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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

- 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

$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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.