Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

A former British soldier awaiting trial on terror charges who appears to have escaped from a London prison by strapping himself to the underside of a food delivery truck remained at large Thursday as police stepped up security checks across the United Kingdom amid concerns he may try to flee the country. Opposition parties linked the escape to years of financial austerity, while Britain's Conservative government said an independent investigation will take place “in due course” into how Daniel Abed Khalife managed to slip out of the medium-security Wandsworth Prison, which opened in 1851 during the reign of Queen Victoria. His escape has prompted extra security checks at major transport hubs, particularly in and around the Port of Dover, the main boat crossing from England to France. Britain's justice secretary told lawmakers that “no stone must be left unturned in getting to the bottom of what happened” as he confirmed an “independent investigation into this incident.” Alex Chalk also said “urgent” reviews into prison categorization would be carried out as questions remained over how Khalife wasn't being held at a maximum-security facility such as Belmarsh Prison in east London. Khalife, 21, is accused of planting fake bombs at a military base and of violating Britain’s Official Secrets Act by gathering information “that could be useful to an enemy.” He was discharged from the British army after his arrest earlier this year and had denied the allegations. His trial is set for November. Chalk said Khalife, who had been working in a kitchen at the prison, escaped at around 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning, when a vehicle that had made a delivery left. Shortly afterward, he said, contingency plans for an unaccounted prisoner were activated and police were informed. The vehicle, he added, was subsequently stopped and searched by police after the alert was raised. “Strapping was found underneath the vehicle which appeared to indicate that Daniel Khalife may have held onto the underside of it in order to escape,” Chalk said. More than 150 investigators and police staff are on the case, according to Metropolitan Police Commander Dominic Murphy, who is the lead investigator. “We have issued a nationwide alert that has resulted in increased security at our ports and borders, however currently there have not been any confirmed sightings," he said. Opposition politicians have sought to pin the blame on the Conservative government, which has been in power since 2010. Many U.K. prisons, including Wandsworth, are over capacity and short of staff. The escape could hardly have come at a worse time for a government that is already scrambling to get all schools to reopen for the new academic year amid concerns over crumbling concrete. “It simply beggars belief that a man being held on suspected terror charges was able to escape a prison by clinging to the bottom of a food delivery van,” said Shabana Mahmood, the justice spokesperson for the main opposition Labour Party. “How is such an escape even possible?” Charlie Taylor, who scrutinizes detention facilities in England in his role as the chief inspector of prisons, said staff shortages are “the source of many problems” at Wandsworth. Taylor said it “should be standard practice” for vehicles entering and leaving the prison to be checked and a prisoner has to earn a “certain level of trust” in order to be allowed to work in a kitchen. “But the issue that we are particularly concerned about is there are too many prisoners in Wandsworth for the amount of staff who are there," he said. "And that ultimately is the source of many of the problems in the jail.” In an annual review, published in July, Wandsworth Prison was deemed to be a “serious concern." The prison, which is in the middle of a residential area, holds around 1,600 defendants appearing at London courts and offenders due to be released in five wings. - by Pan Pylas, APSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are certainly putting in the time to cultivate their relationship. Less than three months after honoring Modi with a state visit to the White House, Biden is to arrive in New Delhi on Friday — a day before the start of the Group of 20 summit there — to squeeze in another round of one-on-one talks with the leader of the world’s most populous nation. There have been more than a dozen in-person or virtual engagements between the leaders since 2021 as both have looked to tighten the U.S.-India partnership amid shared major concerns. Those include an increasingly assertive China and monumental challenges posed by climate change, artificial intelligence, global supply chain resilience and other issues. Modi has heavily branded the summit as his own. The Indian prime minister has pictures of himself posted along the highway from the airport, greeting G20 delegates with quotes about the need to address climate change. As a result, Biden will be something of a houseguest when he meets with his Indian counterpart. “This meeting will be taking place at the prime minister’s residence — so it is unusual in that respect,” White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters aboard Air Force One. “This is not your typical bilateral visit to India with meetings taking place in the prime minister’s office.” Biden, a center-left Democrat, and Modi, a conservative Hindu nationalist, are hardly ideological soulmates. Yet, both leaders are increasingly drawn together by China's military and economic maneuverings in the Indo-Pacific. India late last month lodged an objection through diplomatic channels with Beijing over China's new standard map that lays claim to India’s territory along their shared border. The version of the Chinese map published by the Ministry of Natural Resources website shows Arunachal Pradesh and the Doklam Plateau — over which the two sides have feuded — included within Chinese borders, along with Aksai Chin in the western section that China controls but India still claims. The Philippines and Malaysia have also lodged protests over the new Chinese map. The map was released just days after Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on the sidelines of a summit of the BRICS bloc of developing economies — Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — and agreed to work to de-escalate tensions at their disputed border. China and India have had thousands of troops facing off in a disputed region of the Himalayas since 2020, when skirmishes led to the first deadly clashes in decades. Both countries are nuclear armed. China, which is also a member of the G20, has said that Xi will not attend this weekend's India summit and is instead dispatching Premier Li Qiang to represent China. Vice President Kamala Harris, in an interview Wednesday with The Associated Press on the sidelines of a summit of Southeast Asian leaders in Indonesia, spoke out against China's new map. “It’s a violation of the law. And that’s where I put that map,” Harris told the AP. The U.S. government outreach goes beyond Biden. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told reporters on Friday that the G20 is her fourth trip to India in the past year, making it the country she's visited most. Yellen said India has shown leadership in helping to provide loans to developing nations as well as provide debt relief when needed. The White House has been tight-lipped about what, if any, major announcements will come out of Biden's latest talks with Modi. But the administration seems eager to build on the momentum from the June state visit, which included announcements on climate, health care and space as well as some major private sector projects. The two sides set the groundwork for U.S.-based General Electric to partner with India-based Hindustan Aeronautics to produce jet engines for Indian aircraft in India and the sale of U.S.-made armed MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones. U.S.-based Micron Technology agreed to build a $2.75 billion semiconductor assembly and test facility in India, with Micron spending more than $800 million and India financing the rest. The administration also plans to discuss civil nuclear issues. Friday's meeting seems unlikely to produce as many major deals. Still, the White House will look to “put something on the table," predicted Richard Rossow, a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Rossow said Modi would like to see the Biden administration put greater focus on the Indian Ocean region as it goes about recalibrating its Indo-Pacific policy. India’s concern is that “the United States is overly focused on Taiwan, South China Sea, East China Sea, Pacific Islands,” Rossow said. “And there’s not nearly enough attention on the Indian Ocean region. And that’s where India sees its primary security concerns rising now.” The White House has sought to play down Biden and Modi 's differences over Russia’s war in Ukraine. India abstained from voting on U

A new approach to paying for private healthcare has started in New Zealand. Fettle gives people the ability to contribute to an investment fund which eventually goes into paying for private healthcare. Fettle founder and CEO Dr Colin Hutchinson joined Heather du Plessis-Allan. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Injury concerns in the Warriors camp ahead of their first finals game since 2018. Star playmaker Shaun Johnson will sit out the first-round clash against Penrith due to a calf injury. And ticket demand for them is through the roof. Fans will be able to purchase presale access to finals tickets for $49, a perk usually reserved for those with full season memberships. But where those games will be held is up in the air. And the All Blacks have got injury concerns of their own. Jordie Barrett, Shannon Frizell and Brodie Retallick will all sit out the Rugby World Cup opener with France with injury concerns. Andrew Gourdie and Nick Bewley joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to discuss the week's sports newsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Huge problems in the All Blacks camp ahead of tomorrow’s Rugby World Cup opener. The three-time champion All Blacks will kick off the spectacle with hosts France tomorrow morning. But Jordie Barrett, Shannon Frizell and Brodie Retallick will all miss the opener due to injury. NZ Herald rugby writer Liam Napier joined Heather du Plessis-Allan. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Consumer NZ is warning that many household appliances actually should last longer than both the warranty and what's expected. For example, TVs should be providing 8 years of work, and ovens should last for about 15 years. It wants to see a mandatory 'repairability' rating system introduced, showing how many years an appliance should last - similar to an energy rating. Consumer NZ Head of Testing Dr Paul Smith joined Heather du Plessis-Allan. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National's released more of its education policy today. If it wins the election, it will require primary schools to teach every single child how to reach using structured literacy. It's basically a return to phonics, instead of the whole language approach used for the last 50 years. Education spokesperson Erica Stanford joined Heather du Plessis-Allan. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Security has been upped ahead of the opening Rugby World Cup match in Paris. More than 7000 Police officers will be on-site as the All Blacks play France tomorrow morning. It's after chaos broke out after last year's Champions League football final at the Stade de France in Paris. France Correspondent Catherine Field told Heather Du Plessis-Allan this is what France has to do. “The Rugby World Cup – whilst this is what we’re all focusing on – the security forces are also using this as a test run for next year’s Olympic Games which are gonna be here.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parliament has officially wound up today. New Zealand Herald Extraordinary Phillip O'Shea headed procedures earlier today, despite Parliament officially closing last week. A new Taxpayers Union-Curia poll has spelled turmoil for the Labour Party. It's put the party at 27 percent - no change from last month - but well behind National at 35 percent. But Prime Minister Chris Hipkins says his election campaign is "only just ramping up". Meanwhile, National leader Chris Luxon has been rounding up the business conference, pledging to bring back 90-day trials and concentrate on low productivity. Newstalk ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper joined Heather du Plessis-Allan. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you are a parent or a grandparent worried about whether our schooling will teach your child to read properly – you need to listen to this. Good education announcement from National today. I have been waiting for anyone to announce this for a couple of years now. So I'm pleased someone’s finally done it. If the Nats win the election, they will require all primary schools to teach little ones to read using structured literacy – which is basically going back to phonics. Now let me explain to you why this is potentially a game changer. For the last 50 years, our schools have not been teaching phonics. They have been teaching what’s called whole language. And basically what that does is assumes that kids will naturally learn to read just like they learn to talk. If you leave books with pictures lying around for them and if the book has the word apple next to a picture of an apple – that will teach them to read. It is rubbish. It does not. It is such a fail that 36 percent of our 14-year-olds failed the NCEA pilot reading exam last year. The reading ability of our 10-year-olds is the worst it’s ever been and is apparently the worst in the English-speaking world. So what's been going on is that a lot of schools have been spending thousands of dollars of their own money to pay consultants to come in and help them teach in another way, which is called structured literacy. And as I say – basically goes back to phonics. And they have been getting amazing results, the kids are learning to read again. Here's an example: Kaiapoi North School in Canterbury spent $20,000 and the principal said it was worth every cent. After two years: the principal said 68 of their 72 kids learning it were at or above the curriculum standards and scoring not around 70 percent – but in the 90 percents. The Education Ministry knows this. There have been campaigns for years to get them to go back to phonics. New South Wales has just gone back to phonics, and yet our Education Ministry has dragged their heels. And now finally, the Nats have seen the light. And they say if they win in October, teachers will all be teaching structured literacy to kids, and the way it’s phrased – they will not have the option of doing anything else. There will be tests on Year 2s to make sure it’s working, and every new teacher will be taught it too. And that is brilliant. I tell you what: this could be a game changer. It could genuinely be the thing that lifts our reading rates again and turns our education system around, because if you can’t read... you can’t do any education. Good, simple, practical announcement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former President Donald Trump on Thursday formally notified the judge overseeing the Georgia election subversion case that he “may” try to move his state case into federal court. Trump’s lawyers have previously said they would try to move the case, which could help him get the charges dropped by invoking immunity protections for federal officials. “President Trump hereby notifies the Court that he may seek removal of his prosecution to federal court,” his lawyer Steven Sadow said in a brief court filing. “To be timely, his notice of removal must be filed within 30-days of his arraignment.” The 30-day clock began on August 31, when Trump waived his right to an arraignment hearing and entered a not guilty plea. There are several potential benefits for Trump if he can move the state case into federal court. It would give him additional avenues to get the charges dropped if he can convince a judge that his alleged actions in the indictment were tied to his formal duties as a government official. If the case stays in state court, the jurors will all come from Fulton County, which President Joe Biden won by a 47-point margin. If the case moves to federal court, the jury pool will be culled from a 10-county region near Atlanta that Biden won by 32 points, a narrower but still comfortable margin. Several of Trump’s 19 co-defendants are already attempting to move their case to federal court. His former chief of staff Mark Meadows testified at a hearing last week as part of his bid to move the case. Further hearings are scheduled for later this month on whether a federal judge will weigh similar requests from former Trump-era Justice Department official Jeffrey Clark and other co-defendants. - by Marshall Cohen, CNNSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heartbreaking news for Warriors fans overnight. Star playmaker Shaun Johnson has been officially ruled out of tomorrow's first-round NRL finals match with the Penrith Panthers in Penrith with a calf injury. Warriors assistant coach Justin Morgan joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Corrections staff are going on strike. 98 percent of association members rejected the latest collective agreement offer - with 97 percent voting in favour of industrial action. Members are seeking an offer higher than inflation's 6 percent - and greater staffing numbers. Corrections Association President Floyd du Plessis told Heather du Plessis-Allan dates for strike action will be decided next week. He says all they want is Corrections to come back with a reasonable offer so action can be avoided. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A manhunt has been launched after a former soldier awaiting trial on terror charges escaped from a London prison. Daniel Abed Khalife had been accused of planting fake bombs at a military base and allegedly breaching the Official Secrets Act. UK correspondent Enda Brady says he reportedly escaped by clinging on to the underside of a food delivery van. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, former Labour chief of staff and Maxim Institute director Tim Wilson joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! Labour leader Chris Hipkins has apologised today - after his party released social media ads with misleading information about National's plan to scrap the first-year fees-free policy for tertiary education. This is on top of Willie Jackson claiming a National/ACT Government would get rid of the minimum wage. Is this issue unique to Labour? What's going on with these lies? Police Minister Ginny Andersen says Labour is committed to continuing investment in fighting crime. The party promised 300 more police officers over four years if re-elected, on top of the1800 more officers added during their previous term. How effective will this scheme be? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Residential building work has dropped for the third consecutive quarter in a row, according to new data. The Wellington region led the annual decline, with a 13 percent PA fall in residential construction put in place. Infometrics principal economist Brad Olsen says this downturn reflects high interest rates and declining house prices trickling down to the construction sector. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More trouble for the carbon credit scheme that Labour wants to use to fund climate initiatives. The Government has tried - and failed - a third time to auction off credits, giving businesses the right to emit carbon dioxide. This means Treasury is now short over $900 million ahead of Tuesday's Pre-election Economic and Fiscal Update. The Country's Jamie Mackay says the credits will be available to purchase again- but economists warn the units could be harder to sell a fourth time. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One expert warns that Kiwis will soon feel more pain at the pump. Crude oil prices have climbed to new heights, after Saudi Arabia and Russia committed to maintaining their production cuts through to the end of 2023. Brent oil reached $90 per barrel for the first time since November. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann says this is the first time since 2021 that crude oil prices have surged without the tax break in place. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Claims truth is the first casualty of the election season. Labour leader Chris Hipkins has had to apologise for the actions of several party members, with inaccurate information being shared about National and ACT's plans for the country. Willie Jackson found himself in hot water over his claims about minimum wage, junior staffers have been exposed lying about the opposition's plans for student loan interest- among others. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the first week of the 2023 election campaign has been dominated by untruths from Labour. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National's transport spokesman has labelled Auckland Light Rail's commercial building purchase 'shocking'. Auckland Light Rail has signed a $33 million contract to buy the Kiwi Bacon Building, located on New North Road. That's despite National vowing to scrap the $14.6-billion-dollar project if elected next month. Simeon Brown says the Government has had six years to deliver and hasn't presented a business case to purchase the building. "The Government hasn't got a business case, they haven't got a route- yet they've decided to spend $33 million on a commercial property. This is absolutely unbelievable." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are concerns over employers making young people work during school hours. James Cook High School principal Grant McMillan says most employers are helpful and work with the school. But he says some fast food places and construction sites make kids ditch school for work. "Sadly, there are a small group of employers who tend to exploit young people by ensuring that the employer's needs are met before the young person's school - or other needs - are met." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A slow down for the clean-up of silt in the cyclone ravaged Hawke's Bay. About $44 million has been committed to managing silt and debris. But the Regional Council says the money's run out a month earlier than expected. Silt Recovery Taskforce Lead Darren de Klerk says they've explained the issue to the Government. "To get us going for the next six months through to the end of summer 2024, we've forecast around $18 million. That should put a significant dent in the silt." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Police Minister says bolstering the police force will help New Zealand tackle a complex crime situation. Labour has promised 300 more cops over four years if re-elected. It's on top of about 1800 more staff coming on board since Labour won the 2017 election. Police Minister Ginny Andersen says it will make a material difference. "Those extra police officers mean that when people call the phone and ring up police, we get a response immediately." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed he'll visit China by the end of the year. This trip will be the first visit to the region from an Australian Prime Minister since 2016. It's been speculated for several months that Albanese will make this journey, after a successful interaction with Xi Jinping at a G20 meeting last year. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says this meeting is the first step of a journey to repair relations between both nations. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson has jetted to Sydney, but there's no guarantees he'll play in Saturday's NRL finals match against the Penrith Panthers. The Warriors' 'Player of the Year' has reportedly suffered a lower leg injury and has just a 50/50 chance of taking the field. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A nurses union says having more staff will reduce violence in emergency departments. There have been more than 7,000 assaults of public health employees in the two years to April. The Australasian College for Emergency Medicine is calling for around-the-clock security guards in all EDs. NZNO's Kerri Nuku says reducing wait times will lower the tension. "If we had more nurses, more doctors on the floor to be able to deal with the crisis- ED departments across the whole workforce are short." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Russian mercenary group Wagner is set to be prescribed as a terrorist organisation by the UK Government- making it illegal to align with or support the organisation. UK home secretary Suella Braverman described the group as 'violent and destructive' and a 'threat to global security'. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says this designation could provide a legal basis for Ukrainians to sue Wagner for billions in compensation. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A and Ben Thomas from Ben Thomas PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! Chris Hipkins has had to apologise for the actions of another MP, this time Willie Jackson. Jackson claimed ACT and National would get rid of the minimum wage. Is Labour's campaign out of control? Labour has laid out a five-point plan to grow the economy- how strong does this look? In particular, how credible is this newfound focus on India? Missing Marokopa man Tom Phillips is now wanted over an alleged bank robbery- what do we think of this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EV charging network provider ChargeNet welcomes the latest announcement from National. The party pledges it will roll out 10,000 more EV chargers up and down the country, to the tune of $257 million. CEO Danusia Wypych says this investment from National would encourage more people to use electric vehicles. "Now, people are more worried about- will I get a charger? And we've seen from our own customer base that there's starting to be more drivers out on the road, and we know we have to upgrade." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A drop in share prices for Sky City - over the possibility its casino license could be suspended for up to 10 days. The Department of Internal Affairs has applied for a temporary suspension from the Gambling Commission after it accused the operator of not complying with Host Responsibility rules. Milford Asset Management's Jeremy Hutton says the stock price dropped 13 percent on Monday, prompting concerns. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ANZ economists are warning that taxpayers may have to cover the extra interest accumulated on Government debt. If the Treasury has to issue more bonds than the market wants, the price of the bonds will fall, and their yields will rise- which will cost taxpayers. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny says the Government is bringing in less tax revenue that expected as the economy slows- and Treasury will have to factor that in. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has laid out a five-point economic strategy for Labour's third term in Government- if the party's re-elected. Hipkins promised he'll lead a delegation to India to foster relations and eventually establish a trade deal. $100 million will also be spent on Venture Capital Fund for investment in agri-tech, to encourage innovation. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this Government has ignored India as a trade partner- until the election came around. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National's Nicola Willis is promising a 'competitive, cost-effective' scheme that will benefit Kiwi motorists. Leader Chris Luxon is pledging to deliver 10,000 EV chargers over the next 4 years, at a cost of $257 million. National also seeks to dump Labour's clean car discount scheme. Nicola Willis says National will collaborate with the private sector to deliver a competitive bidding process that will reduce costs. "It supports the investment, and it makes sure that we get the chargers in the right places around the country, so that all people are happy about driving EVs." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Willie Jackson maintains he's not deliberately disseminating disinformation - but says everyone's having an election year biffo. During a debate last night, Senior Labour Minister Jackson incorrectly maintained ACT and National planned to abolish the minimum wage. Jackson later clarified he was being facetious. He said he was in the heat of the moment, though he also agrees Kiwis should be aware of what politicians are saying. Jackson explained that we're in a campaign - and everyone is having a bit of a scrap. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time finalist Cameron Norrie has signed on for the 2024 ASB Classic- and there's room for more big names to come. The world No 16 tennis star joins defending champion Coco Gauff, a semi-finalist at the ongoing US Open. ASB Classic director Nicolas Lamperin is 'stoked' to welcome Cameron Norrie, and hopes to secure Caroline Wozniacki next. "She's been on my list for a while. I just got back from New York yesterday, and I've had some really good meetings with her team. I'm hoping to get it done in the next few days." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An economic commentator says Labour's economic policy is big on aspiration, but lacks specifics and understanding. Their five-point election plan to grow the economy includes the PM heading to India in the first 100 days to foster relations. It would also invest $100 million in agri-tech and boosting tourism. Former Reserve Bank economist Michael Reddell says it doesn't deal with the big issues we're facing. "The word inflation appears once, never about bringing inflation down. The fiscal plan just says- we'll run a surplus sometime in the future." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Commerce Commission is keeping a close eye on petrol prices. It's asked fuel companies to 'please explain' the differences in prices between and within various cities. Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton called for an inquiry into petrol price inequity three months ago. Commission chair John Small says this is likely to come down to competition. "What we need to do is find ways to promote local competition. It could be something inventive, like local buying groups, it could be talking to councils about freeing up land." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The former chairman of an American right-wing extremist group has been sentenced to 22 years in prison for his role in the US Capitol riot. Ex-Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio was convicted on multiple charges, including seditious conspiracy. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says Tarrio wasn't present on January 6th, but prosecutors claim he inspired and rallied followers from afar. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federated Farmers says it's concerned about the Ministry for the Environment handing out money to encourage participation in reform of the Resource Management Act. The advocacy group claims it's been offered $600,000 over three years to fund submissions and appearances at hearings. Spokesperson Mark Hooper says it's a high price tag and the timing doesn't make sense. "Why try and push this through in the six-week leadup to a general election, when we know that there's opposition parties that are talking about repealing some of these reforms?" The Ministry has been approached for comment. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Caps completed a successful T20 series comeback following a dominant performance in the fourth and final match in Nottingham. The team levelled their four-match series against England and chased 176 with six wickets and 16 balls to spare. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UK education secretary Gillian Keegan has apologised after being caught swearing on mic after an ITV interview. Keegan expressed frustration at a reporter's questions about the concrete crisis- and dropped an f-bomb in irritation. UK correspondent Enda Brady says it's unlikely she'll be fired after this incident, given the state of UK politics. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and Hauraki's Matt Heath joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! The latest Roy Morgan poll has ACT shooting up to 18 percent and Labour down to 24 percent, giving a Nats/Act coalition the chance to govern. If true, this is a real downer to Labour, right? National is promising another tunnel through Mount Victoria for Wellingtonian motorists- to begin construction by their first term in Government. Will this help get more votes? Thousands of senior doctors and dentists went on strike today over deadlocked pay negotiations between their union and Te Whatu Ora. Does Te Whatu Ora need to concede to their requests- before more skilled doctors move to Australia? Two walkers were rescued from the top of Mount Ngauruhoe on Saturday - wearing light clothes and unsuitable footwear. Are these types of rescues a good use of resources? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank of Australia kept the cash rate unchanged at 4.1 percent, but the door is open for future hikes. Outgoing governor Philip Lowe said Australian inflation had 'passed its peak', but further monetary policy may be needed to return inflation to target. HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham says the Australian economy is still running at full capacity- and it will take time to bring inflation down again. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's trading power has proved more resilient than expected, but one economist warns the worst is yet to come. Stats NZ data shows the June quarter bucked expectations as the 'terms of trade' rose 0.4 percent after easing 1.5 percent earlier in the year. The Country's Jamie Mackay says ANZ's Susan Kilsby observed that the data didn't capture recent slumping global dairy prices- indicating future problems down the track. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A fiery start to the campaign season, as political leaders addressed prospective voters at a BusinessNZ-hosted conference. Luxon assured business leaders he would treat them 'like adults' as he criticised Labour's ongoing relationship with the sector. Hipkins, speaking after Luxon, defended the Government’s choppy economic record and claimed Labour's 'economic fundamentals were in good shape.' ACT's David Seymour took shots at Julie-Anne Genter from the Greens, saying he wouldn't even trust her to handle Venezuela's economy. BusinessDesk managing editor Pattrick Smellie recapped the mood of the event. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACT and National are on track to govern while Labour slumps to a new low, according to a new poll. The latest Roy Morgan survey shows ACT has surged by 4 points to 18 percent, catching up to National's 31, down 2.5 percent. Labour's taken a fall- their support dropped a further 2 percent to 24. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the Roy Morgan poll is often dismissed in the lead-up to election night- but it's an accurate indicator. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Controversial Qantas boss Alan Joyce resigned today- retiring two months earlier than planned. This comes as the airline faces allegations of misleading conduct over airline ticket sales. His replacement, Vanessa Hudson, will take over from tomorrow. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says it's unlikely this change in management will clear the airline's reputation- but fast-tracking Alan Joyce's retirement was a smart move. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All Blacks midfielder David Havili is vowing to be ready if called upon for the World Cup opener against France this weekend. Jordie Barrett is in doubt for Saturday's match with a knee issue, and could become the fourth All Black to be sidelined. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's renewed debate over whether an Independent Costings Watchdog is needed to verify election promises. Labour, National and the Greens have all shown support for the idea. The Taxpayers' Union's Jordan Williams says an office separated from the Government of the time is needed to verify each party's election promises for the sake of democracy. "So we don't end up like the situation where we used to have, where even with the big parties, there was just no questioning of costs." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACT says it isn't taking anything for granted, despite a staggering leap in a new political poll. The Roy Morgan survey puts it up 4 points to 18 percent - their highest result since December 2021. National is down 2.5 points to 31 percent, but can govern with ACT - while Labour has slumped to a historic low of 24 percent. ACT leader David Seymour says Roy Morgan was the most accurate in the last election, but one of the least before that. "But what we do know is that people do actually want some real change. They don't want to swap red for blue, Chris for Chris- and basically say business as usual, but show up in a blue tie." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.