Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

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.