Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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