/on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/rss 九一星空无限 Thu, 17 Jul 2025 07:48:17 Z en /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/erica-stanford-education-minister-on-the-decision-to-scrap-open-plan-classrooms/ /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/erica-stanford-education-minister-on-the-decision-to-scrap-open-plan-classrooms/ The Education Minister's stressing schools can still be flexible as the Government pulls the plug on open plan classrooms.  It was introduced by John Key's Government in 2011.  Erica Stanford announced yesterday all new builds will now have more traditional layouts.  She told Kerre Woodham there are good examples in the best modern learning environments.  She’s also looking into helping fund schools to modify existing open-plan rooms.  Stanford told Woodham she's tasking the school property agency to look into ways to help schools revert their teaching spaces.  In the meantime, she says, schools have five year property budgets, with a category for classroom modifications they can use.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 16 Jul 2025 23:55:34 Z /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/lauren-milne-justfund-director-of-family-law-on-their-business-lending-credit-for-divorce-proceedings/ /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/lauren-milne-justfund-director-of-family-law-on-their-business-lending-credit-for-divorce-proceedings/ Over 8,000 divorces are filed in New Zealand annually, and the process isn’t cheap.   While the dissolution fee only costs $242, legal costs can reach into the thousands.  Many couples fall into the so-called ‘missing middle’ — earning too much to access legal aid, but not enough to afford private lawyers.  Australian divorce and separation lender JustFund has launched in New Zealand with the sentiment that access to justice isn’t a privilege, it’s a right.  Their Director of Family Law, Lauren Milne, told Kerre Woodham the average cost of divorce in New Zealand is $30,000 – $15,000 per person.  She says that most people aren’t putting aside a nest egg in case they get divorced, so it can be a struggle to pull together the funds.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 16 Jul 2025 01:28:01 Z /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/paul-goulter-nurses-organisation-chief-executive-on-nurses-vowing-to-strike-at-the-end-of-the-month/ /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/paul-goulter-nurses-organisation-chief-executive-on-nurses-vowing-to-strike-at-the-end-of-the-month/ The Nurses Union claims the Government has lost control of health, as more than 36,000 workers prepare to strike.  Te Whatu Ora nurses, midwives, and health care assistants will walk off the job for 24 hours at the end of this month. Nurses Organisation Chief Executive Paul Goulter says many members have voiced concerns over safety issues and staffing shortages - and change is needed. LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 14 Jul 2025 03:29:23 Z /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/noelle-mccarthy-writer-and-broadcaster-on-the-bombing-of-the-rainbow-warrior-new-podcast/ /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/noelle-mccarthy-writer-and-broadcaster-on-the-bombing-of-the-rainbow-warrior-new-podcast/ The fatal bombing of the Rainbow Warrior is being remembered, four decades on.  It's 40 years to the day since photographer Fernando Pereira was killed when the Greenpeace ship was bombed by French spies.  The anniversary's been marked with a dawn service, hosted by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, at Auckland's Viaduct.  A new six-part podcast, written and presented by John Daniell and Noelle McCarthy, reexamines the events leading up to the terror attack, and the subsequent fallout on both sides of the world.  McCarthy joined Kerre Woodham to delve into the history and circumstances surrounding the sinking of the Rainbow Warrior.  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 10 Jul 2025 01:09:16 Z /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/chris-hipkins-labour-leader-on-the-covid-19-inquiry-emergency-housing-crime/ /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/chris-hipkins-labour-leader-on-the-covid-19-inquiry-emergency-housing-crime/ Labour leader Chris Hipkins says speeding up the justice system is a priority.  Recent announcements by the Justice Minister include bigger fines for trespassing and harsher penalties for coward punches and assaulting first responders.  Hipkins told Kerre Woodham unlike National, he wouldn't spend the first 18 months in power overturning the last Government's legislation.  He says there’s been too much flip-flopping around.  One of the things Hipkins wants to prioritise is the courts – saying that they have to deal with the inefficiencies in the system, and that justice delayed is justice denied.  Chris Hipkins says Jacinda Ardern will be weighing up safety before deciding whether to return to New Zealand for our Covid inquiry.  Ardern could be among key decision-makers expected to be asked to speak later this month.  Hipkins told Kerre Woodham there are risks to her security in New Zealand.  He says they aren't idle threats, and it's legitimate for her to consider the danger to herself and her family.  LISTEN ABOVE  Mon, 07 Jul 2025 21:40:16 Z /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/moana-theodore-dunedin-study-director-on-the-new-tool-that-can-estimate-how-fast-someones-aging/ /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/moana-theodore-dunedin-study-director-on-the-new-tool-that-can-estimate-how-fast-someones-aging/ A new tool can now estimate how fast a person is aging.  University of Otago scientists have found a way to use an MRI scan of the brain to quantify the rate of biological aging of middle-aged people to forecast risks of dementia, chronic disease, and death in older adulthood.  The technology was developed using data from the Dunedin Study, a decades long health project tracking more than 1,000 people born in the early 70’s.  Dunedin Study director Professor Moana Theodore joined Kerre Woodham to break down the findings of the study and how the tool works.  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 03 Jul 2025 01:43:40 Z /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/caryn-zinn-dietician-and-co-author-of-what-the-fat-on-losing-weight-weight-loss-drugs/ /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/caryn-zinn-dietician-and-co-author-of-what-the-fat-on-losing-weight-weight-loss-drugs/ Weight loss drugs are becoming increasingly sought after, with Wegovy hitting New Zealand pharmacies this month.  It’s currently not funded, and people will need a prescription to get it.  However, people are warning that weight loss drugs aren’t a silver bullet, and lifestyle changes are needed for long term success.   ‘What The Fat?’, co-authored by Caryn Zinn, Craig Rodger, and Grant Schofield, highlights a low-carb, healthy-fat diet, and is held up as an effective weight loss tool.   Dr Zinn joined Kerre Woodham for a chat about her work as a dietician, What The Fat?, and healthy ways to lose weight.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 02 Jul 2025 01:52:33 Z /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/mark-bloomberg-university-of-canterbury-school-of-forestry-adjunct-senior-fellow-on-slash/ /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/mark-bloomberg-university-of-canterbury-school-of-forestry-adjunct-senior-fellow-on-slash/ Forestry is a major industry in New Zealand, but the practices involved contribute to the damage left in the wake of cyclones and major weather events.  After 2023’s Cyclone Gabrielle, the Government revised slash management rules, ruling that forestry owners will have to remove slash if it’s over a certain size.  They’re now consulting on a proposal to further amend the standards due to cost, uncertainty, and compliance issues.  Mark Bloomberg and Steve Urlich authored a piece for the Conversation titled “We are one bad rainstorm away from disaster – why proposed changes to forestry rules won’t solve the ‘slash’ problem”, and in it they say the proposed changes fail to adress the core reasons for slash and sediment discharges.  Dr Mark Bloomberg, an Adjunct Senior Fellow at the University of Canterbury’s School of Forestry, joined Kerre Woodham to break down their thoughts.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 02 Jul 2025 00:33:35 Z /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/greg-murphy-kiwi-motorsport-legend-on-the-govts-proposal-to-axe-practical-tests-for-full-drivers-licenses/ /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/greg-murphy-kiwi-motorsport-legend-on-the-govts-proposal-to-axe-practical-tests-for-full-drivers-licenses/ A Hawke’s Bay-based motorsport legend says a plan by the Ministry of Transport to remove the full-licence practical test is nothing short of “ludicrous”.  In April, Minister for Transport Chris Bishop announced a range of suggested changes to the licensing system, including removing the full-licence practical test and introducing safety mitigations for people on their learner or restricted licence.  The Government is proposing the changes to make the process “more accessible, efficient and affordable”.  Greg Murphy, V8 Supercar icon and Bathurst-winning driver, told Kerre Woodham that nearly 10 thousand people have died on the road in the last 25 years, 2500 of them between the ages of 15-24.   He says this discussion with the govrnment has provided an opportunity to reassess and reevaluate the licensing system, and we can’t afford to stuff it up.   LISTEN ABOVE  Fri, 27 Jun 2025 00:56:56 Z /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/hamish-firth-mt-hobson-group-director-on-the-housing-intensification-around-city-rail-link-stations/ /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/hamish-firth-mt-hobson-group-director-on-the-housing-intensification-around-city-rail-link-stations/ The Government's instructed Auckland Council to allow apartments at least 15 storeys high near key City Rail Link train stations.   Density requirements around the Mt Albert and Baldwin Ave stations require at least 10-storey apartments, while buildings around the Maungawhau, Kingsland, and Morningside rail terminals will be allowed to reach at least 15 storeys.  Hamish Firth, Director of Mt Hobson Group, told Kerre Woodham these sites won’t be filled up within a week or two – it might take 15, 20, even thirty years.  He says it’s the sort of planning we need around those areas to ensure the areas and communities are vibrant and happening.   LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 26 Jun 2025 01:29:59 Z /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/sonia-gray-broadcaster-on-being-in-psychedelic-drug-trials-to-treat-anxiety/ /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/sonia-gray-broadcaster-on-being-in-psychedelic-drug-trials-to-treat-anxiety/ Changes to allow over the counter sales of Melatonin in New Zealand alongside relaxing rules on magic mushrooms as medicine.  MedSafe's approved Melatonin for sale to adults without a prescription.  Psilocybin remains unapproved, but one specifically qualified psychiatrist is now permitted to prescribe it for treatment-resistant depression.  Broadcaster Sonia Gray has been trialling psychedelic drugs as an anxiety treatment, and joined Kerre Woodham to speak about her experience.  “Nothing is a silver bullet, and nothing is going to work for everybody all the time, but we need more tools.”  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 19 Jun 2025 00:41:04 Z /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/liam-dann-nz-herald-business-editor-on-the-gdp-rising-by-08/ /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/liam-dann-nz-herald-business-editor-on-the-gdp-rising-by-08/ GDP figures just out are stronger than economists had forecast.  Stats NZ says New Zealand's gross domestic product grew 0.8% in the March quarter – overtaking predictions of 0.7%.  It follows a 0.5% increase the quarter before.  Herald Business Editor-at-Large Liam Dann told Kerre Woodham it could mean the OCR won't get another cut next month.  He says it raises the odds the Reserve Bank will keep things on hold.  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 19 Jun 2025 00:10:04 Z /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/jonny-bannister-coastguard-regional-manager-on-the-deaths-of-gemma-and-ryder-ferregel-and-the-need-for-compulsory-lifejackets/ /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/jonny-bannister-coastguard-regional-manager-on-the-deaths-of-gemma-and-ryder-ferregel-and-the-need-for-compulsory-lifejackets/ There's a call for compulsory nationwide lifejacket use following the death of a 10-year-old boy in the Manukau Harbour.  Ryder Ferregel and his mother, Gemma, died in November 2022 after a boat carrying five people capsized near Clarks Beach.   They both drowned after hours of clinging to the overturned hull and even after reaching the relative safety of a sandbar.  In Coroner Erin Woolley's findings, she says had the pair been wearing lifejackets, their chances of surviving would have significantly increased.    Coastguard Regional Manager Jonny Bannister told Kerre Woodham it should absolutely be legislated for on a national level.  He says that there’s about eight different variations around the country as to what is required, but Coastguard New Zealand is actively campaigning to make it compulsory across the country.   LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 18 Jun 2025 00:41:33 Z /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/sean-broughton-stats-nz-population-and-housing-spokesperson-on-the-changes-to-the-census/ /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/sean-broughton-stats-nz-population-and-housing-spokesperson-on-the-changes-to-the-census/ It's goodbye to the five-yearly Census from 2030, and hello to a smaller annual survey.  They're changing things up, instead assessing a smaller chunk of the population yearly.  Information people have already provided to Government departments will be used to inform the data, and Stats NZ says the changes will help provide more accurate and timely information.   Population and Housing Statistics spokesperson Sean Broughton told Kerre Woodham the traditional approach to the Census is no longer sustainable.   LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 18 Jun 2025 00:32:00 Z /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/katrina-king-franchise-association-ceo-on-franchising-in-new-zealand/ /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/katrina-king-franchise-association-ceo-on-franchising-in-new-zealand/ As more people take the leap to owning their own businesses, many seem to be buying into already established brands.  Data suggests the business of franchising and owning established brands is booming, with around 30,000 franchise unites currently existing nationwide.  Association CEO Katrina King told Kerre Woodham they see franchising as being in business for yourself, but not by yourself.  She says as a franchisee you’re part of a system, but you’re very much still a small business in your local community. LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 11 Jun 2025 01:09:02 Z /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/justin-flitter-newzealandai-founder-on-the-applications-and-benefits-of-ai-in-business/ /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/justin-flitter-newzealandai-founder-on-the-applications-and-benefits-of-ai-in-business/ There’s been plenty of buzz around AI in the last few years.  The most recent headlines have been highlighting its evils, such as the creation and lack of regulation around deepfake technology and fake pornography.  However, there are many positive applications for AI technology, particularly in business.  Justin Flitter, founder of NewZealand.AI, joined Kerre Woodham to discuss the potential it holds to transform a workplace, as well as taking listener questions as to how it all works.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 11 Jun 2025 00:28:41 Z /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/aidan-gent-asb-general-manager-for-rural-on-the-loans-for-farmers-to-install-solar-and-battery-systems-on-their-properties/ /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/aidan-gent-asb-general-manager-for-rural-on-the-loans-for-farmers-to-install-solar-and-battery-systems-on-their-properties/ ASB is offering loans to help farmers balance their energy costs.  They’re offering five-year, interest-free loans of up to $150,000 for the installation of solar and battery systems on their properties.  The bank said farm electricity costs are rising, with the average 2025/26 season power bill expected to be around $28,000 for owner-operated dairy farms.  Research found most farms have rooftop space available for solar, and 60% of farmers say they have land that could be used for solar without reducing production.  Rural General Manager Aidan Gent told Kerre Woodham the main barrier to electrification in rural areas was a lack of understanding as to what it would mean for them to electrify their farms, as well as what the cost and payback would look like.  He says the bank is trying to ease access to capital, but also provide tools that help bring it to life.  Electrifying rural areas would also be a major boost to resilience, Gent says, as in the event of a major weather event like Cyclone Gabrielle, it’s much easier to distribute power from farmers’ set ups rather than waiting on the main lines to be repaired.  LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 10 Jun 2025 00:45:08 Z /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/national-blood-donor-week-nz-blood-service-ceo-sam-cliffe-calls-for-more-donations/ /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/national-blood-donor-week-nz-blood-service-ceo-sam-cliffe-calls-for-more-donations/ Kerre Woodham talks to NZ Blood Service CEO Sam Cliffe at the start of National Blood Donor week.  NZ Blood is asking Kiwi's to find their superpower and start saving lives by becoming a blood or plasma donor.  COVID's impact on the methods of recruiting young blood donors has led to a decrease in the number of young people donating blood. Since 2020, there has been a 25% decrease in the numbers of 16-25 year olds and the current average age of donors is 43, with 18% over 60.  Mon, 09 Jun 2025 00:48:44 Z /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/matt-crockett-k%C4%81inga-ora-ceo-on-increased-warnings-and-evictions-vacant-properties/ /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/matt-crockett-k%C4%81inga-ora-ceo-on-increased-warnings-and-evictions-vacant-properties/ Clearer boundaries around Kāinga Ora tenant behaviour could explain a 600% surge in formal warnings.   In the past 10 months, 63 tenancies were terminated because of abusive, threatening, or persistently disruptive behaviour.  Nearly 1,500 warnings have been issued in the financial year to date.   Chief executive Matt Crockett told Kerre Woodham behaviour isn't worse, rather the previous framework wasn't as sharp.   He says clearer boundaries and more follow through now have more people's behaviour changing for the better.  The fate of multiple vacant Kāinga Ora sections sitting empty will be confirmed in the next month.   Multiple projects are on pause as the state housing agency re-focuses on the Government turnaround plan.   This includes selling 900 older homes a year and a new build programme.   Crockett told Woodham Kāinga Ora's been reviewing which areas are cost effective and serve populations.  He says about 20% of its current land holdings will be sold back to the market.  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 05 Jun 2025 21:34:59 Z /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/ben-speedy-asbs-general-manager-of-commercial-banking-on-businesses-uncertainty-regarding-the-impact-of-trumps-tariffs/ /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/ben-speedy-asbs-general-manager-of-commercial-banking-on-businesses-uncertainty-regarding-the-impact-of-trumps-tariffs/ Kiwi business leaders fear the impact of Donald Trump's tariffs will be more severe than the impact of the Global Financial Crisis and the Covid pandemic.  ASB and Talbot Mills have been surveying more than 300 business leaders, including CEOs and founders.  Two-thirds of businesses are concerned about the impacts, including almost 80% of exporters.  Meat, dairy and wine are expected to be hit harder, while the wool and seafood sectors are expected to fare better.  ASB's General Manager of Commercial Banking, Ben Speedy, told Kerre Woodham that the results highlight that businesses are really struggling with the uncertainty that’s playing out in the environment at the moment.  He says businesses not only need to navigate tariffs, but also the difficult business and economic environment in New Zealand.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 04 Jun 2025 00:45:37 Z /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/david-farrar-curia-market-research-owner-on-how-political-polls-work/ /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/david-farrar-curia-market-research-owner-on-how-political-polls-work/ How is it that two recent polls had such starkly different outcomes?  The latest RNZ Reid Research poll —out this morning— has the right bloc on 46.4, behind the left bloc on 50.3.  But the latest 1 九一星空无限 Verian poll —released last night— has the right bloc on 50-percent, well ahead of the left bloc on 45.  Curia Market Research Owner David Farrar told Kerre Woodham that when you poll 1000 people, they say there’s a 3% margin of error – so if a party is sitting at 50%, in reality they’re somewhere between 47% and 53%.  His advice for conflicting polls is to average them out, as that will generally give you a pretty good idea.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 04 Jun 2025 00:29:16 Z /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/gloria-masters-handing-the-shame-back-founder-on-ai-contributing-to-child-exploitation-and-abuse/ /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/gloria-masters-handing-the-shame-back-founder-on-ai-contributing-to-child-exploitation-and-abuse/ The rise of generative AI could be putting children at risk.  Gloria Masters, founder of 'Handing The Shame Back', believes the current digital environment has enabled “much more sexualised content” of children to be available to predators.  AI tools allow people to remove clothing from people in photos, such as children, creating fake nude images they can then trade.  She told Kerre Woodham that share your photos with trusted friends and family members by all means, but the days of posting them on Facebook, Instagram, and other such platforms are gone.  According to Masters, research shows that 85% of online offenders become contact offenders, going on to abuse real children.  She says it’s important to stop giving predators a free pass and remove content so they can’t access it.   LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 03 Jun 2025 00:40:48 Z /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/guy-waipara-meridian-energy-general-manager-development-on-the-grid-battery-storage-system-in-ruak%C4%81k%C4%81/ /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/guy-waipara-meridian-energy-general-manager-development-on-the-grid-battery-storage-system-in-ruak%C4%81k%C4%81/ Construction of New Zealand's first large scale grid battery storage system has finished in Ruakākā, just south of Whangārei.   The Meridian Energy project has storage capacity of 200 megawatt-hours, which is enough to power 60 thousand homes for two hours.   It will provide greater resilience and reduce strain to the Northland power and reduce strain on the wider power supply.   Guy Waipara, Meridian Energy General Manager Development, told Kerre Woodham the batteries are designed to be available at peak periods for the network.  He says it’s only part of the system, but it will play a really important part at the times where energy security is challenged.  LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 27 May 2025 01:14:00 Z /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/mark-mitchell-police-minister-on-the-new-shoplifting-directives/ /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/mark-mitchell-police-minister-on-the-new-shoplifting-directives/ The Police Minister is reassuring retailers officers will still turn up to reports of shoplifting.  RNZ reports staff have been directed to not investigate retail crime below $500 and online fraud below $1000.   Police may not take further action if the reports don't have enough evidence, such as CCTV.  However, Mark Mitchell told Kerre Woodham every crime deserves a response.  He says he wants to be clear that people can’t go out and shoplift anything under the value of $500 – there will be a police response, especially if the offender is able to be identified.  LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 26 May 2025 21:55:40 Z /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/sharon-nicholas-boyle-river-outdoor-education-centre-manager-on-the-importance-of-outdoor-education-for-young-people/ /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/sharon-nicholas-boyle-river-outdoor-education-centre-manager-on-the-importance-of-outdoor-education-for-young-people/ It's been revealed how outdoor education can help build teenagers up.  The Boyle River Outdoor Education Centre is 20 minutes east of the Lewis Pass.  They're a not-for-profit organisation offering outdoor education programmes to secondary school groups and are in the business of fostering leadership, growth and confidence in young people.  Boyle River Outdoor Education Centre Manager Sharon Nicholas talks to Kerre Woodham about the importance of outdoor education for young people.  LISTEN ABOVE.  Sun, 25 May 2025 23:33:51 Z /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/christopher-luxon-the-prime-minister-talks-budget-2025-with-kerre-woodham-and-newstalk-zb-listeners/ /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/christopher-luxon-the-prime-minister-talks-budget-2025-with-kerre-woodham-and-newstalk-zb-listeners/ The Prime Minister's keen to raise the retirement age -- but it's not possible in coalition with New Zealand First. The Government is halving its KiwiSaver contribution rate -- and canning if people earning more than 180-thousand dollars. The default rate of worker and business contributions to KiwiSaver will rise over time. Chris Luxon told Kerre Woodham pushing out the retirement age to 67 makes sense. He says Labour doesn't think it’s a good idea, and New Zealand First does not want to move that forward. Luxon also spoke about the cuts the government made to make funding available elsewhere.  Budget 2025 includes 21 billion dollars of cost-savings - 13 billion of that from the controversial change to pay equity law - raising claim thresholds. Prime Minister Chris Luxon told Kerre Woodham these are difficult choices, but there's no way they could afford that. LISTEN ABOVE OR WATCH HERE Thu, 22 May 2025 21:35:56 Z /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/matt-lowrie-greater-auckland-director-on-the-funding-to-improve-aucklands-rail-network/ /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/matt-lowrie-greater-auckland-director-on-the-funding-to-improve-aucklands-rail-network/ There are hopes investment in rail is just the boost Auckland needs.  The Government will tip more than $600 million of Government funding in Budget 2025 to fully fund the Rail Network Investment Programme until 2027.  The freight network will get $461 million, and $143 million will be spent on Auckland and Wellington's metropolitan trains.  Greater Auckland director Matt Lowrie told Kerre Woodham some maintenance hasn't been done for decades.  He says that now that funding is coming through, they’ll be able to get improvements done so they can actually maintain and continue to improve services. LISTEN ABOVE  Mon, 19 May 2025 23:59:21 Z /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/malcolm-rands-open-letter-on-tax-spokesperson-on-a-potential-wealth-tax-in-new-zealand/ /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/malcolm-rands-open-letter-on-tax-spokesperson-on-a-potential-wealth-tax-in-new-zealand/ The Green Party is suggesting an overhaul of the tax system in their alternative Budget.  It includes taxing wealth, inheritance, gifts, and private jet journeys, and they say it would bring in $88 billion in revenue over four years.   New income tax rates of 39% on income over $120,000 and 45% on income over $180,000 would be introduced, and the corporate tax rate would be raised to 33%, 3% higher than Australia's current rates.  Malcolm Rands is the spokesperson for the ‘Open Letter on Tax’ released in May 2023, in which 97 people leading “financially comfortable lives” expressed their willingness to pay more tax.  He told Kerre Woodham he thinks people who can afford more aren’t contributing as much as they can.  He says taxes don’t just fund social welfare and education, but also things like climate change and the infrastructure bills being passed that will need funding.  LISTEN ABOVE  Fri, 16 May 2025 00:20:25 Z /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/jane-elley-inland-revenue-spokesperson-on-the-student-loan-debt-being-collected-from-overseas-borrowers/ /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/jane-elley-inland-revenue-spokesperson-on-the-student-loan-debt-being-collected-from-overseas-borrowers/ Inland Revenue says attitudes are shifting among student loan holders living overseas.   More than $200 million has been collected from overseas borrowers since July last year – a big annual increase.  More than 24,000 people are thought to be overseas, collectively owing $1.3 billion on loans going back more than 15 years.  IRD's Jane Elley told Kerre Woodham since they received additional funding they’ve been able to ramp up their workforce, enabling them to be a lot more targeted when chasing debt.   Her advice to anyone struggling with their loan is to get in contact with the IRD – ignoring the problem only makes it bigger.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 14 May 2025 00:41:34 Z /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/tom-ronaldson-fire-and-emergency-new-zealands-community-education-manager-on-safely-using-lithium-ion-batteries/ /on-air/kerre-woodham-mornings/audio/tom-ronaldson-fire-and-emergency-new-zealands-community-education-manager-on-safely-using-lithium-ion-batteries/ Warnings to be careful after a string of fires was linked to lithium-ion batteries.   Scrap metal company Sims Metal has been fined $30 thousand over a 2023 fire that released toxic smoke near Ōtāhuhu.  A massive blaze at a recycling plant near Glenfield last month was also linked to lithium-ion batteries, as well as a number of fires breaking out in rubbish trucks across the city.  Fire and Emergency New Zealand's Community Education Manager Tom Ronaldson told Kerre Woodham that lithium-ion batteries are perfectly safe, as long as they’re used correctly.  He says you should only be charging devices while you’re awake, and unplugged as soon as they’re fully charged.  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 08 May 2025 00:08:00 Z