Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

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.

Auckland Zoo is dealing with the harsh reality of wild animals. Sumatran tiger Zayana gave birth to her first two cubs on Friday. But when the first was stillborn, she followed a natural instinct and killed the live second cub. Carnivore team lead Lauren Booth says a tiger needs two to three cubs to make it worth raising them. "The mortality rate within the first two years is about 50 to 70 percent. So there's a bit of maths that goes on there in terms of the resources they're going to put into those animals." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The union for SkyCity Casino workers says it raised concerns years ago when it restructured. SkyCity's casino operator licenses could be temporarily suspended - over complaints about host responsibility. Unite Union says the casino slashed supervisor numbers by nearly 40 percent in 2016. National Director Mike Treen says it was up to them to ensure people didn't play too long. "I think it's led directly to the problems they're facing today." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National's promising shovels in the ground in its first term for a second Mount Vic tunnel- if it gets the top job after the election. Infrastructure spokesperson Chris Bishop says they'll get consents fast tracked. He says it's good for buses, cars, walking, cycling, and it will decongest Wellington. National says alongside upgrades to the Basin Reserve, it'll cost $2.2 billion dollars. The proposal differs to Let's Get Wellington Moving, which would use one tunnel just for walking and cycling. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A view extra safety measures could reduce the need for mountain rescues. Two walkers were rescued from the top of Mount Ngauruhoe on Saturday - wearing light clothes and unsuitable footwear. They reportedly had limited English and mightn't have realised the climb's dangers. Adrift Tongariro tour guide Stewart Barclay says it would be useful to issue safety information in other languages. "As much information as we can get out there in the appropriate way- absolutely. Because we're all about safety." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you know what? I'm actually cross at Health NZ Te Whatu Ora for playing silly buggers with senior doctors and their pay. Things are serious right now. It is a serious thing for senior doctors to go on strike today, they've never done this before. And I can totally understand why- they must be at their wits end with the silly games Te Whatu Ora are playing to avoid paying doctors properly. For a start, the health bosses misrepresented what the senior doctors actually get paid already. They said these doctors get, on average, $318,000 per year. But that is clearly not true. Check out the collective agreement online, the top pay is $250,000 and the median is $220,000. Either way, it’s a lot of money, but Te Whatu Ora Health NZ can let us make up our own minds with the honest facts instead of being dishonest. As well as that, they’ve misrepresented what they’re offering the doctors. They said up to 12.9 percent, which sounds like a lot- but we found out that they dicked around with that number too, and it's not nearly that much. It’s more like 5 percent, say the doctors. The reason I'm cross about this is that we don’t get the luxury of paying our doctors poorly in this country. Doctors can move, and if you pay them poorly- they’re just going to go off to Australia. Particularly Victoria, where the lowest they can earn there is more than the highest they can earn here. My brother-in-law, a doctor, just left for Victoria. My neighbour, also a doctor, left a couple of years back. If the health bosses continue to play these games with our doctors and try to dick them around on pay, we will lose more. And we can’t afford to, because we’re already 1700 doctors short in this country. That means you and I will not get the healthcare we actually deserve because we pay our taxes for it. So instead of Health NZ using their 200 communications staff to figure out clever ways to make doctors look greedy, how about they find some money to pay doctors properly. And if they need to cut some of those back-office spin doctors who play slippery games to find the dollars, so be it. I'd rather have the doctors anyway.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Burning Man festival-goer says although it's very wet at the US desert event - it hasn't dampened the mood. Nevada authorities are investigating a death after storms swept through, closing vehicle access. People are trudging through mud and being urged to shelter in place and conserve food and water. But Chris Knight says there's no chaos - and people are still partying. He says some are anxious, but people are prepared because it's an event held in one of the harshest environments on Earth. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Problem Gambling Foundation says gambling outlets should take note. Internal Affairs has applied for a temporary suspension of SkyCity's gambling licence, after a former gambler complained. It's accused Sky City of not meeting Host Responsibility rules, relating to detecting a client's continuous play. The share market reacted to the application by wiping $260 million off the company's market value today. Foundation spokesperson Andree Froude says this suspension will warn SkyCity and other gambling operators about the seriousness of breaching the rules. "We want this to be a warning for other operators and for SkyCity that it's really important that they do meet their legal requirements." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over half of Australians are set to reject the inclusion of an Indigenous advisory panel, according to a new poll. Data shows only 38 percent of voters intend to vote in favour of the Indigenous Voice to Parliament, with 53 being opposed to the proposal. Australian correspondent Andrew Macfarlane says this poll follows a massive push in favour of the campaign, where John Farnham shared his support- and signature song. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors are giving their fans the option to purchase a 'Finals FastPass' as demand for tickets soars. For $49, fans will be able to buy their way towards priority access to tickets for the highly-anticipated final. The fee won't guarantee tickets- but it gives fans a higher chance. Sportstalk host Jason Pine explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACT's new energy policy is being praised as a helpful solution for New Zealand's future. The party has reiterated its pledge to overturn the ban on oil and gas exploration, and revealed it will scrap the Lake Onslow pumped hydro project. ACT is also campaigning on cutting red tape for offshore wind power projects - and bringing in a regulatory framework for carbon capture technology. Energy Resources Aotearoa chief executive John Carnegie says ACT's policy announcement takes New Zealand a step closer to affordable energy. "We only need to look over the ditch at Australia- their standard of living is proof of what can be achieved if countries utilise resources to create jobs and abundant, low-cost and resilient energy." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fresh off the back of a successful business delegation to India, Auckland Business Chamber CEO Simon Bridges is set to take 30 businesses to China. Despite the unstable economic climate, Bridges still thinks there's plenty of commercial opportunity in China. He says New Zealand does significantly more trade there than with India and there's room for more partnerships and relationships. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Te Whatu Ora says it's put a fair offer on the table as it stares down the barrel of an unprecedented strike by senior doctors and dentists. Association of Salaried Medical Specialists members will walk off the job for two hours tomorrow from midday. About 250 planned care procedures are likely to be deferred, although emergency care is still available. Te Whatu Ora's Andrew Slater says they're offering salary increases of up to 12.9 percent over the next 12 months. "Anything more than what we've got on the table would require further reprioritisation." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Council of Trade Unions are defending their ad attack on National's leader. Their billboards and newspaper ads call Chris Luxon 'out of touch' and 'too much risk'. National's campaign chair Chris Bishop is accusing Labour of being behind it, but the CTU president says they're not in cahoots with Labour. President Richard Wagstaff says it's their job to call out someone who's 'going after working people'. "He's the leader, the buck stops with him. He's put out a set of policies that will undermine working people- it's our job to call him out." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister is defending the CTU's controversial attack ad, claiming it's a technique favoured by both sides. Billboards and newspaper ads from the Council of Trade Unions describe Chris Luxon as 'out of touch' and 'too much risk'. Finance Minister Grant Robertson says it's the CTU's right to highlight relevant issues in a democratic society. "And they wouldn't be alone in doing that, the Taxpayers' Union have done numerous screengrabs of me, unflattering photos- and they're a surrogate of National and the ACT Party." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every Monday until the election The Front Bench will take on the biggest talking points of the election campaign. Heather du Plessis-Allan, Newstalk ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper, former Business NZ CEO Phil O’Reilly and Auckland Councillor Richard Hills have the insight word and analysis. The attack ads are already being published, with the CTU going after Chris Luxon on the front page of the Herald and on billboards across the country. Could this be the most negative campaign in recent memory? Is going negative an effective strategy? All eyes this weekend were on Labour and National’s campaign launches – who had the better launch? And was it better for Chris Luxon to use his family, or for Chris Hipkins to involve former Prime Minister Helen Clark? Labour has pledged to extend free dental care to those 29 and under by 2026. Is that good policy? Is it better than the pledge to slash GST off fruit and veg? The campaign is already getting distracted by protests – should we get used to this over the coming weeks? And the panel discuss what they think the main themes for Election 2023 will be. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has recently dismissed his defence minister, claiming it was time for 'new approaches.' Oleksii Reznikov had led the ministry since before Russia's full-scale 2022 invasion, and will be replaced by Rustem Umerov. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says Reznikov spearheaded key changes in Ukrain's defence ministry and laid the groundwork for future NATO partnerships. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rotorua Principals are becoming increasingly concerned about fights occurring at a CBD bus stop. Police presence has been increased in the area at the request of Mayor Tania Tapsell, but despite this, children still say they feel unsafe. Rotorua Intermediate School Principal Garry de Thierry told Heather du Plessis-Allan that he saw seven security people and a policeman at the bus stop earlier this afternoon. He said he’s confused, angry, and disappointed that they have gotten to this stage. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A retail crime unit introduced in the Western Bay of Plenty is receiving praise. Police put the unit in place after the area had five thousand retail crimes last year. In just three weeks it's managed to grab 53 offenders and lay more than 400 charges. Papamoa Plaza Mall Manager Anne Murphy told Heather du Plessis-Allan that retailers are delighted. She says while they aren't relaxing yet, they are thrilled it's had an effect so quickly. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Wellington City Councillor says there'll be some disappointment from developers and mana whenua about the now ditched Shelly Bay development. The land's been sold to Sir Peter Jackson and his wife Dame Fran Walsh, who intend to return it to its natural state. Many protested the development while others backed it, saying the city needs more housing. Councillor Nikau Wi Neera told Heather du Plessis Allan that they're still liaising with the office of the new owners about future plans. He says they've indicated it'll have a more recreational focus than the proposed residential focus, but it's a chance to explore other opportunities for the space. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Grocery Commissioner says suppliers being treated better will help drive down prices at the supermarket. Under new measures coming into force later this month, grocery stores could get slapped with a fine up to three million dollars for unfairly treating local suppliers. Pierre van Heerden told Heather du Plessis Allan that it'll be good for consumers too, because a healthy supplier base means better range and products, which then encourages more competition. He says more competition between supermarkets and between suppliers will have a downward pressure on prices. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACT Leader David Seymour's taken issue with comments made by Maori Development Minister Willie Jackson, calling them divisive and ineffective. In his final speech of the parliamentary term yesterday, Jackson said Maori have a different set of rights because they're recognised as the indigenous people of the country. Seymour told Heather du Plessis-Allan that it's the first time he's heard a Labour MP explicitly say the Treaty of Waitangi means some people have different rights than others. He claims that's not true and not supported by the Treaty, which he argues says we all have the same rights and duties. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Election 2023 is set to be one of the most important in recent memory. To cut through the spin – join Newstalk ZB’s The Front Bench to get to the heart of the issues that matter most. Heather du Plessis-Allan, Barry Soper, Phil O’Reilly and Richard Hills thrash out the big political issues in the lead up to Election 2023. There's no holding back, no topic off limits, and no rules in this rapid-fire, highly opinionated political discussion. Phil O’Reilly brings his vast business experience and acumen to the table as former Chief Executive of BusinessNZ, as well as being uniquely placed as someone at the leading edge of the global debate in his work as Paris-based Chair of Business at OECD. With climate change and local government being hot topics for Election 2023, Auckland councillor Richard Hills, who has led Auckland’s Climate Plan as well as been Chair of the Planning, Environment & Parks Committee, will provide insight into the inner workings of policy makers. And of course, you’ll get the best analysis from Newstalk ZB’s Heather du Plessis Allan and Barry Soper. Whether it’s cost of living, education, curbing the rise of crime or how to get the teens off vaping, The Front Bench will examine the issues that Kiwis are talking about ahead of voting day. Listen live every Monday at 4pm on Newstalk ZB and subscribe to the podcast on iHeartRadio. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The mother of suspended Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales has been hospitalised after an extended hunger strike. Ángeles Béjar locked herself in a church in her hometown of Motril, in southern Spain to protest her son's treatment after he was suspended for forcibly kissing Jennifer Hermoso. UK correspondent Enda Brady says Ángeles Béjar had locked herself in the church for 60 hours, living on water and electrolyte drinks, before a concerned priest alerted emergency services. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Projects Director at Still Sam Johnson and Ali Jones from Red PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! Do we mind that National is using a 'climate dividend to fund their proposed tax cuts? Other parties have voiced their disapproval- will voters mind? Or are they only focused on the tax cuts? An attack ad targeting National's Chris Luxon was accidently launched early- before getting taken down. How dirty can we expect the campaign to get? What did we think of this? A survey found the majority of parents are stressed and dealing with anxiety and wish they could have more guidance. Should we fund parenting classes, like we fund antenatal classes? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following global inflation peaking at the end of 2022, US interest rates had descended by November of that year. However, these interest rates have been spiking up again, to the confusion of economists. Fisher Funds senior portfolio manager Sam Dickie says the US managed to escape a recession- and that's making the Federal Reserve evaluate future hikes. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest ANZ Business Outlook survey shows there's a change of heart throughout the sector. According to the data, business confidence lifted nine points in August to -4, the highest read since mid-2021. Expected own activity also jumped 10 points, to +11. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann says business confidence has been on a slow and steady rise throughout the year- but the promise of a new Government has given economists hope. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Protesters briefly disrupted Parliament's Question Time with whistles and banners, on the last sitting day of the term. As Greens co-leader, James Shaw was answering questions about climate change, the group of activists blew whistles and yelled "no more cows". The Country's Jamie Mackay voiced his disapproval, as the dairy sector has had a rough time throughout 2023. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

That's a wrap. The 53rd Parliament has adjourned for the campaign period, ahead of the October 14 election. The final session was a raucous one, with with MPs at times shouting over each other and Speaker Adrian Rurawhe having to intervene. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says it was a showcase of political personality, as everyone gears up for the campaign. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Human remains found near a highway overpass in Sydney have been identified as belonging to Samah Baker. She was last seen in January 2019, and her former boyfriend James Hachem was arrested and charged with murder after the disappearance. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says Samah Baker's family are hurting from this discovery, as they never got to say goodbye properly. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A damning inquiry into New Zealand Rugby's constitution and governance structure has found neither are fit for purpose. A four-person panel has found the need for change is urgent, with Super Rugby and provincial unions struggling to create revenue amid declining fan engagement. NZR have responded with a statement saying they are committed to considering all recommendations. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave examines what this could mean for the future of rugby. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National says their latest plan aims to give a boost to the house building sector. If they get into power, the party wants to support skilled construction workers by keeping apprenticeships and having 'appropriate' immigration settings. Housing spokesperson Chris Bishop says they need to address the housing shortage. He says they want the industry to have access to skilled labour here, and from overseas as well. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are growing calls for the Government to fund parenting support programmes, following on from taxpayer-funded antenatal classes. A survey run by the Positive Parenting Programme shows that Kiwi parents are feeling more stressed, anxious and angry as a result of their children's behaviour. Triple P New Zealand country manager Jackie Riach says a nationally funded parental support program would help guide struggling parents. "Some parents want to get that advice from an online programme, some parents actually want to go and talk to someone, some want to go in a group- what we're talking about is a range of options for parents." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A domestic violence survivor has reaffirmed her belief the laws around marriage need to change. The Family Proceedings Amendment Bill had its first reading last night. It would scrap the two-year wait between a separation after domestic violence - and dissolving the marriage. Survivor and instigator of the Bill Ashley Jones says she's passionate about the proposed changes. "I think in my own experience, it's really important for abuse victims to have that power and control back." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.