Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Union workers at Fletcher subsidiary EasySteel have blamed the company's recent mismanagement for a looming restructure. Fletcher has cited market conditions for this restructure, and jobs are on the chopping block. First Union spokesperson Justin Wallace says 50 to 60 jobs could be scrapped. "The interesting part is- this is not only being targeted at union members, it's also being targeted at management, marketing and other areas that are outside the union coverage." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Air New Zealand has signed its largest deal yet for sustainable aviation fuel. The airline purchased 9 million litres of fuel from provider Neste, which is expected to reduce carbon emissions up to 80 percent compared to fossil jet fuel. Chief Sustainability Officer Kiri Hannifin supports mandating other airlines follow suit to decarbonise. "All of aviation is required to decarbonise, so we all have to do it, and there's only very limited ways to do it. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is being accused of throwing coal on the climate crisis fire. A new Resource Management Amendment Bill to be introduced next month will ease consenting for coal mines. Labour brought in the controls to end consents for existing thermal coal mines after 2030. Greens co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick says New Zealand has been phasing out coal over the last few years. "The last time Shane Jones was in Government, in 2017, New Zealand signed up to be a member of the international Powering Past Coal Alliance, which was an international commitment to phase out coal." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Telecommunications Commissioner says he's disappointed about alleged breaches of the 111 Contact code by telco One New Zealand. The code is designed to protect consumers without copper landline connections. One New Zealand has been accused of failing to provide customers with a way to call 111 in a power cut. Commissioner Tristan Gilbertson says the company would have been aware of its obligations. "Despite having been very closely involved in the co-development process over two years before the code went live in 2021, One has failed to implement and discharge its obligations." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's more details on the finances of Stuff's new agreement with Warner Brothers Discovery. The Newshub owner signed a deal with Stuff yesterday to produce and provide a daily bulletin on TV Three from July 6, following Newshub's closure. Stuff CEO Sinead Boucher says they'll bring over some Newshub employees, but fewer than the 40 or 50 proposed by staff. Herald Editor-at-large Shayne Currie says Stuff is unlikely to get a cut of the advertising money. "I think it's a flat annual fee for Stuff- and Warner Bros. Discovery takes all the revenue." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The stabbing at a church in Sydney's west last night has been labelled a terrorist act. New South Wales police have revealed a young person's been arrested after three people were stabbed at Wakeley's The Good Shepherd Church last night. A graphic video of the attack shows a person lunging at the Bishop during a mass. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says religious leaders across Australia have stood by the church as more updates come to light. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Confidence the Hurricanes can cope without Jordie Barrett for one Super Rugby campaign. The midfielder has re-signed with NZR until the end of 2028, but the new deal does include a six-month sabbatical at Irish club Leinster next year. Sportstalk host Elliott Smith explains further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finding a jury for Donald Trump's hush money trial is proving tricky. The former US President has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. Already on day one, 50 prospective jurors have been dismissed after saying they couldn't be impartial. Cornell University law professor Randy Zelin says potential jurors are asked personal questions to determine their suitability. "You're trying to get little pieces of insight into whether this person is going to be a free thinker, good for the defence - or a by-the-book person." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So, the 6pm bulletin on TV3 is saved after all. It's been announced this afternoon that that Stuff is going to make the bulletin for the owners of TV3, Warner Brothers Discovery. If you’re a fan of Newshub and this news gives you hope, I would very much urge you to temper that expectation. Because this is not going to be what you are used to. It sounds very much like it's going to be quick and dirty. It's gonna look very different. They are promising us it’s not going to be cheap news - but I'll tell you what, I'll have to see that to believe it, because everything points to that. That's the whole point of this exercise, making it cheaper. The news was too expensive for Warner Brothers to justify continuing to make it, so the only way this works is if Stuff can do it for less. The Stuff boss today was talking about some of this news being filmed by reporters on their cell phones. Now times have changed, and the idea of a Zoom video call or the odd bit of footage filmed on a phone is not that intolerable any more. But how much of it are you prepared to tolerate? At the moment, you see the odd bit here and there, but how much of it needs to be filmed on reporters’ cell phones to make this news affordable? And then, how much of that is the audience going to tolerate? Cause it’s ugly. Let's be completely honest, it's ugly watching stuff that was filmed on a cell phone expanded out to a big TV. And that is very different to the TV news product that we’re used to in this country. We're used to very slick news bulletins, which is probably part of the problem with the 6pm news. But what happens if we’re offered up a bulletin put together on the cheap, filmed by reporters who aren’t trained camera people - on their phones? 6pm news audiences are already declining, so won’t this just make the audience leave faster? Now, there is an argument to be made that that’s actually not the most important thing here and this is really about digital innovation using that video content in other ways on other platforms. But that's another debate altogether, and we should probably be having that some other day. For the 6pm news bulletin on TV3, it feels like this deal can only delay the end, it can’t prevent it. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been confirmed a number of British fighter jets helped shoot down the drones fired at Israel from Iran. The UK was among several countries which helped counter Iran's unprecedented attack - the first direct strike onto Israeli soil. UK correspondent Gavin Grey explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and Auckland Councillor Richard Hills joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! Is the escalating conflict in the Middle East something we should be worried about? Iran sent a barrage of drones and missiles to Israel this weekend- should this be a bigger point of concern? The Government has announced changes to tenancy laws, including pet bonds and making tenants liable for all pet damage above fair wear and tear. Will these make a difference for tenants - or landlords? Brian Tamaki has come out in defence of a Destiny Church member who vandalised Auckland's K Road rainbow crossing. He's been slapped with a $16,000 fine- was this the right call? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Ministers of New Zealand and Singapore have agreed to streamline flows of critical supplies during crises. Chris Luxon sat down today in Singapore with his counterpart Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to discuss supply chains and maintaining green economy initiatives. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Luxon is eyeing up the opportunities and potential to be found in South East Asia. Luxon's leading a 24 person business delegation to Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines over the course of the week. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explains the benefits of New Zealand building more trade relationships. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors wound up with a 22-all draw with the Manly Sea Eagles in last weekend's match. As the team trailed 22-20 with seconds left on the clock, Johnson's attempt at a two-point field goal fell short. Sportstalk host Jason Pine weighs in on whether the Warriors should be proud of this. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Private healthcare is experiencing a surge in demand as public wait-lists keep expanding. A new private hospital has opened in central Auckland, and Epsom's Mercy Hospital is expected to add dozens more beds and at least 10 new operating theatres. At least 1 third of Kiwis now have private health insurance, with Southern Cross reporting a 3.5 percent increase in memberships over the past year. Otago University's Robin Gauld says more people are worried about accessing healthcare as stories surface. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister's excited ahead of her trip to Washington DC. Nicola Willis departs tomorrow for a meeting with her counterparts from Australia, the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. She says she's looking forward to being in the same room as Janet Yellen, who she describes as a 'Queen' of international economics and finance. "She is an incredible person who has advised successive American presidents and been on the Federal Reserve - and having a moment to pick her brain will be a very special moment indeed." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Housing Minister says introducing pet bonds will make landlords more likely to accept cats and dogs in their properties. The Government's bringing in changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to make it easier for pet-owning tenants to find rental housing. It includes paying an extra bond of two weeks rent, to cover potential damage. Minister Chris Bishop says he's spoken to many landlords who support the extra security of a pet bond. "At the moment, a lot of landlords just say - nah, it's all too hard, I'm just going to say no, it's my property, I can't be bothered. But we know there are a lot of tenants out there who want to have a dog or a cat or a pet in their property." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Foreign Affairs Minister says the Middle East conflict is reaching an uncertain, dangerous and difficult point. It's yet unknown whether Israel will heed America's warning not to respond to a barrage of missiles and drones launched by Iran. The attack was in retaliation to Israel bombing Iran's embassy in Syria, and most of the hundreds of projectiles were intercepted. Minister Peters says everyone who wants peace in the world has a clear message. "And for goodness sake, don't escalate this matter. That includes the neighbourhood, the many Middle Eastern countries around the world as well." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian Tamaki claims the public is on his side on rainbow issues. A member of his Destiny Church has pleaded guilty and been convicted of vandalising Auckland's K Road rainbow crossing. Tamaki claims there's public concern about drag queens reading stories to children in libraries and the state of relationship and sexuality education in schools. He says this was a drastic measure. "When you have a protest action like that, you're not sorry to actually get the attention of the councils." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel's war cabinet is due to resume debating how best to respond to Iran's attack on Sunday. Most of the 300 missiles and drones fired towards them were shot down by its Iron Dome. US President Joe Biden has already ruled out any involvement in Israel's response, to avoid worsening the conflict. Reuters correspondent James MacKenzie says Israel do have the weaponry to hit back, but that wouldn't achieve much in the long run. "There's the danger the Iranians are going to retaliate - and then you'll get into this cycle that will expand into a regional war." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Australia, a judge has made a civil court ruling that it's likely former political staffer Bruce Lehrmann raped colleague Brittany Higgins. He'd taken a multi-million dollar defamation case over Network Ten's reporting of Higgins' allegations in 2021. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says the judge has described Lehrmann as having escaped the lion's den - but making the grave mistake of coming back for his hat. "In other words, he was not convicted of rape at the criminal trial due to jury misconduct and a mistrial, but in suing for defamation- he was found, on balance, to be a rapist." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The rollout of fishing vessel cameras has come with more vigilant reporting of ocean wildlife deaths. MPI data from its 127 vessels with monitoring cameras suggests deaths were under-reported before their use. Reports of dolphin captures have risen nearly seven-fold since cameras were introduced, compared with 2018, and volumes of discarded fish are up nearly 50 percent. Forest and Bird's Geoff Keey says these findings weren't unexpected, given data from other countries. "We saw similar numbers in Australia, when Australia put cameras on boats. We actually went and did the math and found that in-shore boats were between 5 and 9 times more likely to report- if there was an observer on board." Seafood NZ Chief Executive Jeremy Helson says fishers have been paying more attention. "There's a lot going on on a fishing vessel, there's catch coming on board, there's fish to sort and different priorities at different times. Most fishers, I do believe, do the right thing, they want to do the right thing." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Turns out, the person who painted over the rainbow crossing on Auckland's K road 3 weeks ago is related to Brian Tamaki by marriage - what a surprise. He is married to Brian Tamaki’s granddaughter and is the father of, I think four, of Tamaki's great-grand kids. The reason I'm not surprised is - of course Destiny Church was doing this with the rainbow crossings in Gisborne earlier. Anyway, today he appeared in court and pleaded guilty - and was convicted, discharged and fined $16,000. Now as far as I can tell, this is the toughest sentence given in recent times to a protestor who caused damage, but is it really tough? A $16,000 fine sounds a lot, until you hear they’re not particularly worried about the fine because already a supporter has pledged $5,000 to help out. And sure, a criminal record sucks - but not that much when your daily life doesn’t even break its stride because you’re not going to jail or do anything as punishment. I'm going to repeat myself because I've said this before - the courts need to impose sentences that will deter other protestors who damage stuff from doing it as well. And yet, at the moment, that's not what I'm seeing. Remember the climate protestor who sprayed red paint all over the luxury car sales yard in Wellington? She was discharged without conviction, ordered to pay half the water-blasting bills, plus give another $500 to charity -and that was about it. Protest has, particularly in recent years - and particularly led by the climate activists - gone from being peaceful marching and waving of placards and shouting to now including damage of property, kind of as a matter of course. This is a big problem overseas with the climate activists throwing paint at valuable pieces of art on display. And here in New Zealand, it's kind of being imported. We had the spraying of the car yard in Wellington, the spraying of a car yard in Auckland, we had the abseiler deface the Treaty exhibition at Te Papa, we had the Destiny Church guys vandalise the rainbow crossing in Gisborne- and now this. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure out that if you don't adequately punish something, it will be repeated. You just have to be a human to know that because it's human behaviour. Case in point today - Brian Tamaki is proud of what his grandson-in-law did. They don't really care about the fine. Now tell me if that's going to deter others from, next time they're really angry about something, just damaging some property to prove how angry they are. Probably not, so expect more until we start properly punishing people who deliberately damage other people's stuff in the name of protest. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Russia-China relations have reached unprecedented levels according to Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Lavrov arrived in Beijing for a two-day official visit on Monday with the two countries looking to further solidify diplomatic ties. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food price data showed prices in March were up just 0.7 percent compared to a year earlier – the smallest increase in food prices in three years. CEO of Foodstuffs North Island Chris Quin tells Heather du Plessis-Allan the business must keep challenging itself to evolve every way it can to remove costs. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sport journalist Lavina Good and ZB Rugby commentator Paul Allison discuss the need for a shake-up in domestic netball and World Netball’s decision to ban transgender athletes. Also, has the NRL had its best start to the season at the expense of a long injury list? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pseudoephedrine will be back on the shelves quicker than previously thought. MedSafe has approved 11 medicines that contain the chemical and suppliers say stocks should be in New Zealand by June. Pseudoephedrine-based treatments were banned in 2011, but the new Government has overtured the ban. Owner of Mangawhai Pharmacy Lanny Wong tells Heather du Plessis-Allan the move is a good one – offering alternatives for cold and flu treatments. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A 15 year-old boy has been critically injured after being run over multiple times on Wednesday evening in Ngaruawahia. Police are currently treating it as a targeted attack. Detective Inspector Darrell Harpur wants to reassure the community that the attack is not random. He tells Heather du Plessis-Allan police are appealing for information on the vehicle. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand has firmly shifted further to the US after Winston Peters met with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken overnight. Former NZ Ambassador to the US Tim Groser tells Heather du Plessis-Allan that the move is not a new direction from where we were before the change of government. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand has given the nod to the US Secretary of State that we will sign up to AUKUS, following Winston Peters’ visit to Washington DC. Senior political correspondent Barry Soper tells Heather du Plessis-Allan we could be biting the hand that feeds us as the latest trade figures between New Zealand and China reach over $40 billion. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has told journalists that a hammered media is not something the government can do much about. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson reflects on the trial of O.J. Simpson, and his time working with homicide detective Mark Furham. Plus, New Zealand wine is making more inroads into the United States with a new campaign ‘Pour yourself a glass of New Zealand’. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A sleep-in my have helped Ryan Fox forget his recent woes as he recorded a red hot 31 on the front nine to hold the lead through 12 holes at the opening major of the year before carding a three-under 69 at Augusta National. Plus, Piney predicts the Wellington Phoenix’s highest ever regular season finish. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

O.J. Simpson, the American football star and Hollywood actor who was acquitted of charges he killed his former wife and her friend in a trial that mesmerised the American public but was later found liable in a separate civil case, has died aged 76. Lawyer and commentator Charles Rosenberg tells Heather du Plessis-Allan that celebrities often enter criminal trials with an enhanced presumption of innocence. The controversial figure’s reputation never recovered and the question now is how he will be referred to in history – as a footballer or as a murderer. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in the UK, there's concern around an uptick in counterfeit stamps. Consumers have been warned to be on the lookout for these fake stamps- which investigations indicate have been sent through by China. UK correspondent Enda Brady explains why China could be doing this to the nation. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A and Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! Shortland Street is the latest program set to be cut, as TVNZ considers the fate of the series. Is this proof our viewing habits have changed? Could it be saved? Labour's Willie Jackson has fired off against Minister Melissa Lee in the House today- what do we think of this? Was this out of line? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After Japan's massive asset bubble burst in 1989, the region experienced 30 years with inflation, interest rates and wage growth remaining near zero. That seems to be changing, with speculation suggesting Japan could develop a 'normal' economy in the post-Covid years. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explains what this means for investors. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A day full of reminiscing for The Country radio show today as it celebrates 30 years on air. The programme formerly known as the Farming Show had humble beginnings at the Gore Showgrounds, on Radio Hokonui in 1994. Producer Rowena Duncum recapped the station's biggest moments. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been a big time for job cuts, with multiple roles being slashed over the past month. The public service has posted several high-profile job cuts, and over 300 media roles disappeared following the TVNZ and Newshub culls. Telecommunications giants like One NZ have also laid off hundreds of workers - and the closure of Sunfed and Kate Sylvester will mean more jobs are on the chopping block. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann says this won't be the last of it, as unemployment figures will be expected to reach 5 percent. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Willie Jackson's launched a broadside attack on the Broadcasting Minister, saying she's missing in action. With Newshub's closure announced this week and four shows chopped at TVNZ, Melissa Lee's under pressure to offer a plan for levelling the media playing field against the likes of Facebook and Google. ZB political correspondent Barry Soper says it was interesting that Willie Jackson didn't offer any supplementary comments. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Australia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese aims to scale up clean energy incentives and advanced manufacturing through a new initiative. The Future Made in Australia scheme promises to boost existing programs and add new ones to boost various industries. Australian correspondent Sam Emery says Albanese is enacting these measures to ease fears about the state of the economy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Housing Minister Chris Bishop has confirmed a suite of changes will be made to the Residential Tenancies Act. A bill being introduced to Parliament will bring back 90-day no-cause terminations for periodic tenancies, which were removed by Labour last term. Property Investors Federation President Sue Harrison says the return of no-cause rental terminations can mitigate the harm of taking on risky tenants. "We desperately need more rentals in this country, 85 percent are in private hands. And we desperately need to be able to keep that number going- there's no other way of replacing those homes." On the other hand, Luke Somervell from Renters United is concerned these changes will create extra difficulty for renters. "The situation for renters is already about as dire as it gets, and everyone has a right to a decent roof over their head. And I'm really worried that this policy is just going to make renting less secure, less safe and less fair." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's confusion and frustration surrounding the surgical centre sitting empty at Auckland's North Shore Hospital. It was originally set to open this month after several delays, but the date has been pushed back with no opening in sight. Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the scope of the project has changed - and has only just passed council consenting. "We're hoping to open it in the next few months, but that's why we're still here with the building that can't quite be used." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One Kiwi athlete bound for the upcoming Paris Olympics is pleased to hear about the latest offer from World Athletics. The governing body plans to give gold medallists a cash prize of $84,000. Olympic shot-putter Tom Walsh says this is a good step forward from World Athletics. "It's good to see that World Athletics have come to the party and are paying some prize money for how you perform. It shows you where the time is in the world." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's fresh calls to investigate the use of puberty blockers for Kiwi youth who identify as transgender following research out of the UK. The Ministry of Health has been reviewing puberty blockers since 2022- but there's been no word confirming they plan to follow the UK's lead and block use of the drug for under-18s. Starship paediatric endocrinologist Dr Ben Albert says puberty blockers can serve a purpose in helping younger users- and that banning them isn't the way to go. "It's really important if a young person chooses to use medication like this, they have a really good understanding of what the effects will be, and the uncertainties that exist around those treatments." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's broadcasting spokesman says the Government cannot afford not to help Newshub. Media Minister Melissa Lee is facing growing questions about how she'll support the embattled industry, with Newshub closing in July. Labour's Willie Jackson says turning to New Zealand On Air could be a stop-gap solution. He says the Government could mediate with other parties on supporting the station- and that propping up the business would cost about $35 million. "It has such an iconic history- that you don't just give up. It's about talking with business interest." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The likes of Hamish Kerr, Eliza McCartney and Tom Walsh could pocket $84,000 if they win gold for New Zealand at Paris. World Athletics has made the move to introduce prize money for the Games, beginning with track and field. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's concerns over the safety of Boeing's 787-Dreamliner aircrafts. A long-time company engineer claims sections of plane fuselage are improperly fastened - and could weaken over time. The US Federal Aviation Administration is investigating. Aviation commentator, Geoffrey Thomas, says neither Airbus or Boeing make the engines, wheels, seats or undercarriages. "All of these items come in from a massive supply chain. So if there's a problem with an Airbus aeroplane, there's a problem with a Boeing plane." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shortland Street is now apparently in trouble. TVNZ has just confirmed it is reviewing whether it carries on with Shortland Street. It's still a popular show, but unfortunately it's very expensive to make and very expensive for TVNZ to buy. And given TV audiences are down to about a third of what they were about 15, 25 years ago -it won’t be bringing in the advertising dollars it used to. It's not always obvious, when you're in the middle of a moment in history, just how important that moment is. Sometimes it only occurs to you afterward, when you look back, just how much changed at that moment. New Zealand is in a moment like that. We are eradicating in the next few weeks some of the biggest TV shows that we make in New Zealand- about New Zealand. Newshub, the AM Show, Ryan Bridge’s due-to-be-launched 7 o'clock show, Newshub Nation, Paddy Gower Has Issues, Newshub late, Sunday, Fair Go, the TVNZ midday bulletin, the TVNZ late news and maybe even Shortland Street now- or maybe reducing how much it plays out in a week. And look, that doesn't mean there are no New Zealand-made TV shows left. There's still Seven Sharp, Motorway Patrol, The Casketeers- the list goes on. But the dynamics that are killing those other shows at the moment will, in the end, probably get the rest of them too. And what that means is that we see less and less of ourselves as Kiwis on screen. And that is a loss, because there is consensus that hearing and seeing your culture and your accent and your way of life reflected back to you on screen is affirming. It makes you proud of who you are. So remember this- because this isn’t just another day in the media sector. This isn’t normal, what's happening right now. In this moment of time, we are losing something we will probably never get back to the same extent, which is hours of Kiwi voices and faces on screen every day. And kids being born right now will probably grow up pretty much exclusively watching international content and hardly any New-Zealand made content. I'm not arguing this should be stopped. Frankly, if we want to keep New Zealand on screens, we need shows that New Zealanders want to watch, and that's clearly not happening. I'm just pointing out this is a big thing - and an unusual thing - that is happening right now. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in their UK, the NHS has confirmed they will stop prescribing puberty blockers for under-18s. A review by Dr Hilary Cass claimed there were 'gaps in evidence' around the drugs- and puberty blockers will no longer be given out to minors as a result. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has voiced support for these changes. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Josie Pagani from Child Fund and Nick Mills from ZB's Wellington Mornings joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! It's the final blow for Newshub, as it was officially confirmed the newsroom will shut down for good on July 5th. Could it have been saved? A petition to ensure free school lunches aren't cut has been presented to Parliament, with over 50,000 signing in support. Do we need to streamline the program to keep it going? A new study revealed swapping fish for red meat could save lives and help solve the climate change crisis- could this be popular? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.