Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

It's looking likely Wellington's residents will avoid facing harsher restrictions on their water use- for the moment. The region is currently under level two restrictions, with a ban on all sprinklers and irrigation systems for residential homes in Wellington, Porirua, Hutt, and Upper Hutt. Greater Wellington Regional Council Chair Daran Ponter warns that the city isn't out of the woods just yet. "We're being told that level three is likely to be a more realistic possibility in early February. Of course, that's the hottest period of the year, so that makes sense." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand First's Casey Costello believes a potential plan for cigarette taxes will help people quit smoking. A leaked document shows the Associate Health Minister is getting advice on a potential three-year tax freeze for tobacco. Costello is also looking at harsher penalties for selling vape products to minors, and freezing tax on smokeless tobacco products. She says further financial penalties would be too much for them. "I have some sympathy- let's not continually financially penalise whilst we're managing through getting them off smoking, let's look at some relief." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A bit of rare good news for Wellingtonians, they've escaped having the water restrictions ratcheted up on them this week. That decision was taken today, it’s taken every week at the moment, and at the moment they’re staying in level 2- for now. But the case against Wellington City Council as the bad guys is building fast. I would argue it’s becoming more and more obvious that they have neglected to fix the pipes when they knew they should've. Remember how I told you the guys who fix the pipes asked for $10 million but only got $2.3 million from the council? Turns out the reason Wellington City Council said no to giving all the money was because they told Wellington Water they didn’t think they could use all the money to do the job and fix the pipes. Except they could. Because the budget for fixing the pipes the previous year was $10 million, and they used it all. So Wellington City Council reduced the maintenance budget by 75 percent when they knew the pipes would leak- and there were water restrictions in the city every summer. On top of that, there’s a guy on the Wellington Regional Council called Daran Ponter who's just thrown them to the wolves as well. Daran is a Labour man, so you would expect him to be friendly to a left leaning council. Nope, he’s called them out for spending the money they should be spending on pipes on other things- “new town halls, or refurbished town halls, or bike lanes". Now, I reckon the case that’s building here is that this council needs Government intervention. It needs a Crown Observer called in. Because if you don’t know that you should spend money on making sure people get water to their houses before you spend money on cycleways, you shouldn't be running a council. Incidentally, the Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has gently threatened that in a letter to Wellington City Council- and I think he should follow through. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Head of the British Army has warned that UK civilians could be required to fight in a possible war with Russia. General Sir Patrick Sanders has stressed the need for ministers to 'mobilise the nation' if the ongoing conflict between Russia and the Ukraine intensifies. UK correspondent Kay Oliver says General Sanders has warned that the UK was facing a '1937 moment' when the Russia-Ukraine war began. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, David Farrar from Kiwiblog and Curia and former Labour Chief of Staff Mike Munro joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! The opposition parties have fired back at the Government, saying it's a bad idea to send NZDF personnel to provide maritime security in the Red Sea. Do we think this is the right move? The big discussion point to come out of Rātana- is the Treaty Principles Bill dead in the water? Are National and NZ First wrong to support ACT's bill if they plan to strike it down? There's outrage over today's Oscar nominees, as Barbie director Greta Gerwig and main actor Margot Robbie didn't receive any nominations. Critics say this illustrates the issues around the patriarchy that the movie wanted to illustrate- is this fair? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Annual inflation has slowed down in recent months, in line with predictions from economists. The Consumer Price Index rose 4.7 percent in the year to December, down from 5.6 percent annually to September. It's a big fall from the 7.3 percent peak for the year to June 2022. Infometrics principal economist Brad Olsen says it's a positive step forward, but increased rental inflation means it's not safe yet. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions are being raised over what incoming restrictions from the Reserve Bank mean for first home buyers. The banking regulator proposed debt-to-income restrictions for owner-occupiers, to be introduced mid-2024. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny says this is unlikely to set off alarms for prospective buyers, as interest rates are a bigger issue. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christchurch City Council has agreed to look into the viability of hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games- but not everyone is on board. Mayor Phil Mauger is keen on bringing the Games to the region, with events spread out to the wider South Island. Councillor Andrei Moore says without a major overhaul, the cost of hosting the event is unsustainable. "Yesterday, councillors were briefed on a potential 15.8 percent rates rise- for us to turn around today and explore a Commonwealth Games bid is just not responsible." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says he's up for the challenge of defending his Government's policies, even in the absence of a coalition partner. Chris Luxon addressed the annual Rātana celebrations, as did Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters. But the architect of the controversial Treaty Principles Bill - ACT's David Seymour - did not front to face questions from Māori. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Seymour's absence was disappointing. "You should have the courage of your convictions. Seymour usually does, he should have got up there and said what he really meant." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's official- Auckland's pedestrian crossings come at a far higher price than those in the capital. Figures from the 2021/2022 financial year show Auckland Transport chewed through $6 million on 12 signalised crossings, at an average cost of half a million dollars. Meanwhile, Wellington City Council built four cheaper, non-signalised raised crossings for just under $120,000. Auckland Transport Chief Executive Dean Kimpton says defended the cost of crossings, saying they're fundamentally different from those in Wellington. "From Auckland to Wellington, the prices are similar. What you're seeing in the $6 million or the 12 pedestrian crossings referred to in 21/22 were a whole range of other things that needed to also be done." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Awards season is in full swing, with Hollywood blockbusters taking centre stage at the 2024 Oscars. 'Barbie' and 'Oppenheimer' made the shortlist for Best Picture, and both films have 8 and 13 nominations respectively. However, 'Barbie' director Greta Gerwig, and lead actress Margot Robbie, have missed out on nods. LA correspondent Sean Mandell says it's strange that Ryan Gosling got nominated for his role as Ken while Gerwig and Robbie got snubbed. "They are getting awards love, and the film itself is getting love- but it's strange that Ken is getting a nomination in a movie called 'Barbie'." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Labour Party has hit out at the Government sending Defence Force troops to the Middle East, saying it has shades of the Iraq invasion. Six personnel will assist in targeting coalition strikes on Houthi rebels, who have been attacking commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Foreign Affairs spokesperson David Parker says they don't believe the country should be embroiled there. "I think history shows that they've got some very deep-seated conflicts there, they've got warring factions of different religions, they've got long-term civil wars. We don't think New Zealand should be participating in those conflicts." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Politicians of almost every stripe have descended on Rātana Pā today for the annual celebrations. ACT's David Seymour was a notable absence. Over the day, Māori leaders labelled the Government the enemy and warned the Prime Minister not to meddle with te Tiriti o Waitangi. Chris Luxon assured the crowd his Government is committed to progress for Māori. NZ First MP Shane Jones was heckled during his speech - but he says he took it in his stride. "They thought that with loud angry voices, Winston Peters and I would back down. And they met their match in Shane Jones." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand has had its smallest annual inflation increase in two years. CPI rose 4.7 percent in the year to December- in line with the expectations from economists. That's down from the 5.6 percent recorded for the year to September, and down from the 7.3 percent rise recorded in the year to June 2022. Kiwibank economist Jarrod Kerr says this means the Reserve Bank will start cutting interest rates to provide relief to households. "We've had inflation running at over 7 percent, and people had that in the back of their mind. Now inflation's running at over 4 percent, that's quite a drop. By this time next year, inflation will run closer to 2 percent." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former President Donald Trump emerged victorious in the New Hampshire Primary. His opponent, Nikki Haley, conceded she'd lost to Donald Trump in New Hampshire, but says the race is far from over. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says it's likely Nikki Haley will pull out of the race by March's Super Tuesday. "I think she's going to hang in there, see how much she can do in February- but at this point in time, I don't see how she could play catch-up with Donald Trump." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wellington Phoenix are set to ban a group of spectators from their A-League football games. A small cohort have been identified for antagonising Melbourne Victory fans and causing multiple fights during the 1-all draw at Sky Stadium last week. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave outlines this plan further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's hope the Commonwealth Games could return to Christchurch fifty years on from the 1974 event. Mayor Phil Mauger has recommended the city host the 2030 Games, and Christchurch city councillors voted to run a viability report. Mauger hopes an event of this scale will help turn Christchurch into the sporting and events capital of New Zealand. "We have all these fantastic new facilities, and I want to showcase our facilities to the world. We will, however, have to share the load across the country." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.