Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

One of Air New Zealand's higher-ups is in favour of establishing more transparency around airfares. The Airports Association is urging the Government to take action and set an independent monitoring system up. Air NZ's Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Mat Bolland, says it'll be good to examine the extra costs that contribute to increased airfares. "We know customers are really feeling the pinch right now, and it does feel expensive to fly. I think our challenge is- if we're going to look into it, let's do it properly. Let's get right into what's behind the airfares." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One pest control expert is defending sparrow extermination in the name of 'health and safety'. Daily Bread's Point Chevalier branch in Auckland has faced backlash after members of the public spotted poisoned birds outside the establishment. Smash'd Em Pest Control Manager, Jonathan Simes, says it's a necessary move to prevent the spread of germs and disease. "We need to weigh up the pros and cons on whether we want germs and disease from the droppings in our food, or around us as we eat- or a clean environment." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former New Zealand Rugby boss David Moffett is heading a second bid for a South Island NRL league team. Moffett - who is also an ex-NRL chief executive - is leading the charge for the team, dubbed the Kea, to enter as the competition's 18th team. He says he's 'excited' by the wide-reaching support for this venture. "We've had a lot of support for the logo, and also for the jersey and for the story. So I'm really excited about it, actually." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Too many of New Zealand’s breast cancer sufferers are having 'unnecessary' mastectomies, according to the Breast Cancer Foundation. New research from the Foundation claims breast conserving surgery and radiation can lead to a higher overall survival rate. Breast Cancer Foundation research manager Adele Gautier says guidelines suggest 70 percent of surgeries should be breast conserving surgery. "Right now, in New Zealand, that's more like 55 percent. About a third of the people who could be having breast conserving surgery are having a mastectomy instead." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday, after we talked about Golriz Ghahraman's guilty plea, I got a text from someone listening which said something along the lines of- we should feel sorry for Golriz Ghahraman and the media need to back off. Now, the first part is fair to a point. I do feel sorry for Golriz, I feel sorry for her in the same way that I feel sorry for my two-year-old when he gets put in his bedroom for time-out and he cries about it. I feel sorry for him that he has to suffer the consequences of his actions and that it’s not nice for him. But he still has to suffer the consequences of his actions, and so does Golriz. And the consequences include media attention, as tough as that is for her. Because the thing is, Golriz courted the media as an MP, so she is the reason the media are interested in her. And she cannot turn that interest on and off when it suits her. She was the Justice Spokesperson for the Greens, taking the moral high ground on any number of issues. All the while, we find out, nicking a $650 Bao Bao Issey Miyake Lucent bag and a $4500 black Row Calanthe dress, amongst many other items. Her lawyer, Annabel Cresswell, told the court yesterday that Golriz's case has been subject to 'aggressive media reports'. Now, I asked Annabel today to give me a few examples- she still hasn’t. I didn't see these aggressive media reports. I saw media reports, I didn't see aggressive ones. That’s not to say they definitely don't exist, but I did not see them and I read a lot of news. So if they were that bad, surely we’d know about them. It feels like Golriz's lawyer is trying to make the media the bad guys here. The bad guy in this case is the one who stood in court yesterday and pleaded guilty. I feel sorry for Golriz, I genuinely do. I feel sorry that this is the turn her life has taken, it must be incredibly hard to deal with. But this is the consequence of her actions, tough as it is- unwelcome media attention included. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's growing calls for more oversight of airfares as the cost of living bites. The Airports Association has attacked Air New Zealand’s pricing, accusing it of exploiting its 86 percent share of the domestic market to push up fares. It wants the Government to take action by setting up an independent airfare monitoring system. Airports Association CEO Billie Moore says it's being done in many other countries. "Essentially, provide a public resource and consumer resource for people to see what's really going on with their routes- and have a bit more balance towards the consumer." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Hipkins says his leadership is rock-solid, despite a series of bad polls for his party. The Labour leader and his MPs were in the Wairarapa today for their annual retreat. Hipkins says today marks a new era for the party, and he's confident he'll be leading Labour for some time to come. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper weighs in on Labour's next moves for the future. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian Workers Union wants industrial manslaughter laws used, after a man was killed during a mine collapse near Ballarat. A 37-year-old's body was recovered this morning after being pinned by fallen rocks, while another man is in serious condition in hospital. 28 other workers were also rescued. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the Union wants to make sure an incident like this doesn't happen again. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new dawn for the name of Auckland's A-League football team- and it's not the Black Knights. They'll be known as Auckland FC, with a primary colour of electric blue and a shield containing a tribute to Rangitoto and the city's skyline, as well as an ascending A for Auckland in its centre. Sportstalk's D'Arcy Waldegrave shares his thoughts on today's update. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's second team in football's A-League will be known as Auckland FC. The team's playing kit features an electric blue colour way and a shield containing a graphic tribute to Rangitoto and the city's skyline, with an ascending ‘A’ for Auckland in its centre. Auckland FC will join the league with a men's team next season, with a women's side to follow in 2025-26. CEO Nick Becker says he wanted to chose a team name that united all the people of Auckland. "We wanted a name that was going to be representative of Auckland- it's an easy one, there's beauty in its simplicity. Auckland FC, it's a heritage football name." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Harry and Meghan's team are facing accusations of hypocrisy amid Kate Middleton's ongoing photo controversy. The Sussex's camp claimed the pair would never release a doctored official photo. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says Harry and Meghan have yet to officially comment on the matter. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, David Farrar from Kiwiblog and Curia and Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! Prime Minister Chris Luxon says the interest deductibility for rental properties will be good for tenants as well as landlords. Does Luxon have a point? How does this look amid police funding concerns? The Police Association has reacted badly to the Government 'low-balling' police staff with their pay offer. Should the Government work a little harder to prevent them from heading overseas? Pharmacists will be able to give childhood vaccinations to increase the vax rates. Some GPs aren't happy with this- will this be good or bad for Kiwis? An Auckland real estate agent is under fire for posting a controversial video playing into Asian stereotypes. Does this normalise racism- or are people making a big stink over a joke? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's encouraging signs for food prices as the ongoing fight against inflation continues. Stats NZ data for February shows overall food price inflation is at 2.1 percent, the lowest it's been since May 2021. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen says rental prices are still stubbornly high- and that's a big part of the inflation bucket. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inflation in the US is running hotter and faster than predicted, according to new data. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose to 3.2- a far cry from expectations. Milford Asset Management's Mark Riggall explains what this means for the US's economic future. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank and Treasury are designing a new deposit insurance scheme. However, Credit unions, building societies and finance companies have voiced concern that these measures could impact their bottom lines. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains the risks and benefits involved in this scheme. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's promising a further loan to Mount Ruapehu skifields, giving certainty to local operators and communities. Cabinet has agreed to provide just over $10 million to ensure this year's ski season can go ahead. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this is great news for skiers- but the timing isn't great for the Government amid existing financial concerns. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A piece in the Sydney Morning Herald has theorised Australia's rugby prowess could make a change for the better. The removal of controversial coach Eddie Jones is leaving the team room to grow and change, according to some experts. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Briscoes has managed to withstand strong economic headwinds and deliver a strong profit. The company announced a net profit after tax of $84.2 million for the year ending 28 January 2024- a 5 percent drop. However, the total sales during that period were $792.0 million, an all-time high for the company. Group Managing Director Rod Duke says it's clear the products the company offers clearly resonate with customers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Not even a bout of long Covid could stop canoe slalom veteran Luuka Jones from being selected for her fifth Olympic Games. The 35-year-old is off to Paris, following an Olympic cycle that's seen her battle with health issues and injuries. Jones was diagnosed with long Covid in early 2022- but she's grateful to be back in the game this year. "By the end of last year, I was in full health again. It's been a bit of a ride, but I'm just grateful to be back and feeling how I am." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Regional Development Minister says there isn't a 'cracker left' after the latest bailout for the Mount Ruapehu skifields. The Government has agreed to send $7 million to the Whakapapa skifield, to ensure the season can go ahead. Another $3 million will support the sale of the Tūroa skifield to Pure Tūroa Limited, while it's in concession talks. This is despite the Prime Minister previously saying there would be no more money for the operators. Minister Shane Jones says this is the last chance. "I've been advised by the advisors, there is a live deal pertaining to Tūroa. On the other side, Whakapapa, that's a bit more complicated." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The media union is calling on TVNZ to come to the table to discuss proposed widespread cuts. The state broadcaster has announced proposed cancellations of Midday, Tonight, Fair Go and Sunday, with up to 68 jobs affected. Union E tū has raised concern on behalf its members about the changes and process. Negotiation Specialist Michael Wood says it's dangerous for the national media platform to dictate a top-down approach. "We're wanting TVNZ to halt its current proposals, which will gut news and current affairs from our public broadcaster- and come sit down with its staff to talk about the future of the company." TVNZ says it'll respond to the letter in due course. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Golriz Ghahraman had nothing to say to media as she left the Auckland District Court today. The former Green Party MP has pleaded guilty to four counts of shoplifting at high end boutiques in Auckland and Wellington. A sentencing date has been set down for June 24. Herald reporter Katie Harris was in court, and says Ghahraman was very solemn- but didn't show much emotion. "There wasn't any tears going on that we could see, she was pretty quiet, she sat behind me before she went into the dock and I didn't hear or see any real outburst of emotion." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump and Joe Biden will face off yet again in this year's race for the White House. Former US President Trump has secured the Republican nomination in the primaries, for a third election in a row. Incumbent President Biden will represent the Democrats. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says this outcome was highly predicted. "Joe Biden, earlier in the day, got the nomination after wins in Georgia, Mississippi, Washington- and Trump got the wins in Mississippi, Georgia, and Washington State, which just closed the polls a short time ago." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A belief pharmacists being able to vaccinate children won't do much to vaccine rates. Health NZ and Pharmac will offer funded training to pharmacists who want to become authorised vaccinators. It'll allow them to administer vaccines to children from six-weeks-old at community pharmacies. GenPro Chair Angus Chambers says people will miss out on vital information that comes with a jab. "It may well be that we will just shift people who are getting immunised anyway from one area to another- and we won't reach the people who are needing to get immunised." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I think we all know how this police pay negotiation is going to play out, don't we? It's pretty obvious. We don’t know how long it’s gonna take, but we know how it’s going to end. The Government will, in the end, have to offer the police a decent pay increase. And the reason they will do that is because anything short of that is just stupid. Politically stupid and realistically stupid. I never really understand why the Government across the years have been tight with the front line workers the country respects the most, who in my opinion are predominantly nurses and police officers. You can debate the teachers, cause they've got the long holidays and you can debate the doctors cause they’re on pretty good coin already. But it takes a particularly stone-hearted person to debate on the nurses or coppers. A new officer is paid $67,000, $32 bucks an hour. Most new builders get more money than that, and their job doesn’t involve regular violence. I was expecting better from this Government, largely because the Police Minister, Mark Mitchell, is a former police officer. And also because they’ve made such a point of how much they back the front line officers and how much we need the police. So it’s quite disappointing that they aren’t putting their money where their mouths are. But back to my prediction. You know this is going to end with an increased offer. And you know that, because this is the Government of law and order. And you cannot crack down on the baddies if you don’t have enough of the goodies because you pay them peanuts. Also- this is the Government that is, quite rightly, giving money back to landlords. But if you give money back to landlords and you don't give money to the coppers, you know that’s going to upset some voters. And also, if it comes down to a fight between police, men and women who keep us safe, and politicians- the police always win. So I dunno who in the Government thought it was a good call to lowball, but they need to reset their political radar. Because there’s only one way this ends- with a proper pay offer. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kensington Palace says it won't be re-issuing the unedited photo of Kate Middleton and her three kids after a photo-shop drama. The image was the first official image of Kate since her surgery early this year- the Princess has since apologised for any confusion, saying she does occasionally experiment with editing. UK correspondent Enda Brady says this incident puts more pressure on Kate after the mass speculation about her surgery. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, journalist Clare de Lore and Auckland Councillor Richard Hills joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier is being forced to retire because the Ombudsmen Act 1975 requires an Ombudsman to resign by 72. Is this fair? Should we evaluate this 49-year-old law? Do we believe that Princess Kate was just 'experimenting with editing' after yesterday's image surfaced? Does her apology settle the issue? How scary was yesterday's Latam airlines incident? Will this make you always wear your seatbelt on a plane now? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s mid-season update offers a grim warning for sheep and beef farmers. The report claims farm profits could drop 54 percent to $62,600 on average this financial year, off the back of significant losses. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Climate Change Commission has recommended reducing the number of carbon credits ahead of future auctions. After a full year of failed auctions, the Commission believes halving the number of credits to reduce oversupply is the right decision. BusinessDesk managing editor Pattrick Smellie says fewer units will drive up the carbon price. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier's enforced retirement has sparked discussion about reforming an old law. The Ombudsmen Act 1975 states an Ombudsman must resign once they turn 72- and Boshier's resigned ahead of his birthday. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Boshier's still making excellent decisions- and should be granted exception. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new Aged Care Taskforce Report has proposed some changes for Australia's aging population. The taskforce acknowledged more money was needed to fund care for Australia's elderly- and suggested participant co-contributions be increased. The report ruled out meeting the rising costs with extra taxes, citing 'intergenerational equity issues'. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the region's aging population is outpacing younger working taxpayers- which is a 'massive problem'. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Black Caps batter Daryl Mitchell has come under fire for his recent post-match comments. New Zealand is recovering after their 2-nil defeat by Australia at Hagley Oval Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Demand from aspiring business owners has shot up to record levels, according to new data. Enquiries are up 50 percent from last year, many coming from 'corporate refugees' and former Government consultants. ABC Business Sales Managing Director Chris Small says many of these laid-off workers have gotten used to a certain lifestyle. "They need to replicate those incomes and the way the job market is right now, they're having to look at inventive ways of replicating their income. And one of those ways is purchasing a business." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Air New Zealand is suspending Auckland to Chicago services due to ongoing issues with the availability of serviceable Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines used in Boeing 787 aircraft. They'll suspended from the end of this month, until late October. Customers can rebook on another flight, or get a refund or credit. The airline's chief customer and sales officer, Leanne Geraghty, says the company will work to ensure customers can still get to where they need to go. "Our teams are in constant communication with Rolls-Royce as we work through trying to resolve the issue." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wellsford Volunteer Fire Brigade is expected to return a $2500 donation gifted by the local Head Hunters chapter. The infamous motorcycle gang's Wellsford chapter raised the money through their 'Outlaw Run' fundraising ride. Charities law expert Sue Barker says there's laws around accepting donations from criminal organisations- if the money was raised through illegal actions. "The question is- has this donation come from illegal sources? I don't actually know, it sounds like it was done from a charity day, it's only $2500, people could have been donating small cash, items." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions over whether the law forcing the retirement of Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier is fit-for-purpose in the 21st century. The near 50-year-old Ombudsmen Act states an ombudsman must resign once they turn 72. It's meant Boshier's resigned ahead of his birthday on Saturday. Electoral law expert and barrister Graeme Edgeler says this law doesn't make sense, as the Ombudsman appointment only lasts 5 years. "It's not like we're appointing someone at 50 who's still going to be doing the job at 80, so it is very different from judges." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police Minister Mark Mitchell is determined to work out a solution to police pay concerns. Police staff have widely rejected the Government's latest proposed pay offer, and many are considering industrial action. Mitchell says they're currently in good faith negotiations with the Police Association. "The reality of it is, we are in a very tough financial situation. But I just want to assure everyone that we are doing the best that we can." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former pilot says the Latam plane plunging mid-air reminds him of a Qantas flight more than a decade ago. A number of people were thrown into the roof and 50 were treated for injuries. The Transport Accident Investigation Commission's seizing the cockpit voice and flight data recorders, with Chilean authorities taking the lead in the investigation. Massey University School of Aviation CEO Ashok Poduval says a Qantas flight from Singapore to Perth in 2008 had an autopilot malfunction. "It puts the aircraft down very sharply, they lost about 600 feet. And that caused several injuries." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Police Association has slammed the Government's latest 'insulting' pay offer. Police staff have dubbed the four percent pay increase 'demoralising' and are calling for the Government to come to the table. Association president Chris Cahill says this increase is lower than the public service pay adjustment offer they received last year. "It doesn't recognise the high cost of inflation that members have been suffering, the real struggle to make ends meet, pay their rent, pay their mortgages. It's just missing the mark on so many levels." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I'll tell you what, what happened with that Latam flight yesterday is probably my worst nightmare. Weirdly, this has gotten worse since I've had a child, I think that maybe you're more worried about your own mortality- but every time since I've gotten on a flight, at some point between getting on the flight and the flight starting to take off, before it's fully airborne, I start to think about how mind-bending it is that a piece of metal that heavy can somehow stay in the air. At all, never mind the journey of the flight. And then I have to immediately stop thinking about it, because that just freaks me out way too much. I can't, I'm not smart enough to understand how this all works. So yesterday is my worst nightmare, because that's the thing I think about every single time I get on the flight. What makes it even more freaky is that at this point, it does not seem to have been caused by turbulence. It sounds like the plane's technology just stopped working. One of the passengers says that when the plane landed, the pilot came down the back and when the passenger asked what had happened, the pilot said- my gage has just blanked out, I lost all of my ability to fly the plane. We got a text on the show not long after it had happened telling us- it's not air turbulence, it was caused by a problem with the plane. Do not contact me. And Latam, in its own statement, is not talking about turbulence. Yesterday, it referred to the incident as a 'technical event'. And then today, it updated the statement to basically call it a 'strong shake'. Now, we're probably not going to know what actually happened until after the investigations- and there are multiple investigations already, by the looks of things. Chile civil aviation bodies have sent someone to investigate, our transport accident investigation commission is considering investigating, and Boeing is investigating as well. And speaking of Boeing, it's not a good time to be Boeing, is it? Because a couple of months ago, the door blew off the Alaskan Airlines plane, now you've got this- and back in 2018, 2019, those fatal crashes made huge headlines around the world. But back to yesterday. If it pans out to be true that the plane had simply stopped working- and this is not altogether crazy, because that is what happened with QF72 back in 2008. Remember that one? Where the automation on the plane basically went nuts a couple of times and caused the plane to nosedive dramatically? And the pilots had no control whatsoever, they thought they were going to die. So it's not altogether crazy for that to happen. If it does work out that this is what has happened, isn't that absolutely the worst imaginable thing that could happen on a flight? I mean, if a pilot falls asleep, you can wake him up. If a door blows out, strap yourselves in and put the oxygen on. But if the computer stops working? Oh no, worst nightmare. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I'll tell you what, what happened with that Latam flight yesterday is probably my worst nightmare. Weirdly, this has gotten worse since I've had a child, I think that maybe you're more worried about your own mortality- but every time since I've gotten on a flight, at some point between getting on the flight and the flight starting to take off, before it's fully airborne, I start to think about how mind-bending it is that a piece of metal that heavy can somehow stay in the air. At all, never mind the journey of the flight. And then I have to immediately stop thinking about it, because that just freaks me out way too much. I can't, I'm not smart enough to understand how this all works. So yesterday is my worst nightmare, because that's the thing I think about every single time I get on the flight. What makes it even more freaky is that at this point, it does not seem to have been caused by turbulence. It sounds like the plane's technology just stopped working. One of the passengers says that when the plane landed, the pilot came down the back and when the passenger asked what had happened, the pilot said- my gage has just blanked out, I lost all of my ability to fly the plane. We got a text on the show not long after it had happened telling us- it's not air turbulence, it was caused by a problem with the plane. Do not contact me. And Latam, in its own statement, is not talking about turbulence. Yesterday, it referred to the incident as a 'technical event'. And then today, it updated the statement to basically call it a 'strong shake'. Now, we're probably not going to know what actually happened until after the investigations- and there are multiple investigations already, by the looks of things. Chile civil aviation bodies have sent someone to investigate, our transport accident investigation commission is considering investigating, and Boeing is investigating as well. And speaking of Boeing, it's not a good time to be Boeing, is it? Because a couple of months ago, the door blew off the Alaskan Airlines plane, now you've got this- and back in 2018, 2019, those fatal crashes made huge headlines around the world. But back to yesterday. If it pans out to be true that the plane had simply stopped working- and this is not altogether crazy, because that is what happened with QF72 back in 2008. Remember that one? Where the automation on the plane basically went nuts a couple of times and caused the plane to nosedive dramatically? And the pilots had no control whatsoever, they thought they were going to die. So it's not altogether crazy for that to happen. If it does work out that this is what has happened, isn't that absolutely the worst imaginable thing that could happen on a flight? I mean, if a pilot falls asleep, you can wake him up. If a door blows out, strap yourselves in and put the oxygen on. But if the computer stops working? Oh no, worst nightmare. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

India has established a Free Trade Agreement with four European nations. The nation will lift most tariffs for Switzerland, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says the UK could benefit from a similar arrangement as the nation prepares for a post-Brexit future. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and broadcaster Paddy Gower joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! Kensington Palace posted a photo of Princess Kate and her family to celebrate Mother's Day in the UK- and several media outlets have since pulled the image amid concerns about possible photo manipulation. What do we think of this? What's going on with the royals? The New Zealand Film Commission plans to invest $800,000 into a multi-million dollar feature film about Dame Jacinda Ardern. How do we feel about this? Will Kiwi audiences respond well? A father who killed his child in a driveway accident has been charged by police with careless driving causing death. Isn't the death of a child bad enough? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Freedom Furniture has posted a $9 million dollar loss, and is relying on Australian owner Greenlit Brands to support them financially. The furniture and homeware retailer has 12 stores in New Zealand, including five in Auckland. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan says the 'recessionary environment', increased interest rates and transport delays created by the Red Sea terror attacks have impacted the company. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is set to re-introduce interest deductibility for landlords this April. They'll also be able to claim 80 percent of interest expenses from next month, and 100 percent from April 2025. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says time will tell as to whether these proposed changes will benefit renters as well. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Records have been smashed as Australians swelter through a weekend autumn heatwave. Maximum temperatures in the heatwave-affected areas have been 10C to 16C above the March average. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says the increased temperatures come with a higher risk of dangerous bushfires. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in the US, some proposed new legislation is putting TikTok back in the spotlight. The new bill would force the app's partner company ByteDance to sell TikTok within six months or be banned from US app stores amid spyware concerns. Tech commentator Paul Spain says lots of companies would love to have the power and influence that comes with owning the platform. "Meta probably wouldn't be allowed to buy it because it would put them in a monopoly type of position, but there's others like Microsoft that would love to get in on this. I don't think there'll be a shortage of interest." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister says the Government's thinking about what to do about problems in the media sector. In the past few weeks there's been proposals made about Newshub's closure and cuts at TVNZ. Nicola Willis says no decisions have been made about what will be done. She says it's hardly a unique problem. "It's not just New Zealand who's going through these big problems, this is a global phenomenon. And it's hard to find an example anywhere of a country that's managed to really get on top of it." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia walked away with a series-winning victory over New Zealand at Christchurch's Hagley Oval. The Aussies chased 279 to win before tea on the fourth day to take the series 2-nil. Cricket commentator Andrew Alderson says the Black Caps 'choked' under the pressure of the series, to the benefit of Australia. "The Australians are so confident and so used to being able to deal with level of pressure. And I don't think New Zealand quite had what it took in those circumstances." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A plea for the Government to wake up to the reality of vaping among young people. The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation says a 'black market' for vapes has sprung up in schools. One workshop with year 7 and 8 students found 77 percent of them had tried it. Chief Executive Letitia Harding says on the campaign trail, politicians liked to talk about different ways to tackle the problem. "But as soon as they get into Government, trying to actually see the Minister of Health and talk to them with the expertise that we've got behind us in incredibly frustrating." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.