspondent says Boris Johnson has gone from being the PM to an ex-MP in less than a year

It looks like Boris Johnson's political career may finally be over. A new privileges committee report has found the former Prime Minister misled parliament when questioned about Downing Street lockdown parties. It found he sewed distrust in parliament and undermined democracy - some of the highest offences for an elected politician. UK correspondent Vincent McAviney told Kate Hawkesby Johnson could have faced a 90 day suspension if he hadn't stood down. He says Johnson has gone from being the PM to an ex-MP in less than a year. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/15/20232 minutes, 40 seconds
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Glenn Dobson: Drug Detection Agency Chief Executive says hiding meth in liquids is nothing new

Organised crime groups keep finding ways to smuggle meth into the country. Police and customs officials intercepted a shipment of maple syrup from Canada at the New Zealand border in January. It was concealing 713 kilograms of methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of $250 million dollars. Drug Detection Agency Chief Executive Glenn Dobson told Kate Hawkesby hiding meth in liquids is nothing new. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/15/20233 minutes, 40 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: I'm not sure when the 6pm news decided to be a promo channel for gangs

I'm not sure when the 6pm news decided to be a promo channel for gangs, or why they wanted to spend so much time eulogising a gang leader, but I thought the way that Mongrel Mob tangi was covered last night was disgraceful. We've lost the plot in this country - and we wonder why we have gang problems. The coverage looked like a recruitment drive or a PR video for the gangs. We got so ill served as viewers, the real news was not what a great man other gang members or whānau thought he was, it was not to display endlessly all their patches and motorbikes and burnouts like they're some kind of heroes, it was not to run glowing commentary on how they saw off their leader. The news angle was that a town got shut down yesterday, and a main road closed for two hours - by gang members who decided to block it - while Police do nothing. They allegedly said they'd try to clear it but the queue of traffic that couldn't get down the road in Ōhope for two hours may feel they didn't quite work hard enough on that. Gang members were sitting on roofs of houses yelling out, sitting on top of cars, hanging out windows, doing donuts, some locals said the state of lawlessness was unbelievable. There were shots fired at a vehicle near the convoy, no one injured thank god, but clearly weapons were present in cars. Why wasn't every car stopped and searched? Why were they allowed to block roads and close a main road? Why were they allowed to sit on top of their cars while travelling down the road? Can you imagine any of us doing that and not being immediately stopped? Why were they allowed to drive recklessly with no consequences? The Prime Minister when asked about all this, said, "gangs suck." No kidding. But we need a bit more than stating the obvious from our PM. His words have to match some actions. They suck… but we won't do anything about them, is what it looks like. He said it was up to Police, and that it wasn't appropriate for him to comment. Well sorry but this country's going to hell in a handcart on the crime and gang front, and actually as the leader of it, it is not only appropriate for you to comment, but crucial that you do. People are being intimidated and inconvenienced and shut out of their own abilities to use their own roads, parks, schools, and businesses, because of a gang tangi. Because no one says no to the gangs. Not only that, news crews turn up to pop a microphone under their chins to hear about what a great guy the slain gang leader was. They allowed precious minutes of primetime news to eulogise a Mob president. I mean, how did we get here? How did we get the bar so low, that that now masquerades as news? Did the news forget that these guys thrive on notoriety, that all that footage and all those kind words about their leader, is just fuelling exactly what the gangs want. I mean they just played right into their hands. There should've been no footage of gang patches and motorbikes burning rubber, no interviews on how much their leader will be missed and how they replace him, no acknowledgement of the gang other than it being a nuisance to society, behaving illegally, stopping hard working taxpayers from getting about their own business. The story was the state of this country and how we've fallen victim to gangs ruling the roost. That was the story. Not a promo video for the actual gang.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/14/20233 minutes, 38 seconds
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Nick Tuffley: ASB Chief Economist on whether NZ has experienced another quarter of negative growth

All eyes are on the latest GDP number expected this morning. Economists are split on whether it will be another quarter of negative growth- after Q1 slipped back 0.6 percent. Another negative would technically put New Zealand into a recession. ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley joined Early Edition. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/14/20234 minutes, 12 seconds
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Deborah Powell: Resident Doctors' Association say Govt's increase on med school intakes is not enough

The Government is increasing med school intakes by 50 students next year the first increase in almost a decade. It'll be split across Auckland and Otago universities, with the total first year intake increasing to 589 places. But Resident Doctors' Association National Secretary, Deborah Powell told Kate Hawkesby it's not enough. She says there's need for at least another 200, but another 50 is better than nothing. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/14/20234 minutes, 18 seconds
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Jeremy Helson: Seafood NZ Chief Executive on Primary Sector exports now worth 14 percent of NZ's total GDP

The seafood sector has net some gains. The value of Primary Sector exports have hit a record high, now worth 14 percent of New Zealand's total GDP. Seafood is forecast to grow by eight percent to $2.1 billion  Seafood New Zealand Chief Executive Jeremy Helson told Kate Hawkesby it's being driven by good price increases in a few key stocks. He says rock lobsters, hoki and mussels are all doing well which is encouraging and foreign exchange is also helping. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/14/20233 minutes, 38 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: You can’t bluff your way out of this and keep telling us we feel safe

Well we learned yesterday that state housing tenants call the shots at Kāinga Ora, in that they know they won’t be evicted so they do whatever they want. Figures showed despite 10,000 complaints, only three had been evicted in 18 months. So, bad behaviour rules the roost there. Then we learn also this week that gangs clearly run Ōpōtiki. Again, they know they can do whatever they want, and an entire community will just shut down around them. The fact this is happening in our country, in 2023, beggars belief. And yet still the PM tells us NZ is safe. Tell that to the Filipino family with the 12-year-old daughter who got viciously beaten outside an Auckland North Shore McDonalds at 1.30pm on a Saturday afternoon.   She’s been left traumatized, can’t go outside, doesn’t want to return to school, required hospital treatment and is suffering distress form the impact of her assault. The family ‘moved to New Zealand in August last year, and had “never” experienced incidents like this in the Philippines,’ they said. Try telling them New Zealand is a safe country. And for all those families told to keep their kids at home from school for a whole week this week because of gang tensions in Ōpōtiki, are you telling me that feels safe? This comes after an increase of gang members in the town following the death of a Mongrel Mob president and two suspicious house fires. Police said they’d be maintaining an increased presence in the area. So if you’re wondering where the Police are and why they’re not at other crimes, they’re busy babysitting gang members all over Ōpōtiki. An entire week that town is shutting down for. Let that sink in. A gang can close a town up in this country, for a whole week, just by being intimidating. Schools shut, parks shut, businesses shut because working parents have to stay home to look after their – most likely scared - kids, how’s that a country you want to live in? This is not the NZ we know and love. It’s the same problem we talked about yesterday with Kāinga Ora housing. The way unruly Kāinga Ora tenants can dominate a whole neighbourhood and traumatise their neighbours, without eviction. The balance here has tipped so far to the lowest common denominator now, that we have lost all rational ability or foresight to run our society properly. How do we get that back? When Luxon told farmers the other day that this country’s lost its mojo, he’s not wrong. We’ve lost our way, and I don’t know what’s wrong with admitting that. As individuals we can lose our mojo and lose our way at times, admitting it helps us get back on track to fixing it. So why the government refuses to accept it's true is beyond me. You can’t bluff your way out of this and keep telling us we feel safe. We don’t. Systemic gang crime and activity is a major problem in many regions in this country. It’s unsettling and it doesn’t make us feel safe. Children getting viciously attacked while eating McDonalds doesn’t make us feel safe. Tenants who disrupt other people’s lives don’t make us feel safe. We need to restore some law and order to our communities, and stop just pretending that everything’s fine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/13/20233 minutes, 41 seconds
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Toby Williams: Federated Farmers Meat and Wool Industry Chair on new law changes to carbon farming

A law change will make it harder for overseas buyers to plant pine on good farm land. The Government is giving local councils the authority to determine where, and how much, carbon forestry can occur. The move limits trees used for carbon farming being planted on productive land, shifting the incentives to make planting on hillsides more attractive. Federated Farmers Meat and Wool Industry Chair Toby Williams told Kate Hawkesby this rights some of the wrongs from the past. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/13/20233 minutes, 43 seconds
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David Seymour: Act Party Leader says if 1,800 police are promised, people expect to see officers who can assist and arrest

Concern the public has been led up the garden path over a long-held promise to boost the country's police force. New police data shows of the Government's 1,800 new police officers, 270 are "authorised officers" and don't have arrest powers. Act Party Leader David Seymour told Kate Hawkesby if 1,800 police are promised, people expect to see officers who can assist and arrest if there's a crime. He says it doesn't mean they're not useful but they're not quite what the average person would think is a police officer. Police Minister Ginny Andersen has told our newsroom Government’s commitment has always included these authorised officers. LISTEN ABOVE    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/13/20233 minutes, 50 seconds
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Katherine Firkin: US correspondent as Donald Trump arrives at Miami court on federal crimes charges

Former US President Donald Trump has pleaded not guilty to illegally hoarding classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. “We most certainly enter a plea of not guilty,” Todd Blanche, Trump’s lawyer, told US Magistrate Judge Jonathan Goodman. CNN reported Trump had his arms folded and periodically spoke to Blanche while in the courtroom Trump’s motorcade arrived on Tuesday afternoon (EDT) at the federal courthouse shortly before he was scheduled to appear before a magistrate judge, a stunning moment in American history days after he became the first former president charged with federal crimes. Members of law enforcement stand guard as supporters of former President Donald Trump rally outside the Wilkie D. Ferguson Jr. U.S. Courthouse in Miami. Photo / Alex Brandon, AP Trump, as well as an aide charged as a co-conspirator, have been booked in the Miami federal court. The pair were digitally fingerprinted and had their birthdates and Social Security numbers taken as part of the booking process at the federal courthouse in Miami. The US Marshals Service said Trump and Walt Nauta were booked shortly after they arrived Tuesday afternoon. It’s the second criminal case Trump is facing as he seeks to reclaim the White House next year. He’s also accused in New York state court of falsifying business records related to hush-money payments made during the 2016 campaign. Trump has denied any wrongdoing, saying he’s being unfairly targeted by political opponents who want to hurt his campaign. After his court appearance. Trump will return to New Jersey, where he’s expected to hold a press event to publicly respond to the charges. The motorcade carrying former US President Donald Trump arrives near the courthouse in Miami. Photo / AP Nauta, a Navy veteran who fetched Trump’s Diet Cokes as his valet at the White House before joining him as a personal aide at Mar-a-Lago, is accused of moving boxes from the White House at Trump’s direction and then lying about it to investigators. Trump rode to court with his son Eric, who accompanied the motorcade from the former president’s Doral resort to the federal courthouse in Miami. CNN aired footage of Trump walking to a line of SUVs with his son by his side while someone yelled, “Let’s go Trump!” The former president stopped and waved at supporters, as well as chatted with staff members. Eric Trump appeared to clap his father on the back just before he climbed in a vehicle. As he rode to court, Trump posted on his social media site that the case against him was a “witch hunt”. Via his Truth Social network, he posted: “ON MY WAY TO COURTHOUSE. WITCH HUNT!!! MAGA.” Later, outside the courthouse, Trump’s lawyer Alina Habba said, “Today is not about President Donald J. Trump, who is defiant. “It is not about the Republican Party, it is not about the 2024 election,” Habba added. “It is about the destruction of longstanding principles that have set this country apart.” Alina Habba, lawyer for former President Donald Trump, gives a thumbs up to supporters after speaking outside the Wilkie D. Ferguson Jr. U.S. Courthous in Miami. Photo / Alex Brandon, AP Trump is the first former president to face a judge on federal charges as the city of Miami prepared for possible protests by crowds that officials said could number in the thousands. Security was tight outside the federal courthouse ahead of Trump’s history-making court appearance but there were no major disruptions as the morning unfolded. Trump approached his arraignment with characteristic bravado, insisting as he has through years of legal woes that he has done nothing wrong and was being persecuted for political purposes. But the gravity of the moment was unmistakable as he answers to 37 felony counts that accuse him of willfully retaining classified records that prosecutors say could have jeopardised national security if exposed, then trying to hide them from investigators who demanded them back. The case is laden with political implications for Trump, who holds the dominant spot in the early days of the 2024 Republican presidential primary. But it also poses profound legal consequences given the prospect of a years-long prison sentence. Even for a defendant whose post-presidential life has been dominated by investigations, the documents probe has stood out for the apparent volume of evidence amassed by prosecutors and the severity of the allegations. It’s also a watershed moment for a Justice Department that until last week had never before brought charges against a former president. Attorney General Merrick Garland, an appointee of President Joe Biden, sought to insulate the department from political attacks by handing ownership of the case last year to a special counsel, Jack Smith, who on Friday declared, “We have one set of laws in this country, and they apply to everyone”. The arraignment, though largely procedural in nature, is the latest in an unprecedented public reckoning this year for Trump, who faces charges in New York arising from hush money payments during his 2016 presidential campaign as well as ongoing investigations in Washington and Atlanta into efforts to undo the results of the 2020 race. He’s sought to project confidence in the face of unmistakable legal peril, attacking Smith as “a Trump hater”, pledging to stay in the race and scheduling a speech and fundraiser for Tuesday night at his Bedminster, New Jersey, golf club. People watch as the motorcade carrying former US President Donald Trump arrives at the Miami courthouse. Photo / AP “They’re using this because they can’t win the election fairly and squarely,” Trump said on Monday in an interview with Americano Media. The court appearance is also unfolding against the backdrop of potential protests. Some high-profile backers have used barbed rhetoric to voice support. Trump himself has encouraged supporters to join a planned protest Tuesday at the Miami courthouse, where he is expected to surrender to authorities. Trump is not expected to be subjected to a mugshot, according to a person familiar with the situation. Generally, Justice Department agencies, like the FBI and US Marshals Service, take a booking photo as part of the arrest process and the photo is uploaded into a shared law enforcement database. A small group of pro-Trump supporters and anti-Trump protesters were squabbling in front of Miami’s federal courthouse as they awaited the former president’s appearance. A man with “Trump sucks” spray-painted on his jacket and pants shouted at supporters of the former president as they passed by while a man held a homemade “Free Trump” banner behind others who shouted at him. Dozens of supporters wrapped themselves in Trump flags or campaign merchandise as they milled about near the courthouse. The crowd included far-right internet personality Anthime Gionet, who served a two-month prison sentence for streaming live video while he stormed the U.S. Capitol with a mob of Trump supporters on January 6, 2021. Gionet, better known as “Baked Alaska,” was live streaming video of his interactions with people around the courthouse — something the terms of Gionet’s probation don’t appear to prohibit. Meanwhile, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, wearing a T-shirt with a police logo, toured the nearby media encampment and said he didn’t expect any disturbances. “So far, so good,” Suarez said. “It’s still early, but the crowd seems to be under control and everyone respectful and peaceful. Let’s hope it remains that way.” Suarez is considering a presidential run and has suggested he could make his intentions known during a speech Thursday at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California. Some Trump supporters were planning to load buses to head to Miami from other parts of Florida, raising concerns for law enforcement officials who are preparing for possible unrest around the courthouse. Mayor Suarez had said the city would be ready, and police chief Manuel A. Morales said downtown could see anywhere from a few thousand up to 50,000 protesters. Among those who arrived early Tuesday were father and son Florencio and Kevin Rodriguez, who came to the US 15 years ago as asylum seekers fleeing the dictatorship in Cuba. Wearing a shirt that reads “Jesus is my savior, Trump my president,” the younger Rodriguez, Kevin, said it was possible Trump was guilty of illegally retaining classified documents. But he questioned the fairness of the proceedings in light of other classified information probes concerning Democrats, including former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and President Joe Biden. Police gather after the motorcade carrying Trump arrived at the Miami courthouse. Photo / AP Clinton was not charged for sending classified information on a private email server after FBI investigators concluded that she had not intended to break the law. The Biden investigation remains open, but no evidence has emerged to suggest he acted willfully — a core claim in the Trump indictment. “We never abandon our amigos — those who love this country and our liberty,” Rodriguez added, highlighting Trump’s staunch opposition to Cuba’s communist government. The crowd also included far-right internet personality Anthime Gionet, who served a two-month prison sentence for streaming live video while he stormed the US Capitol. Gionet, better known as “Baked Alaska,” was livestreaming video of his interactions with other people as they waited for Trump to arrive. Unlike in the New York case, where photographers produced images of a sombre-faced Trump at the courtroom defence table, the public’s view will be limited. Cameras are generally not permitted in federal courts, and a judge Monday night barred reporters from having phones inside the building. A federal grand jury in Washington had heard testimony for months in the documents case, but the Justice Department filed it in Florida, where Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort is and where many of the alleged acts of obstruction occurred. Though Trump is set to appear Tuesday before a federal magistrate, the case has been assigned to a District Court judge he appointed, Aileen Cannon, who ruled in his favour last year in a dispute over whether an outside special master could be appointed to review the seized classified documents. A federal appeals panel ultimately overturned her ruling. It’s unclear what defences Trump is likely to cite as the case moves forward. Two of his lead lawyers announced their resignation on the morning after his indictment, and the notes and recollections of another attorney, M. Evan Corcoran, are cited repeatedly throughout the 49-page charging document, suggesting prosecutors envision him as a potential key witness. Trump has said he’s looking to add to his legal team though no announcements were made Monday. He was expected to be represented at his arraignment by Todd Blanche, an attorney also defending him in the New York case, and Florida lawyer Chris Kise, who joined Trump’s stable of attorneys last year. Under the rules of the district, defendants have to have a local lawyer for an arraignment to proceed. The Justice Department unsealed Friday an indictment charging Trump with 37 felony counts, 31 relating to the willful retention of national defence information. Other charges include conspiracy to commit obstruction and false statements. The indictment alleges Trump intentionally retained hundreds of classified documents that he took with him from the White House to Mar-a-Lago after leaving the presidency in January 2021. The material he stored, including in a bathroom, ballroom, bedroom and shower, included material on nuclear programmes, defence and weapons capabilities of the US and foreign governments and a Pentagon “attack plan”, the indictment says. The information, if exposed, could have put at risk members of the military, confidential human sources and intelligence collection methods, prosecutors said. Beyond that, prosecutors say, he sought to obstruct government efforts to recover the documents, including by directing personal aide Walt Nauta — who was charged alongside Trump — to move boxes to conceal them and also suggesting to his own lawyer that he hide or destroy documents sought by a Justice Department subpoena. - Eric Tucker, Alanna Durkin Richer, APSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/13/20234 minutes, 19 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on three stabbed to death in Nottingham attack, man arrested on suspicion of murder

A knife-wielding assailant stabbed two university students to death in the streets of the English city of Nottingham and then fatally stabbed a middle-aged man, stole his van and ran down three pedestrians in a shocking rampage early on Tuesday morning (GMT), police said. Police arrested a 31-year-old man on suspicion of murder. The Nottinghamshire Police force said investigators believe the perpetrator acted alone and detectives were working with counter-terrorism officers to try to establish a motive. “This is a horrific and tragic incident which has claimed the lives of three people,” Chief Constable Kate Meynell said. A man who was among the people struck in the hit-and-run was hospitalised in critical condition. The dead included two 19-year-old students from the University of Nottingham. “We are shocked and devastated by the news,” the school said in an announcement. A graduation ball scheduled for Tuesday evening was cancelled. One of the victims has been identified as Barnaby Webber, 19, with his grandparents saying that his parents ‘are in bits’ about the news. Phil and Jenny Robson, the victim’s grandparents, said: “We are still unsure what has gone on at the moment. “Barnaby’s parents are in bits as you can imagine, but they are with officers from Nottinghamshire Police as we speak. The knife attack on the students occurred around dawn in an area near student housing a short walk from the university’s Jubilee Campus. A caller reported that two stabbing victims were lying in the street. Police think the attacker then killed a man in his 50s and took his van, Meynell said. His body was found on a different street more than a kilometre from the first crime scene. About 90 minutes after the initial attack, witnesses were horrified as they watched the van plough into pedestrians and flee. Police officers block a road in Nottingham where police say three people have been found dead, and three others were hit by a van in linked incidents. Photo / AP Lynn Haggitt was on her way to work when a white van pulled up beside her at 5.30am. She saw the driver look in his mirror and spot a police car approaching slowly from behind without its emergency lights on. The driver then accelerated and struck a man and woman at a street corner, she said. “He went straight into them. He didn’t even bother to turn,” Haggitt told reporters. “The woman went on the curb, the man went up in the air, there was such a bang, I wish I never saw it. It’s really shaken me up.” The driver then sped through the city center with police on his tail, she added. Haggitt said the wounded man appeared to have a head injury but was helped to his feet. The woman was sitting on the curb and appeared to be OK. A third pedestrian was struck on the same street, police said. Two of the hit-and-run victims had minor injuries, Meynell said. Police officers block off a road in Nottingham where three people have died in a van attack in the city centre. Photo / AP “We believe these three incidents are all linked, and we have a man in custody,” the police chief said. “We are keeping an open mind as we investigate the circumstances surrounding these incidents and are working alongside Counter Terrorism Policing to establish the facts, as we would normally do in these types of circumstances.” After stopping the van, officers subdued the suspect with a Taser before detaining him. University of Nottingham student Kane Brady said he awoke to loud shouts of “armed police” and heard what sounded like a gunshot outside. He said he saw officers holding stun guns and a man being dragged out of the van and pinned on the ground. “I saw him getting arrested, him trying to resist,” Brady told British broadcaster GB News. “When they opened the van, I saw a large knife being pulled out and then straight away, that’s when police closed off both roads.” Photos showed the hood of the van dented and cracks in the windshield. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called it a shocking incident and asked that police be given time to investigate the crime. “My thoughts are with those injured, and the family and loved ones of those who have lost their lives,” Sunak said. Nottingham is a city of about 350,000 people some 175 kilometres north of London. Images on social media showed police, some with rifles, standing near cordons at several locations in the city centre. The city’s tram network said it suspended all services. - Jill Lawless, Brian Melley, AP with Telegraph UKSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/13/20232 minutes, 42 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: How are we at a time where where they’re sacrificing our children's learning, just to make a point?

I was inundated with feedback yesterday from both parents and teachers regarding the teachers’ strikes this term. So many teachers got in touch. They're embarrassed, many of them, and annoyed, that the strikes are going on so long. There are on average five days that high schoolers will be told to stay home while teachers strike for the remainder of this term. So of the three weeks left of school, many students will only do two weeks, one will be swallowed up with strike days. As I said yesterday, this is super stressful for them, because there are all-important internals on and huge chunks of work is getting missed by not being in the classroom. It’s not like lockdowns where they could do online learning either, there is no teaching at all, which has now gotten to the point of ridiculous and even the teachers are fed up. One wrote to me saying she’s so sick of the Union and the zealots who are dragging this out. Another said she’s embarrassed at the reputation this is giving teachers. Another said it’s eroding goodwill with students and parents, and she worries they'll struggle to get that back. One said she can’t believe they still haven’t accepted any offers; they wanted it to be over by now. Another said it is the children who’re suffering – which was my concern too – that it’s the students missing out on critical learning who are the real victims here. It’s a weird thing isn’t it that in this day and age of anxious children and woeful mental health stats, that diehard Unionised teachers are happy to keep stoking that fire with their actions. They’re making these kids stressed and anxious and worried. They’re also setting a really bad example around the importance of education and attendance, which is as we know a huge problem right now in this country. In fact, some schools have opted to have children come into school even if they're not being taught, just to study at school and be there, to maintain the importance of the routine of coming to school each day. Many parents are angry that teachers are playing with their kids futures here, and it’s a legitimate concern. The teachers who’re aware of the support they’re losing from parents and students say they too would like it be over now. But this is the problem with ardent Unionists; they’re zealots for principle, irrespective of the collateral damage. These kids are collateral damage. The Unionised teachers who’re digging in have maybe lost sight of what’s happening here. They’re making a rod for their own backs with the amount of time and teaching they’re going to have to make up for, for these kids who have NCEA grades and internals due. The curriculum keeps going; it doesn’t just stop because teachers walk out. So these kids are in catch up mode and it’s these teachers who have to get these kids through, and get them achieving their credits. How will they feel when they finish all their strike action and return to a classroom where their students are all stressed and falling behind? I’m at a loss to understand how this has gone on this long, at this level of our children’s education. How is it we are at a point where they’re sacrificing our children and their learning, just to make a point?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/12/20233 minutes, 4 seconds
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Bernie Smith: Housing developer says the govt's lack of action on Kāinga Ora tenants is totally unacceptable

The Government is being accused of slacking off with disruptive Kāinga Ora tenants. Newstalk ZB can reveal three people have been evicted for bad behaviour in the past 18 months - another 200 have been relocated. This is despite 10,000 complaints since the housing agency rolled out tougher termination measures. Solomon Group Housing manager Bernie Smith told Kate Hawkesby it's totally unacceptable. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/12/20233 minutes, 59 seconds
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Kate Acland: Beef and Lamb Chair says they are pleased with National's election emissions policy

Beef and Lamb is pleased with National's election emissions policy. National would start measuring farm emissions by 2025, and make farmers pay for them by 2030, five years later than the current plan to have them paying by 2025. National hasn't revealed how it will decide pricing, but says it will decide in the first year if elected. Beef and Lamb Chair Kate Acland says the delay is positive because time is needed to make the pricing fair. She says it can't be rushed into. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/12/20233 minutes, 11 seconds
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Josh Emett: Kiwi chef is teaming up with Gwyneth Paltrow's powerhouse brand goop

Kiwi chef Josh Emett is cooking up a storm for none other than goop - Gwyneth Paltrow's powerhouse brand. The goop team reached out after Paltrow reposted Josh's hasselback potatoes on social media in March. He's now whipped up three recipes for their massive online audience. Josh Emmet joined Kate Hawkesby. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/12/20234 minutes, 7 seconds
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Eric Crampton: NZ Initiative Chief Economist on the Green Party's tax proposal

Questions are being raised over whether the Green Party's proposed tax overhaul is needed. It's pledging to lift the top tax rate to 45%, corporate taxes to 33%, and slash taxes for earners below $120,000. Assets worth two-million-dollars will be hit with a 2.5% wealth tax — or four-million-dollars for couples. Trusts will also be taxed at 1.5%. But, New Zealand Initiative Chief Economist, Eric Crampton says that a new tax system isn't the way unless you want the Government to raise substantially more money. He says if you want something like an Income Guarantee programme, far more tax will need to be raised. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/11/20233 minutes, 59 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: The children are the ones who are suffering

So today my daughter is off school again with another teachers strike. One of two this week alone, she will also be off Thursday. She is Year 12 doing internals and headed towards important exams, and it is stressful for her and her friends to again be told to stay home. Many of her teachers are over it too, they’re aware students are falling behind or having to rejig too much work and scheduling, many of them are getting as stressed as the students are. Some have expressed disappointment that the Unionised teachers are still rejecting the offers made. They want it settled, the school wants it settled, the students want it settled. It also comes at a time when we have record absenteeism and we are begging kids to attend school. We’re trying to reiterate the importance of school and a good education, and there is messaging coming from all quarters on how to keep kids in school and focused on achievement. So the timing could not be worse to have teachers stopping work endlessly; and I say endlessly because it sure feels like it. And that’s before we get to all the days off currently by kids and teachers coming down with winter bugs. There’s a lot of sickness around in Term 2, always, but particularly this winter off the back of lockdowns and Covid. And given we are in June, we are running out of days left before school holidays start in just 3 weeks. It’s been a very disruptive term already. For parents this is a quandary. On the one hand, we want our kids in school, we want them learning, we want them going where we’ve paid for them to be and actually getting to know some stuff, and working towards grades that will impact their futures. We also want routine for our families, structure, consistency and kids not thinking that only going to school for 3 days a week is normal or acceptable. But we support teachers; who doesn’t? Anyone whose put their kids through school knows how hard many of them (not all) work, and how much of an impact they can have on your child’s life. It's a critical role and I feel badly for how much extra teachers have to take on these days in the form of bureaucracy and admin and social work, and dealing with a whole bunch of stuff they shouldn’t have to deal with. It sucks. But it’s also part of what you must know you’re signing up for. We’ve got a young doctor in training in our family, and we’ve talked to her endlessly about the 80-90 hour weeks and the burnout and the stress and all the headaches that being a young doctor in this country entails, and she says she knows all that going in. Do the striking teachers go into teaching expecting it will be something different to what it is? That’s not to say they shouldn’t advocate for change and look to evolve it, god only knows the whole school system needs evolving and upgrading, but at what point do you exhaust community support and erode the respect of your students by just permanently striking? The Primary teachers just accepted their fourth offer from the Ministry of Education after “a long negotiation campaign which included the largest education strike in this country's history”, it was reported. The teachers in that dispute pointed out how much work demands have skyrocketed for them, and I don’t doubt it. But the line that they’re striking ‘for the children’ is starting to wear a bit thin when it’s the children who are suffering now with so many days off.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/11/20233 minutes, 37 seconds
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Peter Dearden: Genomics Aotearoa on National proposing to end the effective ban on genetic modification

A scientist is pleased to see the issue of genetic editing taken up ahead of the election. National's promising to end the effective ban on editing and modification if elected for the benefit of climate change, agriculture, and health science. Genomics Aotearoa Director Peter Dearden told Kate Hawkesby that there isn't currently a ban, but regulations are too restrictive and out of date. He says it's hopeful to see a political party see the opportunities and decide it's something worth addressing. Dearden says genetic modification isn't the problem, it's what it aims to achieve that needs to be regulated. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/11/20234 minutes, 44 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: It's good to take stock of how much we're sharing about our kids online

I was reading about ‘sharenting’ the other day and how in France it’s now a crime. The Government there have introduced laws that ban parents from over sharing their children online. The idea is to protect children and their image and their rights to their own images, which in principal is not a bad idea, especially when you consider stats that show there are “on average 1300 photos of a child online before the age of 13.”   Alarmingly, sharing your images of your kids can be a risk to their security. It’s been reported that, “Half of the pictures shared by child sexual abusers were initially posted by parents on social media, according to reports by the US National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children.” Sobering stuff. It got me thinking about how much we share here – or over share – of our kids, and how much thought we actually give it. Because when they’re all cute, fluffy little babies and then cute and crazy toddlers doing hilarious things, it’s amusing to post that stuff. It’s part of what you’re doing if you’re a young Mum or a fulltime parent, or really anyone who just revels in their kids. And there’s been commentary around the fact that this becomes in many cases an extension of the parent’s identity online – they are a Mum – therefore they want to share that aspect of their life online too. Some even monetise it as we know. As they get older though, children often become uncomfortable with how much exposure they’re getting online via their parents. They may get embarrassed, or teased about it, they may as they get older want to curate their online life via their own page without Mum or Dad’s input on what they think is cute. I did a parenting column in a women’s magazine for many years, and when the kids were little it was easy to tell stories about them or talk about things that happened to us, but as they got older, not so much. So increasingly, I tried to write generically about kids and not specifically about my own. But eventually it all became too hard. Because they have lives of their own, and they don’t need Mum’s hot take on it published for all to see thanks very much. I follow lots of Mums online, some who never post their kids, some who post them all the time, some who post them anonymously with their faces blocked out or their identity obscured.  It’s up to the individual of course – but I often look at heavily exposed kids on social media and wonder how long the parents will get away with it for. Because as the child gets older, they usually want less and less of themselves exposed online via Mum or Dad. And they let you know, either by refusing photos to be taken at all, or making you take them down, or the demands kick in – like ‘you’re not allowed to post anything of me without my permission first’. So it's good to take stock of just how much we’re sharing of our children, whether they’re comfortable with it, or whether they would be as they get older. And with the advancement of AI, we need to remember that privacy risks may only increase with the more we put out there. Which is all food for thought next time we think about posting our kids doing something random which we think is hilarious, but in a few years’ time, they may not.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/8/20232 minutes, 16 seconds
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Adele Gautier: Breast Cancer Foundation researcher discusses Pharmac consideration of switch to Herzuma

Changes are on the cards for some breast cancer patients. Pharmac is consulting on a drug switch proposal to replace the current expired one. Herzuma is said to be more safe and cost effective, but at what there are concerns about whether all patients will be suited to it. Breast Cancer Foundation's Research and Strategics Manager, Adele Gautier, joined Kate Hawkesby. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/8/20234 minutes, 12 seconds
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Vincent McAviney: Europe correspondent on Syrian refugee critically injuring four young children at Annecy park in French Alps

As bystanders screamed for help, a man with a knife stabbed four young children at a lakeside park in the French Alps on Thursday, assaulting at least one in a stroller repeatedly. The children between 22 months and 3 years old suffered life-threatening injuries, and two adults also were wounded, authorities said. The helplessness of the young victims and the savagery of the attack sickened France. A suspect, identified by police as a 31-year-old Syrian, was detained in connection with the morning attack in the Alpine and lakeside town of Annecy. French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne said he had refugee status in Sweden. Witnesses reported scenes of terror as the man roamed the park, ambushing victims with his blade. “I said to the police, ‘Shoot him, kill him! He’s stabbing everyone,’” Anthony Le Tallec, a former professional soccer player who was jogging when he came across the attacker, said. Lead prosecutor Line Bonnet-Mathis said the man’s motives were unknown but did not appear to be terrorism-related. He was armed with a folding knife, she said. The 31yo man who is alleged to have stabbed four children during a knife attack at a children's playground in Annecy, France. Photo / Twitter She said all four children suffered life-threatening knife wounds. The youngest is 22 months old, two are age 2 and the oldest is 3, she said. Two of them are French, the other two were tourists — one British, the other Dutch, she said. Two adults also suffered knife wounds — life-threatening for one them, the prosecutor said. One of the adults was hurt both with the attacker’s knife and later by a shot fired by police as they were making the arrest, Bonnet-Mathis said. Video appearing to show the attack in and around a children’s play park was posted on social media. The footage showed a man in dark glasses and with a blue scarf covering his head brandishing a knife, as people screamed for help. Police in a playground at the scene of knife attack in Annecy, where four young children were left with life-threatening injuries. Photo / AP The man appeared to shout “on name of Jesus Christ” as he waved his knife in the air, while people nearby could be heard screaming: “Police! Police!” He slashed at a man carrying rucksacks who tried to approach him. Inside the enclosed play park, a panicked woman frantically pushed a stroller as the attacker approached, yelling “Help! Help!” and ramming the stroller into the barriers around the site in her terror. She tried to fend off the attacker but couldn’t keep him from leaning over the stroller and stabbing downward repeatedly. Afterwards, the man strolled almost casually out of the park, letting himself out through a gate, with the man carrying two rucksacks still chasing after him. French President Emmanuel Macron described the assault as an “attack of absolute cowardice”. Of the victims, he said “children and an adult are between life and death.” “The nation is in shock,” Macron tweeted. French PM Elisabeth Borne (second left), addresses the media in Annecy following a knife attack which has left four children severely injured. Photo / AP Le Tallec, the ex-soccer player who witnessed the attack while on a lakeside jog, said in an Instagram video that he first came across “a mother who said to me, ‘Run! Run! There’s someone stabbing everyone.” “I saw him sprinting straight for some grandpas and grandmas. And there, he attacked, he attacked the grandpa, he stabbed him once. The police behind couldn’t catch him.” The police then opened fire and the attacker fell to the ground, having stabbed the older man a second time, Le Tallec said. The prosecutor said the suspect had been living in the Annecy area since last fall and had no fixed address. An ice cream seller who works in the waterside park said he’d seen the attacker there several days earlier, looking out at the lake ringed by mountains. Police officers stand on a bridge near the scene after a knife attack in Annecy. Photo / AP The suspect was a political refugee in Sweden, the prosecutor said. The Swedish Migration Agency said he was granted permanent residency in 2013. The agency did not identify the suspect but said he subsequently sought Swedish citizenship in 2017 and 2018, both denied, and applied again in August 2022. Eleanor Vincent, an American author vacationing in Annecy, told the Associated Press of her shock at seeing an emergency helicopter descending to the picturesque park. “As soon as I heard the sirens and saw police running, I knew something horrible was happening. I am in shock. It’s a park where they take children out to walk,” Vincent said. Crowds stood in “absolute silence,” dumbfounded as the tragedy unfolded, she said. “As a parent who has lost a child, I know what these parents are experiencing. It’s a horror beyond belief,” Vincent added. In Paris, politicians interrupted a debate to hold a moment of silence for the victims. The assembly president, Yaël Braun-Pivet, said: “There are some very young children who are in critical condition, and I invite you to respect a minute of silence for them, for their families, and so that, we hope, the consequences of this very grave attack do not lead to the nation grieving.” - John Leicester, APSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/8/20233 minutes, 2 seconds
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Viv Beck: Heart of the City CEO says Auckland businesses want a cost-effective, efficient council that's easier to work with

Auckland councillors will be back around the table at 10am this morning after being unable to agree on the council's budget. Mayor Wayne Brown proposed a compromise mid-way through yesterday's meeting, suggesting selling about half the council's holding in Auckland Airport, higher rates rises and more cuts to Council Controlled Organisations and local boards. Heart of the City chief executive Viv Beck told Kate Hawkesby businesses want a cost-effective, efficient council that's easier to work with, has less red tape and gives better value for money. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/8/20233 minutes, 8 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Voters gave these guys the biggest majority ever, and look what they’ve done with that

So the final march for the man known around Parliament as the Little General, Michael Wood, surely he’s gone by lunchtime. I mean being told to do something six times was already a lot, but to then find out it was in fact 12 times; come on. As the Nat’s Nicola Willis said yesterday, she sometimes has to ask her 13 year old son to do things 5 or 6 times; but 12 times? That’s next level. This is a cluster that Chris Hipkins can no longer ignore. Shifting $13,000 worth of shares is not that hard, let’s be honest. And you can’t argue you forgot when you got reminded about it 12 times. The PM must be so fed up with this Cabinet. I mean the state of it. Michael Wood, Stuart Nash, Meka Whaitiri, the Jan Tinetti saga, the Kiri Allan saga. Too many sagas, too many shambles and all too close to the election.   Luxon said the wheels are coming off this Government, I’d argue they’re already off. It’s a clown car with wheels rolling around in all directions and the wheels are just hitting them all in the face now. Hipkins needs to salvage this somehow, he needs to look strong and decisive and managerial, he already let this whole thing loll around far too long - all weekend not dealing with it, he was too slow to even ask questions. And by the time he started asking questions, more was coming out and it was getting worse and worse, the hole was getting bigger and bigger. Here's the thing. We deserve better. Voters gave these guys the biggest majority ever to run this country, and look what they’ve done with that. Run it into the ground. Made a mockery of their time in office, bumbled, fumbled, lied, obfuscated, and in Michael Wood’s case, arrogantly assumed they’d get away with it all. The ultimate notice will be served to this government on October 14th, but in the interim, they just have to do better, they just have to stop this shambolic rule breaking misleading circus act they’re currently putting on. It’s funny isn’t it how people and polls and pundits are so focused on the Chris v Chris show. You know, Chippy from the Hutt with the sausage rolls versus flat old Luxon who looks a bit corporate and a bit boring. Well, the reality is, look at their teams. Look at who’s around them, look at what sort of government you’re having run the place. Look at whose handling the baubles of office, holding the purse strings and managing the country efficiently and honestly. Are you telling me it’s these guys? It’s Michael Wood and it’s Willie Jackson and it’s Jan Tinetti and it’s Ginny - ‘what Police operation?’ - Andersen? I mean come on. We deserve better. I don’t care how many sausage rolls Chris Hipkins eats, that’s not how we should be voting. Act’s David Seymour says in the interests of fairness and trust in public officials, it’s untenable Wood can stay on. Concealing a public interest, as Seymour pointed out, is banana republic behaviour and something we can’t accept. I mean I know the bar’s already too low in this country with this Government, but we can’t possibly lower it even further. The only honourable and appropriate thing to happen now, is for Michael to be sent into the Woods.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/7/20233 minutes, 35 seconds
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Tara Jackson: NZ Anti-Vivisection Society calls for change to stop animals being used for science in New Zealand

An animal welfare group wants more done to stop animals being used for science in New Zealand. The Ministry for Primary Industries' most recent report shows more than 308,000 animals were used for testing, teaching and research in 2021. Nearly half were then killed. Tara Jackson is the Executive Director of the NZ Anti-Vivisection Society and she joined Kate Hawkesby. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/7/20235 minutes, 17 seconds
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Mike Cullerne: Arnott's NZ Country Director on manufacturing in New Zealand for first time in 25 years

For the first time in 25 years, Arnott's will again manufacture products in New Zealand. The company is opening its new facility in Avondale, West Auckland today. It comes after it acquired the 180 Degrees cracker brand two years ago. Arnott's New Zealand Country Director Mike Cullerne told Kate Hawkesby it'll allow them to make more locally made products. He says they've partnered with Barkers of Geraldine to make a new shortbread range coming next month. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/7/20233 minutes, 41 seconds
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Grant Duncan: Political commentator says actions of Wood and Tinetti probably won't be bad enough to end their political careers

The actions of Michael Wood and Jan Tinetti probably won't be bad enough to end their political careers. Tinetti goes before the Privileges Committee today, accused of misleading the House about school attendance figures. And the Opposition is calling for Wood to resign or be fired, after revelations he was told to sell his Auckland Airport shares no fewer than 12 separate times. Massey University political commentator Grant Duncan told Kate Hawkesby Tinetti will probably be asked to apologise, while he doubts Wood's actions are a sackable offence. He says the rules aren't set in stone, as the Cabinet Manual is fairly open about what is a conflict of interest and what isn't. Wood says he's remorseful but has no plans to resign. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/7/20234 minutes, 28 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Calling out supermarkets on dodgy pricing may work, but I'm concerned it won't

I see Consumer NZ is making a last ditch attempt to ping the supermarkets on dodgy pricing or so called specials that are not specials. They’re relying on us, the customers, to give them examples to strengthen their case, they say they’re “calling on New Zealanders to be the eyes and ears at the supermarket one last time to help gather as much evidence for the Commerce Commission as possible.” They’ve even designed a new form to make it easier to share examples of dodgy pricing. But the problem is, this falls again on us. Why should we have to be the eyes and ears of calling them out, why are the supermarkets not fixing this themselves and being a bit more proactive about not ripping us off. Especially now, in a cost of living crisis for goodness sake. Apparently, back in March, Consumer brought more than 300 examples of dodgy so called 'specials' to supermarket bosses attention. And while supermarkets apparently acknowledged these examples, they’ve done nothing about it. In fact, in the last two months Consumer says they’ve had more than 160 complaints highlighting pricing issues at supermarkets. So what’s changed? Absolutely nothing. Either the supermarkets are too big to be bothered, don’t care, know that Consumer NZ is toothless therefore are not worried, or arrogantly assume we just won’t notice. I think consumers are noticing though and I think they’re fed up with it – the numbers of complaints would indicate that’s the case. Putting the supermarkets ‘on notice’ as Consumer says it did back in March, has changed nothing. They’ve shown no interest in correcting their dodgy practices. So the things they’re worried about us the consumer paying attention to, in order to hold supermarkets to account, is stuff like misleading multi-buys. That’s when products are advertised as cheaper or a better deal if you buy them in bulk, as opposed to individually. So one real life example was four packets of rice crackers advertised as ‘4 packs for $5’ when in fact the crackers were a dollar and nine cents a packet individually to begin with, so you were actually paying more, to buy 4 packets of them. Now when I hear that, it really annoys me, but it’s the sort of thing I’d personally never stop to check, so is that on me? Like whose fault is that? The supermarkets’ for being unscrupulous and trying to rip me off? Or mine for not checking? But how much time do we have to check every little thing when we’re at the supermarket? I mean we’re busy, we may have kids with us, we may be in a hurry or we may be checking other stuff like ingredients lists or nutrition info. I mean how much time and attention do we have to give supermarket shopping? See I reckon we should be able to rely on supermarkets to not be ripping us off, we should be able to relax and know that they’re doing the right thing and making sure a deal is a deal, not making us second guess everything. But does that make me naïve? Or does it make them reprobates? So although Consumer NZ wants us to do the hard yards here and bust supermarkets on their dodgy pricing, I actually think it’s worth doing if it’ll make supermarkets finally sit up and take notice. My concern though is that they still won’t, because they’re too big to care.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/6/20233 minutes, 34 seconds
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Max Whitehead: Employment relations expert says contracts need to make clear where people should work from

Working habits are largely starting to return to pre-pandemic norms. A survey from media company JCDecaux New Zealand has found 89 percent of workers are working from the office for three or more days a week. Employment relations expert Max Whitehead says employment contracts need to make clear where people should work from. He told Kate Hawkesby employers will be welcoming it. He says bosses find there's better engagement, better productivity and better services for clients when people work in the office. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/6/20234 minutes, 21 seconds
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Dr. Colette Muir: Paediatric health expert says new vaping regulations don't go far enough to prevent access

Claims the new vaping regulations don't go far enough to prevent young people's access to products. From August, disposable vapes will be banned and all devices will need to have removable or replaceable batteries. New vape retailers will no longer be able to operate within 300 metres of schools and marae. Paediatric Society of New Zealand spokesperson, Doctor Colette Muir told Kate Hawkesby the Government could have gone further. She says black and white packaging would lessen the appeal to young people. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/6/20233 minutes, 13 seconds
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Sirma Karapeeva: Meat Industry Association says red meat export increase is a sign of recovery, not out of the woods yet

Red meat exports are exceeding expectations despite the current financial market. The Meat Industry Association is reporting a two-percent increase in exports in April, worth almost $1 billion, compared to the previous year. The association's CEO Sirma Karapeeva told Kate Hawkesby things are improving after a slow start to the year. She says any increase is a sign of recovery, but she doubts they're out of the woods just yet. Karapeeva says economic conditions are still affecting the industry and need to be taken as it comes. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/6/20232 minutes, 59 seconds
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Gavin Grey: Europe Correspondent says Prince Harry has launched a fierce attack on what he calls the "vile" press

Prince Harry has launched a fierce attack on what he calls the "vile" press. The Duke of Sussex and 100 others is accusing Mirror Group Newspapers of widespread unlawful information-gathering between 1991 and 2011. He's told the High Court in London he blames the tabloids for destroying his adolescence and later relationships. Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey told Kate Hawkesby they looked at 140 stories over a 14-year-period since 1996, which made for interesting evidence. He says the defence keeps pointing out Prince Harry has no direct evidence that hacking took place, it's just his suspicion. He adds the defence also stressed every story he referred to had also appeared in other newspapers as well. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/6/20233 minutes, 12 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Until we turn around our attitude to crime, stats will continue to go the wrong way

I think what that new NZ Herald poll at the weekend on crime tells us is what we already knew, the Government's completely out of touch. It will be this, among other things, that will see them lose the election come October. Despite telling us over and over again that crime is down and that we all feel safer, you can only lie and feed us so much BS before your cover gets blown. And as it turns out, that turned up in the form of actual data over the weekend where a new survey polling New Zealanders showed in fact we feel less safe today than we did five years ago. This is not news to us, we know it, we’ve been telling the Government that for months, dairy owners, liquor store owners and retailers across the country have been telling them for months, we’ve all seen it, because it’s real. The survey showed that ‘two-thirds of Kiwis are more concerned about being a victim of crime today than they were five years ago, and harsher prison sentences and more police would make them feel safer.’ 1,000  respondents were asked ‘if they were more or less concerned about being the victim of a crime today than five years ago.’ ‘Sixty-seven per cent were more concerned, 28 per cent felt about the same and 5 per cent were less concerned. Concern in Auckland was higher than the national average. Why am I not surprised? As an Aucklander I know it’s the number one topic of conversation wherever you go. It’s forefront every time you walk or drive by shops and see all the boarded up glass, or the empty vacated shops. We don’t feel safe, because we know we are not safe. And despite government and the judiciary’s best attempts to keep everyone out of jails, Kiwis actually want the opposite. We don’t want crime and criminals emptied out onto our streets and into our communities, we want harsher penalties, we want more police. The survey asked what was important to improving their safety, ‘the most common answers were harsher prison sentences (34 per cent) and more police (27 per cent).’ The numbers when you look at them are stark, and depressing.  From 2017 until 2022, reported victims of crime went up 11.9 percent. Offenders arrested went down 25.4 percent, convictions down 26.2 percent, prison sentences down 44.8 percent. That is a shocking example of statistics going the wrong way for a decent and thriving society. That’s unquestionably a government and judiciary soft on crime. How they can argue the opposite is beyond me. People imprisoned down 44.8 percent tells you everything you need to know about the ideology driven bollocks that has seen us end up here.   There will always be those philosophical about crime and arguing we need to be more restorative, rehabilitative and holistic in our approach. Sure, let’s incorporate all of that, but let’s also not downplay crime while we’re at it. Because that’s dangerous and disrespectful to the victims and only sends a message to the perpetrators that committing a crime in this country is no big deal and you won’t be punished for it. Until we turn that around, we will continue to have the stats going the wrong way. And that's doing all of us, a disservice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/5/20233 minutes, 45 seconds
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Michael Brooks: Poultry Industry director on red meat consumption decline in NZ, shoppers choosing chicken instead

Red meat consumption is on the decline in New Zealand, as shoppers fill trolleys with chicken instead. A study out of Lincoln University shows that while nine in ten of us still eat meat, over all intake is lowering due to cost and health concerns. But it also found that chicken now makes up about a third of meals a week. Poultry Industry Association Executive Director Michael Brooks says people are more likely to continue buying chicken to save money. He says its versatility, being able to be dressed up or dressed down, will also be adding to the appeal. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/5/20234 minutes, 32 seconds
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Graeme Edgeler: Electoral law expert is supportive of some proposed changes to how we vote

An electoral law expert is supportive of some proposed changes to how we vote. The Independent Electoral Review Panel has suggested changes designed to make our electoral system fairer, clearer and more accessible. It includes changes to donations and lowering the party threshold from 5 percent to 3.5 percent. Graeme Edgeler says that change would allow greater diversity of thought. He told Kate Hawkesby it could prevent big parties going back on their promises. Edgeler says it would mean splinter groups could be more likely to get in and make a difference. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/5/20234 minutes, 43 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Are the rest of the country as sick of the political sideshows as I am?

I think what we’ve seen this week is indicative of what we’re going to see for the rest of the election campaign from now until October. And that is – sideshows. And that’s the real let down for us the voters. We are being done a disservice not only by the politicians themselves but also the media covering them. What this country urgently needs is the basics. Roads fixed, hospitals functioning again, schools with students attending and passing, and crime sorted out. What we don’t need is the sideshow on bilingual road signs, who gets a free prescription and who doesn’t, who’s dog whistling and who isn’t. We deserve better. We have also got to stop this collective attack on anyone who dare question anything to do with Maori culture or Te Reo, it is not racist to say you don’t think bilingual road signs are a priority right now. To question the Government’s desire for this and then be deemed racist and a dog whistler when you do, is pathetic. This government has developed a modus operandi of lecturing us on how we should behave, how long we should spend in the shower, how we should read our road signs. They’re good at telling us what we should do, because they know best and us mere mortals are just not as enlightened as them. These are fringe issues at a time where we as a country are facing far more serious ones. Crime, for a start, looks like it’ll be kicked to touch until after the election. There are very few sitting days left for the Government to actually enact much - and that should worry all of us because what it means is that what we currently have is it. If you were hoping for more or better or different between now and October, you’re probably going to be disappointed. They’ll announce stuff, they just won’t be able to do much about it. But the pettiness of politics in election year is such a turn off. Doesn’t the name calling and the descending into side shows just put voters off? Politicians looking to bait opponents, media looking for ‘gotcha’ moments - a lot of it is beltway and a lot of it is BS. It doesn’t serve us, and it certainly doesn’t move this country forward. National would do themselves a favour by not allowing themselves to get dragged into the sideshows; my advice to them would be take a stance and stick to it - believe in your policies your pledges and your platitudes, and stick to them. People don’t like uncertainty and they don’t like wishy washy. But I think we deserve better from the political media too. Gotcha moments like turning up with Te Reo signs at Parliament and asking MP’s what they mean - really? Is that your best coverage? Newshub’s Jenna Lynch, who I think is their senior political reporter, wandered round with Te Reo signs asking MP’s what they meant and when she asked Chris Hipkins what Waka Kotahi meant, he knew it was NZ Transport but he couldn’t translate exactly what Waka Kotahi means. But when he served it right back at her and said, ‘well what does Te Papa mean?’ She of course couldn’t answer because she didn’t know either. Is this the best political news coverage we can get? Or is this school playground rubbish? My husband described the country this week as weary, angry and punch drunk. I think it’s true. But we need to sober up between now and October or we’re in real trouble.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/1/20233 minutes, 38 seconds
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Kirsten Wise: Napier Mayor says Gabrielle buyout plan is a significant milestone, but there are still some unanswered questions

Questions are being raised around the finer details of a plan to buy out cyclone affected properties. The Government will help fund council buyouts of about 700 category three properties where future severe weather event risks can't be sufficiently mitigated. Napier Mayor Kirsten Wise told Kate Hawkesby the plan is a significant milestone, but there are still some unanswered questions. Wise says they will be working closely with the Crown to sort these parts of the process. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/1/20233 minutes, 9 seconds
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Marcail Parkinson: Students Against Cuts member says the Government has played a role in creating the issues at Vic Uni

A group of students is demanding the Government put the brakes on Victoria University's planned job cuts. The Wellington university is facing a $33 million deficit; so to combat this they're proposing to scrap up to 260 jobs and have put 59 courses under review. Due to the planned changes the group Victoria University Students Against Cuts is holding an emergency meeting at the uni today. Group member, Marcail Parkinson told Kate Hawkesby the Government has played a role in creating the issues. She says over the past decade, per student funding has fallen by 20 percent compared to inflation. Several hundred jobs are also set to go at Otago University, where applications for voluntary redundancy close today. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/1/20233 minutes, 19 seconds
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Tim Dower: Until we see a real response, this Government will be seen as soft on crime

A detailed bit of work in the Herald today about a critical election issue, that being crime, law and order if you prefer, or the lack of it right now. Among other things, the work has found the number of people charged and convicted actually fell faster under the last National Government, than the current Labour Government. I think the idea there is to put a question mark into the air over which party, if it's either of them, is soft on crime. Apparently, when you allow for population growth, police are laying charges now at just over a third of the rate they did in 2009. Charges and convictions have dropped about a quarter in the past five years. But under the last National government, the number of people charged fell by 40 per cent, and convictions by 36 per cent. What this doesn't take into account is whether there was less crime in those years or what other factors were at play. And there's not a lot of point going back over those figures anyway, the reporting process has changed, what gets counted has changed so we wouldn't be comparing apples with apples. And I think sometimes there's a danger of relying solely on just one set of stats or another to prove or disprove one point of view or another. The fact is, if you've been affected by crime, it's not trivial and it's not about name-calling. It's an intrusion on your life, into your property, on your family and on your liberty. If it's happened to you personally, or someone around you even if you've witnessed something in the street it's real, it's destructive, it's frightening. When we see our society crumbling around us the way it is we're going to turn to what we understand. And what we understand, even when we want to be charitable to people committing crime, is that crime has to be punished. Whatever way you try to slice the numbers, we're living in a time of lawlessness. And until we see a response, some real action, this Government will be seen as soft on crime.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/31/20232 minutes, 31 seconds
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Owen Vaughan: OneRoof Editor on latest data suggesting ‘possible floor approaching’ in plummeting house prices

The tide may be turning on tumbling property values after three analysts all judged fresh real estate data shows a “possible floor in [house] prices is approaching”. New reports from OneRoof, CoreLogic and ANZ Bank point to potentially better times ahead for homeowners, despite interest rates likely staying higher for longer. Today’s latest OneRoof-Valocity House Index showed New Zealand’s average property value fell 2.3 per cent ($22,000) to $950,000 in the three months to the end of May, as successive interest rate rises put downward pressure on prices. Auckland’s average value fell a further 3.2 per cent ($43,000) over the quarter to $1.29 million, but there were some bright spots with Northland, Otago and West Coast enjoying lifts in their average property value, while the rate of decline slowed in Canterbury, Taranaki and Wellington. CoreLogic, in its own data released this morning, said property values fell nationwide in May but the rate of change had eased. The 0.7 per cent fall in May was “tentative evidence” the downturn was winding up, CoreLogic said. Average values were 10.2 per cent down on a year earlier, but still well above pre-lockdown levels in March 2020. CoreLogic NZ head of research Nick Goodall said indicators such as moderating house price declines and the latest Reserve Bank Official Cash Rate (OCR) forecasts were positive signs for homeowners. “While the OCR is at a relatively high level of 5.5 per cent following a total increase of 525 basis points over the last 20 months, this expected ceiling for interest rates reinforces our view that a possible floor in prices is approaching,” Goodall said. Earlier this week ANZ Bank New Zealand dialled back its expectations for house prices to keep heading south, predicting a relatively sharp turn in the near term. The country’s biggest lender is now forecasting a 1.6 per cent quarterly increase in each of the September and December quarters, having previously predicted a 0.4 per cent decline in the September period followed by a 0.4 per cent increase in December. That means ANZ’s economists forecast annual house prices to increase 0.1 per cent in the December quarter, an earlier turnaround than June 2024 quarter increase predicted just last month. ANZ said the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s muted response to the fiscal impulse in the Budget surprised its economics team, who had expected looser monetary policy than they’d previously predicted. “In short, housing tailwinds now appear to be blowing a little stronger than the headwinds. But we’re not convinced the RBNZ will be able to let that run,” the ANZ economists said in their property focus report. “We expect the RBNZ will need to tighten monetary conditions later in the year once all has been revealed in the data.” CoreLogic's head of research Nick Goodall. Photo / Supplied NZ Mortgages managing director Nathan Miglani said if the interest rate peak had not already been reached, the country was getting very close to it. “We anticipate rates beginning a gradual descent from late 2023, so our general advice is to fix for a short term where possible, say one year or 18 months,” Miglani added. “With interest rates likely to fall, fixing for a long term could mean a hefty breakage cost if circumstances change and you need to restructure early.” Some buyers believed rates had already peaked, and were now making decisions based on the idea rates will go down, Miglani said. “Despite the doomsday property market stories many Kiwis are hearing, average asking prices are still above what they were before Covid-19, and this should be viewed as good news for property owners concerned about shrinking equity,” he added. There are still forces pulling against property values, however. New listings coming onto the market were at a 16-year low this autumn, plunging to almost the same levels as seen during the 2020 lockdown. New property listings are at a low. Photo / 123RF OneRoof’s report highlighted continued uncertainty in the country’s biggest housing market with a 3.2 per cent decline in Auckland over the last quarter - a signal that house prices in that region have still a way to go before they hit the bottom. Nationwide sales volumes in the three months to the end of May were down nearly 38 per cent year-on-year. OneRoof editor Owen Vaughan said the drop in new listings volumes was having a draining effect on the market, with only two regions, Taranaki and Southland, recording an annual increase in May. “Nationwide new listings in May were down 12 per cent on the month before and down 21 per cent year-on-year. The drop-off in new stock coming to market was steepest in Wellington, with new listings in the region down 41 per cent year-on-year. In Auckland, the reluctance to list is hitting overall stock numbers. Total listings for the region are down nearly 4 per cent year-on-year,” Vaughan said. “Falling house prices and falling sales have kept vendors on the sidelines throughout autumn and will need a turnaround in both to entice them back into the market. “Market conditions remain positive for buyers, though, with prices now hitting the bottom, or at least very close to the bottom, especially for entry-level properties. The lack of competition from investors and the news that rates have peaked suggest this is as about as good as it is going to get for first-home buyers.” Goodall said a peak in the cash rate would offer more comfort and certainty to Kiwi borrowers of almost half all existing loans by value. “Mortgage holders and aspiring homeowners should now be able to quantify the worst-case scenario for their mortgage repayments which will give both them and their bank confidence in assessing serviceability test rates,” he said. “It seems the majority of borrowers are well placed to adjust to the higher repayments likely due to growth in wages and reduced spending elsewhere,” Goodall added. “More vulnerable sectors are likely to include first-home buyers who purchased around the peak of the cycle who haven’t had the benefit of time to accrue equity in their home or a savings buffer, along with lower-income households where balance sheets are likely to be more thinly stretched.” The latest Centrix credit indicator report covering April showed home loan arrears declined for the first time in eight months. Missed mortgage repayments fell to 1.27 per cent of the active population, down from 1.31 per cent in March, with 19,000 mortgages reported past due. They still remain below pre-Covid levels when they were 1.35 per cent in December 2019. However, mortgage arrears have risen 25 per cent when compared with April last year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/31/20233 minutes, 24 seconds
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Chris Cahill: Police Association President says a fall in prosecutions doesn't mean a fall in crime

The Police Association says a fall in prosecutions doesn't mean a fall in crime. The number of people charged with non-traffic offences has halved since 2009. Herald analysis has found between 2017 and 2022, the total number of people charged and convicted for all offences dropped by a quarter. That number fell at an even faster rate under the National governments of Sir John Key - and rose the most under Helen Clark's Labour administrations. Association President Chris Cahill told Tim Dower people don't feel as safe as they did 10 years ago. He says frontline cops say there's certainly more visible crime than 10 years ago. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/31/20235 minutes, 9 seconds
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Tim Dower: Selling Auckland Council's best asset won't fix their deep-rooted problem; themselves

Battle is brewing over those Auckland Airport shares currently owned by Auckland Council. The Council actually inherited 22 percent of the airport when it was formed and since then there's been a capital raising by the airport which has diluted that holding down to 18 percent. But it's worth well over $2 billion; enough to plug that Budget gap six or seven times over. So, the Council's in a bit of a spot. Their choices are either a great big rates increase, or some pretty serious cuts or sell part or all of the family silver. Mayor Wayne Brown wants to flick the shares - and you can see the logic of that. Part of the argument for keeping the shares has been the dividend, but there hasn't been one of those in more than three years, there may be later this year, we'll see. And until recently those shares brought with them seats on the airport's board, which something the Super City chose not to take up, but not an irreversible move if you hold the shares. Now, should local bodies be involved in business activities? By and large, the answer to that is definitely not. They should stick to core public service activities like cleaning the streets, taking away the rubbish, keeping the reserves and parks tidy or fix the stormwater and so on. But I'd argue the airport is core to the functioning of the region. Apart from being a huge employer it's a vital piece of infrastructure and that remaining shareholding, even without seats on the board, could prove crucial one day. Once you sell it, that's it, gone for good - and given the way the Council runs its affairs, that big nest egg will be gone in a couple of years. Selling the shares is a quick but only temporary solution to a long-standing and deep-rooted problem. Auckland Council is that problem. It's over-reaching, hopelessly inefficient, out of control and wasteful. Flicking off its best asset won't fix any of that.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/30/20232 minutes, 29 seconds
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Stuart Taylor: Craigmore Farming GM on their trial to remove methane emissions from farming effluent ponds

Farming produces by-products and there is one by-product in particular that has become an increasing issue in recent times; effluent, and in particular, methane emissions from farm effluent ponds. A trial by Craigmore Farming in North Canterbury will test a system designed to remove nearly all of that methane. Craigmore General Manager Stuart Taylor joined Roman Travers to discuss their plans. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/30/20234 minutes, 32 seconds
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Richard Kennedy: Recruitment expert on NZ’s top 20 organisations being revealed

Air New Zealand has been named New Zealand’s Most Attractive Employer for the seventh time, according to Randstad’s latest Employer Brand Research. The HR and recruitment specialist surveyed 4302 Kiwis, with the market’s 150 largest employers eligible for the recognition. While Air New Zealand bumped last year’s winner, Evolve Education, it could be seen as a continuation of its dominance in the category, given Randstad doesn’t allow an organisation that wins the most attractive employer accolade three years in a row to be eligible for the award for a period of three years. The airline previously held the title between 2017 to 2019 and 2011 to 2013. And Air New Zealand overnight was named by Australian website AirlineRatings.com the Airline of the Year for 2023, a remarkable seventh time it has won that award in the past 10 years. AirlineRatings said the airline was being honoured this year for its multi award winning in-flight innovations such as the SkyNest economy beds, operational safety, environmental leadership and motivation of its staff. Randstad said the national carrier achieved the most attractive employer accolade based on its reputation, interesting job content and financial health. Air New Zealand chief executive Greg Foran said: “We’re humbled to have been named the country’s most attractive employer for the seventh time. This distinction reflects the resilience and commitment of our people, and the hard mahi and dedication they demonstrate every day. Randstad country director Richard Kennedy said Air New Zealand’s achievement recognises their commitment to moving on from the Covid-19 pandemic. In February, the airline reported an after-tax net profit of $213 million for the six months to December 31, compared to a loss of $272m in the previous period. Covid-19 paralysed the aviation industry and delivered a near-$1 billion blow to Air New Zealand that same year - and further heavy losses - which forced the Government to step in and help in the form of a loan. “We’ve had a tough time over the past few years, and I especially want to thank our customers who have stood by us, even though we struggled at times to deliver the standards we pride ourselves on,” Foran added. “The key reason we got through it was because of the unwavering support of our people. We will continue to foster a welcoming culture where our staff can be authentically themselves and feel part of the Air New Zealand whānau.” New Zealand Customs Service and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) were second and third in Randstad’s research respectively. “I would also like to congratulate NZ Customs and MBIE who continue to perform exceptionally well every year, which is no mean feat in the current economic climate,” Randstad’s Kennedy said. Nigel Foster, Customs’ deputy chief executive people and capability, welcomed the recognition alongside its key airline partner. “Customs is here to protect and promote Aotearoa New Zealand across borders and shares a great sense of pride and camaraderie in not just protecting our country and interests, but also looking after our people and those we interact with,” Foster said. “Many Customs officers who join stay with us for decades, finding the culture and purpose aligns with their own. This is testament to our values and who we are as an organisation.” The top 20: Air New Zealand New Zealand Customs Service (Customs) Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE) Department of Conservation WSP Super Retail Group ANZ Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Statistics New Zealand Ara Institute Deloitte Green Cross Health ASB Ministry of Health Oji Fibre Solutions Coca-Cola Amatil Victoria University of Wellington IBM The University of Auckland St John New Zealand See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/30/20233 minutes, 32 seconds
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Billy Clemens: Transporting NZ Policy Advisor says there are challenges with the user-pays transport funding model

It's a challenging time for transport funding. Treasury says Fuel Excise Duty or Road User Charges may need to go up in a year's time to manage pressures on the National Land Transport Fund and a loan granted to Waka Kotahi. But, Transport Minister Michael Wood says he doesn't want to foreshadow Cabinet consideration of the upcoming transport budget. Transporting New Zealand Policy Advisor Billy Clemens told Tim Dower there are challenges with the user pays model. He says there's an increasing number of EVs on the roads that aren't paying Road User Charges and inflation of the cost to maintain roads. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/30/20234 minutes, 13 seconds
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Roman Travers: How do NZ's primary industries diversify to keep ahead of global markets?

You'll be well and truly aware that when our primary producers do well, the whole country benefits. When our farmers, orchardists and horticulturalists make a decent living, they’re able to invest a new capital and clear debt. That all trickles down through to our towns and cities. Those selling farm implements, car dealers with the latest utes and farm to town cars for the family, boarding schools looking to increase their roles, and the likes of appliance clothing retailers, all reap the benefits of a good harvest. The problem is that for a long time, even with decent payouts, the rate of inflation and rising costs has absorbed a lot of that disposable income. Some in the dairy sector have commented about the excitement of increased payouts due to success at the global dairy auction - only to have their margins smashed with rising costs. But there is light at the end of the tunnel. Rural cost inflation has evidently peaked. Input prices across all farm and orchards, excluding livestock costs, dipped from an annual pace of 15.6 per cent in the September quarter down to 15.3 per cent in the December quarter. That doesn’t sound like a big dip to me, but apparently, it’s enough to make a huge difference, given the debt that some newly established and developing primary producers are facing. That’s not to say the picture isn’t still a bit grim At an annual 15.3 per cent rate, rural cost inflation is more than double the rate of a year ago. When you make the comparison of these numbers compared to what they were before the Covid pandemic, the rate before at 1.8 per cent makes todays figures look phenomenal. So where do we go from here? How does New Zealand diversify further to keep ahead of all of the global markets? How does New Zealand’s primary produce remain viable without further detriment to the environment as well as remaining appealing to markets who now look at the carbon miles travelled to get to the northern hemisphere supermarket shelves? There will be many listening that remember the early days of deer farming, along with the advent of Kiwi fruit in our orchards. So, what next for our primary producers? I feel for anyone with a deep economic link and an intrinsic commitment to the land. Rural inflation costs are forecasted to drop dramatically, which will be good news for everyone on the land. The big question is how prepared are you to stick at it - in the hope that the light at the end of the tunnel isn’t an oncoming train? What will the next big primary product be that appeals to everybody nationally and globally starring through an environmental lens and with a spotlight on animal welfare issues, including the distance travelled to foreign markets? With many forestry contractors deciding to pull out of those areas affected by cyclone Gabrielle, the question of what to do next, will be relevant for a great many. New Zealand will need to keep diversifying. Whatever our primary producers decide to do long-term, will have ramifications for us all.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/29/20233 minutes, 7 seconds
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Mark Pullman: Green Valley Dairies General Manager on supplying kegs of milk instead of bottles to cafés

Kegs in cafés may become the new norm, but not the kind of keg you're probably thinking of. Waikato's Green Valley Dairies is supplying cafés with 18 litre milk kegs to help reduce waste. It's set to eliminate up to 10,000 plastic milk bottles per café a year. Green Valley Dairies General Manager Mark Pullman joined Roman Travers. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/29/20233 minutes, 18 seconds
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Nathan Penny: Agricultural Economist says times are tough as on-farm inflation reaches highest level since 1980s

Sheep and Beef farmers are feeling the pressure of a second year of high inflation levels - which have not been seen since the 1980s. Beef and Lamb New Zealand reports show a 40 year high at 16.3 percent; that's two and a half times consumer price inflation. The most recent March figures follow a 10.2 percent increase over the previous 12-month period. Westpac Agricultural Economist Nathan Penny told Roman Travers times are tough for farmers. He says fertiliser, feed and interest rate bills have been red hot. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/29/20235 minutes, 36 seconds
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Hamish Piercy: Road safety expert says Police are between a rock and a hard place when it comes to fleeing drivers

Police pursuits are being viewed as a double edged sword. Police Commissioner Andrew Coster says a new fleeing driver policy gives officers more scope to pursue offenders. The Fleeing Driver Framework factors in the threat from the driver, their suspected offence - and the chance they'll offend more. Road safety and crash investigation expert Hamish Piercy told Roman Travers Police are between a rock and a hard place - and there's always going to be risk. He says if a person decides they want to take off and aren't pursued, there's just as much risk of them continuing to behave recklessly and going on to crash. LISTEN ABOVE    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/29/20235 minutes, 33 seconds
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Julien Leys: Building Industry Federation Chief on the Apprenticeship Boost Scheme becoming permanent

The trades are giving a tick of approval to the Government's promise to make its Apprenticeship Boost Scheme permanent. Brought in during the pandemic, the programme was set to end this year - but was extended till the end of 2024 in the Budget. Building Industry Federation Chief Executive Julien Leys told Roman Travers that it's very good news for an industry needing lots more workers. Leys says it's going to encourage younger people into vocational trades such as building, where they're needed more than ever before. He says spending hundreds of millions a year on a sector that contributes 18-billion to the economy is worth it. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/28/20234 minutes, 19 seconds
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Claire Gray: Tearfund Advocacy Manager on the Global Plastics Treaty

Delegations from nearly 200 countries are gathering in Paris to work on a Global Plastics Treaty. It's the second round of talks on an internationally binding agreement, which will lay out how to address plastic pollution globally. The UN Environment Assembly aims to finish negotiations by the end of next year. Tearfund's Claire Gray says plastic production doubled between 2000 and 2019, and it's badly affecting people living in poverty. She says about one in four people have no access to waste management and must burn or dump their rubbish, causing huge health impacts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/28/20234 minutes, 30 seconds
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Roman Travers: Which dangling carrot will you chase?

Wasn't it reassuring to hear some promising promises made by the Prime Minister Chris Hipkins over the weekend? The promises were apropos the future of apprenticeships and the blinding need to ensure that we have an ongoing supply of tradespeople being brought through the ranks. Chris Hipkins used his first major speech to his party faithful to promise to keep an existing apprenticeship scheme in place. He delivered the keynote address to about 400 party faithful at Labour's election year congress in Wellington yesterday. He said if Labour secured a third term, the party would make the apprenticeship boost scheme permanent. The programme, which was introduced as a temporary pandemic measure in 2020, pays employers $500 a month over two years for every apprentice they train. This is the dangling carrot before us that will undoubtedly secure the apprenticeship scheme and create opportunities and help ease skill shortages. If you’re an employer currently making use of the apprenticeship scheme, what does this promise mean to you? Could more be done to ensure that more apprentices are trained or is this as good as it gets? On the other side of the house, also dangling carrots, was news released by national over the weekend regarding a focus on the speed of housing plans. The National party says its housing growth plan will fast-track developments on new land. Their housing spokesperson Chris Bishop says the party's proposed housing growth policy would require councils to zone enough land for 30 years of demand. They’ll have to zone for 30 years of growth immediately, which means that there will be abundant development opportunities into the housing market. Under a National-led government, Bishop says the policy will allow councils to opt out of the existing Medium Density Residential Zone standards. Earlier this week, National back downed over its support for denser house zoning. Both parties appear to be offering very social centric policies, which drags them further into the middle ground, where the bulk of undecided voters sit. If the policies from both parties continue to emulate each other's, what is it for you that’ll decide which dangling carrot to chase - and ultimately the box you tick in a few months’ time?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/28/20233 minutes, 51 seconds
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Gavin Grey: Europe Correspondent on Turkey's Presidential election

Turkey's President Erdogan is set to stretch his rule into a third decade. Unofficial results in the election run-off show him with about 53 percent of the vote, while opposition leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu has 47 percent. Europe correspondent Gavin Grey told Roman Travers that it's not beyond doubt, but Erdogan supporters have already begun celebrating. He says he's been in power for more than two decades and has seen the country's economy sharply decline recently. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/28/20232 minutes, 59 seconds
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Tim Dower: There's a reason ACT continue to trend upwards

You have to take the polls with a pinch of salt right now, although we're closing in on the election and neither of the two main blocs has a clear lead. This time around the 1News Kantar poll puts National and ACT in the driving seat with 62 seats on these numbers - enough to govern alone. Bear a couple of things in mind though. Number one; this is another small survey with only 1000 people over the course of two days. Small polls mean a bigger margin of error and in this case it's a gnat's more than three points. Also in this poll around 12 percent said they didn't know, haven't made up their minds, or won't vote, or just refused to answer. Those people aren't counted when it comes to working out the party vote figures. Now look, any survey is basically a snapshot isn't it and it can be influenced by recent events, so it's more interesting and more useful to look at trends. Which direction the party or person you're interested in is travelling - is there a trend? When you look over time at the Kantar survey, what you see is this. Labour's lost a big slice of the ground it had back in 2017, but National's been too obsessed with its own navel it's failed to make good gains. It's actually also gone backwards since that election, but over the past year or so it's got really tight between those two - and remains that way. Down in the trenches where you've got the likes of Te Pāti Māori the Greens and ACT scrapping it out - there's really one clear trend there. And that's ACT, which has been on a steady upward trend for the past three years. Any why's that? They're disciplined and focussed and because Seymour works so damn hard, sticks to his knitting, and pumps out a consistent message.   It's not rocket science.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/25/20232 minutes, 4 seconds
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Taimi Allan: Ember Innovations Director says New Zealand's mental health workforce is reportedly on the brink of collapse

New Zealand's mental health workforce is reportedly on the brink of collapse. A report one of the main non-government bodies involved in the sector this has some innovative ideas. Ember Innovations Director Taimi Allan joined Tim Dower. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/25/20233 minutes, 52 seconds
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Simeon Brown: National's Transport spokesperson on nearly $500m less allocated for road maintenance next year

Road repairs look to have lost out in the latest allocations to the Transport Ministry. Nearly $500 million less is set aside for maintenance next year on state highways and local roads. National's Transport spokesperson Simeon Brown, joined Tim Dower. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/25/20233 minutes, 18 seconds
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Brigitte Morten: Political commentator reacts to latest poll finding National and ACT could govern

Numbers in the latest 1News political poll fall for National and ACT this time - projecting a total of 62 seats between them, should they form a coalition. Labour, Greens, and Te Pāti Māori would only muster 58. Political commentator and lawyer Brigitte Morten joined Tim Dower to discuss the latest polling. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/25/20233 minutes, 46 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Four years on from the Wellbeing Budget, how are our wellbeing stats still so woeful?

As if a cost of living crisis and a crime crisis were not enough, we also have a mental health crisis in this country, and it’s heart-breaking. It was reported the other day that, on average, 54 tradies take their own life each year, as well as 23 farm workers. They're predominantly men. So what services are available here? Well as we know, time and time again, because it’s constantly reported on, very few. The mental health sector is stretched, it’s in many cases dysfunctional, there are a lack of pyschs, a lack of outlets for people, a lack of supports to tap into. There are long waiting lists, in many cases, too long. And for farm workers in particular, in many rural areas, no help at all. Minister for Rural Communities, Kieran McAnulty was reported recently saying that “rural communities have poorer mental health outcomes and disproportionately higher rates of suicide,” he cited reduced access to mental health services as a factor, social isolation and easier access to firearms and vehicles. But what’s really concerning is that it’s his government, who made such a big song and dance about throwing more money at it, yet has still not moved the metrics on it. Where’s the money gone?  It’s reported that “In 2019, the Government committed $455 million to primary mental health and addiction services..” But, and here’s the rub, “there is no specific industry focus for the funding.” Why not? Why not target it? Why not be specific about where the spending needs to go? It’s not like we don’t know where it’s needed. So what have we got to show for it? Where’s the accountability for any of it? There is none. No one appears to know where the money’s gone, we’ve certainly not seen the rapid cropping up of better rural mental health services, it certainly hasn’t improved access. Even mental health advocate Mike King got so disillusioned with the lack of funding ending up anywhere, he described the mental health scene as “horrifying and scary..” and that was a year ago, God only knows how much worse it is now. He said “the system’s broken”, and that’s what we’re still hearing, and we hear it time and time again. The system is broken. The fixes we thought were coming, didn’t come. The money we thought would help alleviate some of the pressure in the sector, never arrived. The places the money needed to go to didn’t get it. The people tasked with carrying the burden of all this frontline under resourced mental health care on their shoulders, got so overwhelmed many of them left and quit the sector entirely. Frustratingly, the point King made back then was that the money was out there, there was enough of it floating around, it just was not reaching the right places, and no one knew where it had gone. He said you could OIA the Ministry of Health and they wouldn’t even know where it was. His fear was it was getting flushed down the toilet. So how is this not only still an issue, but arguably worse, not better? How is it we have “Nearly one in four young adults suffering from high levels of anxiety, fatigue and depression”, (according to the Salvation Army’s 2023 State of the Nation report). I know the mental health sector is not a quick fix, but four years on from the Wellbeing Budget, how is it our wellbeing stats are still so woeful?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/24/20233 minutes, 26 seconds
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Ant Boyles: NZ Council of Cargo Owners chair on calls for immediate intervention on labour shortages in the sector

New Zealand's logistics and freight industry is calling for immediate intervention to a worker shortage. A new government study finds the labour shortage could triple from nearly 5,000 to over 18,000 in the next five years. Chair of the NZ Council of Cargo Owners Ant Boyles joined Kate Hawkesby. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/24/20234 minutes
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Dr Jude Ball: Researcher says study has found alcohol may not hold the allure it once did for young people

It seems alcohol may not hold the allure it once did for young people. Youth drinking survey results from 20 years ago show more than half of those in high school were drinking and going to parties on a regular basis by Year 10. Comparatively, Otago researchers surveyed students last year and found only one of the Year 10 students they spoke to reported drinking socially. Senior Research Fellow, Dr Jude Ball says there are reasons for the change. She says there are big shifts in how teenagers socialise, as well as increasing negative connotations towards alcohol. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/24/20234 minutes, 3 seconds
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Greg Harford: Retail NZ Chief Executive says the OCR hike will push spending down even further

Some good news, and some bad news, from the Reserve Bank. The central bank has hiked the Official Cash Rate by a further 25 basis points to 5.5 percent. But it's also indicated no further hikes are likely, before the OCR starts coming down towards the end of next year. Weakening is already being felt in the retail sector, where new figures show spending is continuing to slide. Retail NZ Chief Executive Greg Harford told Kate Hawkesby the OCR hike will push spending down even further. LISTEN ABOVE    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/24/20233 minutes, 33 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: I’m bordering on feeling sorry for Chris Hipkins

I’m bordering on feeling sorry for Chris Hipkins - and I’ll tell you why. He’s single-handedly being the face of the entire Government day in day out and spinning so much BS that it must be giving him a headache. I mean the level of ‘creative facts’ shall we call them, being espoused, is truly award winning. Yesterday he even tried to blame an international TikTok trend which has only just blown up, on our ram raid stats. He tried the old ‘it’s an international problem’ routine that he trots out for all our problems - he tried to make it sound like kids filming themselves committing crimes like ram raids was a global thing and we were just unfortunately somehow caught up in it. Sadly, what the advisors who peddled him this spin to espouse did not tell him, was that our ram raids have absolutely nothing to do with TikTok. The international TikTok trend disturbing people currently is young people breaking into people’s homes and filming their reactions. That’s very different to taking a stolen car and a crow bar and smashing your way through a front door and trashing and stealing from a shop. And that’s before we get to the fact that ram raids here have been happening for months and months now - far longer than this international TikTok trend has been around. But he’s being let down not just by the people advising him, but also by his ministers. Ginny Andersen this week hung him out to dry by peddling so much BS of her own that he spent the rest of the time mopping up her mess. He had to appear in several interviews walking back her claims that we all feel safer and that there's no more crime there's just more reporting of it. He’s got Grant there so disinterested and so obviously checked out these days that he doesn’t really care what happens, so Hipkins really is last man standing. He’s mopping up the mess that Jacinda created then upped and walked out on, covering for the mess that is his Cabinet, and all the while he must know deep down that this government is on a hiding to nothing. You can’t wreck a country to this degree over five years and keep blaming international trends or global patterns. I think this Government would actually go a long way to rebuilding people’s faith in them if they actually stopped denying and deflecting and gaslighting, and just started admitting some stuff they’ve got wrong. If they started telling it like it is. His call for us all to be more positive and optimistic is a stretch. I bumped into a neighbour yesterday who said he’s not attended political party meetings before but he’s starting now, he’s that riled up by what’s happening to this country. Ironically, he was going to a National party meeting, as he said that party needed a rocket under it as they didn’t seem to grasp how frustrated and over it voters are. I think the Opposition do understand how over it voters are, but they’re just a bit caught up in trying to please the middle voter, so they’re sitting on the fence too much. But I keep coming back to the old adage, despite what the polls say, oppositions don’t win elections, governments lose them. And if you look at the state of this country right now, and if those who choose to turn a blind eye to it all get really honest for a minute, then even Hipkins must know what we all know, that we can’t possibly continue the way we are.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/23/20233 minutes, 28 seconds
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Chris Baillie: ACT Police Spokesperson says Police assault data is a damning indictment on the type of country NZ has become

Act's Police Spokesman says new Police assault data is a damning indictment on the type of country New Zealand has become. Newstalk ZB can reveal the number of assaults on police staff has almost doubled in recent times - with officers reporting more than a 1,100 attacks in 2022, up from 631 in 2021. Chris Baillie says although tragic, the figures sadly will surprise few. He says the numbers show a decline in respect, and that people aren't afraid of consequences.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/23/20232 minutes, 46 seconds
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Kelly Eckhold: Economist says Reserve Bank may hike OCR 25 basis points to 5.5 percent

The Official Cash Rate is expected to take another hike today. An announcement will be made by the Reserve Bank at around 2pm this afternoon. Most economists are holding out for a 25 basis point increase to 5.5 percent. Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold joined Kate Hawkesby to discuss a potential rise. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/23/20233 minutes
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Robert Webb: Native bird expert on Paora the kiwi and Miami Zoo to end paid encounters after uproar

Miami Zoo has announced that Paora the kiwi will no longer be offered up for paid encounters with the public after videos of the bird being paraded in daylight for selfies with zoo visitors went viral, causing outrage. Ron Magill, communications director for Miami Zoo, told the Herald that they had listened to the response from New Zealanders. “We regret the unintentional stress caused by a video on social media depicting the handling of Paora, the kiwi bird currently housed within Zoo Miami,” Magill said. Magill apologised profusely to RNZ, saying he told the zoo director: “We have offended a nation”. “I am so sorry. I am so remorseful. Someone asked how would you feel if we did that to your bald eagle, and you’re absolutely right.” He said that the concerns expressed by the community “have been taken very seriously” and told the Herald that their $40 “Kiwi Encounter” will no longer be offered. “We should have known better,” Magill told AM this morning. ”We were really not sensitive to the fact that this bird is a national symbol, that it is an icon, it is a spiritual animal.” Video of Paora being petted and put up for selfies caused outrage online, with concerned New Zealanders launching a petition to “help save” the bird. The zoo was also flooded by complaints on social media, as New Zealanders rose up to protest our national bird being petted by zoo visitors under bright lights. Magill said Paora would now be going back into the dark. “Paora is being kept in a quiet, isolated off-exhibit area where he can remain in a dark secluded area during the day and have the freedom to explore his habitat during the evening hours. He continues to be in excellent health,” Magill said. He said the zoo was committed to providing him with the best environment possible and was in the process of creating a new habitat. A video of a kiwi at a Miami Zoo caused outrage online. ‘Terrified’ Robert Webb from Whāngarei’s Native Bird Recovery Centre told the Herald yesterday that Paora appeared to be distressed by his treatment. “I don’t think that bird will last long. You’ll notice he’s got his eyes closed nearly the whole bloody time when they’re touching him. He’s terrified.” Webb, who has cared for hundreds of kiwi over the years, told the Herald that the birds were extremely sensitive animals, saying even the sound of paper being shredded “scares the hell out of them” and said Paora “won’t survive” if he continues being handled in the manner seen in the videos. Webb compared Paora’s treatment at Miami Zoo to the marine mammals at Florida’s SeaWorld. “Animals are born to be free, not kept in cages. They’ll flog the hell out of that and I bet they make good money out of it.” Webb said the zoo’s approach was “totally wrong” and encouraged breeding animals just to “show off” and make money. Magill said today that they were “committed to providing him with the best environment possible while respecting and honouring all that he represents”. He also said that Paora is doing well and in “excellent health”. ‘It’s a taonga’ The bird was named in honour of New Zealand environmentalist and iwi leader Paora Haitana, who was part of a delegation that visited Zoo Miami for an official ceremony after the bird hatched back in 2019. Haitana told RNZ that he was concerned by the bird’s treatment. “It’s our signature, we’re known as the kiwi, so it goes against everything the bird was given to them for.” Haitana said the bird should have been kept in darkness and was worried it would have damaged eyesight. He said it was his understanding that the bird would be looked after in a way that was consistent with how they were cared for in New Zealand. “It’s a taonga and absolutely it was given in good faith that it would be managed, controlled and looked after by Miami Zoo, so it’s a concern, huge concern.” This morning, Magill said he would be happy to have a discussion with Haitana regarding his concerns. - Chris Marriner, NZHSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/23/20234 minutes, 38 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: You can’t gaslight your way out of a problem by telling people it’s not happening

So another day, another shop closing for good because they’re fed up with being robbed. That sees off West Auckland’s only Post Shop – seven ram raids and break ins have pushed them over the edge. They’ve been in business 20 years. Now, they’re closing their doors for good. It beggars belief that business owners are getting run out of town by thugs and criminals, but that’s where we are now. Remember Michael Hill Jeweller in Auckland’s Takapuna shut up shop after several burglaries and ram raids too? Reported retail crime doubled between 2018 and 2022. Auckland Business Chamber’s Simon Bridges, when commenting on the violent attack by the ferry terminal in the CBD recently, said it’s actually beyond a social issue now; it’s an economic one too. People and businesses do not want to be where the criminals are - and at this stage, they’re everywhere. Not just our big centres but small town New Zealand too. One woman wrote to me and said Palmerston North is so bad now that she worries about going into the main shops with her kids, and not surprising given the Mob behaviour and gang trouble in that part of the world recently. But according to Police Minister, Ginny Andersen, everything’s tickety boo. There’s no more crime she says, just more reporting of it. Well if she honestly believes that, then she is literally the only person who does. A fatal mistake governments make is when they deny stuff isn’t happening, especially stuff we see before our very eyes on a daily basis. It’s like when the PM said there was no looting happening post the cyclone in Hawkes Bay, when very clearly everyone else knew it was going on. You can’t gaslight your way out of a problem by telling the people most affected by it, that it’s not happening. Paula Bennett wrote at the weekend that, “We are told continuously by Police Minister Ginny Andersen that we feel safer… Retailers definitely don’t feel safer and for good reason. Ram raids are up 500 per cent since 2018. Andersen said that ram raids are continuing to trend downwards, ignoring that there were 51 ram raids in March this year, up by 24 per cent on the month before… the number of victimisations for violent crime has jumped 33 per cent since 2017,” so she makes the point, no, we don’t feel safer. And she’s right, she’s feeling the pulse on this more accurately than the Police Minister herself. We probably all know somebody personally now who has been impacted by crime, even if it’s our local dairy. And the crime’s more brazen these days, that’s one thing the Minister does accept. But when five of our police districts now have more gangs than police officers, we know we have a problem. And even when the government reaches its 1800 new cops mark next month, the Police Association says that’s still not enough, it doesn’t make up for all those who’ve left - we need double that many more now. You can’t argue with facts, and the stats say that ‘between 2017 and 2022, the number of serious assault reports increased by 121%, while reports of acts intended to cause injury went up by almost 30%.” This is not a safe country anymore, and it seems the last person to wake up to this fact sadly, is the Police Minister herself.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/22/20233 minutes, 46 seconds
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Toby Williams: Fed Farmers Meat and Wool Chair on ratio of sheep to people dropping below 5 to 1

The ratio of sheep to people has dropped below 5 to 1 - the lowest number since the 1950s. Stats NZ has released its five-yearly Agricultural Production Census, which shows decreases in the national dairy herd and sheep flock. Federated Farmers Meat and Wool Chairman Toby Williams told Kate Hawkesby the fall in numbers shouldn't have much of a direct impact on our exports. "It'll make our product become more premium in the marketplace." LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/22/20234 minutes, 45 seconds
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Susan St John: Economics professor says Working For Families abatement thresholds have fallen behind and should increase

An economics professor says Working For Families abatement thresholds have fallen behind and should increase. The Government lifted the abatement threshold in 2017, from a little more than $36,000 to $42,700. But wage growth has pushed many families over the limit for receiving it. Auckland University associate economics professor Susan St John told Kate Hawkesby an increase between $52,000 and $55,000 would be realistic. She says it's very serious; more and more families are unable to balance budgets, and are at food banks. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/22/20233 minutes, 18 seconds
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Richard Wagstaff: Union boss says working conditions of bus drivers need to be improved

Bus drivers eagerly await their turn to discuss working conditions today. Transport Minister Michael Wood is meeting with union representatives in Auckland - the hot topics: wages and conditions. More than 500 bus drivers have been hired since November, meaning Go Bus and NZ Bus numbers in main centres will be back to full strength in coming weeks. Council of Trade Unions President Richard Wagstaff told Kate Hawkesby says the conditions need to be improved. He says some drivers are working over time and getting fatigued on the job. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/22/20233 minutes, 6 seconds
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Megan Woods: Energy and Resources Minister on the replacing coal with electricity at NZ Steel's Gleenbrook site

The Energy Minister says we can't under-estimate how effective the Government's plan to reduce emissions in the steel sector will be. NZ Steel will receive up to 140 million dollars to help replace half the coal used at its Glenbrook site with electricity. It will cut emissions by 800-thousand tonnes on day one, the equivalent of taking every Christchurch car off the road. Megan Woods told Kate Hawkesby that any plan to rely on the Emissions Trading Scheme alone wouldn't work. She says to get the equivalent, the price of carbon emissions would need to increase four times. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/21/20233 minutes, 44 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Luxon dropped the ball on the Budget

I was disappointed the Nats dropped the ball last week and missed the opportunity to seize on what really mattered in the Budget — and it wasn’t free prescriptions. That particular political smokescreen was put up as easy fodder for media to fall for in the hope they’d miss the real story, which is our eye watering debt levels and how inflationary this whole thing is going to be. Sadly it wasn’t just the media who fell for it but Luxon too. I was just thinking Luxon was coming to life a bit and showing some real mettle – the Budget should've been an easy hit for him – on a government already proven to be so inept at economic management. So the attack on the Budget should’ve been a fait accompli. But Robertson and Hipkins instead outwitted Luxon with their political advantage – their apparent phD in smokescreens. Their budget was woeful, but their political strategy was flawless. They pre-conditioned the media, commentators, opposition and taxpayers to expect a no frills, back to basics, bread and butter budget. Then they went about releasing a budget, entirely in line with what they've been doing – spending big and borrowing bigger. In fact they added in another 20 billion of debt to top it up.   But, and this was masterful – they baited the hook with the universal $5 on prescriptions, and some subsidised public transport. This was the classic smokescreen. And Luxon bit that hook hard, espousing how people like him shouldn’t benefit from the reduction in prescription expenses – it should be targeted … means tested. National would review and change this. While Luxon was pontificating over a 100 million dollar spend, where costs associated with implementing means testing would not even offset the savings, behind that smokescreen Robertson was stoking the inflationary inferno, hitting the pockets of all New Zealanders with higher living costs, less purchasing power, and expectations of further interest rate increases and ratings downgrades. While other commentators pointed out the additional expenditure and the head-scratching forecasts of Treasury, Robertson stuck to his talking points: 1) he had no choice but to use Treasury’s forecasts and historically he thinks they’ve been pretty accurate, and 2) the extra spending's in response to inflation & Cyclone Gabrielle. Now if Luxon was a seasoned campaigner and politically astute – Robertson would never have gotten away with that. What Luxon could’ve and should’ve done, was kick the prescriptions and free bus rides to touch – and called them out for what they were… a sideshow. He could've put the focus squarely back on the elephant in the room: the Government has been spending too much, driving the inflation, and now it's going to borrow and spend even more. And that is going to directly increase the cost of living for every single New Zealander. It is going to drive inflation further, and will lead to further rate hikes. Luxon should’ve been prepped to highlight (as Seymour did) that in the 2021 Budget, Treasury’s forecast inflation for 2022 was 1.7 percent.  Actual inflation in 2022 was 7.3 percent.  That forecast accuracy was off by 400%.  If you extrapolate that forecast accuracy against the inflation assumptions in this Budget … we’re into recession. So Robertson and his smokescreen won, they got away with yet more BS, all the while Luxon’s probably still pondering why he’s not further ahead in the polls yet.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/21/20233 minutes, 53 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: No one seems to want to sort out crime in our CBDs

So the crime in Auckland is now reaching the point of ridiculous, and as I said yesterday, I don't know how it even gets reported without an all-out outcry at how barbaric we are becoming. So to recap the past couple of days - a 15 year old gets shot at on the motorway while innocently sitting in the back of the family car because some losers with guns decide they don’t like how her family's driving, so they just fire shots into the car. This on the day we covered what a flop the Government's firearms protection orders are, given they're designed to take guns off bad people and in six months how many times have they used it and done that? Twice, that's it. So bad people are out there with guns and we know it - they continue to have access to and operate firearms illegally and that's a major problem. The second major problem is the violence unfolding endlessly in our CBDs. Broad daylight 5.30pm on a busy Saturday downtown at the Auckland ferry terminal where by the way all the tourists are - I mean what a show we are putting on for them - a gang of thugs, a group of out of control young people start beating up.. kicking, punching, and stomping on.. this poor person.. right in front of everyone. Heart of the City's Viv Beck said she's been demanding urgent action on Auckland's violent crime for ages; longstanding requests have been seemingly all been ignored. There's not even a Police station in downtown Auckland for goodness sake, the nearest one is Ponsonby. People do not feel safe in Auckland's CBD anymore and it's a problem that's not going away, yet no one seems to want to fix it. Simon Bridges from the Auckland Business Chamber pointed out it's not just a social issue but an economic and business issue too. It needs addressing in the form of more Police presence and that request has been made over and over and over. In the last three months, three different members of our immediate family have been involved as victims of a crime, and the underlying common thread is that Police have been lenient, disinterested, and happy to let offenders go. One of the cases involved violence in downtown Auckland - and by violence I mean a punch to the head from behind which saw a kid in hospital for stitches while Police, despite having all the evidence and the offender right in front of them, did not arrest him. Another was a breaking and entering with destruction of property, and again with an offender at their fingertips, Police let him make his own way home, no remand in custody, just be a good boy and we'll see you in court, try not to break into anyone else's house before then. The third involves a man remanded on bail, with conditions, where of course he broke the conditions and re-offended. What I can't work out is - even if the top down message from government is to go lightly on crims and turn a blind eye or keep the prisons empty or whatever the banal ideology behind all this is, it's us who suffer. Our communities, our kids, our reputation as a country.   And it's the cops whose lives and jobs are made more dangerous too, as criminals get more emboldened. Their job only gets harder once crime rules; the job of policing becomes nigh on impossible - which it already is clearly. I just shake my head in disbelief at what's happening to this country and I’m not sure how we fix it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/18/20232 minutes, 52 seconds
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Wayne Langford: Federated Farmers Acting Pres says more than money, they'd just like relief from the endless regulations

The 2023 Budget offered $11.5 billion over the next four years but left nothing for farmers. But it's farmers saying that more than money, they'd just like relief from the endless regulations. Federated Farmers Acting President Wayne Langford joined Kate Hawkesby. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/18/20233 minutes, 59 seconds
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Peter Thomson: Ruapehu Stakeholders Association concerned about transparency from MBIE over purchase offers

Multiple offers have been received in an attempt to buy the Mount Ruapehu skifields. However, locals have concerns surrounding how transparent the MBIE is being about these offers. Spokesperson for the Ruapehu Skifields Stakeholders Association, Peter Thomson, joined Kate Hawkesby. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/18/20233 minutes, 25 seconds
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Michael Wood: Associate Minister of Finance on how the Budget deals with inflation

Budget 2023 is focused on the 'bread and butter' issues.. The Government has injected tens of billions of dollars, in the hope it battles the high cost of living. Questions remain as to what it means in terms of inflation, spending and debt. Associate Minister of Finance Michael Wood joined Kate Hawkesby to discuss. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/18/20234 minutes, 18 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: The future of this country depends on our kids' education

As we await Budget day announcements and an inkling as to where the Government’s interested in putting money, I hope we see some more investment in education. Our stats around education are now so woeful and so depressing that I’m not even sure more money would fix it – but it needs drilling down on as a priority for this Government given where we’re at. The latest global study shows the reading skills of Kiwi kids continues to go backwards. Backwards. Our reading score is the lowest now that it’s ever been; we are sliding backwards on every measure. So we have record numbers of kids not going to school, and the ones who do, clearly not learning anything. The International assessment of year 5 students reading abilities, PIRLS – which is the Progress in International Literacy Study, shows the lowest score for our kids in 20 years. That’s an international measure. We are out performed by Russia. Let that sink in for a minute. In our domestic measure, half of 15 years olds cannot pass a foundational numeracy and literacy test. How is it possible that we have the worst literacy in English speaking countries? Is it the curriculum and where it’s now focussed? Is it the teaching? Is it the methodology? Is it the hijacking of education by ideology? Is it a combo of all of those things? Do we really understand, how critical it is, that we teach our kids to read and write? That used to just be a given, like learning to tie your shoes. We just did it and kept going until it was auto pilot and targets and measures pushed us along. But now, we have to stop and actually remind ourselves, that these basics are not even basic anymore. They’re in the too hard basket it seems. We’ve lost sight of it as being part and parcel of growing up, we’ve replaced that with a bunch of theory and gobbledygook. I mean when Russia, a war ravaged country run by a crazed dictator, has overtaken New Zealand in terms of reading, you know we have a serious problem. It was reported that, “New Zealand students were 20th out of 43 countries. Every English-speaking country and every Canadian Province that participated beat New Zealand. The bottom half of participants is made up of countries like Turkey, Brazil, The Islamic Republic of Iran, and South Africa.” How embarrassing. Trying to make things easier for kids hasn’t worked. Dumbing stuff down hasn’t worked. Excusing stuff hasn’t worked. Continuing to decline on every metric shows none of it is working. So why do we persist with it? The ACT party has pointed out that there is no mention of spelling, grammar or punctuation in the English school curriculum here. Instead it focuses on ”Recognising and using the power and influence of literature, language, and texts (to) give us tools to advocate for ourselves and others. Exploring the effects of colonisation on our languages and literatures is an important part of understanding power relations in Aotearoa New Zealand.” What does that even mean? It’s a whole bunch of word salad ideology. ACT describes it as a ‘fad’ by the current government, which it may well be, but a) it’s not working, and b) it needs to change urgently in order to turn this ship around. We have to stop tinkering around the edges and pouring ideology all over curriculums, and actually just get back to basics. Our kids’ futures and the future of this country depend on it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/17/20233 minutes, 25 seconds
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Bodo Lang: Marketing expert on the reputation damage caused by insects turning up in food items

Creepy crawlies are continuing to pop up in food items. The latest is insect larvae which was nestled in a boy's Whittakers bar, the second bug incident the chocolate company has dealt with in less than two weeks. So what's the reputation damage? Marketing expert Bodo Lang joined Kate Hawkesby to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/17/20233 minutes, 59 seconds
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Rebecca Armour: KPMG Tax Partner on whether or not there will be changes made to tax in today's Budget

There has been much discussion over whether or not changes to tax will be made in today's Budget announcement. The Government has ruled out any major changes to tax brackets, despite a wealth tax report showing a major gap between tax paid by the wealthy and poor. KPMG Tax Partner Rebecca Armour joined Kate Hawkesby. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/17/20234 minutes, 9 seconds
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Brad Olsen: Economist says there isn't nearly as much wriggle room in this Budget as there has been before

Don't expect any big surprises, when the Government releases its Budget at 2pm today. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen told Kate Hawkesby pre-Budget statements and announcements show the Government is taking a "back to basics" approach. He says there isn't nearly as much wriggle room in this Budget as there has been before. Olsen says it's good to see more restraint, following the Covid budgets of the past few years. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/17/20234 minutes, 2 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: I fear the vaping epidemic horse has bolted

The vaping epidemic in this country really grinds my gears, because it was all so avoidable. We let the horse bolt, for years, and then sat on our hands until it well and truly took hold, until every school in the country, alongside thousands of parents, were all crying out for legislation and restrictions around it – until we took it seriously. And then we set up endless committees, reviews, and inquiries around it – only to tell us what we already knew – it was a major problem. I was reading yesterday about a kid who started vaping at 6. She’s now 12, she said she started vaping at 6 for goodness sake. Her older brother bought her vapes, easily done, the supply chain on the vape market is unencumbered by restrictions as far as kids are concerned, so it doesn’t surprise me that kids are supplying each other. The problem with it – well there are several problems with it – but one of them is they think it’s cool. How do they think it’s cool? Because they don’t understand the dangers attached to it, they’ve been told it’s better than smoking, so they think therefore it must be fine. Half of them don’t even have a clue there’s addictive nicotine in there. Well not until it’s too late anyway. But it’s been marketed to kids on purpose – this whole – it’s a smoking cessation tool is a bit of a crock when you think  about the fact vaping companies are making flavours like bubblegum and strawberry. I mean who’s that aiming at if it’s not young kids? Ironically I know of kids who started vaping as young teens, thought after a while maybe it is bad for you, so they moved onto cigarettes. How does that work? How is that a thing? How do they even compute that? You’re dealing problems like lack of awareness and understanding, but also the trouble with teens is they think they’re invincible and nothing will happen to them. Or worse, as one kid reportedly said in the story I read yesterday, “you only live once you’re gonna die anyways so you might as well.” I mean that’s what you’re up against. Once it took hold in the schools it got worse I reckon – schools that were proactive at trying to stamp it out early on were not well enough supported by legislation, so struggled to make any inroads. Exasperated parents hit a brick wall when suppliers didn’t care who they sold to and kids formed black market supply chains anyway. But they’re getting addicted – and to something we don’t fully know all the consequences of yet either.  It’s a big gamble kids are taking with their lungs and we let it go for too long. Turning that ship around now is going to be hard work. All this comes as ASH wants to raise the vaping age from 18 to 21. I don’t think at this stage that will make a difference – once kids are addicted to something they’ll get hold of it either way. And they're already vaping way younger than 18. Apparently no one in this country has the appetite to go as far as Australia and ban all non-prescription vapes. But look at where we're at now. “According to the most recent New Zealand Health Survey, the number of New Zealanders aged 15 to 17 who vaped every day tripled in two years.. for young adults, aged 18 to 24, daily vaping increased from 5 per cent to 15 per cent,” according to one report. So the ship’s sailed, and meritorious as it is to try to turn it around now, I can’t help thinking we’ve left it all a bit late.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/16/20233 minutes, 30 seconds
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Hugh Deveraux-Mack: Council of Licensed Firearms Owners spokesperson on just two FPOs issued since last year

Only two Firearm Prohibition Orders have been issued since coming into force six months ago. They were brought in to be used against people with a criminal history. Questions have therefore been raised as to why are police utilising them so sparingly. Hugh Deveraux-Mack is the spokesperson for the Council of Licensed Firearms Owners and he joined Kate Hawkesby. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/16/20234 minutes, 23 seconds
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Nureddin Abdurahman: Councillor for Newtown says the residents are banding together following hostel fire

A Wellington councillor says it's going to be a long road ahead for the community after the Newtown hostel blaze. A fire broke out in Loafers Lodge in the early hours of yesterday morning; six bodies have been found while 11 are unaccounted for. Councillor for Newtown Nureddin Abdurahman says residents are banding together and he joined Kate Hawkesby. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/16/20233 minutes, 32 seconds
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Kelvin Davidson: Property Economist on report showing 19.9% decline in purchases by multiple property owner

Mortgaged investors are choosing to buy fewer properties as interest rates soar. CoreLogic's latest monthly housing report shows a record 19.9 percent decline in purchases by multiple property owners. Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson joined Kate Hawkesby. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/16/20233 minutes, 27 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: If you believe the polls, a lot of people are happy with the status quo

With all this pre-Budget talk I’m just not sure how invested we are in it - how much attention we’re paying it. I mean we should be. We’ve never been fiscally in such dire straits, we are laden down with debt, inflation is rampant, outlooks and optimism levels do not look flash. So what the Government and the opposition want to do with our money should be something we’re laser focused on. Luxon said a couple of things yesterday at the Auckland Business Chamber which resonated with me – one that we tend to confuse activity with achievement in this country. That if people are busy, we think they’re being productive or doing something, when many times, particularly in the public sector, this isn’t true. They’re pushing paper, but productivity outcomes don’t match. There are more people doing more ‘stuff’ but what have we got to show for it? We have a government who has never spent more money, yet what have they got to show for it? What infrastructure project have they started - and finished? How many sectors have been transformed for the better? What do we have to show for all the spending? More consultants? Yes. More advertising? Yes, more branding and rebranding – yes - but what tangible better outcomes have we seen for us the taxpayer? I mean take mental health, for example. Lots of words, promises, and numbers bandied about on how they were going to fix that. In reality, what’s happened? Nothing, money unspent, the sector still on its knees, outcomes no better for those involved. Luxon mentioned speaking with a nurse and a teacher – both in their 20’s, saving to buy a house, the rent had just gone up by $50 that week, they were looking at their outgoings compared to their income and they told him they’d actually started looking at jobs in Australia because they didn’t feel they could get ahead in New Zealand. And that’s a real travesty. If we’re seen as such an expensive place to live, that New Zealand is such a prohibitively costly existence for young people that they’re actually planning a future elsewhere, then we’re doing it all wrong. We have to do better for our kids and their futures and the future of this country. And that’s the bit that worries me – the malaise that’s wafted over this country – during Covid – and is still not lifting. The pandering to the lowest common denominator, the lack of targets, as Luxon pointed out which have been so debilitating for this country on every metric – health, crime, education, we seem to have decided that just scraping the barrel is good enough. There’s a collective lack of ambition, lack of desire to be better or want for more. Where’s our aspiration gone? Where is that 'can do' spirit that our grandparents had? I worry we’ve given up, and we’re happy to just plod along and as David Seymour put it, basically just be a big Fiji. The polls are tight – which means, if you believe them, there are a lot of people in this country happy with status quo. That worries me.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/15/20232 minutes, 53 seconds
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Andre Syben: Waikato businessman launches safety campaign following five farm deaths in last three months

Five farm deaths in three months has horrified a Waikato businessman, who is launching a safety campaign in response. Ag Drive Managing Director Andre Syben is calling for a culture change and wants better buy-in from industry corporates. As well as the five deaths, there have been 30 WorkSafe notifiable injuries from January to March this year. Andre Syben joined Kate Hawkesby to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/15/20233 minutes, 58 seconds
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Weston Kirton: Ruapehu Mayor wants the Commerce Commission to investigate disparities between fuel prices within the region

The Mayor of Ruapehu wants the Commerce Commission to investigate why there are disparities between fuel prices within the region. He's written to the watchdog to help ensure pricing is equitable, and claims it can be almost 50 cents more expensive than Te Awamutu, which an hour and a half away. Mayor Weston Kirton says says Taumarunui locals are  frustrated over paying significantly higher retail fuel prices compared to neighbouring townships. He says they should investigate how retail prices compare to other rural areas. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/15/20234 minutes, 17 seconds
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Geoff Bilbrough: Education NZ spokesperson on NZ taking in more international students than before the pandemic

New Zealand is taking in more international students than before the pandemic, but polytechs and schools are missing out. The number of study visas issued in the past eight months is up 10 percent on 2019 figures. Education New Zealand says visa approvals for universities have increased, but visa approvals for schools and polytechs have halved. Spokesperson Geoff Bilbrough told Kate Hawkesby there is not one clear reason for this, and students look at many international factors. He says New Zealand universities rank highly on the global stage, making it an attractive option for families. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/15/20233 minutes, 57 seconds
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Stuart Crosby: Local Government New Zealand President on the rift in Gore's Council

There are hopes that Gore's council can sort out a rift between councillors and the Mayor. 24-year-old Ben Bell and Chief Executive Stephen Parry have suffered a breakdown in communication. Seven councillors are calling on Bell to resign and he'll face them tomorrow at an emergency meeting. Local Government New Zealand President Stuart Crosby says that there's been trouble since the start of Bell's mayoralty. He says even Bell's attendance at a mayoral college caused issues for him back home. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/14/20234 minutes, 57 seconds
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Jim Galloway: Hawke's Bay Federated Farmers President on the safety and wellbeing support

Farmers are dismissing Government funding for mental health support as a drop in the bucket. Part of the billion dollar cyclone relief package announced yesterday includes 35 million for the safety and wellbeing of farmers and growers. Federated Farmers Hawke's Bay President Jim Galloway told Kate Hawkesby that it'll help a little. But he says it won't go anywhere near what's needed to put fences in the ground, dig trees out of silt, or to fix tracks on farms. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/14/20233 minutes, 37 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Why isn't there any urgency in distributing the relief funds?

So despite more money being announced yesterday for cyclone recovery, there’s still money floating around that hasn’t even been allocated or spent yet. Months on from Cyclone Gabrielle, more than 30 million dollars in donations is still unspent. How’s that possible? What is it they’re waiting for? It was reported that, “So far, only 5 million of the 24 million donated to the Red Cross Disaster Fund has been allocated, while none of the 11.7 million raised in a March Lotto draw has been dispersed… as 79 cents of every donated dollar remains unspent, earning interest of 150 thousand dollars, the Red Cross is defending the time taken, saying it's allowed for crucial planning and trials.” The Red Cross has been worried about ‘distributing the money too quickly’ apparently. Well no danger of that. “So far the Red Cross has received 140 applications for grants of which it’s approved 32,” it was reported. 32. Out of 140. Why is it taking so long when these people are desperate and have been for months? When it would appear abundantly clear where the money needs to go? New Zealanders are incredibly generous and always very quick to dig deep for those in strife. People deeply affected by post cyclone scenes, threw money at the cause rapidly, and in huge amounts. This country is phenomenal at fundraising and the generosity was abundant. So to then hear that months later, a chunk of it is still just sitting there unspent, accruing interest in a Red Cross account, is disappointing to say the least. We regularly hear from people in the Hawkes Bay and Gisborne regions, who say that they’ve not seen a volunteer or had any support. People who’ve been tearing their hair out over the lack of action. And I feel for them. It’s the one thing they feared most – that they’d be forgotten about. But it doesn’t sit well with us when we see that money’s been raised, yet it’s being held onto for ‘crucial planning and trials’ as the Red Cross says. What does that even mean? What trials? Why is the Red Cross not just getting it done? It was reported re the silt for example, that Red Cross has ‘copped criticism for not helping in the cleanup’.. but that they say it’s ‘not that straightforward’. Isn’t it? Red Cross says they’re ‘enabling people to clean up rather than paying for the trucks and the diggers that are actually lifting the silt..’ They say they’re ‘supporting the families and the communities through either helping to clean out their homes to make them liveable … or providing the equipment and protective gear that helps them do the cleanup themselves.’ Well that’s all well and good if that actually works and is working, but many of these families we hear from are absolutely exhausted with trying to clean up for themselves, they have jobs and families and livelihoods to try to look after too. So it’s a harrowing time for them – and continues to be. I just think for a charitable organisation in the business of providing aid and help – and in raising so much money so quickly from extremely generous New Zealanders, it really behoves them to distribute it efficiently and quickly. And it’s not just Red Cross, it’s government money and Lotto money being held up too, by too much bureaucracy and red tape. This is a hugely productive part of our economy, left floundering, so I just don’t know why there isn’t more urgency in getting the money out to people, to get them back on their feet.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/14/20235 minutes, 5 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: The powers that be tell us food prices will come down soon, I hope that's true

So I’m not sure the Mother’s Day brunch this weekend will be including avocado on toast given the shortage of them – and therefore the cost of them. Although despite avocado being $9 and $10 each in some parts of the country at the moment, other places tell me they can still get them and get them cheap. So it might be a case of the old postcode lottery at the moment when it comes to fruit and veges. But yesterday we heard that we’ve had our largest food price increase since 1987. The cost of food in New Zealand is now up 12.5 percent. And of that, fruit and veges were the biggest driver – up 22.5 percent. Grocery food prices are up 14 percent on this time last year. “Increasing prices for barn or cage-raised eggs, potato chips, and 6-pack yoghurt were the largest drivers within grocery food,” it was reported. And don’t we know it. It‘s us the consumers who feel the pinch of this at the sharp end, as we empty our trolley onto the checkout conveyor belt and look on in horror as the prices get rung up. We feel like everything’s costing more.. because it is. But it’s been a perfect storm of factors – bad weather, supply chain issues, freight costs, minimum wage increases, compliance cost increases all resulting in us getting loaded up with higher price points on just about everything. We didn’t actually realise how bad this was until we left New Zealand and travelled and saw arguably more expensive cities in the world with far cheaper food prices. Blueberries in London – 2 large punnets for 3 pounds. Even for six New Zealand dollars you could only get one small punnet of blueberries if you were lucky. Raspberries the same. Bread and milk cheaper, pretty much all food cheaper bar meat. But no matter where you go, people still whinge about the price of stuff and think their cost of living crisis is worse than anyone else’s. In the UK they complain night and day about their cost of living crisis and the price of food and we’re there thinking – are you kidding? Try buying this in New Zealand! So I guess to an extent the grass is always greener somewhere else – and sometimes is actually is. But you can’t argue with the quality of our produce here. I know I don’t think twice about eating New Zealand grass fed meat but I wouldn’t always feel good about eating meat overseas, same with our dairy. We can also drink water from our taps without too many concerns.  But there’s always going to be a premium attached to good quality, high standard food, like sustainably farmed meat and dairy. And most of the time consumers understand and accept that. But the other thing we could do more of I suppose is eat in season – which these days we’re not that good at, because we expect everything to be available to us all of the time. Like avocados. And usually growers can bridge the seasonal gaps with extra supply, but not when bad weather hits. The powers that be tell us these prices will all come back down – and I hope that’s true – I hope they understand that just because we’re paying more for fruit and veges now, doesn’t mean we want to keep paying through the nose for food forever.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/11/20233 minutes, 22 seconds
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Chris Cahill: Police Association's president concerned demand has outstripped efforts to improve frontline police numbers

Concerns demand has outstripped efforts to improve frontline police numbers. Police Minister Ginny Andersen says the Government is closing in on its goal of bolstering staffing by 1800 officers. The Police Association's president says the increase made a real difference initially, but officers are again overwhelmed. Chris Cahill says the work to improve staffing represents a 20 percent increase. But he says there's a 60 percent increase in demand around family harm and mental health alongside growing gang numbers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/11/20233 minutes, 50 seconds
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John Murphy: Vegetables NZ chair on figures showing fruit and vegetable price increases of 22.5% on last year

A new report from Westpac claims more is needed to create sustainable competition between supermarkets. This comes as the price of fruit and vegetables is up 22.5 per cent from last year. Vegetables NZ chair John Murphy joined Kate Hawkesby to discuss. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/11/20233 minutes, 8 seconds
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Erica Stanford: National's education spokesperson on St Cuthbert’s College concern about new NCEA Level 1, writing its own

A top Auckland private school has so little confidence in the new NCEA Level 1 curriculum it is ditching the qualification in favour of its own Year 11 diploma next year. St Cuthbert’s College informed parents Wednesday next year’s Year 11 students would not take part in NCEA Level 1 but rather work towards the school’s own bespoke Year 11 Diploma. Principal Justine Mahon said several of the school’s senior academic staff had been on Government advisory panels for NZQA’s proposed changes to NCEA and had become increasingly concerned by what would be taught in 2024. “We don’t think it provides sufficient, in-depth learning for our students,” she told the Herald. “I’m also concerned about educational standards in New Zealand. Some subjects have been merged so that means that potentially, hundreds of students throughout the country will have a less rigorous conceptual framework.” Chemistry and biology had been merged into one subject as had accounting, business and economics. Several subjects, mostly in the arts, had also been removed. Mahon also believed “fundamentals” like the writing requirement and mathematics had been “dumbed down”. As an example, deputy head of the senior school and head of calculus, Julia Fuge, said the current Level 1 curriculum devoted a third of learning to each of number and algebra, geometry and measurement and statistics and probability. The “refreshed” NZQA curriculum devoted half of the teaching time to statistics and probability and the other half to algebra, measurement, geometry and number. “We feel Level 1 is far too young to reduce the teaching of algebra to an eighth of the course. Like a language, it is very hard to pick up later on and is crucial for our future graduates in the fields of science, engineering, medicine, economics and even statistics itself,” Fuge said. “Currently, Level 1 mathematics has an MCAT exam which is set externally and completed in Term 3 nationally. This keeps standards high and this is being removed in the new 2024 course.” St Cuthbert's College principal Justine Mahon does not believe the "refreshed" NCEA Level 1 provides sufficient, in-depth learning. Photo / File Mahon said the programme would “deliver a world-class, comprehensive curriculum which is intellectually rigorous, well-rounded and more challenging than what is being implemented by NZQA next year”. She said less time on internal assessments and exam leave would provide six more weeks of teaching time allowing subjects to be taught more in-depth. Mahon said there would still be end-of-year exams and other “rigorous and relevant assessments” but it would be less of a focus. “We’ve got to be careful that assessment doesn’t drive learning. That’s not to say that we don’t have assessment but you’ve got to be very considered in how you position this.” She said they did not yet know what the new NCEA Level 2 and 3 curriculums would look like but had staff on the panels who would be agitating for a high standard and a strong conceptual framework. “It doesn’t only matter to St Cuthbert’s girls, it matters to us as educators that throughout the country Level 2 and 3 prepare students for the next step,” she said. “NZQA will have to ensure that they are rigorous otherwise we will be disadvantaging students in their entry into universities. They won’t be able to make similar drastic changes to Levels 2 and 3 without compromising students’ tertiary opportunities.” St Cuthbert’s would continue offering both NCEA and International Baccalaureate qualifications to cater to all students in Year 12 and 13. Mahon said taking part in service projects and co-curricular activities like sport, drama, debating or music were also requirements of the diploma as was a 95 per cent attendance rate. St Cuthbert's College will offer its own Year 11 diploma from next year instead of the new NCEA Level 1. Photo / Supplied One St Cuthbert’s parent, who has a daughter in Year 8, said she the school’s decision only confirmed her fears about the state of the education system. The mum of three had intended to send her daughter back to public school for her secondary years but was now reconsidering. “I had always thought my kids might go to university in Australia and it just concerns me that they might turn up and be so far behind the eight-ball that they can’t catch up,” she said. “I believe in public education. I don’t want to be sending my kid to a private school. I want them to go to the local Government school but it just doesn’t seem that it’s good enough.” Ministry of Education curriculum centre group manager Rob Mill said the Ministry was aware a number of schools had made decisions to reduce or cease participation in NCEA Level 1 since the commencement of the NCEA Review in 2018. Pilots for new NCEA Level 1 standards had been running since 2021 and schools involved had reported students were well prepared for NCEA Level 2, he said. “The Ministry is confident that graduates of the new NCEA Level 1 will be better prepared for deeper and more specialised learning at Levels 2 and 3.” Mill said the Ministry had worked with secondary sector, academic and industry experts to determine the most important learning within each subject which will be assessed through the new Level 1 standards and provide ākonga (students) with a strong foundational understanding of the subject. The new NCEA Level 1 will have fewer larger standards which will support greater coherence in the learning that ākonga experience, he said. But, Epsom MP and Act leader David Seymour said he 100 per cent supported what St Cuthbert’s was doing for their students. “They have clearly identified the Government’s curriculum does not contain the academic knowledge that they believe their students require to navigate the future.” Seymour said he believed the Government had “stripped academic content out of the curriculum” and questioned the merging of topics and the reduction of content when international comparisons already showed students were falling behind. “I’m so happy for the girls at St Cuthbert’s who have a school leader who’s prepared to swim against the tide and say this isn’t good enough for our students.” “Frankly they have laid down the challenge to the Ministry and to the Government to go back and ask, ‘if it’s not good enough for St Cuthbert’s how can we say it’s good enough for every other student?’” National Education spokeswoman Erica Stanford said it was disappointing but not a surprise that schools were choosing to ditch Level 1. “Schools are telling me they are concerned about the quality and lack of challenge in Labour’s curriculum refresh. Our children deserve much better than a Government that is not aspirational for their learning,” she said. National had already outlined its Teaching the Basics Brilliantly plan which would involve a full rewrite of the curriculum, Education Minister Jan Tinetti referred questions to the Ministry of Education. Michael Johnston, the author of the New Zealand Initiative’s Save Our Schools report, said he too would be tempted to write his own curriculum if he were in St Cuthbert’s position because the New Zealand Curriculum had “no real substance”. NCEA standards often became the default curriculum so trying to back the standards with a more in-depth, coherent programme was positive, Johston said. “If we had a substantive curriculum then schools wouldn’t have to spend a lot of time doing that. It’s not a desirable situation when schools have to develop their own curricula and if every school did that then we’d have a very inconsistent system.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/11/20235 minutes
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Kate Hawkesby: I don't feel this election will be as tight as some people think

So a new poll shows the Nats nudging past Labour to form a government with Act. No Māori Party needed as Kingmaker, which has been the current narrative of course.. how close the race is, how powerful Te Pāti Māori could end up. If this poll becomes a trend, not powerful at all. But I still think Luxon did the right thing ruling them out and not a moment too soon. He's dead right when he says they're not the party they were, they grandstanders. But he's also right to do it because it makes him look decisive, like he stands for something, principled, and like a leader. And he desperately needs that right now. Because this latest poll also showed that his personal popularity is still floundering. He got his lowest favourability rating since becoming the leader in November 2021. Now the likes of Richard Prebble will argue women are the problem for Luxon - as in, they don't like him. He wrote a column yesterday saying ‘Polling indicates that women like Chris Hipkins’ “I am just a boy from the Hutt”, and dislike Christopher Luxon’s “I am from head office”. But that’s not true of all women, and it dilutes women’s voting preferences down to identity politics, or the politics of personality. However, Prebble claims the ones who saw Ardern swept to victory in 2020 were the previously National voters, who’d changed their tune and had fallen hook line and sinker for her. They voted for her, not Labour. He claims it’s those ’Ardern women’ as he calls them, who will decide the next election. But surely if that theory is correct, then you have to account for how many of those ‘Ardern women’ will now – post Jacinda, be able to see through the warm fuzzy approach. How many of them have been disappointed and will not be seduced by the ‘Boy from the Hutt’ rhetoric and actually want to see more than just populism and idealism? Women are savvy, they’re smart, and they’re able to see through the BS. Not all of them of course, but I’d be surprised if we see a large proportion of women come October, falling for big smiles and platitudes, again. I also think this election is shaping up to be a bit of a verdict on where we are at as a country. And I’d hazard a guess that we are over it, we are over the way it’s currently being run and what’s happened to it. The state of the economy, the cost of living crisis, the striking nurses and teachers, the health care system in tatters, the education system in tatters, crime through the roof, disengaged disenfranchised youth, division and tribalism, an overarching negativity and oppressiveness about the place. Lack of Police, lack of accountability, lack of transparency – I’m not sure why we’d vote for more of that? One poll does not a trend make, and we'd need a few more to show the trajectory, but I've got a feeling this race won't be as tight as pundits predict. I just wonder if it looks tight in places like social media platforms or Facebook groups or newspaper comments sections, but in heartland New Zealand it’s clearer cut. What about all the people not venting their frustrations or airing their views on those platforms? So still plenty of water to go under the bridge, but in terms of how tight it's going to be; I think we'll see the gap slowly start to widen as people wake up to what's really going on in this country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/10/20233 minutes, 2 seconds
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Kathy Wolfe: Early Childhood NZ CEO says industry has under-funding, shortages and they're overburdened with standards, regulations

Early childhood teachers have painted a grim picture of the state of their sector. An Office of Early Childhood Education survey has found more than 70 percent of teachers believe the industry will get worse in the future. Early Childhood New Zealand Chief Executive Kathy Wolfe told Kate Hawkesby the survey results aren't surprising. She says there is chronic under-funding, teacher shortages and they're overburdened with standards and regulations. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/10/20233 minutes, 18 seconds
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Brigit Corson: Foodstuffs say avocados are due to return to supermarket shelves shortly as prices soar

Avocados are due to return to supermarket shelves shortly as prices soar to more than five dollars each. A Rabobank report shows this year's production will be lower than last due to wet weather events. Foodstuffs' Brigit Corson told Kate Hawkesby they haven't been able to bridge the gap while avocados are out of season, hence the higher price. She says it hasn't been a good growing year and combined with the cyclone and poor weather they ran out. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/10/20234 minutes, 30 seconds
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Dame Diana Crossan: Ex-Retirement Commissioner on group of 100 wealthy Kiwis calling on govt to increase their taxes

100 wealthy New Zealanders who believe our public services are underfunded think they should be the ones to pay up. The group has signed a pledge calling on the Government to increase their taxes. Inspired by the initiative Millionaires for Humanity, it believes the current tax system contributes towards the gap between poor and the wealthy. Ex-Retirement Commissioner, Dame Diana Crossan told Kate Hawkesby higher taxes are better than philanthropy, as the money is shared more widely. LISTEN ABOVE    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/10/20234 minutes, 29 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Making our streets feel safer might not be that hard

It’s a funny thing being away and suddenly seeing stuff without the blinkers on - and we are blinkered here. We’ve been cloistered in a sheltered environment with shut borders for so long that we’ve maybe lost sight of how much the rest of the world has moved on. And they have moved on. But I tell you what struck me the most, how safe I felt in cities like London and New York, compared to New Zealand. I know, weird eh. When you think of New York you think crime and mayhem, but in fact, there are just so many cops, that it feels safe. And not only are there lots of them, they’re armed and look like the sort of people you don’t mess with. They walk round in minimum of doubles, but usually groups of them. They clamp down on any whiff of action and if something does fire up – they’re on the scene shutting it down within seconds. The sirens of the NYPD are a constant - there are cops everywhere, active and omnipresent, and that’s before we get to all the security guards stationed outside shops, malls and doorways too. Likewise the public don’t suffer fools in New York. We saw an out of it homeless man being a menace to people just outside Central Park and locals just tackled him to the ground and lay on top of him until NYPD arrived about 30 seconds later. So trouble gets cleaned up real quick. Likewise, in London. It feels the safest of all to be honest. Although a mate of mine who lives in London but travels frequently to New York for work said ironically he feels safer there. But in London cops are omnipresent too. They walk the beat in doubles, gigantic handcuffs dangling out of their pockets, some are armed, and they look serious enough to be a deterrent. And they are. They’re also extremely approachable. They’re helping tourists with directions, they’re sorting out traffic issues, they’re genuinely useful to their communities, many are well known, liked and kids look up to them. So a lot different to here. And there are lessons there for our Police Minister and Commissioner. To make people feel safe, as they often say they want to, you have to actually be proactive in creating a safe environment. You can’t do that in a vacuum. We often hear this Government talking about crime numbers coming down – yet we know that’s not true because we know it’s more about how it gets reported, or in many cases not reported.  If you don’t classify breaking into a shop’s front door with a car as a ram raid, then it’s not a ram raid stat is it? But we have to be less blinkered. For all the people who go on about how ‘safe’ New Zealand is, is it really? Or is that just a story we keep telling ourselves? A person I know currently here from London said she cannot believe how unsafe she feels in NZ these days, she can’t wait to get back to London. I know of another who said they’d travelled all over the world, and the place they felt least safe was the Auckland CBD on a Saturday night. Some will argue, well at least we don’t have guns like America and that's true, and for that I'm grateful, but we had a gun pulled on a member of the public in Auckland just last week, so there is an issue with gangs and guns. But when I think about how safe I felt elsewhere, in vastly bigger cities, I think the key to it is not that hard, it could actually just be as simple as more cops on the beat in our communities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/9/20233 minutes, 33 seconds
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Viv Beck: Heart of the City CEO believes Auckland Council made the right call when responding to flood events

An Auckland business leader believes Auckland Council made the right call, when responding to yesterday's flood events. Heart of the City Chief Executive, Viv Beck told Kate Hawkesby while shutting down the city can't be done willy-nilly, it was appropriate in this case due to the widespread impacts. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/9/20233 minutes, 19 seconds
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Vince Cocurullo: Whangārei Mayor expects a review of doomed Abbey Caves trip to be carried out

A body has been found in the search for a missing student in Abbey Caves in Whangarei. Specialist equipment brought up from Auckland allowed the search to continue last night. A formal identification process will be carried out, with cordons in place for a routine scene examination. Whangārei Mayor Vince Cocurullo told Kate Hawkesby they expect a review of the doomed school trip to be carried out. He says as the owner of the caves, they will be involved with the review and other processes. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/9/20232 minutes, 58 seconds
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Ben Youdan: ASH Director calls for a 21-year-old age limit for buying vapes

An anti-smoking advocacy group is calling for a 21-year-old age limit for buying vapes. Action for Smokefree 2025 has outlined new proposals that aim to help tackle youth vaping in New Zealand. According to the group, in 2020, daily vaping in Year 10 students increased from one percent to almost 10 percent, and from one percent to 18.6 percent for under 25s. ASH Director Ben Youdan told Kate Hawkesby the group's recommendations aim to improve prevention. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/9/20234 minutes, 16 seconds
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Tim Dower: What kind of money compensates for the sacrifice of our Defence Force?

A pay rise for the Defence Force, which has lost about about 10 percent of its personnel over the past year. That works out to around 800 people leaving. What would be really interesting to know and hopefully the Defence Force does know this - is where they're going and why they're going. Is it only because there's more money to be had in civvy street or are there other issues? There was a time when we were losing trained personnel to the Australian military, purely because of money. These days, there's better dough to be had in the Fire Service or the Police and in Corrections too, although you might argue there's more danger in any of those roles now than the military. So we're upping the money by between $4000 and $15,000 a year, meaning 90 percent of NZDF personnel will be above, or close to, market rates. Also meaning about 10 percent, roughly the proportion that left last year, will still be below market rates. Thing is the Defence Force has turned out some fantastic contributors. Recent examples just off the top of my head, MPs and Ministers, a Governor General and an outstanding airline CEO. I doubt many of them went into it for the money and maybe this is where the NZDF could be looking to make itself more attractive. The Defence Force opens doors to fantastic careers for the right people. For others looking to get skills or a trade, it provides training and opportunities that money just can't buy. The downside...well...it's only two weeks since we acknowledged the price some of our people have paid for joining up. In a world that looks more dangerous by the day, what kind of money compensates for that sacrifice?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/8/20232 minutes, 9 seconds
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Bob Osborne: Responsible Campers Association petition calls for more facilities to fix freedom camping issues

A 10,000 strong petition is calling for more facilities to fix freedom camping issues. The Responsible Campers Association says the Government is claiming there's a nationwide problem, but its incoming legislation won't fix it. Association secretary Bob Osborne joined Tim Dower. LISTEN ABOVE    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/8/20234 minutes, 36 seconds
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Ron Mark: Former Defence Minister takes his hat off to Andrew Little for NZDF pay increase, asset upgrade

A big pay increase is on the way for our Defence Force in the hope of stemming staff turnover. The Government is bringing 90 percent of pay in line with market rates, by putting aside nearly $420 million in the Budget. Another $328 million will also be spent upgrading assets and infrastructure, including Defence Force housing. Former Defence Minister, Ron Mark told Tim Dower he takes his hat off to new Minister Andrew Little. He says he's clearly had the support of Chris Hipkins to come to the table, which is desperately needed as the force is bleeding experienced personnel. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/8/20235 minutes, 56 seconds
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Scott Simpson: Coromandel MP says he is hopeful the Kopu to Hikuai route can be re-opened before summer

The Coromandel Peninsula community is eagerly awaiting an announcement on the fate of State Highway 25A due later this morning. The Kopu to Hikuai route has been closed for three months after significant damage from Cyclone Gabrielle. Waka Kotahi has three options on the table; a potential bypass, bridge, or retaining wall. Coromandel MP Scott Simpson told Tim Dower his concern isn't which one it will be, but rather how long it will take to complete. He's hopeful it can be re-opened before summer, as the closure's impact on the community and local businesses has been devastating. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/8/20233 minutes, 42 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK Correspondent on the imprisonment on Julian Assange

The Australian Government is seeking an end to the imprisonment of Julian Assange in the UK. The Australian citizen and WikiLeaks founder has been incarcerated while the US seeks to extradite him on charges relating to the publishing of classified information about the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. Anthony Albanese hasn't been able to find a "diplomatic solution" to the Assange case while in London for the Coronation. But UK correspondent Gavin Grey told Roman Travers that there is some positive news. He says that for the first time both Australia's leader and opposition leader has called for his imprisonment to come to an end. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/7/20234 minutes, 6 seconds
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Richard Fitzwilliams: Royal Commentator on the King Charles' reign

It's believed continuity and stability will be a core-focus for King Charles as he guides the Royal Family into a new era. Royal Commentator, Richard Fitzwilliams told Roman Travers that the King knows his biggest challenge will be connecting with the younger generations. He says it's been a tough time for the monarchy, with Prince Andrew in disgrace and Prince Harry and Meghan's exit, the split affecting young people's attitudes towards the Royals. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/7/20234 minutes, 43 seconds
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Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on the Grocery Supplier Cost Index results

There's some hope that supplier costs to supermarkets will soon show signs of easing. The Infometrics-Foodstuffs New Zealand Grocery Supplier Cost Index shows a 10% increase in what suppliers charged supermarkets for goods in April. We've seen increases of 10% or more for the past six months. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen says this reflects suppliers themselves are facing very high input price pressures. He says we're starting to see some signs of possibly less intense cost pressures, but they are remaining high for now. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/7/20235 minutes, 12 seconds
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Roman Travers: I don't think we'll become a republic any time soon

What an astonishing weekend it’s been, right?   There aren’t many of us that are old enough to remember in great detail the coronation of our previous monarch, Queen Elizabeth the second.   Now we all have Saturday night etched into our memory banks with all that pomp and pageantry, being beamed into lounges across the world with the coronation of King Charles the third and Queen Camilla.  Generally, people seem to have been polite enough to park their republican discussions with the possibility that the preponderance of those in favour of sticking with what we have has again become the way we’ll stay.  With the coronation formalities now designated to the official websites of royal history and fabulous photography, it’ll be fascinating to see whether the debate around New Zealand becoming a republic once again bobs about.  For those excited at the prospect of buying more new shoes, and more very formal outfits for one off occasions, we may well get to see another coronation in a decade or so from now. So hang on to those overpriced outfits. If you live long enough, fashion tends to go full circle.  One thing that will cement the love for the British royal family more than anything will be inevitable succession to the throne of William and Kate at his side.   There seems to be genuine love, or strong liking at least for this couple, who’ll undoubtedly hope to retain and enhance the ubiquitous favour that the British royal family cling to regardless of the Meghan and Harry debacle.   My strong feeling is that rightly or wrongly and for better or worse, New Zealand will make no fundamental changes in terms of our allegiance to the British royal family and the Commonwealth in my lifetime.   In fact, the future of ‘The Firm’ shines brighter than ever.   Although the official wording within the ceremony did seem bonkers at times, with chants like, ‘may he live forever’, which doesn’t happen for anyone even on the best vitamin regimens, the sentiment seems to be genuine.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/7/20232 minutes, 13 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: What a day we've had in London

What a cool day we’ve had today. We met David Walliams from ‘Little Britain’ and ‘Come Fly With Me’ – two comedy shows that could never be made these days without being cancelled immediately – in fact I don’t even know if there are clips still up on YouTube– probably been gassed by now. But they were hilarious shows. He’s also been the judge on ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ so he’s a big name here. But Walliams is probably most known worldwide for his books I think – fabulous author – Gangsta Granny, Billionaire Boy Robo-dog. He’s an extremely entertaining children’s book author and he very generously gave my daughter some books, he signed them for her and her little brother and sister, he did photos with us, and he was genuinely very funny. He actually just took the piss out of us. He called us ‘a very stylish family’ but then he did have a crack at Mike about his ripped jeans. He said Mike reminded him of ‘a Karl Lagerfeld’ he said he was ‘wearing clothes designed for a much younger man..’ we were in fits. He also said he loved Mike’s ‘stylish sunglasses’ so they were hitting it off. Then after the interview we walked out to his car with him at which point Mike spotted that his car was one he'd owned before, but David had the new model. So, turns out Walliams is a car guy too, so suddenly he’s telling Mike to hop in the car and they’re chatting about cars, then he offers us a ride home – given we’re only staying a short walk away from the BBC we had to decline that, but what a lovely and hilarious guy. As he drove away he wound down his window and yelled out at us ‘ok then leave me alone now!’ so that was a treat. Then we met Graham Norton. Graham Norton we met last time in 2018 when we were here for Harry and Meghan’s wedding, and he was so lovely, polite and effusive. Very humble and low key, and still the same today, just such a lovely man. As he arrived and saw us all, he said, ‘gangs all here!’ Again very generous doing autographs for Marley, photos, and even participated happily in her BeReal post! Anyway, given he’s got a place in New York, I asked him which he preferred. I explained we’d just come from New York, and we couldn’t decide if we like London or New York better. He didn’t even pause for a beat, “New York”, he said. He was very impressed with Mike’s coronation invite and asked if I’d had an invite too, or if Mike could bring a plus one. When Mike explained no it was just him, Graham said, ‘not to be rude, but why you?’ We were all so busy laughing I’m not sure what Mike’s answer was, but Graham was very excited for him, asking if he could take his phone in, if he was wearing tails, if he would recognise all the heads of state there etc. Anyway two very lovely chatty personable and self-deprecating men, doing amazing work here, and really just topping off a fabulous two weeks in London for us. Exhausting, but fabulous. The boss texted today and said ‘are you ready to come home?’ I had to say, nope, I’m not, I’d stay here forever. But the school run and the dog and life as normal awaits, so it’s been a blast, it's been a privilege. But it’s definitely not goodbye to London, it’s see you again soon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/4/20233 minutes, 8 seconds
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Max Foster: CNN host and royal correspondent as excitement builds for the coronation

The countdown is on to the historic King's coronation this weekend. King Charles has been heir to the throne for 70 years and excitement's building for the big royal celebration on Saturday.  Max Foster is a CNN host and royal correspondent in London, and he joined Kate Hawkesby. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/4/20235 minutes, 1 second
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Rebecca Scown: Former Olympic rower on representing NZ at Westminster Abbey

We are now in the final countdown to the coronation. One of those representing New Zealand at Westminster Abbey is former Olympic and World Championship winning rower Rebecca Scown. She now heads up Youth Experience in Sport over in Britain. Rebecca Scown joined Kate Hawkesby. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/4/20234 minutes, 38 seconds
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Eleanor O'Dea: Rodd and Gunn's Regional Manager on the company's explosion in the UK

The iconic Rodd and Gunn is making its presence felt in London. The lifestyle brand opened in mayfair towards the end of 2019 - and is now expanding into europe. That came after massively successful launches into Australia and the United States. Kate Hawkesby caught up with Rodd and Gunn's UK Regional Manager Eleanor O'Dea. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/4/20233 minutes, 53 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Can King Charles maintain a monarchy that’s modern and current?

Well today has noticeably ramped up another notch in coronation preparations. More roads closed, more barricades up, more Cops around, and way, way more people. The Palace garden party was on today, so attendees were out in their finery and even the weather played ball with a beautiful and rare blue sky day. Many, who at the start of this week were a bit ho hum, seem now to be getting excited. I was speaking with one woman whose kids insisted she drag them round all the festivities to see what’s in store for the celebrations ‘for our King’, as she put it. She said they weren’t really royalists and felt indifferent about the monarchy, but she said when it came to events like an historic coronation, how could you not be part of it all? She said it’s part and parcel of being British. On the day however, given how busy London already is, she said she’d stay home and ‘watch it on the telly’, which she argued would be a better view anyway, and she’s probably right. But there’s something magical about being here and soaking up the festive vibes, and it’s part of what I love about England; how into it they get. They love a good knees up. They love their bunting, they love their Bank holidays, even if they don’t even love the royals that much. The TV news channels here are all about polls on the monarchy. A recent YouGov one showed 58 percent of Brits still want a monarchy, and just 26 percent say they’d prefer a head of state. There’s ongoing criticism of royal spending of course – when asked if the monarchy was good value for money – 54 percent said yes, 32 percent said no. In young people that stat was higher of course, of 18 to 24 year olds, 40 percent thought the monarchy was a waste of money. The royals are under constant criticism in that regard; from private jet use, to security costs, to living expenses. Royal trustees are currently carrying out a five year review of the sovereign grant and the monarchy already has fewer working royals. Harry and Meghan choosing to leave of course, and Prince Andrew being shown the door. But questions remain about how much more Charles can trim it all down. And even then, will it enthuse Gen Zed’ers into the royal fold? With Charles being 74, most of his support base is 65 plus, and you’ve got an increasingly royally disengaged youth. ‘Nearly four in ten Gen Zed’ers support abolishing the monarchy,’ according to that YouGov poll, just ‘a third of 18 to 24-year-olds back the Crown’. Another question pollsters asked was whether people thought Charles was in touch with the British public. 36 percent said yes he was, 45 percent said no. Looking like you’re in touch helps, and they’re relying very much on the younger royals as in Wills and Kate, to do that.  But at the end of the day, Brits by and large seem to love the pageantry around all this stuff. News channels here were reporting on the huge volumes of bunting people had ordered through the post to hang in their homes. But while this may be a festive, celebratory and ceremonially significant week for the monarchy, it’s very much how it plays out from here that matters. Whether King Charles can maintain a monarchy that’s modern and current, and justifiable in the eyes of the British public, is all ahead of him long after the bunting and the flags have been taken down and packed away.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/3/20233 minutes, 8 seconds
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Gail Pacheco: Researcher says just one concussion can cause someone to go on and commit a violent crime

Just one concussion can cause someone to go on and commit a violent crime. New AUT research shows even a mild traumatic brain injury significantly increases the risk of criminal behaviour over the following decade. It also exacerbates mental health difficulties, drug abuse and managing emotional reactions to events. Researcher Gail Pacheco told Kate Hawkesby a concussion can result in more criminal convictions and court charges later in life. She says the risk is higher amongst men and those who have had multiple brain injuries. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/3/20233 minutes, 16 seconds
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Jessamy Besson-Jones: Karma Drinks UK Marketing Director on their Kiwi roots and becoming a massive success in Britain

You'll probably know the Kiwi company, Karma Drinks. They're an ethical drinks company which launched in New Zealand back in 2012. They are a massive success story in Britain, which now accounts for about half their business. And out of its 25 staff - seven are based in the UK. UK Marketing and Sales Director at Karma Jessamy Besson-Jones joined Kate Hawkesby. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/3/20233 minutes, 35 seconds
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Chris Hipkins: Prime Minister confirms he still hasn't heard from Meka Whaitiri

Chris Hipkins has confirmed he still hasn't heard from Meka Whaitiri. Whaitiri has resigned from minister and from the Labour Party, and plans to jump ship to Te Pāti Māori at the next election. Speaking to Kate Hawkesby from England, the Prime Minister says he's still completely in the dark about why she's suddenly decided to leave. “She clearly hasn’t spoken to anyone about it. She certainly hadn’t raised any concerns up to the point where she made her announcement. So those are really questions for her I guess.” Whaitiri is now expected to carry on as an independent MP, but will run under Te Pāti Māori's banner for the Ikaroa-Rāwhiti seat she holds, in this year's election. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/3/20235 minutes, 30 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: I have sympathy for all sides when it comes to teacher strikes

So just as we have rolling strikes beginning this week in New Zealand, the UK has strikes going on too. Nurses and teachers. Today here more than 22,000 schools were disrupted with a mass walkout of Union members. And if you think our strikes are bad, this is the fifth time this year teachers in England have walked off the job demanding better pay and conditions. And it’s raised the question here of who picks up the slack and looks after all these kids for parents who have to keep working and can’t take the time off. There’s a lot of debate here about what they’re calling ‘Granny day-care’ where grandparents are having to take over the caregiving. Some parents are saying it’s too much for elderly grandparents who may have health issues or not be fit and able enough to suddenly be running round after small children all day. It can cause friction between families who’re expecting too much from grandparents. Others are saying it’s just not fair – it’s free unpaid work, and many busy grandparents with full active lives of their own are having to donate time and energy to little ones above and beyond what counts as being grandparents. So the debate is on. The reality is, and similarly for us in New Zealand, many of these families don’t have the resources or finances to cope with much more disruption, take time off work, or hire extra help. And that’s before we get to the kids themselves who’re facing yet more upheaval. I mean I was feeling terrible about dragging my daughter to London for work when the original plan was to drop her home from New York so she could start the term on time after the holidays, but with plans changing and us coming across to London sooner, she ended up being dragged with us so I had to write to the school and explain – because you need permission from the Dean to withdraw your child or have them off during term time. So I had to write a lengthy email to explain and I was feeling bad about that. But then I realised, between Anzac day, teacher only days, a scheduled half day off for parent teacher interviews and now the strikes all inside the timeframe we’re away, she’s hardly missing a thing. In fact it’s probably more educational for her being here at this point. I do feel for teachers though. Have you been in a classroom lately? I mean yes they get a lot of time off as people point out, and it looks like they technically work shorter hours than most – but do they? The teachers I know are working long before school starts, and long after. They’re marking on weekends, they’re prepping themselves admin wise and they’re dealing with a myriad of extracurricular stuff they have to be responsible for. All the social issues they have to deal with inside their classrooms, kids with issues that even ten years ago would not have been such a big deal. They’ve got absenteeism at record levels, kids missing out, new rules and regulations to stay on top of as curriculums and education standards keep changing. It’s actually a huge toll on many very capable people. And they all get lumped into the same basket of course – the Union ones, the non-Union ones, the capable ones, the useless ones, so that doesn’t help either. So I have sympathy for all sides. Kids facing disruption, teachers still having to battle the system, parents left picking up the pieces, and as they’re pointing out here in the UK, all the grandparents getting roped into this for free childcare too.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/2/202310 minutes, 52 seconds
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Iain Dale: LBC talk radio host as excitement builds in London four days out from King Charles' III coronation

We are four days out now from the coronation of King Charles III. You certainly can't miss it in London, the build up is in full force, but how do the public feel about the upcoming coronation? LBC talk radio host Iain Dale joined Kate Hawkesby out of the UK. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/2/20234 minutes, 59 seconds
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Mark Potter: NZEI President says teachers' strike is necessary, as they haven't had an offer from the ministry since last year

A last push as area school teachers prepare for strike action. Union NZEI has agreed to join the Post Primary Teachers Association in rolling strikes from next Tuesday to Thursday. It's also opted to ban covering relief teacher work. NZEI President Mark Potter told Kate Hawkesby this action is necessary, as they haven't had an offer from the ministry since last year. He says rolling strikes might have an impact on students, but the impact will be even greater if teachers resign. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/2/20232 minutes, 57 seconds
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Leroy Chan: Ranolf Dental Surgery owner says surgery wait times are affecting children's health, families and society

A Rotorua dentist says kids are suffering by waiting so long to be seen. Te Whatu Ora figures show the average wait time for children 15 or under, who need surgery across the city is just over four months, with some waiting up to nine months. Ranolf Dental Surgery owner Leroy Chan told Kate Hawkesby that's an unnecessary length of time. He says it's affecting their health, their families and the whole of society. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/2/20233 minutes, 49 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Is AI making life easier or harder for students?

I asked AI a question the other day and it didn’t know the answer. I thought Chat GPT knew everything? It came back and said – I don’t know, but would you like me to find out for you? I mean, what do you think? That’s why I asked. Anyway I Googled it, and immediately got the answer. My question was ‘why don’t London cabbies work in the rain’ – I got the answer not only from Google but also from the next Cab I hopped into when he just told me. Always better from the horse’s mouth. But like all things, it doesn’t take long before advancements in technology become battlegrounds for hearts and souls and breeding grounds of distortion and hate. Like the internet itself. The real uses these things are intended for get hijacked by the lowest common denominator or bad actors that look to disrupt. The concern with AI at the moment is that it’s mostly being used as a toy or a tool of trickery – deep fakes, artificial voices and the like. Fake campaigns often go a long way on mainstream before they get picked up. And so it is a similarly perplexing issue for schools and students. Schools and universities now have the battle of how much students use AI and for what purpose. For every advancement in tech, schools and unis have to come up with a counter move to protect themselves from it. How can they ensure students work is their own? Many schools have already employed anti-plagiarism tools and anti-cheating software, but they have to be vigilant and work on student morals too. They have to hammer home the importance of honesty and decency when it comes to AI and not just rely on software programmes to investigate for AI detection. AI certainly speeds things up though these days. Kids don’t have to wonder for long, or try to find out anything themselves the old fashioned way, answers are these days right at their fingertips.  I often remind my kids that somehow I got through school without Google; we either had to ask the teacher, or look up books. I mean honestly, how did we get through it? It’s so much easier these days. And the books. The weight of those text books at uni, and the cost of them, they were a nightmare. And we had to lug them round and scour them for hours. These days text books are a foreign concept. You’d be hard pressed to find a text book in any child’s school bag nowadays. But the challenge is how much students use AI. Some schools are saying don’t use it all, but others are more realistic. Encouraging students to use all tools available to them in terms of asking a question, but only using answers by way of research purposes. So for example, you could ask AI the same thing you might ask Google, just not utilise the answers verbatim. And if you thought for one second you could copy, the anti-cheat software’s going to pick it up anyway. So I don’t know whether it’s harder or easier these days for kids. On the one hand all the tools and answers are there for them, but on the other hand, they have to think so carefully about what they can and can’t use. There’s that added layer of paranoia about making sure their work is legit and not plagiarized in any way. It’s a classic case of technology making life easier in some respects, but harder in others.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/1/20233 minutes, 16 seconds
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Sophie Gaulter: Kiwi living in London is only the second woman to be included in the famed London Scottish Regiment band

Time to meet a Kiwi making noise in the royal world. Sophie Gaulter is only the second woman to be included in the famed London Scottish Regiment band. This is the esteemed band known for performing at royal events and participated in the procession for the Queen's death. Sophie joined only a few months ago and Sophie Ggualter joined Kate Hawkesby. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/1/20231 minute, 56 seconds
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Richard McIntyre: Federated Farmers Immigration spokesperson on concerns median migrant wage is contributing to worker shortage

Heading into a busy winter season, the dairy sector is still lacking thousands of workers. The shortage is being partly blamed on the median migrant wage with the $29.66 cent hourly wage requirement being called unreasonable as local workers earn less for the same job. Federated Farmers Dairy chair and Immigration spokesperson, Richard McIntyre, joined Kate Hawkesby. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/1/20232 minutes, 59 seconds
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Donna Demaio: Australia Correspondent says tributes have been flowing in for late MasterChef judge Jock Zonfrillo

The death of MasterChef Australia judge Jock Zonfrillo has sent shockwaves through the food world. Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio told Kate Hawkesby the 46-year-old's loss is being felt across the world. “Tributes from Gordon Ramsay, Jamie Oliver, even Aussie rock legend Jimmy Barnes says he feels like he has lost a brother.” It's still unclear if the upcoming season of MasterChef Australia will go to air. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/1/20232 minutes, 49 seconds
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David Vinsen: Vehicle Import Assn CEO says Govt was warned in 2018 it would run out of money to fund Clean Car Discount scheme

The Government was warned in 2018 it would run out of money to fund the Clean Car Discount scheme. Due to its success, it is having to lower the threshold for higher emitting vehicles, increase the fees on those vehicles and change rebates for zero emissions imports. Vehicle Import Association Chief Executive David Vinsen told Kate Hawkesby this is an artificial process to accelerate the uptake of EVs. He says all the scheme does is bring forward a move towards lower emitting vehicles by two or three years. LISTEN ABOVE    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5/1/20233 minutes, 51 seconds
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Kate Weston: College of Nurses Executive Director on National's nursing and midwife policy

National's nursing and midwife policy might need to pivot if it wants to complete what it aims to achieve. In a bid to grow the workforce, the party's promising to pay nurses and midwives 22 and a half thousand dollars back on their student loans. But, they'll have to agree to work here for five years. College of Nurses Executive Director Kate Weston says the policy targets graduates, rather than the loss of experienced nurses. She says that focus is needed on workplace issues driving nurses away such as unsafe staffing, and they're worried about their patients. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/30/20232 minutes, 51 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK Correspondent on changes to the Coronation ceremony

For the first time, the public will be asked to say a pledge of allegiance to the King at the Coronation. King Charles' coronation will be held Saturday night, our time. The Archbishop of Canterbury will ask people in the UK and other Realms and Territories to pay homage to the King. UK Correspondent Gavin Grey says that it's one of several changes to the ancient ceremony. He says female clergy will have a prominent role, the King will pray out loud, and religious leaders from different faiths will also play a part — all for the first time. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/30/20233 minutes, 24 seconds
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Robert Hardman: Royal Correspondent on the King's Coronation

Excitement is ramping up ahead of King Charles' Coronation. It will be held this Saturday night, New Zealand time. Royal correspondent Robert Hardman says told Kate Hawkesby that Friday is when all the world leaders will start to arrive. He says there's a special event at Buckingham Palace on Friday, and the New Zealand Governor-General and key representatives of all the realms will be there. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/30/20235 minutes, 4 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: A chat with a London cabbie

Had a great chat with a London cabbie yesterday. I love how knowledgeable they are about everything, and they’re super chatty and friendly. It’s a Bank holiday here tomorrow —Monday here our time— then of course they get another Bank holiday the following Monday for the Coronation, so they’re drowning in long weekends here at the moment. I asked him if that meant everything would be shut, no he said, everything stays open just like any other day – in fact he said the only day you will find everything closed in London is Easter Sunday. I asked about whether the huge volume of people in town was unusual or whether London was just this busy these days. I‘m trying to work out if this is an influx for the Coronation, or if I’m just not used to this many people everywhere all the time, but it’s definitely busier than we were last here, which was Harry and Meghan’s wedding. He said it’s definitely busier, they’ve had an influx last week for the London marathon – which was the day we arrived, and it was heaving. Then this week is the Coronation – another influx, then after that it’s the Chelsea flower show, which he reckoned would be the busiest of all. So the place is flooded with people and getting more so. Great business for the cabbies and the hotels. I asked him why the London cabbies famously don’t work in the rain. He said it’s two fold. One, because they have a daily target and if it’s raining way more people use cabs so they hit their targets early then knock off… so there are fewer on the road. And two, because London is a tube and train town, but in the rain, everyone wants a black cab because they want to go door to door, but the Ubers have surge pricing, so the cabs are all snapped up. Which is true, the other night it was pouring and I was trying organize a cab home for Mike who finishes at 10pm our time —when cabs are few and far between anyway— and I couldn’t even book one on the taxi app, there just were none available, so I tried an Uber. Surge pricing, at 10pm. It was 5 times the cost of usually getting home. So an eleven pound ride was 55 pounds all of a sudden. So you can see why the taxis are in such high demand. Anyway he was saying they’ve gone all out for this coronation. They’re double barricading – so the barricades everywhere to keep the public back off the streets and segregated from the Abbey, and the Mall, and the Palace, etc are already being erected, but they’re doubling it this time round, which means one barricade for public, then another line for Police and military to stand behind. So there’ll be two layers of security between the public and event pageantry. Six thousand military personnel he said are being deployed to guard and monitor the whole thing, flags are all up on the main streets, and even along the Mall, on every lamppost they’ve put up not only a flag but screwed little ceremonial crowns on top too. Huge amount of effort has gone in to making London sparkle for the event. Anyway he gave me the top tip that roads will be closed Tuesday for a full rehearsal, so I’ll be keeping my beady eyes out for that. The excitement here’s definitely building. They love their pomp and ceremony and they’re proud... even the ones who aren’t necessarily big fans of the Royals, they’re proud of how London puts on a show and they’re made us so welcome, they’re thrilled to have all the tourists in town.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/30/20233 minutes, 50 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: We must value those in the tourism sector more

One of the things I like about London is the infrastructure works. The buses, the trains, the tube, the taxis all work. It’s a systems place, it’s got the population to support it, and it works, so people use it. The other thing I’ve found on our travels both here and in the States, is that service culture is huge. It’s a career. At home it feels a bit more of a transient option for school leavers or students or those who want to dabble in something for a while. Waiting tables or working in a hotel is an in between gig on the way to or from something else. In the States at the hotel we stayed in in New York for nine days, same staff every day. We had the same people working the same shifts – breakfast, lunch, dinner, reception, concierge, housekeeping, doormen, bell hops. All the same people all the time. All older people, it’s a career, they love it, they’re stayers. We spoke to them, most of them have been there for years. In fact, one of them was telling us he got Covid and left for a while, because he lived two hours commute out of New York, so thought he’d try working closer to home for a while, but he missed the hotel and the city so much that he returned.. And has never looked back. Even though it takes him two hours to get to work! They take pride in the jobs, they love it. Yes, I get they have a tipping system and that’s enticing in America, but London IS the same thing. Service culture jobs carry some sort of kudos.  I’ve talked to the hotel receptionist here, and some restaurant staff, they said they’re all long term. They wouldn’t consider doing anything else. It’s a career for them. The cabbies too know how important their job is. They fill you in on what’s going on, why, how, have all the updates about the place, they seek to make your experience in their city as informed as it can be. They’ve been enormously helpful in terms of explaining what’s going on at any given time. They’re tapped into the heartbeat of the place. And there’s this natural inclination it seems, to want to help tourists and give you as many tips as they can for you to enjoy your stay. Which all got me thinking about New Zealand, and how vital those who interface with our tourists are. We maybe don’t give enough kudos or credit to the person working the front desk at the local hotel or motel – that’s often the first person a tourist will interact with in our country, (bar airport staff or an Uber driver). The wait staff working hospo serving tourists are crucial ambassadors for our country, and can sometimes make the difference to how their experience is going. The bus drivers, the cafe owners, the restaurant staff, all the people who are not necessarily in the tourism sector per se, but whose interaction with tourists can help form their view of our country. Even those in retail. Anyone who interacts with a visitor, is in a small way playing an ambassador role for New Zealand. So full credit to the ones who do that job with pride and professionalism, we should value it more. There should be more kudos placed on those jobs given how important they really are. And to all those thanklessly already doing it, we’re very grateful to you. Any public interfacing job can make or break someone else’s day, so it’s actually a really important one, and I think we should value it more than we currently do.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/27/20233 minutes, 33 seconds
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Duncan Millward: Willow Park School Principal on their improvements to literacy with different way of teaching

An Auckland primary school is boasting big improvements in literacy with its different way of teaching. Willow Park School has adopted a structured literacy approach after a trial proved successful. It means early intervention for any kids struggling from Year One. Principal Duncan Millward joined Kate Hawkesby to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/27/20234 minutes, 32 seconds
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Prue Younger: Forest Industry Contractors Assn CEO hopes new Govt fund will open opportunities for domestic sector

It's hoped a new fund will unleash opportunities for New Zealand's domestic wood processing sector. Government is putting $57 million into the industry, aiming to process more logs onshore, create high-wage jobs and aid climate change goals. Forest Industry Contractors Association Chief Executive Prue Younger told Kate Hawkesby the problem the industry is facing is heavy reliance on export markets. She says when those markets are down, the workforce is significantly impacted and not only are the trees not being sold, but contractors are losing days at work. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/27/20232 minutes, 34 seconds
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Craig Renney: Economist says if Govt don't borrow to invest we will find the infrastructure we want or need isn't there

The Government is being called on to invest any money it may borrow, into things that create a stronger economy. Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has confirmed no major tax overhaul will be made this term, including on capital gains or a cyclone levy. Council of Trade Unions economist Craig Renney told Kate Hawkesby if we borrow for things like roads, schools and hospitals, we're all better off as a society. He says if we don't borrow or invest, simply to reduce debt, we will find ourselves in a situation where the infrastructure we want or need isn't there. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/27/20234 minutes, 3 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Focus on what needs done, not ideological tax nonsense

With all this tax the rich talk and naysayers wanting punitive measures dished out to anyone showing signs of success or ambition, I just wonder if we're shooting ourselves in the foot here. Are we not at peak tall poppy syndrome now? Because where does all this "it's not fair, woe is me" whining actually get us? So far all I can see is that it sends our best and brightest off elsewhere. We have the 5000 nurses who've registered to work in Australia, the net migration loss of more than 8000 Kiwis to Australia just last year, we have those who've discovered cost of living is actually cheaper overseas. I mean, gosh, even our former Prime Minister is off to the States for a semester there. She had said she was looking forward to more time at home and getting her daughter off to school. But when push comes to shove, being away from New Zealand was too tempting, even for one of our greatest cheerleaders. We all know dozens of families whose kids have chosen a life outside of New Zealand. They've left for opportunity, better pay, and a more positive way of life. I think we have to adjust this complacent mentality we have that we're the best little country in the world and we're invincible. As Richard Prebble said yesterday in his Herald column, we're actually not, if you look at the facts. He says that "New Zealand is becoming a third world country." He points out that in just five years, net core Crown debt to GDP has doubled to 40 percent, food prices have increased at the fastest pace in 30 years, the trade deficit is at 9 percent of GDP, benefit numbers are up by 50,000, and our health and education systems are in dire trouble. When we count our unfunded liabilities in superannuation and health, the country is bankrupt. Now I'm sure many will say "he's just a right wing whinger being negative." But look at the facts. A head in the sand approach to what is going on around us is not going to help. We need to recognise what's on in order to be able to act. I know locally, for example, the head of the Newmarket Business Association in Auckland. He's been campaigning and complaining to Police and government ministers for months, if not years, about the state of youth crime and how bad it's getting and how much more we should be doing about it. He's been forecasting things would get worse, and he was right. Just the other day, allegedly about 8 or 9 bored youths set fire to rubbish in an apartment building carpark causing millions worth of damage. People were evacuated from their homes, 145 apartments left without running water or power, and several shops shut due to major damage. How bad are we going to let things get? And how much do we want to give our country up to the lowest common denominator? We have to admit that we need to flip it - we need to shift the focus to productive aspects of the economy. We need less David Parker driven ideological tax attacks on those who are productive, employ people, and get this economy going. Because guess what? They'll just leave top. You can't keep propping up the bottom end, reducing penalties for crime, and ignoring all the stats going against us. Because by ignoring it, we run the risk of waking up when it's all too late.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/26/20233 minutes, 20 seconds
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Mitch McCann: US correspondent as writer E. Jean Carroll tells jury in lawsuit trial ‘Donald Trump raped me’

WARNING: This story discusses rape and may be distressing. A writer suing Donald Trump has taken the stand to tell jurors that the future president raped her after she accompanied him into a department store fitting room in 1996. “I’m here because Donald Trump raped me, and when I wrote about it, he said it didn’t happen. He lied and shattered my reputation, and I’m here to try and get my life back,” E. Jean Carroll testified. Former advice columnist E. Jean Carroll claims former President Donald Trump raped her in a department store dressing room. Photo / AP From afar, Trump repeated his insistence that Carroll’s allegations are fiction, writing on his social media site that the case “is a made-up scam”, and more. His comments prompted the judge to warn Trump’s lawyers that he could bring more legal problems upon himself. Trump hasn’t attended the trial thus far, but his lawyers said Tuesday it’s still possible he could decide to testify. The trial comes as Trump again seeks the Republican nomination for president, and weeks after he pleaded not guilty to unrelated criminal charges that involve payments made to silence a porn actor who said she had a sexual encounter with him. Carroll, 79, has said she crossed paths with Trump at the revolving door to Bergdorf Goodman on an unspecified Thursday evening in spring 1996. At the time, she was writing a long-running advice column in Elle magazine. Trump was a real estate magnate and social figure in New York. Former President Donald Trump's lawyer Susan Necheles walks into the courthouse. Photo / AP She has said he asked her advice about selecting a gift for a woman, and she went along, thinking the experience would be funny. According to Carroll, they ended up in a lingerie department, joked with each other about who should try on a bodysuit, and went to a dressing room. Then, she alleges, Trump slammed her against a wall, yanked down her tights, and raped her while she struggled against him. She has said she finally kneed him off her and fled. Trump, 76, has said he wasn’t at the store with Carroll and had no clue who she was when she first aired the story publicly in a 2019 memoir and accompanying magazine excerpt. As court was about to begin Wednesday, Trump vented his feelings about it on his Truth Social platform. Among other remarks, he called Carroll’s lawyer “a political operative” and alluded to a DNA issue that Judge Lewis A. Kaplan has ruled can’t be part of the case. Former advice columnist E. Jean Carroll (second from right) arrives at federal court. Photo / AP “This is a fraudulent & false story — Witch Hunt!” Trump wrote. Lawyers for Carroll — whose suit includes claims that Trump previously defamed her by publicly calling her case a “hoax”, “scam”, “lie” and “complete con job” — mentioned his new statement to Kaplan. He wasn’t pleased. “What seems to be the case is that your client is basically endeavouring, certainly to speak to his quote-unquote public — but, more troubling, the jury in this case — about stuff that has no business being spoken about,” the judge told Trump’s lawyers. He called Trump’s post “a public statement that, on the face of it, seems entirely inappropriate”. Trump’s attorney Joe Tacopina noted that jurors are told not to follow any news or online commentary about the case. But he said he would ask Trump “to refrain from any further posts about this case”. “I hope you’re more successful,” Kaplan said, adding that Trump “may or may not be tampering with a new source of potential liability”. Carroll’s federal lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and a retraction of his allegedly defamatory comments. The suit was filed under a New York law that temporarily lets decades-old sexual abuse claims go to civil court. She never pursued criminal charges. The Associated Press typically does not name people who say they have been sexually assaulted unless they come forward publicly, as Carroll has done. - Jennifer Peltz & Michael R. Sisak, AP SEXUAL HARM Where to get help:If it's an emergency and you feel that you or someone else is at risk, call 111.If you've ever experienced sexual assault or abuse and need to talk to someone, contact Safe to Talk confidentially, any time 24/7:• Call 0800 044 334• Text 4334• Email [email protected]• For more info or to web chat visit safetotalk.nzAlternatively contact your local police station - click here for a list.If you have been sexually assaulted, remember it's not your fault.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/26/20232 minutes, 35 seconds
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Elliot Smith: ZB rugby commentator on the fallout for Super Rugby teams with coaches joining the All Blacks

What is the fallout for the Super Rugby teams with Scott Robertson pinching their coaches for the All Blacks? All Blacks assistant coach Jason Ryan will be joined by Blues coach Leon MacDonald, Hurricanes coach Jason Holland and Scott Hansen from the Crusaders. Newstalk ZB rugby commentator Elliot Smith joined Kate Hawkesby to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/26/20234 minutes, 22 seconds
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Nicola Willis: National Finance Spokesperson says the Government needs to front up on whether it'll tax people more

National says the Government needs to front up on whether it'll tax people more. Inland Revenue research shows the top one percent of earners pay a median effective tax rate of 9.4 percent, when including capital gains on investments. Meanwhile, Treasury estimates a comparable tax rate for a "middle wealth" Kiwi is roughly 20 percent. National Party Finance Spokesperson Nicola Willis told Kate Hawkesby there's no doubt Labour want more taxes. “This is a government that is spending $1 billion more every week, they can’t get the books to add up, they are desperately searching for more places to find money.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/26/20234 minutes, 12 seconds
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David Windler: Mortgage expert says policy changes from the RBNZ could provide a helping hand to first home buyers

Potential policy changes from the Reserve Bank could provide a helping hand to first home buyers. It's looking at tweaking the rule by which banks can only give 10 percent of new loans to borrowers with deposits under 20 percent. The Reserve Bank wants to increase that to 15 percent of new lending from the start of June. Mortgage Supply Co-Director David Windler told Kate Hawkesby it's good news for first home buyers. He says it's a small difference but its heading in the right direction, as finding the funding for first home buyers has been tough for a while. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/26/20233 minutes, 51 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK correspondent says Western countries are racing to get their citizens out of Sudan

Western countries are racing to get their citizens out of Sudan, as conflict in the country continues to escalate. UK correspondent Gavin Grey told Kate Hawkesby the UK has just carried out the first of several flights to evacuate hundreds of British nationals. “There are dozens of British NHS doctors currently trapped in Khartoum and sadly the militia there are actually going to try and round up doctors.” LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/25/20232 minutes, 38 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Getting out of NZ shows how introspective we've become

As school goes back today, for how long who knows given the looming strikes, but as we head back to the office and to school, it’s been interesting to reflect on the past two weeks. We headed away for the first time in three years – we hadn’t left the country since Covid and closed borders, but we’d heard from everybody who had, how refreshing it is to get out of NZ. How inspiring it is to see how much the rest of the world has moved on. How blinkered and parochial we have become in our own little hermit kingdom. Our first stop was San Francisco, a lost city full of drugs and homeless people and not much to enthuse a tourist to be honest. It felt edgy and unsafe and made me worried about our next stop – New York – and how much more dangerous and unsafe that may feel. But how wrong I was. New York is incredible. It feels super safe due to the fact the place is flooded with cops – Police on every corner, and lots of them. The place moves at a cracking pace, people are focused on what they’re doing and they’re going places. No one gives a crap about what you’re doing or where you’re going, individualism and the pursuit of happiness and success is embraced. A refreshing change to NZ? Hell yes. I loved every second of it. In fact we extended our stay by double the nights we’d originally booked. And even then there was still so much more to see and do. It’s an exhilarating city that feels exciting and inspiring all at once. It has get up and go. It’s not introspective and naval gazing. I appreciated the outward focus. I also like how informed New Yorkers are. They were curious like most Americans about how young our politicians are – given theirs are so elderly. But one cabbie said to us, “your lady leader, the young one, she quit, she couldn’t hack it.. how old’s the new one?” We said, “oh he’s young too..” The cab driver replied, “yeah but can he hack it?” We explained that he was so far ‘hacking it’ but that an election was coming. He asked what Kiwis thought of Trump. I said ‘well more importantly what do New Yorkers think of Trump?” He said, “oh they hate him, we all hate him.” Which is not hard to see why, given Trump Tower and the surrounding streets are all cordoned off and crawling with cops and their NYPD cars, making getting down 5th Avenue just that little bit harder. But I loved New York with a passion, as anyone following my Instagram would’ve seen, I was obsessed with its energy and vibrancy, it makes you feel like anything is possible. And then we get to London. London has my heart because I lived here and have always loved it and it feels like a second home. I married a Brit, have 3 of his half English children who are all desperate to live here too, it’s spacious and well mannered (mostly) and always such a good time. They are so amped already for the Coronation, the bunting is going up, the shop windows all have framed portraits of Charles in them, streets have been cordoned off to practice parade routes, it’s got a buzz already. So I am very happy to be here, very grateful to be here, and all the people who said leaving NZ is good for your soul were right. It is. It’s been so refreshing to get out. It makes you realise just how introspective we’ve become. It also makes me hope that we can shake our hermit kingdom shackles soon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/25/20233 minutes, 9 seconds
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Robert Patman: International relations professor says China is thought to have a stockpile of 1500 nuclear warheads by 2030

Tensions between china and the west continue to heat up. The UK foreign secretary is expected to give a major speech this week, which will urge China to come clean about its "biggest military spend up in peacetime." It's thought China will have a stockpile of 1500 nuclear missile warheads by 2030. International relations professor at Otago University, Robert Patman, joined Kate Hawkesby. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/25/20234 minutes, 24 seconds
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Simon Court: ACT Transport spokesperson claims the Government is slamming the brakes on road investment

The ACT Party is claiming the Government is slamming the brakes on road investment. In 2020, Waka Kotahi identified almost 400 risks on state highways around the country, including major and extreme threats, but has only started work on ten of them. ACT Party Transport spokesperson, Simon Court, told Kate Hawkesby says it demonstrates what the Government wants to focus on. “They are focussed on their ideological priorities, getting people out of cars onto busses and bikes, instead of actually fixing up some of these extreme risks.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/25/20233 minutes, 51 seconds
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Robyn Walker: Deloitte Tax Partner expects IRD report to show wealthy families are paying rates lower than marginal tax rates

New research is coming out about how much tax New Zealand's rich are paying. The Inland Revenue report will estimate the effective tax rate of the wealthiest families, taking into account their full economic income, rather than just taxable income.  Deloitte Tax Partner Robyn Walker told Kate Hawkesby it's expected to show they're paying tax rates that are lower than marginal tax rates. But she says Treasury is also releasing their report on tax rates of the average New Zealander and expects that to say a large section of that population is also paying below marginal tax rate. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/25/20233 minutes, 17 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK Correspondent on UK nations in Sudan

UK diplomats and their families have been evacuated from war-torn Sudan. Fighting broke out two weeks ago between Sudan's national army and rival paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces. The two sides have been sharing power since a coup in 2021, but there's been disagreement about how to lead the country. UK correspondent Gavin Grey told Roman Travers that the UK nationals living in Sudan remain in the country. He says they feel abandoned by the British Government, being left there with no power and limited food and water. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/23/20233 minutes, 6 seconds
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Mark Potter: NZEI President on the principal work ban

Some principals begin a two month work ban this morning over a recent pay offer. Those working in primary and area schools will pause the work they do with the Education Ministry, including all work outside of 8am to 5pm weekdays, apart from board meetings. NZEI President Mark Potter says this is about sending a message. He says they need action from the Ministry, because the Ministry needs principals. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/23/20234 minutes, 14 seconds
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John Windsor: Auckland University Professor on modified wine technology saving lives

Modified technology from the wine industry could potentially save hundreds of thousands of lives every year. New Zealand researchers are developing a medical device in the hopes of preventing about 1.5 million deaths annually caused by surgical complications. Auckland University's Surgical and Translational Research Centre director and professor John Windsor says there's no easy way of measuring oxidative stress; a feature common in many diseases. But he says pilot clinical studies show this technology enables it to be accurately measured at the patient's bedside. Windsor says the challenge is now making the equipment easy to use. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/23/20234 minutes, 39 seconds
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Roman Travers: Kiwis are off to Australia

There's never been a more important time to introduce a stringent bonding policy to encourage qualified Kiwi's to remain in New Zealand.  From July first this year, New Zealanders who've been on the Special Category Visa and who've lived in Australia for at least four years, will be able to gain Australian citizenship.  The most ironic outcome from the new immigration policy announced for Australia last week, is that our very own prime minister has become an advocate for more of our highly qualified citizens to make the move across the Tasman. Prime Minister Chris Hipkins is quoted as saying that it's a blimmin' good day for Kiwis living in Australia.  You may blimmin' well be right Chris, but it doesn't take the leader of a country to realise that it's also not so blimmin' fantastic for people contemplating whether or not they’ll stay here.  Perhaps he should've added to that sentence: dear Australia, please let us know if there's anything else we can do to make your lives easier, including not having to train any of the essential workers that we're also bereft of. Australia's prime minister, Anthony Albanese must be ecstatic. You can only imagine what he would have said to his senior ministers over a Four X Lager later that day. Something like; crikey. That was easy.  Our prime minister also says that it's something New Zealand governments have argued for, for a very long time and it's fair to say we've had a much more open door for these conversations over the past year.  No kidding! The door into Australia isn't just wide open, it now has a great big hunk of eucalyptus wedged under it with a brand-new welcome mat at the entrance.   Woven into the welcome mat are the words, thank you New Zealand. You couldn't have made it easier for us.  Wouldn't it make sense to adopt the same policy here, so that those qualified doctors and nurses and other experts in their fields from around the world, can make New Zealand their home instead of being put off by the archaic and demonstrably slow process we currently have? This new policy is indeed good news. But it's only good news for Australia and those New Zealanders who've been battling to call Australia home on a permanent basis. I know it's not just our healthcare professionals that are choosing to call Australia home, but the numbers of doctors and nurses working in Australia that we trained here is confronting. Already, 10% of the nurses working in Australia are New Zealand citizens. How high do you think that number will go under this new policy?  I've lived and worked in Australia. Victoria is the most beautiful state and looking back, my quality of life was a great deal better over the ditch. But New Zealand will always be my home.  I wonder how many New Zealanders will gladly make the move to Australia now that the process is so much easier? Once you realise how much more you're paid for job equivalence, and once you become established, coming home is not always easy.  It's as though the suction on Australia's immigration vacuum cleaner has just been turned up to maximum.  But ironically, that immigration vacuum cleaner is plugged in and is paid for by New Zealand. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/23/20233 minutes, 6 seconds
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Roman Travers: Here's hoping yesterdays report leads to better equipping of police and laws to support them

I doubt that many of us will ever forget the protest action that took place for three weeks on the grounds of Parliament that began in February last year, lasting 23 days.  Apart from the Springbok tour protests back in 1981 that lasted 56 days, I’ve not seen that level of barbaric, dishevelled and uncivilised behaviour in our society before.  The protest in Wellington last year was hard to watch and even harder to stop watching.  I’m hoping I never see it again, but given the false prophets that maraud maliciously amongst the vulnerable through the internet and organisations claiming to be churches, the reality is likely to be different.  The 200 page Independent Police Conduct Authority report that was released yesterday shows that the police handled the situation well faced with extreme provocation.   I wonder how many police have rethought their career, given the very poor direction given by senior staff who took too long to decide the best plan of action, tip-toeing around the parliamentary rose gardens and being overly sensitive to the baffled and bewildered assembling, many just looking for a fight.   Another fault identified by the report is the lack of adequate law that determines what police can do in situations like this. Once again, pointing to our very inadequate and antiquated judicial system.   I have great respect for our police. They were faced with a mob of whom 300 were eventually given criminal charges and there wasn’t enough of the right equipment for the job they had to do.   Police officers are just as entitled to be supplied with the correct equipment to do the job as you or me, depending on the job that we do under health and safety laws.  The difference between doctors, nurses, teachers, and other professions pushing for better conditions and pay increases, is that you rarely hear anything from the police.   Sadly, the numbers that leave, say it at all.   We expect to be safe, and to be kept safe in our communities. Anyone still opposed to the action taken by the police in Wellington last year, needs to remember just how vile and volatile the situation was.   Here’s hoping that the best outcome from yesterday’s report, is that the pressing need for the police to be equipped for every possibility and some tweaking of the laws required for them to do it - is addressed at speed. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/20/20232 minutes, 28 seconds
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Sandra Grey: Tertiary Education Union shocked by the number of jobs potentially on the chopping block at Otago University

The Tertiary Education Union is shocked by the number of jobs potentially on the chopping block at Otago University. Several hundred staff could be made redundant as dwindling student numbers takes a toll. They're down by about 670 so the university needs to reduce its annual budget by $60 million. Union National Secretary Sandra Grey joined Roman Travers. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/20/20234 minutes, 59 seconds
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Sunny Kaushal: Dairy and Business Owners Group chair on top up to crime prevention fund of $9 million

Victims of retail crime are getting a further $9 million in support. Police minister Ginny Andersen has made the announcement, topping up the crime prevention fund to $15 million . It goes towards the likes of fog cannons, security sirens and CCTV systems. Dairy and Business Owners Group chair Sunny Kaushal joined Tim Dower to discuss. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/20/20234 minutes, 24 seconds
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Hadley Dryden: Destination Hauraki Coromandel says January's poor weather made it a tough summer for local operators

Coromandel businesses are crossing fingers for a bumper Anzac weekend after its local economy lost $30-million in the year's first quarter. A driving lottery has begun via the coastal route until Tuesday as State Highway 25A remains closed to vehicles. It features cameras in secret locations from Thames all the way around to Waihi, photographing random vehicles. Prizes include stays at a beach resort, dive trips and dozens of oysters Destination Hauraki Coromandel's Hadley Dryden told Roman Travers January's poor weather made it a tough summer for local operators. He says for a community reliant on tourism and visitors, it's been hugely significant. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/20/20233 minutes, 42 seconds
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Roman Travers: Keeping chooks is no poultry matter, so make sure you know the requirements

The soaring cost of living is pushing every one of us to reconsider which groceries remain a priority.  For some, this may mean going without limes in their evening cocktails, but for many, the reality is that fresh fruit, vegetables and many forms of meat are no longer affordable for each and every meal.   Adjusting one's intake of the aforementioned will undoubtedly have a negative effect on people's health in time to come.   Proof of that can already be seen along with other socioeconomic impacts in areas of the country where people never been able to afford a consistently high standard of food.  Many are now buying chooks and learning the finer points of animal husbandry in order to avoid the soaring cost of eggs from supermarkets and other purveyors of these omelette essentials.   The move makes a lot of sense - but knowing about your councils' bylaws regarding how our fickle, feathered, fowl friends can be kept is also a major consideration.  The last thing you want is your neighbour running foul to the council justifiably, because your feathered eggs Benedict machines have become smelly, or because they’ve begun to attract rodents to your once peaceful collection of backyards in Cashmere.  Every council is different, and it’d be well worth while finding out about your bylaws to prevent feeling henpecked by your complaining neighbours.   The good people living within the confines of Kawerau District Council are fully aware now of the costs imposed by their leading rooster, or mayor.  In Kawerau, there’s an annual fee of $25 to pay along with other requirements that must be met. Kawerau District Council will need to inspect your chickens hotel and exercise facility to ensure that some of the basics are met - so that you'll have happy chooks, willingly providing the key components of your poached eggs.   Make sure you find out what your local council requires. Some require you to have a land area greater than 3 metres square, a proper chook house that’s waterproof for sleeping and laying, a chook run attached to the chook house, a secluded nesting area along with perches.  The rules that always ruffle feathers if they’re not met, are the ones relating to proximity to boundaries and dwellings: your little scrambled eggs factory must be 3 metres from a neighbour's fence and 10 metres from any occupied dwelling - yours or your neighbours.  Keeping chooks is no poultry matter, so if you’re looking into the concept, make sure you know what your council requirements are and then pop around to a neighbour who’s already running a tight chicken ship and get their egg-spirt advice. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/19/20232 minutes, 59 seconds
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Mark Smith: Economist says food prices and housing costs are the two major factors driving high inflation rate

Our current period of high inflation isn't over yet. Latest figures due out this morning are expected to show consumer prices rose between 6.9 percent and 7.2 percent in the year to March. ASB Senior Economist Mark Smith told Roman Travers says two major factors are driving the high inflation rate. "One is food prices really have rocketed and the second thing is housing costs remain really elevated, despite the softer housing market." LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/19/20233 minutes, 42 seconds
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Brendan Telfer: Commonwealth Games commentator says costs of hosting have seriously escalated since 1990

Questions over whether the costs justify hosting the 2034 Commonwealth Games. The New Zealand Olympic Committee has expressed interest in bidding for the event, under a new hosting model which now allows nations to host as a whole. Last year's Games in Birmingham was backed by $1.55 billion New Zealand of public and government funding. Games commentator Brendan Telfer told Roman Travers the costs have seriously escalated since we last hosted in 1990. He reckons given the galloping inflation that by 2034, it'll cost us at least $2 billion. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/19/20234 minutes, 33 seconds
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Roman Travers: Do you really trust any government not to tinker with tax dials once an election is won?

How many times in recent decades have you heard the call for a better and fairer tax system?   How many times have we heard governments saying that the tax system needs to be looked at?   Well, I've got some good news for those at the upper end of income earning who may have been wondering when the tax axe was about to fall, forcing them to haemorrhage more.  It turns out, our tax system is pretty fair and equitable after all.   A new study completed for tax consultancy firm  OliverShaw concludes that the wealthy in New Zealand pay most of the tax collected.  OliverShaw is headed by the former deputy commissioner at IRD, Robin Oliver.  Oliver says that the higher their income, the more they pay. Those earning lower incomes end up paying less tax because of the various tax credits, and other payments they’re eligible to receive.   One of the key highlights of this study, is that the highest income earners are often in a better position to minimise their tax through investment in tax friendly assets.   When Chris Hipkins took over the role as prime minister, he said we should look at ways to make the tax system fairer. According to this study, that’s not required.   The revenue minister, David Parker made similar overtures about a year ago, claiming that data on the level of tax paid by wealthy people would be key to any future political debate on tax reform.   By the way, there are no plans for tax reform before the election. The big concern I have is that this government is spending money as if it grows on trees, but their expenditure is now too high compared to the taxation system we currently use.   The outcome of the study, maybe reassuring for those with salubrious incomes, but it still leaves one big question unanswered: where do we go to get the money required to lift New Zealand out of the quagmire?  Even though the outcome of the study is quite clear, do you really trust any government not to tinker with the taxation dials once the election is won? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/18/20232 minutes, 15 seconds
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Max Baxter: Ōtorohanga mayor discusses new lower pricing for driver licence fees, but there's a catch

The Government has announced new pricing for Kiwis getting their drivers licenses. They will be reducing the cost of resitting tests, reportedly saving new drivers $5.5 million a year. But if you're unlucky enough to pass on your first try, you'll end up paying more. Ōtorohanga mayor Max Baxter has been an advocate for lower fees and joined Roman Travers to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/18/20234 minutes, 6 seconds
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Amy Castleton: Dairy analyst at NZX discusses first increase in Global Dairy Trade price index for two months

The Global Dairy Trade price index has recorded its first increase in two months. This morning's auction showed a 3.2 per cent climb since the last trading event earlier this month, this is the first gain after four consecutive falls. Amy Castleton, dairy analyst at NZX joined Roman Travers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/18/20233 minutes, 43 seconds
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Roman Travers: Shouldn't we all aim to be professional drivers regardless of what we're in control of?

One of the key benefits of any vehicle that's well branded with company logos, is that when you see appalling acts of stupidity unfolding around you on our roads, created as a by result the selfish acts of drivers in these vehicles, you know exactly who to call.   Yesterday I had to drive from central Auckland to one of the southern suburbs and back again. I was surprised at some of the deplorable acts of driving I saw buy those that call themselves professional drivers, as well as those by people who just don't care about anyone else, but themselves.  The first incident that captivated me was a bloke on a dirt bike wearing a ski mask; the unsubtle uniform of a potential bank robber, before I realised that there was no helmet in his costume paraphernalia. Another ACC statistic waiting be collated.   Given a green light, I moved into the intersection, only to realise that several vehicles were clearly in a rush and proceeded to run the red light.   I can only presume that their vehicles contained melting ice cream or women whose waters had broken, and perhaps had babies being delivered on their back seats.   On my journey home, I was tailgated by a well sign written commercial truck fully laden with a few tons of topsoil, driving in a similar fashion to Scott Dixon in the Indy cars final lap.   Although showing great dexterity, he also displayed great stupidity as he weaved through the traffic, failing to use his indicators, clearly annoyed at the amount of traffic impeding his propensity to win whatever race he thought he was in.  I've always thought that sticking to the speed limit and keeping as left as possible is the best way to avoid so-called professional drivers like this bloke. Once I had arrived home, I called the trucking company whose name was hard to miss, and let them know about the driver. I have no idea whether anything was done, but doing nothing never seems to be the right reaction either does it?  Whether you're a van driver, a ute driver, a courier driver, a taxi driver, a tiny truck driver or in one of the hugely intimidating truck and trailer units, shouldn't you be setting the standard for all of us to aspire to as drivers?  I wonder how many other people are prepared to call the police or the companies advertised on these vehicles, to let them know just how appalling some of their drivers are?   Whenever I'm driving, I try to focus on simply surviving, but shouldn't we all aim to be professional drivers regardless of what we're in control of? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/17/20232 minutes, 35 seconds
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Erica Stanford: National Education Spokesperson says class size announcement is less a policy and more of a sweetener

National says the move by Labour to tackle class sizes is an attempt to appease unions. The announcement aimed at Years 4 to 8 students, reduces the ratio from one teacher to 29 students, down to 28. It'll be initiated from 2025 and means recruiting 320 more teachers. National Education Spokesperson Erica Stanford told Roman Travers it's less a policy announcement and more a sweetener. She says that's why they did it in the school holidays and if they wanted to make a big announcement, they would have made a big song and dance about it. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/17/20234 minutes, 2 seconds
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Sarah Dalton: Medical specialists' union on figures showing risk of burnout for medical doctors is at 22.7%

Concerns as job burnout continues to affect our doctors. Massey University data analysis shows the risk for medical doctors is 22.7 percent, compared to 12.2 percent for other workforces. Burnt out doctors are nearly five times more likely to seriously consider quitting the profession, over their non-burnt-out colleagues. Association of Salaried Medical Specialists Executive Director Sarah Dalton says Roman Travers more needs to be done to retain the workforce. “In order to bring people in, we need to be offering competitive terms and conditions. Compared to  Australia, we’re not even in the ballpark.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/17/20235 minutes, 53 seconds
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Nick Tuffley: ASB chief economist as recession tipped to be twice as deep as earlier forecasts by bank

New Zealand’s looming recession is tipped to be twice as deep as previously thought, with Kiwis being warned to prepare for a tough rest of the year. The bleaker forecast, from economists at ASB, comes as food prices rise at their fastest annual rate in more than 30 years and many struggle to afford the basics. ASB is predicting a 2 per cent contraction to gross domestic product (GDP) by early 2024, which is double the 1 per cent economic shrink that the bank forecast in its last quarterly update. And the country’s expected recession is likely to set in earlier than expected, according to the latest ASB Economic Forecast released today, with GDP falling 0.6 per cent in the December 2022 quarter. Wellington university student Aidan Donoghue said he has hardly bought any fruit or vegetables in the last year. Photo / Mark Mitchell ASB’s chief economist Nick Tuffley said high-interest rates and inflation will continue to restrain consumer spending in the coming year, with homeowners feeling the strain and pain the most. Tuffley claims that the Reserve Bank (RBNZ) is reaching the end of its Official Cash Rate (OCR) rises, despite inflation being anticipated to remain above 7 per cent for the first half of this year. “Things have overheated, and the stimulus to get us through the pandemic has been arguably too successful at keeping the economy running along, so now we’re feeling the effects of that and the economy being stretched,” Tuffley said. “We expect rising living costs to add around $150 a week to household spending this year, and income growth is not likely to keep pace with this, despite another year of strong wage growth. It’s going to be a tough year, and home borrowers will feel these impacts disproportionately.” Treasury economists are also pointing the finger at the Government for at least part of the high inflation the country is experiencing. In research just released, Treasury economists said they could divide New Zealand’s inflation roughly into thirds: One third came from excessive demand caused by government spending and low interest rates, another third came from supply shocks from overseas, and another third was unknown. Last week, official figures showed inflation in the US had dropped to 5 per cent in March. The International Monetary Fund is also warning of a grim outlook for the New Zealand economy. Its 2023 outlook forecasts Aotearoa will have one of the lowest GDP growth rates and one of the highest inflation rates in the Asia-Pacific region in the coming years. Infometrics chief economist Brad Olsen earlier said this highlighted the vulnerabilities New Zealand faces. “The IMF has highlighted that there are risks, given how much our house prices have gone up in recent times, how much interest rates rising puts our economy in a slightly more challenging position in the years ahead.” Meanwhile, according to ASB’s report, recent extreme weather events, which caused shortages of some fresh food, household goods, and cars, may cause inflation to rise even higher in the near future. Tuffley said the rebuild after events, such as Cyclone Gabrielle and the Auckland floods, would help boost the construction sector, however, that “could be some time away”. ”The rebuild will provide a lift in GDP over the coming years but we know infrastructure replacement can take a long time, as we saw with the Christchurch earthquakes, and particularly in cases where location and design need to be rethought to improve resilience,” Tuffley said. ”Overall, we’re going to have to endure a year of things cooling down and that putting a bit of pressure on finances, so people will be putting away their wallets for a period and reining in their spending.” But he said the continuing tourism recovery is positive with two-thirds of pre-pandemic visitor numbers returning to New Zealand. Food prices, meanwhile have had the biggest annual increase since 1989 - up 12.1 per cent in March compared to a year ago, according to Stats NZ. Grocery prices also predictably jumped again in March and shot up by 14 per cent in a year. Stats NZ said grocery food prices rose 2.3 per cent in March, or 2.1 per cent up on February after seasonal adjustment. ‘We don’t get fruit and veg’ Wellington university student Aidan Donoghue said he has hardly bought any fruit or vegetables in the last year. Instead, he and his partner take vitamins and supplements to get nutrients because it’s cheaper. ”There are times when you crave an actual banana rather than something that is banana-flavoured. Since I’ve moved here, we have done big shops and don’t get any fruit and veg. There was a time when I can remember where we got broccoli and potatoes and that was about it.” The 19-year-old works part-time at McDonald’s and relies on the free meals the nights he works. He also receives payments from Studylink. Donoghue said his clothes are thrifted or bought using Afterpay, an interest-free “pay as you go” service. ”It would be nice to live in a world where I don’t have to worry if I miss a paycheck if I’m not going to make [it to] work.” An Auckland woman, who did not wish to be named, said she is also feeling the pinch and looks in her kitchen cupboards to find little food. ”What am I am going to have for dinner? I have no idea. That’s the thing, I have no idea and that’s not a nice feeling,” the 25-year-old said. She walks into her bathroom and the same bleak emptiness greets her. There is toilet paper and disinfectant, but her shampoo, conditioner and moisturiser – which she refers to as “spoiling” herself - are going to run out soon. ”I’m looking around the house and thinking I need a big top-up, a big shopping spend, and I can’t.” She works part-time and receives a benefit. Almost half of her income goes towards the rent for her Flat Bush apartment and she said her mental health issues are worse as she stretches what’s left to cover essentials. ”I need to buy cookware for cooking so that I can save more money but I can’t even afford [it]. Something that is essential has now become on the luxury list. ”I go to the second-hand stores [but] there are certain things I would never buy second-hand, like underwear and bras, and I need new bras right now, and that would be lovely if I could just go buy that for myself but I can’t afford it.” Auckland Action Against Poverty’s Brooke Fiafia said the team was being “swamped” with emails and walk-ins with more and more people were struggling to afford the basics. “There’s nothing to meet the price increase. It’s across power, water, rent, petrol,” she said. She said the cost of living crisis was “exacerbating the issues we’ve already known about in our communities”, especially for families impacted by flooding earlier this year. - Rachel Maher and Julia Gabel, NZHSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/17/20235 minutes, 13 seconds
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Floyd Du Plessis: Corrections Association President on police being told to consider the necessity of arrests

The Government is being slammed after some frontline police were told to consider the necessity of arrests, due to Rimutaka Prison nearing capacity. An email to Wellington staff revealed our largest prison is nearing maximum occupancy, and warns repeat breach of bail and warrant offenders may be remanded in custody for longer than usual. It says officers should consider that before making an arrest. Corrections Association President, Floyd Du Plessis told Roman Travers that it's ridiculous and the result of ignored warnings about staffing shortages. He says public safety is coming second to political direction, which is a serious concern. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/16/20234 minutes, 5 seconds
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Roman Travers: Changing Dominion Post's name makes no sense

If you live long enough, I guess you’ll get to see everything either change or completely die out. On Friday the news that Wellington’s grand old lady of the fourth estate is to have a makeover was a bit confronting and sad for me and those who’ve grown old with the name of The Dominion Post.   The Dominion Post is dropping the word ‘dominion’ from its name - and its parent company is signalling further change is yet to come.   Sounding dangerously like something from Italian mafia, ‘The Dom, started 21 years ago as a merger of The Dominion and The Evening Post.   In an act reflective of a complete lack of any creativity, the new name will be… are you ready? The Post.   I wonder how many creative types with cool cardigans, fridges filled with tofu, eclectic Spotify playlists and electric scooters at reception in some Willis Street creative agency got together to come up with that catchy name?   The editor of The Post is Caitlin Cherry and she says that New Zealand's status as a dominion ended in 1945 when it joined the United Nations, so it is time for the word to go.   She says they thought carefully about what they wanted The Post to represent now and into the future. For the next fortnight they’ll be having morning teas and ‘farewell to the past’ dinners before launching The Post.   The Dominion Post’s former editor Tim Pankhurst says he’s sceptical about the name change saying that when The Dominion and The Evening Post merged the papers, they did market research, and we found those masthead titles were so entrenched in Wellington, they had better brand-name recognition than Coca Cola.   Isn’t that incredible? Mind you, when I hear the name Coca Cola, I instantly think diabetes militias, obesity and huge dental bills.   There’s a great deal to be said about the name of anything and how well entrenched that branding is. Like Three Waters for example, now to be called Affordable Waters.   I guess the premise is that if you say it out loud repetitively for long enough, you’ll begin to believe it. Just like positive affirmations and the power of placebo in a medical trial.   Changing the name of a capital institution like The Dominion Post is a move being made for reasons that don’t really seem to make sense. But as their editor says, there’s more change to come. So brace yourself Wellington. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/16/20232 minutes, 34 seconds
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Roman Travers: If Govts really wanted to make change, our waterways would already be improving

I measure the quality of the summer season by how many swims I have, this summer I managed just one swim. Not my proudest tally, I can assure you.  But that sad tally was only diminished by my inability to make time. Being able to find clean water to swim in will increasingly prove to be the main barrier. The environment, Minister David Parker says, some of the statistics I’m about to mention are an indictment on the country and an intergenerational challenge to turn around.   45 percent of lake monitoring sites worsened between 2011 and 2020 with just 36 percent improving. 45 of New Zealand’s total river length is non swimmable due to risk of bacterial infection.  48 percent of our river network is at least partially inaccessible to migratory fish.  About two thirds of freshwater native bird species were either threatened with extinction or at risk of becoming threatened in 2021.  Minister David Parker is entirely correct. It’s an intergenerational problem that we have largely turned our back to, and yet we should collectively be ashamed of having a get to this stage.   This is both a rural and an urban issue, but to put things in perspective, dairy cattle numbers have increased by 82 percent from 3.4 million to 6.4 million between 1990 and 2019.   Successive governments have wrung their hands, grimaced like well-paid actors and paid lip service to wanting change; but if they really wanted to change things, then things would be improving across all our waterways.  It’s not a question of attributing blame and adding to the futile flurry of finger pointing. Like any waste water testing - this is about determining what’s in the water that shouldn’t be there and going to the source to prevent further degradation of what were once pristine swimming holes and environments for many aquatic species. So me quantifying swims each summer is something I still plan to maintain.   Finding lakes and rivers clean enough to increase the tally may prove to be increasingly difficult. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/13/20232 minutes, 13 seconds
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Andrew Wilks: Director of Sustainability at Victoria Uni on nominations for Earthshot prizes

Victoria University of Wellington has announced their nominations to be considered for Earthshot prizes. Earthshot is offering five prizes of £1,000,000 each for projects that drive change and inspire collective action. Andrew Wilks, Director of Sustainability at Victoria University, joined Roman Travers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/13/20234 minutes, 38 seconds
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Susan Glasgow: Variety children's charity pleads for more sponsors to more than 1,600 Kiwi kids in poverty

A children's charity is pleading for sponsors to more than 1,600 Kiwi kids facing poverty. Variety says the kids don't have enough bedding, warm clothes, food and school supplies. CEO Susan Glasgow says it costs the same as eight lattes over a month to make a huge difference and Susan Glasgow joined Roman Travers. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/13/20233 minutes, 50 seconds
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Gillian Blythe: Water NZ Chief Executive says while revamped Three Waters isn't perfect, staff will be able to plan better

Water New Zealand is breathing a sigh of relief and says it now has certainty because of the Three Waters shake up. Instead of four mega-entities for water, the Government has opted for 10 regional groups. It's set to be in place by 2026. Water NZ Chief Executive Gillian Blythe says while the plan's not perfect, it means staff will be able to plan implementation better. She told Roman Travers it's important working with iwi wasn't eliminated. Blythe says it's about finding solutions that work for the whole community. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/13/20235 minutes, 7 seconds
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Roman Travers: Finn Fisher-Black a bright spot of news amongst the gloom

It can be incredibly difficult not to fall in line with the narrative of doom and gloom, instead of celebrating the good things that come and go so quickly in life for those who work so hard to get there.  New Zealand’s very own Finn Fisher-Black scored his first professional win yesterday after the UAE Team Emirates rider triumphed in the opening stage of cycling’s Tour of Sicily.   If you haven’t managed to see the footage of just how remarkable the final minutes of this Nelson cyclist’s stage win was, it’s well worth the watch.   Finn Fisher-Black rode away from the field on the final climb of the 159km stage to take the win, with teammate and fellow Nelsonian George Bennett coming in ninth.  The 21-year-old has had a tough climb to the top having come back to elite level after breaking his leg last year.   At my age, I’m freewheeling down the far side of being a middle-aged man in lycra, who still loves to think he can keep up with the peloton on a decent road bike; but Finn is in the upper echelon of cycling with a bright future ahead.  I wonder how many talkback calls and conversations at cafes were dominated by the celebration of Finn’s success at the top of the world cycling stage yesterday?  It’s hard not to get bogged down with the drudgery of everyday life when that’s all many of us focus on given the reality of living costs in 2023.   But isn’t it fantastic to see New Zealand on the world stage in a sport frequently dominated by other nations?   Well done Finn Fisher-Black. Here’s hoping that your cycling future is all tail winds, yellow jerseys and slipstream assisted glory from here on!  How many of us have become the purveyors of political propaganda, rather than being proponents of what’s good in the world?   Why does the impending doom of official cash rate hikes and crystal ball-anticipated recession so easily overpower these moments of sporting glory?   It’s hard to not be drawn into the demonstrable downturn in everyday living; and changing that mind-set is easier said than done. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/12/20232 minutes, 11 seconds
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Tim Cadogan: Central Otago Mayor says councils are divided on the way forward for Three Waters reforms

The country's councils are standing by to hear the Government's latest plan for Three Waters reforms. Newstalk ZB understands the plan will be revealed later this morning. Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan told Roman Travers councils are divided on the way forward. He says some councils want to keep control of the infrastructure, but other councils are very worried about rising costs. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/12/20234 minutes, 46 seconds
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Antonia Watson: ANZ CEO says the bank is still passing on only a small amount of the OCR increases

Last week's OCR hike is starting to have some impact with ANZ, the country's largest bank, raising fixed and floating interest rates across the board. Chief Executive Antonia Watson told Roman Travers the one-year lending rate is going up by 20-basis-points. She says the bank is still passing on only a small amount of the OCR increases. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/12/20234 minutes, 40 seconds
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Alf Filipaina: Manukau Ward Councillor says council need to discuss flood report recommendations so failure doesn't happen again

A councillor is looking to reassure those who suffered during Auckland's January flooding. A report into the flood response has made 17 recommendations including developing an IT system for better communication and creating stronger community relationships. Manukau Ward Councillor Alf Filipaina says those who lost their homes or loved ones will still be devastated. He told Roman Travers the council needs to discuss these recommendations so failure doesn't happen again. LISTEN ABOVE    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/12/20236 minutes, 8 seconds
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Roman Travers: State-funded tertiary education based upon success will help NZ succeed and grow

With the ongoing cost of living crisis confronting us all, there’s greater pressure than ever on parents to help their children get to where they need to be. Confronted by rising mortgage and rent prices, along with those grocery items being pushed onto the luxury side of the shopping list; it’s no wonder that we’re now seeing more tertiary students feeling the financial pinch. Universities and students' associations warn rising living costs are whacking our students especially hard this year. Staff that are left dealing with student welfare say that university financial pressure is causing serious mental health problems. Many students are struggling to afford food, rent and other bills and studying has become harder than ever.   At an age where the future should be anything but frightening, it’s so sad to see that financial problems are now the main cause of mental health difficulties for our university students. The last thing we need more of is growing rates of depression, anxiety, despair, low mood and low engagement that are being seen with many of our university students. Stretched finances have always been part of student life, but this increasing challenge goes far beyond anything seen before in New Zealand. Just as one example of the increasing financial stress is the amount of financial assistance students need. In 2022, most students averaged $393 - but in 2023 it's $653. Vastly more students are working and having to work longer hours to make ends meet which of course puts more pressure on them in terms of what they need to do to gain their qualifications and to enjoy healthy aspects of normal life.   Is it time to consider going back to a fully funded tertiary education system for those that succeed in gaining their degree?   If New Zealand is going to succeed economically and continue to grow, we need our tertiary students to succeed - not to add to the growing numbers relying on a seriously depleted health care system.   State funded tertiary education based upon success may well prove the cheaper option.   What’s the cost to the country if we let the situation get worse?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/11/20232 minutes, 22 seconds
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Todd Valster: Rail and Maritime Transport Union spokesperson as Interislander's Kaitaki ferry resumes service

The Interislander's Kaitaki ferry is back in business today. It lost power and declared mayday in January while sailing across the Cook Strait, then a problem with its gearbox kept it off the water for longer. However, questions remain as to how reassured will passengers be. Todd Valster, acting General Secretary for the Rail and Maritime Transport Union, joined Roman Travers. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/11/20234 minutes, 29 seconds
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Chris Wilkinson: First Retail Group Director says decisions around whether to isolate with Covid or not should be with employers

There has been disappointment New Zealand isn't looking to move away from mandated Covid-19 isolation. The Government is not changing the seven-day isolation requirement for cases for at least two months. It's also asked for more work on whether testing to return to work for mild or asymptomatic cases,  would be safe. First Retail Group Managing Director Chris Wilkinson told Roman Travers this will have an impact on retailers. He believes the decision around whether to isolate or not, should be with employers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/11/20235 minutes, 3 seconds
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Roman Travers: Is NZ becoming famous for poor infrastructure rather than our stunning natural features?

I hope you had a fabulous long Easter weekend and that you got to enjoy some of the many aspects that make New Zealand a world class tourist attraction. But is New Zealand really ready to open up to the world post all of the pandemic palaver and are our facilities as good as we think they are? There’s one particular camping ground that you would never put on your bucket list of places to visit, and that’s the Gore Motor Camp. Police have visited this motor camp 16 times in the last 14 months and they’ve made two arrests. They’ve recorded six family harm investigations, three breach of bail follow-ups, two assault incidents, one each for fighting and drug offending, two vehicle-related visits and one mental health incident. Anyone who does their research before making travel plans would have that at the top of the list of places not to visit, which is a really sad thing for the country music capital of New Zealand. I wonder if some of our tour operators have given up investing in their operations and keeping them up to world-class standards, thinking that the world still wants to come here to experience everything that’s amazing? You know the old story: demand creates demand, so why would you invest in something that sells itself with little to no effort required? The camping ground I refer to is owned by the Gore district Council, and I’m sure the locals are deeply ashamed of the way one of their key assets has been left to languish. The Gore District Council have some serious questions to address and some pretty hard work to be done in order to make this an attractive campground once again. What’s your experience been over the long weekend? If you’ve been camping and getting out and about in our great outdoors, how have you found the facilities? Is New Zealand becoming world-famous for poor infrastructure and potholes more so than the incredibly stunning natural features that we the people are entrusted to maintain? Each and every one of us has a role to play in keeping our country pristine and The Gore District Council need to sort this out at speed, before the next influx of tourists arrive.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/10/20232 minutes, 13 seconds
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Carmen Doran: Helius Therapeutics CEO on becoming only fully certified medicinal cannabis flower company in NZ

Helius Therapeutics is now certified to dry and finish medicinal cannabis flowers. Now the only fully certified company in the country, patients can rely on locally sourced dried flower products. Helius chief executive, Carmen Doran joined Roman Travers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/10/20234 minutes, 26 seconds
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Dylan Thompson: AA Road Safety Spokesperson says potholes are the number one issue raised in surveys of drivers

The AA says more investment in our roads is essential. Newstalk ZB can reveal Waka Kotahi fixed 54,000 potholes on the state highway network during 2022.  AA Road Safety Spokesperson Dylan Thompson says potholes are the number one issue raised in surveys of drivers. He told Roman Travers simply filling them in,  is not enough. Thompson says we need preventative maintenance to stop potholes getting so severe and widespread. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/10/20234 minutes, 38 seconds
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Tim Dower: Latest OCR rise further proves the economy will be a major election issue

Another half-percent on the OCR, which was harsher than most pundits had predicted and takes the cash rate to 5.25 percent. 11 hikes in a row now, yet inflation is still painfully high. The RBNZ says employment is also still beyond what's sustainable and it says recent weather events have pushed some prices even higher. The fact the economic pundits were caught off guard is more than a bit of a worry. ”No one saw this coming”...that's Imre Speizer at Westpac. Capital Economics is now picking a protracted recession, saying it'll be so sharp that rates will have to be cut again by the end of the year. The NZIER says capacity constraints are easing and now is not the time to be adding further interest rates increases it says. And on it goes. Point is; these guys do tend to be ahead of the curve with what they project. In the main, they're pretty good at weighing up exactly where we are now, rather than looking at where we were two or three months back and getting out the smoke and mirrors. And where we are now is in a recession. House prices are tumbling, the employment market is weakening and GDP is in decline. People are moving off cheap home loans and wondering where they'll find hundreds more for the mortgage, plus hundreds more to feed the family and run the car. So what we're hearing now is a fear the recession that RBNZ wanted, the recession it says we needed, won't be short, or shallow. Conclusions? After the car crash caused by printing money for the pandemic, we've got a wall of debt to deal with and a mountain of pain to come for ordinary kiwis. What we can see now is that the fallout will be there for all to see, in time for the election. Will all that translate into votes on October 14th...well...that's one for the political pundits.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/5/20231 minute, 54 seconds
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Craig Renney: Trade Unions economist would like to see OCR increases paused, so people can get used to it

A claim has come that the Official Cash Rate increase will continue to hit pockets and stretch incomes The Reserve Bank has shocked many by hiking the OCR 50 basis points to 5.25 percent. Council of Trade Unions economist Craig Renney would like to see increases paused, so people can get used to it. He told Tim Dower lots of people are facing multiple economic strains at once. Renney says many are facing increasing mortgages on top of existing cost of living concerns. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/5/20234 minutes, 50 seconds
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Dr Farah Palmer: Former Black Ferns captain discusses NZR's $21 million pledge to women's rugby

New Zealand Rugby is pumping $21 million into a 10-year strategy to promote the women's game. It wants to get rid of old school attitudes, and rugby just being seen as a men's sport. Former Black Ferns captain and New Zealand Rugby board member Dr Farah Palmer joined Early Edition. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/5/20234 minutes, 26 seconds
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Jacqueline Rowarth: Dairy NZ director says targeted payments are the best solution to help farmers affected by Cyclone Gabrielle

Dairy NZ says targeted payments are the best solution to help farmers affected by Cyclone Gabrielle. The Government has approved an additional $23 million to help those affected, raising the total to $78 million. More than half of the applicants have already been approved, with $37 million paid out already. Farmer-elected director Jacqueline Rowarth told Tim Dower throwing money at the problem isn't always the best option. She says we should bring in experts to point out where the money can be used best. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/5/20234 minutes, 32 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Donald Trump drama strikes New York again

So Trump is in New York being arraigned today, it’s history in the making. What's funny about this is we're actually heading to New York for the school holidays, this is the last day I'll be on air for a couple of weeks, so we're heading back at a time of Trump dramas. This is ironic because the last time we were in New York was a long time ago, 2016, and we were there for work covering the Presidential election. At that stage, back in the pre-Trump era, everybody thought Hilary Clinton would win. Nobody believed Trump could be President, bar Trump himself of course, so we did a dangerous thing people do, which is write him off. Everybody it seemed had written him off, not just us, and all media were at the same place election night – Clinton HQ. We were stationed at her campaign headquarters and I was busy having photos taken at the lectern with the flag saying, Mrs President dangling from it. There was celebrities everywhere – the whole shebang had shut down 11th Avenue, there were outdoor stages, Katy Perry was singing, live screens, food trucks, supporters up the wazoo, and media by the mile. It was all on. The mood was celebrator, until it wasn’t. We all know the story. The tables turned, the numbers started coming in, and with it the shock. Trump was going to win. Now, suddenly the mood changed. This was now a very volatile time to be in New York. My husband was, at the time, working two jobs both ends of the day - which meant he had to do shows back to NZ at 2am NY time and 10am NY time - to his ZB and Seven Sharp jobs. This also involved being woken by producers at all hours being told to go get footage and audio of protests in the streets etc. It was exhausting. The place was swarming with police and protestors. It was a crazy busy chaotic time, so we decided New York was just a hectic, chaotic, and crazy place. But we hadn’t given it a fair crack, a work trip is not the same as a holiday. We vowed when we left that we’d go back one day as tourists, to have a holiday there and just enjoy the place. So fast forward seven years and we’re finally heading back. But look whose rearing their head again just as we do?  Can you believe it? Why does Trump have to make everything about him? How is it we only visit New York twice in a seven year period, and both times Trump is looming large in the news, the place is swarming with cops and secret service, with protests forecast to unfold. On the one hand we get to witness New York during two historic events – a Presidential election and a President getting indicted. But I wouldn’t mind being in New York without the protests if possible? Graham Norton was on Mike’s show yesterday, he’s currently holidaying in New York too, and he said it’s the best place in the world for ‘old peoples fun’. Which sounds right up my husband’s alley But he qualified that statement as meaning,  it’s got great restaurants, exhibits, shows, they deliver things so you don’t have to walk too far, and it’s easy to get a cab anytime. It’s perfect, Graham Norton said, for the older tourist. Which I guess now is us! So I’ll keep you posted on my Instagram and I’ll let you know how it went when we get back. And I just hope all the Trump drama has died down by the time we arrive, so we can actually get around and enjoy the place.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/4/20233 minutes, 49 seconds
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Matt Terrill: Republican strategist theorises what comes next for the GOP following Trump's arrest

Former President Donald Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 charges of falsifying business records. Trump surrendered to authorities Tuesday at a Manhattan courthouse ahead of his arraignment on criminal charges stemming from a hush money payment to a porn actor during his 2016 campaign. A stone-faced Trump entered the courtroom this morning without saying anything. Trump, who was impeached twice by the US House but was never convicted in the US Senate, has become the first former president to face criminal charges. Republican strategist Matt Terrill joined Kate Hawkesby to discuss what comes next for the GOP. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/4/20234 minutes, 10 seconds
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Sharon Zollner: Economist predicts OCR could rise to 5 percent, highest since December 2008

Another hike is expected for the Official Cash Rate this afternoon. Most economists think the Reserve Bank will be slightly more conservative, with a 25 basis point rise. But that will still take the OCR to 5 percent, which will be the highest it's been since December 2008. ANZ chief economist Sharon Zollner joined Kate Hawkesby. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/4/20232 minutes, 58 seconds
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Dr Bryan Betty: General Practice NZ chair has concerns about whooping cough vaccination levels after three baby deaths

Healthcare workers are raising alarm bells over low vaccination rates from a disease that puts babies at risk. Three babies, under the age of one, have died from whooping cough since February. Te Whatu Ora is encouraging pregnant women in their second trimester to be vaccinated, to pass protection on to their baby. General Practice New Zealand chair Dr. Bryan Betty told Kate Hawkesby the pandemic is to blame for low levels of immunisation, as it strained the health system. He says immunisation rates dropped dramatically over Covid and we really need to get back on track. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/4/20232 minutes, 51 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Why would Stuart Nash stay in the political game?

So Stuart Nash is off and I don’t blame him. Who’d hang around at this point? It must have been a tough call to make given he seemed to love politics, love people, love his portfolios and enjoy representing his home town of Napier.  But it was unsustainable that he stay on after the start to the year he’s had, and no doubt greener pastures are awaiting him. And by greener I mean maybe a job in his beloved forestry sector.  Still, it’s never nice to leave on a downer, it’s always preferable to leave on your own terms and he didn’t get to do that. Leaving under a cloud is a tough way to go out. He said in his post about quitting politics that, he’d had “the privilege of serving in the Ardern Cabinet during the darkest of days, managing crisis after crisis after crisis, while driving forward an ambitious and progressive agenda of continuous economic and social improvement and transformation.”  Just to unpack that a little bit, did they manage crisis after crisis? Or lunge from crisis to crisis to crisis? There’s a small difference. And in terms of driving forward an ambitious and progressive agenda of continuous economic and social improvement and transformation, where are we seeing the fruits of that exactly? Where is this continuous economic improvement he speaks of?  We have an economy in dire straits, inflation at record levels, we’re in a wage inflation spiral, and interest rates on mortgages are through the roof, to name but a few.  Where’s the social improvement? Crime’s out of control, youth crime at all time highs, they haven’t moved the needle on poverty, social housing is a shambles, mental health money that hasn’t been spent, kids not attending school, those who do, not achieving as they should. There’s quite a long list of divisive social ills choking our society these days, in fact.  So I’m just wondering about this transformation Stuart speaks of. What’s been transformational? And therein lies part of the delusion for these guys, not just him but the whole Labour government and their devout echo chamber of followers too, they can’t see the wood for the trees. They probably still think they’ve been the most open honest and transparent government ever too. They probably believe New Zealand is better off for their leadership.  But I’m struggling to see it, the metrics and the data’s just not showing it.  I do however believe that he’s been a good MP, after he got sacked we got mixed feedback from his constituents to be honest, some saying they absolutely loved him as an MP because he was visible and always got back to them, others saying he was a waste of space.  But at least they knew him, and he had a presence in his community, which is more than you can say for a lot of MP’s. So good on him for reading the room and going. I mean he says it’s also time to address the balance with family and friends – and I get that – when you have a job that takes it out of you, those relationships do suffer, so I wish him well with his renewed connections with loved ones. I wish him well in the corporate world or wherever he ends up. I also wish that the Labour ministers left actually do a slightly better job of walking the walk, on all that big talk.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/3/20233 minutes, 15 seconds
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Julia Jones: Dairy sector expert on Fonterra reducing forecast payout to farmers despite record profits

Fonterra's revised forecast for the 2022/23 shows a worrying outlook for the dairy industry. The milk giant has revised down its farmgate price to between $8.00 and $8.60 per kg of milk solids. It's a sharp drop from the record payout of $9.30 last season. Head of Insight at NZX Limited and dairy sector expert Julia Jones joined Kate Hawkesby. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/3/20232 minutes, 59 seconds
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Patrick Morgan: Cycling Action Network project manager responds to Kate Hawkesby's editorial

Kate Hawkesby wrote an editorial on cyclists on Monday that has ruffled a few feathers. Hawkesby had been told about cyclists using the footpath instead of the ratepayer funded "gold-plated" cycleways. It was said that it was particularly bad on Auckland's Tamaki Drive. So the idea was floated over fining cyclists who insist on using the footpath. Patrick Morgan from Cycling Action Network joined Early Edition to discuss Kate Hawkesby's editorial. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/3/20234 minutes, 20 seconds
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Christopher Luxon: National leader says Stuart Nash breached trust time and time again

Christopher Luxon says Stuart Nash had to go. The Napier MP has announced he's leaving politics at this year's election after being booted from Cabinet last week. National's leader says Nash breached trust time and time again. But Luxon told Kate Hawkesby he could've left earlier, and not caused a by-election, since a new candidate's campaign kicks off months before the voting starts. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/3/20233 minutes, 44 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Why do we bother with cycleways, if even the cyclists don't use them?

I have a very smart girlfriend who is an extremely active citizen in her local community, and her city in general actually. She is a go-getter who stays informed, keeps up with local and national politics, and donates a lot of her time and energy to helping the community. She was an early adopter to the e-scooter, uses the city’s cycle ways, and is all for saving the planet and getting cars off the road. But, and here’s the big but, she raised a very valid point the other day regarding said cycleways. Guess who is not using them? The cyclists. She and her husband were walking along Auckland’s Tamaki Drive waterfront, the very same Tamaki Drive that had years of disruption as extremely expensive extremely wide cycleways were installed. And what she witnessed, was cyclist after cyclist after cyclist riding on the footpath, not the cycleways. Within a five minute timeframe she noted no fewer than 10 cyclists barrelling past them on the footpath. Worse yet, they got abused for being in the cyclists’ way. She and her husband were on the footpath, walking, where pedestrians are supposed to walk. They were abused by cyclists trying to ride along the footpath, instead of the cycleway. Now whenever you criticise cyclist behaviour you get accused of being anti-bikes so I want to stress she is anything but. She said she was on the side of cyclists when they got their gold plated cycleway paid for by 99 percent of ratepayers who don’t cycle it. She was happy for them. Right up until she got abused by them as they nearly ran her over, because they wanted the footpath all to themselves too. And this is where cyclists, some cyclists, not all, do themselves a huge disservice and lose people’s support. There were more cyclists on the pavement than on the cycleway. The cycleway was empty. My friend’s point was: why should hardworking ratepayers fund expensive and expansive cycleways if cyclists won’t even use them? She has appealed to Auckland Council and Mayor Wayne Brown to start fining cyclists who use footpaths when a cycleway is available. She said until cyclists embrace them, the vast majority of ratepayers who do not use them should not fund another metre of new cycleway. She said money raised from fining footpath clogging cyclists could be used to fund the new cycleways instead. She makes sense I reckon, it’s hard to argue with. They have expensive lanes laid out especially for them, so why aren’t they using them? Even cyclists agreed with her. Some saying if there’s no cycle way available they’ll ride on the road before they even consider hopping on the footpath. One cyclist pointed out that cyclists who ride in packs on busy roads also give cyclists a bad name, and those who think it’s their right to abuse pedestrians on the footpath are equally loathed. Someone wrote to me the other day and said in Wellington, it's the cycle lanes that are creating so many choke points that traffic across the city has been reduced to a crawl. Frustrating when the traffic's crawling past empty cycleways. It’s the same in Auckland. And I’m just not sure if those who designed the cycleways and decided they should have all that space on the road, actually thought through the winter months and how the half the year the weather precludes cyclists from even riding their bikes anyway. So bang for buck, are they all really worth it?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/2/20233 minutes, 31 seconds
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Chris Cahill: Police Association President on the rising bail numbers

Covid is being partially blamed for an increase in people being granted bail despite police opposition. The numbers jumped from just over 2000 in 2018 to slightly over 5000 last year. Police Association President Chris Cahill says some of those will be on electronic bail and will be closely monitored. He told Kate Hawkesby that the pandemic's seen more serious offenders being kept in prison while they await trial. Cahill says the increased bail may show a judge's reluctance to hold more criminals in remand. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/2/20233 minutes, 54 seconds
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Brad Olsen: Infometrics Chief Economist on the increased living wage

An increase to the living wage could look to help improve the labour market. From September first, it will jump to $26 an hour, $3.30 above minimum wage. It's an almost 10-percent rise since last year. Infometrics Chief Economist Brad Olsen told Kate Hawkesby that we could see businesses re-evaluate the offers they put on the table. He says paying the living wage could be a way of securing an employee from another business that isn't offering it. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4/2/20234 minutes, 8 seconds
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Vincent McAviney: Europe correspondent on Russian arrest of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich for alleged spying

Russia’s security service arrested an American reporter for The Wall Street Journal on espionage charges, the first time a US correspondent has been detained on spying accusations since the Cold War. The newspaper denied the allegations and demanded his release. Evan Gershkovich was detained in the city of Yekaterinburg while allegedly trying to obtain classified information, the Federal Security Service, known by the acronym FSB, said Thursday. Daniil Berman, the lawyer of arrested Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, speaks to journalists near the Lefortovsky court, in Moscow. Photo / Alexander Zemlianichenko, AP The service, which is the top domestic security agency and main successor to the Soviet-era KGB, alleged that Gershkovich “was acting on instructions from the American side to collect information about the activities of one of the enterprises of the Russian military-industrial complex that constitutes a state secret”. The Journal “vehemently denies the allegations from the FSB and seeks the immediate release of our trusted and dedicated reporter, Evan Gershkovich”. the newspaper said. “We stand in solidarity with Evan and his family.” The arrest comes at a moment of bitter tensions between the West and Moscow over its war in Ukraine and as the Kremlin intensifies a crackdown on opposition activists, independent journalists and civil society groups. The sweeping campaign of repression is unprecedented since the Soviet era. Activists say it often means the very profession of journalism is criminalised, along with the activities of ordinary Russians who oppose the war. Reporter for the Wall Street Journal Evan Gershkovich (centre), is escorted by officers from the Lefortovsky court. Photo / AP Earlier this week, a Russian court convicted a father over social media posts critical of the war and sentenced him to two years in prison. His 13-year-old daughter was sent to an orphanage. Gershkovich is the first American reporter to be arrested on espionage charges in Russia since September 1986, when Nicholas Daniloff, a Moscow correspondent for US News and World Report, was arrested by the KGB. Daniloff was released without charge 20 days later in a swap for an employee of the Soviet Union’s United Nations mission who was arrested by the FBI, also on spying charges. At a hearing Thursday, a Moscow court quickly ruled that Gershkovich would be kept behind bars pending the investigation. While previous American detainees have been freed in prisoner swaps, a top Russian official said it was too early to talk about any such deal. In Washington, the Biden administration said it had spoken with the Journal and Gershkovich’s family. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre condemned the arrest “in the strongest terms” and urged Americans to heed government warnings not to travel to Russia. An entrance of the Lefortovo prison, in Moscow, Russia, where Evan Gershkovich has been taken on espionage charges. Photo / AP The State Department was in direct touch with the Russian government and seeking access to Gershkovich, Jean-Pierre said. Gershkovich, who covers Russia, Ukraine and other ex-Soviet nations as a correspondent in the Journal’s Moscow bureau, could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted of espionage. Prominent lawyers noted that past investigations into espionage cases took a year to 18 months, during which time he may have little contact with the outside world. The FSB noted that Gershkovich had accreditation from the Russian Foreign Ministry to work as a journalist, but ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova alleged that Gershkovich was using his credentials as cover for “activities that have nothing to do with journalism”. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters: “It is not about a suspicion, it is about the fact that he was caught red-handed.” Gershkovich speaks fluent Russian and had previously worked for the French news agency Agence France-Presse and The New York Times. He was a 2014 graduate of Bowdoin College in Maine, where he was a philosophy major who cooperated with local papers and championed a free press, according to Clayton Rose, the college’s president. His last report from Moscow, published earlier this week, focused on the Russian economy’s slowdown amid Western sanctions imposed after Russian troops invaded Ukraine last year. Ivan Pavlov, a prominent Russian defence attorney who has worked on many espionage and treason cases, said Gershkovich’s case is the first criminal espionage charge against a foreign journalist in post-Soviet Russia. “That unwritten rule not to touch accredited foreign journalists, has stopped working,” said Pavlov, a member of the First Department legal aid group. Pavlov said the case against Gershkovich was built to give Russia “trump cards” for a future prisoner exchange and will likely be resolved “not by the means of the law, but by political, diplomatic means”. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov ruled out any quick swap. “I wouldn’t even consider this issue now because people who were previously swapped had already served their sentences,” Ryabkov said, according to Russian news agencies. In December, WNBA star Brittney Griner was freed after 10 months behind bars in exchange for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. Another American, Paul Whelan, a Michigan corporate security executive, has been imprisoned in Russia since December 2018 on espionage charges that his family and the US government have said are baseless. “Our family is sorry to hear that another American family will have to experience the same trauma that we have had to endure for the past 1553 days,” Whelan’s brother David said in an emailed statement. “It sounds as though the frame-up of Mr Gershkovich was the same as it was in Paul’s case.” Jeanne Cavelier, of the press freedom group Reporters Without Borders, said Gershkovich’s arrest “looks like a retaliation measure of Russia against the United States”. “We are very alarmed because it is probably a way to intimidate all Western journalists that are trying to investigate aspects of the war on the ground in Russia,” said Cavelier, head of Eastern Europe and Central Asia desk at the Paris-based group. Russian journalist Dmitry Kolezev said on Telegram that he spoke to Gershkovich before his trip to the Ural Mountain city of Yekaterinburg, Russia’s fourth-largest, about 1670km east of Moscow. “He was preparing for the usual, albeit rather dangerous in current conditions, journalist work,” Kolezev wrote. Another prominent lawyer with the First Department group, Yevgeny Smirnov, said that those arrested on espionage and treason charges are usually held at the FSB’s Lefortovo prison, where they are usually placed in total isolation, without phone calls, visitors or even access to newspapers. At most, they can receive letters, often delayed by weeks. Smirnov called these conditions “tools of suppression”. Smirnov and Pavlov both said that any trial would be held behind closed doors. According to Pavlov, there have been no acquittals in treason and espionage cases in Russia since 1999.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/30/20232 minutes, 38 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Exercise can be embraced at any age or stage

I am very late to the party on exercise. I've never been a fan of it. Even though the stats are strong, that it's irrefutably the best thing you can do for both your physical and mental health, I just never got my 'thing'.  Yoga I did for years because it was enjoyable and stretchy.. ie.. you're not really breaking a sweat. Pilates I love, but again, my commitment over the years has come and gone. But I've never been a gym bunny or an exercise junkie like many of you up at this hour of the morning are.  I'm always in awe of the people who text me saying they're out running or walking or on their way to the gym at this hour. That's impressive. I tend to identify more with the listener who’s still in bed and just got a bit of radio on in the background while they think about what to make for breakfast. Food is always my first thought in the morning, not exercise. Anyway, the World Health Organisation says adults should be doing two and a half hours a week of moderate intensity aerobic activity, as well as muscle strengthening activity. So I've been failing on that score, up until now. I'm here to report that despite all my misgivings, intense exercise can actually make you feel different. My physio told me I need to do hot yoga. Not even hot yoga but hot Pilates - with weights - it’s more intense. And it’s hot. The room is like 39 degrees and to me that sounds like hell before we even pick up a weight or add a resistance band. So to humour her, I gave it a go.  The first thing I did was ask if we could turn the heat down - it was unbearable - how people do this on a regular basis is beyond me. But it’s by far the hardest workout I’ve ever done. It’s harder than the half marathon I ran years ago with my boys as I tried to prove that Mum could keep up with them. Spoiler alert - she could not. In fact all I did was sprain an ankle at the top of the Harbour Bridge but kept going on it because the indignity of hobbling and quitting precluded me from making a sensible decision which was to stop.  Fast forward a few years of not doing very much and I am now a convert to the punish of exercise. I still don’t understand the people who enjoy it, I hate every second , but afterwards, I feel amazing. Sweaty and exhausted, but amazing. This week I even planked for a whole minute. The world record is 11 hours so I’ve got a way to go but trust me, in a hot room with a tired body that’s been up since 3am, I was proud of my one minute.  When you're super tired it's hard to embrace exercise that goes beyond just walking the dog - but I'm starting to see the merit in working your body hard. I’m telling you this partially by way of apology to all the people I said were insane for doing this kind of thing, partially to hold myself accountable to keeping it up, and partially because I’m hoping the fitness bunnies tuning in can tell me what works for them too. Because I didn’t even know hot Pilates with weights existed before I tried it. So there must be other cool stuff out there that's not an F45 class. I don’t want to jump around a room with machines and people, but I am learning the merit of weights as we get older - especially for women.  So as a convert to being put through my paces in a hot room, I’m here to say exercise can be embraced at any age or stage. And even if you feel like you’re going to collapse, you will actually feel different and more energised at the end.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/30/20233 minutes, 45 seconds
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Helen Alice: '100 kms in 30 days' campaign organiser on raising money for breast cancer nationwide

Kiwis are being challenged to do '100 kms in 30 days' to raise money for breast cancer charities across the country. The fundraiser was so successful in the Bay of Plenty last year and it's being brought back and going nationwide during May. People can complete the 100 kilometres any way they want; on foot, wheels or in the water. Helen Alice is the campaign organiser and joined Kate Hawkesby. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/30/20232 minutes, 34 seconds
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Keeley Anderson: Queenstown real estate agent on the tourism town's rental crisis

Queenstown renters are so desperate for housing they're asking real estate agents to rent out empty houses on the market. Tall Poppy Real Estate Queenstown owner Keeley Anderson says she's getting daily calls from people searching. It comes after a protest of around 100 people earlier this week over the resort town's rental crisis. Keeley Anderson joined Kate Hawkesby. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/30/20233 minutes, 1 second
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John Tookey: Construction professor says between a bridge and tunnel Waitematā crossing, bridge is a bit easier

A construction expert believes the second Auckland Harbour crossing will become a political football. The Government has brought forward construction for a second Waitematā Harbour crossing to 2029. Its offered five options that all include walking, cycling and road options plus light rail connections to the city centre. AUT Construction Management Professor John Tookey told Kate Hawkesby between a bridge and tunnel a bridge is a bit easier. A choice will be made on which option in June. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/30/20232 minutes, 44 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: A laissez-faire attitude typifies the general malaise in NZ, we will do so much better if we can turn it around

I hit a nerve clearly yesterday when I talked about the top-down malaise in this country at the moment from our politicians, to our police force, to the public polling. And there seems a general sense of 'blah' among us right now.  A large number of you texted in agreeing.  One said it was a post pandemic thing – that we were all just so grateful to be alive that we just meander around now saying ‘it is what it is’ to each other and putting up with below par service and standards everywhere, arguably because we’ve lost all ambition and are just happy to settle for the lowest bar. Others said once mediocrity is accepted and allowed to bloom, it’s all we get. Others said it’s been a slippery slope ever since people stopped taking responsibility for anything. Others pointed out all talent has left the building.  Every sector is crying out for talent and saying what they have the least of is highly skilled workers – a recent EMA survey showed 90 percent of employers reported struggling to find workers and it’s the highly skilled ones that are hardest to find. Could it be they’ve gone elsewhere? Could it also be that we’re not attracting those people to this country anymore because they’re looking at us now and going, yeah, you know what, I’ll go to Canada or Australia instead.  Many of you pointed out the crap service and experiences you have these days compared to how it used to be. Which leads me to the story about the Air NZ crew member made public yesterday.  A passenger on an Air NZ flight from Wellington to Napier watched on in horror, as the cabin crew member breached civil aviation laws right in front of them, by vaping and texting mid-flight. Vaping, and texting. Right after the safety briefing.  So here’s what you can’t do on this plane – but don’t mind me while I do it all anyway. I mean you have to laugh because if we don’t, we might cry. The passenger is so adamant about what he saw that he sent photographic evidence to prove it to the airline, who, unwisely as far as I’m concerned, chose not to respond to him, hence he’s now gone public with it.  So, the malaise and low bar is twofold here.  One, the crew member, who, has not only let the airline down and himself down, but exemplifies that whole ‘no responsibility’ thing. Flouting the rules, and if it wasn’t for this passenger, probably assuming he got away with it.  And two, the airline itself for not taking this passengers’ complaint seriously. Ignoring a passenger, is not good customer service. He got no reply from Air NZ until after he’d gone to the media.  That’s so often the case, and it’s again, such a low bar for corporates to wait until something’s made public, before they react. It’s actually so uncool. And it happens way more often than it should.  So now all of a sudden Air NZ will investigate the complaint. About three days later than they should have.  This sort of laissez-faire attitude typifies the general malaise in this country at the moment, from the top of the corporate ladder all the way to the bottom. I wish it weren’t the case, I don’t know how we got here, but I do know we will do so much better collectively if we can turn it back around.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/29/20233 minutes, 28 seconds
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Graeme Tregidga: NZ King Salmon Acting CEO on their full-year profit following changes to their farming model

New Zealand King Salmon's profits are going swimmingly after posting their first full-year profit in three years. The company has taken a number of measures to scale back operation costs, including a change to their farming model. Acting CEO Graeme Tregidga joined Kate Hawkesby. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/29/20232 minutes, 31 seconds
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Katherine Firkin: US correspondent says gun laws are back in the spotlight following the latest school shooting in Nashville

Gun laws are back in the spotlight in the US, following the latest school shooting. Audrey Hale killed six people at her former Christian elementary school in Nashville. US correspondent Katherine Firkin told Kate Hawkesby the incident has sparked debate on Tennessee's approach to firearms, one of the most relaxed in the country. She says requirements for background checks have been totally removed and there are no laws allowing weapon seizures from violent suspects. Firkin says the shooter legally purchased seven different guns from five different stores over the last few years. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/29/20232 minutes, 13 seconds
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Kaine Thompson: Former Labour staffer says you would hope and expect review into Stuart Nash won't find anything else

It's thought the Prime Minister's trying to draw a line under the Stuart Nash saga. Chris Hipkins has ordered a review of all the Napier MP's  communications. It follows revelations Nash discussed a confidential Cabinet decision with two former donors in 2020. He is cooperating with the review, and intends to stay on as Napier's MP. Former Labour staffer, Kaine Thompson told Kate Hawkesby you would hope and expect the review won't find anything else. "Stuart Nash hasn't ever come across to me as particularly someone who is nefarious or malicious, but he's made a couple of mistakes here." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/29/20232 minutes, 56 seconds
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Gavin Grey: Europe Correspondent says protests across France have turned ugly as country reaches 10th day of unrest

Demonstrations across France have turned ugly as the country reaches its 10th day of civil unrest. The backlash is in response to a controversial pension law pushed through parliament without a vote last week, lifting the retirement age from 62 to 64. Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey told Kate Hawkesby protests started peacefully, but things have turned, with cars and rubbish being set alight, and 23 reported arrests. He says Paris protest numbers are in dispute, with police claiming 93,000, while unions believe half-a-million protesters attended. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/28/20231 minute, 56 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: How does the Prime Minister of our country not know what’s going on inside his own government?

I miss the grown-ups.  I’m desperate for some grown-ups, or just someone informed and engaged to be running this country, instead of the malaise and fly by night experience we’re currently having. Like many of you, yesterday I despaired as I listened to Chris Hipkins on the Mike Hosking Breakfast. It was cringe worthy. He literally could not answer a single question, was so ill informed, offered nothing by way of answers on anything, it was depressing.  On Marama Davidson, he admitted he had not even spoken with her or dealt with her at all – their offices had talked to each other, that’s it. Acceptable for a Minister in his Government? Absolutely not. Had she apologised? No.  Did Hipkins know about the health figures out yesterday? He did not. Did he know about the Government’s targets on it? Nope.  Did he know about new stats around ambulance ramping? No. Shipping and supply chain issues? No.  He admitted he doesn’t watch the news. I mean I get it, I wouldn’t either if I didn’t have to.. it’s tedious, but that’s my job – I have to. Which begs the question, why isn’t it his job too? Why is the Prime Minister of our country not wanting to be informed? How does he not know what’s going on inside his own government?  I don’t want to harp on about the good old days but John Key once said of being Prime Minister, the bulk of the job is reading and being informed. He’d get up at 4.30am to make sure he was informed; he would not appear on the morning breakfast show to the biggest audience in the country and not be completely up with the play. And if he couldn’t get across everything, he made sure Steven Joyce did, so that he could get himself informed and ready to go with facts, stats and answers. But what’s increasingly common from politicians these days, as the bar has gotten lower and lower, is they say ‘it’s complex’ or they don’t have the stats right in front of them right now, or they need to look into that, or they’ll have to come back to you.  Fewer and fewer of them have any answers or information at their fingertips, fewer and fewer of them know anything about their portfolios, fewer and fewer of them have watched the news, read the paper, gotten across news stories at all. And if you get to the very bottom of that lowered bar you get Marama Davidson, who just makes it up on the hoof and says what she likes, bugger the facts or the accuracy.  Luxon’s not exempt here. He too came on Mike’s show this week having not seen or heard anything about Marama’s comments despite the fact it had been all over the news the day before.  Maybe I’m old school in expecting politicians to be interested and informed, maybe the reason the polls are so wacky at the moment reflects the mood and malaise of not just the politicians but the public too. Maybe none of us care anymore? Maybe we’re all just sleepwalking around the place oblivious and unbothered?  I don’t know what it is, but it feels like we’re sinking into an abyss of low bars, and low expectations, and I just hope for the sake of this country, that we all snap out of it, at least by October.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/28/20233 minutes, 25 seconds
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Brent Linn: Hawke's Bay Wine Growers say they are bouncing back and open for business

A message to wine lovers; Hawke's Bay vineyards are bouncing back and open for business. Images of devastated wineries were widely circulated following Cyclone Gabrielle, but six weeks on, the industry is keen to bring back its customers. Hawke's Bay Wine Growers Executive Officer Brent Linn told Kate Hawkesby good weather over the past few weeks has meant the region is well prepared for the Easter weekend. He says most cellar doors and restaurants will be open. Linn says while there's been lots of support locally and overseas, he wants people to continue buying Hawke's Bay produce and wine. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/28/20232 minutes, 34 seconds
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Helen Walls: Researcher claims 10 minutes of handwriting practice in junior classes a day could turn around literacy rates

A handwriting expert believes just 10 minutes of practice in junior classes a day could turn around our falling literacy rates. But a survey of 850 teachers last year found almost 90 percent of those trained in the last 20 years received no instruction on how to teach handwriting. Education researcher Helen Walls told Kate Hawkesby there's been an emphasis put on ideas children want to express in writing and the fundamental technical skills have been neglected. She says until those technical skills are automated children can't think about the creative aspects. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/28/20235 minutes, 15 seconds
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Jason Walls: Following Stuart Nash's sacking there'll be a few ministers wondering if they've accidentally breached the Cabinet manual

Government ministers will be checking themselves this morning. It comes as Stuart Nash has been dismissed from Cabinet. It's emerged the Napier MP emailed donors about private cabinet information around a 2020 rent relief package. Political Editor Jason Walls told Kate Hawkesby there will be a few ministers who will be wondering whether they've accidentally breached the Cabinet manual. He says Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has, on a number of occasions, reinforced the importance of ensuring they're on the right side of the manual. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/28/20234 minutes, 4 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: The balance has tilted so wildly in favour of criminals, if you’re the victim of crime why even bother reporting it?

As crime looks to be a hot election issue this year I worry about two things, well more than two things, but let’s start with these two.  One - the lack of arrests being made and two - the top-down obsession from the police hierarchy with supporting offenders, not victims.  David Fononga, if you don’t know the name, is the Auckland man who went on a shooting rampage in West Auckland firing at Police. They fired back and he was shot dead. But here’s the thing about him – he’d breached bail a month before this happened, and never been arrested for it. So among the many investigations and reviews launched after this shooting incident, one of them is an internal review of why the Police did not respond to his breach of electronically monitored bail in the first place.  Because, while we’re on that topic, he wasn’t the only one. Five others were at large last week apparently having absconded while on electronically monitored bail. How many people need to be slicing off ankle bracelets and breaching their bail conditions and picking up guns is too many for the Police to react? How many times can offenders let their electronic monitoring bracelet batteries go flat – and not be chased up by Police?  It’s not always the Police’s fault, there are others involved like Corrections and the judiciary of course – a judiciary who seem increasingly intent on having no one in jail. But I’m becoming more of the view that Police are being inactive - whether intentionally or unintentionally, I don’t know.  But I do know of an incident recently in Auckland’s CBD where an American tourist was assaulted - punched in the back of the head and then kicked to the ground.  He wound up in an ambulance to Auckland Hospital needing stitches to his head. That, of course, was a seven-hour wait - by which time his wound had closed up and they had to re-open it to stitch it back up because they'd left him so long at A&E, but that's another story for another day. Anyway, his whole assault was caught on video, backed up by CCTV footage, several witnesses, and what did the Police who turned up do? Nothing. Not a single arrest They stood around saying they needed to 'think about what to do' quote unquote and then suggested to upset witnesses that they ‘pop into a station sometime’ and make statements.  The people involved in this incident said to me, this is why no one bothers calling the Cops. They don’t care, they do nothing. It’s hard to argue with. The other thing I worry about is the obsession with the offenders, their backgrounds, and their families. The new Police Minister said at the weekend that she promises ‘wrap-around support for families of youth offenders’. And as lovely as that sounds, it’s not really the first priority the community is looking at for a new Police minister. Certainly not during a time of the increased crime. She repeated the tried and true Labour line of it being ‘complex’ and involving offenders from ‘complex backgrounds’ and she therefore would like to see wrap around support for each of these offenders.  Well, that would be nice, as would having them not offend in the first place, but where does it leave all their victims? Where is their wrap-around care and support?  The balance has tilted so wildly in favour of those creating the havoc and doing the crimes, that if you’re the victim of it, as these people were the other night in Auckland’s CBD, they rightly say, why even bother reporting it?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/27/20233 minutes, 31 seconds
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Kate Anderson: Citizen's Advice Bureau GM says they are making a last ditch effort to prevent Auckland Council budget cuts

The Citizens Advice Bureau is making a last ditch effort to prevent Auckland Council budget cuts. It's taking a petition with 15,000 signatures to council offices today, in a bid to halt their $2 million worth of funding being cut. General Manager Citizen's Advice Bureau Kate Anderson says the service is worth every cent.  She says for every dollar invested, they get $13 of social value out of it. Consultation for the budget closes at 11pm tonight. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/27/20233 minutes, 3 seconds
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John Battersby: Security expert says the issue of social media, misinformation advancing risk of domestic terrorism has worsened

Online platforms are playing an increasing role in New Zealand's risk of domestic terrorism. The country's spy boss Andrew Hampton has revealed how the GCSB's capabilities were used in three counter-terrorism operations They included a person making bomb threats last year and increasingly concerning behaviour online from a white extremist. Massey University security expert John Battersby told Kate Hawkesby the issue of social media and misinformation advancing the problem has worsened in New Zealand. He says the number of people likely to be influenced by it are roughly the same everywhere, so while it may not get better, he's not sure if it will get worse, and we'll have to live with it. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/27/20233 minutes, 41 seconds
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Donna Demaio: Australian correspondent says Latitude Finance hack is more significant than initially thought to be

Serious concerns after one of the biggest data hacks in Australasia. Latitude Finance has revealed around 14 million people across both sides of the Tasman have had personal information held by the company,  stolen. It includes passport numbers and driver licence details, but it's feared that even more could be involved. Australian correspondent Donna Demaio told Kate Hawkesby it's much more significant than the initial 300,000 it was first thought to be. She says some of the data has been held for more than ten years, with Latitude copping some criticism over holding data for so long. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/27/20232 minutes, 9 seconds
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Ang Jury: Women's Refuge CEO says Marama Davidson's correction to her statement at Posie Parker counter-protest is spot on

Support from within the family violence sector for Marama Davidson after controversial comments at the Auckland counter-protest to Posie Parker. The Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence said most violence is caused by white cis men, cis meaning the gender a person's born with. She's now clarified, removing white and cis, saying when she spoke, she was in shock after being hit by a motorbike. Women's Refuge Chief Executive Ang Jury told Kate Hawkesby Davidson's correction is spot on. She says men are the main perpetrators of family violence and her initial statement, which has since been walked back, could have been delivered a little better. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/27/20233 minutes, 22 seconds
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Gavin Grey: European correspondent on the French protests

Europe's human rights watchdog is accusing French police of brutality. A controversial pension law has seen protests erupt in Paris for a second week. UK-Europe correspondent Gavin Grey told Kate Hawkesby that the Council for Europe's Human Rights Commissioner believes comments will add fuel to the fire. He says the commissioner believes people have a right to be protected from police brutality, and attacks against officers don't justify a heavy handed response. King Charles' visit has also been cancelled, due to security concerns. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/26/20233 minutes, 25 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: How much faith do you have that Kiwis can behave themselves respectfully in public?

The Posie Parker kerfuffle at the weekend in Auckland, I see the whole thing as so unnecessary. Her coming here, the publicity and noise around her coming here, the reaction when she got here, the vitriol and protests —from both sides—  when she tried to speak, the fallout after it.  How on earth did we end up with this much hubbub over a virtual nobody? How have we ended up with JK Rowling involved, MP’s involved, everyone seemingly imploding on each other. All over someone who should never have been given this much oxygen in the first place.  Like I said last week, how many of us had even heard of her prior to the media advertising her arrival and the impending doom. It all played right into her hands though, the frenzy whipped up resulted in big crowds, big protest, and her high tailing it out of here... all documented for a new and captive audience that she previously would not have had.  As my colleague, Heather pointed out, what an own goal by the Greens, Auckland Pride and Rainbow Youth. And as triumphant as the rainbow community is about seeing her off, what does it actually say about how New Zealand handles free speech? What does it say about how our country behaves at protests? What does it say about our ability to hear each other out? And where does it leave our international reputation after the chaotic scenes made international headlines - with Posie Parker herself telling the British press she had 'grave fears for NZ',  adding, 'this place is f***ed.'   So she was drowned out by hysteria before she could even open her mouth. No open dialogue, no sane rational discussion, no traversing of ideas, just hysteria both ways. Mixed messaging, chaotic methodology, insane behavior. And what I worry about given the performance at the weekend, is how we are going to behave on the hustings this election year. What does it say about the mindset of New Zealanders, that we feel we can trample down barriers and verbally attack or throw things at anyone who thinks differently to us.  MP’s have already said they’re worried about security for this election year and in some cases, some are looking to increase it. We already know there is a general blatant disregard and disrespect for Police among young people, so how out of control is it likely to get?  What assurances do politicians and their supporters have, that there won’t be clashes or fury unleashed when differing views are aired? When did we lose our radar on what constitutes peaceful protest? How is it protestors are still arguing that what we saw at the weekend in Auckland was peaceful?  It’s a really ugly side to politics and it’s infiltrating other facets of our community now too. The piles on’s are not just confined to Twitter and Facebook anymore, it seems the anger and bitterness is seeping out into the streets, manifesting itself in a physical manner now too.  Protesting doesn’t have to involve tomato juice, smashing down barriers, screaming and pushing. It doesn’t have to involve threats of violence. If we can’t seem to contain ourselves in a public forum when someone we disagree with tries to speak in a public place, what does that say about how the election period is likely to unfold?  How much faith do you have that Kiwis can behave themselves respectfully in public? That they can tolerate free speech? After this weekend, I don’t hold out much hope at all.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/26/20233 minutes, 52 seconds
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Brooke van Velden: ACT Deputy Leader on the Posie Parker counter protest

ACT says what happened at the Posie Parker rally in Auckland is seriously concerning. Thousands protested against the views of the anti-trans activist at Albert Park's Saturday rally, seeing her quit the country early. Scuffles broke out, Parker had tomato juice poured on her, and Green MP Marama Davidson was hit by a motorcycle. ACT Deputy Leader Brooke van Velden told Kate Hawkesby that it's what the party has feared: that the alternative to free speech and reasoned debate could become bullying, intimidation, and violence. She says in a civilised society like ours, you should be able to counter ideas you don't like with speech and debate, not violence and intimidation. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/26/20233 minutes, 30 seconds
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Charles Ninow: Webb's Director of Art on the rising interest in art auctions

In difficult financial times more investors appear to be turning to art. Record levels of interest have been recorded for an auction tonight that has works up for grabs by New Zealand greats such as Tony Fomison and Don Binney, amongst others. Webb's Director of Art, Charles Ninow, says it seems the stranger the world gets, the more relevant art becomes. He says art is real and will never be worthless, unlike some other forms of investment. Total turnover in the New Zealand auction market has more than doubled from its pre-pandemic levels. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/26/20234 minutes, 51 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: There is a long way to go between now and October, so the Nats panic merchants might just need to calm down

So we end the week with some policy from the Nats and that's a good place for Luxon to be focussing, especially after the start to the week he had. But in defence of Chris Luxon - who by the way I don't know from a bar of soap,  I've met him in person once I think. I don't think people should be freaking out about his popularity - or lack of it. I just don't think it's a big deal that he's not wildly popular - because we've seen where that can end up anyway. Jacinda anyone? The higher your popularity, the further you have to fall.  I also think the lack of coverage of his exploits is against him, and that's not his fault. If he's out and about but nobody's covering it, then what can he do if the media prefer to cover their beloved Chippy from the Hutt - it's a tough gig to be up against. That will change however for him the closer we get to the election and as more policy gets rolled out and some semblance of balance is demanded by election rules - media will be obligated to cover parties more equally.  But at the moment, as Luxon himself says, how's he expected to have grabbed front-page headlines? He's been up against a new PM coming into the fore as the other one vanished, rounds of record bad weather followed by a cyclone and the fallout from that - the news has had other priorities. And rightly so. He's been right to keep his head down and just keep plugging away at the work of getting out there. I think the grassroots work he's doing out in communities will pay dividends and count for something - even though it's not shiny front-page news stuff at the moment.  Where I do think he could look to improve, is jumping on the Government's mistakes and blunders with more alacrity and pace - like Seymour does. The other area he could look at image-wise, is de-corporatizing himself a bit - maybe fewer suit pants and business shirts and more casual attire that makes you look a little more relatable and a little less CEO. Although you want leaders to be authentic and to be themselves and if that's how he's comfortable then I guess we have to give him that. But in general, I'm not alarmed and running off down the tangent of 'does his caucus have confidence in him'.. and 'can he retain the leadership through until the election..'  I think those avenues of discussion are a waste of time.  The Nats are not changing out a leader again, they have a strong team, I mean just line their bench up against Labour's and have a good hard look at what you're getting.  As popular as the polls may say Chris Hipkins is - which by the way is not even that popular, I still don't believe it's enough to snag this Government another term. Their record, their lineup, their failure to deliver and be accountable, their bloated public service, their record on education, crime, health and poverty all speaks for itself.  There is a long way to go between now and October, I think the panic merchants over whether we like Christopher Luxon enough or not, might just need to calm down.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/23/20233 minutes, 14 seconds
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Jacqui Southey: Children's advocate hopes children aren't being used as an election point scorer

Child poverty advocates don't want promises, they want solutions. The latest child poverty figures, covering the year to last June, remain unchanged on the year before. It still shows one in 10 children are living in material hardship and for tamariki Māori, it's one in five. Save the Children advocacy director Jacqui Southey hopes children aren't being used as an election point scorer. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/23/20233 minutes, 38 seconds
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Mark Potter: NZEI says National Party's education policy is a reboot of National Standards but with a slightly different dressing

National would be getting a 'F' on its education policy if our largest education union was grading it. The opposition is proposing standardised tests for children as young as seven, as well as training for teachers and a curriculum overhaul, if elected. The New Zealand Educational Institute says it's a reboot of National Standards but with a slightly different dressing. President Mark Potter joined Kate Hawkesby. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/23/20233 minutes, 28 seconds
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Jodie Burnard: Flight Centre GM of Marketing says increasing airfares are pushing Gen Z, Millennials towards cruise ships

A wave of Gen Zs and Millennials are setting their sights on cruise ships for their holiday of choice. Flight Centre says bookings for 18 to 30 year olds have more than doubled in under a year. Flight Centre's General Manager of Marketing, Jodie Burnard, says the increasing cost of airfares is part of the reason. Jodie Burnard joined Kate Hawkesby. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/23/20233 minutes, 36 seconds
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Catherine Firkin: US correspondent updates as sources say Manhattan DA postpones Trump grand jury session

Manhattan prosecutors postponed without any explanation a scheduled grand jury session Wednesday in the investigation into Donald Trump over hush money payments during his 2016 presidential campaign, at least temporarily slowing a decision on whether to charge the ex-president. The postponement was confirmed by four people familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because they were not authorized to discuss an ongoing investigation by name. It was not immediately clear why the proceedings were postponed, but the grand jurors were told to be on standby for Thursday, another day when the New York panel has been meeting in recent weeks. When the grand jurors next meet, they may hear from yet another witness, according to a person familiar with proceedings that appear to be nearing a decisive vote on whether or not to indict Trump. The panel has been probing Trump's involvement in a $130,000 payment made in 2016 to porn actor Stormy Daniels to keep her from going public about a sexual encounter she said she had with Trump years earlier. Trump has denied the claim, insisted he did nothing wrong and assailed the investigation, led by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, as politically motivated. Wednesday's abrupt development, which a person familiar with the matter said was not connected to security concerns, came amid growing anticipation that Trump could soon be charged. Grand jury proceedings are shrouded in secrecy, making it hard to predict with certainty what action might be taken and when. As the panel has been hearing from final witnesses, Trump has contended his arrest is imminent and law enforcement officials have accelerated security preparations in the event of unrest accompanying an unprecedented charge against a former U.S. president. The district attorney's office declined to comment on the postponement, which was earlier reported by Business Insider. Prosecutors had recently invited Trump himself to appear before the grand jury, and on Monday heard from a witness favorable to his case as a way to ensure that the panel would be presented with any information that could conceivably be considered exculpatory. Trump over the weekend stated that he expected to be arrested Tuesday, though the day came and went without that happening. - MICHAEL R. SISAK and ERIC TUCKER Associated PressSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/22/20232 minutes, 19 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Posie Parker should never have been given all this attention in the first place

What I can't understand about the trans activist coming into the country is how she's been given so much coverage and publicity. She's clearly a hateful woman just touring around spreading vitriol, I have no idea what the point of her is, or why she’s doing it, and I had never heard of her prior to this week - I doubt many of us had.  But the outraged made sure we did hear of her, and in doing so, helped publicize her brand and her message. I think we can all agree it’s just an attention-seeking tour on her part. And I think Chris Hipkins fell right into her trap when he said he’d get Immigration to look at not letting her in – that’s just the sort of headline she was looking for clearly.. and it certainly helped publicize her cause even more, and galvanise her base. So that was naïve bad form on his part. But she seems to have garnered way more publicity than is necessary.  The screaming and yelling about not letting her in has only promoted her presence and her message more. I’m not sure why the media and politicians didn’t just ignore her and give her zero air time. Critics have raised the hypocrisy of the government here, a government hell-bent on attending Rainbow and Pride parades, hell-bent on controlling hate speech, yet not prepared to step in to protect the trans community when the rubber hits the road.  But we are a democracy that upholds and values free speech. How do we suddenly start making up our own rules around who can and can’t come into the country – if they haven’t actually committed any crime.  I mean the threshold for immigration and why she’s coming in is apparently because she meets the criteria set out in the Immigration Act. Apparently their assessment ‘took into account the events in Melbourne.. and decided it does not meet the threshold for ministerial intervention.’   Could Michael Wood have intervened though if he still wanted to? They reviewed all the intel on her, sought advice from others, and ‘concluded that there is no reason to believe that she is, or is likely to be, a threat or risk to the public order or public interest.’  So the Immigration Minister said his hands are effectively tied. I was surprised by that to be honest, I would've thought given the white supremacist types she seems to attract, that that would've been enough of a red flag to stop her coming, but at the end of the day we have to support free speech, in a free country. We have a Bill of Rights for a reason.  So she’s doing rallies in Auckland and Wellington and to be fair to her in the interests of balance, she doesn’t actually tout herself as an anti-trans activist. The media call her that. She calls herself a supporter of women, and someone who opposes trans people using women-only spaces like bathrooms. Why you need to tour around preaching that message at rallies is beyond me.  And there will of course be counter-protests at her appearances, which will potentially outnumber her supporters. But I hope out of all of this brouhaha that those in the trans community who may be feeling scared or intimidated or worried, take encouragement from the outpouring of support and the outpouring of anger around this woman, Posie Parker.  I hope they realize that this is not an attack on them, it’s just an aggrieved person spouting hate, who should never have been given all this attention in the first place.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/22/20233 minutes, 9 seconds
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Diego Traglia: Real estate agent says now is a good time to buy a house with 25% drop in prices in two years

There are currently favourable conditions for buyers in the housing market. CoreLogic figures show close to 61,000 properties were sold in the year to February 2023, the lowest 12 month total since 1983. Real estate agent Diego Traglia told Kate Hawkesby says he knows it's a cliché for him to say now is a good time to buy but prices are low. He says nobody was expecting an up to 25 percent drop in less than two years, and we're getting back to what prices used to be before Covid. LISTEN ABOVE    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/22/20233 minutes, 8 seconds
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Jonathan Ayling: Free Speech Union CEO says people who disagree with Posie Parker can voice their opposition freely

Claims allowing an anti-transgender activist into the country is a win for healthy debate. Freedom of speech advocates say sense has prevailed, as self-described women's rights activist Posie Parker has been approved to come here. They say allowing people to voice their views, either way, is crucial. Free Speech Union Chief Executive Jonathan Ayling told Kate Hawkesby people who disagree can voice their opposition freely. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/22/20233 minutes, 39 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Promises to make communities feel safe doesn’t fly, it's time for the Police to get tough

Well just as the new Police Minister was fronting media yesterday and telling them she wanted communities to feel safe, Leo Molloy was making headlines for calling the Police ‘weak as piss’. His words, not mine.  The hospitality owner was furious that an attempted break in at his Auckland viaduct restaurant – which caused more than $50,000  in damage -  had elicited a ‘chat’ from the Police, but no arrests. He had CCTV footage of the offenders, police had shown up and spoken with them, but did nothing more. They were free to go. So as Molloy is telling this story, newly minted Police Minister Ginny Andersen is busy saying ‘community safety is her focus’. She told reporters that her focus would be ‘targeting retail crime and youth offending’. And that ‘part of that would be making sure police were available on the front line and responding.’ She said that her ‘single focus will be improving community safety. I want New Zealanders to feel safe,’ she said. So do they?  Well if you ask Leo Molloy, probably not. If you ask retailers, probably not.  If you ask those in the suburbs getting confronted with drive by gang shootings, probably not. But the key point she made I reckon is in regard to her job being about making sure police are responding.  She said she wants police ‘available on the front line and responding’. So my question is: are they?  Is turning up and having a chat with young offenders responding? Is that good enough? Is making no arrests a response? Does a response include just having a chat with reprobates and sending them on their way? Is leaving a business owner with thousands of dollars of damage and lost revenue while he pays for repairs, a response? Because although I’m not entirely sure all of this is the police’s fault. I do think there’s an optics issue here if police are seen to be too soft. And we know where that’s coming from, they’re hamstrung, we get it, it’s top down.  The commissioner we know beyond a shadow of a doubt is too soft, this government has a reputation for being soft on crime and they’re not really making big inroads to address that. More utterances and promises to make communities feel safe doesn’t fly when communities just don’t. When those very communities are still being targeted by thugs and vandals and people who couldn’t give a toss about the community, or the law, or any consequences.  And this is where National is gaining some ground in terms of cut through, they sound serious about crime. Luxon was out yesterday saying crime needed to be tackled ‘really hard’ and there needed to be more progress on it. He said ‘serious consequences for serious offenders were needed..’ and that.. ‘we need to be on the side of victims of crime, not on the side of offenders..’ And he’s right.  The balance is tipped too far the other way, though the Government indicates the opposite – that the plight of the offender is more important.  And I think this will be one of the things that could undo them this election year if they don’t radically address that perception.  Because it’s one thing to roll out another new face to lead the police portfolio, it’s quite another to have police actually able to get tough and make some headway, other than just pulling offenders aside for a quiet chat, and then letting them go.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/21/20233 minutes, 14 seconds
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Josh Kronfeld: Former All Black on how Scott Robertson will fare in All Blacks top job

How will Scott Robertson fare in the top job with the All Blacks? New Zealand Rugby confirmed Tuesday the world's worst kept secret in announcing Robertson's appointment as coach from next year. His contract will run until the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Former All Black Josh Kronfeld joined Kate Hawkesby. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/21/20234 minutes, 33 seconds
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Len Houwers: Major Gas Users' spokesperson says hasty transition to renewable energy could create $7 billion in additional energy costs

Warnings a hasty transition to renewable energy could be costly to New Zealand. Research commissioned by the energy sector, is recommending natural gas be part of the transition away from fossil fuels towards renewables. But it's found changing too quickly, could create $7 billion in additional energy costs for New Zealand homes and businesses. Major Gas Users' Group spokesperson Len Houwers says people and businesses need time to adjust and invest in their own gas transition. He says pushing people away from gas before they have alternatives, means they're forced to pay for less affordable energy or close their New Zealand operations. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/21/20233 minutes, 26 seconds
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Gavin Grey: UK correspondent says Boris Johnson's job is on the line as he prepares to face a grilling by MPs over Partygate

Boris Johnson's job is on the line as he prepares to face a televised grilling by MPs. The former British Prime Minister has published a 52-page defence of Partygate, arguing he misled Parliament, but assures lockdown rules were followed in good faith. He'll present his evidence to a cross-party panel of MPs who, despite the Conservative majority, have previously said he misled them. UK correspondent Gavin Grey told Kate Hawkesby the potential punishments depend on how bad the panel finds the evidence. He says Johnson could be suspended for more then 10 days, which could trigger a by-election and cost him his seat. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/21/20232 minutes, 42 seconds
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Murray Edridge: City Missioner says the cost of living continues to bite, even though more people are working

Claims the cost of living continues to bite, even though more people are working. Ministry of Social Development data shows almost 25,000 fewer people are receiving the Jobseeker benefit, comparing June 2022 to June 2020. There were more than 100,000 exits into work in the year to June. But Wellington City Missioner Murray Edridge told Kate Hawkesby leaving Jobseeker doesn't equate to financial security. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/21/20233 minutes, 18 seconds
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Donna Demaio: Aussie correspondent as Australian SAS soldier Oliver Schulz arrested, charged with war crimes

Australian police have arrested a decorated former SAS soldier and will soon charge him with war crimes after he was allegedly caught on camera shooting an Afghan man in a field while deployed in Afghanistan. Former Special Forces soldier Oliver Schulz, 41, was arrested in regional NSW – reportedly in the Goulburn area – on Monday morning and was expected to face court later that day. “It will be alleged he murdered an Afghan man while deployed to Afghanistan with the Australian Defence Force,” the Australian Federal Police said in a joint statement with the Office of the Special Investigator. “The maximum penalty for a War Crime Murder offence is life imprisonment.” Schulz’s arrest is the first made by AFP of a former Australian special forces soldier in relation to alleged war crimes in Afghanistan, The Australian reported. He’s accused of shooting an Afghan man in a wheat field in the country’s southern Uruzgan province. He is expected to be charged imminently over the alleged 2012 killing. The AFP said the arrest was the result of a joint investigation by federal investigators and the OSI, which was set up to probe alleged war crimes following a damning inquiry into the Australian Defence Force. “The OSI and AFP are working together to investigate allegations of criminal offences under Australian law related to breaches of the Laws of Armed Conflict by Australian Defence Force personnel in Afghanistan between 2005 and 2016,” the AFP said. It is understood the investigation into the alleged killing has been underway for more than two years. “The OSI and AFP are working together to investigate allegations of criminal offences under Australian law related to breaches of the Laws of Armed Conflict by Australian Defence Force personnel in Afghanistan between 2005 and 2016,” the AFP said. It is understood the investigation into the alleged killing has been underway for more than two years. - Chloe Whelan, news.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/20/20231 minute, 55 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Wayne Brown's war on cones - It is time to claim our streets back

The battle of Wayne Brown versus the road cones is one I want a front-row seat for. I am here for it and I love it so far.  I don’t think it’ll be an easy fix. The cones have taken over our streets like some kind of cancer and they seem hell-bent on staying, but now that Auckland’s Mayor’s waged war on them, and Vector’s joined in, I have hope of eradication. The first shock was the cost – although we should've known, shouldn’t we? But $145 million a year on temporary traffic management is a joke. As Wayne says, it's ‘unjustifiable’. It’s absolute BS that this much money is flushed on making Auckland less productive by stopping everyone in their tracks – when half the time it’s not even necessary. The next part which makes an Auckland commuter’s heart sing is that Wayne’s putting his money where his mouth is and taking action.  Potentially, he’ll ‘fine contractors who take up too much road space,’ he said. He says they’re ‘a costly and annoying imposition on the daily lives of Aucklanders,’ and that’s an understatement. It’s a giant slowdown in an already congested city that we just don’t need. But the other shock around this war being waged, was the news that much of the space roading contractors take up is not even for actual roadworks but for ‘contractors own parking, material storage and lunchrooms’. They’re coning off our streets to make way for their lunchrooms? Can you believe that? A lunchroom is taking up valuable road space? Wayne, you cannot move fast enough on this stuff. This is a vote winner for every single Aucklander whose ever been stuck in traffic due to coned off roads, and that’s every single Aucklander, let’s be honest. This is Wayne’s time. He has to clean this up. We’re watching. It’s not going to be easy though, even though Vector has joined the chorus.. thank goodness.  Vector says ‘traffic management is costing it $30 million a year..’ they want it streamlined too, they support him.  But here’s the rub. It’s the paperwork that’s in the way, not the actual roadworkers, their trucks and cones. It’s what happens behind the scenes. The traffic management plans need to be better tailored to suit the jobs and areas, city vs. rural for example, they need to target risk better in terms of the job they’re actually looking at.  Wayne’s plan includes streamlining all of that, as well as ‘looking at incentivising contractors to reduce the road space through a system of financial charges and penalties.’ So that’s where fines come in. Bring it on Wayne. The sooner, the better.  We want to see progress, we want to see cones vanishing one by one, we want disruption improved, streets opened back up, closure times reduced, and we want to wave those cones goodbye. It is time for some balance and to claim our streets back. So now that you’ve lit the fire Wayne, keep fanning the flames, keep the heat on AT, keep it going, drive this thing all the way back to some semblance of normality on our roads. Do that, and you’ll win the heart of every Aucklander stuck in every coned off street. Which is, as I said, most of us.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/20/20233 minutes, 17 seconds
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Dr Olaf Morgenstern: NIWA Scientist says Intergovernmental Panel report shows emissions will need to be halved by 2030

Concerns have been raised that our climate change policies are too insufficient to mitigate the effects of climate change. The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report shows emissions will need to be halved by 2030 to keep global warming within 1.5 degrees Celsius. It also warns every degree will exacerbate extreme weather events, as seen at the start of the year. NIWA Principal Scientist Dr Olaf Morgenstern told Kate Hawkesby the report is a blueprint for what we need to do to get to net zero. He says getting there means we have to tackle our own emissions, and that of our emission profile of agricultural greenhouse gases, nitrous oxide and methane. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/20/20233 minutes, 29 seconds
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Jason Young: China researcher says trade, TikTok and Ukraine expected to be top-of-mind during Mahuta's meeting with Chinese Minister

Trade, TikTok and Ukraine are expected to be top-of-mind during a diplomatic visit between New Zealand and China. Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta is today on-route to Beijing to meet with her Chinese counterpart. Contemporary China Research Centre Director, Jason Young, told Kate Hawkesby they'll likely oppose New Zealand banning TikTok on diplomatic phones. And New Zealand may push back on Russia's invasion of Ukraine, at the same time Chinese President Xi Jinping is meeting with Putin. But Jason Young expects the main discussion to be about economic development. He says 33 percent of our trade goes into China, and it's important that carries on when the economy looks as it's softening. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/20/20236 minutes, 47 seconds
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Greg Harford: Retail NZ CEO says they want Police to have more resources and tools to deal with retail crime

The retail sector is hoping to sit down with the new Police Minister soon. Ginny Andersen is replacing Stuart Nash in the role, having only been sworn in as a Cabinet minister earlier this year. She is a low-ranking member of Cabinet, but has 10 years of experience working with Police. Retail NZ Chief Executive Greg Harford told Kate Hawkesby they want Police to have more resources and tools to deal with retail crime. He says fundamentally we need a big social change campaign across the whole of Government, including Police, to get the message out that it's not okay to steal. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/20/20233 minutes, 49 seconds
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Brooke Stanley Pao: Auckland Action Against Poverty Coordinator on dental statistics in NZ

There are demands for dental care to be included in New Zealand's public health system. An Association of Salaried Medical Specialists-commissioned poll shows seven in 10 Kiwis agree it should be free, as it is for children. Seventy-two percent of respondents say they've delayed a dentist visit due to cost, and only 43 percent had visited a dentist in the last year. Auckland Action Against Poverty coordinator Brooke Stanley Pao says in the communities they work with, that stat would be higher. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/19/20233 minutes, 53 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: If young people are not even engaged in life in general, how is it they're getting engaged in politics?

The Make it 16 campaigners are annoyed apparently – because their campaign’s been shoved on the back burner by the new PM, who has worked out that it’s not a priority right now and added it to his so-called ‘bonfire’.  But it shouldn’t be a priority right now, not when the government has to contend with rising inflation, the health system in dire straits, crime at massive highs, a huge cyclone relief effort, infrastructure badly needing doing... and all the other problems we have right now. Lowering the voting age is well down the list. But not as far as the campaigners themselves are concerned and in that lies part of the problem.  Ability to read a room maybe comes with age and experience. It’s juvenile to stand there whining about it being a human rights breach when the rest of the country clearly has other more pressing concerns. I don’t doubt the Make it 16 campaigners can actually see, but they just disagree that their plight shouldn’t also be on the list. They see this as them being ‘sidelined,’ and they claim ‘decision making and democracy are bread and butter issues too.’ And while that may be the case in a regular political cycle, it’s not now.  I admire politically active teenagers and young people, it’s meritorious they show an interest and get informed and agitate for things... it beats the malaise of the alternative. But the reality is, not enough 16 year olds are interested in politics or democracy. At this stage, we don’t even have enough of them bothering to turn up to school, we have truancy at record levels, and if they can’t even engage in school, which is compulsory, how are they engaging in politics or an election? Every person we’ve interviewed or spoken to about truancy levels and ram raid increases and drifting bored unaffected youth, has told us that the problem is they’re not engaged.  So if young people are not even engaged in life in general, how is it they're getting engaged in politics? I think it’s smart to start with introducing legislation to lower the voting age for local body elections that’s a good practice run. And I imagine the Make it 16 campaigners will be desperate for 16-year-olds to rise to that occasion and prove they can be a force to be reckoned with.  But I don’t hold out much hope, given not even most adults can be bothered with local body elections. The turnout is always woeful. But the Make it 16 campaigners have already shown their political hand when it comes to their priorities. And it’s the reason left-block parties are so keen to have the age lowered too. Make it 16’ers want young people’s interests represented and guess what those interests are? ‘The climate change crisis’ they say. They say ‘the balance of power has shifted towards older voters, more conservative voters' and they want some balance back. I.e -  some balance the other way.  So I wish them luck, let’s start with local body, and see how that goes, and how many turn up to vote there, and maybe if they’re right, and 16-year-olds all over New Zealand are champing at the bit to tick a box on election day, then perhaps then they’ve got a solid argument.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/19/20233 minutes, 6 seconds
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Clint Smith: Former advisor to the ex-PM on the Green's desire for a commitment to climate action

The Green Party wants a commitment to climate action from a potential coalition partner. Co-leader James Shaw voiced his distaste at the prospect of a National-Act alliance in a 'State of the Planet' address yesterday. He said it would be the most "reactionary, race-baiting, right-wing" government in decades. Clint Smith, a former advisor to Jacinda Ardern, says that the Greens aren't happy with the Prime Minister's policy bonfire either. He says they're concerned Hipkins' leadership is moving away from climate. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/19/20232 minutes, 51 seconds
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Gavin Grey: European Correspondent on Switzerland's situation with Credit Suisse and UBS

The clock is ticking for Switzerland's banking sector as one rival hopes to save another. The country's largest bank UBS has offered to buy all or parts of Credit Suisse. The Swiss Government is looking to change laws to bypass a shareholder vote. Regulators have been racing to save the 167-year-old bank, hoping to secure a deal before the markets reopen tonight at 6pm New Zealand time. Europe correspondent Gavin Grey told Kate Hawkesby that UBS is offering to pay around 1.8-billion dollars. He says although parts of Credit Suisse are still viable, the plummeting share prices make it a risk for both UBS and the Government. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/19/20232 minutes, 26 seconds
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Marcelo Rodriguez-Ferrere: Otago University law expert says the multiple incidents isn't a good look for Nash

Will Stuart Nash last the day as a member of the Cabinet? Newstalk ZB has revealed Nash was warned for breaching the Cabinet manual over a 2020 Newstalk ZB interview in which he advocated for police officer Matthew Hunt's killer to be imprisoned for a long time. Nash has already lost his job as Police Minister after revealing on Newstalk ZB this week that he'd asked the Police Commissioner two years ago to appeal a decision by the courts. Otago University law expert Marcelo Rodriguez-Ferrere told Kate Hawkesby that it isn't a good look for Nash. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/16/20233 minutes, 8 seconds
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Miles Workman: ANZ Senior Economist says rebuilding after Cyclone Gabrielle will bump the economy

While Cyclone Gabrielle will have a negative impact on the economy this quarter, it could be a different story later in the year. The latest GDP figures show a 0.6 percent contraction for the December quarter, with economists predicting another decline to follow, partly driven by recent weather events. But ANZ Senior Economist Miles Workman told Kate Hawkesby that it will support GDP in the quarters to come. He says that broken window style of economics is going to give demand for goods and services a bump higher than otherwise as people rebuild and replace. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/16/20233 minutes, 28 seconds
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Reuben Davidson: Banks Peninsula Community Board Member on the set up for SailGP

Lyttelton is gearing up for a big weekend. Racing in the International SailGP competition starts tomorrow on Lyttelton Harbour. Banks Peninsula Community Board Member Reuben Davidson told Kate Hawkesby that after a few false starts due to Covid getting the event off the ground has been hard work, but the set up looks amazing. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/16/20234 minutes, 8 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Even in a cluster of a city like Auckland, there’s still a sense of community

At the start of this week I was chastising Auckland for being a dump these days and don’t get me wrong, I still hate the traffic, the cones, and the congestion. But, I am here today to defend the city of my birth.  When I criticized Auckland this week, part of my long list of complaints was the way people behave at concerts (Snoop Dog was the example). Someone who attended said the crowd was so baked and out of it they were barely alive.  But in Auckland’s defence, I was at the sold-out Morgan Wallen concert this week and boy did Auckland lap him up. What an audience.  The packed Spark Arena absolutely loved him, sang every word of his songs, cheered and clapped and danced til the bitter end and even then insisted on an encore and got a spectacular one.  Two things I learned. One, the support for country music in this country is phenomenal, and rightly so. Bands and singers out of Nashville are slick, well-organized, class acts, brilliant musicians who know how to play a live show. They’re humble and connected to their audience, they’re authentic, and they deserve the amount of love they get back.  I had no idea just how big country was in this country until I saw that show and that crowd.  The second thing I learned was that, although every audience has their overly sauced inhabitants who’ve hit the bar a bit hard and a bit early, there are equally some great people around, and even in a big city like Auckland, there’s still a sense of community.  We were seated next to some hardcore fans who’d been drinking by the looks of them since about 9 o’clock that morning, they were absolutely smashed and partying hard before Morgan even came on at 9.15pm. They were swaying into us and slurring their words and pushing us as they rocked out to their hero, as my teenage daughter tried to keep her spot alongside them.  Seeing this all unfold behind us were some actual sober people, who were so kind in offering up help. They offered to hold our jackets at their seats so they didn’t get drinks spilled on them. They periodically intervened and tried to pull the drunks away from us so we could have some more room given these guys had hijacked our seats and sort of merged across us... one kind woman even offered to swap places with my daughter to protect her from the drunken hilarity engulfing us. All of which was totally unnecessary but extremely kind and observant. I was encouraged that even though there are always those who lower the bar, there are still many more who see it for what it is and try to help out or make sure everybody has a good time. The funniest part was one of the super sauced guys next to us kept telling us through beer fuelled spit bubbles that he’d been waiting 5 years for this concert. He loved Morgan Wallen, waited 5 whole years to see him live, so excited… which does make you wonder why you’d get yourself so drunk that you probably won’t remember any of it, but he’s telling us during the warm-up acts, how much he’s amped for Morgan. Then just as the lights dip and Morgan starts, he has to go to the toilet. Five years he’s waited, and now he has to go to up and off to the loo at the critical moment. Couldn’t believe it.  But my thanks today go to all those who do look out for others at concerts and in the community, the kindness of strangers, and the warmth of country music fans. It reminded me that even in a cluster of a city like Auckland, there’re still some great people around.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/16/20233 minutes, 44 seconds
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Nick Tuffley: ASB Chief Economist picks a 0.5% drop in GDP figures released today

The New Zealand economy is shrinking, the only question is by how much. GDP figures due out this morning are expected to show the economy contracted in the fourth quarter of last year. Speaking to Tim Dower ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley is picking a steeper 0.5 percent drop. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/15/20235 minutes, 7 seconds
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David Seymour: Act Leader says the way for politicians to address concerns about sentencing is pass laws with tougher sentences

Chris Hipkins is determined to laugh off the resignation of Police Minister Stuart Nash. Nash has been forced to resign, after revealing on yesterday's Mike Hosking Breakfast, that two years ago he asked the Police Commissioner to appeal a judge's sentencing. The Prime Minister joked about the news during a speech to kiwifruit growers last night saying a "minor reshuffle" is coming, but he'd rather not mention the reason why. But this morning, Act Leader David Seymour told Tim Dower there was nothing funny about Nash's actions. He says the right way for politicians to address concerns about a sentencing is to pass laws that require tougher sentences. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/15/20235 minutes, 23 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Labour are laser-focused on keeping power. But can you trust them?

I said yesterday that I worry we care more about having a Prime Minister who looks like someone you could have a beer with, than caring about leadership, economic responsibility or policies.  The electorate fell head over heels in love with a smiling friendly looking Jacinda Ardern, until her ideology started to bite, then everyone freaked out and she was gone. In came smiley friendly looking Chris Hipkins. “Just a boy from the Hutt!” the media exclaimed with glee, Chippy! Guy next door vibes. Innocuous looking. We seemingly instantly forgot and forgave all his time as Police Minister achieving nothing but a hike in gangs, crime and ram raids, all his time as Covid Minister running the MIQ debacle and overseeing no access to RAT tests, all his time as Education Minister overseeing the biggest truancy numbers this country’s ever seen.  All forgotten and forgiven - he looks like a mate you could have a beer with so surely he’s in. The polls show a surge in his popularity - based purely on visibility I guess, and the un-intimidating boy next door vibes. But we do not vote in Prime Ministers, we vote in parties. And actually we don’t even vote in parties we tend to vote out governments. So what it essentially comes down to in seven months’ time is - are we voting this Government back in? Or out? If you’ve fallen for the “policy bonfire” and the borrowed money being sprinkled your way, you’re probably voting them back in. But look carefully at what’s on that policy bonfire. As one commentator pointed out, nothing’s really been set fire to apart from the TVNZ- RNZ merger. Everything else is potentially still on the table, just shunted to one side until after the election. If you think an ideological driven party like Labour, along with the Greens and Te Pāti Māori, are not going to get all that straight back on the table ASAP then you’re dreaming. Because, bear in mind deals will need to be done.  On current polling Labour won’t get in alone so they’ll need the car-hating climate-loving Greens on board, plus the co-governance obsessed Māori party. So if you think all that divisive unpopular policy .. and more..  won’t be back, then you’ve misread MMP. I admire the determination of Hipkins and his party though, they’re absolutely determined to hold onto the reins of power - they’re throwing everything at it - no matter what the cost - they’re laser focused. But can you trust them? National, if it wants to get back in the game, needs to worry less about whether their leader is popular or not, and more about showing the wholesale determination and drive that the Labour Party has.  They need to look hungrier, more decisive, more determined, more agile, more ambitious. Changing the leader isn’t it, upping the drive and focus is. They need to go hardcore full tilt at this for the next seven months because, yes there’s a long way to go before polling day, but perception counts, and so far the perception is that Labour wants it more than National does.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/14/20233 minutes, 13 seconds
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Adrian Macey: Climate scientist says even if NZ's emissions hit zero tomorrow, it would make no difference

It's thought anything this country does on climate change will have no impact until the whole world responds. A 1News Kantar Public survey reveals more than half of respondents want the Government to act with more urgency on climate change. The poll, taken in reaction to Cyclone Gabrielle, finds 27 percent want officials to continue as planned and 10 percent want less urgency. But Victoria University climate scientist Adrian Macey says even if the nation's emissions hit zero tomorrow, it would make no difference. He says the climate we experience is entirely determined by what big countries like China, Russia, India, the US and Brazil do with their emissions. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/14/20234 minutes, 6 seconds
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Adrian Macey: NZ's first Climate Change Ambassador on whether the Govt has lost sight of the country's climate goals

The Government is coming under fire for scrapping a number of climate-focused policies. However Prime Minister Chris Hipkins insists Labour has not lost sight of the country's climate goals. New Zealand's first Climate Change Ambassador, Adrian Macey, agrees with him. Now a senior associate at Victoria University, Adrian joined Kate Hawkesby. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/14/20234 minutes, 6 seconds
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John Tookey: Prof of Construction Management says cashflow issues are being blamed for building businesses falling over

Cashflow issues are being blamed for building businesses falling over. The country's construction crunch may start to snowball, with more building businesses expected to fail. Bayside Designer Homes is the latest, leaving nine Auckland housing sites unfinished. AUT Professor of Construction Management John Tookey told Kate Hawkesby the industry uses borrowed money to do all the work. He says as interest rates go up, it gets harder and harder and then payments get delayed, then you end up with companies struggling with cashflow. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/14/20233 minutes, 10 seconds
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John Tookey: Prof of Construction Management says cashflow issues are being blamed for building businesses falling over (1)

Cashflow issues are being blamed for building businesses falling over. The country's construction crunch may start to snowball, with more building businesses expected to fail. Bayside Designer Homes is the latest, leaving nine Auckland housing sites unfinished. AUT Professor of Construction Management John Tookey told Kate Hawkesby the industry uses borrowed money to do all the work. He says as interest rates go up, it gets harder and harder and then payments get delayed, then you end up with companies struggling with cashflow. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/14/20233 minutes, 10 seconds
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Kirsten Wise: Napier Mayor says cyclone impacted residents want central government decisions on whether they'll be able to re-build

Napier's Mayor says cyclone impacted residents want central government decisions on whether they'll be able to re-build. The Government is introducing a Severe Weather Emergency Legislation Bill, similar to legislation passed after the Christchurch and Kaikoura earthquakes. The Bill will remove constraints on recovery such as letting rural landowners in affected regions carry out emergency work without having to apply for resource consent. Mayor Kirsten Wise told Kate Hawkesby anything that removes red tape is welcome. She says there are still properties that can't remove silt and people just want to know what the future of their land is. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/14/20233 minutes, 37 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: The more modern we get as a society, the more we find value in looking back to how things used to be done

I was telling you about my $7.99 lettuce yesterday – and my bad, as I said, I shouldn’t have bought it at that price – it’s ridiculous. But it’s also a reality at the moment that we’re not only paying more for fruit and vege – and all groceries actually, but that those prices are potentially going to get worse before they get better. That’s according to leading economist's and pretty much everyone involved in the sector – to be fair to them, they have been warning us.  But in the last month alone, groceries went up another 10.4 percent, that’s off the back of another 10 percent hike which we already had to swallow back in January. There’s a whole gamut of contributing factors.. fuel prices, packaging costs, farm feed and fertiliser, harvesting costs, and that’s before we even get to the cyclone damage and the impact that’s wrought. So it’s across the board.. not just fresh fruit and vege, but frozen, tinned goods, meat.. we know we’re paying more at the checkout because we look at the amount on the conveyor belt screen, and then we look at our trolleys, and we know something doesn’t add up.  We’re paying more for less basically. But at least we’re paying.. it seems every second shopper these days is just walking out the door with their groceries without any intent to pay for them. That’s another story.. but I think in my grandparents day they did better than us, because they were smarter than us, I reckon.  One, they bought in season. You didn’t have veges or fruit that wasn’t in season because it either wasn’t available or it was too expensive, either way they weren’t dumb enough to drop almost 8 dollars on an iceberg lettuce. But also, they grew their own. And made it last. They preserved fresh in season fruit to spin it out.. pickled or froze fresh veges – they planned ahead.  I got one of those vege pods the other day, where you can grow indoors in a large container – a whole variety of veges or herbs. And I tell you what, nothing gives me greater joy than watching things grow and knowing you’ve grown them yourself. You know where it’s come from and what’s on it – as in no nasty chemicals. You get to pick it and literally eat garden to table – it’s an awesome feeling. But it does require effort.  And these days we are all about convenience aren’t we? Effort’s just too hard. Getting it chopped up in bag pre washed, beats growing it from seed yourself and nurturing it, watering it, watching it and harvesting it. But the satisfaction when you do make the effort is real. And the taste is better for sure. Nothing beats a fresh fig picked straight off the tree still warm from the sun, no supermarket fig tastes that good. But it’s not feasible for everyone to grow their own, and we don’t seem to have the patience and time our grandparents had.  So I’m not sure how we push though these times of exorbitant food prices.. other than trying to buy in season, maybe attempting to grow our own where we can, and taking a leaf out of Nana’s book by freezing some too.  It’s ironic, isn't it, that the more modern we get as a society, the more we find value in looking back to how things used to be done.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/13/20233 minutes, 12 seconds
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Peter Crampton: Researcher says policy change is needed to ensure future health workforce reflects diverse communities

A researcher says urgent policy change is needed to ensure the future health workforce reflects the diverse communities it'll serve. An Otago University, Auckland University and AUT study in the British Medical Journal Open, has analysed data from 20,000 students. It's found systematic under-representation of Māori, Pacific, low socioeconomic and rural background students. Otago University Professor Peter Crampton says currently it's up to individual universities and polytechs to make selection decisions. He says the health system has a huge stake in these decisions and should be working with the Education Ministry and Tertiary Education Commission to guide funding. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/13/20234 minutes, 16 seconds
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Jason Walls: ZB's Political Editor says Te Pāti Māori would be the king-makers in the election based on the latest poll results

Te Pāti Māori are in a key position, based on the latest poll results. The latest 1NEWS Kantar Public poll shows if an election were held tomorrow, a Labour-Green-Te Pāti Māori coalition would secure 63 seats in the Beehive to National and Act’s 57. Both Act and the Greens are on 11 percent, and Te Pāti Māori on three percent. Newstalk ZB's Political Editor Jason Walls told Kate Hawkesby Te Pāti Māori would definitely go with the left bloc. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/13/20233 minutes, 29 seconds
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Nicola Willis: National says Govt fixing own mistake by increasing superannuation, main benefits in line with inflation

National says the Government is fixing its own mistake by increasing superannuation and main benefits in line with inflation. The change kicks in from next month. National Deputy Leader Nicola Willis says the Government switched to calculating them based off average wages, instead of inflation. But she told Kate Hawkesby the problem is, average wages haven't kept up with inflation and prices. Willis says they're pleased to see superannuitants getting the payments they deserve -- but what we need, is a plan to get inflation under control. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/13/20234 minutes, 48 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: What sort of experience are tourists having in Auckland?

I’m noticing a lot of tourists in town and I’m just wondering what kind of experience they’re having.  I was walking through a well-known shopping precinct in Auckland, Newmarket, with my daughter at the weekend and there was a guy walking in front of a few of us just weaving across the footpath getting in everyone’s way and each time someone tried to pass him he’d cut them off and weave back across them just making sure the whole footpath was his. As we got closer and needed to get into a shop I said “excuse me” as we tried to pass him to enter it. He didn’t make it easy for us but as I glanced down I noticed on top of his jandals he was sporting a Home detention ankle bracelet. What sort of criminal might he be… just out here annoying shoppers? Who would know with the current justice system.  Then we walked past the train station where we saw a staffer explaining to a very bewildered American tourist that the trains weren’t working so she’d have to take a bus. She was laden with bags and looking increasingly frustrated as he tried to show her when and where she had to walk to go wait for a bus.  I thought at this point what sort of experience tourists must be having here as they share the streets with crims in ankle bracelets and can’t get a train for love nor money.  I went to pick my daughter up from a party later that night and as we were driving home through an affluent suburb in Auckland, St Heliers, a large group of teenage boys were standing in the middle of a very busy road, with cars whizzing by them either side and I’m wondering what on earth they’re doing and how dangerous this is. As I get closer, instead of them getting out of the way they move closer to us and start running at our car with their arms raised and they’re throwing shoes at cars. I had to swerve to get past them and the flying shoes.  Closer to home we see a group of what would’ve been no more than 14 year old boys standing on the road barely able to stand up straight with their thumbs out trying to hitchhike. This is the leafy suburbs of Auckland on a Saturday night.  Then I read about the Snoop Dog concert. Headline was.. ‘Incredible performance to an overbaked crowd’. The review said, “too much weed, too little energy..” that’s not referring to Snoop by the way, that’s the crowd the reviewer’s talking about. A fight broke out.. ”between two men..[took] six security guards to break up, rollies being passed around left, right, and centre, and girls falling over each other,” the reviewer says. “It was almost embarrassing to see how badly Kiwis seemed to rise to the occasion ..” the reviewer said. They concluded that Snoop’s performance was superb but maybe don’t see him live in Auckland, they mused. Clearly because Aucklanders don’t know how to behave.  I’m just not sure when the bar got so low on behaviour, but I try to imagine how we must look to tourists. No trains, the home D crims sifting through your shopping precincts with you, large groups of kids menacingly taking over the streets at night, concert goers so baked they can barely function and then post concert gridlock to try to get home. And don't forget the bus driver who got stabbed, the gun fight in Pukekohe and the woman assaulted in her home in Piha.  Just another quiet weekend in Auckland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/12/20233 minutes, 33 seconds
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Mark Knoff-Thomas: Newmarket Business Association CEO's concerns about the rising retail crime rates

Business owners are being forced to take matters into their own hands as the level of retail crime continues to soar. Latest figures show there's been a 39-percent surge in retail crime since last year, with much higher rises in Canterbury and South Auckland. Newmarket Business Association Chief Executive Mark Knoff-Thomas told Kate Hawkesby that they're particularly concerned by the level of juvenile crime and are calling for more police. He says there are some stores trading with their doors locked and only letting customers in one-by-one due to the scale of crime. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3/12/20233 minutes, 46 seconds
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Kate Hawkesby: Our health system is in dire straits and it's not even winter yet

So we learn this week what we already knew, but now have confirmation of - our health system is in dire straits. And it's only March. It's not even winter yet. I worry that we've dropped the ball on fixing it by being too slow to react when staffing, in particular, was first being flagged as an issue. We took far too long to get midwives, nurses and doctors onto the residency green list. And by the time we did, guess what? No one wanted to come. They'd already gone elsewhere, found other jobs, other countries that did have their doors open in time, other markets where health care systems, pay, and conditions were preferable. So we are crying out for midwives, nurses and doctors.  We are facing overloaded and overworked ED's and Hospitals, and that's before the winter bugs even strike. Doctors, nurses and midwives are rightfully tearing their hair out with frustration.  And then yesterday – news that the Ministry of Health is spouting incorrect numbers anyway. They don’t even have their stats right. They admitted yesterday that official health figures about emergency department wait times were inaccurate. They called it ‘faulty’.  National’s Dr. Shane Reti called it ‘fudged’. He said it could be chalked up to incompetence and that when he saw the data for ED’s, he knew straight away a massive drop in wait times was incorrect, anecdotally it was also incorrect.  So my question is how had the government just accepted them at face value and published them as official data without checking themselves? How is it Reti could spot this, yet Verrall could not? Reti said the data never made sense, he even got an analyst to have a second look, that analyst also said they made no sense, and yet Ayesha Verrall presumably saw them and didn’t flinch, or never saw them but let them get published without checking anyway – hence now another apology and another walk back by another government department letting us all down.  Not quality assuring the numbers and just spouting ‘gobbledygook’ as Shane Reti put it, is disturbing, this is the management of our catastrophically poor health system. The same health system they spent millions rebranding and merging - and yet they can’t even collect data accurately. How many clowns are running this circus?  Te Whatu Ora said the figures weren’t accurate because they’ve merged 20 different districts that ‘all collected data on different systems in different ways..’ that’s not an excuse. In my view, that’s an admission that too much time and energy has been spent on merging and rebranding and remodelling a health system at an administrative level – wasting time and money basically when frontline health has never been worse.  How can we trust government departments that don’t even check data and are happy to publish inaccurate data? Te Whatu Ora says it’ll ‘improve over time’ but will it? How long do we have to wait for ‘improvement’? And how about the goal is to be accurate and not just ‘to improve’? The very serious outworking’s of this is that important funding goes to the wrong places if incorrect data is used.. how do officials know where to put badly needed resources if there is no correct data?  So a bad week for health, a bad week for the Health Minister, a bad week for Hospitals, and as I said, we’re not even into winter yet.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.