Matt Heath & Tyler Adams Afternoons

Gareth Abdinor is an employment lawyer and partner with Malley & Co solicitors. We have him on regularly to answering your employment related questions. His employment law knowledge is second to none, and always a great insight into the variety of issues we all come across in our jobs. Questions today included the wage subsidy, 90 trial period, and restraint of trade, and much more. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NZ Post is warning delays will continue because of Covid 19People are reporting long waits for packages - as well as tracking issues.Chief Marketing Officer Brian Dobson told Si and Phil delays on international parcels are happening all around the world."A lot of parcels have been caught up offshore. Some borders have closed and capacity in airlines has been significantly reduced."Dobson says many different international companies deal with packages before they reach NZ Post.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Todd Muller's defending his MP who lobbied for the early release of two women who then tested positive for Covid-19.It's been revealed the pair were allowed out of quarantine to visit their dying parent after representations from National MP Chris Bishop.There's been much controversy over the release without testing before they drove from Auckland to Wellington.Muller told Simon Barnett and Phil Gifford he's just been told about it - but he's comfortable with Bishop's actions. "When you arrive in the country and be tested, and secondly, you are tested before you hop in the car and go to the funeral, and neither of those things happened, and that's not a function of Chris Bishop's advocacy." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two women who have tested positive for Covid-19 got lost on their drive from Auckland to Wellington and required help - giving their helpers a "kiss and a cuddle", Parliament has been told.National MP Michael Woodhouse claimed today that the pair, who travelled from London to New Zealand, had to meet someone for help with directions.He said a source told him the two women were in a borrowed car and got lost on their way from Auckland to Wellington so stopped and asked someone for directions.The women thanked their helper with a "kiss and a cuddle", Woodhouse claimed in the House.Health Minister David Clark replied to Woodhouse's claim by saying he would be "deeply concerned" if that were the case as he had been assured the women had no contact with anyone during their journey.Woodhouse: Who gave the women the car?Speaking to reporters later, Woodhouse said: "Last night I received information from a reliable but confidential source that the story of an uninterrupted trip from Auckland to Wellington was not accurate."The pair had become lost as they tried to leave Auckland, he reiterated."They called on some acquaintances for help with directions. When they were there, there was close physical contact, including a cuddle and a kiss."I'm calling on [Health] Minister to require the director general [of health Ashley Bloomfield] to look deeper into the circumstances of that journey, and reassure himself he's got all the facts."He said the source was "very reliable" and "closely connected".But there was a time to protect sources, so he was not going to divulge who it was.He said his information was reliable enough to ask questions about how they got their vehicle, which he said was borrowed, whether they stopped on the outskirts of Auckland, and whether they drove to Wellington without stopping for fuel or food or a toilet break.It seemed unlikely that the women had driven from Auckland to Wellington without any comfort stops, he added.He wasn't defaming anyone as he didn't know who the women were, he said.The story that health chief Ashley Bloomfield had told may not be as it has been portrayed, he said.He was not calling the women liars, he said, but he was asking the Health Ministry to dive deeper into whether the narrative that had been provided was accurate."I'm not saying anybody lied. I'm saying there needs to be a deeper analysis."NZ First leader Winston Peters said if the claims were true, it would be "serious concerning", but if not, Woodhouse was playing "petty politics" and he should apologise.When asked if heads should roll over the border failures, Peters said: "Of course – the three people who didn't do their job. They need to be found and they need to be held accountable."He later said when asked which three people he meant: "Everyone needs to be held accountable, particularly on an issue to do with public safely like this."He said neither David Clark nor Ashley Bloomfield should step down, and it was "plain ridiculous" to call for the head of a minister whenever something goes wrong in their ministry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eden Park CEO Nick Sautner is confident of getting upwards of 40,000 people at the stadium for Sunday's clash between the Blues and the Hurricanes.The move to alert level 1 meant restrictions around mass gatherings has been lifted, giving live sport a huge boost ahead of the start of the Super Rugby Aotearoa season this weekend.Nick Sautner told Simon and Phil the response from punters has been phenomenal.He says the atmosphere will be electric, and he's confident they'll be the first sold-out stadium in the world post Covid-19. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Party Deputy Leader Nikki Kaye was our guest for this weeks Six and a Song. She discussed her early interest in politics, her success as a endurance athlete, who she gets on with Jacinda Ardern, moving into the Deputy Leader role, and of course her favourite song. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Price Waterhouse Coopers argues rebuilding the New Zealand economy post COVID-19 should include tax reforms and addressing the 'elephant in the room' of capital gains tax.The professional services firm makes the argument as one of ‘Seven planks’ to get the economy back on track and in better shape, in its just released Rebuild New Zealand report.Among the other ‘planks’ are further targeted wage support, addressing intergenerational inequality and dealing with the urgent challenge of climate change.PwC Partner and Board Member Geof Nightingale told Simon and Phil CGT had ben kicked down the road by successive governments. He says in light of the economic destruction from Covid-19, now is the time to have a logical discussion about the benefits tax reform could have on recovery. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A plan to overhaul New Zealand's fisheries system proposes the Crown buy back all commercial quota shares, and allow for independent monitoring of commercial fishing operations.The Quota Management System was set up in 1986 as a way to stop the depletion of fish stocks, but growing concerns continued to be raised about it’s impact of fish stock and biodiversity.NZ Sport Fishing Council President Bob Gutsell told Simon and Phil a proposal by Not-for-Profit group Legasea, with their support, will overall the current system and start from scratch a better way to look after our fisheries. He says quota system puts too much power in the hands of too few, and it’s costing what is a national treasure. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The former police officer accused of killing black man George Floyd in the US, has made his first appearance in court.Derek Chauvin faces charges of second-degree murder and manslaughter over Floyd's death in Minneapolis last month.Minneapolis Star Tribune reporter Greg Stanley, who was in the court, told Simon Barnett and Phil Gifford the accused remained quiet during today's hearing.He says Derek Chauvin sat very stiffly, handcuffed and wearing a orange jumpsuit, when he appeared via video link.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Queenstown ski patrol head of department Brad Saville had been doing a three-month avalanche training programme with his rescue dog Bomber, in the mountains of Colorado, when the Covid-19 lockdown tore them apart.Brad was able to get home before New Zealand closed its borders in late March, but Bomber had to stay behind and carry on the myriad tests and vaccinations to come back home.Bomber finally landed in Auckland on May 26, endured the required quarantine, and was flown to Queenstown Airport last week Brad Saville told Simon and Phil the excitement of the reunion was too much for both of them. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Justice Minister's dismissing claims the Government's rent relief package is too little, too late. Coalition negotiations have taken almost two months - after the plan was mooted in April.Andrew Little told Simon and Phil New Zealand First provided an alternative on Friday - but withdrew the proposal after a day.He says the package has come later than he would've liked - but it's a good deal for those affected by COVID-19.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Multi Squash World Champion and former Race Relations Commissioner Dame Susan Devoy was Simon and Phil's guest for this weeks Six and a Song. The discussed her entry into the world of squash which she came to dominate, her famous 52 day walk for charity, her time as Race Commissioner, her favourite place to holiday in the world, and of course her favourite song. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan Carter will put on the boots on New Zealand soil for the first time since 2015, after signing with the Blues for Super Rugby Aotearoa.Carter's spent his last five years in France and Japan, but wants to give back to New Zealand Rugby.He will be a player-mentor for the Blues, with Stephen Perofeta suffering a season-ending foot injury.Carter's father Neville told Si and Phil he told Dan he had no worries with him playing up north."We're lacking rugby at the moment, so if you;re keen to give it a go then yeah go for it."It's an opportunity to give something back to rugby in New Zealand.The Blues expressed interest in signing Dan in the past, and it was his Grandmother at the time who expressed distaste to him leaving red and black country.But Neville said she has a different outlook this time around."She said she's finally decided, being at the age of 90, it's quite good that he's actually getting back into doing something with his rugby. So she was quite pleased overall."Dan spent his entire 13 year professional career in New Zealand with Canterbury and the Crusaders.Neville admitted he will back the Crusaders when they do meet the Blues, and hopes Dan does not get hit too hard.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The former editor of the New Zealand Woman's Weekly is hoping the iconic magazine will be revived.Jenny Lynch’s new tell-all memoir is Under the Covers – Secrets of a Magazine Editor, which looks at the golden years of print journalism.As her book hits the stores, the former editor of the New Zealand Woman's Weekly reflects on the demise of Bauer Media in New Zealand, and with it her old magazine.She told Simon and Phil there is still a huge market for readership and advertising, and hopes someone will pick the title up.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gareth Abdinor is an employment lawyer and partner with Malley & Co solicitors. We have him on regularly to answering your employment related questions. Great to have him back in the studio today to tackle the raft of issues arising with the Covid-19 lockdown and the ramifications on employment. Questions today included the wage subsidy, 90 trial period, and more. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The owner of a cow that pulled off a great escape during a trip to a Southland abattoir has been found thanks to a humble classified ad.Stock agent Terry Cairns put an ad in the Southland Times seeking sightings of a 'solid black Heifer' described as being 'mildly agitated'.He told Simon and Phil she was in a secure pen in a sale yard when she bolted.Terry says the good news is someone found her, and he was on his way to confirm it's her. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand comedian Ben Hurley is pleased to see the Covid-19 lockdown in his rearview mirror as he gears up for a nationwide tour 'Straight out of Lockdown'. He was our guest for this weeks Six and a Song. He told Simon and Phil he was excited to hit the road and get back into the great kiwi venues which are crying out for punters to come back right now. Ben Hurley says the show will avoid most Covid-19 material as kiwis are probably keen to hear about other things now. They also talked about his career in comedy, working for 7 Days, his history with Simon, and of course his favourite song! You can buy tickets to his shows at www.benhurley.comLISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gareth Abdinor is an employment lawyer and partner with Malley & Co solicitors. We have him on regularly to answering your employment related questions. Great to have him back on today to tackle the raft of issues arising from the Covid-19 lockdown and the ramifications on employment. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Celebrity chef and TV host Michael Van de Elzen joined Simon and Phil on the show for this weeks Six and a Song. He's been a food icon on our tellys for many years, hosting the wildly popular The Food Truck, and Kiwi Living. Now he and restauranteur Ganesh Raj are co-hosting TVNZ's hit 'Eat Well For Less' based on the top rating UK hit. They help typical kiwi families slash their grocery bills, while still cooking up healthy and delicious food which is more important now than ever. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A leading economist says an extra public holiday would only work if businesses were subsidised by the lost working day. The Prime Minister wants to hear what businesses think about creating a new public holiday.Jacinda Ardern says the government looking at a range of different options to boost the tourism industry.Ardern say there are pros and cons and she's interested in different views.Infometrics Senior Economist Brad Olsen told Simon and Phil the idea could boost tourism spending, but if enacted without any business support, it could also be the straw that broke small businesses backs. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Simon Bridges can't win an election.That's the message from a political commentator, who believes the opposition leader is likely to be rolled.The party's called its MPs to an emergency caucus meeting on Friday ahead of a possible leadership challenge.Matthew Hooton says [told Simon Barnett and Phil Gifford] further research backs up polls showing Bridge's lack of popular appeal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eden Park management are strategising different ways to transition to having spectators back post-Covid 19. Coronavirus restrictions have prevented any events, sporting or corporate, from proceeding at the venue. CEO Nick Sautner says it has a massive impact on many people's lives. He told Simon and Phil they’re currently looking getting spectators back soon by segregating groups around the stadium in line with level 1 restrictions when the time is right. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a game we play every Friday.You Da Man, the guys pick their favourite songs of the week and the audience picks their favourite. First to 3 votes takes it out.This week Producer Tyler picked an 80's classic which characterised what many of us were probably feeling when we got to level 2! LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealanders should be wearing masks while flying domestically during level 2 to keep the risk of a coronavirus outbreak minimum. Domestic flights have resumed under level 2, with airlines undertaking social distancing regulations and handing out voluntary face masks. Otago University epidemiologist Michael Baker told Simon and Phil people really should be taking the wearing of face masks in these confined situations seriously to keep us on track of elimination of Covid-19. He says that also includes public transport, and confined indoor public spaces. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are accusations that 'loose spending' is in the Government's nature.The Finance Minister today announced a $50 billion relief fund to rebuild the economy.It includes a business support package, infrastructure investment and new funding to strengthen health and education.But National's Finance Spokesperson Paul Goldsmith told Simon Barnett and Phil Gifford it's too vague.“We need to remember this is the Government that promised us Kiwibuild and talked about light rail in Auckland, and nothing has happened with that.“It’s great to announce stuff but you actually have to deliver it.”Goldsmith says his party would have, of course, had to borrow as well.“The question is whether returning what might have been a $50, 60 or $70 billion catastrophe into a $140 catastrophe. That’s the real issue.”LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has been praised for their growth plan.The Finance Minister's announced a targeted extension to the Wage Subsidy Scheme and $3 billion for infrastructure.Treasury forecast the package could return unemployment to 4.2 per cent by 2022.KPMG Head of Financial Services Bruce Bernacchi told Simon Barnett and Phil Gifford keeping people in work is critical."We've got forecast unemployment at just below 10 per cent, and when you have that level of unemployment, there's risks they're not going to keep their house. High levels of unemployment is not just an economic issue. It's a social issue."Meanwhile, the Government has delivered a $400 million lifeboat for tourism. The fund will allow for various kinds of support, including a domestic tourism campaign.Newstalk ZB Political Editor Barry Soper says he suspects there's a bit of politics involved in that decision."Whereas the handout for Maori, because they say they are most likely to be disadvantaged in all of this, is over $900 million. I think that's with the Maori electorate seats in mind."LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Calgary Zoo in Canada is sending two giant pandas back to China due to a shortage of bamboo.The zoo said in a statement that it usually flies in bamboo from China to feed the animals, but the Covid-19 pandemic had disrupted flights and caused delays in supplies.The duo, named Er Shun and Da Mao, were supposed to stay in Canada until 2023 as part of a 10-year agreement with China, but the zoo decided to send them back early out of concern that delays could worsen if there's a second wave of coronavirus cases.A panda's diet consists almost entirely of fresh bamboo, the Calgary Zoo said, and the animals typically eat about 40 kilograms (88 pounds) of it each day.Much of the bamboo Er Shun and Da Mao ate before the pandemic was flown in directly to Calgary from China, but those flights have been canceled.The zoo said it tried to find new bamboo suppliers to keep the pandas fed, but encountered several logistical issues. They also worry that these new supply lines could be disrupted at a moment's notice, leaving the pandas completely without food."We believe the best and safest place for Er Shun and Da Mao to be during these challenging and unprecedented times is where bamboo is abundant and easy to access," the president and CEO of the Calgary Zoo, Dr. Clément Lanthier, said in a statement. "This was an incredibly difficult decision to make but the health and well-being of the animals we love and care for always comes first."Er Shun and Da Mao arrived in Canada in 2014 and spent five years at the Toronto Zoo before moving to Calgary in March 2018 with cubs Jia Panpan and Jia Yueyue, the Calgary Zoo said. Those cubs have been moved to China, CNN media partner CBC reported.Lanthier told CBC that the zoo began the process to move the pandas a few weeks ago and hopes to have permits approved this week, though he would like to see the process expedited.Giant pandas are among some of the rarest animals on the planet, though efforts to preserve the species have shown some success in recent years. In 2016, the giant panda's status was upgraded from "endangered" to "vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. There are only an estimated 1,864 of them living in the wild, according to the World Wildlife Fund.China has for years sent giant pandas abroad as a sign of friendship and cooperation between Beijing and other countries as part of a campaign known as "panda diplomacy," offering foreigners a chance to see these animals in person while also fostering ties between governments.The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2020 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Christchurch barber will be shaving beards and cutting hair the second he's allowed.Cathedral Junction Barbers will open as soon as New Zealand moves into Level 2 - just after midnight on Thursday morning.Owner Conrad Fitzgerald told Simon Barnett and Phil Gifford he's already just about booked out.He says he's got ten locked in - but another fifty have tried to make appointments.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every day during lockdown Simon and Phil are catching up with well-known kiwis to see what they’re getting up to in their bubble.Today's guest was Rhys Darby, one of our most loved and successful comedians and actors. He’s starred in Flight of the Concords, Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Yes Man with Jim Carrey, Jumanji, and countless other huge hits.His latest series has been crafted while in lockdown with a bunch of talented creators in his bubble. It’s called The Alone Rangers, where he plays good old kiwi bloke and park ranger Bill Napier, it’s very funny, and incredibly clever and you can watch it on his youtube channel.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Embattled Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle is fighting back against a growing chorus of voices calling for her resignation. The sporting body is seeking crisis talks with 11 disgruntled former Wallabies captains who have called for a leadership overhaul at the governing body.World Cup-winning skipper Nick Farr-Jones is behind a vote-of-no-confidence letter delivered to boss Raelene Castle and the board.George Gregan and Phil Kearns - a leading candidate to succeed Castle - are among those to put their names to paper.Dual World Cup winners John Eales and Tim Horan as well as grand slam-winning skipper Andrew Slack are not signatories.Castle told Simon Barnett and Phil Gifford the only thing she's paying attention to is pushing on with big strategic changes which are starting to pay dividends. “That’s what we have set about doing the past few years."Those results are not immediate, but I do believe we have the building blocks in place to see things improve.”LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when you're nearly three years into the middle of a 8,700 mile hike, you've given up your home, you have no money -- and then coronavirus stops the world in its tracks?That was the dilemma facing Christian Lewis when his quest to walk every twist and turn of the British coastline to raise money for charity was suddenly derailed by the arrival of the pandemic.Lewis, from Swansea in South Wales, set off in the summer of 2017, with just $12 in his pocket. Picking up a companion -- a dog named Jet -- along the way, he arrived on the remote Scottish Shetland islands in March just as the UK was placed under restrictions.With no home to go to and only a flimsy tent for protection in one of the most northerly and windswept parts of the country, he could've been in trouble.Instead, thanks to the kindness of complete strangers, he's found himself in arguably one of the best places on the planet to sit out the crisis -- a cottage on a tiny island all to himself."It is just super. I couldn't be in a better place for a lockdown," Lewis tells CNN from Hildasay island. "There's nothing here but a few sheep and an array of birds."One of the Scalloway Islands, Hildasay measures less than half a square mile and has been largely uninhabited since the late 19th century. 'I couldn't be in a better place' Lewis receives deliveries of water from local fisherman called Victor and forages for food. He makes the occasional boat trip to the Shetland mainland for other supplies."To get back to the mainland is only about a half hour by small boat," he says. "But that stretch of sea is not the nicest, so we really have to pick and choose our days when we get back."Lewis began his journey on August 1, 2017 at Llangennith Beach, Swansea, before heading up the west coast towards Scotland. He then took a brief detour to Northern Ireland to return a message in a bottle thrown into the Irish Sea two decades ago, which he found washed up along the Scottish Coast.While there, he decided to walk the coast of Northern Ireland, before returning to Scotland, including Shetland archipelago, which lies in 100 miles north of the mainland, deep in the North Atlantic.Lewis was close to completing the Shetland Islands, which has 300 islands and skerries, of which only 16 are inhabited, when he learned he could go no further because of coronavirus restrictions.While he managed to avoid ongoing news reports about the pandemic on his travels, he'd picked up various bits of information from people he'd encountered while walking. Island life "I knew the lockdown was coming," he explains. "I had to make a real decision. I can't go home, because I have no home to go to."So with the help of some fellow Shetland people, who lent me a boat, I came to the island and started living off the land."I can walk down now, and I'll have a whole plate full of mussels if I want them, so I've got no worries there."Although he was originally staying in a tent, Lewis was later given the keys to an empty house after news that he was camping on the remote island spread to its owners, who were happy to help."It hasn't got electric or gas," he says. "It's just very basic. But it's out of the wind, and it's got a nice fire."We're (he and Jet) going to be here for the foreseeable future."Under the current restrictions, people in the UK are only allowed to leave their homes for significant reasons, such as shopping for basic necessities, to take one form of exercise per day, deal with any medical needs, or provide care or help to a vulnerable person.The UK government also advises to remain "two meters apart from anyone outside of your household," something Lewis need not worry about while being a boat ride away from any form of human contact.While he'd be forgiven for being disappointed his ambitious trek has been put on hold...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every day during lockdown, Simon and Phil are catching up with well-known kiwis to see what they're getting up to in lockdown, and have a bit of a social distance catch-up. Today's guest was All Black and Chiefs Captain Sam Cane, one of life's good guys. they chatted about how he's keeping fit, who's in his bubble, and preparing for the restart of competition rugby. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s been concern from hard hit food businesses of a refusal from Uber Eats to reexamine their high commission fees as New Zealand prepares for Alert Level 3. Under Alert Level 3, restaurants and cafes will be allowed to trade using delivery services like Uber Eats - but say the 35% commission fee will push them over the edge financially. Christchurch restaurant Fush used to use the service, but is now developing its own online and delivery service, while at the same time supporting staff who can operate as drivers until restaurants fully reopen.Owner Anton Matthews told Simon and Phil they were working hard to support all their staff, and also encourage supporting local businesses. He says with the support of their customers, they can keep people's hard earned dollars flowing through the local community.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Professor David Murdoch is an infectious disease expert with Otago University. He joined Simon and Phil to discuss ongoing concerns from the World Health Organisation about the spread of Covid-19, the race for a vaccine, and why these's many reasons to feel optimistic. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every day during lockdown, Simon and Phil are catching up with well-known kiwis to see what they're getting up to in lockdown, and have a bit of a social distance catch-up. Today's guest was the brilliant Michael Galvin, who's played the iconic Dr Chris Warner on Shortland Street since its inception. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every day during lockdown, Simon and Phil are catching up with well-known kiwis to find out what they're doing and how they're coping. First up was former All Blacks legend and Sky Commentator Justin Marshall, where they chatted his fitness routine, the future of sport, and making beer. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Police Commissioner Andrew Coster joined Simon and Phil to chat about who he is outside of the uniform. They discussed his love of road bikes, family life, looking after police officers wellbeing, having to shave off his beard, and taking on the top job during the coronavirus crisis. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All Blacks legend and mental health champion Sir John Kirwan is stepping up to support Kiwis by making a wellbeing app he helped design free during the Covid-19 pandemic.Mentemia – Italian for "my mind" – was created by Kirwan, who has shared his battle with depression, along with tech entrepreneur Adam Clark and medical advisers.It provides practical tips and techniques to help users take control of their mental health and wellbeing.Sir John told Simon and Phil the app was like having a personalised mental health coach in your pocket.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stan Walker, Tiki Taane and Anna Coddington are among more than 20 Kiwi music stars who have formed a supergroup to record a Covid-19-busting tune from lockdown.Made across just seven days by singers and musicians in their living rooms, garages and back yards, 'Stay'​ is a waiata - and accompanying video - urging Kiwis to stay home to save lives.Released today, 100 per cent of the proceeds from the song and video is being donated to Music Helps, a charity that provides emergency help for Kiwi musicians facing hardship or illness and invests in music projects to help those in need.The idea originated from Anaru Mill, the head of Manaaki, a Government aid fund that's part of the national Covid Command group.After a string of conversations, Mikee Tucker from Loop, an Auckland-based company with a portfolio that includes a record label, got involved and enlisted some of our brightest stars.A collaboration with Te Māngai Pāho, the Crown entity responsible for the promotion of Māori language and culture, it's designed to showcase how Kiwis can pull together in a time of crisis.Produced by Tucker and written by Anna Coddington, Rob Ruha, Scott Tindale, Brad Kora, Ara Adams-Tamatea and Joel Shadbolt, vocalists include Walker, Taane, Ria Hall and Troy Kingi.Shadbolt - lead vocalist and guitarist with L.A.B. who recently topped the chart with In The Air - helped arrange the song and said the opportunity the create a positive message was "inviting"."Zoom's our best friend for this!" he said."We had one original meeting for the singers and songwriters over Zoom, and then voila."Once the song was written, a demo was sent to everyone. The singers recorded their own parts and sent the audio to producers who crafted the final version over three days."We went from that phone call to a completed song all in one week," Shadbolt said.He hopes it will encourage Kiwis by example."With the status of all these musicians, hopefully people will see that and say, oh if they're staying home so must I."Stay will be available via Apple Music and Spotify. Loop hopes people will share the track - and video - to circulate and reinforce the stay-at-home message.The full list of featured artists is: Joel Shadbolt (L.A.B), Troy Kingi, Stan Walker, Anna Coddington, Theia, Bailey Wiley, Rob Ruha, Pere Wihongi (Maimoa), Jackson Owens, Kings, Rei, Ria Hall, Hollie Smith, Tiki Taane, Fran Kora (Kora), Logan Bell (Katchafire) and Brad Kora (L.A.B).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tauranga doctors are calling for a ban on online alcohol sales during the Covid-19 lockdown after seeing a spike in family violence and further strains on the public health system.Alcohol is listed on the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment website as an essential service that allowed the online sale and contactless delivery of alcohol.But 12 Tauranga doctors have signed a letter to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern urging an immediate halt to the harmful drug, alcohol, delivered to people's doorsteps.Mount Maunganui GP Tony Farrell, who specialises in addiction, told Simon and Phil it’s ludicrous to allow home delivery of alcohol while the nation is in lockdown and already under enormous strain.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The parents of the Invercargill-born nurse credited by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson for saving his life are overwhelmed by the international response.Jenny McGee was born and raised in Invercargill and has been living and working in London for some time. She currently works as in the intensive care department at St Thomas' Hospital in the city.Over Easter weekend Johnson, who has been in hospital for a week being treating for Covid-19. thanked the National Health Service and its staff - but singled out two nurses who stood by his bedside for 48 hours "when things could have gone either way".He said Jenny from Invercargill "to be exact", and Luis from Portugal, were the reason that "in the end, my body did start to get enough oxygen".Her parents Mike and Caroline McGee told Simon and Phil despite the whole family being overwhelmed with the attention, they're incredibly proud of their daughter and the whole NHS team she works with. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Psychologist Sara Chatwin joined Simon and Phil to answer your questions and calls on what we can all do to keep our minds in check as we enter the 2nd week of lockdown. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Party Leader and chair of the epidemic response committee Simon Bridges joined Simon and Phil to discuss the concerns of New Zealand businesses right now, and what should happen once we get out of lockdown. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A pleasure to have back on for our final Dulux DIY, master painter and all round handyman Bevan Tutty to answer all your questions for those lockdown DIY jobs.Bevan has been in the paint industry for over 40 years. He loves the endless outcomes you can achieve from painting, and its advancing technology.The perfect man to help you out with those DIY projects around the home while we're in lockdown!LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gareth Abdinor is an employment lawyer and partner with Malley & Co solicitors. We have him on regularly to answering your employment related questions. Great to have him back on today to tackle the raft of issues arising with the Covid-19 lockdown and the ramifications on employment. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Experts at ANSTO’s Australian Synchrotron, Melbourne, are prioritising work that could hold the key to fast-tracking the development of a vaccine for COVID-19. The Synchrotron is the largest particle accelerator in the southern hemisphere. It is about the size of the MCG and produces light a million times brighter than the sun. It is operated by ANSTO and funded by the Australian Government and other partners from across New Zealand and Australia.Director Professor Andrew Peele joined Simon and Phil to discuss the work they are doing to help create a vaccine as quickly as possible. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Party leader is calling for the Government to over-test for COVID-19.Another 61 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed today, bringing the total number of confirmed and probable cases to 708.Epidemic Response Committee chair Simon Bridges told Simon Barnett and Phil Gifford we need thousands of people tested each day, to crack down on the virus."So we can come out of this sooner and stronger and we can isolate those that have real problems and track who they've met with. That's how you get atop this, that's what Singapore did and it's how we will too."He also wants all people arriving from overseas to be properly quarantined and tested at the border."That more structured thing where it's 'right, your all in these three hotels, there's going to be people there checking on you regularly', I think that is better."He's also pushing for COVID-19 finger prick tests here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former All Blacks skipper Kieran Read joined Simon and Phil to discuss his future in rugby after his forced return from Japan, the future of the sport itself, and his hopes for recovery once Covid-19 is contained. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research has shown the dramatic effect of the nationwide lockdown on New Zealand’s air quality, and climate experts say it’s proof we have the power to improve our environment.Initial results of air quality monitoring from NIWA show a big drop in traffic pollution in our biggest city.NIWA Principal Air Quality Scientist Dr Ian Longley joined Simon and Phil to discuss the dramatic changes, and lessons we can learn once the lockdown is lifted. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As cases of Covid-19 increase in many parts of the world, particularly Europe and the US, in China they have seen cases drop, with some restrictions loosened in parts of the country. Hazel Seager is a Kiwi teacher living in Qingdao City, and has very recently been able to leave self-quarantine as the country slowly reopens.She joined Simon and Phil to share what it was like as the country re-emerges from quarantine, and the light at the end of the tunnel. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.