
Early Edition with Ryan Bridge
4,940 episodes — Page 46 of 99

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

Full Show Podcast: 9 July 2024
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 9th July. The Darleen Tana report is out and the Greens have called for her to resign from Parliament, but will she actually leave? Boeing pleads guilty to criminal fraud after the US Justice Department found they violated a settlement agreement following two fatal crashes. Ryan speaks to NZ aviation expert Irene King. Changes are on the way for our medicinal cannabis export market, he speaks to Sally King from the Medicinal Cannabis Council. Ryan asks why the double standard from the Greens - Darleen Tana was asked to resign but not Julie-Anne Genter who has multiple bullying allegations against her. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

Gareth Kiernan: Grocery prices up last month
New data from Infometrics and Foodstuffs show costs from suppliers to supermarkets rose by 2.7% in June. Costs were up in all departments compared to last year, with around 2,000 items up in price from May to June. Infometrics Chief Forecaster Gareth Kiernan joins Ryan Bridge to discuss why. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Full Show Podcast: 8 July 2024
On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Monday 8th of July, Newstalk ZB welcomes Ryan for his first programme. It's looking likely the government will toll the new Roads of National Significance - Ryan found out that's something the freight industry supports. Infometrics Chief Forecaster Gareth Kiernan speaks to the costs from suppliers to supermarkets are still increasing. He challenges Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr to look at the "real economy" when the next OCR review comes. Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

Vincent McAviney: UK Correspondent on election day and impending loss for the Conservative Party
Britain's Conservative Party is bracing for a huge loss, with only a few hours to go till polling booths close. Keir Starmer's Labour is expected to close a 14 year chapter of Tory rule. Projections expect them to have up to 431 MPs out of 650, with the Tories plummet to 102 MPs. UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney told Mike Hosking the Liberal Democrats are now fighting for third place. He says it will be a dramatic night in politics. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kieran McAnulty: Labour's Housing Spokesperson on the Government's plans to revise the housing development regulations
The Labour Party says building more houses requires support from all sides. Housing Minister Chris Bishop will today announce the plan to flood the largest cities with land for housing development. Councils won't be able to set fixed rural-urban boundaries or mandate minimum floor area and balconies. Instead, the market will decide. Labour Housing Spokesperson, Kieran McAnulty told Mike Hosking not all government decisions will be dumb. He's backing it, to give the construction sector some certainty. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

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

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

Catherine Law: Avonside Girls High Principal on the dropping number of holidays being taken during the school term
A principal says the number of students going on holidays during the school term has dropped. Flight Centre data shows a 30% reduction in family bookings during the school term compared to last year. But the bookings during winter school holidays are up 10%. General Manager Heidi Walker says it's likely due to the Government's focus on truancy. Avonside Girls High principal Catherine Law told Mike Hosking that they've seen some significant pattern changes. She says they're seeing an upward trend in improved overall attendance. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

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

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

Mark Mitchell: Police Minister on the Government's quarter 3 plans for law and order
The Police Minister says he's starting to see change when it comes to crime, but there's a long way to go. The Government's committed to passing four pieces of law and order legislation in the next quarter. It includes allowing police to ban gang patches, confiscate firearms, more efficiency in the courts, and more rehabilitation for on-remand prisoners. Minister Mark Mitchell told Mike Hosking that their plans are a combination of new law and changes to how police are policing. He says his letter of expectation to them asked for change in how police deal with gang convoys, and getting on top of the boy racer issue. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

Shaun Robinson: Mental Health exec on new govt targets
The government has announced a goal of between 80 and 90% of people seeking specialist and primary services getting that help faster. Shaun Robinson, Mental Health Foundation Chief Executive, says more is needed. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gavin Grey: France, UK set to hit the polls this week
France is going to the polls today, with early voting hinting at a change of Presidency. UK politicians are doing their final push for votes ahead of Thursday's election. UK and Europe correspondent Gavin Grey has all the latest. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Alderson: Formula 1, T20, and more from the weekend
From Lando Norris and McLaren to the T20 Cup, Andrew Alderson brings you all the sporting updates from over the weekend. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tony Johnson: Rugby Commentator on the naming of Scott Robertson's All Blacks squad
Scott Robertson’s All Blacks squad has been announced, with Scott Barrett taking the captaincy. He’s taking over the duties from Sam Cane, with Ardie Savea and Jordie Barrett sharing the vice-captaincy. Rugby Commentator Tony Johnson told Mike Hosking that he doubts there’ll be any drastic changes right off the bat. He said that if they’re going to change their playstyle, they’ll do it incrementally as time goes on, and they have plenty of time to do that. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

Gavin Grey: UK Correspondent on the King reportedly not going to visit New Zealand
King Charles will likely skip New Zealand during his upcoming tour to the South Pacific. According to The Mirror, he and Queen Camilla are set to visit Australia and Samoa - but have dropped New Zealand. The visit was never officially announced - just rumoured to be on the agenda. UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Mike Hosking “His Majesty is said to be like a caged tiger - desperate to do more, while undergoing chemotherapy and having the cancer diagnosis.” Grey said “It’s been decided he’d be better off doing a ten-day trip.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

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

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

Brad Olsen: Infometrics Chief Economist on the GDP increase and what it means for quarter 2
New Zealand's officially out of a technical recession but may not be out of the woods. Stats NZ figures show GDP rose 0.2% in the three months to March and the same amount for the year. However, per capita GDP decreased by 0.3%. Infometrics Chief Economist Brad Olsen told Mike Hosking that the numbers are not looking promising for Q2. He said that some of the important pieces of the business economy haven’t been doing as well —construction, non-food manufacturing, professional services— which doesn’t bode well for general economic momentum. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

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

Kim Mundy: ASB Senior Economist ahead of the release of last quarters GDP figures
We'll know later today whether New Zealand was in a technical recession last financial quarter. Gross Domestic Product figures for the three months to March are released later this morning. ASB is forecasting a 0.1% rise. Senior economist Kim Mundy told Mike Hosking that they're not expecting another recession, but neither are they expecting strong growth. She says they think the second quarter will actually be worse. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

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