
Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive
12,438 episodes — Page 147 of 249

Shane Reti: Health Minister on buying up more Covid-19 rapid antigen tests to last until June
The Health Minister says Covid-19 tests still play a big role. The Government's buying another five million RATs, to keep them free for the public through to the end of June. It'll cost more than $5 million, funded from the existing Covid budget. Shane Reti says hundreds of people are still using them. "It's for those who might be at an increased risk, where the option of further treatment would make a difference. Part of that pathway to treatment is having a positive RAT test." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Cahill: Police Association President says thing have gotten tougher for Kiwi police officers
Warnings the Government's police recruitment goal will mean splashing some cash. The Police Minister has confirmed in the House 500 new officers will be delivered over two years, as promised in the coalition deal with New Zealand First. Mark Mitchell had to U-turn on saying recruiting and attrition issues mean it'll take three years. Police Association President Chris Cahill says they haven't had a pay rise since July 2022. "Those people can't afford to join if they can't pay their mortgages, can't sort their cost of living state. That's what they need to look at, if they want to recruit and retain, they've got to sort the pay out." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan Mitchinson: US correspondent on Biden refusing to disclose next steps following Jordan drone attack
US President Joe Biden has announced he's decided on his next steps after a drone attack killed three soldiers in Jordan over the weekend. But Biden is not saying what these steps will be. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says Republicans have criticised the administration for not acting strongly enough against the attacks. "He's going to have to be careful, because you want to have a show of force- but then again, you don't want to have an attack that's going to lead to a lot more retaliation." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

D'Arcy Waldegrave: Sportstalk host on the The Athletes’ Cooperative scoring legal victory over High Performance Sport
The Athletes’ Cooperative have scored a significant victory over High Performance Sport in a landmark employment case. The Employment Relations Authority on Tuesday released their verdict, determining that the Government agency is obligated to engage in collective bargaining with the athletes involved. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains what happens next. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parul Sood: Auckland Council Waste Solutions General Manager on the recycling rule changes kicking in tomorrow
Items that once were recycled are no longer welcome in your household collection bins. Rules are changing from February 1 in a bid to standardise across the country. Paper, glass, and plastic types One, Two and Five can be put out at the gate for recycling. Auckland Council's Waste Solutions General Manager, Parul Sood, says people should no longer put out lids. "So unless the lid is attached - like your aluminium cans - if it's attached you can just push them in. It shouldn't be detached, because what then happens is that it falls within the machinery." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heather du Plessis-Allan: Mark Mitchell was thrown under the bus today
I feel sorry for Mark Mitchell. He's been thrown under the bus and made to look silly today. But I think he was just telling the truth, and I suspect we’re all going to find that out in about two years time. So what’s happened is that the coalition agreement between National and NZ First promised that we would get another 500 police officers in the first two years of this Government. Recently, Police Minister Mark Mitchell has admitted it is probably actually going to take three years, because it’s very hard to recruit new police officers and the Aussies are nicking the officers we already have. But Labour got him admitting that in the house yesterday. It hit the news as a story about a broken promise - which technically it is - and then NZ First's Chief of Staff chatted to National's Chief of Staff last night. Lo and behold, Mark Mitchell got told off by Chris Luxon today for not being careful enough with his words. And he had to walk all his comments back today, he had to correct the house, and go back to pretending he’s going to be able to get us 500 extra officers in the next two years. I bet you- he will not be able to do that, and this will come back in two years as a broken promise story again. The bummer here is Mark Mitchell was just being honest. He was just doing exactly what a decent politician should do. If a politician makes a promise they can’t keep - and that happens all the time - at the first opportunity, they should clear up that they cannot keep that promise. It's a smart political management thing to do, it resets expectations. And it limits the damage. A broken promise will always cop blowback, but admitting it early makes that blowback much smaller. I feel sorry for him, he was doing the right thing. Now the only way out of this is to get 500 extra officers in the next two years- or go through this whole story again in two years time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Enda Brady: UK correspondent on King Charles and Princess Catherine being discharged from their respective surgeries
King Charles has been discharged from hospital after undergoing treatment for an enlarged prostate. The 75-year-old monarch was seen smiling and waving to the public, as he left the London Clinic with Queen Camilla. Daughter-in-law Princess Catherine has also been discharged following abdominal surgery, and is recovering at home in Windsor. UK correspondent Enda Brady says people are still clamouring to learn the nature of Kate's surgery, as details haven't been revealed. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Huddle: Who will take over as the next Greens co-leader?
Tonight on The Huddle, Neale Jones from Capital and Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! James Shaw stepped down as co-leader of the Green Party. Was this expected? What will Shaw's legacy be? The Government changes their minds on the status of the country's UNRWA funding, with contributions pausing until Foreign Minister Winston Peters approves. What inspired this rethink? Is this the right decision? Chris Luxon and David Seymour are at odds over the Treaty, with Luxon now saying the Treaty is akin to a partnership - exactly what Seymour doesn't think. Was it a good move for Luxon to take a stand? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Bloxham: HSBC chief economist on the Reserve Bank shutting down hope for an early rates cut
The Reserve Bank has poured cold water over growing speculation for an early rates cut this year. In a webinar delivered to the public, RBNZ chief economist Paul Conway said non-tradeable inflation came in higher than predicted, at 5.9 percent. HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham says it's likely the RBNZ won't cut the OCR until the fourth quarter of 2024. "The economy has slowed a lot and inflation is coming down, but as Conway pointed out, inflation is still too high- it's well above target." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay: The Country host on the current state of agri-business
One leading accountant and agri-business advisor fears the current downturn in the rural sector may be the worst recorded in recent memory. Pita Alexander says there's been 11 financial downcycles impacting the sector since 1948, but this one is the worst. The Country's Jamie Mackay says the dairy sector may have bottomed out- and the worst is yet to come for sheep farmers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pattrick Smellie: BusinessDesk managing editor predicts James Shaw could take over the Climate Change Commission
One expert is predicting James Shaw's next career move following his departure from the Greens. Shaw announced he'll step back as party co-leader- but stay on in Parliament for the first reading of his Right to a Sustainable Environment Bill. BusinessDesk managing editor Pattrick Smellie suspects James Shaw could eventually replace Rod Carr as Climate Change Commission chair. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Barry Soper: ZB senior political correspondent recaps the first Question Time of 2024
The House roared back to life this week, as MPs settled in their seats for this year's first Question Time. Smokefree legislation, the Treaty Principles Bill and the Red Sea New Zealand Defence Force deployment were all key issues discussed in the first session of 2024. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Luxon led a very restrained session in the debating chambers. "We had people in the past years who have been fantastic- clever, intellectual debaters, cutting... we don't have that anymore. Luxon would like to be, but he's a politician in chief executive's clothing." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Fisher: NZ Herald investigative reporter on NZSAS offering retention payment to senior staff to delay collapse
The NZSAS are reportedly offering experienced personnel significant retention payments to prevent them from quitting. Military leaders have been told the unit is 'near collapse', with at least one third of the uniformed workforce leaving since 2021, most citing poor pay. NZ Herald investigative reporter David Fisher says NZSAS needs a significant funding boost before mid-2025. "The capabilities that it's lost, the stressors that it has are deep, and they're widespread. There's no quick fix to it, it needs the Government to lean in to boosting the military." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deb Hayes: Canterbury midwife on her group's petition against the Midwifery Council over proposed 'Scope of Practice' changes
There's accusations the Midwifery Council is ignoring midwives, over proposed changes to its 'Scope of Practice'. Almost 3000 people have signed a petition against the revision - and replacing the words 'women and baby' with 'whanau'. Petition organiser Deb Hayes says the council hasn't listened to feedback. "I think midwives might not have even bothered replying, because the Midwifery Council doesn't listen to the feedback we give anyway." The council agreed to adopt the revised scope late last year, and including an explanatory paragraph. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liz Gregory: Gloriavale Leavers Support Trust general manager believes others will join group claim for compensation
It's believed more Gloriavale leavers will join a bid for compensation after a lifetime of lost opportunities. Nine leavers found to be employees, not volunteers, in landmark Employment Court cases are jointly seeking $5.2 million. It's for lost wages, entitlement breaches, penalties and compensation. Gloriavale Leavers Support Trust general manager Liz Gregory says she's met with other leavers who want to get on board. "I wouldn't be surprised if there were 50 or 60 people that might actually also file with the Employment Relations Authority." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gareth Hughes: Former Green MP 'unsurprised' James Shaw stepped down from co-leader role
A former Green MP says it's no surprise James Shaw has stepped aside as co-leader. He's announced he'll stand down in March, but remain an MP to back his Sustainable Environment Bill's first reading. Gareth Hughes says Shaw got the Party into Government for six years, so he can say mission accomplished. "It makes sense, I think, for him- and also for the Party to refresh itself and look to the future." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Peters: Foreign Minister stands by decision to pause UNRWA funding amid allegations of militant ties
The Foreign Minister is standing by refusing to commit further funding for the UN's aid agency in Gaza. A number of countries have hit pause after Israel alleged a dozen staff took part in the October 7 Hamas attack. Prime Minister Chris Luxon says New Zealand won't contribute until Winston Peters has okayed it. Peters says our next payment tranche isn't until the middle of the year. "We've got time to consider this and plenty of time to come to a resolution- having heard what the United Nations investigation has to say." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Murray Olds: Australian correspondent on the divided response to Anthony Albanese's proposed tax cut changes
Over in Australia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's proposed tax reforms have inspired some backlash from the Opposition. Members of the Liberal Party and minor party The Nationals have come out against these tax cuts and voiced their disapproval. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Opposition leader Peter Dutton is accusing Albanese of changing course ahead of the upcoming by-election. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

D'Arcy Waldegrave: Sportstalk host on the Melbourne Rebels being placed into voluntary administration
No long-term guarantees around the Melbourne Rebels' future, despite confirmation the franchise's men's and women's teams will feature in their respective 2024 Super Rugby competitions. Reported debt of almost $10 million has seen the Rebels placed into voluntary administration. Rugby Australia is committing to getting both teams through their 2024 campaigns - with the franchises future beyond that set to involve talks with the Victorian Government. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tory Whanau: Wellington mayor warns the city's water woes won't be an easy fix
Wellington mayor Tory Whanau wants Government help to fund the city's water do-over. The Council is doing a finances workshop this week. Wellington Water is asking it for $2.5 billion over 10 years to fix its leaky pipes - which spill about 40 percent of the city's treated water. Whanau says they're proposing meters to see where water's going - and they'll also need to spend more. "Not in the billions, because we're not in the financial position to do that. We require some collaboration with the Government and our stakeholders to be able to look in the longer term." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heather du Plessis-Allan: I worry for the future of the Greens without Shaw
It's not altogether a surprise that James Shaw has quit as co-leader of the Green Party. It's pretty well known that there are factions in the Green Party that have wanted him to move on for a while now. There was a public attempt to remove him about a year and a half ago, and it while he won that- it always felt like it was only a temporary reprieve to get them through the election and safely out of Government. And then he would have to make way, probably for Chlöe Swarbrick. The good news for the Greens is that Chlöe isn't a bad heir to the throne, she is very popular and very capable- she could take them to even greater numbers. But he is still a loss to that party, because he was unique in the Greens in that he got on really well with business people. I often heard stories about various business groups having had some MPs from various parties come talk to them and everyone was impressed with James Shaw. It was not rare to hear that. And he should be proud of the shape of the party he's leaving behind. It's probably one of his most significant achievements as co-leader that the Green Party caucus is the biggest it's ever been. That was no small feat, given the unique tension between the climate warriors and the social justice warriors in the party. On top of that, they've faced some significant challenges- and they didn't end up doing as much damage as you'd think. Metiria Turei's benefit fraud admission, Shaw's own green school funding snafu. Even just being in Government, which has hurt every minor party that’s ever done it- except the Greens, because they came out with a bigger caucus. I worry a little bit that without him, the Greens will become less of an environment party and more of a social justice, anti-capitalism party and that they drag a future Labour-led Government further down that track. So maybe in the end he’s not just a loss for the Greens, but actually a loss for all of us. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on the UK banning disposable vapes in order to curb youth vaping stats
Over in the UK, disposable vapes are set to be banned in order to curb a nation-wide uptick in younger users. Data shows at least 7.6 percent of 11 to 17-year olds vape regularly or occasionally, up from 4.1 percent in 2020. The UK Government also plans to restrict sweeter flavours, introduce plain packaging and ensure store displays are hidden by 2025. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says this is the next phase in a nation-wide measure to reduce smoking and vaping stats withing young people. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Huddle: Why haven't MFAT pulled their funding from NRWA?
Tonight on The Huddle, Nick Leggett from Infrastructure NZ and Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! Wellington mayor Tory Whanau met with Minister Simeon Brown over the region's ongoing water issues. She says they had a good discussion but it will take a long time to fix these problems- who is to blame here? Can Wellington's water woes be addressed? Staff at a UN aid agency have been linked to Hamas- and allegedly took part in the infamous October 7th attack. Why haven't MFAT pulled funding from UNRWA, like many other nations did? David Seymour's State of the Nation address criticised the previous three Governments, claiming they changed New Zealand for the worst over the last few years. Is this a valid accusation? Why does Auckland Anniversary need to be on January 29th? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fran O'Sullivan: NZME business commentator on David Seymour's State of the Nation speech
One expert is claiming David Seymour's State of the Nation speech covered issues that needed to be addressed. The ACT leader discussed Government failings from the past two decades and laid out his infamous Treaty Principles Bill. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan says Seymour has the capacity to excite and challenge voters and attack the status quo. "He's looking at the philosophy of whether the Government should just keep repeating the policies of prior Governments- or change and bring in a bit of transformation." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Barry Soper: ZB senior political correspondent on David Seymour's State of the Nation speech
David Seymour hopes everyone will be able to express their opinions on the Treaty amid debate over a controversial bill. During yesterday's State of the Nation speech, he warned opponents against automatically labelling the bill racist, and criticised any hints of violence. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Seymour will likely use his new role as Associate Justice Minister to sell voters on the Treaty Principles Bill. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oliver Peterson: Australian correspondent on Australia experiencing the deadliest six months on the road since 2010
Australia has had its deadliest roll toll these past six months, since 2010. Deaths rose seven percent from 2022 to 2023. Australian correspondent Oliver Petersen says the problem is infrastructure, and funding is heavily politicised. He says states are only voluntarily required to report the details of a crash to federal authorities, and not all play ball. "It needs to be data-driven, because the argument being waged here in regard to where a lot of these deaths are- on really poor quality roads." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tex Edwards: MonopolyWatch spokesperson on Woolworths slashing 70 percent of value from NZ supermarkets
Woolworths is slashing the value of its New Zealand supermarkets by $2.3 billion to $700 million in a 70 percent decrease. The company blames a 'weaker medium-term outlook' and higher interest rates for this decision. MonopolyWatch spokesperson Tex Edwards says this announcement is a PR stunt to push back against a wave of inquiries. "You publish bad news before the Commerce Commission and the board members and the lobbyists start to come down." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister waiting for United Nations assessment to determine future of UNRWA funding
The Finance Minister plans to reassess New Zealand's contribution to the UN Relief and Works Agency, following recent allegations. Several nations have paused financial air to a significant UN agency in Gaza after it was alleged staff members were involved in the October 7th attack against Israel. Nicola Willis expects the investigations to be carried out quickly- and the results will determine the next course of action. "We have made a contribution to UNRWA of $1 million, we have a planned contribution next year- and we'll assess the situation prior to that payment being made." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wayne Guppy: Upper Hutt mayor on meeting with Tory Whanau and Simeon Brown to discuss Wellington's water shortage
Upper Hutt's mayor wants answers from Wellington Water - on productivity - and how funding turns into fixed pipes. Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has spoken with the mayors of Wellington and Upper Hutt today over the region's dire water situation. Recent modelling shows the region's likely to shift from level two restrictions - banning residential sprinklers - to level three. Wayne Guppy says his council doesn't feel it needs to make many changes in its approach. "We're going to be spending some more, but we want some guarantees from Wellington Water that they can actually produce and actually do the work." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marilyn Garson: Alternative Jewish Voices co-founder urges the Government to keep funding Gaza aid agency after allegations surfaced
A push for the Government to continue funding the UN's aid agency in Gaza, because of its work feeding people. Many countries have paused funding after allegations some agency staff were involved in the October 7 attacks on Israel. MFAT says we will be assessing the situation before further payments. Alternative Jewish Voices co-founder Marilyn Garson says the UN has reacted responsibly. "There are unspecified allegations against fewer than 0.1 percent of their staff. They've been removed, and the United Nations' highest investigative body is looking at what happened." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark Mitchell: Police Minister on the plan to increase police numbers amid violent crime surge
The Police Minister says plans to bolster the force by 500 officers will be enough to get more cops out on the beat. In the past week, a security guard was stabbed at an Auckland supermarket, two Michael Hill jewellery stores were robbed and a gang fight broke out at Christchurch Hospital. Resident's in Auckland's Point Chevalier say they're being terrorised by criminals in the town's square. Minister Mark Mitchell says police will aim to have a higher profile. "With resources being pushed back into the front line, I think that can be achieved. In fact, it's not a matter of can- it has to be achieved." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mandy Henk: Digital Harm Expert on the 'unclear' legality surrounding deep-fake images
It's thought law changes are needed to protect everyday Kiwis from the harm of deepfake images. Artificial AI-generated pornographic images of Taylor Swift have gone viral online. There are concerns similar fakes could victimise everybody using artificial intelligence. Digital Harm Expert, Mandy Henk says it's not clear whether people spreading such fakes, could face legal repercussions. "The Harmful Digital Communications Act does not explicitly call out deepfake images as something you're not allowed to do. the courts haven't yet had an opportunity to test this." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Pine: Sportstalk host on Jannik Sinner's performance in the Australian Open
Newly crowned Australian Men's Open winner Jannik Sinner has got the taste for Grand Slams. Sinner outlasted Daniil Medvedev in five sets to become Italy's first men's grand slam winner since the 1970s. Sportstalk host Jason Pine explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robin Oliver: OliverShaw Tax Partner says examining lower tax brackets should be a bigger priority
A tax expert says the priority should be looking at lower tax brackets, as ACT calls for a flatter tax system. The Party's approach would remove the the highest and lowest income brackets. Leader David Seymour mentioned the idea in his State of the Nation speech yesterday, saying it would be fairer. But expert Robin Oliver says changing the upper bracket shouldn't be a focus. "I think the issue that would have merit looking at would be removing the ability of people to pretend that they're actually poor, when they're not." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Anna Martin: Restricting Teenage Use Of Social Media Will Not Solve The Problem
A bill in Florida is being put forward to crack down on teenage use of social media. It would restrict anyone under 16 from using social medias that use addictive design features. Dr Anna Martin is a family therapist and told Heather Du-Plessis Allan that social media addiction is a "parenting problem not a regulation problem". LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Govt Scrap Bill To Lower Voting Age in Local Body Elections
The government has scrapped a bill to lower the voting age in local body elections to 16. The bill was introduced last year after the Supreme Court ruled that the current voting age of 18 is discriminatory and breaches the human rights of young people. Jim Palmer who chaired the recommendation for lowering the voting age told Heather Du-Plessis Allan that the he is not disappointed by the outcome. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick Ryan: Hoping Doubtless Bay Fishing Competition Protests Won't Go Too Far
Protests have started in the Far North against tomorrow's annual Doubtless Bay fishing competition. Ngāti Kahu members, leading the protest, say it's to stop overfishing - and they're blocking Tāipa boat ramp. They aren't being supported by all from the iwi - and police are keeping a watching brief. Competition organiser, Nick Ryan told Heather du-Plessis Allan that he doesn't want anyone getting arrested or hurt. He says they're trying to find a way through and are having conversations with the local marae - who support the competition. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Bishop: 'Not Happy' to Hear Housing Consent Given on Flood Plains
The Housing Minister says he's not happy to hear housing consents have been granted on flood plans. More than 1400 consents granted in Auckland in the year since devastating flooding last Anniversary weekend, were in areas at risk of flooding. Chris Bishop told Heather du Plessis Allan that the Government will be advancing a national directive through the Resource Management Act. He says it'll provide clarity for councils around consents on flood plains. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scientists Call For People to Stop Celebrating Tanning
Two cancer research scientists in Australia have called for people to stop glamourising tanning in their acceptance speech for Australian of the year. They said that the bronzed Aussie culture is actually killing us and called on influencers and advertisers to stop promoting it. Trustee of Melanoma New Zealand Doctor Sonya Bodley told Heather Du-Plesis Allan that "young people are being influenced by celebrities" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Enda Brady: UK correspondent on the group of conservative MPs seeking to oust Rishi Sunak Labour Leader Keir Starmer
A small group of several Tory MPs are determined to oust Prime Minister Rishi Sunak ahead of the UK election. Sunak's approval rating puts him 21 percentage points behind his main opponent, Labour Leader Keir Starmer. UK correspondent Enda Brady says Sunak's odds of winning the election are slim- and it's not a good look that members of his own party are turning on him. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Huddle: Does Wellington City Council need intervention over the water situation?
Tonight on The Huddle, Business Mentors NZ CEO Sarah Trotman and Phil O'Reilly from Iron Duke Partners joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! Wellington is experiencing a water shortage, and councils are being blamed for underfunding Wellington Water to the point where water is running down the streets from the leaks. Given the urgency of the situation, is it time someone stepped in? A new report says Associate Health Minister Casey Costello is looking into freezing the excise tax on cigarettes. Is it unfair the public service is leaking this stuff- and does the idea of not making cigarettes more expensive have merit? Insurance costs have gone up as high as 20 percent in the past year. Do people need to bite the bullet and pay up? Salt in tea- would we dare try this? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay: The Country host on the 50th anniversary of Dick Tayler winning gold at the 1974 Commonwealth Games
Today marks 50 years since Dick Tayler made history at the 1974 Commonwealth Games. Tayler brought home the gold for winning the 10,000 metres, an impressive feat for the former South Canterbury potato grower. The Country's Jamie Mackay recapped the event here today. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds senior portfolio manager on equity markets rising again
Equity markets are enjoying a significant spike in the new year. International markets are soaring at an all-time high not seen since 2021- while the New Zealand markets are slowly working their way up. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explains what this means for investors. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

D'Arcy Waldegrave: Sportstalk host on the Basin Reserve selling out ahead of the Test clash between the Black Caps and Australia
NZ Cricket has confirmed the Basin Reserve has sold out a month ahead of the inaugural Test clash between Black Caps and Australia. The second Test, scheduled at Christchurch's Hagley Oval on March 8, is also set to sell out, with limited tickets remaining. ZB's D'Arcy Waldegrave explains the unprecedented demand here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Murray Olds: Australian correspondent on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiling tax cuts package
Lower-income Australians are in for some financial relief following Prime Minister Albanese's latest announcement. People earning less than $150,000 stand to benefit from the revamped stage-three tax cuts package, especially those who make between $50,000 and $130,000. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says this modified version of a scheme created by the Morrison Government will ensure people who earn less will get a hand with the increased cost of living. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boyd Swinburn: Health Coalition Aotearoa co-chair calls for Luxon to replace Associate Minister for Health over proposed cigarette tax freeze
Health Coalition Aotearoa have called for the current Associate Minister for Health to be replaced over her proposed plan for tobacco taxes. Official documents show Minister Casey Costello is looking into a three-year tobacco tax freeze. Co-chair Boyd Swinburn says this proposal is the latest in a string of 'anti-health' measures. "Wanting to repeal the smokefree legislation that was brought into place in 2022, bringing in smokeless tobacco, taking the excise tax off heated tobacco, and now looking into taking the CTI adjustment off- this is all out of the tobacco industry playbook." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Grafton: Insurance Council chief executive on the cost of insurance going up significantly over the past year
The cost of insurance is still stubbornly high, according to the latest data. Figures released by Stats NZ show that inflation is going down, but insurance prices have skyrocketed between 12 and 20 percent in the past year. Insurance Council chief executive Tim Grafton says construction inflation and 2023's significant natural disasters are to blame for these increased costs. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Cowgill: Seek economist on the uptick in roles promising work-from-home arrangements
A growing number of employers are trying to lure in new staff with work-from-home arrangements. Seek's latest data reveals around 10 percent of job ads indicate the role can be done remotely. This compares to pre-COVID times, when the percentage was at 1.3. Economist Matt Cowgill says this shows that the labour market has changed drastically since 2019. "We had that experience through Covid where businesses learned that, for some workers, it can work. People can get their jobs done when they're home, at least some of the time." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Arran Jones: Independent Children's Monitor Chief Executive on Oranga Tamariki failing to ensure children got regular checkups
Oranga Tamariki looks to have fallen short of its responsibility for children's health checkups. The National Care Standards require Oranga Tamariki to annually check medical and dental needs, when a child comes into care. But a new report has found Oranga Tamariki has failed to properly keep track - and not all children had regular checkups. Independent Children’s Monitor Chief Executive Arran Jones says they are vital for improving long-term health outcomes. "It's of utmost importance that the state, acting as the parent, does everything that they can to look after them. And that includes making sure that they're healthy, that they're connected up to the health services that they need." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aaron Keown: Christchurch City Councillor says Emergency Department altercation speaks to wider community issue
A gang clash at Christchurch Hospital's Emergency Department is being investigated. Police were called just after 8pm yesterday, with reports of an altercation between four Mongrel Mob members or associates. One person was assaulted, and another taken into custody. City Councillor Aaron Keown says it speaks to a wider community issue. "With our growing gang situation that needs to be knocked on the head, I look forward to the Government enforcing the no-patches issue. Certainly in hospitals, you shouldn't be allowed to colour up or patch up when you come in." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.