Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

National's plan to raid New Zealand's climate action fund is being labelled dangerous and grossly irresponsible. They plan to take money from the Emissions Trading Scheme - reserved for fighting climate change - to fund tax cuts. The ETS is a Government-run market that requires polluting companies to buy credits to offset their emissions. Climate Minister and Greens co-leader, James Shaw, says it pays for critical work like public transport improvements and helping companies decarbonise. "It's currently going towards supporting the people of Fiji to move villages away from the sea towards higher ground, which is safer." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A four-person panel has determined that the current New Zealand Rugby Union constitution and consequent governance structures aren't 'fit for purpose'. The review urges NZ Rugby to create a stakeholder council and an appropriately skilled board in order to address issues with fan engagement and revenue. Panel chair David Pilkington says the current process of appointing board members is 'convoluted' and needs to be simplified. "What we're advocating is a professional appointments process that simplifies the opportunity to put directors onto the board, directors that have the skills, knowledges and experience to deal with challenges." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An independent power company says the industry needs structural reform. Consumer NZ has raised concern about historically high profits made last year by our biggest power companies. Meridian, Contact, Genesis and Mercury made a combined $2.7 billion operating profits in the past year. Consumer estimates 40,000 households couldn't afford power over the same period. Electric Kiwi chief executive Luke Blincoe says the market is broken. "You've got those big 4 players with excessive market power, and they're able to extract monopoly rents from Kiwi families, really." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Well, good luck to James Shaw trying to convince Kiwis it’s a bad idea for National to give us that climate dividend as part of their tax cuts. He's going as hard as he can. Yesterday, he said it "pissed him off" and it was “incensing him”, and today he’s put out a press release saying he’s “insulted”. What he’s upset about is that National has used the ETS money to pay for their tax cuts. The ETS money collects from us all paying a little tax every time we do something that pollutes the planet. So when you buy petrol, some of your bill is an ETS levy. When you pay your power bill, some of it is on the ETS, and so on. Now, James and the Labour Government have famously used that money to help corporates cut their emissions. So they used $140 million of the ETS money to buy the furnace for the Glenbrook Steel Mill owned by the Australian company BlueScope. And they used $90 million to help Fonterra cut back on coal burning. Both BlueScope and Fonterra could’ve paid for that themselves, because BlueScope declared a profit of more than a billion Aussie dollars and Fonterra declared more than half a billion Kiwi dollars. National is instead giving us that money back. To be fair, they are wrong to call it a climate dividend, because it’s not. It’s something completely different- but they’re still giving it back to us. And there is good reason for them to do this, because that ETS tax that you are paying is part of the reason life is more expensive. Between February 2021 and February 2022, it sneakily pushed up petrol by 10 cents a litre, it pushed up your gas bills and pushed up the cost of your fruit and veges because the petrol and diesel cost more to truck them to the shops. That is going to keep happening as we fight climate change and the ETS keeps taxing us more. So good luck to James Shaw trying to convince us that as we pay more and more, the money should be given to corporates and not to us. It is a weird day when the Green Party co-leader is more worried about helping an Australian company than Kiwis doing it tough. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour is casting doubt over National's newly unveiled tax policy that promises to end the foreign buyers ban. National claims that their proposed 15 percent tax on overseas homebuyers will generate the revenue needed to help fund tax cuts. Infometrics principal economist Brad Olsen says it's clear that National has looked through property price data and examined foreign purchases before the ban was implemented to inform this policy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National leader Chris Luxon and deputy Nicola Willis have unveiled their long awaited tax plan- as the clock ticks down to October's election. If elected, National would shift personal income tax brackets for inflation and expand tax credits, and cover it by slashing public service spending and rolling out a 15 percent foreign buyer tax on homes. Enable.Me's Hannah McQueen says the shifted personal income tax brackets would give Kiwi households an extra $100-$250 a fortnight- which would be helpful to New Zealand's middle class. "For some context, if you had a mortgage of $400,000 and you were on a 3 percent rate to a 7 percent rate, your repayments have increased by $450 a fortnight- $250 of that is now going to be offset." National also want to bring back public transport fares for children and scrap the 50 percent discount for under-25's, a policy that Free Fares NZ campaigner Steve Maran disagrees with. "Removing that is a step in the wrong direction. Many low-income families have benefitted from this initiative, which made it easier for all of them to get to school and get to work." The Property Council's Leonie Freeman has also voiced disapproval at National's plan to remove depreciation for non-residential buildings to pay for tax cuts. "They've been flip-flopping on this policy for some time. The commercial property industry is in a pretty challenging time at the moment, there's already pressures like the need to upgrade for seismic strengthening." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Weenink believes his experience as chair of the players' association will aid him in his new role as chief executive of New Zealand Cricket. The 50-year-old former Wellington first-class cricketer and businessman replaces David White, and will begin after being welcomed into the Auckland office on Friday. He says New Zealand Cricket's biggest strength is their flexibility around contracting arrangements. "With players like Trent Boult, there is a lot of T20 leagues around the place. So New Zealand Cricket needs to be flexible enough to try and keep these sort of players playing for New Zealand." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been a choppy month for stock markets globally, with the NZX underperforming throughout August. The NZX is currently down by 5 percent for the month, with experts concerned this dip has wiped out gains made in the first half of 2023. Milford Asset Management analyst Jeremy Hutton says rising interest rates are a major factor in the downturn, as many economies are working to avoid recession. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Phil O'Reilly from Iron Duke Partners and Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! National have finally shown us their long awaited tax plan- is it good? Could they have gone harder? And most importantly- is it a vote winner? Restore Passenger Rail Supporter Rosemary Penwarden has been remanded in custody instead of being let out on bail. Is this too extreme- or was this the right punishment for disrupting Wellington traffic? The Ministry of Education is spending $26,000 a month to store unused face masks. They're now considering spending a further $120,000 to destroy their supply- is this a sign of poor planning? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's keeping the heat on National over its centrepiece tax policy - suggesting its promise is collapsing faster than a house of cards. The party's election tax plan would shift income brackets for the so-called squeezed middle, using $14.6 billion found by reprioritising spending and adding taxes. Minister Grant Robertson says that makes huge assumptions on how much would be raised, and is likely to be impacted by international treaties. Finance spokesperson Nicola Willis insists the plan's fully costed. "If you're buying a house on the other side of the world, then you're actually interested in that luxury part of the market. We've had a bit of house price inflation since then too." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) scheme has been expanded to cover all of London's boroughs- to the outrage of drivers. Under the scheme, drivers must pay a charge of £12.50 a day to drive a non-compliant vehicle within the zone. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says Londoners are taking to the streets to protest and damaging the cameras designed to monitor the zone. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Restore Passenger Rail spokesperson says it's a bit extreme for a judge to decline bail for a protester. Rosemary Penwarden appeared in Wellington District Court yesterday - accused of endangering transport on State Highway One in Kilbirnie. She's been remanded in custody, but is appealing to the High Court to instead be given electronically monitored bail. Protest group spokesperson James Cockle says it's a big call. "As far as I know, it's the first time in our history that a climate protestor has been remanded in custody for protesting." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unused face masks will end up costing the Ministry of Education thousands of dollars. The Ministry's spending $26,000 a month on storage fees for millions of masks likely to go unused, now that mandates have ended. The storage cost is so high, the Ministry is now considering spending $120,000 to destroy them. The Secondary Principals Association's Vaughn Couillaut says he can understand the Ministry's thinking when they stocked up. "Plentiful supply was delivered to schools, we could get them whenever we wanted. We still can now, if we needed to order some. They certainly bought a ton, not knowing when those mandates would finish." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Global investment giant BlackRock warns central banks won't start cutting interest rates anytime soon. Their strategists believe western central banks are committed to stamping inflation out for good- despite the economic troubles weighing China down. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny says BlackRock is convinced central banks will overlook China's economic climate to focus on inflation in order to avoid future rate hikes. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Securing the future of test cricket will be front of mind for New Zealand Cricket's new chief executive, Scott Weenink. The 50-year-old lawyer and former Wellington first-class player has replaced David White, who's spent the last 12 years at the helm. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The speed and risk from Hurricane Idalia is growing as it approaches Florida's West Coast. It's expected to wreak havoc on the US state, touching down early tomorrow morning. Unsurvivable storm surge is predicted to hit parts of the island city of Cedar Key. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says coastal areas are frantically preparing. "Classes have been cancelled, businesses boarded up, whole towns have just been told to get out of there while you can." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is going to sound really harsh, but that Restore Passenger Rail protestor who was put in jail for two weeks yesterday deserved exactly what she got. I bear no ill will whatsoever to Rosemary Penwarden. She's a mum and grandmother, she seems like a nice lady, she's been nothing but lovely and polite every time she's been on the show and I admire her conviction, in a weird way. But she and everyone else in that group have been incredibly selfish every single time they glue their hands to the road in rush hour and deliberately stop Wellingtonians from being able to get to work or to medical appointments or to get their kids to school. What happened yesterday is significant, because the courts have been very tolerant with these protestors and constantly given them another chance. Suddenly, they’ve had enough. And as far as we can tell, it is the first time a climate protestor has ever been sent to jail in New Zealand. But these guys have been warned. When they pulled the hand-gluing stunt back in April, one of them landed in front of judge Noel Sainsbury in the Wellington District Court. He warned them that the same rules applied to them as everyone else. And so one of them got sent home with an ankle bracelet on with the warning that next time, it’s jail. But – again - the protestors were out doing the same thing yesterday. Rosemary herself was pushing it with the law. She's already been charged at least once over the protests, and was let out on bail. And generally, the conditions of bail are that you don’t do it again, otherwise you’re in the clink. And yet, she was back a week later in April- into a cop car and taken to the station. And then she was back at it again yesterday. So she has probably breached bail conditions at least once, if not more. Absolutely, it is harsh to put protestors in jail. But if you don’t, you run the risk of things escalating to the point the UK was facing recently, where climate protesters were shutting down main roads for 36 hours. And in the end, they had had enough and sent a Kiwi in London to jail for three years, so two weeks is getting off lightly. I hope Rosemary getting sent to jail scares these nice protesting people into quitting with the hand-gluing, because jail isn’t nice. Clearly Rosemary herself isn’t loving it- her lawyer’s launching an appeal already try to get her out of jail and on home D with an ankle bracelet instead. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rotorua's mayor has expressed concern over recent attacks, and says at least one incident could have been gang-related. A 15-year-old girl was assaulted by three other girls outside Rotorua Library in the CBD on Monday afternoon. This follows a 13-year-old girl being beaten and left bloodied in an unprovoked attack last week. Mayor Tania Tapsell says she's working alongside the police to devise solutions and prevent similar acts of violence. "Regardless of this, we should not be having to worry about community safety in our public spaces." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pop star Elton John has returned to full health after a slip at his villa in Nice. The singer was rushed to the Princess Grace Hospital’s centre in Monaco after the fall, where he was checked as a precautionary measure. UK correspondent Enda Brady says the 'I'm Still Standing' singer has returned to good spirits after the accident. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland Councillor Richard Hills and Kiwiblog contributor and Curia pollster David Farrar joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! TOP leader Raf Manji is confident he can win the Ilam seat, but the latest Taxpayers’ Union – Curia poll has National's Hamish Campbell leading at 33 percent and Manji on 14. Does Manji really have a hope here? The National Party is set to release their tax policy tomorrow- what can we expect? ACT MP Mark Cameron is apologising for calling Jacinda Ardern a 'feckless wench'. Does he deserve the backlash? Wellington City Council has imposed some new rules for pet owners. All cats must be de-sexed and dog walkers can expect a $300 fine for not carrying poop bags. Is this realistic? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tourism Holdings appears to be on the road to recovery, post-pandemic. It's reported a near $50-million dollar profit in the year to June's end, a change reversing years of losses because of Covid. It was bolstered by merging with Apollo Tourism and Leisure. Chief Executive Grant Webster says this recovery has been faster than the company predicted, but they needed the extra boost. "We need it, for the New Zealand economy at the moment. Tourism is a good thing, and it's great that it's coming back faster." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Groundswell's co-founders are gearing up to drive their tractors through the country to protest 'unworkable' Government regulations. Bryce McKenzie and Laurie Paterson will travel from Invercargill to Auckland on September 22, and speak at Ellerslie Racecourse on October 1. The Country's Jamie Mackay says the pair plan to rally farmers to get out and vote against a third term of Labour. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The economy faces another year of tepid growth- and the recession could drag on if Government spending isn't reined in, according to the IMF. In their latest report, they recommended the Government stop funding cost-of-living handouts, press ahead with fair pay agreements and prioritise climate change-focused infrastructure spending. BusinessDesk managing editor Pattrick Smellie says targeted, means-tested spending presents a huge challenge for the Government in an election year. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A supermarket giant says crime has surged in its North Island stores. Foodstuffs recorded 3900 separate incidents from the start of May to the end of July, a 59 percent year-on-year increase. Serious incidents including assault, robbery and burglary have more than doubled in the past year and are up 13 percent on the last quarter. Foodstuffs North Island CEO Chris Quin says the biggest issue is organised theft, with people stealing products to make money. "Secondly, it's sadly people with addictions, and they're trying to support that addiction through theft. And then our social media driver, where people are trying to make a hero of themselves by doing some of this stuff." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Treble Cone skifield is rejecting claims it planned to can a skier's pass because he was coaching friends. A visitor says he was was approached by staff as he shared tips with two friends last weekend. He claims the worker said if he came with anyone else, and was seen teaching, they'd explore options with his pass. Treble Cone Experience General Manager Laura Hedley says a staff member did approach them. "But no, we weren't going to cancel someone's pass for teaching their friend to ski." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Confidence from The Opportunities Party front-man, Raf Manji- who's in the running for Christchurch's Ilam seat. He's TOP's only chance of getting into Parliament. A new Taxpayers’ Union – Curia poll has National's Hamish Campbell leading at 33 percent, Labour incumbent Sarah Pallett on 15, and Manji on 14. Manji says it's just the start of the campaign. "I've been here for the last 10 years, working hard for the people of Ilam and Christchurch. I think I've got a better offering- we'll see what the next 5 weeks brings." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A stark warning over our economy. A new International Monetary Fund report says our economy will grow about one percent next year, and inflation won't return to the target band until 2025. It's also warned the Government it should cut back on spending and raising interest rates. Infometrics chief economist Brad Olsen say the risk factors aren't good if inflation and wages challenges linger. "The Reserve Bank might well be forced to do more. And if that's the case, if they have to raise interest rates further, that could well see a much tougher economic environment." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A tax expert says he's puzzled by what National's promises of new revenue could include. The party plans to release its tax policy tomorrow morning, alongside four new sources of cash for the Government to splash. Its' finance spokeswoman promises it won't pressure inflation and needs no additional borrowing. Dentons Kensington Swan partner Bruce Bernacci says he's looking forward to hearing it. "The National Party's ruled out wealth taxes, capital gains taxes, inheritance taxes, etc. So in terms of big policy changes, it doesn't leave a lot to work with." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi has been handed one of Parliament's most serious punishments. Speaker Adrian Rurawhe has 'named' Waititi and suspended him from the House for 24 hours after he appeared to break a court ordered suppression last week. Waititi wasn't in the House as the ruling was made- he was in Auckland for his Fashion Week appearance. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this suspension doesn't reflect the seriousness of his actions- and won't mean much to him. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce has found himself in front of Australia's Senate to defend accusations of profiteering and 'misleading the Australian public'. The company is under fire for allegedly not disclosing the true value of unredeemed flight credits. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says the airline owes customers an extra $100 in flight credits on top of the $370 million Qantas already owes. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All Blacks lock Scott Barrett has got off scot-free, at least from here. A judicial committee has decided his sending off in the warm-up defeat against South Africa on the weekend is sufficient and no further sanction is necessary. The red card was awarded following the receipt of two yellows- the first being for a technical offence and and the second for coming into contact with Springbok Malcolm Marx's head. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington City Council is looking to shake up rules for dogs in the Capital. An upcoming proposal could soon be up for public consultation on letting dogs off leads in nine more areas. On the less paw-sitive side- it would introduce a $300 fine for owners who don't carry waste bags. Councillor Teri O'Neill says they'll check out areas where people have been repeatedly offending. "We're going to send some dog control officers out to approach owners and see if they've got a bag." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An internal investigation has been launched by Spain's football federation after Luis Rubiales activated their sexual violence protocol. The federation president was suspended by FIFA after kissing forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips after Spain's Women's World Cup win. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says Luis Rubiales' actions have inspired protests and backlash- and the federation is taking this investigation quite seriously. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, current affairs commentator Josie Pagani and Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! National's Chris Luxon still won't say whether or not he'll collaborate with NZ First and Winston Peters- and claimed he wasn't thinking about the party at all in an earlier interview. Why hasn't Luxon completely ruled the party out yet? Chris Hipkins raised a few eyebrows after going after National, ACT and NZ First in an earlier speech, leading to other parties accusing him of trying to stoke fear and divide voters. Is this a last-ditch attempt to get ahead following Labour's ongoing descent in the polls? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One expert is warning about the dangers of a Trump comeback following his recent arrest. The former president was lined up for a mugshot in Georgia after he surrendered on charges that he illegally schemed to overturn election results. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan says strategic shifts implemented during his administration influence current policy- and New Zealand needs to be alert to geopolitical changes. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research has found rising corporate profits have contributed to over half of current domestic inflation. This information conflicts with earlier reports that increased wages and supply costs were the bigger driving forces behind inflation. Council of Trade Unions economist Craig Renney says research shows that corporate profits have been boosting inflation all over the world- not just New Zealand. "That's because companies can change prices far more quickly than workers can change their wage arrangements." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister says spending cuts announced today are responsible savings, as they balance delivering services New Zealanders need. Finance Minister Grant Robertson has unveiled a push to slash contractors, trim back programmes and limit future budget allowances. He forecasts they'll save almost $4 billion dollars over the next four years. Robertson says Government spending has gone up significantly over the last six years because of Covid-19. "We've had to deal with a massive global economic shock, and we've had to protect and support New Zealanders through that. I think that spending was needed, I think most political parties wanted us to spend that." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new social media trend is helping consumers justify any purchase- no matter how big or impulsive. #GirlMaths originated on ZM's Fletch, Vaughan and Hayley, when the trio justified the purchase of an expensive dress as 'basically free' if it got worn at least four times. RMIT University researcher Janneke Blijlevens has expressed concern about this phenomenon, and claims the trend has 'dangerous' aspects. "What we know from other opportunities out there where we can use #GirlMaths - for example, buy now, pay later - it actually does get people into trouble. They're not thinking about the consequences." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National's police spokesperson says the Government's approach to crime is putting the public at risk. New information reveals nearly 50 people are on EM bail for 'homicide and related offences', alongside a further 70 accused of kidnapping and abduction. This comes as a leaked report shows people are taking advantage of the limitations of ankle bracelets and wrapping them with tinfoil to re-offend. Mark Mitchell says Labour's goal of reducing prison populations and repealing of the 'three strikes law' has lead to an increase of criminals on EM bail. "What you've had now is a follow-on of a 370 percent increase of people on electronic bail, a 140 percent increase of police opposition to bail being ignored, a 33 percent increase in violent crime, a 41 percent increase in victimisation- and a 500 percent increase in ram raids and aggravated robberies." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors to own a precious piece of New Zealand art. Bill Hammond's Melting Moments I goes under the hammer tonight for the first time- and it's expected to get about $2.5 million. It was painted during Hammond's three-year green and gold period. Webb's Director of Art Charles Ninow says a lot of interest is expected tonight. "These works are really sought after- there are hardly any of them, even though they are so iconic. Most people haven't even seen one in the flesh before, I've only seen a handful. It's a very, very exciting painting." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has told public service organisations to cut spending. Finance Minister Grant Robertson has announced a push to slash spending on contractors and consultants, trim programmes and limit future budget allowances. Robertson says it'll save almost $4 billion over the next four years. New Zealand Initiative executive director Oliver Hartwich says the Government's trying to make the books look a bit better before their pre-election fiscal and economic update. "It's too little and too late, because just shaving 1 or 2 percent off spending is nothing in the grand scheme of things." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finance Minister Grant Robertson's unveiled a push to slash contractors, trim back programmes and limit future budget allowances. Almost $4 billion is forecast in savings over the next four years, with a keen eye on limiting contractors and tacking back under-spends. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this doesn't paint a good picture of the state of the Government's books. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Multiple investigations are currently underway following yesterday's deadly military aircraft crash in Darwin. Three US marines were killed and another five were hospitalised after the MV-22B Osprey crashed on the Tiwi Islands during a military exercise. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says this vehicle has been involved in three crashes over the last 18 months- and engineering failure may be a common factor. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do the All Blacks have enough time to get their act together ahead of the Rugby World Cup? New Zealand have been given a wake-up call a fortnight out from the major tournament, suffering a record test defeat by the Springboks at Twickenham. Sportstalk host Jason Pine says this is a 'brutal' reality check ahead of the Rugby World Cup. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A 73-year-old Hawke's Bay chauffeur has revealed he flew to the Philippines for hip surgery, rather than sit on New Zealand's waiting list. Rex Jones was referred in March for a specialist appointment in six months to go on a surgery waitlist. But he found he could fly overseas, have the procedure, and be fully recovered before the date of his first appointment here. Jones stayed with family, and estimates it cost about $20,000, excluding accommodation. "I wouldn't hesitate to come again if I've got to do the other one." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight is the Warriors’ final regular season home game, facing the Dragons at Mt Smart Stadium. A win would guarantee a top four finish and another home game in the playoffs. Warriors CEO Cameron George said that while it won’t be easy, they’ve prepared well. He said that there’s a really positive mind-set around the organisation. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After more than two year's absence Donald Trump has returned with a vengeance to X, formerly known as Twitter. He's made U.S history becoming the first former president to have a mug shot taken, and he's posted it onto his page. After 3 hours the post had been seen more than 40 million times. Social Media Commentator Vaughn Davis told Heather du Plessis Allan that there's several likely reasons he's made a comeback, including wanting to get public opinion going his way. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACT leader David Seymour maintains fees-free tertiary education is on the scrap heap if his party gets sway after October's election. It comes after National this week reserved its position on the policy, saying it won't abolish the promise despite campaigning for that in 2020. Seymour says this is about taking a principled position. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let's be brutal about what we all suspect is going on with Air NZ. And that is that Air NZ managed to turn its business around yesterday and post a profit for the first time in three years. By milking kiwis. Not the rest of the world, just us. We're all aware by now that they’ve jacked up the price on their domestic routes. It might surprise you though to know that they’re pretty competitive on some the international routes where there’s lots of competition. For example, try flying next week, let’s say Auckland to Wellington. Their cheapest flights on Thursday are double what Jetstar is charging. But try booking an international flight on that day, direct flight to Singapore. Air NZ is the cheapest ticket. Auckland Uni economics professor Robert MacCuloch’s on this. He wanted to know how much of their billion dollar turn around yesterday was off the back off domestic routes compared to international routes. He couldn’t find it anywhere in the end of year accounts. For Qantas he found it pretty easily in last year’s annual report, page 19, but Air NZ’s was nowhere to be found. Judging by the texts yesterday, lots of people are clearly getting grumpy at Air NZ for this, and I don’t blame you. Especially if you live in a region where Air NZ is the only option. But the number of people I've spoken to who complain about Air NZ and don’t fly anything else is extraordinary. Someone today was complaining about $1400 for two adults to Nelson this past summer, I said why not fly Jetstar to Wellington then Sounds Air to Nelson? Nah can’t be bothered... too inconvenient. In that case, you can’t complain. If you’re still flying them and you don’t like it, don’t fly them anymore. Fly someone else or drive. Air NZ will be pushing it with us as far as they can to make as much money as they can, and you can’t blame them. They’re a business answerable to their shareholders. We might be grumpy but they clearly haven’t pushed it too far yet because we’re still flying. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Supreme Court has ruled that the former Mainzeal directors are liable to pay $39.8million plus interest and costs as compensation after the collapse of the company a decade ago. The directors’ cross-appeal was dismissed as the Supreme Court found that they were aware of the company’s precarious position. Former Prime Minister Jenny Shipley was one of Mainzeal’s directors and has been ordered to pay up to $6.6million. DLA Piper Litigation and Regulatory Partner Alicia Murray told Heather du Plessis-Allan that this brings directors’ duties into focus. She said that it shows what they should do if they company is looking unstable. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.