Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

A prediction that this morning's Te Pati Māori-organised protests could be just the beginning. They're rallying people from one end of the North Island to the other, against policies perceived to negatively affect Māori. Political Commentator Grant Duncan says the Prime Minister will have to make a decision on how to handle them. He told Tim Dower that he hopes Chris Luxon offers an olive branch, wanting to see him listen and be conciliatory. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Couple of canaries going off in the coal mines over the past few days. Ominous warnings actually, of how tight things are getting out there in the real world. First off...the Centrix figures showing how many people are doing Christmas on credit this year. It is normal for people to borrow a bit here and there to...smooth out if you like...the household budget over the heavy spending period. Credit cards were up nearly 12 percent...Buy now pay later jumped 7...personal loans are up 3 percent. This is a seasonal thing...quite normal for a November month. But Centric said this...and I precis...“there will be a segment stretching beyond their means". More of a tell-tale sign though...the growing number of people falling behind with their debt. That's mortgages in arrears or car loans or credit card debt that's not getting paid down. The monthly count of people behind on their payments is up...not a lot...I don't want to over-egg this...but year-on-year arrears have increased 6.1%. Mortgage arrears are up by a quarter year-on-year...25 percent...and that is bad. Higher interest rates are obviously driving that, and there are still more people yet to roll off those cheapo post-covid deals. Now we learn that people are increasingly turning to their KiwiSaver money...the retirement nest-egg. Hardship withdrawals have almost doubled in the past year. And that's crap, because it's borrowing from your own future...the Retirement Commission reckons more than half of retirees now say they're in financial difficulty. Conclusions? It's tough, and getting tougher...these figures are the beginning of the trend, the bottom of the curve. As the PM said on Hosking the other day, it's likely the new Government has inherited a recession. Solutions...Christ, don't ask me, I'm not a politician.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The energy sector is pointing to international evidence to back axing the Lake Onslow pumped hydro scheme. Energy Minister Simeon Brown says the 16-billion-dollar project, was pouring money down the drain, at a time when we need to be reining in spending. He says axing the scheme will increase confidence to invest in more energy production. Energy Resources Aotearoa John Carnegie told Tim Dower that Australia's Snowy 2.0 is enough evidence to show it wouldn't have delivered for Kiwis. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another ceasefire in Gaza seems unlikely - as fighting resumes on both sides. It comes after a pause in fighting, which saw the release of some hostages kidnapped by Hamas, in exchange for scores of Palestinian prisoners. Otago University international relations professor Robert Patman told Tim Dower both Hamas and Israel are saying there's no prospect of further ceasefire negotiations. He says Israel's withdrawn its negotiations and Hamas is saying it won't resume negotiation's, until the current Israeli military campaign ceases. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Really interested in this Medical Journal piece about emergency departments. The impression we often get is they're horribly overcrowded, patients lying in corridors for hours in agony, constant panic stations. Friday and Saturday nights are bedlam, we're told: drunks staggering around the place, people unleashing their stress and anger at the staff. And in the winter, people with coughs and colds packing out the waiting area. Hospitals are begging us to go to our GPs, even giving out vouchers to take the pressure off, because a lot of people can't afford to pay for a doctor's visit. What the Medical Journal piece says is that actually, New Zealanders overall make fewer calls to A&E than people in other countries. So, what does that tell us? Do we need more A&Es? Or would it be better to spend a greater chunk of the health budget in primary care? Have we fallen victim to a perceived need for the glamour projects like new hospitals? Would more GPs on the ground, especially in rural New Zealand, improve our overall health? And where do the privately run A&E centres fit in? Free healthcare at the point of delivery —in other words you pay for it in your taxes— is on the face of it simpler and more cost-effective. But the reality is that some GP surgeries are technically insolvent. Half our existing doctors are planning their retirement, and there's nowhere near enough new ones on the way to replace them. I'm hoping we'll shed more light on this before six, but it's obviously a complex situation. Dr Reti was making all the right noises when he was on with Mike this week. He's repeatedly said the system is in crisis, and now's the time for him to show that a crisis can sometimes be an opportunity for real, radical change. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tensions are heightened in the Middle East as the truce in Gaza enters a seventh day. The UK is sending a second warship —the destroyer ship HMS Diamond— to the Gulf to join the frigate HMS Lancaster. It comes after Israel and Hamas reached a final-hour agreement last night to extend the ceasefire to the end of today. Correspondent Vincent McAviney told Tim Dower that the UK Defence Force is describing its latest deployment as critical to bolstering its presence in the region. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington's housing market is ending the year on an upwards trajectory. Latest One Roof-Valocity figures show the nationwide average property value has jumped 2% in the past three months, to reach $968 thousand. Wellington prices are up 2%, while Auckland's are up 2.5% and Canterbury's are up 1.7%. OneRoof Editor Owen Vaughan says interest rates are still inhibiting price growth. He says while we've dusted ourselves off and we're getting back on our feet, we're not seeing the rampant growth we saw during the boom time. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some former ministers have taken top positions in Labour's front bench while others have lost out. Carmel Sepuloni has social development, Grant Robertson has finance, Ayesha Verrall has health, and Ginny Andersen keeps police. Damien O'Connor's been taken off agriculture, with Jo Luxton taking up the spokesperson role. Former senior Labour staffer Clint Smith told Tim Dower that Luxton's one of the more rurally based Labour MPs. He says Damien O'Connor has been around a while and Chris Hipkins probably wanted to give important roles to some younger MPs. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A fresh plea for a helping hand for primary care, to ease the pressure on hospital emergency departments. An opinion piece in today's New Zealand Medical Journal suggests ED overcrowding may not be caused by unnecessary visits, but an increase in more urgent cases. But Northcare Accident and Medical's Peter Boot says primary care is more efficient at dealing with small issues filing EDs, and it needs investment. He told Tim Dower that 30% of General Practices are technically insolvent. Boot says doctors are leaving, and about half of the workforce are older or planning to retire in the short term so there's a crisis in primary care. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dogs eh... jeez do they get to you. It's 12 years this Christmas, Luka and me. 12 brilliant years for me, and what a mate he's been. A great, great mate. We had a long talk last night, cos I wanted say things while he's still with me. Kinda with a warm heart and not a broken one, cos I know the day will come. He truly scared me last night; I thought it was the end for a little while. All stretched out on the grass in the sun... I know your leg hurts mate. Doctor again today, but the panting and the restlessness had me going. And he was all cuddly, and licking me, and big deep sighs. Anyway, after a little nap he's up on his feet again —bit wobbly— and soon after that the honking starts. And he brings it all up. Two, three massive blobs of... just mess. Oh wait, there's a bit more. Here we go. Now I don't know how many times over the years I've tried to stop him eating disgusting decomposing crap on the beach, or in the bush, or something stinky in the park. He hears me, but he ignores me until he can't pretend any more. Freakin' Labrador. Incorrigible Labrador. Totally loyal, but an absolute rogue and definitely his own man. And the other day on the grass out the front: a sheep's head. A sheep's head! For God's sake dog. Last night? Totally self-inflicted, and he knows it. Right after his dinner he'd sneaked out and cleaned up the crap I put out for the chooks. Stuff he knew wasn't his, but heck, it's there. Bloody Labrador. And while I'm mopping his chunder off the floor, he's fine again, sitting on the couch licking his paws. Did you puke on your shoes mate? Well... serves you right. But you're forgiven. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's thought New Zealand's achievement of water quality targets hinges on every Kiwi getting behind efforts. A new report has evaluated four contaminants —nitrogen, phosphorus, E. coli, and sediment— in rivers, lakes, and estuaries nationwide. Every region needs a substantial reduction in at least one to meet freshwater standards. 75% of land is contributing more E. coli to water than is allowed. Cawthron Institute scientist, Roger Young, told Tim Dower that achieving targets could require land-use changes in some areas and mitigation work in others. He says in those cases, fencing and wetlands enhancements and protections could be enough. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A push back from the Reserve Bank against the financial markets. The central bank kept the Official Cash Rate at 5.5% and signalled that no cuts are on the immediate horizon. It's also kept the door open for another rise if inflation pressures are stronger than anticipated. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen told Tim Dower that markets had been getting excited in recent weeks, wondering how quickly they could cut rates. He says the Reserve Bank doesn't meet for another three months, so leaving that sort of view unchecked and allowed to come through would have been dangerous for them. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The incoming Government isn't wasting any time in getting down to business. Chris Luxon has unveiled a 100-day plan that will include scrapping Auckland's fuel tax and the clean car discount, repealing Three Waters, and passing new RMA laws. Political Editor Jason Walls told Tim Dower that many laws will be changed by early next year. He says it sounds like a lot of the legislation will be passed under urgency, starting in the next few weeks. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Search and rescue operations are underway after a US Air Force osprey crashed while performing a routine training mission off the coast of Yakushima Island. US correspondent Mitch McCann told Tim Dower that this is not the first time this type of aircraft has fatally crashed. He says that so far, one crew member is confirmed dead while the other five are still unaccounted for. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So here's the low-down on the Public Interest Journalism Fund. 55 million bucks dished out over a series of funding rounds, and all gone now. The fund's been wound up. The company that owns this station won nearly $7 million in round one, another $3 million in round two, and a couple of top-ups after that. In fact, all the major players, including the already publicly funded broadcasters, everyone, every outfit including some you've never heard was in the trough. Let's remember the context —Covid— and the wave of redundancies that caused right through the commercial media. Advertising revenue evaporated and some media companies were on the brink of failure. Now, to get your hands on the money you had to agree to this: "A clear and obvious commitment or intent for commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, including a commitment to te reo Māori." On top of that, we had to commit to public interest journalism, data provision, New Zealand content, freely available online distribution, media standards and so on. Overall, it funded 219 jobs and 22 development projects. NZME used it on Journalism Cadetships for Māori and Pasifika, covering court proceedings and community journalists in provincial papers. Jobs that most likely wouldn't have been there without the money. But was it a bribe? Well... I'd ask you how any media company could function in New Zealand without a commitment to the Treaty. It's a part of our lives, like it or not. A commitment to te reo... well I think we've been involved in Māori Language Week since it began back in the 1970s. Is it enough? I think it's enough for our audience. And was there ever any public money to cover it? Actually no. And while we're at it, there's never been public funding to my knowledge for coverage of Waitangi Day, the Tribunal, or other matters Māori. On the subject of, let's not say bribery, let's say incentive, what was the billion-dollar Provincial Growth Fund? And what's the unwinding of smokefree changes or more money for the racing industry? Obviously, most definitely, not a bribe. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Don't expect any major change to interest rates before Christmas. The Reserve Bank is tipped to keep the Official Cash Rate unchanged at 5.5% at its next review at 2pm today. Economists and commentators remain divided on whether there will be further hikes in the current cycle. NZIER's Christina Leung told Tim Dower that, for now, previous hikes appear to be having the desired effect. However, she says there is still work to be done yet to ease inflation. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A big step for sustainability within the aviation sector The first transatlantic flight by a large passenger plane powered only by alternative fuels has taken off, flying from London's Heathrow to New York's JFK airport. The Virgin Atlantic flight is a one-off flight at this stage and isn't carrying passengers. UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Tim Dower that the industry's acknowledging they can be more environmentally friendly. He says sustainable aviation fuels can be made from things like crops, household waste, and cooking oils. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s believed that more thought needs to go into the Auckland Mayor's plans to sell the long-term lease of the Ports of Auckland. Wayne Brown is putting forward two options for the port in his proposed 10-year budget, which also includes a rates rise of 7.5%. He proposes either keeping the business and gradually releasing land for public use or selling the lease to raise up to $3 billion. Auckland Councillor Wayne Walker told Tim Dower that the port does bring in a good amount of income. He says they've been told it could be returning $2 million a week, which it's on track to do, as it's returning a million a week now. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Chris Luxon has headache to deal with after his Government's first Cabinet meeting. Winston Peters called a $55 million Public Interest Journalism Fund provided during Covid a "bribe". He told reporters to "tell the public what they had to sign to get the money". Media commentator Vaughan Davis told Tim Dower that Luxon handled the situation poorly. He says avoiding the comment didn't help the PM, and it left Peters squarely in the spotlight. Funding applicants were asked —when appropriate— to produce content supporting our public interest. NZME's funding agreement included acknowledgement of absolute editorial independence. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I'm wondering if people in Auckland will, in a few years, look more kindly on their current Mayor. Fair to say that Wayne Brown didn't exactly get off to a flying start, especially with the media, and let's face it, no one's happy when the rates go up. On that score, you've seen nothing yet. I've been reading Mr Brown's proposals to build long-term financial and physical resilience. It's a dose of reality and long overdue, and, boiled down to a few simple bullets, here we go: Fix the infrastructure. Stop wasting money. Get Auckland moving. Make the most of the harbours and environment. Take back control of the CCOs. And running through the document, a recurring theme: the message being that Auckland can't continue living beyond its means. The chickens are coming home to roost to quote the Mayor, and he's flagged up that losing the Regional Fuel Tax and scrapping Three Waters will only make things worse. Brown talks about, and I'm quoting here, “significant financial restraint and efficiencies". "Auckland Council has to stop wasting money,” he says, “and start getting things done faster, better, and cheaper.” Even achieving all of that, the rates are going to have to go up. There isn't time to go through the whole document but it's online, and if you're invested in the region one way or another, it’s worth reading. Look, sometimes we feel we need to apologise on a national station for talking about Auckland, but the reality is it is our economic engine room. It's the first place most visitors see, and we all know how powerful first impressions are. And as the largest and arguably most complex, if Auckland can do things well, so too can every other local body across the country. But unless the Council can get to grips with this stuff the Mayor's talking about, Auckland is stuffed. New Zealand's Queen city, currently looking well... not so regal. And without some serious work, it's on its way to being a hobo town. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Covid lockdowns may have played a part in the increase in learning and behavioural issues being picked up at early childhood education. The Educational Institute says the increase has meant waiting lists for specialist support are far too long. Clinical psychologist Dougal Sutherland told Tim Dower that the main thing kids that age do is play and interact with other kids, which provides social and cognitive development and learning. He says that while teenagers could jump online to socialise with their friends, that play and interaction can't be replaced, so young kids missed out during isolation. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's thought the new Government will start with some of the 'easy wins' in its 100-day plan. Ministers from our first three-party coalition of National, ACT, and New Zealand First meet for their first Cabinet meeting today. Prime Minister Chris Luxon says today's meeting will lay out expectations, and at tomorrow's meeting they'll discuss items like agreeing to a plan. Former Senior Ministerial Adviser to National, Brigitte Morten, told Tim Dower that there's only about nine sitting days left for the year, so they'll move quickly. She believes they'll be looking to introduce legislation to get rid of Fair Pay Agreements, and repeal Three Waters and RMA. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's egg shortage may be over, according to producers who say prices have levelled out. Shelves were left bare at times last summer after supermarkets pledged to only sell cage-free eggs. Egg Producers' Federation executive director Michael Brooks told Tim Dower that the new restrictions have been difficult for the industry, but prices are finally coming down. He says free range eggs will always be a more expensive option because of the land required to farm the hens. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Calm's been restored in Ireland's capital after a stabbing last week led to unrest. Three young children were among five people taken to hospital after a knife attack in Dublin, which sparked riots in the city centre. Thirty-four people have been arrested. Europe correspondent Gavin Grey told Tim Dower that officials are blaming far-right agitators for the clashes. He says it's thought an Irish citizen, originally from North Africa, might be the person in connection with the stabbing - but that's not yet confirmed. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The incoming Attorney-General says it's a big job but she thinks she has the experience for it. Judith Collins has picked up the portfolio alongside seven others including Minister Responsible for responding to the Christchurch mosque inquiry. She says it will be a challenge, but the roles are quite closely aligned. Collins says told Tim Dower that her background as a lawyer, holding a practicing certificate for 40 years, makes her well qualified. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Backlash to the incoming government scrapping smokefree laws to fund tax cuts. Advocacy groups say removing regulations on levels of nicotine and the age of who can buy cigarettes is irresponsible. Action for Smokefree Director Ben Youdan told Tim Dower that the Government is putting the interests of the cigarette industry before the health of the nation. He says more people will die if these laws change.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nicola Willis is blaming ACT and NZ First for the momentous dismantling of Smokefree laws. That's what she said over the weekend, telling Newshub the minor parties were insistent on reversing the amendments, not even a year after they were passed. ACT says tobacco taxes bring in about 1.8 billion all up, and we're given to believe taking those new restrictions away will be worth about a billion. So, handy money...especially when you've just had to sacrifice a different cash raising scheme which you'd hoped would help fund tax cuts. But what do we read from this? Isn't this a matter of principle, a moral issue even, and where was this in the manifestos? Are we to infer that delivering tax cuts is now more important than saving thousands from the misery of being addicted to tobacco? And if you haven't been there...believe me...it's a miserable addiction. Are we to infer that it's really Act and New Zealand First in the driving seat...and if so...what further horrors are to come? There'll be a lot of dairy owners heaving a heavy cough of relief...they'll still be able to stock tobacco and some will tell you it's a vital part of their revenue...it keeps a lot of them going. It also makes them a target for ram-raiders and the like. Look...smoking is a personal choice, and I'm all for personal choice. And is it the job of governments to protect people from themselves...of course not. But honestly...if you think of the time most smokers get started...in their teens...are we equipped at that time to make a wise and informed adult decision? Of course not. But it took legislation to achieve seat belts...helmets for motorbike riders and cyclists...an inconvenience if you want...imposed on us all to save lives. Bottom line...if it's a choice between a tax cut...and us maybe being one of the first countries in the world to shake the tobacco monkey off our back...you can keep your tax cut. I don't want it, if this is how you're paying for it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So, this is my last day – not just for the year but for good. It’s time for me to turn off the early alarm. I’ve been so conflicted about making this decision, purely because I love the job so much, it’s the most fun and best time I’ve ever had in my broadcasting career. Radio is addictive. It’s dynamic and instant and an intimate connection with your audience. I’ve felt privileged to be in your cars, your kitchens, your headphones, an earpiece while you’re still in bed... the fact you choose to tune in here as you start your day, is something I never take for granted. We’re a small team – my producer Hannah and I, but I’m really proud of how hard she works. It’s not easy getting up in the dark and putting out a radio show, but I’ve been lucky to have had awesome producers alongside me over the years. Mike’s team of Sam and Glenn have also been amazingly helpful, and I’ve been blessed with the best in newsreader and all-time fun zone Niva, and the statesman of sport Andrew Alderson. The pre-dawn camaraderie is part of what makes this job so awesome... we’re all tired, we’re all trying to do our best and put out the best product we can for our audience. I’ve been doing this show for 6 years, but my career in radio actually began 16 years ago. I was on maternity leave after the birth of my daughter, at home with two small children and a baby when the then boss of ZB called me up and asked if I’d ever thought about trying some radio. Only knowing TV my whole life, I found the prospect of it daunting. He said they could work around family commitments, juggle shifts around the kids, he said - give it a go. I’m glad I accepted the challenge. I began filling in on news reading shifts, did the odd stint filling in on Drive and some weekend shows. I found radio instantly addictive. One, they back their people, they were encouraging, and two, they pushed me. There was this constant striving for excellence, something I’d argue is lost in mainstream journalism these days. I joined the Paul Holmes Breakfast (pre–Mike Hosking Breakfast) as newsreader, and I just found radio so much fun. Six years ago, when the opportunity came up to host my own show I was terrified, I didn’t think I could do that either. But again, ZB encouraged me, pushed me, made me feel like I could do it. The magic of our boss Jason Winstanley —who is hands down the best boss I’ve ever had— is that he manages to make every host on this station feel like they’re the most important person on the network, which is no mean feat. Especially when we all know that’s Mike…. Who, speaking of which, has been my constant biggest cheerleader, listener, and fan, closely followed by my dad, who wakes every morning at 5am to listen in via an earpiece in bed. I am forever grateful to these two incredible men in my life – both great broadcasters of their own, for being so lovingly supportive of me. But that early alarm takes a toll. Shift work is tough on families and our kids have two parents who do brutal hours, obsessively follow news, go to bed early, and are often tired and grumpy (trust me, having to absorb as much news as we do – which is largely negative – makes most people grumpy before you even add in the lack of sleep!). It’s my daughter’s final year at High school next year and all she’s known is Mum shift working weird hours and turning news bulletins up loud in the car all the time. I’m keen to enjoy her last year with her and be a bit more present at home, instead of side tracked by politics and inflation and editorial deadlines. I’m actually looking forward to not following so much news. I will however be up at 5 and listening to this show. I’ll have to check the new guy isn’t stuffing it up. My boss Jason says I’ll be bored witless in 3 months and I’ll be back. He may well be right. In the meantime, thank you for being here, for all your support, all your feedback, it’s honestly been the best fun I’ve had in broadcasting. You’re an awesome audience and I’ve loved our early morning chats. Thank you for the privilege. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shoppers hunting for a bargain will be hitting the malls over the weekend for Black Friday sales. Tens of thousands of shoppers are expected to swarm the shops. But Wellington Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Simon Arcus told Kate Hawkesby that consumers should be careful to ensure they are getting a fair deal. He says shoppers should look online to see if the same product can be bought cheaper elsewhere. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More details on the incoming governing trio are expected to come soon. National, ACT, and New Zealand First have agreed on a deal which will be signed in Parliament today. It'll have the parties' policy agendas, details on who's in and who's out of Cabinet, and who's becoming the Deputy Prime Minister. Herald political reporter Adam Pearse told Kate Hawkesby that we've apparently been in the final stages for more than a week now. He says they're expecting statements of support from the three parties throughout this morning. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So has the anticipation of this government been greater than the event itself? Will it be under whelming when we finally see the state of it? Did we just build it up as this huge thing full of controversy and twists and turns, when in fact it was just a boring longer than expected meeting of negotiating endless minutiae? I actually felt sorry for them yesterday – especially the ones who are parents to young kids, like Nicola Willis. She was desperate to get back to Wellington and see her 4 young children, Chris Bishop was wearing a borrowed shirt because he'd run out of clothes... I mean all of that just reeks of a thing that went on longer than anyone expected. Longer than perhaps it needed to. I know even David Seymour was saying that. But how will we remember all this and Luxon’s abilities around it? Well, that’s the thing, possibly not at all. The news cycle moves fast, a week’s a long time in politics, this will all be ancient history before long. I don’t know that people will care in three years' time whether he spent two or three weeks negotiating a coalition deal, I think they’ll care more about how he’s run the country and a three headed government. That’s surely the true test. And if we do get it all revealed today, how much notice are you taking? How much do you care whose inside Cabinet and who isn’t? I mean I know political tragics like me will be fascinated, but can you really name all the Ministers of the previous government? Short of the ones who are terrible, or got in trouble, or said and did really stupid things that blew up in the news, we probably don’t really care who's in charge of what. Unless it affects you directly of course. Willie Jackson in charge of Broadcasting was always a bitter pill to swallow for many in the media myself included, but as long as they’re competent and don’t do anything stupid, we tend to forget about them don’t we? The coolest person in the room now though is Nicola Willis, isn't she? Not interested in the baubles, more interested in the business of governing, she says she never wanted to be deputy PM, Seymour and Peters can scrap it out between them, she's back to home to Wellington to see her 4 young kids who’re missing their Mum. I mean she’s all class and so far, looks like the most mature of the lot of them. I think in her saying what she said, she clearly showed the others up for what they are and removed herself from the fray. Good on her. She's keen to get on with governing, showing she’s truly about the good of the country, not the good of her ego. And I do think that's the risk being run here by Seymour and Peters. They start to look petulant and like they're holding the country to ransom, delaying the formation of a new government. Which look, I understand if you've had to swallow a lot of dead rats and you're going for broke on the final curtain, but if Peters wants Foreign Minister and Deputy PM I think that's a stretch. The Deputy PM can't be off travelling all the time, because what if they're needed at home to step up for the PM? Luxon's argument is best person for the job and spreading the talent... we get that, but as their wage payers we want to see value for money too. These guys are on the big bucks, they need to be competent and efficient. So far the most efficient one appears to be Nicola Willis, seeing the spectacle unfolding for what it is and saying ‘see ya guys, I'm back home to Welly.’ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So has the anticipation of this government been greater than the event itself? Will it be under whelming when we finally see the state of it? Did we just build it up as this huge thing full of controversy and twists and turns, when in fact it was just a boring longer than expected meeting of negotiating endless minutiae? I actually felt sorry for them yesterday – especially the ones who are parents to young kids, like Nicola Willis. She was desperate to get back to Wellington and see her 4 young children, Chris Bishop was wearing a borrowed shirt because he'd run out of clothes... I mean all of that just reeks of a thing that went on longer than anyone expected. Longer than perhaps it needed to. I know even David Seymour was saying that. But how will we remember all this and Luxon’s abilities around it? Well, that’s the thing, possibly not at all. The news cycle moves fast, a week’s a long time in politics, this will all be ancient history before long. I don’t know that people will care in three years' time whether he spent two or three weeks negotiating a coalition deal, I think they’ll care more about how he’s run the country and a three headed government. That’s surely the true test. And if we do get it all revealed today, how much notice are you taking? How much do you care whose inside Cabinet and who isn’t? I mean I know political tragics like me will be fascinated, but can you really name all the Ministers of the previous government? Short of the ones who are terrible, or got in trouble, or said and did really stupid things that blew up in the news, we probably don’t really care who's in charge of what. Unless it affects you directly of course. Willie Jackson in charge of Broadcasting was always a bitter pill to swallow for many in the media myself included, but as long as they’re competent and don’t do anything stupid, we tend to forget about them don’t we? The coolest person in the room now though is Nicola Willis, isn't she? Not interested in the baubles, more interested in the business of governing, she says she never wanted to be deputy PM, Seymour and Peters can scrap it out between them, she's back to home to Wellington to see her 4 young kids who’re missing their Mum. I mean she’s all class and so far, looks like the most mature of the lot of them. I think in her saying what she said, she clearly showed the others up for what they are and removed herself from the fray. Good on her. She's keen to get on with governing, showing she’s truly about the good of the country, not the good of her ego. And I do think that's the risk being run here by Seymour and Peters. They start to look petulant and like they're holding the country to ransom, delaying the formation of a new government. Which look, I understand if you've had to swallow a lot of dead rats and you're going for broke on the final curtain, but if Peters wants Foreign Minister and Deputy PM I think that's a stretch. The Deputy PM can't be off travelling all the time, because what if they're needed at home to step up for the PM? Luxon's argument is best person for the job and spreading the talent... we get that, but as their wage payers we want to see value for money too. These guys are on the big bucks, they need to be competent and efficient. So far the most efficient one appears to be Nicola Willis, seeing the spectacle unfolding for what it is and saying ‘see ya guys, I'm back home to Welly.’ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A trend is emerging of older New Zealanders opting to dish out inheritance to their family before they die. NZ Seniors data shows more than a third are doing just that. More than half worry over what they'll be able to leave their kids because of current economic challenges. Pidgeon Judd Law Director, Joanna Pidgeon, told Kate Hawkesby that people are living longer, and don't want to see their kids struggling with renting into their 50s. She says with prices increasing, help upfront can get them onto a more stable home-owning road. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Domestic pressure in Israel is said to be the driving factor behind the hostage deal. Israel's cabinet has agreed to a four day pause in fighting in exchange for the release of 50 women and child hostages taken by Hamas on October 7th. It's believed there are around 200 Israeli hostages. The agreement also includes Israel releasing 150 Palestinian prisoners. International geopolitical analyst Geoffrey Miller told Kate Hawkesby that hostage families have mounted a high profile "bring them home" campaign. He says Israeli public opinion has turned, with 54% in favour of some sort of prisoner swap deal. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An influx of migration and lack of property investors is thought to be driving up rental prices around the country. Rental growth is running at historically high levels, hitting 6.1% in the year to October, with Auckland skyrocketing by 8.5% over the past year. Aspire Managing Director Mike Atkinson told Kate Hawkesby that he's warning the incoming Government that prices need to be reined in. He says if prices continue to rise renters will fall out of the market, putting more pressure on social housing wait-lists. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I don’t begrudge David Seymour tipping his hat into the ring for Deputy PM. Many would argue it’s a relatively inconsequential role - it doesn’t mean much. I mean most of last term we couldn’t remember who was deputy leader or deputy PM: Kelvin Davis or Carmel Sepuloni. It didn’t really matter, no one really cared. But it does carry gravitas. There is something about the title which carries weight – and of course the obvious additional bonus of stepping into the PM’s shoes when they're out of the country. So you can’t argue it doesn’t carry some responsibility too. And Seymour’s argument is fair I reckon. Proportionality. He’s arguing that the role makes sense for him given they’ve got the second-largest government party, so he says, the second-biggest role makes sense. He thinks that’s the clear case for him to be Deputy PM. However, he’s also saying he doesn’t know if he’ll get it – he said outside Luxon’s house yesterday that, “a negotiation's a negotiation, and you never know your luck ... so I'm not going to try and predetermine it one way or another.” But in saying that, he's also making a public bid for it which is an interesting tack, and may be nothing more than a power play. Which again is a bit odd given he's also always said he’ll serve in any role and he’s not into the baubles. We know for sure who is into the baubles, so whoever gets this bauble will be interesting. In general Seymour believes ACT should get more ministerial roles than NZ First based on the party vote, and that’s not a bad point. Surely that’s the fairest way to do it? Seymour argues ‘proportionality's important to democracy’, and if we subscribe to the philosophy that every vote deserves its weight in representation then he’s right, isn’t he? But if we take that at face value, then Deputy should really be Nicola Willis. Why isn't it her? I don’t know where Luxon’s head will be at with this stuff, I don’t know how much he’ll have had to give away, how much of a tanty Winston may throw if he doesn’t get all his baubles. I mean I wouldn’t want to be Luxon juggling all this, and God only knows how he’s dishing it out. But I feel like Seymour worked really hard during the campaign, he got the party vote for Act up to an historic high, and they won a record result at the election. He worked his butt off; he deserves some plaudits for that. And he’s right, they are the second biggest party in government now. That’s a huge achievement. But if you argue his proportionality argument, then it still leaves the obvious Deputy PM as Nicola Willis. If Luxon is prepared to trade this away from National though and he has to pick between Winston Peters and David Seymour, then I'd pick Seymour. Hard working, always available, enthusiastic, and a good communicator. I am impressed at how much Seymour's fronted and tried to keep everyone in the loop throughout this; he’s a big believer in transparency and accountability. I know it's appreciated by the media but I’m just not sure how much that’ll be being appreciated by the other party leaders. It’s a fine line he’s dancing. And whether he’s twerking his way into being Deputy PM or not... we’ll have to wait and see. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions are arising over whether Air New Zealand will have to continue to discount domestic flights in coming months as it grapples with sinking demand. October passenger data highlights the slow down, alongside lower-margin leisure travel and lower capacity. The airline's forecast a pre-tax profit of up to $230 million for the second half of 2023, down from nearly $300 million last year. Aviation commentator Irene King told Kate Hawkesby that the data was taken before its capacity problems in which aircrafts were taken out of the system. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re heading in the right direction, but they’re still not great numbers on the trade deficit. Stats NZ data for October shows exports fell to $5.4 billion annually, with imports down to just over $7 billion on last year. The annual trade deficit is $14.8 billion, slightly better than September's $15.41 billion. Infometrics chief economist Brad Olsen told Kate Hawkesby that it's an improvement, but it remains a concern. He says we're still importing more than we're exporting. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wrangling continues in Auckland today between National, ACT, and New Zealand First, of the allocation of Cabinet portfolios in the new government. David Seymour, Winston Peters, and Nicola Willis are all in the running to be Deputy Prime Minister. But Brigitte Morten —a former senior ministerial advisor for National— told Kate Hawkesby that the allocation of other roles will be more crucial. She says finance positions are likely to be given to both parties, and the allocation of justice, police, and Attorney-General portfolios will also be important. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I think we’ve reached peak woke, or at least I hope we have... who would know? But I think we’ve reached it when I see that in China now, they’re looking at banning clothes that hurt people’s feelings. You heard that right. CNN reported that, ‘China’s legislature has proposed changes to a law that if approved would allow authorities to fine and detain people who wear clothes that “hurt the nation’s feelings”.’ This to be honest is probably less about wokeism and more about patriotism and control, and it did of course set off a chain of concerns over freedom of expression. But how on earth do you define clothes that hurt people’s feelings? I mean I find Crocs offensive, should they ban those? The mom jean I’m not a big fan of, they’re everywhere. Jorts... horrific, yet back in fashion. As are wedge jandal heels. I mean it’s a minefield of offensive clothing out there already as far as I’m concerned. But who are the arbiters of this offensive fashion? Well turns out China’s National People’s Congress Standing Committee, wants to ban any garment that is ‘detrimental to the spirit of the Chinese nation.’ It’s a draft amendment proposed for consideration. The proposed amendment's rules would alter the Public Security Administration Punishment Law, ‘which gives Police power to detain suspects for weeks’, or fine them the equivalent of about a thousand NZ dollars. It’s been up for consultation, and you can just imagine the push back. CNN reported that, ‘several legal scholars questioned the implicit vagaries of the proposed amendment, and absence of specific guidelines.’ Many called it an overreach. I would have thought the key thing would be a definition of what is construed offensive, and the fact this was missing gives me pause that it will go anywhere. But these days you never know. China’s also cracked down on tattoos and ‘artists with effeminate styles’... whatever that means. But you surely can’t enforce a law as vague as ‘offensive clothing’ without being specific about what that is. One social media user questioned whether suits would be deemed offensive, given they’re ‘the embodiment of Western Capitalism’ as he put it. So, the proposed law, which many have described as ‘excessive and absurd’ could lead to abuse by officials in terms of what constitutes offence. Hence, it’s problematic. So a lot of this is obviously about control but the bit that leads me back to whether it’s wokeism is the fact that it’s about ‘hurt feelings’. Hurting feelings —or not as the case may be— has become such an acceptable catch phrase it’s now getting used as an excuse to enforce laws.A couple of months ago people who wore ‘rainbow print clothing were denied entry to a Taiwanese concert in Beijing..’ leading one social commentator to ask: ‘When did the feelings and spirit of the Chinese nation become so fragile?’ And it’s not just China, everywhere seems fragile these days. I’m with Ricky Gervais, look, when times are weird, we have to turn to the great oracle Ricky Gervais. He famously said, ‘how arrogant are you, to think you can go through life without anyone ever saying anything you don’t agree with or like? Just because you’re offended, doesn’t mean you’re right.’ He’s bang on. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions over how fog cannons and body cameras in Woolworths stores will mitigate the rising abuse of staff. The supermarket giant is reporting a 131% rise in physical assaults on staff in the past six months, compared to the same time last year. It's also launching an in-store campaign to encourage customers to respect workers as they head into the busiest time of year. First Union General Secretary Dennis Maga told Kate Hawkesby that those security measures could work short-term. He says intervention is needed in the long run, particularly as the rate of unruly behaviour increases. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

High school students are increasingly visiting online gambling sites. An investigation by Newstalk ZB has found that sports betting and online casino games are increasingly popular with teenagers, who even access the sites during the school day. Life Education Trust Chief Executive John O'Connell told Kate Hawkesby that phones among young people have caused a number of challenges. He says schools should be aware that students with mobile phones have gambling in their pocket. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A political commentator is suggesting that we should relax a little about how long it's taking to form a government. There's been much commentary on the fact it's been 18 days since the release of the official election results, and we still don't have a government. Former National party staffer and now political commentator Ben Thomas told Kate Hawkesby that this time will be quickly forgotten. He says in six months time —whether the Government is flourishing or floundering— no one is going to be remember the difference between two weeks and three weeks of negotiations. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The weekend has come and gone, but coalition negotiations continue into another week. Incoming Prime Minister Chris Luxon says about three issues to settle remain between National, Act and New Zealand First. The trio's been meeting in Auckland since Wednesday, where Luxon now believes they'll stay for the next few days. Herald Political Reporter Adam Pearse told Kate Hawkesby that Luxon described his meeting with Peters yesterday, as 'helpful'. He says it was a departure from previous conversations in which he described talks as 'positive' and 'good' and cast a better light on things. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron had his first outing as Foreign Secretary yesterday as he made his way to Ukraine to meet President Zelensky. UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney told Tim Dower that when they saw a Range Rover coming up Downing Street on Monday and David Cameron climbed out “mouths were literally a gog.” He added that Cameron doesn’t have the best reputation across the continent given his mishandling of the Brexit referendum and then bouncing as soon as he lost it. “we'll see how he fares in the rest of Europe in the coming months to get that support going again.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron had his first outing as Foreign Secretary yesterday as he made his way to Ukraine to meet President Zelensky. UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney told Tim Dower that when they saw a Range Rover coming up Downing Street on Monday and David Cameron climbed out “mouths were literally a gog.” He added that Cameron doesn’t have the best reputation across the continent given his mishandling of the Brexit referendum and then bouncing as soon as he lost it. “we'll see how he fares in the rest of Europe in the coming months to get that support going again.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Economists are praising the Reserve Bank's decision to build up its foreign currency assets. It's bought and borrowed to drive its total foreign currency holdings up by a third, to a total of almost $18 billion. Westpac Chief Economist, Kelly Eckhold, says it will give a signal the central bank is willing to step in if there's a shock to the economy. He told Tim Dower that the move should reassure people. Eckhold says it would be worrying if the bank didn't have the capacity. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last time I had the privilege of hosting this show I said I had confidence in Chris Luxon's approach to these coalition talks. I said it seemed businesslike, and I sensed he was out to cut a good deal that'll stick. I hope I’m not proved wrong on that. One thing you have to say about the way it's being handled is that all three of the key figures involved have been disciplined and kept things quiet. Political editors and reporters are coming up against a brick wall when they seek comment. Not so much as a sneaky hint has leaked out, and to me that speaks to good faith. The horse trading and hard talking is being done between these three and their teams, not in the media. But still, it's dragging on too long now. Christmas is coming and I for one want to see Parliament sitting again, a clear direction set, and some action. It's not about who does what job really, I didn't vote with that uppermost in my mind. Like more than half of the people who did vote, I wanted shot of the last awful crowd and a change of direction. I want action on crime, education, the health system, the cost of living, on social cohesion. Was that a hint from Winston about some dude from Rarotonga being in town, the fact he had to see that guy indicate he might lining up another stint as Foreign Minister? I'd be OK with that if it's the only bauble Winston First gets. The blunt truth is without Mister 6 percent, this could have been cleaned up three weeks ago. And we'd have a start on the real stuff, the change I mentioned before. Everyone assumes it's Mister Peters dragging the chain, and history would support that theory, but it could be Seymour, or it could be Luxon himself playing hardball. Thing is, the people either getting ready for work at 5:30 in the morning or are on their way, or already there —the people who pay the taxes and send their kids to school because they want to play their part and get ahead— I don't think they care too much who does what job. What we want is good government with a good plan it can see through. Every day without a deal that produces that is a day wasted. But it's a far smaller waste than what we had, or what we might’ve ended up with if this had been rushed. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Call centre staff are facing unprecedented levels of abuse, with industry experts warning of a future dominated by customer service bots. Customer Contact Network CEO, Elias Kanaris, told Tim Dower that he's pleading with the public to be civil when dealing with contact centre staff. He says customers need to remember staff are real people who are simply trying their best to resolve your issue. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could we have a new government by Sunday? Talks continued late into the night and are set to resume in central Auckland this morning, with Chris Luxon, David Seymour, and Winston Peters all pointing to a deal being close. Political commentator Grant Duncan told Tim Dower that there will be final issues all three parties want to resolve. He says it has to take as long as it takes, because it's important all three parties are on the same page about what the plan will be for the next three years. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.