Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

ACC is being told it needs to urgently change how it operates. It's been sent an open letter from the Green party and 27 other organisations. It comes after it was revealed more than a dozen employees were sharing and mocking people's injury details on a Snapchat group. It also outlines huge work backlog issues and client battles. It cites major privacy breaches, massive workloads and long-standing client battles. Victims' advocate Ruth Money told Kate Hawkesby until now concerns have fallen on deaf ears. She says the media has been trying to shine a light on it for years. “Finally, we’re getting a bit of traction but, it’s too little too late. Hopefully it’s the pressure that makes the diamond.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A group representing working parents want more assurances their children will be safe at school. Primary and intermediate schools in level three areas are being told to prepare to re-open on November 15, but that date's not set in stone. Children would attend on different days and there would be outdoor classes. Working parent advocate Emma McLean told Kate Hawkesby parents are already trying to juggle work and home-schooling and the decision just creates more uncertainty. “We want to be able to trust the decisions that our schools and Government are making and if we can, that’s really going to make our load lighter.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Widespread reaction to the Government's decision to go ahead with its controversial three water reforms. Water New Zealand says there are big challenges facing the sector, and these reforms address that. Chief Executive Gillian Blythe told Kate Hawkesby about 30 options were considered. “This one is going to enable the unlocking of barriers that have contributed to this infrastructure deficit.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A senior marketing lecturer sees mandatory vaccinations as a good P.R move. The Government is requiring 40 per cent of our workforce to be vaccinated. Staff will have to be vaccinated at any business that requires vaccine certificates. Auckland University marketing expert Bodo Lang told Kate Hawkesby the vast majority of Kiwis have done the right thing and got the jab. He says now they're just waiting on a few others to do the same. “I think the vast majority of New Zealanders will be viewing this very positively.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I’m not sure the return to school yesterday for seniors in level three will be the super spreader event people like Rod Jackson were ‘freaking out’ about. I guess time will tell on that one. But what I do know from talking to some students who went back yesterday, was that it was stressful for all concerned. I’m not sure what’s more stressful at this point: online at-home-learning, or heading back into school after so long. There are parents in both camps as well as students of course; some nervous they’ve gone back, some grateful. What I did learn yesterday from returning students, is that there’s a lot of stress from feeling so behind on school work – and worry about how to catch that up in time for exams. The big talking point at school of course is Covid, and the stress around what that means for them, whether their exams will happen or not, how they might happen, and what the rest of the term looks like. That’s something we can all identify with, really. No one really knows what the rest of our year looks like. I’m not sure at this point that even the Government does. Teachers, I heard, were very negative about the return - most of them saying at one school that they didn’t want to be there. They’re worried they’ll catch Covid and potentially pass it on to younger children of their own at home. That’s a valid concern. Students, while happy to be back with their friends, were of course finding the social distancing tough. And by tough, I mean, non-existent. Masks, though mandatory, I hear were hard to keep on all day as it was so muggy and humid in Auckland yesterday that most found it too hard and hot to breathe. So, masks were off a lot, and that’s what I hear from many level two schools that are back as well in other parts of the country; the mask thing is non-existent. It’s classic theory versus reality. So, what’s more stressful for teachers and students right now? Being at school with strict rules which are being loosely interpreted and, in some cases, not followed at all? Running the gauntlet of a large-scale environment with some vaxxed, some not? Or staying home doing sub-par learning in an online environment? We know that 15 percent of Auckland schools said no thanks to heading back into class yesterday and it’ll be interesting to see how long they keep up that stance. It’s a tough call and one the Government's making right now for younger students. And based on the concerns so far around seniors going back, I can only imagine even stronger reactions are on the cards, when it’s the turn of juniors.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Queen will no longer attend the Cop 26 climate summit in Glasgow next week, following her visit to hospital last week. Buckingham Palace says she's been advised to rest and carry out light duties. The 95-year-old will still contribute to the summit, delivering an address to the assembled delegates via a recorded message from Windsor Castle. UK correspondent Gavin Grey told Kate Hawkesby it comes as concerns grow about her health and workload. “Lots of people are now going to be intensely reviewing how she looks and what she’s doing and how many royal engagements she should be trying to do.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A glimmer of hope for Kiwis stranded overseas because they can't get a spot in managed isolation. The Government's making a major announcement about changes to the MIQ system today. Shorter MIQ stays for returnees, home quarantine, and possibly no quarantine from safe countries could be in the mix. Travel technology consultant Mike Moore told Kate Hawkesby home quarantine has been used successfully in countries like Taiwan, by using things like apps and phone calls. He said reducing MIQ from 14 to seven days is one of the things mooted. “That actually only increases the number of people you let into the country from 350 to 700 a day so that’s still massively massively short of demand.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Confusion continues on vaccination rules for players at the Australian Open. Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio told Kate Hawkesby a leaked email from the Women's Tennis Association said that unvaccinated players would be allowed to enter Australia and asked the information to be kept private until the government makes a public announcement. This comes after Victoria state Premier Daniel Andrews said, last week, that tennis players who haven't received a COVID-19 vaccination are unlikely to get a visa to enter the country for the Australian Open in Melbourne in January.This risks men's No. 1, Novak Djokovic, not being able to take part as he refuses to disclose his vaccination status.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s hard not to feel disillusioned this week - struggling to understand this new traffic light system. It feels like we’re being asked to reach an unrealistic goal by an ambitious PM who wants to score some points. And in achieving that goal, what do we get for it? A red light. As we’ve been told many times by this government, Delta didn’t come with a roadmap. That’s actually not true in our case. The roadmap was rolling out in front of us. We had months to watch it unfold in other parts of the world. And in that time, we should’ve readied our healthcare system, our ICU, our nursing capacity, our testing and tracing abilities. But we didn’t. We bragged about Six 60 concerts and how we didn't need to rush the vaccine rollout instead. We put millions into designing a now cancelled bike bridge, money for school lunches, University buildings; stuff that wasn’t as important as money to ready ourselves for the inevitable. And then when Delta did arrive, instead of asking for roadside assistance or seeking help from the private sector - who by the way desperately wanted to help, the government only got more entrenched in its own Wellington based echo chamber. It still won’t acknowledge or admit it got anything wrong. It still won’t justify how, with its hell-bent elimination strategy, we got locked down at level 4, then 3, only to have now over a thousand cases in the community. The collateral damage of being guinea pigs for an ideologically driven government wanting to pursue “world beating” outcomes, has been well canvassed. But aside from giving the PM some impetus in her eventual path to the UN or whatever international badges she’s pursuing, it’s leaving those of us they purport to represent, with a scarred, debt laden economy, broken businesses, a mental health epidemic far greater than the one they inherited and allegedly so badly wanted to fix. The greatest irony of course is there is no equity here in this approach they’re labelling the ‘most equitable’. Equitable for who? For the Aucklanders who did as they asked and got vaccinated, stayed home and abided the rules? It's disingenuous to hide behind a cloak of equitability while holding underwater businesses, elderly, the alone, the dying, the desperate to return home, the teenagers, the young parents, and just the Joe-average Aucklander who's tuned in daily, paid attention, taken heed, complied with restrictions, made sacrifices, swallowed vaccine doubts and done what’s been asked? This is not equitable. It’s unjust to the majority. It’s handing the power to the few. The one percent who won’t, can’t, or don’t want to vaccinate. It’s handing our freedoms to them. Putting it in their hands, to absolve the government of any blame. So, the unvaxxed get to decide when we, the obedient majority, get our freedoms back. How is that fair?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research suggests three quarters of Kiwis have used video games to connect with their children during the pandemic. That's according to a new report by the Interactive Games & Entertainment Association and Bond University in Australia. Nearly 60 percent of parents say their children’s schools are using video games as another way to teach. Let's Play Live director Duane Mutu told Kate Hawkesby parents should jump in and have a turn with their kids on games- like Fortnite, for example. “Understand what they’re doing. Being able to jump in and understand that language, being able to talk to them is very very good.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is keeping a close eye on vaccination rates in every DHB, as it prepares to transition the country to a new "traffic light" system of covid restrictions. Auckland will move to the new system once all three of its DHBs have hit the 90-percent vaccination target. The rest of the country is also set to move to the system, once 90-percent of the eligible population in each DHB area has received both of their Covid jabs. But Associate Health Minister Peeni Henare told Kate Hawkesby everything will be up for review at Cabinet every week leading up to a major review in late November. “We’re pushing our hardest for getting the highest vaccination rate.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We got a strong sense yesterday of the reaction to school going back for seniors currently languishing in Level 3, and how it’s gone down with teachers. The PPTA, as we know, was furious - they didn’t mince their words. They said the government had abandoned it’s ‘abundance of caution’ approach and moved to a “reckless disregard for consequences in the blink of an eyelid.” Teachers themselves had mixed reactions – some worried about having to teach students both online and in person – the increased workload associated with that, increased risk of exposure to Covid from any unvaccinated students. Could it be some kind of super spreader event, some wondered. Parents were in the same camp. Some relieved, some anxious. Students, likewise, were split – some thrilled to go back, others saying it’s too soon. And sure enough, yesterday we learn not all schools are going to follow the Ministry's instructions and open back up. Some are opting to just keep exams online for seniors, as was already in train. I can't work out if that's because teachers said ‘nope, not happening’, or schools just literally weren't prepared; given the government didn't consult with them on it - or whether it's because parents complained, or that schools just feel with more than a hundred cases in the community, it's too soon. I have sympathy for them to the extent that it would've been a bit of an experiment. With unknown vaccination levels inside schools still, who'd want to inadvertently end up a super-spreader event? While the National Party will tell you it’s imperative everyone gets back into the classroom quick sticks for learning, for many students, it's about so much more than that, isn’t it? School is community. It’s their friendship group, their mentors, their peer support, for some it’s even their regular food supply as we heard yesterday from a South Auckland Principal. But for all those arguing that kids need to get back to class for socialisation and learning, is that honestly what they’re going to get in this climate, at Level 3? Last time they went back to school after lockdown, they got paranoid teachers desperate to play catch up, phobic about germs and rules and sanitising and keeping kids distanced from their classmates. This constant patrolling made teachers stressed and grumpy. There’s also the theory versus reality part of it. In theory, everyone will be wearing a mask but, the reality from other schools around the country who’re already back, is that mask wearing got ditched fairly early on and enforcement is nigh on impossible without teachers having eyes in the back of their head. Friends told to stay apart just found other places to hang out together away from teachers. So given the amount of angst, stress and pressure on teachers and students to go back to school in a Level Three environment, I can see why some have said, no thanks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Human rights activists have disrupted the flame lighting ceremony for the Winter Olympics. This was in protest to China hosting the games. The activists are calling for countries and athletes to boycott the games due to human rights abuses in China. At the same time, British diver Tom Daly is asking IOC to ban countries from competing where being gay is punishable by death. Deputy Head of Sport and Events Management at Bournemouth University Dr Keith Parry told Kate Hawkesby so long as the IOC are not being punished in a financial sense, we can expect to see them continue to claim political neutrality. “It’s always going to be political.” He says “We have seen the greater presence of activism from athletes because they have got more power these days.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hopes today's announcement on the Covid protection framework will signal when the South Island can move out of Level Two. Canterbury Chamber of Commerce CEO Leanne Watson told Kate Hawkesby the south may have no cases of Covid - but that doesn't mean it's not struggling. She says businesses and people in general are frustrated that there’s just no recognition. “Businesses just want clarity. It will provide that sense of hope and will be a real incentive to people, particularly those who are not vaccinated yet.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tamaki’s are once again defending their right to protest. Bishop Brian Tamaki appeared in court this week for failing to comply with a Level Three order and breaching his bail conditions. He has attended and helped organise two lockdown protests and violated his bail conditions by attending another protest on October 16. Wife Hannah Tamaki told Kate Hawkesby he fully understands he could go to jail. “I don’t think he deliberately wants to break the law but, he’s gonna tip-toe up to the line and shout over to the other side: People, make the choices that are right for you.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you finding these days that your patience is wearing thin? When it comes to morons, mine is. When I read yesterday that people were gathering and chanting outside the Henderson Police Station wearing "Freedom NZ" masks, and revving their motorbikes after Brian Tamaki’s arrest, it felt like the world had officially gone mad. Worse yet, Tamaki’s wife Hannah was live streaming the whole thing to Facebook. And as the crowd chants - God only knows what they were chanting - she allegedly says, “I hope my hunny comes home tonight". Give me strength. How have I not taken alcohol back up? Are you serious? “Hunny” unfortunately broke his bail conditions by attending a second Freedom Rally protest. Hunny also claimed he’d gotten off his first arrest and avoided charges. Hunny appears to think he’s above the law, certainly above the Public Health Act Order. Hunny seems to generate a crowd. Not to sound too alarmist Hannah, but Delta’s on babes. This is Level 3, and these are blatant breaches of the rules. And are we not just getting a bit sick and tired of people breaching the rules? Do we not all want our freedom and normality back? But newsflash – we’re not going to get it by chanting, gathering in crowds and protesting in parks. I mean, I feel for their plight, I really do. They’ve been reported as anti-vaxxers when I think they’re just pro-choice 'freedom crusaders' and look, we all want freedom. But our ticket out of this is actually just to vaccinate, and stay away from others and big groups. You can actually dislike the government, not like the way this response is being handled, be bummed that we all have to go and stick needles in our arms, and yet still get vaccinated. You can actually think and do all of those things at the same time. Trust me, I have. None of this is fun, none of this is – excuse the irony – a picnic, but it’s the best we have. It’s the only way, as evidenced everywhere else in the world. I get that ‘hunny’ might be missing the limelight and that Bishop status is a top dog vibe that has to be constantly reinforced by seeming to look powerful. But this ain’t it. There are more helpful ways the preaching could be going down these days. Especially to those key demographics among Destiny Church like young people and Maori. I mean, this could be a powerful opportunity to lead by example on responsible behaviours that show compassion and care for your fellow man. But that probably wouldn’t garner as much media attention. So when Hannah said she wanted 'hunny' home tonight, she spoke for all of us. We’d like him home too Hannah, and preferably to just stay there.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The future of business travel, and what it will look like post-pandemic will be discussed today. Flight Centre are holding their corporate travel event Illuminate. It coincides with the launch of the government's self-isolation pilot for business travellers, with 150 people confirmed for the trial. Flight Centre Travel Group's Head of Customer Engagement Andy Jack told Kate Hawkesby the pilot is a welcome first step in right direction. “We’re no stranger now to isolating. It’s probably the longer-term solution but it isn’t the absolute solution for regular overseas travellers who travel more for days rather than weeks.” Jack says they saw travel bounce back ahead of this lockdown and domestic travel levels overtake pre-Covid levels. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks have a supporter in the US House of Representatives with a congressman welcoming the "legendary" team to America ahead of their clash against the USA Eagles this weekend. Speaking next to a picture of the All Blacks haka, Republican congressman Alex Mooney, who is co-chair of the congressional rugby caucus, said the All Blacks are "the world's most famous rugby club" and their visit to Washington DC could be an "important barometer" for America to host the Rugby World Cup in the future. "I'm excited to see the legendary New Zealand All Blacks take the pitch against the USA national men's rugby team when they face off this Saturday October 23rd (Sunday NZT)," Mooney said in an address to the House of Representatives. "We hope to pack FedEx Field here in DC. The All Blacks of New Zealand are the world's most famous rugby club. They strike fear in their opponents with their world-famous traditional pre-game war dance called the haka." I am proud to join with my Congressional Rugby Caucus Co-Chair @EleanorNorton to welcome the New Zealand @AllBlacks & @USARugby to FedEx Field on Saturday. Sports are an important part of our society, where Americans put partisan politics aside. #Rugby #USARugby pic.twitter.com/2Mg3a2GwMd— Rep. Alex Mooney (@RepAlexMooney) October 19, 2021 Mooney said rugby is a growing sport in the US and the All Blacks' upcoming clash against the Eagles could be the first step in showing off America's credentials for hosting a World Cup in the future. "Men and women's rugby are fast-growing sports in America and give us all a chance to put partisan politics aside," he said. "That's why bringing an international event of this magnitude to the DC area is a tremendous accomplishment USA Rugby, Events DC and Leftfield Live. The match is an important barometer for the ability to host future world class events including the Rugby World Cup." Mooney, who chairs the congressional rugby caucus alongside Democrat congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, played rugby in university and fell in love with the sport. The All Blacks take on the USA on Sunday at 8.30am before heading to Europe for matches against Wales, Italy, Ireland and France.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some changes could be on the way for the Catholic Church. Pope Francis has announced a two-year consultation process that aims to reform the Church. Called "Synod" the aim is to consult every Catholic parish and bishop around the world on the future direction of the Church. Assistant Catholic Bishop of Auckland Bishop Michael Gielen told Kate Hawkesby the Pope wants everyone to have their voices heard. “We're going to approach this in complete openness. We’re called to listen.” Bishop Gielen says change is always hard for an ancient historical community but the Church is up for it. “We haven’t always got everything right in the past and we have to listen.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senior students in level three regions get to go back to school from Tuesday, but for years one to 10, no such luck. Education Minister Chris Hipkins says those students might not return to school until 2022. And if they do, Hipkins says some options being considered to make it work are rostered attendance, and learning outdoors in the warmer months. Principal of Rowandale Primary School in Manurewa, Karl Vasau said it’s not as simple as just getting kids back in the classroom. “Sometimes we think, goodness me, let’s get them back to school, let’s make it safe, but sometimes Kate, getting them back to school just won’t work.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As if this week’s not tough enough and we’re not rarked up enough already, now they want to carve up heritage houses for more development. A new bill aims to force councils to allow more dense housing. The "new intensification rules will allow buildings of up to three storeys on most sites in cities without any need for resource consent from August 2022,” we read yesterday. This is basically a green light to development and a way of addressing housing supply. Councils have previously made access to land difficult; this turns the tables. It takes more power off Councils and reduces impediments to progress, and that’s no bad thing. What might be ruffling the feathers of the latte set however, is whether this snazzy new drive for development winds up on their front door step. A South Auckland Councillor has said that it needs to include wealthier suburbs too. So those sitting pretty in a 200-year-old villa in Remuera, or Kelburn or Fendalton may well be looking down the barrel of a 3-storey development going up next door. In some areas it's up to 6 storeys. How palatable will be this be for them? I can tell you it’ll go down like a cup of cold sick. Low density houses in suburbs in metropolitan areas are already feeling the squeeze with infill housing and developments like apartment complexes springing up around them. A green light to more of it will have people worried. I get both sides of the argument, on the one hand we need more housing, no question, and we need it to happen quickly. But on the other hand, who’s overseeing whether quiet neighbourhoods will turn into bustling ugly concrete jungles? Threats to remove heritage overlays or to reclassify them risks losing, not just the history of suburban areas, but also the architecture, cityscape, urban landscape and design aesthetic. If sprawling bungalows lovingly maintained in Merivale or Mt Albert or Maori Hill suddenly have to make way for 3 or 6-storey-high concrete apartment buildings, then what does that do to the value of an area? Will this devalue already established homes? Will there be a flight to certain areas, thus rearranging the whole current make-up of suburbs? Or will value of the ancient villa on a one-thousand-square-metre lot actually go through the roof because they’ll soon be like hens teeth? And how much is it costing to throw your 3-storeys up on land in wealthier low-density suburbs anyway? Where, by the time you’re done, the price of the finished development will be out of reach of any first home buyer. Will this pump the market up? Or pump on the brakes? I imagine it's a gamble that'll have heritage home owners feeling a little uneasy this morning.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life has returned to normal for millions in Britain since coronavirus restrictions were lifted over the summer. But while the rules have vanished, the virus hasn't. Many scientists are now calling on the government to reimpose social restrictions and speed up booster vaccinations as coronavirus infection rates, already Europe's highest, rise still further. The UK recorded 43,738 new Covid-19 cases on Tuesday, slightly down from the 49,156 reported Monday, which was the largest number since mid-July. New infections have averaged more than 44,000 a day over the past week, a 16 per cent increase on the week before. Last week, the Office for National Statistics estimated that one in 60 people in England had the virus, one of the highest levels seen in Britain during the pandemic. A man wears a face mask as he walks in Piccadilly Circus, in London. Photo / Alberto Pezzali, AP In July, Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government lifted all the legal restrictions that had been imposed more than a year earlier to slow the spread of the virus, including face coverings indoors and social distancing rules. Nightclubs and other crowded venues were allowed to open at full capacity, and people were no longer advised to work from home if they could. Some modellers feared a big spike in cases after the opening-up. That didn't occur, but infections remained high, and recently have begun to increase — especially among children, who largely remain unvaccinated. Also rising are hospitalisations and deaths, which have averaged 130 a day over the past week, with 223 reported Tuesday alone. That is far lower than when cases were last this high, before much of the population was vaccinated, but still too high, critics of the government say. Britain has recorded more than 138,000 coronavirus deaths, the highest total in Europe after Russia. People sit at the bottom of a column in the area of Covent Garden. Photo / Alberto Pezzali, AP Against that backdrop, some feel Britons have been too quick to return to pre-pandemic behaviour. Masks and social distancing have all but vanished in most settings in England, including schools, though Scotland and other parts of the UK remain a bit more strict. Even in shops, where masks are recommended, and on the London transit network, where they are mandatory, adherence is patchy. A plan to require proof of vaccination to attend nightclubs, concerts and other mass events in England was dropped by the Conservative government amid opposition from lawmakers, though Scotland introduced a vaccine pass programme this month. Some scientists say a bigger factor is waning immunity. Britain's vaccination programme got off to a quick start, with shots given to the elderly and vulnerable beginning in December 2020, and so far almost 80 per cent of eligible people have received two doses. The early start means millions of people have been vaccinated for more than six months, and studies have suggested vaccines' protection gradually wanes over time. Millions of people in Britain are being offered booster shots, but critics say the programme is moving too slowly, at about 180,000 doses a day. More than half of the people eligible for a booster dose haven't yet received one. The UK also waited longer than the US and many European nations to vaccinate children ages 12-15, and only about 15 per cent in that age group in England have had a shot since they became eligible last month. "It's critical we accelerate the booster programme," said epidemiologist Neil Ferguson, a member of the government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies. Ferguson said one factor influencing the UK's high case numbers was that it has relied heavily on the AstraZeneca vaccine, "and, while that protects very well against very severe outcomes of Covid, it protects slightly less well than Pfizer against infection and transmission, particularly in the...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prison staff have been taken by surprise by the Government’s move to include them in mandatory vaccination. All staff working in New Zealand prisons now need to get their first dose by October 30 and both doses by December 1. Corrections Association Acting President Floyd du Plessis told Kate Hawkesby the news has come as a shock to members. He says they understand it was decided by Cabinet on Monday, but they're disappointed it wasn't announced sooner to help get things rolling. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new bill designed to cut red tape and allow more intensification in housing construction could be pointless if practical aspects aren’t taken into account. Labour and National have joined forces on the rules, which will allow up to three homes of up to three storeys built on most sites, without resource consent. AUT construction expert John Tookey told Kate Hawkesby it could help those wanting to get on the property ladder. But he’s raised questions over whether there are enough builders or materials to construct all the houses being promised. About 105-thousand extra homes are expected to be built in the next five to eight years. Tookey says it has to be twinned up with capacity growth initiatives, such as skills training or a revised Ministry of Works. “Somebody somewhere needs to start thinking more collectively about capacity because opportunity without capacity is meaningless.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Financial hardship thanks to lockdown means more people are trying to get their Kiwisaver funds out earlier. Budgeting advisers say there's been a 25 to 40 per cent increase in the number of payouts being approved. That means an increase in rejected applications that they don't quite meet the hardship standard - and this is proving tough for some to hear. Financial Services Complaints CEO, Susan Taylor told Kate Hawkesby they have noticed increased demand for their services."We’ve had about a five to ten percent increase, just in the last few months, which we see as a bit of a trend happening.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You knew when the PM started selling the idea that we should be so grateful not to be going into level 4, that the mind games were on, and she was going to make Level 3 sound like a picnic. And picnics as it turns out, is all we got. Two more weeks of them. I could not have called this more wrong. Yesterday, I optimistically said they’d definitely free up some restrictions. I thought a zoo or a museum or the odd library may get thrown a bone. How wrong I was. Two more weeks at Level 3 for Auckland, and the announcement that a slew of announcements will be dripfed over the coming week. If we thought we were living week by week on dripfed news by the Government, it just got worse. It’s now day by day. We are being dictated our terms, and our lives, in 24-hour cycles. Here in Auckland, we’ve been locked down for 63 days now. Ten weeks. We are 89 percent vaccinated single dose, 71 percent double dose. The bulk of us, bar Destiny Church and the odd North Shore party goer, are abiding the rules. This is infuriating. It smacks of a PM who is so disconnected from her own electorate; she hasn’t been in Auckland for months, her platitudes from the cosy level 2 Beehive in Wellington thanking Aucklanders are falling on deaf and increasingly annoyed ears. The PM’s giggling at questions with the Wellington-centric press gallery who sound equally out of touch with Auckland, is increasingly nauseating. It alienates every single person she’s asking to do the hard graft. The response seriously lacks an Auckland connection yet Aucklanders are the ones bearing the brunt of this nightmare. Apart from the glib ‘hey thanks Auckland’ the Government shows no sign whatsoever of understanding what this is truly like. I can tell you as an Aucklander sitting watching this unfold, into week 10 of home schooling and watching businesses fall over all around us, it’s not remotely funny. None of it’s amusing. If ever the PM needed to check her tone, it’s now. The once Queen of Communication – as declared by the Left – is whirling and sinking in a communication mudpool. Also, there's a disingenuousness now around these announcements about announcements. It's just plain cruel. Do they know and just won't tell us because they're drunk on power? Or are they making it up as they go along and don't have a clue yet? The lack of urgency is galling. If they know what's happening for schools, vaccine passports, Māori, business support, and a target, then they should've shared it as of yesterday. And if the target is over 90 percent, they're chasing pipe dreams nowhere else in the world has, at our expense. It’s become a farce. If you voted for this omnishambles, I hope you’re happy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite the optimism of many yesterday, Auckland is facing another two weeks of lockdown while the rest of the country remains in level two. The Government did make some announcements of announcements It will finally reveal a vaccination target on Friday, as well as a new traffic light system. But this has some saying the chop and change of decisions shows the Government is flailing about Political commentator Bryce Edwards told Kate Hawkesby the Government are in a tough position."They've got people that want relaxation of the rules and others that want a circuit breaker going back up to Level 4, Ardern did her typical thing of going somewhere in the middle, which means the status quo is staying where we're at."LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The film industry has traditionally been dominated by studios in Hollywood, but there seems to have been a shift in the tide. The biggest movie in the world right now is a Chinese propaganda movie. The Battle at Lake Changjin is on track to become the biggest movie of the year, and the highest grossing Chinese film of all time. That alongside South Korea's Squid Game, has some in Hollywood nervous, and realising they may face more competition from Asian productions Media studies professor at University of Virgina and author of "Hollywood made in China" Dr Aynne Kokas joined Kate Hawkesby. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hairdressers are frustrated there's no roadmap for them. They're among those bearing the brunt of Auckland's lengthy lockdown; it's 10 weeks since they've had to shut up shop. Ashley Green owns Society, a salon in Grey Lynn, and told Kate Hawkesby they have the ability to operate one client to one staff member, who's in full PPE. She says they can open safely. “If we are waiting for vaccinations to go up, why not let us look after clients who are already vaccinated? My team are fully vaccinated, we’re ready to go.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Promising signs on the horizon. Auckland’s going to get to 90 percent vaxxed soon, fingers crossed, and that’s going to force this Government to open some stuff up. And by stuff, I mean the border. The shops. The Auckland boundary. Normality is calling. Not for the people still steeped in fear and “freaking out” like Rod Jackson and Siousxie Wiles. Unfortunately, in going hard and early on the fear mongering, and in pursuing it for so long, there’s still a large chunk of New Zealanders trapped inside the fear and unable to get out. These are the same people craving another level 4 lockdown. The epidemiologists - given so much airtime and limelight throughout this pandemic, risk becoming increasingly obsolete and irrelevant. They’re not on message anymore, the Government now distancing itself and making calls that the academics disapprove of. A classic example of this is the new traffic light system the Government wants to implement to replace levels. Most of their “experts” poo pooed this idea as “not fit for purpose”. Yet as far as the Government is concerned, they’ve ‘consulted’ on it so that’s that. Arrogance means you just have to go through the motions, you don’t actually have to listen or act on anything, you just give them a platform to speak, nod politely, and move on. This modus operandi is this Governments forte. In fact, these experts should be grateful they got any consultation at all. So, what will happen today then? Well certainly not level 4 as the panickers would like, in fact I think more freedoms are coming. They know tolerance for lockdowns is through the floor, they know they’re taking a hit politically on the MIQ shambles, they will only tolerate so much political damage. So, despite cloaking it all under the veil of a “health response” what we'll see in the coming weeks will all be political. Opening the border for Kiwis to come for Christmas will be a ballsy but welcome move, opening CBDs and retail, getting people back to the dentist and the hairdresser and the physio, allowing Aucklanders to escape T ā maki MaCovid. This all needs to start rolling out over the next few weeks surely. The pace at which they move here is key. Quick enough to get the ball rolling in time for Christmas, but slow enough not to infuriate the chicken littles running round saying the sky will fall in. It’s a balancing act, and one they need to weigh up in good enough time for Kiwis to get their much-promised summer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the first day of term four, but Auckland students still don't know when they'll be back in the classroom. That's despite initial indications they would be coming back National Party Education Spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says we should get on with it once enough teachers are vaccinated. He says told Kate Hawkesby the real danger isn't kids going to school, it's kids not going to school. "They're falling behind, they're losing track with their friends, losing the habit of getting to school. And let's face it, it's a complete lottery as to whether they're actually learning when they're in lockdown." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland's mayor has labelled party-goers who breached lockdown "bloody idiots". Footage from the massive party at a North Shore property on Saturday night went viral on social media yesterday. Under Auckland's Level Three rules, only two households are allowed to meet outdoors - with a limit of 10 people. Phil Goff says these people should have thought about their families and the wider community. "It's just selfish and irresponsible to have an event like that, knowing it's breaking the rules when everybody else is making a sacrifice so we can get back to normal and have a decent Christmas together." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I think as we wrap this week, we just have to accept we are at a point now where counting cases is actually pointless. Delta has got away on us, it's had a good laugh at our elimination strategy, and off it's gone and there’s no stopping it now. Hindsight’s a wonderful thing, but earlier access to vaccines, a few more ICU beds, a better MIQ system and all the other things we didn’t do would’ve been great, but that ship has sailed. So here we are, and let’s look on the bright side. We’re allegedly not ever going back into Level 4. So that’s it. That’s all the bright side I can think of. As Auckland, Waikato and Northland enter another weekend at Level 3 and the rest of the country in Level 2, we only have to look across the ditch to see how this thing goes. It takes time, and lots of it. We long ago kissed goodbye any lingering thoughts of a ‘short sharp’ lockdown, but what we need to accept is that this could go for quite a while yet. The kids who thought they'd be gearing up for school Monday will be home instead. The retailers who thought they may've been able to open by now, still shut. The gyms, the hairdressers, the physios, all still waiting. So how do we keep up the stamina for it? I spoke with a girlfriend in Sydney the other day and she said after 15 weeks of lockdown, survival mode kicked in. She YouTubed how to cut hair and became the family barber, she got creative at home with the kids doing stuff they wouldn’t normally do. Tried to make it an adventure basically. But the emotional rollercoaster is real. When Freedom Day finally arrived, she said it actually felt weird to see lots of people out and about and going into places, and things returning to ‘normal’. Easy to forget what normal is after all that time. Here, we're still at the carnage stage. I feel bad for the events sector, they’ve been politely waiting a very long time to be told what might happen for them. I was surprised they didn’t kick up more of a fuss about a plan forward for their sector, but a lot of the festivals are run by Jacinda’s mates, so they may’ve been trying to give her the benefit of the doubt. But we’re now seeing the cancels start to ramp up, Canterbury’s A&P show, Bay Dreams, Christmas in The Park, other smaller scale festivals. God only knows what'll happen if Rhythm and Vines doesn’t go ahead, there’ll be anarchy amongst the PM’s usual teen fan base, and she won’t want that. The other thing that’s struck me this week is the hypocrisy going on and the blame shifting. We need to abide the rules and stop illegal gatherings, but that doesn't necessarily apply to gangs and their cohorts? We need to stay put, but absconders who don't may or may not be named, questioned and charged. I think if the Pulpit of Truth could do us a favour and stop blaming Aucklanders, most of whom are trying their best, and just harden up on the leaky border and the problems known to them that're creating the bulk of the distress, that'd help.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A big day in the music world, Adele is releasing her first single in nearly six years. ‘Easy on Me’ comes out today, which is the lead single off her new album '30', which releases November 19. She's expected to once again break records, her previous album ‘21’, is the best-selling album of the twenty first century, while ‘25’ broke first-week sales records. Can she do it again? Deputy music editor at the Guardian Laura Snapes joined Kate Hawkesby. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One Māori health care provider is trying to improve vaccine rates in the area with one of the worst coverage rates in the country. In the Eastern Bay of Plenty, vaccinators have taken to the road to get vaccination rates up for Māori. Te Puna Ora O Mataatua has set up pop up centres in schools, marae and workplaces. Chief Executive Lee Colquhoun says told Kate Hawkesby understanding cultural differences is key. "You need make sure that you understand how important word of mouth within Māori communities are, some are a little bit hesitant." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Authorities appear to have hit a brick wall, with the uncooperative women at the centre of Northland's Covid lockdown. The Covid-positive pair have refused to reveal locations of interest they visited around the region Officials believe they have all the information they're going to get out of them. Former crisis negotiator Lance Burdett told Kate Hawkesby there's only so many times you can ask the same people the same questions. "You get one shot at it, and it's one chance only, because once you've asked her several questions, the next time you go back, they're already ready for those questions and more." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s hard not to feel sorry for Northland this morning, and the Waikato for that matter. I mean Waikato has two cases and they’re staying in Level 3, which seems over the top. And as for Northland, they’re only staying in Level 3 because the absconders won’t help Police with their enquires; won’t fess up any locations of interest, won’t be honest. I mean how is it a whole hard-working, law-abiding population of people in the North are being held to ransom by two losers? Zero cases in Northland, and 2 household contacts in Waikato and boom, they stay in level 3. Vaxathon this weekend anyone? Is it too cynical to suggest keeping the fear button firmly pressed will help push jab rates up this weekend? Don’t you think it’s interesting that for a government that can’t set targets, they can suddenly set one when it involves a few TV cameras and fun day out with celebrities and influencers and sports people? They can put a number on their cheesy Vaxathon, but not when it doesn’t involve some primetime PR opportunities. But they just don’t seem gripped by the same sense of urgency that those actually enduring the level restrictions are. They don’t seem to carry the weight of the plight of businesses, the angst of those in unnecessary Level 3 like Northland and Waikato. Where is the urgency in getting these Northland women to spill the beans on where they’ve been? How is this taking so long when every single day counts here? There's also no naming and shaming going on – why is the Government still protecting these women’s anonymity? Why, when the Wānaka couple were outed and charged, do these two reprobates get let off the hook? What’s going on here? Their selfish and irresponsible behaviour has resulted in prolonging a needless lockdown for hundreds of thousands of people, yet they’re enjoying the privilege of anonymity. The inconsistency and double standards around this whole response are so galling, I think it’s another thing that really rarks people up and erodes their trust in this Government. Tangi are fine for gangs, but no one else can send off their loved ones in big numbers. Some people can skip the border no worries, others have the book thrown at them. Some truckies are tested and stopped, others waved by no big deal. Gang members can trash MIQ rooms and abuse hotel staff, but the Defence Force will confiscate even one extra bottle of wine from others. Black Lives Matter protestors can come out in force during a Level 4 lockdown last year with zero arrests made, whereas Brian Tamaki gets charged for a protest in Level 3. I’m not defending Brian Tamaki by the way; I’m just pointing out the litany of inconsistencies. Continuously, we’re told the message is to abide the rules, and yet there appears zero consistency from the people making them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Northland is in level three lockdown for another five days thanks to an uncooperative Covid case. That means all up the pair will have cost the region $23 million in the form of lockdowns. That's especially hard to stomach considering Northland's economy was going gangbusters before it went to level 3. Infometrics principal economist, Brad Olsen joined Kate Hawkesby. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An international relations expert says it's important New Zealand shows its face at a big climate change conference. COP 26 is taking place in Glasgow at the end of the month. Patrick Bayer from Strathclyde University says told Kate Hawkesby United Nations decision-making happens on a consensual basis. "Every country that is not represented to is going to throw a spanner the works, in terms of other countries not knowing what governments stand for." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Breast Cancer Foundation says at least 133 women across the country won't know they have the disease right now. The national breast screening programme was put on hold at level 4 and has been running at reduced capacity from level 3. Breast Cancer Foundation Chief Executive Ah-Leen Rayner says told Kate Hawkesby barriers to participation need to be removed. She says screening needs to continue during any level four outbreak. "And we need action plans in place with extra resources given to our screening agencies." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's books are supposedly in better shape than expected. The Finance Minister revealed a deficit, a business would call that a trading loss, of only $4.6 billion. Mmmm...we lost $4.6 billion. That said, the Budget picked a number more like $15 billion, so it could have been a lot worse. But one thing caught my ear in the announcement. Kainga Ora properties (what we used to call Housing New Zealand) are on the books as assets. But is it really truthful to call a property portfolio that LOSES money an asset? Minus $20-30m a year sounds more like a liability to me. And that's AFTER it sucked nearly a billion out of WINZ in rent subsidies. Of course, we need to have cheap housing, but doesn't expanding Kainga Ora's portfolio just feed an ever-growing liability for the taxpayer? And while I'm on this point, the Government says the value of all its property and equipment is up by $27 billion. That's land, buildings, state highways, electricity generation and railways. Land can be sold, so it's an asset, power stations make profits, so they're assets. But roads, hospitals, railways all cost more than they bring in, so aren't they liabilities too? Look, I know I'm being pedantic here. Anyway, things could be a lot worse. We could be Greece, or Italy, or another European debt basket case. Carry on borrowing at the rate we are though, and that won't take long.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support for New Zealand to have another tilt at hosting the Commonwealth Games. Organisers have reduced the number of mandatory sports down to athletics and swimming. Auckland business association Heart of the City says the event would bring increases to GDP and tourism. Birmingham is hosting next year's games, but the slot for 2026 remains open. Heart of the City Chief Executive Viv Beck told Tim Dower says the gains would be more than just economic. "It's also good because people rally around, kids participate and volunteers get involved. There's a lot of upside." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A call to set aside MIQ spaces for the parents of babies who are about to be born. The ACT Party and some health experts are calling for the Government to prioritise them. Plunket chief executive Amanda Malu told Tim Dower every baby deserves to have as little stress and anxiety as possible, particularly in the first weeks of their lives. "It's a pretty important category, we think, those about to be newest citizens of our country and we think we should look after them." Amanda Malu says it would involve small numbers of MIQ spaces, but science shows how important the first thousand days of life are. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Work is underway to target low vaccination rates in rural communities. Dunedin Medical School research has found people who have had at least one jab is 11 percent lower in rural areas. The rate of people with at least one dose is 726 per 1000, compared to 816 per 1000 urban residents. Rural GPs Network Chief Executive Grant Davidson told Tim Dower going to the people is the answer. "Above Te Kaha, for example, they're getting 87 percent in their community, and that's because they're going out using community volunteers to bring people in or taking vaccines out to those communities." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The only good thing to come out of yesterday is that I won a bet. My husband bet me that they’d loosen something or announce something yesterday. That they’d throw a bone, announce a target, unveil some details, open something up, name the Northland absconder, something, anything. He said there was no way they could just do nothing. There was no way they could keep locking us down at this level with no plan, no detail, no guide. I don’t know why he keeps over estimating this Government; I knew they’d do none of that. I knew they’d leave us languishing because 1) they’re out of touch, and 2) they don’t have a plan. What I didn’t bank on was how much high fiving they’d do of their own ability. This far into this much farce, how are they still claiming to be successful? To be world leading? Is there anyone out there still buying that crap? Seriously? How are they still milking these press conferences as an opportunity to gloat? It again shows, I guess, how out of touch they really are. Schools got a mention, but not a word on the South Island, and nothing on business. How is that even possible? How can do you keep delaying the reopening of businesses, with people’s livelihoods hanging in the balance? How can you be so devoid of any rhetoric around that? So disconnected from the productive side of the economy, the people who keep this country afloat? How can they be so cavalier with them? Where was Grant Robertson? How does the Finance Minister ignore business here? What message are you sending the business community when you continue to treat them like this? My heart breaks for them; we hear from business owners daily, they’re at their wits end and they seem to not even be on the Government’s radar. Is this Government too distracted by gangs and alleged sex workers? Are they more interested in protecting the lowest common denominators holding the rest of us to ransom? The other bizarre aspect of all this is how Wellington-centric the Government continues to be, in terms of not having a clue what it looks like on the ground in Auckland, or understanding there's a South Island still waiting for a plan too. The Government continuing to tell us from their cosy Level 2 Beehive theaterette that Level 3 is working well in Auckland, shows how Wellington-centric and out of touch they really are. Leaky border, rule breakers, not to mention the place is heaving. People crowded into parks and beaches, bursting bubbles like there’s no tomorrow, no distancing, some aren't even masked. They don't have a clue how this is going in Auckland, yet they want to keep applying the same approach hoping for a different result. Definition of insanity right there. What we needed yesterday was to hear two critical things; what’s the vaccination target for opening up? And what’s the date set to achieve it? But because basic planning and simple respect for voters is beyond this Government, we didn’t get either.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Across the ditch, gyms are struggling to get their members back after lockdown. Sydney's having to offer free workouts, new programmes, and promise better ventilation to drag people away from the comfort of home work-outs. Questions are still being raised as to what stage Auckland gyms can re-open. Richard Beddie, Exercise NZ CEO joined Kate Hawkesby. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pushback on the idea that some businesses need to fail after lockdown. Economist Shamubeel Eaqub suggested some businesses should be left to fail, so others can thrive. He says the Government shouldn't be expected to prop up businesses who go under post lockdown, as there will be too many businesses and not enough demand. Restaurant Association chief executive Marisa Bidois told Kate Hawkesby it's not that simple. "We need to remember these business owners are people. They contribute to the economy, they affect the supply chain, so it's absolutely imperative that we look at helping these businesses out." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's decision to delay the reopening of Auckland schools by a week, is being seen as the right call, despite some believing it will result in lost learning for some children. As well, all school and early learning staff who have contact with students, must be fully vaccinated by January 1, and have their first dose by November 15. Developmental paediatrician Dr Jin Russell told Kate Hawkesby in the current context it's the right move. She says if you don't get it right, there will be transmission of Covid-19 in schools, mainly between adults. "And that will cause small rolling small closures and the need for children to isolate from one another, so it is smart to delay it a little bit.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite Auckland being in it's longest lockdown ever, daily Covid-19 cases keep climbing up. Yesterday we had 60 community cases, 56 of them in Auckland. Covid's also hit the regions now, with cases in Waikato, Northland and Bay of Plenty. Today the Government's announcing whether any restrictions will be loosened. University of Otago senior lecturer in primary healthcare and general practice Lesley Gray joined Kate Hawkesby. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s lucky we weren’t on air last week, because we probably would’ve been sacked. I mean there are only so many swear words tolerable on air, but expressing the rage of Aucklanders right now would use up a lot of them. I get the overwhelming sense now that people are angry, and over it. I mean they were angry and over it a while ago, but it seems to be gaining momentum. There’s less empathy for lockdowns and teams of 5 million talk, and more rage. Rage against those breaking the rules, border breachers, gangs.. don’t even get me started on the gangs.. the incomprehensible rules we are supposed to be following, the lack of a plan, the needlessness of all this. All of it. It’s rage inducing. And it’s landed in Auckland, as well as Northland and Waikato laps this past week, that we're potentially not getting out of this anytime soon. Some people mistake rage at lockdown as being about first world problems like not being able to get to the hairdresser, but it’s actually so much more than that. It’s watching your mates' businesses and livelihoods go under, it’s watching your local cafes and restaurants begging for custom as they desperately try to ‘pivot’ and serve up some kind of takeaway. It’s families separated, elderly isolated, young people starved of any kind of normality, students suffering, kids missing school, people struggling with their wellbeing. Watching people burn through all their savings just to stay afloat. It’s a lot. Which is why the PM’s little tiki tour roadie with her fiancé splashed all over the news like some kind of cheesy home movie, felt like a tone-deaf slap in the face this weekend. As they winged their way through the provinces encouraging vaccinations, did we really need the side bar of the PM popping into her childhood home for a tour, regaling her social media audience with tales of her past? Sure, do that anytime we’re not suffering through a pandemic with some of the strictest restrictions in the world, as she proudly told us the other day. But her joking and laughing about Clark eating her pie, I mean, read the room. This whole Covid response has been so lacking in any kind of understanding of life on the ground in Auckland, which by the way is her hometown, that it’s become quite a galling disconnect. Whoever thought this was good PR to have the PM galivant around provincial New Zealand like it’s some fun 'trip down memory lane' roadie, missed the mark. Sure, do a vaccinate tour, but let’s not make it a political and personal branding exercise at the same time. It also left a gaping hole in terms of any accountability to answer any questions about the two women absconders around Northland, or front up on the 60-case number jump yesterday. Cancelling press conferences when it suits and instead manufacturing curated PR stunts through the PM's home town to giggle over pies, shows total arrogance and disregard for all those doing the hard yards.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.