Matt Heath & Tyler Adams Afternoons

Gareth Abdinor is an Employment Lawyer and Partner with Malley & Co solicitors.He regularly joins Simon Barnett and James Daniels to answer all listeners' employment related questions.Today, he answered questions about lunch breaks, privacy and complaints at work, casual contracts and salary adjustments in restructuring, among other things.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host of The Country Jamie Mackay joined Simon Barnett & James Daniels to discuss a call from Federated Farmers boss Andrew Hoggard for Fonterra to pull out of Russia.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cecilia Robinson is a serial entrepreneur and one of this country’s most successful businesswomen. She has founded three hugely successful businesses – Au Pair Link, healthcare start-up Tend, and perhaps what’s she best known for – My Food Bag. Among her accolades, she’s won the Supreme Woman of Influence Award, the Business Enterprise Award, and was inducted into The New Zealand Hall of Fame for Women Entrepreneurs.She was Simon Barnett and James Daniels' guest for this weeks Six and a Song. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Anthony Jordan is the Northern Region Health Coordination Centre’s clinical director and one of our leading immunologists. As more and more of us contract Omicron he joined Simon Barnett and James Daniels to offer more advice including on exercise, getting Covid more than once, spread and returning to the workplace.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grant Nisbett has been a commentator for rugby, cycling, boxing, bowls, and cricket.His radio career started in 1968 with the then NZBC.With the advent of Sky Television, he took up the head position commentating for All Blacks tours and cricket tests.He was a member of the judging panel of the Sport Wellington Annual Awards for several years.He does numerous speaking engagements throughout New Zealand.In the 2018 Queen's Birthday Honours, Grant Nisbett was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to sports broadcasting.Grant Nisbett joined Simon Barnett & James Daniels for Six & A SongLISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gareth Abdinor is an Employment Lawyer and Partner with Malley & Co solicitors.He regularly joins Simon Barnett and James Daniels to answer all listeners' employment related questions.Today, with Simon away James and Tyler Adams hosted Gareth as he answered questions about vaccine mandates, asking your employer for a pay rise and getting something unfavourable removed from your employment file - among other things.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of New Zealand rugby's modern legends, Va'aiga Tuigamala - known to a generation of Kiwi fans as 'Inga the Winger' - has died, aged 52. The blockbusting, Samoa-born Tuigamala's international rugby career spanned 19 tests for the All Blacks between 1991 and 1993 and, later, 23 tests for Manu Samoa from 1996. In between times he switched to rugby league and played more than 100 matches for Wigan in the United Kingdom. Tributes are pouring in from across the sporting world for Tuigamala. "Every now and then a player comes along who touches the heart and soul of every single fan, player, coach and administrator – Inga was one of them. He was one of the most exciting rugby players to play either code," said Wigan executive director Kris Radlinski. A true great who gave everything on the field for New Zealand and Samoa RIP Va’aiga Tuigamala pic.twitter.com/2ojl9DeO6p— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) February 24, 2022 Tuigamala's death comes just weeks after his younger sister, Helen Verry, died following an accident at a West Auckland church. He posted on Facebook at the time: "I suppose some of you have already heard the sad news of the passing of my baby sister Helen Verry. The youngest of 15 of us. Helen, we miss you so dearly and words would never be enough to fill the hole you have left." Tuigamala's cause of death has not yet been confirmed - he was about to launch a new video series in which he talks openly about his health struggles, including being diagnosed last year with type 2 diabetes. "The reality was, I was facing an early graveyard," Tuigamala says in a preview video of the series, Project ODICE (obesity diabetes intervention champion evangelist). "And when I say early grave, my father died at the age of 48 from a stroke. He wasn't obese, but he had a stroke and died and left 15 children to my mum to look after. "I suppose for me, I just don't want to be another statistic. Hence the reason ODICE was born. The reality is unfortunately I've been diagnosed with type two diabetes recently. I'm obese as you can see. High blood pressure, I had a stroke about nine years ago. I've really - in rugby terms - just dropped the ball." The series shows him exercising, including running through a park. "I'm absolutely stuffed, but it's great to be alive." I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic news that Va’aiga (Inga) Tuigamala has passed away. He was a fine player, a true superstar. My deepest condolences go to his family and friends at this difficult time.— Sir Bill Beaumont (@BillBeaumont) February 24, 2022 The series shows him exercising, including running through a park. "I'm absolutely stuffed, but it's great to be alive." Tuigamala - who played club rugby for Ponsonby and provincial rugby for Auckland - first played for the All Blacks in 1989 before making his test debut in 1991 - against the USA in a World Cup game at Gloucester. He scored five tries in his All Blacks career. Auckland's Marist rugby club paid tribute to their fierce rival. "It's with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of a true entertainer, an amazing sports personality, a leader in the Pacific Island community, a legend of our biggest rugby club rivals, the Ponsonby Rugby Club. Va'aiga Tuigamala, you were an inspiration to young Pacific Islanders and Kiwis growing up in the 90s. Your infectious smile will never be forgotten." Having arrived in the United Kingdom from New Zealand in 1993, Tuigamala played 102 games for the Wigan Warriors during five seasons at the rugby league club, scoring 62 tries. He won three league titles with Wigan and two Challenge Cups. This morning, Wigan Warriors are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic news that former player Va’aiga (Inga) Tuigamala has passed away.Wigan Warriors send their deepest condolences to the family and friends at this awful time.❤️ pic.twitter.com/ShbOn6NP3T—...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dogged determination, drive and eternal optimism are some of the traits used to describe Mainfreight CEO Don Braid. He joined the company in 1994 and under his guidance the freight and logistics behemoth has grown and expanded to now run operations here, in Australia, Asia and the United States. Among his many business accolades, he was named New Zealand’s Executive Of The Decade at the prestigious Deloitte Top 200 Awards. He was Simon Barnett and James Daniels' guest for this weeks Six and a Song. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has launched the Road to Zero public awareness campaign, which sets a target of zero road deaths and serious injuries by 2050, and a 40 per cent reduction by 2030.Transport Minister Michael Wood says “there should be zero tolerance for people being killed or seriously injured on our roads. The Road to Zero strategy is part of our plan to build the safest road system we can, and work towards zero road deaths and serious injuries.” He says the Government is aiming for significant reductions in a relatively short space of time, "we’re targeting all aspects of the transport system to get there. We’re investing in safer infrastructure, we’re working to get more people into safer vehicles, we’re rolling out safer speed limits, and we’re refocusing on targeted and effective Police enforcement."Motorsport legend Greg Murphy joined Simon Barnett and James Daniels to share his thoughts.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Anthony Jordan is the Northern Region Health Coordination Centre’s clinical director and one of our leading immunologists. As we continue to travel the Omicron road he offered us more advice including on side effects, possible future boosters and updating vaccine passports.He joined Simon Barnett and James Daniels.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Frankie Stevens is one of our most iconic entertainers. Beginning his professional career at the age of 16, he went on to work in London, Hawaii, the Bahamas & Las Vegas to name just a few locales, during which time he toured with the likes of Sammy Davis Jr, Olivia Newton John and Shirley Bassey. He was of course a judge for all three seasons on the reality series New Zealand Idol. And in 2005 was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to entertainment. He was Simon Barnett and James Daniels’ guest for this week’s Six and a Song. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This young man is inspiring!Thirteen year old Hamish Rutherford from Auckland is quite the entrepreneur. He has started a business www.handyhamish.co.nz with a lofty goal in mind - he wants to buy a Tesla.He's managed to save ten grand by mowing lawns, washing cars, sweeping and water-blasting driveways and much more."Handy Hamish" joined Simon Barnett and James Daniels on the show.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gareth Abdinor is an Employment Lawyer and Partner with Malley & Co solicitors.He regularly joins Simon Barnett and James Daniels to answer all listeners' employment related questions.Today, with Simon away James and Tyler Adams hosted Gareth as he answered questions about alternative holidays and pay reductions after an over-payment - among other things.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiri Allan replaced Jacinda Ardern as New Zealand’s youngest Cabinet minister at the 2020 Election, and shortly after was widely praised as Minister for Emergency Management when the threat of a damaging tsunami menaced the country. Her early entry into politics started while studying law and politics at Victoria University during which she worked in an internship with then-Prime Minister Helen Clark She went on to work for a period at law firm Chen Palmer then as a commercial lawyer before becoming an MP. Kiri Allan joined Simon Barnett and James Daniels for this week's Six and a Song. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newstalk ZB Political Reporter Jason Walls joined Simon and James live from the Convoy 2022 protest in Wellington.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Protesters have tried to breach the gates of parliament, prompting a wall of police to push them back out. Protesters are now attempting to move onto the forecourt at Parliament. Police have formed a line and are pushing the protesters back. A protest organiser is urging protesters to remain calm and not to resist arrest. At least two people have been put in handcuffs and led away by police. One person broke through and has been tackled to the ground by police. In a short video taken from the gates of Parliament, a man can be seen handcuffed and being taken away by two police officers. Crowds can be heard chanting which a protester speaks through a mega phone. One person can be heard screaming "guilty". Earlier the group, who camped at Parliament overnight, showed no signs of retreating despite a heavy police presence. A speaker earlier in the day said he intended to walk up Parliament's steps at 3pm, and encouraged others to join him. However, tensions have eased slightly since protesters reacted angrily to being issued a trespass notice by police earlier this morning. At least 100 officers greeted protesters today, many of whom had camped overnight at Parliament after travelling across the country in convoy to protest against vaccine mandates and the Government's response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Upon receiving the trespass notice at about 10.30am protest organisers reacted angrily, throwing it at the police officer in charge. A protester speaks to police outside Parliament. Photo / Mark Mitchell Furious protesters then approached the line of police officers guarding the forecourt of Parliament chanting "tell the truth" while also hurling abuse at the media on the balcony above. Speaker Trevor Mallard had earlier threatened to trespass the protesters. At 1.30pm the protesters still showed no intention of leaving, with tents erected and many sitting on picnic blankets or camping chairs. Protesters have been addressing the crowd for several hours. Earlier in the day a speaker said he would be walking up the steps to Parliament at 3pm, and encouraged other protesters to join him. Protesters were met with police on Wednesday morning. Photo / Sophie Trigger "For those that want to make a stand, we can all get arrested," he said. Another said the "police were not their enemies ... they are like so many of us that are forced to comply". A speaker later in the day encouraged other protesters not to wear masks and another who had travelled from Queenstown talked about the impact of Covid restrictions in the South Island. Social media posts seen by the Herald show a lack of cohesion among some of the protesters, with some saying they plan to advance on Parliament, and others urging a calmer response. Speaker of the House Trevor Mallard. Photo / Mark Mitchell Wellington District Commander Superintendent Corrie Parnell said they had increased their presence at Parliament grounds today in response to the protest. "Police have engaged with protest leaders and encouraged them to follow the advice of the Speaker of the House last night, who provided guidelines about protest activity in the grounds of Parliament," Parnell said. "Police are asking protesters to dismantle any structures that have been erected on the grounds, such as tents and marquees. "Police will continue to have a significant presence at Parliament today and will deal with incidents as they arise, recognising individuals' lawful right to peaceful protest." Protesters are served with a trespass notice at Parliament. When questioned about options for towing away illegally parked vehicles, Wellington City Council spokesman Richard MacLean said they were aware the end of Lambton Quay by the bus terminal was blocked. "We are working with police on our options...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Anthony Jordan is the Northern Region Health Coordination Centre’s clinical director and one of our leading immunologists. As we continue to travel the Omicron road he offered us more advice including on adverse reactions to the vaccine.He joined Simon Barnett and James Daniels to answer listeners questions about COVID-19.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NFT’s have taken the world by storm in recent months, celebrities are endorsing them, big companies are trying to sell them, and people are paying huge sums of money for them. So what are they and what is the hype about. Serial entrepreneur Murray Thom is the co-founder of Glorious, a New Zealand NFT studio and marketplace working with the likes of Dan Carter and Neil Finn. He joined Simon Barnett and James Daniels to discuss Non-Fungible Tokens.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dean Lonergan is one our most iconic and successful event promoters. A former rugby league player, he’s brought to fruition some truly superstar events including Jeff Horn vs Manny Pacquiao, and David Tua v Shane Cameron. He’s now making waves across the ditch with his son Liam promoting some of the biggest boxing fights in Australasia, and is working on bringing back the hugely popular and successful Fight for Life event. He was Simon Barnett and James Daniels' guest for this weeks Six and a Song. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People who are laid off may soon be able to claim support worth as much as 80 per cent of their former income, under a Government unemployment insurance plan unveiled today. Under the scheme, someone who loses their job will be given payments worth 80 per cent of their former income (capped at salaries of $130,911), for up to seven months after they lose their job. The Government reckons it can smooth the transition in and out of unemployment, and help people survive periods of not having a job, without it scarring a person's career. The scheme comes at a cost - a levy of 1.39 cents on every dollar earned by employees and businesses. That would mean someone earning $880 a week would pay $12.23 a week in levies and receive $704 a week if they were laid off. A person earning $2000 a week would pay $27.80 in levies and receive $1600 a week in insurance if they were laid off. The policy, dubbed New Zealand Income Insurance Scheme (NZIIS) was announced at the Budget last year. The details were negotiated between the Government, the Council of Trade Unions and BusinessNZ. The plan released on Wednesday is in draft form, and will go out for consultation before any final decisions are agreed. ACC will collect the levies and administer the scheme. Like ACC, levies could change over time, but would be frozen at 1.39 cents for the first two years of the scheme. Finance Minister Grant Robertson said lessons learned from the Covid-19 economic response guided the creation of the scheme, which shifts the focus of Government support from keeping people in their existing jobs, to supporting people to find new and better jobs. "During Covid-19, the Government protected livelihoods with the Wage Subsidy Scheme and Resurgence Support Payment," Robertson said. "This was primarily done through keeping people in their existing jobs and supporting businesses most directly affected by the pandemic," he said. Robertson said the scheme is a more "enduring solution" to the problem of managing unemployment during a downturn. "Our proposed scheme provides economic security to individuals directly, and supports them to transition into a good, new job, as opposed to economic support packages which keep people in their existing job even if that role is no longer viable," Robertson said CTU President said the scheme would help the 100,000 Kiwis who lose their jobs every year. "A job loss often results in a significant income shock that can affect wellbeing and earnings, even when a person finds new work. That's because finding a good job takes time. Many people accept lower-paid jobs that don't match their skillset because of the financial pressure to get back to work quickly," he said. The total annual cost of the scheme is estimated to be $3.54 billion, made up of $1.81b for displacement and $1.73 billion for health condition and disability claims. The scheme promises broad coverage for different working arrangements, and covers job losses due to redundancy, layoffs, and health conditions and disabilities. Employers would pay workers through a four-week notice period, and a "bridging payment", worth four weeks salary, at 80 per cent. After that, employees would access funding from the scheme, paid at 80 per cent of wages or salary. Robertson described the briding payment as an "integrity measure" to ensure employers did not misuse the scheme. The scheme also pays for case management that will help guide people to re-joining the workforce. These costs will be carried by the Crown, as will the cost of administering the scheme. The Government reckons the cost of "displacement" from the workforce can be substantial. Analysis suggests the costs of unemployment could amount to $15.4b a year over the first five years following job losses, assuming the displacement of 100,000 working people. 'Jobs tax' National and Act raised...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stephen Fleming is considered one of our greatest ever batsmen and widely hailed as one of the Black Caps most successful captains. After retiring from the Black Caps he went on to play for the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League, before taking over as head coach of the team during which he’s won four titles in 2010, 2011, 2018 & last year. Among his many accolades he was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Cricket in 2011. Stephen Fleming was Simon Barnett and James Daniels' guest for this week's Six and a Song. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Consumer prices are rising at the fastest pace since 1990... with inflation hitting 5.9 per cent at the end of 2021.Figures from Statistics New Zealand show a further sharp lift in the cost of construction, petrol and rents pushed the consumer price index up 1.4 per cent in the final three months of the year.Simon Barnett & James Daniels spoke with Principal Economist and Director of Infometrics Brad Olden.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sir Ian Taylor joined Simon Barnett and James Daniels to talk about RAT test kits and the truth of working with the government. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Anthony Jordan is the Northern Region Health Coordination Centre’s clinical director and one of our leading immunologists. As we enter the Omicron phase he offered us more advice on how we can prepare including the various masks that at available.He joined Simon Barnett and James Daniels to answer listeners questions about COVID-19. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Waikato couple's fairytale wedding was pulled together in just a few hours following yesterday's announcement that New Zealand was headed back into the red traffic light setting.With just a few hours' of warning, Waikato couple Stef and Danyon Cuneen were married last night. Vows were written on the back of real estate leaflets, a hairdresser was summoned from her hangover, and a dress was procured.Today Mel Brown spoke to the Herald in place of her newly-wed sister - who right after her nuptials was busy back at her job as a nurse. Brown says her sister and brother-in-law were determined to sneak in their ceremony at Lake Karapiro before the country moved back into the red traffic light setting."We were all watching the announcement at 11am, and my sister has had to reschedule her wedding twice," Brown explained of Cuneen's plans to get married in 2020 and another date she had to pull the plug on."I mean, she still could have got married in red, but it kind of takes away the party vibe of it. Because you have to be separated with your 100 people and stay seated."She's a nurse, so she's thinking of other people. But I think they were just tired of it all."So we have a family chat on Facebook and she just put in there 'F*** it, let's get married today.'" As the eldest sister, Brown chimed in with a sense check."I said, 'Are you serious?' And she said, 'Yeah'. So were like, okay, we can do that."The sisters banded together and pulled off the impressive feat in just six hours. Brown called her hairdresser who was able to do the make-up, luring her from her hangover with the promise of earning some cash.There was one main dilemma, however: the dress.The photographer, Clare Gordon, had a spare dress on hand.But it didn't fit.So one of Cuneen's bridesmaids came to the rescue and brought along a wedding dress that the bride ended up wearing for her special day.And, of course, every great wedding needs a cake. A friend happened to have a spare one that was never picked up by the customer.The wedding arch, pictured above, was found in someone's garden. Brown's husband picked it up with a trailer and hammered it into the ground.The details were all set, including food from a local restaurant who heard about the couple's story and rallied together to feed the 50 guests able to attend.Friends even trekked from as far as Waiheke Island when they heard the ceremony was happening."From a nurse's point of view, she just thought that if this is the start of the next Covid wave, then by April [their wedding date] we could be in a really bad place," Brown says."She made the choice and we just didn't go back." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mᴇʟ Bʀᴏᴡɴ (@mel_brown___) Brown says the ceremony was emotional for everyone involved.The best moment was "100 per cent when her husband saw her."There's a beautiful photo of him having a good ol' cry. He's a bit of a softy."But getting to actually walk down the aisle and them saying their vows - which she actually wrote on the back of a real-estate pamphlet at my mum's house because she had no paper ... "Brown says their mum was "very overwhelmed by the whole thing"."There was a disappointment for her at first that it wasn't going to be the wedding that she thought she was going to have for her last daughter. But she spent the afternoon in the kitchen making the buttonholes for the boys."As the couple settle into the first day of their married lives together, Brown says she knows her sister and new brother-in-law are made for each other and is really proud of everyone who helped pull their wedding together in just a few hours."I know that those two are meant to be and I'm just really proud that we pulled it off for her and she got the day that she wanted."- Lydia...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matthew Hunt's mother says she couldn't have asked for a better son.Eli Epiha has been sentenced to life in prison, with a non-parole period of 27 years for fatally shooting Hunt last June in Auckland's Massey.In July, a jury was convinced he tried to kill two officers that day -- finding him guilty of attempting to murder Hunt's partner, David Goldfinch.Matthew's mother, Diane, told the High Court at Auckland today her son would have achieved so much.Reporter Chelsea Daniels was in Court for Epiha's sentencing and joined Simon Barnett & James Daniels on the show.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will Jordan has been one of the most talked about rugby players in 2021, with his natural flair and x-factor making him an international superstar. A product of Christchurch Boy’s High School, he was a member of the 2017 New Zealand Under 20 side that went on to win the World Championship. His eye-catching form in the 2019 Mitre 10 Cup season saw him help Tasman to their first ever premiership title, and in 2020 he finished the Super Rugby Aotearoa season with the most tries, defenders beaten and metres gained. He made his debut for the All Blacks in late 2020, and this year scored a record 15 tries in 11 tests. This week he won World Rugby's Breakthrough Player of the Year award, and was also named in World Rugby’s dream First 15. Will Jordan was Simon Barnett and James Daniels' guest for this week's Six and a Song.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Consumer NZ is adding new criteria to its product rating scores.Lifetime performance scores will include reliability and repairability.This is the biggest change to the consumer watchdog's rating in 50 years.Many modern appliances worked well when they were new, but some of them were not built to last according to Consumer NZ product test manager Paul Smith.He joined Simon Barnett & James Daniels to talk about the changes.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington Business Editor Hamish Rutherford joined Simon Barnett and James Daniels to discuss BusinessNZ's decision to withdraw from the Government’s Fair Pay Agreements scheme.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gareth Abdinor is an Employment Lawyer and Partner with Malley & Co solicitors.He regularly joins Simon Barnett and James Daniels to answer all listeners' employment related questions.Today, he answered questions about surveillance in the workplace, vaccine mandates and termination after a workplace injury - among other things.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Concerns over the use of the Glyphosate were back in the news last night.An Official Information Act request made by 1News revealed transport agency Waka Kotahi planned cutbacks to the controversial weedkiller's use along public roads.Simon Barnett and James Daniels spoke with leading agricultural academic Dr Jacqueline Rowarth.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christopher Luxon has long been hailed as a potential future leader, including by the likes of National's former Prime Minister John Key. Previously known for leading Air New Zealand as its Chief Executive for six years, he rose quickly through the National Party ranks to become the party’s new leader this week. The new National Leader was Simon Barnett and James Daniels' guest for this week's Six and a Song. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Riley Elliott is one of this country’s most renowned Shark scientists. Known as Shark Man, he’s back on our screens with a new show called Shark Academy, where he and his crack team of instructors put 8 rookies though a series of tests to find the next master of apex predators. It’s streaming now on ThreeNow. Dr Elliott joined Simon Barnett and James Daniels to chat about the show and take listeners questions. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Niki Bezzant is an award-winning wellbeing writer, speaker, commentator, editor of Thrive magazine and Health editor for Woman magazine.She’s made a successful career from her passion for food, health, nutrition, and wellbeing.Every second Wednesday Niki takes your questions and calls on everything nutrition, food, and health.This week we had some great questions on getting rid of a pot belly, oat sachets and tinned tuna, plus plenty more.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christopher Luxon has formally been elected National Party leader and Nicola Willis elected as deputy.His election was confirmed in a statement at 3.30pm. "It is a tremendous privilege to lead our great party, and I thank my colleagues for the confidence they have placed in me," Luxon said.He said Willis would "do an incredible job and we will be a formidable team".Barry Soper joined Simon Barnett and James Daniels to confirm the news.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Anthony Jordan is the Northern Region Health Coordination Centre’s clinical director and one of only two Maori immunologists in Aotearoa. His motivation working with the vaccination programme is ensuring equal access for all Māori to both the vaccine and to informed korero about why getting vaccinated is the best way to protect whanau and the community from COVID-19.He joined Simon Barnett and James Daniels to answer listeners questions about COVID-19. Today he answered questions about rapid antigen tests, AstraZeneca and booster shots. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new book examines why all governments ‘stuff up’, why policies often fail and what practical steps we might take to improve policy-making in Aotearoa New Zealand.University of Canterbury Adjunct Professors Sonia Mazey and Jeremy Richardson lift the lid on policy-making in the new collection Policy-making Under Pressure: Rethinking the policy process in Aotearoa New Zealand, published by Canterbury University Press.Its editors, Adjunct Professors Sonia Mazey and Jeremy Richardson of Canterbury University, offer a series of recommendations for better quality public policy including allowing ministers to be appointed from outside Parliament, establishing policy commissions, and a four-year term.Professor Sonia Mazey joined Simon Barnett & James Daniels.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All Black captain Sam Whitelock, head trainer Nic Gill and assistant coach Brad Mooar are set to ride bikes for 24 hours to raise money for Bowel Cancer Prevention.The three are taking on the challenge of peddling for 24 hours on a stationary Watt Bike while in MIQ after returning from the All Blacks Northern Tour yesterday.They're doing it for All Blacks logistics manager Kevin "Chalky" Carr, who passed away from cancer in 2018.The Chalky Carr Trust, set up in his name, provides practical support for cancer sufferers and their whānau. Gill, Whitelock and Mooar are getting on their bikes to kick-off efforts to raise $100,000 for early bowel cancer detection.Sam Whitelock spoke with Simon Barnett & James Daniels while riding the bike.LISTEN ABOVEwww.givealittle.co.nz/cause/24hr-watty-challenge-for-chalkySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The face of a Kiwi is, by and large, a natural one. Compared to other parts of the world such as Europe, China and the US, we're a down-to-earth bunch - our age lines and imperfections are all right with us.But as Botox and fillers become more commonplace, plastic surgeons and cosmetic doctors are warning that without changes to legislation, the bubble may be about to burst on our cosmetically unenhanced innocence.For Auckland-based cosmetic doctor and censor of the New Zealand Society of Cosmetic Medicine (NZSCM), Dr Sarah Hart, she's seen the age bracket shift to a younger set of women wanting lip fillers and Botox. And in general, says the demand for injectables has quadrupled since lockdown.She spoke with Simon Barnett & James Daniels about her concerns about the lack of public understanding about what qualifications to look for in a practitioner and a legislation "loop hole" which means anyone can import and inject dermal fillers.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singer-songwriter Jon Stevens is recognised as one of the most talented rock musicians to emerge from Australasia. His solo career took off in 1980 when, at the age of 16, he topped the New Zealand charts with his first two singles. His commercial success didn’t stop there, as Jon went on to front Sydney rock band Noiseworks, who released three platinum studio albums. Jon went on to perform in the Australian production of the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar, and following the death of his friend Michael Hutchence, he was asked to take his place as the lead singer of INXS and toured with the band. He’s continued his success as a musician, songwriter and producer – and will be back on our shores in March next year to perform in four special shows along with local legends The Narcs. Jon Stevens was Simon Barnett and James Daniels' guest for this week's Six and a Song. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former National leader Judith Collins has left the building.She fled Parliament this afternoon... after losing a no confidence vote at the hands of her caucus.Despite this, she told media she was feeling very good.She says it's a really hard job and she's done everything she possibly can.. and wishes everyone well.In a tweet, she says she will stay on as the MP for Papakura and will contest the next election.National's interim leader is Shane Reti... a permanent leader will be chosen next Tuesday.Newstalk ZB Political Editor Barry Soper joined Simon Barnett & James Daniels to wrap the day's developments.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank has today hiked the official cash rate by 0.25 per cent to 0.75 per cent.Last month the official cash rate was lifted from a record low 0.25 per cent.That 25-basis-point hike was the first for the RBNZ in seven years.The Monetary Policy Committee noted that "further removal of monetary policy stimulus is expected over time given the medium term outlook for inflation and employment".Some economists saw an outside chance of a double hike but the news today was largely in line with expectations.Cameron Bagrie of Bagrie Economics joined Simon Barnett and James Daniels with his analysis.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gareth Abdinor is an Employment Lawyer and Partner with Malley & Co solicitors.He regularly joins Simon Barnett and James Daniels to answer all listeners' employment related questions.Today, he answered questions about breaks at work, individual contract negotiations, enforced leave and vaccine status - among other things .LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Epidemiologist Professor Michael Baker joined Simon Barnett & James Daniels to discuss where we are with COVID-19 after the announcement of the upcoming removal of the Auckland border.He explained that he feels there are too many holes in our approach and we need more checks and balances.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dame Cindy Kiro has held a myriad of prestigious roles in health, research and social services over her career including Chief Executive of the Royal Society Te Aparangi, Children’s Commissioner, Head of the School of Public Health at Massey University, and Pro-Vince Chancellor of the University of Auckland. She was sworn in as New Zealand's Governor-General on October 21 becoming the first Maori woman to hold the office. Among her many accolades she was appointed a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to child wellbeing and education, which was elevated to Dame Grand Companion in preparation for becoming Governor General. Dame Cindy was Simon Barnett and James Daniels' guest for this week’s Six and a Song. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Niki Bezzant is an award-winning wellbeing writer, speaker, commentator, editor of Thrive magazine and Health editor for Woman magazine.She’s made a successful career from her passion for food, health, nutrition, and wellbeing.Every second Wednesday Niki takes your questions and calls on everything nutrition, food, and health.This week we had some great questions on olive oil, calories and weight, broccoli stalks and diet sodas.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Anthony Jordan is the Northern Region Health Coordination Centre’s clinical director and one of only two Maori immunologists in Aotearoa. His motivation working with the vaccination programme is ensuring equal access for all Māori to both the vaccine and to informed korero about why getting vaccinated is the best way to protect whanau and the community from COVID-19.He joined Simon Barnett and James Daniels to answer listeners questions about COVID-19 and the vaccine as NZ hit a new Delta record with 222 new community cases today.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Work hard, play hard - that was broadcaster Guyon Espiner's life with booze.But blackouts, bad hangovers and even an embarrassing incident with Helen Clark wasn't enough to stop him drinking - until two years ago.He's now made a documentary called PROOF about kicking the habit, New Zealand's drinking culture and the influence of the alcohol industry.Guyon Espiner joined Simon Barnett & James Daniels to talk about his journey.LISTEN ABOVEPROOF is available on TVNZ on Demand.For help with alcohol call 0800 787 797 www.alcoholdrughelp.org.nzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Candy Lane is a professional dancer, choreographer, television presenter and TV star. She co-presented TVNZ's Dancing With The Stars and also choreographed New Zealand's Got Talent, The Singing Bee and Stars in Their Eyes. She has just finished taking part in the hit TVNZ show Celebrity Treasure Island where she made it to the final 6. In 2014, she was awarded the Queens Service Medal for her services to dance. She was Simon Barnett and James Daniels' guest for this weeks' Six and a Song. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gareth Abdinor is an Employment Lawyer and Partner with Malley & Co solicitors.He regularly joins Simon Barnett and James Daniels to answer all listeners' employment related questions.Today, he joined the show to answer questions about redundancy, compulsory vaccination and workplace injuries amongst other things.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.