Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

A health commentator has given his thoughts on how the next Government should tackle problems in our hospitals. Te Whatu Ora metrics show the national rate of preventable hospital admissions for 0–4-year-olds has increased by 35% in the last year. It also shows the number of patients waiting more than four months to see a specialist has increased by 46% over the same period. Ian Powell told Kate Hawkesby that there's one change the new Government shouldn't make, and that's restructure the whole system again. He says it sounds as though the new government is not going to do that, which is a plus. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Well, three days on from our loss at the Rugby World Cup and we’re still not over it... clearly. It’s still front-page news, the dissertations and opinions continue, disputes over how it was reffed, anger over the TMO and officiating of the game continue. But let’s face the hard facts: the best team won on the day. Painful as it is, relitigating red cards versus yellow ones as we might, hating the TMO as we all do... it doesn’t change the facts. The best team won on the day. We couldn’t get our act together in a sloppy first half, we couldn’t pull it off in the second, we didn’t win. Sad but true. Death threats to Wayne Barnes and all the other nonsense which has come out of the loss is futile and detracts from the reality. Which is that beyond the nitpicking over all the minutiae of that one game, a broader conversation needs to be had around what’s happening to rugby. The Herald’s Luke Kirkness said, “Rugby union is facing a looming crisis. The game is losing its appeal with many turning to alternative sports like basketball due to perceived complexities and a lack of engagement.” And he’s dead right. A slow game, as I said after our loss, is a boring game and a switch off. Israel Dagg said it best – he didn’t mince his words about the final at half time. He said, “I’m honestly just fed up. And I know I’m gonna sound like a sore loser here, but …. we’re seeing a snore-fest out there.” And again, that was down to the slowness in general of the game now. Kirkness pointed out that while there’s “plenty of suggestion that New Zealand has fallen out of love with rugby, one of the sticking points is... how hard it is to understand and follow the game.” So is that it? We just need to simplify it again and just let the players play? Is it TMO changes? Changes to the card system? The points system? The rules themselves? The culture? Maybe a combination of all of those things. Whatever it is, we do need to look at it, and seriously. You can’t lose all those eyeballs and have large numbers of people switching off, and just disregard it. That’s an arrogance that takes you nowhere. The game has to evolve and change with its audience. It is, at the end of the day, entertainment after all. But here’s what we know is already changing: they’ve appointed a new coach —scandalously while the old one was still in the job— and there’s new coaching staff so arguably new direction already. All the calls for heads to roll, most of those have now been rolled. Then there’s the team, many departing and going different directions so changes afoot there too. But it doesn’t change the fact that the rules are now so cumbersome, it’s a turn off. That’s the real challenge ahead of the rugby union, that’s the real worry. I’m sure they’re hoping that a charismatic character like Razor is going to bring some zing and give the game a bit of an image makeover – you know, much beloved coach, in his long awaited and aspired-to hot seat with all this new energy and new focus. The Rugby Union will be hoping he attracts a certain amount of buzz and new eyeballs. But that sizzle will only last so long... at the end of the day the game itself has to change and grow and evolve with the fans or it’s going to leave them all behind. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Changes have already been made to adventure tourism safety as the Whakaari White Island trial ends. The island's owner, Whakaari Management Limited, has been found guilty on one health and safety charge brought by WorkSafe. It failed to ensure adequate risk assessments ahead of the 2019 tragedy that killed 22 people. Former Tourism Industry Aotearoa CEO Chris Roberts told Kate Hawkesby that there was concern that WorkSafe was the prosecutor. He says it was clear there were failings in WorkSafe's oversight, but they weren't prosecuted, they were the prosecutor. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's widely anticipated that New Zealand's unemployment figures will rise today. Stats NZ numbers for the three months to September will be released later this morning. Infometrics Principal Economist, Brad Olsen, told Kate Hawkesby that he predicts it will lift from 3.6 to 3.9%. He says realistically, the market is still tight, with anything below 4% unusual for New Zealand. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Airbnb could be damaging the value of some neighbourhood homes. Researchers using Auckland census data have identified links between more Airbnbs in communities and higher crime-rates. It highlights how Airbnb's replace long-term owner occupiers with short term occupants, which can erode the anti-crime capability of the community. That leads to lower house prices. Auckland University Associate Property Professor, Edward Yiu, told Kate Hawkesby that this is especially apparent with apartment-type housing. He said in the past a gate with a code could be installed, but because strangers can enter for their Airbnb, it’s raised security concerns. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s Halloween tonight, so stand by for trick or treaters coming to a doorbell near you. Although weather in many parts of the country may keep little trick or treaters at bay, it probably won’t deter teenagers. We’ve had a mixed run of approaches to Halloween over the years. When the kids were really little, they would find some of the costumes frightening and we wondered the merits of tiny children roaming the streets at what should be bath and bedtime, to ask for lollies from strangers. It didn’t feel right so we said no. Mean parents. Later on, as they got a bit older and more savvy that this could involve a whole bunch of stuff usually off limits - lollies, late nights, roaming the streets in costume with mates... they persuaded us the other way. But we contained it. Co-ordinated with neighbours, organised a small early trick or treat session, with neighbours knowing in advance and happy to participate, and with rules around how much sugar could really be consumed. Spoiler alert - not much. Mean parents strike again. But 5 kids is a lot to wrangle and get costumes on and roam around with, and there was no way when they were little that we’d let them do that on their own. So there was a small window where we would decorate the letterbox and fence, do the costumes, have their mates over, but it never felt authentically a tradition we could get behind. It just felt super American, cheesey, and over the top, not to mention unhealthy. Lollies from strangers? All that sugar? Yuk - seemed wrong on so many levels. Once they got older - I mean like teenager stage, they wanted to go out on their own, their costumes got increasingly questionable, their motive seemed less sweet treats and more just hanging with mates. I have just never thought teenagers patrolling the streets with Scream masks on threatening to throw eggs at people’s houses is a particularly good look. Still don’t. But I’m surprised at how much it’s caught on here, how big it seems these days in this country. People go all out – the parties are plentiful, the dress ups extravagant, the night seems to last a lot longer than one night. Many houses are already decorated, I see skeletons dangling from trees in people’s front yards, cobwebs adorning letterboxes and gates, the treats have been in supermarket aisles for a while now. No, we’re not quite at America levels of Halloween obsession, but in some places it feels intense. I don’t mind the groups of toddlers out walking with Mum or Dad in an organised fashion, early, and causing no harm. But I do feel for those who live alone or are sick or don’t want to be bothered and have to contend with noisy teenagers late at night banging on their doors for something they surely should have grown out of by now. In fact, in the US there's debate at the moment as to whether trick or treating should have an age limit. In some cities there, it's limited to 12 years old or younger only due to too many teenagers wreaking havoc. But no sooner do we have Halloween, than Guy Fawkes is here. A mere 5 days later we’ve got crackers and cherry bombs to deal with. That’s a tough night for the animals more than the humans I reckon. But if we can get past monster costumes, lollies, and fireworks season, then next stop's Christmas. Next we’ll be welcoming Santa... can you believe it? Where’s the year gone? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Supie customers may be left out of pocket. The online grocer's entered voluntary administration with PwC, owing some $3 million after launching two years ago. It promised to bring competition to the market, and subscriptions to the service cost an annual fee of $99. Consumer New Zealand CEO Jon Duffy told Kate Hawkesby that they don’t know all the reasons that lead to Supie going into voluntary administration, so they can’t say the duopoly is the one to blame. He said that they do know that the market is really difficult to enter, and they’re looking to lower those barriers of entry. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A major bank has increased its test rate, which is the rate at which it checks that borrowers can afford a loan. ANZ has upped it to 9.1%. That's despite home loan rates sitting around 7% for a two-year fix. Key Mortgages mortgage broker Jeremy Andrews told Kate Hawkesby that it's the first bank to make such a move in decades. He says interest rates have been going up since Covid came along, so test rates have too. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

India stayed perfect and England remained awful as Mohammed Shami bowled a stunning opening spell to give the hosts a 100-run win at the Cricket World Cup. Shami and Jasprit Bumrah shared an initial five wickets in a fiery exhibition of pace and seam movement in a six-over spell in the first powerplay and blew away the English top-order. That came after India had been put into bat and scored only 229-9 in 50 overs on a tough pitch with Rohit Sharma contributing 87 runs off 101 balls. The total proved more than enough for India to defend. Shami finished with 4-22 in seven overs, while Bumrah returned 3-32 in 6.5 overs, as England suffered yet another batting collapse, crashing to a fifth defeat in six games. Defending champion England were left languishing in 10th spot after a miserable outing in Lucknow against Indian pace and spin – all out for 129 runs in just 34.5 overs. India continues to fly high as the only unbeaten team in the tournament. The hosts top the standings with 12 points from six games, two points ahead of second-place South Africa, with New Zealand and Australia a further two points back. England, the 2019 champions, stayed last with two points and only one win in six games. Australia in 1992 is the only other defending champion to lose four or more matches at a World Cup. Chasing 230, England faltered after their openers put on 30 runs. Bumrah bowled Dawid Malan in the fifth over for 16. The very next ball, Joe Root was out lbw for a golden duck – plumb in front, shuffling across the stumps. He appealed unsuccessfully. While Bumrah’s hat trick was denied, Shami then was on one himself at the other end. His opening overs were near unplayable as Ben Stokes struggled to put bat to ball. Stokes went for a slog and was bowled in the eighth over for a 10-ball duck. The very first ball of his next over, Bairstow played on off Shami as England was down to 39-4 in 9.1 overs. The pacers’ opening salvo saw England lose four wickets for nine runs across 26 balls. After a drinks break, it was spin’s turn. Despite heavy dew, Kuldeep Yadav sent down a beauty to bowl Jos Buttler for 10. Buttler had no clue as the ball turned in sharply off length, leaving England at 52-5. Moeen Ali and Liam Livingstone added 29 runs for the sixth wicket – the second highest partnership of England’s innings. But the pressure never eased. Shami returned to have Ali caught behind for 15 runs and Ravindra Jadeja had Chris Woakes stumped for 10 in the 29th over. Yadav then trapped Livingstone lbw – out for 27 – as England crashed to 98-8. England did manage to reach 100 but it was small consolation as Shami-Bumrah returned to finish off proceedings. Earlier, India got off to a poor start as England choked the top-order. Woakes bowled Shubman Gill for nine in the fourth over and three overs later, India was 27-2 as Virat Kohli chipped to mid-on and was out caught for a nine-ball duck off David Willey. Woakes sent back Shreyas Iyer for four runs, out caught pulling a short ball, his Achilles’ heel as the score read 40-3 in 11.5 overs. Sharma and Lokesh Rahul resisted with a sedate 91-run partnership for the fourth wicket in their 111-ball partnership. The usually hard-hitting Sharma played an innings of great control. He did survive an lbw shout early on, but the ball was gliding past leg stump on DRS review. Sharma scored his second half-century in the tournament – his fifth 40-plus score in six innings – off 66 balls as he anchored the Indian innings. At the other end, Rahul scored 39 off 58, with three fours, but fell against the run of play. Willey returned to dismiss him in the 31st, as Rahul mistimed a pull shot. Wrist spinner Adil Rashid bowled with great control for England, taking 2-35 in 10 overs. His first wicket was vital to hold back India’s score – Sharma holed out to deep midwicket, 13 runs shy of his hundred. At 164-5, India was in trouble and England looked in control. Suryakumar Yadav helped push the score past 200. Yadav scored 49 off 47 balls, with four fours and a six. He put on 18 runs with Jadeja (18), and then another 25 with Bumrah. Yadav was caught off Willey, leaving India at 208-8. Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav added 21 runs for the ninth wicket. England has only beaten Bangladesh and has also lost to New Zealand, Afghanistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka. Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya was still unavailable for India and is nursing a left ankle injury. In his absence, the hosts went with a similar combination as it did against New Zealand a week ago in Dharamsala – six batters and five bowlers. Both India and England fielded an unchanged side at the BRABVE Stadium.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

American hockey player Adam Johnson, who appeared in 13 NHL games with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2019 and 2020, has died after his neck was cut by a skate blade during a game in England on Saturday, his team said. He was 29. Johnson was playing for the Nottingham Panthers in a Challenge Cup game against the Sheffield Steelers when he suffered the skate cut during the second period of the Elite Ice Hockey League game at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena. Johnson’s injury was so horrific it forced the game to be abandoned and left traumatised fans in tears. “The Nottingham Panthers are truly devastated to announce that Adam Johnson has tragically passed away following a freak accident at the game in Sheffield last night,” the team said on Sunday. “The Panthers would like to send our thoughts and condolences to Adam’s family, his partner and all his friends at this extremely difficult time. Everyone at the club including players, staff, management and ownership are heartbroken at the news of Adam’s passing.” His mother Kari shared two photos with her son on social media, writing: “I lost half of my heart today.” Shocking video from the game, which the Herald has chosen not to share, shows a Sheffield Steelers’ player knock into one of Johnson’s teammates before becoming completely airborne and connecting with the Panther’s player. According to the Daily Mail, Yorkshire Ambulance Service were called at around 8.21pm and sent two ambulances and a critical care paramedic. Johnson was taken to Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital. South Yorkshire Police were contacted four minutes later, and confirmed that Johnson was pronounced dead at hospital. Police officers remained at the scene overnight and an investigation into the incident is ongoing. A Minnesota native, Johnson spent 13 games over parts of the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons playing for Pittsburgh in the NHL before spending the 2020-21 season in Sweden with the Malmo Redhawks. He had a goal and three assists for the Penguins. “The Pittsburgh Penguins join the entire hockey world in mourning the life of Adam Johnson, whose life tragically ended far too soon,” the Penguins said Sunday in a statement. “We offer our deepest condolences to Adam’s family and friends, as well as all of Adam’s past and present teammates and coaches. Adam will always be part of the Penguins family.” Johnson played college hockey at Minnesota-Duluth, helping the Bulldogs reach two NCAA Tournaments. He scored an overtime game-winner in the 2017 tournament, sending Minnesota-Duluth to the Frozen Four by beating Boston University. He also played for three American Hockey League clubs during his career and in Germany with the Augsburger Panther in 2022-23 before agreeing to join Nottingham for this season. “Our thoughts are also with the fans and staff of both clubs, especially those who attended or were following the game, who will be devastated following today’s news,” the team added. “The Panthers would like to thank everyone who rushed to support Adam last night in the most testing of circumstances. Adam, our number 47, was not only an outstanding ice hockey player, but also a great teammate and an incredible person with his whole life ahead of him. The club will dearly miss him and will never ever forget him.” The league announced that all three games scheduled for Sunday in Belfast, Fife and Guildford were postponed following Johnson’s death. Nottingham’s game scheduled for Tuesday also was postponed. Ian Laperriere, who coached Johnson with the AHL’s Lehigh Valley Phantoms, said it was tough news. “Great kid [and] teammate,” Laperriere said in a text message. “Only great things to say about him.” The NHL has had skate cut scares throughout its history, most notably Buffalo goaltender Clint Malarchuk, who took a blade to the neck during a game against St Louis on March 22, 1989. Malarchuk received rapid medical attention and played again 10 days later. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s not a lot to say about that game that hasn’t already been said — however it will be a game that gets digested for a long time yet. Mainly over the place of TMO in rugby and how slowed down the game is these days. It’s almost like they’re not allowed to play it anymore. It must make players incredibly nervous when every move is questioned, yellow carded, TMO’d and often red carded. It’s too much. Yes there’s safety and rules to go by, but there’s also a game to be played. When you slow it down that much and spend too many valuable minutes analysing the play, staring at replays, talking to players on the field and generally making it too technical, then you also lose people’s interest. And they wonder why people are switching off the game. I’m sad for Fozzy, I really wanted him to get a triumphant send off and a fairytale ending. A big redemption and a successful World Cup win to prove the naysayers wrong. Having said that, yes of course they did well to get to the final — I know it seems weird saying that about an All Blacks team but this team has taken a pasting — amazing how many times they had to pick themselves back up and just keep going. I know they’ll be so gutted. To have a captain red carded and off so early into a World Cup final game was just heart breaking. The reffing seemed unfair — it seemed laser focussed on any misdemeanours of the AB’s. And I’m sure the Wayne Barnes fury will run for sometime yet as questions get asked about what on earth was going on. How long til we've got AI reffing games? But for the Kiwis who were there, in the stadium at the game live, I hear it was an electric atmosphere, that the place was awash with ABs supporters. That they loved the game and felt very proud to be there and to be Kiwis. It was a different experience to what we got watching from home. (or certainly at my place anyway with all the shouting and swearing at the TV.) But what a way to end the World Cup. For many of those players, big names like Aaron Smith, Sam Whitelock, Sam Cane, Beauden Barrett — that’s their last game. That’s their send off. They’ll be so gutted. It would have been so good to go out with a win. But you have to hand it to the Springboks - they played with real conviction and proved too tough to beat. I only hope Ian Foster — and the players for that matter — can walk away from this experience in a few days time when they’ve digested the pain of the loss with their heads held high. I don’t think a sports team playing at the highest level ever deserves to be vilified the way we spank our sportsmen and women when they lose. They get out there, they give it their all, they play for their country and they have every intention of bringing home a win. It’s easy to sit on the sidelines as we do, from the comfort of our couches and say oh you suck. But they don’t suck because they get out there and they do it. They got to the final, they were playing to win. It wasn’t meant to be. One point made all the difference in the world. But we’re still proud of them and the sun still came up today and they still deserve kudos for representing their country at the highest level. Which is more than the bulk of us armchair critics could do.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel says its next stage of war with Hamas has begun as it expands ground operations in Gaza. Telephone and internet communications in Gaza have been partially restored after a more than day-long blackout, which badly impacted rescue operations. The UN has warned civil order in Gaza is deteriorating. Otago University international relations professor Robert Patman told Kate Hawkesby two-thirds of the UN supported calls for a humanitarian "pause" in Gaza. “I don’t think Netanyahu’s government can make the claim now that the world is fully supporting Israel’s response.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

History does unfortunately repeat itself with an absolutely gutting loss for the All Blacks. The All Blacks have had to settle for second in the Rugby World Cup after losing to the Springboks 12-11 in Paris. They had to play the majority of the game with 14, after captain Sam Cane became the first player sent off in a Rugby World Cup final. Newstalk ZB rugby commentator Elliott Smith joined Kate Hawkesby. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s finally time for a rematch. Back in 1995 the All Blacks faced South Africa in the Rugby World Cup Final and will be doing the same this Sunday morning. Hennie Le Roux was a member of the Springboks when they took the cup in ‘95 and told Kate Hawkesby that they’re preparing themselves for an enormous battle this time. He said that New Zealand has shown that they’re a power to reckon with and are probably consistently the best team in the world over a long period of time. Le Roux said that if the Springboks are going to lose, they’d rather lose to New Zealand than anyone else. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are lots of reasons, obviously, why we all want the ABs to win this weekend, but my main one to be honest is Ian Foster. That guy got dragged through the ringer, treated like utter crap from everyone, from fans to the Rugby Union itself, and he just carried on. Plugging away, keeping his head down, taking it all on the chin, and just trying to do his job. I mean he got slandered. Thumped verbally every which way but sideways. How he carried on is beyond me. Many wouldn’t have. But he’s got clearly a couple of powerful things going for him, one, obviously a deep inner strength and calm, and two, the players love him. They love him and are loyal to him and want to win for him. They have a sense of duty I think to see him off in style and make him proud, to prove the naysayers wrong, to let him have his moment, to shut up all the vociferous critics. So, for that reason alone, I hope they do it. I hope he gets to leave this World Cup a champion coach who won a World Cup under less than supportive conditions. An underdog who got to prove everyone wrong. A leader who had the backing of his team throughout, even when everyone else abandoned him. And what a great final to do it in. A brilliant opponent, a neutral ground, a team we know we can beat, but a team that holds its own. It’s got it all going on, all the makings of a fantastic on field contest. What I am pleased about is how much Fozzy’s mood has improved, how much he’s been clearly buoyed by the wins and the way the team’s playing. But not only that, the turnaround of the fans. He said this week they’ve been so encouraged by all the positive feedback and messages they’re getting, he said how grateful they are to receive all the support – especially at this end of the tournament. And you can imagine, after four years of being slated as a loser, how good it must feel now to a) be proving people wrong, and b) have people back on board. But he says the behind scenes support now is “phenomenal”. And to be fair, Kiwis do love a World Cup, and do tend to get amped about it as the final stages close in. I mean if you think back to the start of this, at the start of the pool matches, people were a bit blasé, there wasn’t the enthusiasm for it, there was mistrust the ABs could perform, there was disillusion with the way it was being run, there was internal scrapping and bitching. But now look at us. What a distant memory that will all be if they’re winners this weekend. I hope those who wrote Foster off can find it in their hearts to apologise, I hope even the most boisterous of critics will make some sort of verbal recompense in terms of how they treated him. Although I wouldn’t bet on that. Fozzy says they’re playing for the country, which they are, but it’s a country that abandoned him and treated him pretty badly, so for that reason I hope they win Sunday and win big. If they don’t… I shudder to think how awful it will be for them. But we have to remember how far they’ve come, how proud they’ve made us up until now, and that at the end of the day, Ian Foster is a human being who was just doing his job, the very best way he knew how. But if this final match is a loss, unfortunately all of it will mean nothing. Everything rides on Sunday, and getting it done. So I hope for Fozzy's sake, they can. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reports that demand for financial help is growing among employed people and property owners. CoreLogic data shows that despite interest rates doubling over the past two years, mortgagee sales remain below pre-pandemic levels. But it says this is a "fingers crossed scenario" and is dependent on people's ability to keep their jobs and maintain home payments. CoreLogic Chief Property Economist, Kelvin Davidson, told Kate Hawkesby that while it is dependent on other factors, the key one is that basically nobody wants a mortgage. He said it doesn’t help that banks don’t help the borrower, and do things such as switch interest rates, and extend the term of the loan. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The suspect in the latest mass shooting in the United States is still on the run. At least 18 people in the city of Lewiston in the state of Maine are dead, and a further 13 are injured. Police are hunting 40-year-old Robert Card, who is believed to be armed and dangerous. There's a "shelter in place" order for residents and two neighbouring towns. Portland Press Herald lead reporter Marla Hoffman told Hawkesby that these places are small town America, and it's unfathomable to think it's happening there. She says it's broad daylight now and people are very scared and in shock. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are hopes Christmas will bring businesses a cash bounce. The latest Retail NZ sales index —for the third quarter— shows many retailers sat in a holding pattern before the election. 59% reported increasing prices and just 57% felt confident their businesses would survive the next year. Business NZ CEO, Kirk Hope, told Kate Hawkesby that there’s a lot more certainty after the election. He said that there is a very clear pathway for businesses and a lot more clarity around what policy is going to be. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Further concern about the state of Wellington City Council's books as it agrees to a new budget for the Town Hall. The council agreed to approve up to $147-million towards the redevelopment, an expense which could bring the total up to $329-million. The heritage-listed building has been closed to the public for the past decade for quake-strengthening. Wellington Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Simon Arcus worries this could impact rates or other projects. He says they've raised concerns about debt for a long time. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You’ve got to think there’s something very rotten in the state of the public service in this country that they’re carrying on —in some quarters where they know full well they’re getting cancelled— that they’re carrying on hiring people, working on projects, spending money, commissioning work. Why? They’re not going anywhere. Three Waters, light rail, Let’s get Wellington Moving... why are people on these projects persevering when they must know it’s over? They’re gone, surely the spending stops. It’s reckless and wasteful, and smacks of a deluded sense of entitlement that they can carry on in the false belief —or maybe just arrogance— that wasting taxpayers' money on contracts and outlay trumps the reality, which is they’re toast. Give it up. Stop already. Hundreds of thousands of dollars are being spent on things that will be completely irrelevant and non-existent. There is a guy, as we know from yesterday, at Three Waters hiring people. What a waste of time and money. This is another problem with delayed special vote counting and a delayed formation of a government of course. It all takes too long. I was heartened to hear even PM in waiting Chris Luxon saying the process needs to be sped up. The electoral commission —under the previous government— actually extended the special vote count period if you can believe it. To account for those enrolling on the day, they added another week. Madness. So now we wait this crazy three weeks whereby belligerent public service operators carry on with their head in the sand spending money on stuff going nowhere. If the new government had been able to get their feet under the desk sooner, all this would have been stopped by now and the country would not still be haemorrhaging cash on go nowhere projects. People like the Three Waters man would be stopped in their tracks. Luxon said people should have been able to read between the lines by now and those projects stopped. Full stop. Those resources and that money needs to go to other things, he said. He’s incredibly frustrated with the time delay and people like that guy abusing it by hiring and carrying on, wasting our money, says everything you need to know about how the previous government operated and why they lost our trust. Luxon said they can’t stop these projects themselves until they’re officially a government, but he did say he’d have hoped people would read the room and stop. Mark Mitchell said it’s a complete disrespect of taxpayers' money and I agree with that. So how much responsibility should the caretaker government have in all this? Should they be putting this stuff on ice? Why are they allowing a spend up free for all on stuff the incoming government will axe? Megan Woods agreed it seems wasteful but said they’re in caretaker mode. Is that a good enough excuse? She said it’s up to the incoming government to disestablish any programmes, she said it’s not a perfect world but it’s the way it is. It just feels to me that while all the excuses and hot air is getting bandied about, yet more money’s being spent, or should I say wasted. And I think we as taxpayers deserve better. Hopefully a change in direction and a shift in priorities with this new government will refresh outdated attitudes within the public service, and this nose-in-the-trough-to-the-bitter-end mentality, will stop. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's Government has made further public comment on the conflict in Israel and Gaza. Outgoing Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, in consultation with incoming Prime Minister Chris Luxon, has joined international calls for humanitarian corridors in Gaza and designated safe areas. Honorary Consul for Israel, Henri Eliot, told Kate Hawkesby that what's missing is the New Zealand government recognising Hamas as a terrorist organisation. He says the hostages still being held in Gaza aren't being talked about enough. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Dunne is someone I really respect because he’s emerged from a life inside politics to remain an engaged and informed observer on the outside. He makes a lot of sense, which is why I love having him on this show. He recently gave an interview where he talked about the fact we shouldn’t have to wait this long for election results. I agree. I’m sure most of us do. I mean we voted for a system like MMP which is not that clear cut so that parts on us, but surely the mechanism for counting special votes can be sped up. As it stands, special votes have to be sent back to their electorates. That’s your first hold up. Secondly they’re counted manually. They’re also taking all this time to scrutinize the roll, check for any duplication of votes, recount votes... and bear in mind there are around 567 thousand special votes apparently this year. But Peter Dunne says we need to speed it up. He said, “the votes need to be transmitted back to the electorates, they should be counted much more quickly and then those results declared within days.” So days, not weeks, and I agree. Could they do it? An overhaul of how the electoral commission operates would be needed, and I actually think that’s not a bad thing. I mean on the face of it, the electoral commission seems an antiquated cumbersome old system. Too much paperwork, easy vote cards and voting packs having to be sent out to every letterbox, which were in many cases too slow to get out anyway, and as it turns out you don’t even really need them. A wacky rule around when a candidate dies in terms of adding a seat to create a potential overhang and having to go through a costly by election. Crazy. But all of this dilly dallying and waiting three weeks means we wait almost a month after voting to get a government formed. All that time of limbo and nothing happening. All that time of a new government ready to get going and sink their teeth in and make some changes but can’t until it knows what shape it’s taking, and crucially, who’s in it. It actually puts us all back if you think about it. If you factor in that three quarters of the country wanted a change of direction, then that’s three quarters of us stuck going nowhere. Which means the country is going nowhere. I guess the alternatives would have to be soundly tested though – I mean automatic vote counting machines like in the US could be considered dodgy by some, so however the system changed it would have to get buy in. But surely not sending votes back to their electorates would be one easy fix to speed things up. That seems OTT. Because it’s not just getting on with it to appease our curiosity as to what formation the next government will take – ie, with or without Winston, but also what decisions need to be made, what changes are coming. Whether the new government has time to enact much before Christmas. Can they get a new mini budget up? Can they get going on their first 100 days list? Can they push through the reforms they want to push through? Starting a new government about 8 weeks out from Christmas doesn’t leave much time to kick into gear, and as far as I can gather, we’re all pretty keen for change to kick into gear, sooner rather than later. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Concerns that Wellington City Council's financial books aren't in a good state. Castalia was commissioned by a group of locals for an independent analysis of public records, which suggests a one-billion-dollar budget blowout. Group member and Wellington Lawyer, John Swan, told Kate Hawkesby that the council's 'reckless.' He says they've bitten off more than they can financially chew, but concedes that some of it is down to inflation. Council Chief Financial Officer Andrea Reeves says the analysis makes assumptions based on outdated information. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Rotorua Councillor says they'll be more transparent with the public, but some meetings need to be confidential. A Chief Ombudsman review of eight councils has found some have effectively closed workshops to the public for invalid reasons. It followed complaints they were undermining local democracy by making decisions away from the public eye. Rotorua Lakes Councillor Fisher Wang told Kate Hawkesby that the community should also expect the council to be fully informed. He says that means sometimes they have to meet and discuss things behind closed doors when the topic is of a confidential nature. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christopher Luxon's staying tight lipped about coalition discussions. Meanwhile, ACT's David Seymour says he's happy to make the coalition agreement public once it's been struck. Arrangements in 2017 weren't made public by Jacinda Ardern, with the Chief Ombudsman ruling details couldn't be requested under the Official Information Act as it came within her capacity as Labour leader. Former National Health Minister Jonathan Coleman told Kate Hawkesby that historically, it's always happened behind closed doors. He says negotiations are always kept private, and even in retrospect no one really knows what went on and why things were negotiated. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emergency warnings have been issued for people in the way of fast-moving fires in southern Queensland. From today, residents in several towns about 250 kilometres from Brisbane have been urged to leave their homes immediately. Evacuation centres have been set up. Australia correspondent Donna Demaio says one of the fires, which has burned about 200 hectares of land already, is deemed suspicious. She says temperatures will also be hovering around the mid 30's which will make things extra tough. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How good is a long weekend? And is Labour weekend not one of the best? It’s the downhill slide to Christmas, which by the way is just nine Fridays away now. It’s heading into summer, it’s just a vibe. I notice people had an extra spring in their step – the sun was shining, the AB’s won a place in the final, we had two good games of rugby to watch in fact, there just seemed a real buzz over the weekend. I’m sure great weather helps, especially after the winter we’ve had. But I always think Labour weekend signals just how crazy busy the summer season may get if you live anywhere near a tourist hotspot. Where we live rurally is near a thriving wee summer hotspot which attracts huge crowds of people – particularly at weekends, but even more so at public holiday weekends. And it’s a catch 22 for locals. On the one hand you’re thrilled for your local pub and shops and village to get such great business, but on the other hand you can’t even get through the traffic to get a Pub lunch. So, happy for the Pub, sad for us. I bet locals in places like Waiheke, or the Wairarapa, or Raglan, or Kaikoura, or Northland, etc, feel the same way. But it does make me wonder how much small communities are prepared for the summer surges, how much infrastructure is in place to cope with the sudden influx? It would be nice to have some way of expanding facilities or road access at times like this, but the fact it’s so seasonal makes that a bit tricky, doesn’t it? You can’t build a bigger Four Square and have extra through roads, if in reality they’re going to sit empty for the rest of the year. But how good to see business back buzzing and tourists in town. Beaches filling up, surfboards on roofs, boats being towed, cafes overflowing. Even if it means you can’t get lunch at your local Pub because it’s so chocka. We are lucky to have such beautiful surrounds in this country – and especially at a time like this with so much volatility going on around the world, it makes you feel grateful to live in a haven like New Zealand. Yes, there’s a lot wrong in this country right now but we still have free access to beautiful beaches, parks, and hikes. We can get in a car and drive to spectacular scenic vistas that people from other countries would pay big bucks to be able to do. When the world feels tumultuous, somehow our distance from it all, makes us feel safer. Or at least lucky to be so far away. Doesn’t make chaos in other parts of the world any less hard to watch, but it does make us grateful for what we have I reckon. And in rural areas in particular it does feel a million miles away from chaos. But the gateway to the summer season always starts to unlock the crowds, which definitely happened this weekend. It’s not just rurally though, cities are about to be flooded with people too. The cruise ship business says it's preparing for a huge influx of cruisers arriving soon. Which makes you wonder how ready our CBDs are for that too actually. So this weekend was maybe the calm before the real surge starts to pump. How good though, especially if the sun was shining where you were. I reckon sun, an AB’s win, and a change of direction for the country, is a great combo that’s got us all on a bit of a buzz after a long wet tedious winter. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Four years on from the March 15th Christchurch terror attacks, the coronial inquest is beginning today. Coroner Brigette Windley will hear up to eight weeks of evidence. She will determine the cause and circumstances of the 51 deaths and make recommendations to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Herald reporter Anna Leask told Kate Hawkesby that the coroner will look at whether people could've lived if emergency services or hospital staff had done things differently. She says there are a few other questions the families don't feel have been answered, including whether the gunman had help. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The outgoing and incoming governments are blaming the caretaker convention for keeping tight-lipped about the situation in the Middle East. The convention applies when an outgoing administration is preparing to make way for an incoming one. International Geopolitical Analyst Geoffrey Miller told Kate Hawkesby that New Zealand's done the minimum: condemning the Hamas attack, calling for restraint from Israel's response, and funding humanitarian aid. He says beyond that, ministers have been reserved by design because of the caretaker convention. Miller says we're waiting for formation of a new government for a fuller response. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A macroeconomics professor is hitting back at a forecast our economy is on track for a soft-landing. Infometrics has revised its expectations for next year up to 0.9% growth, saying strong migration figures are having an effect. Auckland University Professor Robert MacCulloch told Tim Dower that the report is silly. He questions how they could come out with a line like that when next year the International Monetary Fund ranks our GDP growth at 180 out of 189 countries in the world. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are suggestions that we need to redefine what constitutes a one-in-75 years flood. A new housing development on land which flooded during Auckland's record-breaking January downpours is drawing criticism. AUT construction expert John Tookey told Tim Dower that there's legislative requirements that you have to be able to deal with degrees of flooding. He says if you're in a zone such as this, you need to have design features within the property which reduce the worst effects of a one-in-75 years flood. The site's developer declined to comment. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fresh concerns today about alcohol advertising near schools. Today's Medical Journal reports on a survey around more than 50 Auckland schools, which found each of them had at least one alcohol ad within 500 metres. And it's pointing out there was alcohol advertising close to 63% of low-decile schools. Instinctively, that doesn't sound so good but can we just back up the bus here for a second? One alcohol ad within 500 metres of a school... does that strike you as an end of the world is nigh situation? No, me neither. If it's the only ad for anything in that 500 metre radius and it's as big as a house, maybe that would register but would it send you steaming off to a bottle shop? Did advertising have anything to do with your early choices around drinking? No? Thought not. More likely the influences that steered you towards or even away from a particular product, or from alcohol altogether, were a lot closer to home. Wouldn't it have been your peers, your family, and the way they conducted themselves around alcohol? That's likely where most of us get our early impressions of the pros and cons of alcohol. Most likely where we saw it going a bit awry from time to time. Now obviously advertising works. We know it does. Radio advertising works particularly well, just quietly. And if advertising didn't work at all, businesses wouldn't do it. Advertising for tobacco is maybe a good example. Did you know it's been 60 years since we started banning ads for tobacco on radio and television? But did taking away the ads cause everyone to stop smoking overnight? No. It's taken a lot more work and a lot more regulation than that. I'm not saying advertising doesn't play a part in encouraging people to try different brands. But to jump from seeing a few ads to saying it causes young people to start drinking earlier and even binge drink, that's too much of a leap. And to be honest, when you make wild claims based on small amounts of data you probably do your cause more harm than good. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tomorrow morning brings with it what is set to be an intense match. The semifinals between the All Blacks and Argentina kicks off at 8am. Former All Black and Sky Sports Presenter, Jeff Wilson, told Tim Dower that this tournament was never going to be won in round one. He said once you get to this point of the tournament, the draw doesn’t matter as the teams have nothing to lose. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK Prime Minister has publicly pledged his support for Israel, in Israel. Speaking alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Rishi Sunak says he stands by Israel's right to defend itself in line with international law. He says he also welcomes Netanyahu's decision to allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, and the UK will increase its aid to the region. UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney told Tim Dower that he was echoing the same sentiment of the US, warning them to be cautious about occupating Gaza. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dire scenes in the Middle East. At least 500 people have been killed in an airstrike of a Gaza Hospital. Hamas says it was caused by an Israeli strike, while Israel claims a rocket from a militant Palestinian group falling short is responsible. Jacqui Southey, Research Director at Save the Children, told Kate Hawkesby that the humanitarian situation is becoming dire. She said that food, water, and medical supplies are running out, but it’s impossible to get aid in without a ceasefire. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I want to thank Auckland airport shareholders for being vocal on the state of Auckland airport. They got grumpy and got into it with the airport at the annual meeting this week. And it's not before time. Issues with delays, queues, bags, lack of service, lack of staff, have been going on far too long and too many travellers have already suffered needlessly. The worst time I think was when the airport CEO came out and said 'it's complex'. Well, that's running an airport, isn't it? Of course it's complex, yet airports all over the world, in countries all over the world, way busier and bigger than us manage to do it every day. So why can't we? So frustrated shareholders apparently grilled the airport over all the problems, for which the airport and biosecurity officials apologised. But is an apology enough? I'd say no - what we need is action, we need it turned around, we need it fixed. It was reported that 'one shareholder hit out at the airport's inconsistency in service.' They'd called the airport 'an absolute zoo'. Another called it 'an absolute shambles,' and the lack of help, 'disgusting'. But in acknowledging the problems and saying they're unacceptable and apologising for them, the airport's still not actually fixing them, are they? I notice whenever we challenge the airport on all these issues and their lack of any decent service, they all run for the hills pointing the finger at each other. 'Oh it's not us it's them. It's not customs, it's bio security, it's not baggage, it's the bridge guys, it's not our fault it's the airlines fault.' And yes there are a lot of moving parts - airlines, ground handlers, customs, bio security, and so on... but why can't they cohesively all be overseen in a way that functions? It's not like we haven't had a functioning airport before, so why can't we have it again? What's wrong? What's changed? No one seems to want to be honest enough to say what it is - or bother pinpointing what the problem is. I'd hazard a guess it's lack of staff, lack of qualified or decent staff, lack of systems, lack of good management. All of those things can be fixed, but to do that you have to be honest about identifying the problems, and you have to want to fix them. Running around pointing fingers blaming different departments is not going to cut it. And as for the airport blaming flight delays, I mean that's just BS quite frankly. Flight delays are nothing new. Airports have dealt with flight delays for as long as planes have been flying. They say their rosters can't cope if the flight changes, then hire more people. Work the rosters in a less regimented fashion. Stop operating on some rigid intransigent unionised schedule. Be flexible - work with all the moving parts you've got. You can't argue it's a place of so many moving parts and then fix it with rigid rostering. So I'm not sure how this gets sorted if the powers that be won't actually work with what the problems really are, and try to address them honestly, and with real intent to actually make it better. And maybe that's the crux of it - are the 'powers that be' actually just the wrong people for the job? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hollywood actor Alec Baldwin may be re-charged over the shooting of his colleague on the movie set Rust. Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed during rehearsal in 2021, after the gun Baldwin was handling went off. US correspondent Mitch McCann told Kate Hawkesby that special prosecutors dropped the involuntary manslaughter charges five months ago, because the gun might have been modified and malfunctioned. He says since then, they've reportedly received new analysis of the weapon, which could lead to new charges in the coming weeks. Baldwin's lawyers are calling this a misguided prosecution. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AA’s view is that the employment market has tipped back in favour of employers. Seek data shows the number of job ads fell 2% in September. Frog Recruitment Managing Director Shannon Barlow says workers are better off than pre-covid, with wage increases coming through and more flexible working conditions. She told Kate Hawkesby that now with fewer jobs around, employees may be less choosy. Barlow says they may not push as hard for more benefits. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A social media expert says imposing a fee on users to verify their accounts is a smart move. In a bid to combat bots and scammers, X —formally Twitter— is creating a $1 annual fee for new, unverified users, starting with New Zealand and the Philippines. Social media commentator Vaughn Davis told Kate Hawkesby that it means credit card companies will have to verify who's real and who's not. He says requiring someone to pay just one dollar, the burden will be on the bank to figure out who's real and the social media platform won't have to jump through those hoops. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two things that have come to light out of the weekend that I think shed a real insight into how shallow we are as a country. And don't worry I include myself in this, I’m as shallow as the best of them, and in fact I was front row for both of these sideshows. One, whose Toni? And two, Luxon’s wife’s arms. I mean when Chippy said he wanted to thank a new special person in his life and then went on to announce a new partner by the name of Toni, I almost fell off my chair. Mic drop moment. Was this the outgoing PM coming out? Would someone so intent on family privacy be doing this now? On election night? During his concession speech? Inviting the whole of NZ into his private life? I wondered if it was just me frantically googling Toni, but then I saw a story saying Google searches for Toni spiked Saturday night – so fess up, come on, we were all doing it. Not that there’s anything wrong with him having a new partner of course, just that it was odd he would announce a marriage break up a year ago and ask for us all to stay out of his private life, and then to an enormous audience invite us all back into his private life. And although I’m very happy for him to have a new love in his life, I also wonder how much of a distraction that was during the year given how often he turned up unprepared for interviews and hadn’t read or seen any media. So maybe that explains something. But all the best to him of course. Which brings me to shallow obsession of this country number 2: Amanda Luxon’s arms. Given the interest in her unbelievably toned and spectacular biceps, Luxon was asked to explain it. (Of course he was). To which he told media she’s always had biceps, just no one’s ever noticed them before. Imagine the day after you win an election, one of the things you have to explain is your wife’s biceps. But here we are. Maybe we’re all desperate for some light relief? Maybe we all just genuinely want the inside scoop on how to have arms like she does? He said she’s fit, runs every day, is a go getter. We also heard she’s a former ballet dancer, and the ballet dancers tell me once a ballet figure, always a ballet figure, so that’s a good advertisement for ballet. But Luxon said she helped him with his exercise and diet regime during the campaign, which was apparent actually, given he lost weight and seemed to gain energy throughout. You know what they say, behind every great man... I feel like we all need an Amanda Luxon at home telling us what to eat and how to exercise, and maybe she could share arm workout tips too? So aside from a new government, we got new goss didn’t we? Chippy’s new partner, and Luxon’s super fit one. Hopefully for both of them, that’s it and we’ve had our moment of fascination and they can go back to being behind the scenes which is obviously where they prefer to be. But we just needed some light relief, didn't we? The campaign was too long, the election night was long, and now coalition negotiations could be long too. Is it any wonder small distractions —albeit yes, shallow ones— are grabbing us right now? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Joe Biden will head to Israel tomorrow, hoping to prevent a regional war. Otago University international relations expert Robert Patman told Kate Hawkesby that Biden is taking a calculated risk should the conflict escalate. He says the purpose of Biden's visit is to express solidarity with Israel and open up a humanitarian corridor. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Security has been ramped up in parts of Europe after a suspected terror attack in Belgium. Two Swedish football fans were shot dead near the stadium hosting a Euro 2024 qualifying match. The Tunisian man who claimed responsibility has been killed by authorities in a Brussels Cafe. He'd identified himself as a member of the Islamic State. Europe correspondent Gavin Grey told Kate Hawkesby that those hosting games are staying on high alert. He says security has been tightened for the England-Italy game at London's Wembley Stadium, as well as the upcoming France and Scotland match in Lille. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A small business advocate says companies are still feeling the pinch despite lowering inflation. The inflation rate in the year to September was 5.6%, lower than the 6% in the year to June. Small Business Voice NZ Chief Executive Max Whitehead says while he's optimistic for the future, that lower rate isn't being reflected in many's experience. He told Kate Hawkesby that there isn't the confidence at the moment for businesses to reinvest in themselves. Whitehead says they're reluctant to put money into things like machines which can improve productivity. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are hopes that the new speed cameras being installed in Auckland will change driver behaviour. They measure the average speed a vehicle travels between two cameras and will only ticket drivers if the average speed between them is over the limit. Research shows they can reduce road injuries or fatalities by more than 50%. Driving safety instructor Tony Williams told Kate Hawkesby that the sophisticated cameras are likely to have an astronomical cost. The cameras are being installed at Matakana, Dairy Flat, Redvale, Whitford, Karaka, and Glenbrook, with testing starting in December. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

‘Jacinda was prepared to sell her grandmother”.. read the headline yesterday. A statement made by Ron Mark when interviewed about how coalition negotiations have gone in the past with NZ First. Unfortunately, he went on to say in the article that not only was she ready to sell her grandmother, but she did. Ouch. What an indictment on an already unpopular leader. But it should serve as a warning to Luxon and co as they head into the rocky, murky waters, that is the negotiation of coalition deals. Hopefully they don’t feel they need to sell the grandparents. Two other things to bear in mind: one, Winston’s’ a wily old dog, and two, Luxon is new to this politics game. I hope he’s flanked by enough political savvy to keep him from trying to flog the family jewels, but then again, he may not even need Winston. All the talk of the specials leaning left I don’t buy this time round. Remember, a lot of those specials are overseas voters – the very ones who got locked out, pinged in MIQ, missed funerals for loved ones, or scarpered overseas post the lockdowns, in disgust with where our country was going. The brain drainers... how do you reckon they’re voting? Yes, the specials tend to lean left – as they have in the past, but this time round is different. This time who's to say they won’t go the way the rest of the votes have gone, a punishment for Labour? The Greens of course always pick up all the student votes, and they may pick up those disgruntled Labour voters who can’t bring themselves to vote for National – but we wait, we watch, we hope for the best. And when I say the best, I genuinely believe a two-party government beats a three-party one, purely because there are less moving parts. I said this before the election and I still believe it. And no, it’s not because I hate Winston, as some texters have accused me, I just don’t believe he adds value. He has pet projects he obsesses with: racing, provincial growth fund, superannuitants, but outside of that he seems to not really care. He's a lot of noise and grandstanding, not a lot of action. Although super gold card holders will disagree, they probably think he's the messiah. I’m just not sure NZ First voters this time will get what they wanted or hoped for, out of their vote for him – especially if he’s not even in government. So a tricky time of negotiations ahead and I’m not sure how over it we all are in terms of being happy not to hear about any politics for 3 weeks while they sort it out, or desperate to be across every aspect as they go. I mean when Luxon says we’re not negotiating it through the media, that’s fair enough and I believe that’s his wish. But what if ACT or NZ First – if they’re involved, think differently? You’d like to think that with so much rhetoric around the grownups being back in charge, that they would actually all act like grownups, but we’ll see. The temptation to use the media will loom large for anyone feeling disgruntled, but it will be a particular irony if that’s Winston given he’s so adept at shunning them and talking them down all the time. But you just know that if anyone's going to loop them in, leak, and play a negotiating game including them, it will be him. Oh the irony. So a long three weeks ahead? Or we just don’t care? Let me know what you think. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour MPs are set to realise the magnitude of their election loss today. The party is set to farewell a large number of outgoing MPs at their first caucus meeting this morning. Former Labour MP and Political Commentator, Peter Dunne, recalled what it was like in 1990 when the party had a big election loss. He says the big shock was when the new caucus met and they realised how few of them were left. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inflation is likely to be back on the rise as motorists continue to pay more at the pump. Stats NZ will release its latest inflation figures at 10.45am. Infometrics Chief Forecaster Gareth Kiernan expects inflation in the year to September to reach 6.2%, up from 6% in the year to June. He told Kate Hawkesby that global events and the removal of the fuel subsidy are pushing up fuel prices, but National's plans to reduce government spending could reduce inflationary pressure. Kiernan says it will take time for any cuts of departmental spending to show up in our inflation figures. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A whirlwind trip to Israel could be on the cards for US President Joe Biden. The death toll in Israel has surpassed 1,400, while Gaza has reported more than 2,700 hundred casualties. The planned trip comes after Biden said in an interview that an Israeli occupation of Gaza would be a huge mistake. Washington Post reporter Yasmeen Abutaleb told Kate Hawkesby that it's the first time he's drawn a limit on what he'd endorse from Israel's response. She says Biden has said previously Israel has a duty to respond overwhelmingly to Hamas' attacks. Meanwhile, MFAT says around 50 New Zealanders are understood to still be in Israel, with 20 registered in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The number of people who expect house prices to continue to fall is dropping. The ASB Housing Confidence Survey shows 8% believe that, down from 34% last quarter. More people think now's a good time to buy but there's still a split. Aucklanders are the most confident house prices will increase. ASB economist Nathaniel Keall says it suggests the market's at a turning point. He says people still think prices will fall further and interest rates will rise, but the number is far less than even a few months ago. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gazans are being urged to evacuate south as Israel prepares for ground operations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to "demolish Hamas" after their deadly rampage through Israeli border towns. Israel has unleashed a ferocious bombing campaign on Gaza in retaliation for the attacks that killed some 1300 Israelis, mostly civilians. Gaza authorities say more than two thousand 200 people have been killed there, a quarter of them children. European Correspondent, Gavin Grey, told Kate Hawkesby that it's become increasingly difficult to get foreign nationals out of the country. He said that the UK’s foreign secretary is working to secure the opening of the Egyptian border for a short time in an effort to get British nationals out. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.