Matt Heath & Tyler Adams Afternoons

The internet is awash with suggestions for keeping yourself occupied at home during the coronavirus outbreak, but one Australian scientist ended up in the hospital thanks to his choice of entertainment.With medical authorities around the world advising people to stop touching their faces, to help slow the spread of the virus, Melbourne-based Daniel Reardon thought he would try to make a sensor that could tell if your hands were near your face, he told CNN.An astrophysicist by trade, Reardon, 27, had some electronic parts lying around and decided to try his hand at a spot of engineering."I was just feeling a bit bored when it came up," he said, admitting that his invention had the opposite effect to the one he intended: Instead of making a noise when his hands were close to his face, it buzzed incessantly until he moved them to his face."I had a laugh and gave up temporarily," he added. "Then I started mindlessly placing the magnets on my face. First my ear lobes, then my nostrils -- like a magnetic piercing."At that point, Reardon had only gained himself some temporary body modifications, but things were about to get slightly more permanent."The problem was when I put magnets in my other nostril," he said. "They all pinched together and the ones on my septum got stuck!"Unable to remove them by himself, Reardon ended up heading to the local hospital.He said he spent about an hour there, describing the facility as "pretty quiet," as coronavirus patients are being sent to another hospital."The staff enjoyed it -- several doctors and some nurses came to laugh at/with me," said Reardon."In the end, two doctors pulled at them -- one grabbing at the magnets in each nostril."Reardon took a photo of the medical report, which states that he had denied there were any further magnets up his nose."I was in a bit of pain while they were moving the magnets and my nose -- I had made it pretty sore myself," he said."But other than that I was laughing with everyone else."So far, Australia has had over 4,200 cases of coronavirus and 17 deaths, according to figures from Johns Hopkins University.In response to the outbreak, the country tightened its restrictions on movement Monday. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said public gatherings would be limited to two people and ordered residents to stay home, except to shop for necessities, medical care, exercise, work or education.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rob McIntyre has been living in Singapore for about 18 months working as General Manager Sales & Marketing for two of the biggest hotel complexes in the country.Singapore has been deeply effected by COVID 19, but have flatted the curve of new cases and appear to be keeping it in check. Rob talked with Simon and Phil about the measures the Singaporean Government have put in place, how it's worked, and what lessons we can learn in New Zealand. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Employment lawyer and partner at Malley & Co solicitors Gareth Abdinor joined Simon and Phil today to take your many calls and questions on employment issues during the lockdown. Plenty to discuss today, including the wage subsidy, annual leave, claiming benefits and more. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Epidemiologist and Professor in Public Health Michael Baker joined Simon and Phil to discuss the impending nationwide lockdown to limit the spread of coronavirus. He says if we all take it seriously, stay within our bubbles as much as humanly possible, and follow offical advice, the sooner the lockdown will be able to start to be lifted. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former NewstalkZB reporter and now PR Officer for the British Science Association Matiu Workman, joined Simon and Phil to discuss what like is like in London after the UK's nationwide coronavirus lockdown . LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former BNZ Chief Economist Tony Alexander is one of New Zealand's leading economic minds. He joined Simon and Phil to discuss the economic outlook in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak, and took listeners questions about what to expect. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A pleasure to have on the programme Dr Michelle Dickinson, aka Nano Girl, to answer all your coronavirus related questions. Michelle is a nanotechnologist and holds a PHD in biomedical material engineering. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland University Microbiologist Dr Siouxsie Wiles joined Simon and Phil to seperate fact from fiction when it comes to your questions about Covid-19 and the coronavirus outbreak. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Leader Simon Bridges is accusing the Government of focusing on "ideological" driven benefit increases over helping medium-sized New Zealand businesses.Speaking in the House this afternoon in response to the Government's $12.1 billion Covid-19 spending package, National Leader Simon Bridges was critical of the spending's focus."This package has confused priorities that do not deal, non-ideologically, with the issues we face in New Zealand right now."New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters was quick to criticise Bridges' speech, telling the House it was "shallow and graceless".Act Leader David has suggested that all MPs take a pay cut while New Zealand grapples with the Covid-19 outbreak in "solidarity" with those who are losing their jobs or taking pay cuts.He said public sector workers earning more than $100,000 should do the same.The package includes a more than $5 billion wage subsidy scheme for businesses which have been, or will be directly impacted by Covid-19.It also included a $25 a week increase for beneficiaries and the doubling of the Winter Energy Payment.But Bridges said the focus should have been more on businesses."Bluntly, what we see in this package today is money flowing faster into the hands of beneficiaries than the workers and the businesses that will lose their businesses and their jobs over the coming weeks and months."The wage subsidy scheme is available from today – the benefit increases come into effect on April 1, with the Winter Energy Payment available in May."Her priority, Ardern said, was to keep businesses in business and workers in jobs – but what we see has been prioritised is the Winter Energy Payment for wealthy, older New Zealanders."He said the package was large enough but lacked focus."I say this shows you're confused and your muddled priorities as Finance Minister," he said, directing his comments to Grant Robertson.His main issue was the fact the wage subsidy scheme was capped at $150,000 per employer for 12 weeks.He said this means that in many medium-sized businesses impacted by Covid-19, only the first 21 workers would be helped.Bridges said many workers across the country will go on the dole – "but they will be glad because they will be $25 a week better off".He said National would have gone harder and faster for businesses – meaning more wage subsidies for more businesses to extend to some of the bigger and middle-sized companies."Our Prime Minister said she's gone harder and faster – I don't see it."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has unveiled its multi-billion dollar support package to help deflect the impact of COVID-19.The $12.1 billion boost includes over $5 billion for wage subsidies and $2.8 billion on business tax changes.Newstalk ZB Political Editor Barry Soper told Simon Barnett and Phil Gifford that Finance Minister Grant Robertson's pulled out all the stops."When you go back and look at the spending in the last two budgets and the spending in the upcoming budget, this is greater than those three."LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Trish Stratford is best known to New Zealand audiences as one of the three experts on Married at First Sight Australia.She joined Simon Barnett and Phil Gifford to discuss the latest season of the contentious reality show, which sees strangers coupled together without having ever met before.The show has been dogged with rumours for years that it's all constructed, but Dr Stratford, one of the three people who pairs the couples together, told them that it is not scripted at all."It's not staged at all. It's unscripted television. We out them together, and then we put them into the experiment, and as extraordinary as it seems, the experiment takes over."She says that the people change once they are in the pressure cooker of the experiment. Only three couples are currently still together from the six previous seasons, but Dr Stratford says that many of them remain friends."Everyone who is on the program say that they've learnt about themselves. So to me, that's a success anyway."One of the key problems that contestants face on the show, she says, is that they tend to bring their own issues with them and struggle to change.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chef, author and entrepreneur Al Brown was our guest for this weeks Six and a Song. We chatted his start in cooking, his style in a busy kitchen, classic foods, the joy of kiwi cuisine, and much more. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A public health professor's implying the World Health Organisation has deliberately down-played the COVID-19 outbreak, in an attempt to contain it.The WHO has now declared a global pandemic, as confirmed cases globally surpasses 115-thousand.But Michael Baker told Simon Barnett and Phil Gifford it's been a pandemic for more than a month.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Leader Simon Bridges joined Simon and Phil for his monthly catch up. They chatted about New Zealand's approach to Coronavirus, minimum wage increases, the hit to the economy and more. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We were discussing what it was like when your children first left home after Simon was reminded about a letter he wrote for his eldest Samantha when she left for university. We had a lot of requests to hear it again, so here it is. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malley and Co's Gareth Abdinor back with us for another Law Corner. Lots to discuss this week, with a heap of questions coming in on what employment rights workers have if they need to take extra time off work due to Covid-19. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Air NZ CEO and now National Party candidate for Botany Christopher Luxon joined Simon and Phil for this weeks Six and a Song. He chatted about his move from business to politics, meeting Barack Obama, what he gets up to outside off the campaign trail, and more. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Cowan from The Parenting Place joined Simon and Phil to chat all things parenting. He discussed the best ways to chat to particularly young children about the growing concerns around Coronavirus, as well as answering your phone call and text questions. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tom Sainsbury is a man of many impressions, alter egos and voices. He rose to popularity with his many hilarious impressions of well-known politicians and caricatures of everyday kiwis. He was Simon and Phil’s guest for this week’s Six and A Song. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chef, entrepreneur, and author Nadia Lim joined Simon and Phil to chat all things food and cooking. She discussed her and her husbands move to a farm in Central Otago where they're working on a farm, the rise in vegetarianism, and answered listeners burning food questions. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gareth Abdinor, Partner with Malley & Co law back with us for this weeks Law Corner.Every fortnight we have Gareth in to take your calls and questions everything employment, privacy and technology related. This week we chatted about fair and reasonable working of extra hours to meet the needs of the business, limited hour contracts for young people, and restraint of trade clauses. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A pleasure to have Lesina Nakhid-Schuster on the show for this weeks Six and a Song today. Simon and Phil asked her about what it's like to be on nationally telly during her dates, her work as a doctor, and much more. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Wellington Barrister says Ticketmaster is legally obligated to partially reimburse them.The Auckland show ended early on Sunday night - when the popstar lost his voice to "walking pneumonia".Graham Edgeler told Simon and Phil Ticketmaster is under contract to provide a full concert to their customers. 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 against some strong competition, producer Tyler played the hopeless romantic card for Valentines Day for his lovely partner Maeve, and it paid off... Not to mention it is a great song! LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newstalk ZB and TVNZ host and journalist Jack Tame was our guest for this weeks Six and a Song this week.He chatted with Simon and Phil about his love of languages, the opportunities he's had in journalism, playing guitar, his love life, and of course.. his favourite song. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every 3 weeks we're joined by Inspector Hirone Waretini from the New Zealand Police to talk topics and take your questions and phone calls in a segment we call The Beat. This week the Inspector covered traffic offences, driving with bare feet, and the very contentious issue of traffic light window washers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Weet-Bix and pasta are helping to keep one New Zealander going as he remains under lockdown in China, as the country battles to contain the deadly coronavirus.Adam Fern lives in Hangzhou, the most populous city of Zhejiang Province, about a seven-hour car ride from the epicentre of the epidemic: Wuhan.Holed up in his apartment, he has started to chronicle what life is like on the ground via social media sites Facebook and YouTube.He joined Simon and Phil to chat about what it’s like to be in lock-down in China.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A University of Canterbury Professor of Engineering says while possible to construct a bridge or tunnel across Cook Strait, it would be incredibly challenging. The British government says it is seriously studying the feasibility of a bridge between Scotland and Northern Ireland – an idea which has been met with staunch criticism.Professor Alessandro Palermo told Simon and Phil there has been theoretical discussions about constructing a similar structure across Cook Strait in the past.He says while not impossible, the cost and technical challenges would be immense.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A New Zealand travel agency says despite coronavirus fears, they expect the cruise market to continue to grow.A cruise ship remains under quarantine at Japan's Yokohama, where two New Zealanders and dozens of others have contracted coronavirus.House of Travel Commercial Director Brent Thomas told Simon and Phil there’s no doubt they are getting more inquiries on the back of the coronavirus outbreak.But he says typically bookings for cruises are planned well in advance, which hopefully won’t be affected by the current outbreak.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A pilot who helped people stranded in flood-stricken Fiordland says there were some challenging flying conditions over the past 48 hours. All trapped tourists have now been choppered out after being cut off, and in some instances dodging landslides - a tree completely destroying a hut at Lake Howden with 30 people inside.Southern Lakes Helicopter pilot Sam Innes told Simon and Phil for him and the rest of the helicopter crew, it was a really rewarding experience being able to help those stranded. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Simon Barnett had to put his money where his mouth is, after challenging listeners to prove him wrong. While discussing whether or not you lock your car when you go to pay for petrol, Simon said that he never locks his car as he did not believe that anyone would steal a car from a petrol station. He then challenged listeners to prove him wrong, with $200 for the first person who had a story about getting their car stolen.Cue the texts, cue the embarrassment on Simon's part - and cue the doubling down as Simon then issued a second challenge!LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A comforting flow of support for tourists and locals caught out by flooding.The Calvin Community Church has been activated as the emergency hub in Gore.Lead pastor Ken Williams told Simon and Phil about 200 people have come seeking shelter.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Party leader says criticism fover his Waitangi Day speech is just a cynical set-up.National’s kicked into election year – putting politics in the spotlight at Waitangi.Government parties and the Opposition stood side-by-side as they were welcomed to the upper marae this morning.Moments later - it was down to business – and for National leader Simon Bridges that meant slamming the Government for non-delivery. He’s been criticised for politicising the event, but he told Simon and Phil he spoke about what he thinks matters.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee Turrell is a rarity: a woman coaching a men's sports team at international level. But the volleyball coach has never let gender barriers stand in her way - even in Iran. She joined Simon and Phil to chat about taking the New Zealand Men's U20 squad to Iran and the challenges the ultra conservative country presented, how she got into coaching at the national level, and the growing number of women in coaching roles across both genders. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks Strength and Conditioning Coach says while we all need to be moving more, people need to enjoy whatever it is that get's them off the couch. There is mounting evidence that exercise is not just a way of staying healthy but can help treat the unwell. Nic Gill told Simon and Phil not everyone enjoys the gym which is fine, but finding something you do enjoy which gets you moving is key in preventing a whole raft of health issues. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than 30 people were helicoptered to safety this morning - after caught in bad weather tramping in Fiordland.A state of emergency has been declared in the region Fiordland after heavy rain caused landslides and floodingGrace Houpapa Barrett was one of those trapped at Lake Howden Hut along with a group of her friends – she spoke to Simon and Phil about the landslide that smashed through the hut in the middle of the night. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Party is calling on help from Australia to win this year's election.Australian Liberal Party campaign official Nick Westenberg has been briefing National MPs and candidates on the secrets to a winning campaign.Westenberg was one of the brains behind Australian PM Scott Morrison's election win, which focused on targeting the "quiet Australians".In an interview with the NZ Herald, Westenberg said that group existed in every country."You can use different phrases for it. Scott Morrison uses the quiet Australians, it's working families, previously it was Howard's battlers, Tony's tradies. It always ends up being the same people.It's the people who aren't on a particular end of the spectrum, the people who are just living their everyday lives where politics impacts it, but it's not the most important thing for them."But political editor Barry Soper told Simon Barnett and Phil Gifford Bridges faces a much tougher election than Morrison."When Morrison and won the election, he was up against the then-Labor leader Bill Shorten, who was not popular. Simon Bridges is up against Jacinda Ardern, who of course is popular."Westenberg says that is something to be considered, but that "the issue don't change no matter who is running".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Cowan from The Parenting Place was back with Simon and Phil to talk about how to navigate all the modern minefields of being a parent.This week we had some great questions from callers about snarky teenagers, restless babies, and strong-willed toddlers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Homeopathy, an alternative medicine originating in Germany 200 years ago, has long been criticised by the scientific community as pseudoscience. Despite this more than half of kiwis in a 2012 survey believed homeopathy had been scientifically proven.In the latest North and South magazine freelance writer Jonathon Harper questioned continuing funding for NZAQ qualifications in homeopathy and ACC pay outs.He joined Simon and Phil to discuss its growing use in New Zealand.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Prime Minister Sir John Key says while he thinks US President Donald Trump has achieved in some areas, he's not a fan of his style and attacks on US immigration. Sir John joined Simon and Phil for this weeks Six and a Song. They also discussed the publicity surrounding the sale of his Auckland home, whether he still needs diplomatic protection, his love of golf, and more. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Employment lawyer Gareth Abdinor, partner with Malley & Co, back with us for the first Law Corner of 2020.This week we discussed what to do when your previous employer won’t give you a good reference, appealing incorrect background checks, and much moreLISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Crusaders Coach Scott Robertson played 23 international matches for the All Blacks, before moving into an illustrious coaching career.As Canterbury's head coach he lead to team to win the Final in the Premiership Division of the ITM Cup in2013. In 2016, he was appointed head coach for the Crusaders for the 2017-2019 Super Rugby seasons, where he’s achieved three straight Super Rugby titles.He joined Simon and Phil to talk about missing out on the All Blacks Head Coach role, his coaching ethos, what he gets up to off the field, and more. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US speaker, Jeff Gellman, will be running an Auckland seminar in July, despite an 8-thousand strong petition to stop him coming.Association of Pet Dog Trainers president Mark Weaver says his methods are out-dated.He told Simon and Phil Gellman promotes the myth that you have to harm a dog to get it to do what you want.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every 3 weeks we're joined by Inspector Hirone Waretini from the New Zealand Police to talk topics and take your questions and phone calls in a segment we call The Beat. This week the Inspector chatted with us about what he’s been up to over the holidays, fast lanes, driving with open alcohol vessels, and much more.LISTEN TO THE AUDIO ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Christmas is a time for family, Newstalk ZB host Simon Barnett today invited his wife Jodi, who is recovering from brain cancer, on to the show to tell her how much he loved her.Jodi was rushed to hospital in April last year after suffering a seizure at her Christchurch home. She was later diagnosed with two lesions on her brain and is now in remission.In the emotional broadcast, Barnett told the audience his wife was only just starting to talk again after she had been unable to for some time."Jodi, I just want to say that I love you very much sweetheart."She responded saying she loved him too.Simon Barnett with wife Jodi. Photo / SuppliedBarnett said his wife listened to the show religiously every day and it was her highlight."My wife's gradually starting to talk again, she can say some words but I tell you what, we have been through it."I know this is a crazy old time because there is so much emotion around but for people that are hurting out there, for people that are lonely and for people who have lost loved ones, you think of Whakaari/White Island, it is a dreadful time of year as well for those people so we are thinking of you," Barnett said.The Barnetts met at Les Mills gym in Christchurch in 1989, and have been married for more than 26 years. The couple have four children together, Sammy, Sophie, Bella and Lily.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Democrat dominated US House of Representatives has voted to impeach their President.Donald Trump is only the third American President in history to be indicted.US analyst Dr Jeanne Zaino told Simon Barnett and Phil Gifford it may work against the Democrats in next year's election.She says the Presidents supporters empathise with Trump, believing he has been the victim of a witch-hunt.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Applause for Government plans to introduce random roadside testing, but also questions.Legislation will go through Parliament next year to allow police to instantly suspend drug drivers for 12 hours, and impose a fine.Drug Detection Agency C-E-O Kirk Hardy told Simon and Phil drug testing is getting faster, the challenge will be deciding how many drugs to test and what type. He says a test for six drugs will take 8 to 10 minutes to activate properly. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cricket and Rugby Commentator Ian Smith was our guest for an extra Six and a Song this week.A legend as a Black Caps Wicket Keeper and now a legend behind the mic at our biggest games. Simon and Phil asked him about his biggest moments of 2019, the biggest moments in sport for him, who he gets on with most in the commentary box, and of course his favourite song.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Silver Ferns Coach Noeline Taurua is ready for a small break over Christmas as she prepares for the start of the netball season in 2020. She joined Simon and Phil to chat about that incredible World Cup win, her plans over the holidays, moving back to New Zealand, and the retirement of netball great Maria Folau. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters joined Simon and Phil for our last Six and a Song for 2019.We had a jovial chat about his plans over Christmas, fishing, rugby, wins and losses of the year, his favourite Parliamentarians, and of course his favourite song.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.