Matt Heath & Tyler Adams Afternoons

Barbara Kendall really is a national icon. She competed in 5 Olympic Games winning every colour medal, starting with gold in Barcelona 1992. She also won 11 world championship medals and 25 national championships during her athletic career in International Windsurfing. She’s remained heavily involved in the Olympic movement with roles on many different International commissions and executive boards and is currently a vice president of the International Surfing federation and a member on the International Olympic Committee's woman in sport commission She became a New Zealand Olympic Committee order holder in 2016, and in 2018 was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of merit for her services to sport leadership. Barbara Kendall was Simon Barnett and James Daniels' guest for this week's Six and a Song. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The trans-Tasman bubble will close at midnight tonight to all Australian states and territories for at least eight weeks.For the next week there will be managed return flights for New Zealand citizens and residents.Anyone coming from New South Wales still needs to go into MIQ for 14 days.Epidemiologist Michael Baker told Simon and James a full suspension is easier to implement than keeping the bubble going with States not affected by the Delta variant.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sir Stephen Tindall is one of New Zealand’s most successful entrepreneurs and philanthropists.He of course founded The Warehouse Group in 1982, growing it into one of our most successful brands, before co-founding, with his wife, The Tindall Foundation, now Australasia’s single largest philanthropic trust.In 2015 he was named New Zealander of the Year and in 2019 became a Knight Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to business, the community, and the environment.He was Simon and James' guest for this weeks Six and a Song.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been 10 days since Toa was found stranded on Plimmerton rocks.Toa was transferred to a man-made pool last Thursday after storms were forecast for Wellington.Neither volunteers nor the orca can go back into the water until the regional council gives the all clear for post-storm pollution.Marine Biologist Professor Karen Stockin says the longer Toa is with humans, the harder and more stressful it will be for him to reintegrate into a pod.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A groundswell of protest from fed up farmers across New ZealandFarmers around the country have descended on towns and cities to protest what they say is unworkable legislation and unjustified costs.The Country's Jamie MacKay is at one of the flagship protests, at the Gore Showgrounds.He told Simon Barnett and James Daniels the turn out for this protest is unlike anything he’s ever seen.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sir Gordon Tietjens is the most highly decorated coach in the history of Rugby 7’s. His titles include 12 World Series Gold’s, 4 Commonwealth Games Golds and 2 World Cup Golds.His influence over the careers of many All Blacks started when they played under his coaching. Christian Cullen, Jonah Lomu, Eric Rush, Joe Rokocoko, Ben Smith and Rieko Ioane among them.He was inducted into the International Rugby Board Hall of Fame in 2012 and was Knighted in 2013 for his services to Rugby.Sir Gordon Tietjens was Simon and James' guest for this weeks Six and a Song.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Niki Bezzant is an award-winning writer, speaker, commentator, 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 will be taking your questions and calls on everything nutrition, food, and health.This week we had some great questions on the Keto diet, and how much Salmon is okay to eat in a week. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is great to be able to welcome in James Daniels as our new co-host today! Simon Barnett took the opportunity to throw a couple of 'getting to know you' questions at him...LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A psychotherapist is calling the pressure on mental health services a "perfect storm".Psychologists are turning away as many as 60 clients a month because they have no space to see them.The issues have come to light after the College of Clinical Psychologists recently surveyed its members.Psychotherapist and co-host of Newstalk ZB’s The Nutters Club Kyle MacDonald told Simon and James sadly he is having the same pressures at his clinic.LISTEN ABOVEWhere to get help:Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason.Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO (24/7). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 (24/7) or text 4202Samaritans: 0800 726 666 (24/7)Youthline: 0800 376 633 (24/7) or free text 234 (8am-12am), or email [email protected]'s Up: online chat (3pm-10pm) or 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787 helpline (12pm-10pm weekdays, 3pm-11pm weekends)Kidsline (ages 5-18): 0800 543 754 (24/7)Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254Healthline: 0800 611 116Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155 If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Broadcaster, city councillor and iwi leader James Daniels (Ngāi Tahu, Te Arawa, Tuwharetoa and Tainui) joins Simon Barnett to co-host Newstalk ZB Afternoons from 13 July 2021.Daniels spent nineteen years on the tribal authority Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu and is currently a Christchurch City Councillor.“Last year I was asked to host nine to noon in Canterbury on Coast 105.7FM” said Daniels. “It’s been busy juggling those roles, but for more than forty years I’ve been involved in broadcasting and my passion for connecting with people remains strong. Being offered this opportunity to be a full-time host nationwide on the biggest radio network in New Zealand is unexpected and extraordinary.”Simon Barnett said “Both being Christchurch based broadcasters for so many years, James and I know each other well. But, in the all the years we’ve had on air we’ve always worked on opposing networks. Now, to not only be on the same network, but to be hosting a show together, it’s going to be a real treat for me and ZB’s listeners.”Newstalk ZB Afternoons with Simon Barnett and James Daniels - Tuesdays to Fridays 12pm - 4pm – begins 13 July 2021.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of New Zealand’s favourite homegrown artists is back home in NZ and on tour. Among Greg Johnson’s many accolades are two Tui Music Awards and an APRA Silver Scroll - New Zealand’s highest musical honour. After being holed up in Los Angeles for endless Covid lockdowns, he’s back for his first tour since 2019 – and is promising to make these shows "real, interactive, and cozy." And this all ties in with his latest album, Tilt Your Interior, which came out at the end of last year. Greg Johnson joined Simon Barnett and Phil Gifford in studio for a chat and play a few songs. LISTEN ABOVELimited tickets are available at his last two shows. Get your tickets at www.gregjohnsonmusicdotcomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Todd Blackadder is a legend in New Zealand rugby. He played a pivotal role in the overwhelming success of Canterbury Rugby with 71 games and three Super Rugby Titles with the Crusaders along with 126 games and two titles with the Canterbury NPC side, He represented the All Blacks in 12 test matches, captaining them in all but one of those tests. When his playing career came to an end, he took up a coaching role with Edinburgh before returning to New Zealand in and taking the helm of the crusaders as head coach In 2009. Todd then relocated to Bath Rugby as the Director of Rugby and is currently Head Coach of Japanese Top League side Toshiba. He was Simon and Phil’s 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 Phil Gifford to answer listeners' employment-related questions. Today he answered questions about Kiwisaver, unfair dismissal, and cameras in vehicles. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Riders are at the top of a 130-foot drop. They're about to plunge almost 60 mph. Now's a good time to ask: "What in the devil are they thinking?"These coaster enthusiasts -- "daredevils" if you will -- are willing riders on the Jersey Devil Coaster, which debuted to the public on Sunday, June 13, at Six Flags Great Adventure in central New Jersey.The park says it's "the world's tallest, fastest, and longest single rail coaster. ... Towering 13 stories high, the coaster takes riders over 3,000 feet of track."First drop is a real doozySix Flags has posted a 1:11 minute video of the ride on its Twitter account.The ride is a "singular" experience. Unlike most coasters where you share the ride side-by-side, folks on the Jersey Devil are seated low and in single file. Each train holds 12 passengers.The Devil means business, too. Straight out of the station, the coaster immediately begins its rapid ascent. It crests the first hill with gorgeous views of the park and New Jersey countryside. But you have to take it in fast. This coaster doesn't linger at the top at all.And that first drop is a real doozy. The park says it's 87 degrees steep.Within seconds of the drop, you're already back up the next hill and being thrown into a mind-bending series of inversions, twists and more hills as the single track snakes in and out of itself.Bright, primary colours dominate. The coaster cars are deep red, and the single track is an orange-yellow.A few Jersey Devil statsThe park laid the final piece of track back in January and shared some of the coaster's features:-- Max speed is 58 mph (93 kph)-- It's 13 stories high with the 130-foot first drop-- It covers more than 3,000 feet (915 metres)-- It offers "three dramatic inversions including a 180-degree stall, raven dive and zero-gravity roll."How did Six Flags come up with the wicked name?"Jersey Devil folklore has been a source of fear and intrigue here in the Pine Barrens for more than 200 years. We'll immerse riders in this iconic piece of New Jersey history on our monstrous, new scream machine," said Great Adventure President John Winkler, according to the Staten Island Advance.Rider reviewOn the Coaster Studios YouTube channel, a group went out on the park's media/VIP preview day to record their ride and give their critiques."It's just so different than every other attraction here," said Taylor Bybee on the video as the ride concludes."I thoroughly enjoyed it," Bybee told CNN Travel on the evening of June 14. "I think we got six or seven rides on it."It's more than an interesting design and engineering fact that the Jersey Devil is a rare single-rail coaster, Bybee said. It affects the entire ride experience."Single rail allows the ride to take tighter maneuvers that you couldn't do with a traditional roller coaster. You just have one seat across -- it means you have a smaller radius to rotate around," he said."This ride experience is a lot crazier. It's very dynamic -- you go from one element to the next without too much time to get a break."Bybee said it's a very smooth ride with different sensations depending on whether you're up front or back.The highlight of the ride for Bybee? The Zero-G stall. He said it flips you upside down and holds you upside down briefly. While you'll find that on other coasters, "this one did it very well."World's tallest coaster periodThe Jersey Devil is tall -- but it only makes the world's record as the tallest single-rail attraction. It's dwarfed by the world's tallest coaster overall.That coaster is the Kingda Ka. It goes up to a hold-onto-your-stomach height of 456 feet (139 metres) and reaches a top speed of 128 mph (206 kph). It's also located at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey.text by Forrest Brown, CNNSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Professor Doug Sellman has been working in the addiction treatment field since 1985 and has been Director of the National Addiction Centre at Christchurch School of Medicine & Health Sciences since its inception in 1996. He’s been promoting and researching the health benefits of fasting in recent years and joined Simon and Phil to discuss his own journey with fasting and weight loss, and why more people should be undertaking regular fasting. You can email him for a beginners guide to fasting: [email protected] Doug Sellman joined Simon Barnett & Phil Gifford on the show.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Phil Goff has been a stalwart in NZ politics for almost 4 decades. He served as an MP for 11 terms during which he was a Senior Cabinet Minister in several high-profile portfolios, was leader of the Labour Party, and Leader of the Opposition. After leaving Parliament he campaigned successfully as Mayor of Auckland Supercity and was re-elected again in 2019. He was Simon Barnett and Phil Gifford's guest for this weeks' Six and a Song.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An eleventh-hour announcement by Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi took some heat out of irate hospitality business owners who accuse the Government of leaving their industry in crisis due to critical staff shortages.Faafoi issued an embargoed press release last night, announcing an extension to working holiday and Supplementary Seasonal Employment (SSE) visas shortly after an online petition organised by the Restaurant Association went live on their website.Business owners, led by the association, today launched a two-month "Reset" campaign aimed at forcing the Government to focus on immigration issues which they claim will cause more cafes and restaurants to close if left unresolved.Restaurant Association National President Mike Egan told Simon Barnett and Phil Gifford that they have extended the working holiday visa, but not the essential skills visa that applies to people like bar managers."They've just addressed the working holidays, which is the backpackers."The other one that could help is the international students, they are restricted to 20 hours a week, if they could extend that, because they do want to work more."LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Climate Change Commission says the Government is making good progress in reducing carbon emissions -- but needs to step up efforts.Its final advice to the Government has just been released.The Commission says it's achievable and affordable to meet climate targets with existing technology - and it's cheaper to act now.It recommends the Government up use of low emission fuels, and install electric vehicle-charging infrastructure.It also highlighted the importance of phasing out coal boilers, and the need for more research on reducing agricultural methane emissions.Professor of Climate Change at the University of Victoria David Frame joined Simon Barnett and Phil Gifford on what the commission has got right and wrong about climate change concerns in the country.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister's says action on climate change is a question of 'life or death.'The Climate Change Commission’s today released its final advice to the Government – on how to clamp down on greenhouse gas.Updated modelling shows our emissions are higher than first thought - and we have a tougher road to meet 2050 targets.Jacinda Ardern's once again called climate change her generation’s nuclear free moment.She says this report is one of the most significant documents she’ll receive as Prime Minister.Talkback caller Steve brought it right back down to earth for Simon Barnett and Phil Gifford - he's a professional BBQ Chef and talked about what he hears from consumers.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farmers are furiously digging into new Climate Change Commission advice to see how it affects them.The report is saying that emissions are higher, and changes need to be accelerated in sectors like farming, and moving away from fossil fuels.Federated Farmers president Andrew Hoggard says on a first glance, they're concerned cutting emissions could translate into cutting farm production.“We are one of the lowest emitting countries in terms of per unit of food. It makes no sense for us to be reducing production in hungry world.”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 Phil Gifford to answer listeners' employment related questions.Today he answered questions about holiday pay entitlements, KiwiSaver contributions, random drug testing and a driving facing camera in a truck cab among other things.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here's an inspiring story.It's the story of Hawke's Bay employer Taurus Taurima who at the young age of 32 owns Topline Contracting.He started the company himself after a difficult journey himself.Taurima was raised by a solo mother in Flaxmere, and left school at 16 not long before his partner gave birth to the first of five kids now aged between 14 and a few months old.He got his first full-time job in roading in 2010 and eventually started Topline in August 2016, aged 27.He now employs about 50 staff and he has an unorthodox hiring policy - he doesn't want to see your CV - he hires on attitude.Taurus joined Simon Barnett and Phil Gifford to tell his story.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A herd of 15 elephants has wreaked havoc in China, trampling crops and causing more than a million dollars' worth of damage, after the animals escaped from a nature reserve last year.The elephants have made a 500-kilometre journey through the southwestern province of Yunnan from the nature reserve in Xishuangbanna to Yuxi, a city of 2.6 million people, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake, according to state news agency Xinhua.It is unclear why they left their nature reserve home, but on their travels, the elephants have caused 412 separate incidents of damage, with financial losses amounting to around 6.8 million yuan ($1.47 million), Xinhua reported. They destroyed 56 hectares of farmland in the counties of Yuanjiang and Shiping alone, the agency said.The creatures have also caused significant disruption to locals. Last Thursday, residents were told to stay indoors and pedestrians and vehicles evacuated in the town of Eshan after the elephants roamed the streets for six hours.Authorities established a 24-hour command centre to monitor the animals after they were seen in the Hongta District of Yuxi on Monday, with over 360 people, 76 police cars and dirt trucks and nine drones mobilized for the task, and 18 tonnes of elephant food prepared. No casualties have been reported, according to Xinhua.Monitoring images show the herd is comprised of six female adults, three male adults, three sub-adults and three calves.Asian elephants are the largest land mammal on the Asian continent, according to the World Wildlife Fund. They are considered a protected species in China, and around 300 of them live in Yunnan, according to Xinhua.text by Amy Woodyatt, CNNSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Blair Tuke is a genuine superstar and one of our greatest ever sportspeople. He’s a two time America’s Cup winner, won the gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, silver in 2012 in London and 8 World Championship golds in the 49er class. He’s also a founder of Live Ocean - a charity which supports marine science, and conservation projects and is encouraging kiwis to take the plunge in the annual Live Ocean Winter dip next week. Blair Tuke was Simon Barnett and Phil Gifford's guest for this week's Six and a Song. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An F45 gym in Hastings has cancelled someone's '7 day experience' and offered her a refund, because she didn't want to be filmed while working out.The gym-goer received an email saying that because she didn't want to sign the waiver to be filmed for social media, they couldn't guarantee she wouldn't end up in them anyway.Therefore, they couldn't offer her the gym's services.Ekant Veer is Professor of Marketing specialising in Social Media at the University of Canterbury and he joined Simon Barnett and Phil Gifford to discuss the laws and ethics around this issue.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many people have Birthday traditions, taking the day off work , a favourite meal - things like that.On his 102nd birthday Napier man Trevor Page did what he does every other weekday morning. He climbed Taradale's Sugar Loaf Hill.It's a steep 127 metre climb but a bitterly cold morning didn't deter him from walking the hill he has climbed for 47 years..Trevor Page joined Simon Barnett and Phil Gifford and shared his secrets of a long life.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Economic Development Minister is staying tight-lipped over America's Cup negotiations.A 100-million dollar offer from Auckland Council and Government is said to have been rejected by Team New Zealand.A team appointed by the Crown has been trying to work out a deal since the regatta in March.It's believed Team New Zealand want more than 200-million dollars.Stuart Nash says he's deliberately kept out of negotiations -- but someone is leaking who shouldn't be.He says as far as he's aware, all negotiations are being conducted in good faith but they're all still in confidence.World champion sailor and broadcaster Peter Lester joined Simon Barnett and Phil Gifford to share his views.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A question whether there should be term limits in Parliament...to stop people hanging around.National MP Nick Smith is calling it quits after 30 years in the job.He says it's due to personal reasons -- and that he's subject to an employment investigation into a "verbal altercation" in July last year.Former Cabinet colleague Chris Finlayson says after a while in Parliament, you become institutionalised.He says there should be term limits of about 15 years, followed by a forced sabbatical.Former National MP and Cabinet Minister Max Bradford called Simon Barnett and Phil Gifford to have his say on the matter.LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Almost one fifth of employees are working themselves into the ground.Research from AUT conducted in December, shows 18 per cent of New Zealand workers can be classified as being burnt-out.It also shows those workers are from 14 to 24 times more likely to have severe levels of mental health issues.AUT Business School Professor Jarrod Haar says the results are very concerning.He says these people are having to deal with a range of issues around anxiety, depression, lack of sleep -- and physical complaints.Psychologist Sara Chatwin joined Simon Barnett and Phil Gifford to offer some advice.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

World Rowing champion Eric Murray believes athletes fronting media is a part of the territory. Four-time grand slam champion Naomi Osaka will not subject herself to post-match press conferences In the French open. She says athletes' mental health deserves more respect at such fixtures, and they often become a vehicle for "kicking a person while they’re down". Eric Murray told Simon Barnett and Phil Gifford fronting in times of defeat is never easy, but athletes need to accept that emotion is a part of professional sport. LISTEN ABOVE Where to get help:• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)• Youthline: 0800 376 633• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)• Samaritans 0800 726 666• If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tasmanian devils have been born in the wild in mainland Australia, more than 3,000 years after they died out in the country.Seven baby Tasmanian devils -- known as joeys -- were born at the 988-acre Barrington Wildlife Sanctuary in New South Wales, Australian NGO Aussie Ark said in an Instagram post on Monday.Tasmanian devils died out on the mainland after the arrival of dingoes -- a species of wild dog -- and were restricted to the island of Tasmania. However, their numbers suffered another blow from a contagious form of cancer known as Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD), which has killed around 90% of the population since it was discovered in 1996.Last September, Aussie Ark introduced 11 of the creatures back into the wild in mainland Australia, following an earlier trial involving 15 of the marsupials, bringing the total of Tasmanian devils on the mainland to 26.And now, just months after their release, the creatures have successfully reproduced -- and conservationists have identified the tiny marsupials, which they say are the size of shelled peanuts, inside the pouches of the mothers.Female Tasmanian devils give birth to between 20 and 40 joeys at once, according to Tourism Australia. The joeys race to the mother's pouch, which only has four teats. Those that make it to the pouch carry on living there for around three months."We have been working tirelessly for the better part of 10 years to return Devils to the wild of mainland Australia with the hope that they would establish a sustainable population. Once they were back, it was entirely up to them," Aussie Ark said in a statement on Monday. "We had been watching them from afar until it was time to step in and confirm the birth of our first wild joeys. And what a moment it was!"Tasmanian devils are the world's largest carnivorous marsupials and are native apex predators. This means their reintroduction will help control populations of feral cats and foxes that hunt other endangered species. Devils are also scavengers, which helps to keep their environment free from disease.In Tasmania itself, there are only 25,000 devils are left in the wild, according to Aussie Ark."We've been able to historically -- albeit in its infancy -- return the devil to mainland, and today is another milestone entirely," Tim Faulkner, president of Aussie Ark, said in a video posted on Instagram.text by Amy Woodyatt, CNNSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Wynyard is a wood chopping superstar, winning over a hundred world titles in the sport. He’s won the individual world championship nine times and holds the world record for Single Buck sawing with a time of 9.39 seconds . Wynyard also won the Stihl Timbersports Series 14 times, and In the 2017 New Year Honours was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to the sport of wood chopping. He was Simon Barnett and Phil Gifford’s guest for this weeks’ Six and a Song. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Diners at popular restaurant chain Madam Woo will have to plan for a phone-free dinner. The Malaysian-fusion restaurant, which has stores in Auckland, Hamilton and Queenstown, is encouraging people to leave their phones in a box when they arrive.In return, they will get a 15 percent discount.Madam Woo owner Fleur Caulton told Simon Barnett and Phil Gifford that it's just come up time and time again how people don't talk to each other while in restaurants.It's something that her staff noticed in patron. "Some tables have a huge issue getting an order out of them because they've been on phones."She says they ran the promotion during April and it was hugely successful, and it has led to people challenging their friends into taking part. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A British man saw his drug empire crumble after he was caught handling a very different product - a fine blue cheese.39-year-old Carl Stewart, from Liverpool, used an encrypted network to share a photograph of himself holding a small block of the Marks & Spencer's Stilton.The network was more commonly used for drugs and was being watched by international police.As part of Operation Venetic, a crack team of cyber cops were able to extract his fingerprints from the photo and identify him.That discovery led police to rich vein of illegal drugs and saw Stewart jailed for over 13 years on charges of conspiracy to supply cocaine, heroin, MDMA, and ketamine.Stewart used the nickname "Toffeeforce" on the app, which boasted a global membership of around 60,000.After the sentencing last week at Liverpool Crown Court, Detective Inspector Lee Wilkinson said Stewart "was caught out by his love of Stilton cheese"."Stewart was handed a substantial sentence of 13 years and six months, and this should serve as a stark warning to anyone involved in this criminality that there are serious consequences," Wilkinson said."Merseyside Police, along with law enforcement agencies across the world, will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of those people who think they are above the law, and we will continue to target anyone involved in serious organised crime to keep this positive momentum going."The cheese that started it all. Photo / Merseyside PoliceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wanaka skifields are getting rid of rubbish bins and asking those hitting the slopes to take their refuse home, all in the name of sustainability.As well as being encouraged to reduce their waste, visitors to Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone Cardrona Area this season are also being asked to think about more sustainable forms of transport.Rubbish bins will be replaced by recycling and compost stations, with signs explaining the changes and staff members on hand to help visitors sort their waste.Operators say they took over 50 tons of rubbish off the mountain last year. Ewan Mackie, Cardrona and Treble Cone Head of Operations, told Simon Barnett and Phil Gifford that long-term, they don't want people to bring anything that could contribute to more rubbish - such as food wrappers - and focus on reusable products. "That will take a little bit of time. It's a hard ask for all of us. "We're all getting really good with our KeepCups, let's get that across the board."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 Phil Gifford to answer all listeners' employment related questions.Today, he joined the show to answer questions about being unrealistic clauses in contracts, redundancy and bonuses among other things.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank tomorrow will unveil it's second full Monetary Policy Statement of the year.While the focus is usually on the Official Cash Rate, many are wondering what the Bank will signal around inflation and interest rates.Writing in the New Zealand Herald, business editor-at-large Liam Dann said that "the biggest bet in global economics right now is on whether post-Covid inflation will prove to be a short-term blip or a more persistent structural problem"."Financial markets are already on edge and the debate is shaping up as one of the most divisive in a generation."Independent economist Tony Alexander told Simon Barnett and Phil Gifford that they won't increase tomorrow, and it likely won't happen until the middle or end of 2022."Initially, I think they will go relatively slowly as we haven't had a period of sustained interest rate increases in New Zealand since 2004 to 2008, so it's going to be quite experimental it starts getting going."LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The United Nations is calling on Samoa's leaders to come up with a solution in what has become a battle for leadership - as a new Prime Minister is sworn in, while another refuses to concede.In a statement released this morning, spokesman for the UN's Secretary-General, Stephane Dujarric, said Secretary-General António Guterres has been following the development since the April 9 elections."He urges the leaders in Samoa to find solutions to the current political situation through dialogue in the best interest of the people and institutions of Samoa."The statement goes on to say that the UN "stands ready" to provide support for the island nation - but only if requested to by the two main political parties: Fa'atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) and the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP).The news comes as Samoa and Samoans around the world wait with bated breath to see what the next development will be in the ongoing general election saga.The country is waking up to a new day and indeed a new era after its first woman leader, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, was sworn in on Parliament grounds in Tiafau, Mulinu'u, Apia yesterday evening.The ceremony was carried out in a marquee tent just outside the Maota Fono (Parliament House), after Fiame and members of her party were locked out of the building.Fast members maintained that they had the right to be there, after Samoa's Supreme Court ordered Parliament to convene last week. However, the country's Head of State, le afioga Tuimaleali'ifano Va'aletoa Sualauvi II, issued a writ on Saturday night suspending that.However, the Supreme Court again overturned that announcement - ruling the Head of State's move unlawful.At Tiafau yesterday, a huge crowd of supporters and members of the public stood by to watch the ceremony - as many around the world were also able to watch via Facebook Live streams being recorded by local reporters and media outlets.After the ceremony, the man now being referred to as the incumbent leader laughed as he mocked what he described as the stupidity of the FAST party.'This is treason' - Tuilaepa Sailele MalielegaoiTuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi said: "This is treason and the highest form of illegal conduct. None of what they did is legitimate. The devil has won and taken over them."Tuilaepa, who has been in the PM seat for almost 23 years, called the whole event a joke and one that the world would see as foolish."Oh my, where have we ever seen a Speaker sworn in - in a tent?"After the ceremony, Fiame told local media that the swearing in of a new Parliament was done so in response to the law and most importantly, what the people of Samoa had voted for.Translated, she said the convening of Parliament needed to happen."It's what has to happen - so we looked for a way to do so."She acknowledged the number of seats that belonged to Fast - 26, as opposed to HRPP's 25."That figure means a Government can be formed and established," Fiame said.The Attorney General's office also released a statement last night, saying the move was unconstitutional and that all persons involved were now subject to civil and criminal prosecution under the law.Asked if she would go to the Prime Minister's office tomorrow, Fiame laughed and said in Samoan: "We'll probably all go and look for our offices".Support from the PacificMeanwhile, the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia has come out in support of the new leadership; releasing a statement shortly after the swearing-in ceremony saying it recognises the legitimacy of Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa.President David W. Panuelo said: "As the Federated States of Micronesia that both upholds and promotes democratic values, it is imperative that we show our friends - especially during their darkest hours - that we stand with them."Samoa is a cherished friend and Pacific neighbour....See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former All Blacks Captain Kieran Read is quarantining in an Auckland hotel after ending his career in Japan.Kieran Read joined Simon Barnett & Phil Gifford from his MIQ room to talk about his time in Japan, hanging up the boots, his experience with Covid 19 and of course the current discussion around the future of New Zealand Rugby and the Silver Lake deal.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Child Poverty Action Group wants the Government to do more - and faster.The Government says it will lift up to 33,000 children out of poverty by next year, with benefit lifts in today's Budget.Child Poverty Action Group researcher Caitlin Neuwelt-Kearns says it's a big step.But she told Simon Barnett and Phil Gifford it's still not enough.“We’re disappointed that the announcement is of a two-year roll out of benefit increases, we’ve seen the government admit that incomes are inadequate, so why are we making children wait?”LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is dissappointment from the business sector over Budget 2021.$44 million over the next two years will go towards training courses, for about 30,000 SME sized businesses to digitally upskill.The Government's also pledging almost $4 billion dollars for rail, education infrastructure, DHBs and a redevelopment of Scott Base.BusinessNZ Chief Executive Kirk Hope told Simon Barnett and Phil Gifford it's pretty much what they expected."There's not enough really in there to boost economic growth."This Budget has been all around mostly about redistribution."LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National is not a fan of Labour's 2021 Budget.National's shadow treasurer Andrew Bayly says there are good parts of the Budget, but they wanted to see a path towards recovery.He told Simon Barnett and Phil Gifford that, in terms of investment and direction, this Budget is slightly backward looking."It's trying to pick what situation we're in. I think we should be asking ourselves 'how do we get out of it', and that should be a forward leaning perspective, and that's only about growing this economy."Bayly says they need a roadmap to grow the economy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Budget 2021 is being described as a very Labour Budget.Political editor Barry Soper told Simon Barnett and Phil Gifford the Government has no excuses this year, like a Winston Peters handbrake."Labour's making no excuses. It is spendinbg money, it's not spending a lot of money - [Grant Robertson] is still being fairly fiscally prudent."Green Mount Advisory Managing Director Bruce Bernacchi says today's Budget won't please everyone."Voters who voted Labours so they would be able to keep Greens out of power could almost say 'be careful what you wish for', because the resulting Labour Government has delivered a traditional Labour budget, and shown they are very good at spending money."The Government's forecasting a significant slowing in house prices in coming years.And Treasury is warning a decrease will "dampen the economic recovery".Growth is expected to peak at 17.3 per cent in June - before stalling at 0.9 per cent next year, then edging up to 2.5 per cent in 2025.Soper says that's wishful thinking because the market is so unpredictable."So it's making people that are interested in entering the housing market maybe ask more slowly than they would in normal circumstances as they are being told it's all tapering off so they hold off."The housing plans also includes delivering about 1,000 new homes to Maori, and more than $300 million's also going into Maori housing infrastructure.Soper says that fund has a specific job."Most people that are reasonable would say that inequality gap needs to close, and if it doesn't close, you have a totally disenfranchised country."LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rosemary Riddell sat on the bench at the Hamilton District Court for 12 years - starting law late after studying in her 40s before becoming a Judge 14 years later.Now retired in Central Otago, she's written her book “To Be Fair: Confessions of a District Court Judge” about everything she once wasn't allowed to say.She joined Simon Barnett and Phil Gifford to discuss her book and answer callers' questions.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Officials are forensically investigating the cause of the cyber attack afflicting the Waikato District Health Board.A DHB spokesperson says the working theory is the attack happened as a result of someone opening an email attachment.The entire District Health Board's IT services were brought down by hackers yesterday, affecting clinical services across all of its hospitals.Gorilla Technology Chief Executive Paul Spain joined Simon Barnett and Phil Gifford to discuss cyber-security vulnerability.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former Finance Minister is not a fan of the Government's Fair Pay proposals. A key manifesto pledge of the Labour Party in 2017, the agreements announced two weeks ago would aim to standardise and improve terms and conditions across entire industries or occupations. Labour says the agreements have "significant similarities" to Australia's modern awards system.As well as representing a step towards collective bargaining - which was largely swept aside with the passing of the Employment Contracts Act in 1991 - the agreements would give a structural importance to the union movement, putting it at the centre of negotiations even in occupations where union coverage is negligible.Writing in the NZ Herald, former National Finance Minister Steven Joyce hit out at the proposal. "The Orwellian-sounding "Fair Pay Agreements" are a big step backwards. Yes, they have been long-signalled but the announced proposals are far wider in scope than we were previously assured they would be."He joined Simon Barnett and Phil Gifford to discuss the agreements further and what he is concerned about. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An alternative offer to Silver Lake, valuing New Zealand Rugby at a colossal $3.8 billion, has been tabled by local investment manager Forsyth Barr.The Auckland head-quartered company has conducted due diligence on the prospect of NZR selling a five per cent stake in its future commercial revenues through an NZX listing and believes investor demand could potentially raise as much as $650m.Under the terms of the Forsyth proposal – conducted at the request of the New Zealand Rugby Players' Association which is not supportive of selling a stake in the national game to US fund manager Silver Lake - NZR would be able to raise between $170m and $190m, with as much as 40 per cent of the offering being open to mum and dad investors who could buy in for as little as $100.Forsyth managing director Neil Paviour-Smith says that his firm are willing to underwrite the deal as a number of significant fund management houses and high net worth New Zealanders have already indicated they would make significant investments.Such a deal would, therefore, be deemed low risk and value NZR at between $3.4bn and $3.8bn, which is 12 per cent to 23 per cent higher than the valuation offered by Silver Lake.The Silver Lake deal, for which NZR has received the backing of provincial unions to proceed, will raise $387.5m and see the US group take 12.5 per cent of net revenue.The NZRPA have been strongly opposed to the deal, with its president, former All Black captain David Kirk, also chairman of Forsyth Barr.David told Si and Phil there has been no breach of trust."Rugby's going to change forever in New Zealand. The thought that we wouldn't discuss and debate the various options that are available to do that, it's just nonsensical."LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tens of thousands of nurses from across the country are set to walk off the job for eight hours next month - "absolutely furious" at Government's three year pay rise freeze.The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) union have confirmed 30,000 district health board nurses voted to strike on June 9.Those in Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ) would not strike but those working as a part of the vaccination rollout would. The union says DHBs have been given ample notice to make alternative arrangements for the eight-hour period.David Wait, lead advocate and NZNO industrial advisor, said they did not strike on a whim and cared deeply for their patients but the time has come for a clear statement to be made."If nurses are not valued and appreciated, they will leave nursing or move overseas, and few young people will be joining the profession to replace them."He said union members were angry and frustrated at the first DHB offer received last month which would have seen most members get a 1.38 per cent increase, just under the rate of inflation."This is despite the incredible sacrifices they made in 2020 to keep the country safe from Covid-19."Negotiations between the union and DHBs have been under way since June last year.Wait said members were absolutely furious at the Government's wage restraint announcement that would effectively freeze their wages for three years, as most have already progressed to the last step of their pay scale.Mediation between the union and DHBs was still scheduled for May 18 -19, and Wait said there was still hope of finding a solution to avoid a strike.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Watercare in Auckland, like water authorities nationwide, is having issues with people flushing all manner of things down the toilet.Watewater Operations Controller Sophie McGuinness joined Simon Barnett and Phil Gifford on the show with a guide on what (and what not) to flush.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today in ultra-billionaire news, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has purchased a modest 100-foot schooner as he looks forward to a quieter life and hours of reflection on the open seas... The world's richest man is reportedly buying a boat, though that word feels inappropriately sensible for the monstrosity going to Captain Bezos: a 417-foot superyacht that's so massive it has its own "support yacht" with a helipad, according to Bloomberg. The estimated cost, not including the boat's support boat, is $500 million.The luxury yacht's Dutch manufacturer, Oceanco, hasn't released many details about the vessel, called Project 721. The company didn't immediately respond to requests for comment.Half a billion bucks is an inconceivable amount of money for most people, but it's a small fraction of the $75 billion that Bezos gained in 2020 alone. His total net worth stands just shy of $200 billion, according to Bloomberg.Amazon stock, the primary source of Bezos' fortune, rose a staggering 75% last year as the pandemic upended consumer behavior in the company's favor — and Wall Street, flush with easy cash thanks to the Federal Reserve, piled into tech stocks.Bezos wasn't alone: US billionaires collectively gained $1.1 trillion in 2020, making them nearly 40% richer than before the pandemic hit.Bezos likely put his boat order in well before the pandemic, but news of his extravagant new toy is putting a spotlight on yet another industry benefiting from the stock market boom and the pandemic's disruption of social interaction.US boat sales hit a 13-year high last year, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association — safe, socially distant fun for those who can afford it. Those sales reflect more-familiar models of powerboats and other watercraft favored by mere mortals without 10-figure fortunes to their names, but the trend tracks among the yachting class as well. With no galas or lavish parties to attend, the rich are setting sail (or their crews are, anyway).Recent quarters for superyachts have been record-breaking, one analyst told Bloomberg. Makers of extravagant yachts can barely keep up. "It's impossible to get a slot in a new-build yard," the analyst said. "They're totally booked."text by Allison Morrow, CNN BusinessSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.