Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

A hotly-anticipated final ended in disappointment for New Zealand, after the Springboks won the World Cup. The Springboks went scoreless in the second half but managed to hold out a 14-man New Zealand 12-11. Sportstalk host Jason Pine weighs in on the nation's reaction- as some fans are taking the loss out on referee Wayne Barnes. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lucrative pay and enticing housing packages are luring a number of Kiwi police officers across the ditch. Australian police figures show 77 officers are leaving to work in Queensland, and close to 20 are heading off to the Northern Territory. Constables starting out in the region start out on $100,000 a year, and experienced officers could expect a $118,000 base salary- with $20,000 on offer to cover relocation costs. Police Association president Chris Cahill is concerned these numbers could snowball if officers who leave are open about these incentives. "The real concern is- if they get over there and what they see is as good as they've been told. They'll start telling their mates, one tells one etc. It's a real concern." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sixty years after the onset of Beatlemania and with two of the quartet now dead, artificial intelligence has enabled the release next week of what is promised to be the last “new” Beatles song. The track, called “Now And Then,” will be available Thursday, Nov. 2, as part of a single paired with “Love Me Do,” the very first Beatles single that came out in 1962 in England, it was announced Thursday. “Now And Then” comes from the same batch of unreleased demos written by the late John Lennon, which were taken by his former bandmates to construct the songs “Free As a Bird” and “Real Love,” released in the mid-1990s. Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and George Harrison worked on “Now And Then” in the same sessions, but technological limitations stood in the way. With the help of artificial intelligence, director Peter Jackson cleared those problems up by “separating” Lennon's original vocals from a piano used in the late 1970s. The much clearer vocals allowed McCartney and Starr to complete the track last year. The survivors packed plenty into it. The new single contains guitar that Harrison had recorded nearly three decades ago, a new drum part by Starr, with McCartney's bass, piano and a slide guitar solo he added as a tribute to Harrison, who died in 2001. McCartney and Starr sang backup. McCartney also added a string arrangement written with the help of Giles Martin, son of the late Beatles producer George Martin. As if that wasn't enough, they weaved in backing vocals from the original Beatles recordings of “Here, There and Everywhere,” “Eleanor Rigby” and “Because.” “There it was, John's voice, crystal clear,” McCartney said in the announcement. “It's quite emotional. And we all play on it, it's a genuine Beatles recording. In 2023 to still be working on Beatles music, and about to release a new song the public haven't heard, I think it's quite an exciting thing.” Harrison's widow, Olivia, said he felt in the 1990s that the technical problems made it impossible to release a song that met the band's standards. With the improvements, “he would have wholeheartedly” joined Paul and Ringo in completing the song now if he were still alive, she said. Next Wednesday, the day before the song's release, a 12-minute film that tells the story of the new recording will be made public. Later in the month, expanded versions of the Beatles' compilations “1962-1966” and “1967-1970” will be released. “Now And Then,” despite coming much later than 1970, will be added to the latter collection. The surviving Beatles have skillfully released new projects, like remixes of their old albums that include studio outtakes and Jackson's “Get Back” film, usually timed to appeal to nostalgic fans around the holiday season. This year, it's the grand finale of new music. “This is the last track, ever, that you’ll get the four Beatles on the track. John, Paul, George, and Ringo,” Starr said in a recent interview with The Associated Press. - by David Bauder, APSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, once seen as a reform-minded contender to the country’s top leadership role, died of a sudden heart attack early Friday in Shanghai, state media reported. He was 68 years old. Li, who was nominally China’s No. 2 leader until late last year, served as the country’s premier – traditionally in charge of the economy – for a decade from 2013 to March this year under strongman leader Xi Jinping. During his time in the role, Li navigated the world’s second-largest economy through a challenging period of rising technology and trade tensions with the United States, mounting government debt and unemployment, and the Covid-19 pandemic. In his final year in power, the economist by training had been a strong voice warning of challenges to China’s economy amid widespread Covid-19 lockdowns. He backed efforts to boost employment and maintain economic stability. As the news of Li’s death broke Friday morning, social media users circulated a line from Li’s annual address to China’s rubber stamp parliament in 2022, where he pledged that, “No matter how the international environment may change, China will keep the course of wider openness.” Li, known to use his English language skills on occasion in appearances outside the mainland, was seen as representing a different approach to China’s ties with the world, at a time when the country’s relations with the West have grown increasingly strained. “China and the United States have common interests,” Li said in response to CNN’s question at his annual press conference in March 2021. “The two countries need to put more energy on their common ground and expand converging interests.” Li is also remembered for his focus on addressing societal ills – with social media users on Friday also pointing to his 2020 comments noting that China still had 600 million people with a monthly income of 1,000 yuan ($137). Those remarks came at a time when China was touting its success in lifting millions out of poverty as a point of national pride. Li, a highly educated technocrat with degrees in law and economics, was considered friendly to the private sector. He was seen to have an increasingly diverging economic policy stance from Xi, who tightened party control over the economy. A reform-minded leader Li is widely seen as a protege of Xi’s predecessor, Hu Jintao, who presided over an era of rapid growth in China from 2002 to 2012. The men shared economic sensibilities and rose to power through the Communist Party’s Youth League, once seen as a training ground for future leaders. The faction was known for producing reform-minded leaders hailing from humble family backgrounds, but its influence is believed to have been crushed by Xi since he came to power. The relationship between Li and Hu was in the spotlight last year when the former top leader was unexpectedly led out of the closing ceremony of the October 2022 Communist Party Congress, where Xi further consolidated power. In a moment of drama during a usually highly choreographed event, Hu was escorted from the room, pausing on his way out to pat a stony-faced Li on the shoulder, who nodded and turned to watch the former leader depart. State media later suggested Hu left due to health issues. Under Hu, Li was named to the party’s top leadership body, the Politburo Standing Committee, in 2007. He previously held key roles as party chief in industrial Liaoning province and was provincial leader of Henan, an agricultural base. Born in Anhui, Li spent his late teens doing manual labor with the Dongling Production Brigade in the eastern province during the Cultural Revolution, a decade-long social and political upheaval launched by late Chinese leader Mao Zedong. Li was among the first batch of students to sit the college entrance exam after it was reinstated following the end of the Cultural Revolution. In 1978, he enrolled at the prestigious Peking University, where he studied law and later obtained a doctorate in economics. Unlike Xi, Li is not considered one of China’s princelings hailing from a prominent party family. He held positions in the Communist Youth League Central Committee during the 1980s and 90s. His time in the top echelons of China’s Communist Party came to a close last October, when he was not named to the party’s Central Committee during a twice-a-decade leadership reshuffle that saw Xi surround himself with key allies. Then 67, Li was one year short of the unofficial retirement age for senior Chinese Communist Party leaders. He was succeeded as premier earlier this year by former Shanghai party chief and Xi loyalist Li Qiang. - by Simone McCarthy and Steven Jiang, CNNSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All eyes were on Fletcher Building and how shareholders would react at their AGM. Among the issues it’s dealt with recently include the Iplex pipes, directors’ fees and the poor annual results. Business commentator Rod Oram joined Jack Tame. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington City Council officials knew about the Town Hall budget blowout six months before councillors did. This week, the council voted to increase funding to earthquake strengthen the Hall, which could reach up to $329 million. But the council’s project team realised the costs were fast increasing at the start of the year, told the Council chief executive in June and told Tory Whanau in September, and councillors found out until this month when they asked for a cash injection. Wellington City Councillor Tim Brown joined Jack Tame. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks are just one win away from sporting immortality. After being largely written off after the opening defeat to France, all that stands in the way of them and the Webb Ellis Cup is the Springboks with their bomb squad bench. Both teams are on three titles, and are vying to stand above the other with a fourth win. But the game could be overshadowed by World Rugby’s new tournament. World Rugby has announced a 12-team Nations League from 2026, with promotion and relegation in 2030. The 2027 tournament will also be expanded to 24 teams. But less than 12 hours prior to kick off, the Black Caps will be in action in India. They take on Australia in Dharamshala as they look to move on from last weekend’s loss to India. Abby Wilson and Scotty Stevenson joined Jack Tame to discuss the week’s sports newsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former All Blacks coach John Hart thinks the Springboks have made a massive gamble with their 7-1 stacking of forwards on the bench. It was a tactic that worked during when they beat the All Blacks 35-7 at Twickenham before the Rugby World Cup. Meanwhile, the All Blacks have made one change from the team that beat Argentina 44-6 in last week’s semifinal. All Blacks legend Sir Michael Jones joined Jack Tame. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sport Canterbury has described Christchurch's new sport centre price blow-out as gob smacking. Contractor CPB has increased its claim by more than $200 million to $439 million, sparking a legal dispute with government delivery agency Rau Paenga — formerly Otakaro Limited. Sport Canterbury chief executive Julyan Falloon told Jack Tame the prospect of further delays is heartbreaking. “But to question Rau Paenga’s design at this stage when the facility’s 70 percent completed is sort of becoming a little bit farcical from our perspective.” The increased claim will bring the project's total value to $696 million. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pharmac’s board is backing the CEO and bringing in external contractors to help implement a plan to fix the organisation’s internal culture. I get it, people make mistakes, we all understand that, but in my eyes, Pharma’s leadership has made a couple of massive errors in recent months. The first — if you cast your minds back was the rollout of the Trikafta funding announcement. I personally just thought it was incredibly inappropriate that Pharmac appeared to turn the whole thing into a made-for-TV moment. Medicines funding is so sensitive. Pharmac is literally making decisions about peoples’ lives. The whole Pharma model is supposed to remove emotion from the equation as much as possible. So think about what making a made-for-TV Oprah-style moment means in the context of drug funding and medicines funding. It feels really, really icky to me and in my view, it only incentivises pharmaceutical companies to launch really big, emotional PR campaigns in order to get their medicines funded regardless of how much they cost. Which ultimately undermines the whole purpose of Pharmac’s model. But not only that, they appeared to very deliberately mislead journalist Rachel Smalley when she found out about the funding decision ahead of their PR moment and she started making calls. And then the pièce de résistance: internal emails showed senior leadership making incredibly unprofessional comments about Rachel Smalley. I just do not understand how you can rise to a senior leadership position in an agency such as Pharmac and not realise that your emails can be made public. What does it say about the judgment of those leaders? Not just the comments, but that they made them in writing. The external contractors might help to change the culture within Pharmac. Internally, they might be successful in making some big cultural changes. But when it comes to an organisation like Pharmac, public perception matters just as much, if not more. And this won’t fix it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Council of Licensed Firearms Owners is hoping ACT can score them a win in coalition negotiations. Party leader David Seymour says he wants to get rid of the Firearms Registry, but will have to convince their coalition partner National. Hugh Devereux-Mack told Jack Tame registering their firearms is burdensome and makes them a target. He claims the register potentially puts them at risk by saying where they live, who is in the household and where the guns are stored. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks have named a largely unchanged team for the Rugby World Cup final on Sunday. Brodie Retallick has been named to the starting XV in place of Sam Whitelock — the only change from the 44-6 win over Argentina. Meanwhile, the Springboks have named two changes from their 16-15 win over England, and a 7-1 forward split on the bench. Former All Blacks captain Sean Fitzpatrick joined Jack Tame. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christopher Luxon may just be getting closer to a deal with Winston Peters. The Prime Minister-elect and wife Amanda have been over to Peters’ house for dinner, but it’s unclear what the two discussed — particularly as the special vote count looms. However, Peters’ social media posts about the Christchurch mosque attack inquiry just before the two met at his home could be throw a spanner in the works among Luxon’s party faithful. Newstalk ZB Political Editor Jason Walls joined Jack Tame. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than 24 hours on from the mass shooting in Maine, and the man allegedly responsible remains on the run. The shootings at a bowling alley and bar in Lewiston left 18 people dead and 13 injured. The FBI searched Robert Card's last known address earlier today, but didn't find him. US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson told Jack Tame they were looking for any evidence they could find — including weapons, electronics, or a plan of the shootings. “Also, several other news outlets over here are reporting that he left a suicide note inside one other home, and that his sister says he may’ve been looking for his ex.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Springboks have taken a hefty gamble ahead of the Rugby World Cup final against the All Blacks. They've named a 7-1 split on the bench with more forwards - which they did when they beat the All Blacks 35-7 at Twickenham before the World Cup. But prior to that, the Black Caps have a huge clash of their own in the Cricket World Cup. They'll be looking to get back on track after their first defeat of the tournament to hosts in India, with a mouthwatering clash with Australia in Dharamshala. Weekend Sport host Jason Pine joined Jack Tame. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pharmac's board has agreed to an action plan to improve the organisation's culture after inappropriate emails were sent about journalist Rachel Smalley. Chief Executive Sarah Fitt has also publicly apologised — saying she deeply regrets her actions. Patient Voice Aotearoa had called for the resignation ahead of the Board and Fitt ahead of today's meeting. Chair Malcolm Mulholland told Jack Tame he thinks the outcome is pathetic. “I think there’s only one option available now to change the culture of Pharmac — and that’s for the incoming National government to sack the board and Sarah Fitt.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rishi Sunak is facing the prospect of a by-election after Tory MP Peter Bone was stood down for inappropriate behaviour. An investigation revealed Bone had bullied and sexually harassed a former parliamentary staff member. Bone has since been suspended for 6 weeks. UK correspondent Enda Brady says it's increasingly likely that Labour will need to force a by-election following this verdict. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, BRG director Georgina Stylianou and Business Mentors CEO Sarah Trotman joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! Winston Peters is in hot water following his inaccurate tweets claiming Kiwis only just found out about the terrorist's pre-attack email to the Beehive. What is his goal here? Mt Maunganui businesses and residents have voiced outrage over plans to introduce paid parking at the beach. Should holiday summer spots be off limits when it comes to paid parking? According to a new study, one in three Kiwis say they've been sexually harassed at work in the past six months - that includes suggestive stories, sexist comments etc. Is this surprising? Three's 7pm news show The Project is set to be axed at the end of the year- is this a sign of the times? Are evening news shows dying? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi scientists have developed ground-breaking new technology that will allow farmers to measure methane emissions from cattle. Crown institute AgResearch has developed a portable chamber to test individual cows- helping farmers to selectively breed cattle and reduce emissions over time. The Country's Jamie Mackay says this technology is the latest scientific development that will cull emissions and keep farms running. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Innovation is a key driver of global economic growth- and it's moving faster than ever. Science, research, and technology have driven economic growth over the years, ever since the industrial revolution. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds says society has gotten better at adapting to new developments, comparing the fast adoption of AI and weight-loss drugs to the slower reception of earlier technology. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inflation may be coming down- but three big influences have accelerated living costs for Kiwi households. The cost of living has gone up by 7.4 percent in a year, with groceries, insurance and interest payments driving up these increases. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann says these increases will keep inflation up for longer in a temporary worst-of-both-worlds scenario. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland Council has voted down introducing Māori seats for the 2025 local body elections, after a tense debate today. Councillors voted 11 to 9 against the decision. Auckland Councillor Alf Filipaina has expressed disappointment with this rejection. "This was about establishing Māori wards for 2025. The argument was a non-argument, because that work is getting done anyway- and it doesn't need to get completed until later on." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Growing calls for Winston Peters to apologise for his incorrect claims about the March 15 terror attacks. Peters said New Zealand only recently found out that the Prime Minister's office received information about the attack before it happened. But then-Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern revealed at the time her office had received the killer's manifesto. ZB political editor Jason Walls says Peters has tried to appeal to the nation's fringe groups before- but it's perplexing as to why he's making these false claims now. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A council plan to set up more paid parking at one of New Zealand's hottest summer spots has been met with community backlash. Mount Maunganui was set to introduce more paid parking meters this summer season- but that plan has been delayed after residents and business owners voiced opposition. Tauranga Business Chamber CEO Matt Cowley says paid parking has been regarded as an unpopular decision by Mount Maunganui business owners. "We need the commissioners focusing on the bigger issues in the long-term plan, we don't want them to pick a fight with the community." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Workplace sexual harassment is just as detrimental for employers, as it is for employees. A new study has found about a third of the New Zealand workforce have experienced it, with around 36 percent of females and 30 percent of males targeted. It shows employees may be more likely to suffer burnout, stress, or act counterproductively at work and call in sick. Massey University Professor Jarrod Haar says they're also more likely to quit, which is just as bad for employers. "They take the knowledge and the insights from the organisation with them and leave- they're less likely, if they haven't quit, to stay there and not perform as well as they used to." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chairman of Federation of Islamic Associations says the Coronial inquest into March 15 is not the time for political posturing. Winston Peters is refusing to apologise for falsely tweeting that Kiwis only just found out about the terrorist's pre-attack email to the Beehive. It was revealed at a press conference the next day. Abdur Razzaq Khan says it was also in the Royal Commission's report, which he says shows Peters didn't read it. "And to come out after so many years now, on the day when people are trying to find out what actually happened to their loved ones- I thought that was very insensitive." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Global superstar pop princess Britney Spears' just-released book is already set to become the highest selling celebrity memoir. Leaked chapters from 'The Woman In Me' are making headlines, including the revelation Spears had an abortion while dating Justin Timberlake. Fans of the singer advocated for years for her release from her father's overarching control of her life. A Free Britney Movement leader, Kevin Wu, says he's so proud she's sharing her story. "It's totally heart-breaking, what she went through. The way she was treated was so unfair, especially by her own family." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police today confirmed they've launched a homicide investigation into the death of a Lower Hutt toddler. Ruthless-Empire Souljah Reign Rhind Shephard Wall was found to have suffered blunt force trauma, with authorities claiming his injuries were 'not accidental'. NZ Herald senior crime reporter Sam Sherwood says police believe the toddler had suffered from injuries for 12 hours before he was taken to hospital. "Police said when he arrived at hospital at 10:30 on Sunday, he was unresponsive. Efforts were done to revive him, but they were unsuccessful- he had multiple injuries to his body." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A 21-year-old water polo instructor has been found dead at a prestigious Sydney CBD school, sparking a full-scale investigation. Lilie James was discovered with serious head injuries by police after midnight on Thursday in a campus bathroom. Authorities have launched a manhunt for her colleague, Paul Thijssen, who James had reportedly dated in the lead-up to her death. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the school will be closed to all pupils until Monday. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the US, a manhunt is under way in Maine for a shooter who's killed 22 and injured about 60 in a Lewiston restaurant and bowling alley. Police say 40-year-old Robert Card is a suspect, and have posted videos and photos of him and his car. He's described as a certified firearms instructor and a member of the US Army Reserves. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says police will be following the facts - and trying to anticipate his moves. "You're trying to guess where he may be going, what he might be doing next, now that we know that he is somebody with military experience- that's almost the worst nightmare that you can ask for in a situation like this" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All Blacks coach Ian Foster is likely to make a couple of changes to his side to face the Springboks in the Rugby World Cup final. In which order locks Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick are used is likely to be the biggest debate. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave shares his prediction here today. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I want to start off by reading some Winston Peters quotes, straight from the source. "We waited until today to find out for the first time that the Prime Minister's office received information about the March 15 terrorist attack before the massacre took place." "Jacinda Ardern should be called to the hearing and asked to explain this appalling lack of transparency to the New Zealand public, let alone to the deputy Prime Minister and Government coalition partner." Those are the words of the former deputy Prime Minister, Winston Peters. And while they whipped up an intense response among an Ardern-hating, conspiracy-nurturing social media crowd- the words are demonstrably wrong. They're not just wrong, that's not just an opinion, they are demonstrably wrong. We did not wait until now to find out about the Prime Minister's office receiving information concerning the attacks shortly before they began. We, the New Zealand public, to whom Winston Peters refers, were told the next day. It was widely publicised at the time- the manifesto was sent to a range of recipients, including media and politicians, nine minutes before the attack began. Someone in Parliament called the police as soon as they saw it. Winston Peters has since published a second post on social media channels clarifying that his complaint was referring to the fact that he wasn't personally informed about these events prior to the public press conference. And maybe that complaint has more legitimacy. Maybe that is actually a fair point. But if that's the case, isn't it weird that he didn't raise it at the time of press conference? Isn't it weird that he or his staff didn't immediately call the Prime Minister's office right after that press conference on March 16 to question why he hadn't been informed first? I can only see two possible scenarios here. Either Winston Peters and his advisors somehow completely missed the detail about the manifesto email at the time of massacre, despite him being deputy Prime Minister - it was referenced in the colonial inquiry, he thought he saw an opportunity and he immediately swung for it. That's one possibility, the other is perhaps something more cynical. He knew full well the manifesto was released a few minutes in advance, but he chose to deliberately spread a falsehood intimating that we, the New Zealand public, had been misled. Either way, I think it speaks volumes that Winston Peters has so far refused to delete a demonstrably false statement. I don't care about him being forced to apologise or anything like that. To post it in the first place is one thing, to leave it up on those social media platforms with a conspiratorial tone to fester away- I think that speaks to character. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finnish authorities have recently claimed that the rupture of a gas pipeline under the Baltic Sea may have been caused by an anchor dragging along the seabed. Russia was initially suspected of causing the damage as retribution for Finland joining NATO, an accusation Putin denied. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says Finland's NBI has since focused their probe on the Chinese NewNew Polar Bear container vessel, which was missing an anchor. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Infrastructure NZ CEO Nick Leggett and current affairs commentator Josie Pagani joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! Business owners in Auckland want a bylaw to allow them to trespass people from public spaces who are a nuisance. They say they feel like downtown Auckland has become too dangerous- are these concerns valid? Wellington City Council has voted in favour of pouring millions more into the redevelopment of the Town Hall- is this a good investment? National's Chris Bishop has opted to sell his shares as he prepares to take a spot in Cabinet- is this a good idea? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newly released provisional estimates from Stats NZ show the country has experience rapid population growth after two years of shrinkage. Auckland's population expanded the fastest in the year to June, with the region gaining 47,000 more people. Otago, Waikato, and the Bay of Plenty also grew faster than the New Zealand average. Infometrics principal economist Brad Olsen says Auckland's economy stands to benefit from an expanding workforce. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big tech companies are posting strong sales results this quarter- with AI aiding this economic turnaround. ChatGPT kicked off the recent AI wave, with chip company Nvidia spurring this growth. Microsoft and Google have seen sales up by 11 percent to 12 percent, with their new AI features and tools generating interest. Milford Asset Management Portfolio Manager Felix Fok explains what this technology could do for the future of work and commerce. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's largest bank, ANZ, has lifted their mortgage and deposit rates by as much as 30 basis points. As of today, the bank's six-month mortgage rates will increase by 26 points, its four and five-year rates will rise by 25 points, and its three-year rates by 20 points. ANZ has also hiked their one-year, 18-month, and two-year rates by between 10 and 14 points. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains the economic factors driving up these rates. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The outgoing Government has joined international calls for a humanitarian pause, as violence in Israel and Gaza escalates. Chris Hipkins, in consultation with the incoming Government, has requested humanitarian corridors in Gaza and designated safe areas that can't be targeted. ZB political editor Jason Walls says this pause would allow aid organisations to go into established safe areas to provide resources, aid and relief. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

World Rugby has approved several key changes and a new 12-strong biennial competition. The concept will start in 2026 and bring together the Six Nations teams, Sanzaar sides and two others in the Pacific such as Japan and Fiji. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains what this might mean for the future of rugby. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One prospective Cabinet minister appears to have learned from his predecessor's mistakes. Senior National MP Chris Bishop has sold his shares in Kiwi Income Property and plans to sell off his further shares in Paysauce Ltd, Telstra and Parrotdog. Former National MP Steven Joyce disagrees that ministers should have to sell their shares once they get into office. "You keep lifting the bar higher and higher in terms of what people can't do while they're a politician- which makes it less attractive for people. In principle- the Cabinet manual makes it clear people can do things in their private capacity." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former All Black Sir Bryan Williams is voicing concern over the future of the Rugby World Cup for Tier Two nations. World Rugby has announced an expansion to 24 teams for the next event in Australia in 2027, including two extra pools and a round of 16. There'll also be a 12-strong Nations League starting in 2026, which will pit the Six Nations sides against the Rugby Championship teams, plus two invitees. Williams says this news is 'disappointing' for nations like Samoa and Fiji- and claims there'll be an imbalance at the next World Cup. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland businesses have demanded more action on addressing antisocial behaviour in the city centre. They're calling to adjust a bylaw, which would give the council power to trespass people if they believe they're a risk to public safety. Fort Street restaurant Vivace is planning on giving safety advice to customers and using private security guards. Co-owner Mandy Lusk says the unruly behaviour is a nuisance and hurts their businesses. "But there's also people just out there making a nuisance of themselves- and they seem to get some kind of pleasure out of scaring people and being aggressive." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An international relations expert doesn't believe New Zealand was too slow to call for a pause to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Outgoing Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has joined international calls for humanitarian corridors in Gaza and designated safe areas. Paul Buchanan says our country has done well, considering it has a caretaker Government. "New Zealand has always tried to straddle defence on conflicts such as this. Recognising the Palestinians' cause on the one hand, recognising Israel on the other- they chose the path of least resistance." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Wellington City Councillor says there are ramifications from the Town Hall renovation budget blowout. The council today voted to pay up to $147 million to cover cost increases for earthquake strengthening the CBD venue. The total overall cost could end up as high as $329 million. Councillor Ben McNulty says it'll take a toll on other things. "We have to be clear that by doing this Town Hall project and the extra money, we won't be doing other things. We will be taking away from other things that we should be doing." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dozens of US states are suing Meta and its Instagram platform, saying they've fuelled a youth mental health crisis. 33 states have filed a lawsuit in federal court in California, claiming Meta has repeatedly misled the public about its platforms' danger. Meta says it's disappointed by the lawsuit. Auckland University health researcher, Samantha Marsh, says there's strong evidence to support the claims. "Social media in particular has a really negative impact on youth mental health- so that's things like depression and anxiety." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

World Rugby has announced the details for its new men's competitions. 12 teams are going to compete in the new World League outside of the World Cup, though they haven't decided what the actual name is going to be. It could be the World League- or it could be something else entirely, we don't know yet. Anyway, the new competition will put the six nation sides in a tournament alongside the All Blacks, the Wallabies, the Springboks, the Pumas and two other teams. It hasn't yet been confirmed, but the reports at this stage suggest that Japan and Fiji are likely to take up the final two slots. There will be a Tier Two competition with promotion and relegation, but that doesn't start for several years after the Tier One. The other big changes are going to come with the men's Rugby World Cup. The competition will be expanded to more teams, but shortened in terms of its length. So there's going to be a new 16-team knockout round between pool play and the quarter-finals. There is a central question at the heart of all of these changes- what's the priority? Is it to make as much money as possible from the game in the short-term, or is it to grow the game into new rugby markets? Because if you want to grow a game in order for it to have a global footprint, you really need to ensure that teams aren't just playing- they're actually competing. Turning up isn't enough, they actually have to be kinda good. And how do teams get good? It's a combination of resources and experience playing stronger opposition. There is a really good example right now in the Cricket World Cup- with its players steadily increasing their amount of experience playing against tougher opposition. Afghanistan has stunned Pakistan and England in the 50 over format. I definitely think a shorter Rugby World Cup makes sense and having more teams will benefit the likes of Brazil and the Netherlands and Hong Kong- who are on the cusp of being in the top 24 in terms of the world rankings. But you have to feel sorry for the better Tier Two teams that are really facing a possibility of even fewer games against Tier One opposition. What do I mean? Think about Samoa and Tonga, for example. In the islands, rugby isn't an off-Broadway sport like it is in Brazil and the Netherlands. Other countries might squeak their way into a bigger World Cup, and that's great. But in the islands, it is the sport. And yet, those teams are going to find themselves outside of the World League with very few opportunities to play big teams outside of the Rugby World Cup. What's that going to mean when they turn up every four years for the likes of Samoa and Tonga? A thrashing, most likely. World Rugby is caught between conflicting priorities. They want competition structures that reward existing rugby fans and make a lot of money for the dominant teams- but they also want to expand the game. And for those of us who only care about the All Blacks playing the very best teams- sure the new format might be enjoyable enough. But if you care about rugby in the Pacific, I don't think this is it. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police will receive 'clarified' guidance on addressing hate crimes after chaos broke out at a pro-Palestine rally in London. A video of a man shouting 'jihad' at the rally has sparked calls for tougher police action on hate speech. UK correspondent Enda Brady says Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley agreed existing hate crime laws 'needed re-drawing'. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and Tim Wilson from Maxim Institute joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! Sir Wayne Smith predicts new rule changes will be implemented in rugby, with permissible tackle height being lowered to belly-button level. Are the rugby rules too complicated? Are tackles below the belly button the way of the future? David Seymour wants to make the coalition agreement public, Luxon says he'd be open to it. Do we think Winston would too? Is transparency the way to go when it comes to the coalition? A piece from Thomas Coughlan indicated David Parker could become the next Labour leader- what do we think of this? What does Labour need? Residents of Auckland's Ōrākei and Eastern Bay are protesting against McDonald's opening another restaurant in their neighbourhood. Should communities have a say against junk food? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New data indicates the milk price cycle may be picking up after an earlier downturn. The latest lift on October 17 saw prices move 4.3 percent, with milk powder up 4.2 percent and the overall average price reaching $3202 USD. Fonterra has lifted their forecast by 50 cents and ASB and Westpac have since followed suit and increased their forecasts $7.35/kg MS and $7.25/kg MS respectively. The Country's Jamie Mackay is confident numbers will pick up after a dismal year for the dairy sector. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two warnings from international credit ratings agencies have sparked concern amongst economists. S&P Global Ratings expressed concern with National's proposed Three Waters policy, as it could negatively impact the debt ceilings for local councils. Fitch Ratings predicted that the new National-led Government couldn't live up to their promise of producing a budget surplus in 2027. BusinessDesk managing editor Pattrick Smellie explained the impact of these warning signals. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.