Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

The motel sector is welcoming the Government's new priority one emergency housing policies. Families with children living in emergency motels are being pushed to the front of the queue for a state house. It's also introducing a new verification system to crack down on who can access emergency motel accommodation to begin with. Hospitality New Zealand Accommodation Chair Troy Clarry says most moteliers want to get back to traditional motel business. "The reliance on MSD income for moteliers has decreased, and you've only got a few operators who are not traditional moteliers, who are still in it for the business." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cats and dogs will soon be allowed in the cabin of some Australian domestic flights. Virgin has announced plans to become Australia's first airline to allow pets to ride onboard, with small dogs and cats to be allowed in specific rows. The service will only be available on select flights. Aviation commentator Irene King says pet travel is best suited to shorter flights. "You have to keep them short and sweet, because otherwise you have very nasty smells in the cabin." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has promised bigger projects will be built faster and more cost-effectively under their fast-track approval scheme. This legislation, which would give power to ministers to sign-off consents for major infrastructure projects, has passed its first reading in the House. Minister for Regional Economic Development Shane Jones says a 'long-term pipeline' of projects will encourage investors. "We need to build a pipeline of projects, to show both ourselves and people overseas that if you want to invest in New Zealand, there's a long-term pipeline of both private and public sector projects." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Prime Minister Helen Clark says trimming TVNZ's flagship news show in half would be tragic. TVNZ has confirmed it is proposing to cut up to 68 roles. Our newsroom understands about 35 are news roles. It comes a week after Warner Brothers Discovery announced a proposal to scrap Newshub. Clark says we'd barely get 14 minutes of news, then sport and the weather, and that just wouldn't cover it. "You wouldn't carry much of a newsroom to fill a bulletin that literally would be 14 or 15 minutes worth of news- so I think that would be a sad day." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Both of the Warriors' first two NRL home games have sold out. The remaining tickets available for tomorrow night's campaign opener against Cronulla were snapped up this morning. It's the club's first opening round sell-out at Mount Smart since their first match in 1995 against the Brisbane Broncos. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland Council has proposed moving from weekly to fortnightly rubbish collection times. This concept is among a selection of other suggestions to move the city closer to a zero-waste target by 2040. Auckland councillor Daniel Newman is 'sceptical' about the practical applications of this idea. "Some people will cope marvellously, but there are thousands of families, bigger households, particularly in wards like mine in South Auckland- where the rubbish collection each week is a pretty important occasion." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

First it was Newshub, now it's TVNZ. We are still waiting on the details- staff have been told there will be 68 job losses, but the rest they’ll find out tomorrow. The speculation in the media is that half of those job cuts will be in the newsroom. Fair Go and Sunday reportedly will be merged, Breakfast and Seven sharp are affected, as is the late bulletin. Shortland Street will be cut down to three nights a week at some point, and the main news bulletin will reportedly be cut down to 30 minutes, but nothing is confirmed right now. To be honest, if they want to save the ship, that is how brutal they need to be, particularly with that bulletin. That thing needs to be cut in half. When I first started working at TVNZ slightly less than 20 years ago, senior news bosses were already talking about needing to do that. It is well overdue. And it’s actually not unusual internationally to have shorter news bulletins. The Germans have a 15 minute bulletin at 8pm, In the UK, the BBC News at Six is half an hour, it happens all around the world. Seven Sharp, it they want to be brutal, should probably be cut altogether- you can probably buy a half-hour programme from overseas for much cheaper to put in that slot. I don't say this because I want this to happen, I don’t want less news on TV. I don’t want less New Zealand content on screens. But we need to be realistic, people are turning the TV off. And TVNZ cannot keep spending this much money on a product that fewer and fewer people want to use. It's not sustainable to keep pumping the same amount of money in when you're getting less from it. It's a little bit like the postal service. Fewer and fewer people are using it nowadays, so it has to change and trim the budget to reflect the demand. You don't get post delivered five days a week anymore, you get it three days a week. And fewer people are watching the news, so it needs to cut costs. And actually not just the news, it's the whole of TVNZ. At some point, there will be so few people watching linear TV, we will have to pull the plug altogether. In the same way that one day we will have to stop the postal deliveries. There is some hope for TVNZ, they’re going hard investing in TVNZ Plus- which is their online platform that's like the TVNZ version of Netflix. Maybe it’ll work, maybe it won’t. But while that is the future, linear TV is not. So these job losses, sadly, will not be the last. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK Government is expected to announce a 2 percent cut to National Insurance tax when ministers reveal their annual economic snapshot. The current Government is yet to call a general election date, and experts say they need to boost public favour within a stagnant economy. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says the Government is 'diving for support' amid declining public opinion. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A and Phil O'Reilly from Iron Duke Partners joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! Speculation says TVNZ could be looking to cut jobs ahead of their all-hands business meeting tomorrow. What do we think? Is the industry going through a rough patch? The director of a taxpayer funned anti-extremism research group is under pressure, after accusing the Government of being a child-hating 'death cult'. Were these comments a step too far? New research shows more Kiwis are in favour of tipping- does New Zealand need to embrace tipping culture? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Non-residential building work has shot up in the December 2023 quarter, according to the latest data. Commercial buildings have outpaced residential homes, with residential building activity dropping 2 percent in the December quarter. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen explains what this means for economic growth ahead of the upcoming GDP results. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BNZ is following other banks in cutting some mortgage rates, following ANZ and ASB. This comes off the back of last week's Reserve Bank decision to keep the Official Cash Rate unchanged at 5.5 percent. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny says higher interest rates are driving prospective home buyers away- and the banks need to win people back. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is set to place greater scrutiny on New Zealanders trying to access emergency housing. The Minister for Social Development has announced the verification process, eligibility settings and obligations will be strengthened. It includes checking whether someone has 'unreasonably contributed to their need for housing'. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says more case workers will be needed to address these standards- but change in this area is needed. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new survey has revealed a majority of people think contributing to KiwiSaver should be compulsory. Data from financial advice firm National Capital shows 62 percent of Kiwis are in favour of mandatory KiwiSaver contributions. Director Clive Fernandes says younger people in particular are getting more financially savvy and learning the importance of saving. "We've done quite well in the last few years in financial education, especially with the young ones. I think financial education and financial advice is not reaching the people who most need it, and that's the middle group." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's growing evidence Kiwis are embracing US-style tipping culture. New data from financial information site, Banked, says 47 Kiwis approve of tipping- and at least 60 percent of Kiwis sometimes leave tips. Restaurant Association President and Monsoon Poon owner Mike Egan says customers like to show appreciation for enthusiastic or knowledgeable workers. "When you give good service, you sort of invoke the emotional reciprocation. They thought the staff member knew all about the menu, and was great, and made everyone laugh, and was on to it- and they wanted to reciprocate." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian researchers are calling for a new approach to addressing menopause, amid concerns about 'over-medicalisation'. New research published by the Lancet Series argues for a broader model to support women through this life stage, instead of treating individual symptoms. Nutritional biochemist and author Dr Libby Weaver says women process menopause differently, and not all of them suffer debilitating medical complications. "There are many women who don't suffer at all across the menopausal transition, and some do very mildly, so I think we need a broader conversation about the best ways to support women." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Broadcasting Minister is staying tight-lipped about the future of TVNZ. It is understood TVNZ newsroom staff are bracing for a meeting tomorrow about the future of news operations - which will include job cuts. Minister Melissa Lee says she spoke with TVNZ bosses on Friday about how they plan to remain financially viable. "They did not tell me that they were cutting staff on news- they were talking about programming they will have to consider." It will come a week since Newshub announced its closure, and when asked if she will help the industry, Lee says she doesn't have many levers. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An increase in international cocaine production has spiked use of the drug on New Zealand shores. The Drug Use in Aotearoa report shows use grew by 93 percent over 2022 and 2023, compared to the previous three years’ average. Its use is still relatively uncommon compared to other countries, with 1.3 percent of adults here using it in the past year. Drug Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm says the UN warned that more countries could expect use of the drug to skyrocket. "1.3 percent of adults is nothing to be sneezed at, it's more than the number of people who used methamphetamine last year, for example." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in the US, the biggest day of this year's primary campaign is under way as 16 states cast their votes. Strong performances from Donald Trump and Joe Biden indicate that the two front-runners for president have been determined. American pollster Henry Olsen says Nikki Haley has no hope left of becoming the Republican nominee. "This was actually a collection of states that she could have done well in if she had strength, but the fact that she lost most of them- that shows this is a campaign that should be over." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former president Donald Trump has dominated Super Tuesday in the US, as voters pick their preferred presidential candidate. Reports are projecting he's won the Republican Primary in Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Maine, Arkansas, Alabama and Texas - beating rival Nikki Haley in each. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says support is still running high among Trump's base- there's nothing that could deter prospective voters. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kane Williamson is shouldering arms to suggestions of unrest in the Black Caps camp ahead of the second cricket test against Australia. Former skipper Ross Taylor has caused a stir with comments concerning now-retired seamer Neil Wagner and his international retirement. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spark customers with Xtra Mail accounts will have to pay $5.95 a month to use them from mid-May. It's citing rising maintenance costs as the reason. Spark product director Tessa Tierney says the company considered scrapping the service altogether. She says it's hard to say what its future will be. "So it'll be interesting to see over the next few weeks - and months - what decisions customers make. But at this stage, I couldn't tell you how many will decide to leave." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just listening to the commentary on the women’s 'redneck' haka in the last day, I don't think people quite understand what this debate is really about. This isn’t a debate about whether politicians just need to suck the criticism up, it isn’t about whether haka are supposed to be challenging. This is a debate about money. Super Rugby is financially stuffed, and even more so the women’s side of it. Did you see the crowd in the background of the footage of the haka? That's right- there was no crowd, there were just empty yellow seats. That's not a good sign. Super Rugby cannot afford to lose any more viewers or any sponsors from the game, and what the rugby bosses will probably be worried about more than anything right now is that there are viewers of the women’s game who are so annoyed by the politics of that team that they stop watching. Or worse, that it infects opinions of the men’s Hurricanes team as well. Or even worse, that it taints their perception of New Zealand rugby altogether. Also, they’ll be worried about the prospect that enough annoyed people will email sponsors demanding that they take a position. More than any time I can think of, consumers on both sides of the woke debate are making their dollars talk. For ages, there was a time where brands could get away with being a bit wokey for a bit of street cred. But not anymore, particularly since the Bud Light debacle where the company used the transgender actor, provoked a backlash and then suffered a 25 percent fall in sales. Consumers who don’t like the wokey stuff have started punishing brands for it. So quite rightly, the rugby bosses want to stay right out of politics and not annoy either side- and who can blame them? And it’s worth pointing out, they are not taking a side here. Three years ago, former Hurricanes shareholder Troy Bowker made some comments opposed to what he called the ‘left Māori agenda’ and he ended up having to sell his shares and step down as a director. So it's cutting both ways. There is no indication yet of what those women in the team will do, but judging by the haka leader’s comments yesterday- there is a chance that they feel very righteous about this. And if they do, they to need get real. They are clearly heavily subsidised by the men’s game at the moment, and if they want that to continue, if they want the money to keep coming in so they can keep playing their game, they’re gonna have to understand this isn’t about politics and having your say- it’s about money. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The estate of deceased Irish singer Sinéad O'Connor has ordered Donald Trump to stop playing her music at his political rallies. Trump has been playing O'Connor's biggest hit, Nothing Compares 2 U, at campaign events in the lead-up to the November election. UK correspondent Enda Brady says O'Connor lived by a fierce moral code- and would have been 'disgusted' to hear Trump use her music. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and former Labour Chief of Staff Mike Munro joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! The Hurricanes' women's side called the Government 'rednecks' in a controversial pre-match cheer. Is it wrong for sports teams to take political stances? Will this impact sponsorships? The Air Force Boeing 757 was meant to fly out this morning, but a technical fault with the nose landing gear grounded the plan. Prime Minister Chris Luxon had to fly commercial to get to his Melbourne summit. Do our leaders really need to take private planes? The Government has promised 15 new major roads within the next few years- how likely is it that they'll get built? Will they justify the extra costs to Kiwi motorists? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Disappointment in the provinces as Sky TV axes Grassroots Rugby and Mainfreight Rugby. The broadcaster has committed to airing one lower-level Heartland provincial game a week from now on. The Country's Jamie Mackay unpacks the loss of the 'Country Calendar' of rugby. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank's decision to hold the OCR in place at 5.5 percent has inspired some banks to lower their rates. This is despite some economists warning inflation is still running too high at this point. HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham says New Zealand's Reserve Bank is one of the only central banks in the world saying rates might need to go up again.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a comprehensive list of challenges impacting the wider world- but fixing them poses a costly challenge. World hunger, health, war, education, poverty and climate change are among the problems that need addressing, but fixing them remains elusive. Author and Copenhagen Consensus Center president Bjorn Lomborg says he's working with economists to identify cost-efficient solutions to these problems. "That's not the only thing you need to think about, but it's an important part. How much will it cost, and how much good will it do? I'm simply saying- why don't we try to do the stuff that does the most good for the least money?" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Children's Minister says new military academies for youth offenders will be different from bootcamps which have been tried in the past. Karen Chhour says the Government plans to have a pilot programme operating by mid-year, led by Oranga Tamariki. Chhour says a group of experts and several community organisations have been brought in to put a well-rounded program together. "It focuses on rehabilitation and a trauma-informed approach as well, alongside having that military approach." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former US president Donald Trump will remain on the Republican primary ballot in all states after today's historic Supreme Court ruling. State courts in Colorado, Maine and Illinois moved to take Trump off the ballots, claiming he's ineligible for office after the 2021 Capitol riots. But the Supreme Court has unanimously decided it's not within State power to ban him from the ballot. Former George W Bush advisor Scott Jennings says Trump isn't done with the Supreme Court yet. "They have to rule on whether he has absolute immunity from criminal prosecution- I have a sneaking suspicion he won't be as happy with them when that one comes out later this year." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's upset over a court ruling of a man who punched a pensioner at the Posie Parker protest last year. The man was granted permanent name suppression and discharged without conviction. Police say it's an offence to share a name that's suppressed and they have the ability to charge anyone for breaching a court order. Free Speech Union CEO Jonathan Ayling says it would be a part of natural justice to name them publicly. "And it's the right of the victim to be able to say- this is the individual who attacked me, the criminal justice failed in holding him to account. At least, she should be able to say- this is the individual who attacked me." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The countdown is on, as international pop superstar Pink has touched down ahead of her Dunedin concert. Pink is expected to perform at Forsyth Barr Stadium at 7:30 for 32,000 people - one of the largest concerts in the city's history. Dunedin mayor Jules Radich says historically Dunedin's had great concerts since the stadium opened. "We do actively promote the stadium and attract them here, so that has been successful in the past- and we will continue to do that." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former Defence Minister says the price tag for a couple of new Air Force planes would be at least a couple hundred-million-dollars. The Prime Minister's Air Force Boeing 757 was meant to fly out this morning, but a technical fault with the nose landing gear meant the aircraft's been grounded all day. Chris Luxon was forced to fly commercial to Melbourne for ASEAN talks. Wayne Mapp says the planes are for more than just flying the Prime Minister around. "We use them for troop transport, cargo round the Pacific, and also going down to Antarctica." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Commercial flights for the Prime Minister might be more favourable with the taxpayer. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the only reason Prime Ministers like taking these planes is to have the media in tow. "Having travelled on hundreds of trips with the Prime Ministers, it's not that often that you get a real breaking yarn on these trips." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian women's football captain Sam Kerr is to face trial in England after being accused of the racially aggravated harassment of a police officer. The Chelsea striker was deemed to have used insulting, threatening or abusive words that caused alarm or distress to an officer during an incident in Twickenham at the end of January. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Kerr is expected to head to trial next February. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Disappointment in the rugby community as Sky axes two rural-focused rugby shows. Grassroots Rugby and Mainfreight Rugby, which previously enjoyed historically long runs on TV, have recently been dropped. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains what this means for the future of provincial rugby. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Hurricanes' women's side have gotten themselves in hot water after last weekend's controversial anti-Government haka. The Hurricanes Poua began their season by opening their match against the Chiefs Manawa with an altered haka calling out 'this redneck Government'. CEO Avan Lee says investigations are under way to find out who signed this action off. "I don't think it's our place to make comment, particularly if it's seen as the opinion of the organisation. So yeah, I think it is definitely disappointing." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Swiss voters have given themselves extra month's pension each year in a new nationwide referendum. In a new poll, 60 percent of voters voted in favour of increased pensions- and 75 percent of voters also rejected raising the pension age from 65 to 66. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says the cost of living in Switzerland is among the highest in the world, and this will be an extra increase for taxpayers to bear. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Tim Wilson from Maxim Institute and Josie Pagani from Child Fund joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! The Government has unveiled their new plan for transport infrastructure, including 'roads of national significance' and a fund for pothole prevention. What do we think? Will improved roads be worth the inevitable extra cost hikes? A new report has revealed Premier House needs $30 million worth of repairs. Should someone bite the bullet and pay these extra costs? MSD plans to save money by taking away their plunger coffee supply. Instant coffee, tea and hot chocolate will be provided- is this the best way to cut costs? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Luxon is set to meet with more key trading partners this week. The Prime Minister will fly to Melbourne tomorrow for a special summit, to mark Australia's 50-year relationship with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan explains this will be a crucial summit for Luxon- as he missed the chance to meet some of these leaders during APEC. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's promised newer roads, fewer potholes and more maintenance in their new transport spending roadmap. Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released details on the investment, which includes 15 new 'roads of national significance' and a pothole prevention fund. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the increased motor vehicle licensing fees will be the beginning of several hikes to pay for this scheme. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While New Zealand's media industry struggles to survive, their Australian counterparts are battling setbacks from social media giants. Facebook's parent company, Meta, recently confirmed it wouldn't renew commercial deals with news publisher Network 10. Australian Financial Review media reporter says it's likely Meta never believed they were going to see much profit out of this deal. "There was a line in the summary of this contract, which was- there is no expectation that 10 would earn additional revenue, which I think is an implicit acknowledgement." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis warns the Government could likely miss the proposed 2027 surplus forecast. The Government included this deadline as a key goal in their pre-election fiscal plan. Willis blames worsening economic conditions and the resulting lower tax income. "I want to be upfront with New Zealanders about the fact that the numbers are looking a lot harder now than they did before Christmas." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The hopes for New Zealand's Olympic performance have gotten stronger after a record-breaking medal count at the World Indoor Championships. After silvers were given to shot-putter Tom Walsh and pole vaulter Eliza McCartney over the weekend, the Kiwi contingent has landed two golds on the final day. Hamish Kerr equalled the Oceania record of 2.36 metres to win the high jump and Geordie Beamish stunned a stellar field to strike gold in the 1500 metres. Athletics NZ High Performance Director Scott Newman says this is a good foundation ahead of the upcoming Olympics. "To come through here with four medals at a World Indoor Championships- that's just a great base heading into the Olympics." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A designated retail crime unit is making a difference in Tauranga's CBD. More than 1200 charges have been laid against 215 offenders in just six months. Tauranga Pharmacy Co-owner Kelly Mitchinson says when people call the police, something actually happens now. She says police didn't care as much in the past unless violence was involved. "They'd come in here, super entitled- they'd come in with a shopping bag. And these are repeat offenders, so I think some of those particular offenders have been charged now, some have ended up back in prison." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a prediction big drops in mortgage rates are on the cards. Both ANZ and ASB have lowered some of their mortgages rates, following the Reserve Bank's decision to keep the Official Cash Rate unchanged at 5.5 percent. KiwiBank Chief Economist Jarrod Kerr says if the central bank starts cutting in November, it could be just the start. "They'll be cutting throughout 2025, so we'll see mortgage rates, I think, fall quite sharply next year." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Transport Minister says a balance must be struck between building much needed infrastructure and paying for it. The Government has released its $21 billion spending roadmap, which includes new major roads and a pothole prevention fund. Vehicle registration fees will increase by $25 dollars next January, then again in three years, to help cover costs. Minister Simeon Brown says it's a gradual phase-in. "This fee hasn't increased since 1994, so yes, we need to fund it. This is how we're proposing to do it, there's no fuel tax increases during this term of Government." But if re-elected, the Government has committed to fuel tax hikes next term. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Australia, a Senate inquiry has been launched into the risks posed by Red Imported Fire Ants. Allergy bodies have warned the fire ants could cause a widespread flare-up in allergic reactions if they become endemic. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says these ants are widespread throughout Australian parks, and eradicating them would be a challenge. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand is celebrating a record medal haul at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Scotland, snaring two silvers and two golds to beat the previous record tally set in 2016. 1500 metre runner Geordie Beamish and high jumper Hamish Kerr snared gold on the final day. Sportstalk host Jason Pine explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big changes need to be made to Premier House, according to one member of the building's board. Former National MP Annabel Young says the recent report into the state of the house shows it's in a sorry state. It comes after Prime Minister Christopher Luxon revealed the building needs serious work. Young says earthquake strengthening needs to be done, as well as the restructure of some rooms. "It's not a functional space, it is pretty grim. I personally think the kitchen is dangerous." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The DoC is to repair Cathedral Cove's walking track. This is welcome news to the businesses that rely quite heavily on the tourism that that attracts. Conservation Minister Tama Paka told Heather Du Plessis-Allan that she is 'absolutely focused on making sure we can get the track down there back on track.' LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.