Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

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.