/on-air/rss 九一星空无限 Fri, 20 Jun 2025 00:38:14 Z en /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/deva-mahal-soul-and-rb-musician-talks-about-her-new-single-south-coast/ /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/deva-mahal-soul-and-rb-musician-talks-about-her-new-single-south-coast/ Hawaiian soul and R&B musician Deva Mahal joins Andrew Dickens to discuss her new single ‘South Coast’.  Deva Mahal is the daughter of legendary Blues Singer Taj Mahal, a factor that she says does not impede her music.   She said that “[Taj Mahal] has always taught us it’s not following in his footsteps; it’s standing in his light”   The Wellington-based artist has hinted that her next project will be released this October.  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 19 Jun 2025 22:44:54 Z /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/scott-simpson-commerce-and-consumer-affairs-minister-says-digital-scams-are-down-but-not-out/ /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/scott-simpson-commerce-and-consumer-affairs-minister-says-digital-scams-are-down-but-not-out/ The Department of Internal Affairs' Digital Messaging Transparency Report shows reports of text scams fell by 62 percent between 2023 and 2024.  It seized almost 400 thousand dollars' worth of scam equipment last year.  Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson told Andrew Dickens that people can now report text scams with a single click.  He says there have already been 665 thousand of those reports so far this year.  LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 19 Jun 2025 22:27:58 Z /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/jack-mesley-super-rugby-ceo-says-law-innovation-has-boosted-the-games-popularity/ /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/jack-mesley-super-rugby-ceo-says-law-innovation-has-boosted-the-games-popularity/ The Crusaders take on the Chiefs in the Super Rugby final held in Christchurch tomorrow night.   With nearly half the games decided by 7 points or less, the recent games have been tight and entertaining, leading to a boost in viewer numbers.  Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley says, 'law innovation’ and ‘close games and unexpected results’ have helped Super Rugby gain its recent boost in audience.  Crowd numbers are also up by 6% this year, despite fewer games. This increase is expected to continue next year.   LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 19 Jun 2025 22:19:22 Z /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/robert-patman-international-relations-expert-says-luxon-will-set-the-record-straight-over-cook-islands-dispute/ /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/robert-patman-international-relations-expert-says-luxon-will-set-the-record-straight-over-cook-islands-dispute/ An International Relations Expert says the Prime Minister will set the record straight in China regarding the pause on Cook Island aid funding.  Foreign Minister Winston Peters has put millions of dollars in developmental aid on hold - saying trust needs to be restored.  The island nation signed a comprehensive strategic partnership with China, without reference to New Zealand, despite our two countries' official special relationship.  International Relations Expert Robert Patman says the timing of his current visit to China, isn't great.  He says he's sure Luxon will make the point the Cook Islands were informed well before this visit.  LISTEN ABOVE    Thu, 19 Jun 2025 22:02:24 Z /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/alistair-crozier-china-council-executive-director-says-pms-meeting-with-xi-jinping-will-be-more-than-pleasantries/ /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/alistair-crozier-china-council-executive-director-says-pms-meeting-with-xi-jinping-will-be-more-than-pleasantries/ Prime Minister Chris Luxon’s trip to China looks to be successful so far as it reaches its conclusion today.  Chris Luxon is due to meet President Xi Jinping this afternoon after 871 million dollars of commercial agreements have been signed so far between Kiwi businesses and our Chinese counterparts.  New Zealand China Council executive director Alistair Crozier told Andrew Dickens that today's meeting between leaders will be more than pleasantries.  He says there is a lot to discuss, and it will come down to a respectful exchange of views.  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 19 Jun 2025 21:48:33 Z /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/murray-olds-australian-correspondent-discusses-the-potential-raise-in-gst-for-australians/ /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/murray-olds-australian-correspondent-discusses-the-potential-raise-in-gst-for-australians/ The Australian Government has faced calls to update its tax system to pay off its national debt. The Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers has said he won’t ‘rule in or rule out’ any changes to future tax plans, including raising the GST, something the treasurer has clearly said he is against. Australian Correspondent Murray Olds says, “there’s no doubt, you have to have to have some reform over here.” LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 19 Jun 2025 21:36:52 Z /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/richard-arnold-us-correspondant-says-president-trump-sets-two-week-deadline-to-decide-us-involvement-in-iran/ /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/richard-arnold-us-correspondant-says-president-trump-sets-two-week-deadline-to-decide-us-involvement-in-iran/ The US President has set himself a two-week deadline to decide on US involvement in the Iran-Israel conflict. Hundreds have been injured and killed over the past week, with both sides trading punishing strikes. Israel has bombed nuclear and civilian targets in Iran - and Iranian missiles hit an Israeli hospital overnight. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Andrew Dickens that Donald Trump has very publicly been trying to negotiate an end to the conflict, with domestic politics playing a part. He says Trump is dealing with division in his own political ranks over the issue and he's been going back and forth on US involvement. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 19 Jun 2025 21:08:35 Z /on-air/marcus-lush-nights/audio/the-most-bored-youve-ever-been-19-june-2025/ /on-air/marcus-lush-nights/audio/the-most-bored-youve-ever-been-19-june-2025/ The night before a long weekend has Marcus talking about being bored, and having red hair. LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 19 Jun 2025 12:04:06 Z /on-air/sportstalk/audio/ryan-crotty-crusaders-assistant-coach-ahead-of-the-super-rugby-final/ /on-air/sportstalk/audio/ryan-crotty-crusaders-assistant-coach-ahead-of-the-super-rugby-final/ Here at Sportstalk, we're all swept up in Super Rugby fever! After we hashed out the issue with the cowbells yesterday, we thought we'd better do at least one preview of the actual game. So D'Arcy Waldegrave had a chinwag with Crusaders assistant coach Ryan Crotty. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 19 Jun 2025 08:33:13 Z /on-air/sportstalk/audio/greg-nicol-black-sticks-head-coach-ahead-of-the-teams-latest-nations-cup-clash/ /on-air/sportstalk/audio/greg-nicol-black-sticks-head-coach-ahead-of-the-teams-latest-nations-cup-clash/ The Black Sticks Men are off to a flying start at the Nations Cup in Malaysia. They've won three straight games and are now getting ready for the semi-final against Korea. Head coach Greg Nicol spoke to D'Arcy Waldegrave on Sportstalk. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 19 Jun 2025 08:29:30 Z /on-air/sportstalk/audio/full-show-sportstalk-with-darcy-waldegrave-june-19-2025/ /on-air/sportstalk/audio/full-show-sportstalk-with-darcy-waldegrave-june-19-2025/ D'Arcy Waldegrave returned to wrap another day of sports news! Highlights for tonight include:  Crusaders assistant coach Ryan Crotty ahead of the Super Rugby final. Talkback - Super Rugby final speculation - and what has been the secret sauce that has made this season taste so good? Black Sticks Men's head coach Greg Nicol on the Nations Cup. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 19 Jun 2025 08:25:41 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/enda-brady-uk-correspondent-on-keir-starmer-chairing-an-emergency-meeting-to-discuss-israel-iran-conflict/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/enda-brady-uk-correspondent-on-keir-starmer-chairing-an-emergency-meeting-to-discuss-israel-iran-conflict/ Prime Minister  Sir Keir Starmer recently chaired a meeting to discuss the  UK’s response to the crisis in the Middle East. There's growing concerns the conflict could escalate further, should the US enter the conflict between Israel and Iran. UK correspondent Enda Brady says the UK Government will be weighing up a series of options, as the US hasn't revealed what actions they plan to take. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 19 Jun 2025 07:39:11 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/the-huddle-was-it-a-mistake-for-new-zealand-to-pull-funding-for-the-cook-islands/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/the-huddle-was-it-a-mistake-for-new-zealand-to-pull-funding-for-the-cook-islands/ Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland councillor Maurice Williamson and Wellbeing Economy Alliance director Gareth Hughes joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Farmers are up in arms over new changes to the FBT that could potentially impact ute owners. What do we make of this? Do we see the Government changing this? Was it a mistake for New Zealand to pull funding for the Cook Islands? How bad do the optics look here? Shane Jones is floating the idea of getting rid of regional Government altogether. Is this a good idea? LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 19 Jun 2025 07:30:01 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/sam-dickie-fisher-funds-expert-on-how-investors-can-prepare-for-geopolitical-disruptions/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/sam-dickie-fisher-funds-expert-on-how-investors-can-prepare-for-geopolitical-disruptions/ The Israel-Iran conflict has continued on for a week - and it's seen markets dropping as more fear the conflict intensifying. Experts also believes markets are likely to drop further if the US gets more involved in the conflict. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explains the market impact of the conflict. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 19 Jun 2025 07:16:11 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/full-show-podcast-19-june-2025/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/full-show-podcast-19-june-2025/ On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 19 June 2025, New Zealand has pulled almost $20 million of funding to the Cook Islands. Cook Islands 九一星空无限 journalist Rashneel Kumar broke the story, he tells Heather how he found out and how terrible our relationship is right now. Kiwibank's Jarrod Kerr is celebrating a surprisingly good GDP number for the first three months of the year - but still thinks more cuts to the OCR are desperately needed to boost the economy. Another talkback-walkback! The Government u-turns on proposed changes to Fringe Benefit Taxes for utes. Heather speaks to the only one person in the country who can prescribe magic mushrooms, Professor Cameron Lacey. Plus, the Huddle debates whether it was a mistake to pull funding from the Cook Islands. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 19 Jun 2025 07:11:46 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/jamie-mackay-the-country-host-on-huinga-dairy-farmer-brendan-attrill-winning-gordon-stephenson-trophy/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/jamie-mackay-the-country-host-on-huinga-dairy-farmer-brendan-attrill-winning-gordon-stephenson-trophy/ Brendan Attrill, of Caiseal Trust in Taranaki, has been announced as the 2025 National Ambassador for Sustainable Farming and Growing. Attrill received the Gordon Stephenson Trophy at the National Sustainability Showcase at Tākina in Wellington. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further.  LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 19 Jun 2025 07:08:38 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/liam-dann-nz-herald-business-editor-at-large-unpacks-recent-gdp-data-for-first-quarter-of-2025/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/liam-dann-nz-herald-business-editor-at-large-unpacks-recent-gdp-data-for-first-quarter-of-2025/ New data out of Stats NZ reveals the country's gross domestic product grew by 0.8 percent in the first quarter of 2025. It's a stronger result than predicted by the Reserve Bank and Treasury. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann unpacks these results - and voices his concerns about the future. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 19 Jun 2025 06:56:38 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/beata-bukosa-niwa-atmospheric-scientist-on-the-carbon-sink-in-the-south-island/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/beata-bukosa-niwa-atmospheric-scientist-on-the-carbon-sink-in-the-south-island/ New research indicates New Zealand may be removing more carbon than it produces. A new study from NIWA has highlighted a potential carbon sink in Fiordland's native forests - and researchers found our environment absorbs at least 170 million tonnes of carbon per year. NIWA atmospheric scientist Beata Bukosa says it's still unclear where the carbon goes - and more research needs to be carried out. "It's maybe potentially exported somewhere else, so that's something we still need to figure out." LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 19 Jun 2025 06:48:04 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/mark-hooper-federated-farmers-transport-spokesperson-on-the-backlash-to-the-governments-new-ute-tax/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/mark-hooper-federated-farmers-transport-spokesperson-on-the-backlash-to-the-governments-new-ute-tax/ Federated Farmers is calling on Revenue Minister Simon Watts to rule out new changes to the Fringe Benefit tax that would impact utes. The IRD has proposed major changes to the way FBT applies to utes and farmers are concerned this would set them back thousands of dollars a year. Federated Farmers' transport spokesperson Mark Hooper says this issue started drawing in more attention post-Fieldays. "We've had a little bit of communication with the minister's office - as I said, we looked at it from a farm perspective, we could see that there were some issues with the categories they had laid out."  LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 19 Jun 2025 06:30:27 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/chris-whelan-universities-nz-ceo-on-the-new-data-revealing-where-nz-universities-rank-in-the-world/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/chris-whelan-universities-nz-ceo-on-the-new-data-revealing-where-nz-universities-rank-in-the-world/ One expert has offered a positive view on Kiwi university ratings. Four of our institutions have improved their standing in the prestigious QS World University Rankings. Auckland University is highest at 65th place, and Otago is in the top 200 for the first time since 2022. Universities NZ chief executive Chris Whelan says they're good results. "Given the funding that we have per student is less than half of, say, the equivalent in the US and well below countries like Australia or the UK - we do incredibly well." LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 19 Jun 2025 05:58:57 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/rashneel-kumar-cook-islands-journalist-on-new-zealand-pausing-funding-to-the-cook-islands/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/rashneel-kumar-cook-islands-journalist-on-new-zealand-pausing-funding-to-the-cook-islands/ There's claims the Cook Islands were left in the dark over New Zealand pausing funding.  Foreign Minister Winston Peters says a $20-million-dollar pot of development aid won't resume until trust is restored between our countries, who operate under a special relationship.  Its Prime Minister signed a comprehensive strategic partnership with China, without giving New Zealand any insight on the deal.  Cook Islands journalist Rashneel Kumar says the Government was caught off guard - and he explained that it has tried to ease fears the agreement with China may have caused.  LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 19 Jun 2025 05:48:26 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/jarrod-kerr-kiwibank-chief-economist-issues-warning-after-gdp-figures-unveiled/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/jarrod-kerr-kiwibank-chief-economist-issues-warning-after-gdp-figures-unveiled/ Kiwibank's chief economist says GDP figures released today show good momentum - but the next report isn't looking as good.  Stats NZ says our gross domestic product grew a strong 0.8 percent in this year's first quarter. It's much higher than predicted by the Reserve Bank and Treasury. Jarrod Kerr says there is less optimism around the quarter ending June.  "The data that we talked about was for the first quarter - obviously, it pre-dates Trump's tariff announcements, which has thrown a whole lot of uncertainty into the year. And it also predates the recent spike in oil prices."  LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 19 Jun 2025 05:30:16 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/jason-walls-newstalk-zb-political-editor-on-new-zealand-halting-cook-islands-funding-after-china-agreements/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/jason-walls-newstalk-zb-political-editor-on-new-zealand-halting-cook-islands-funding-after-china-agreements/ The Foreign Minister's pushing back on suggestions our geopolitical stoush with the Cook Islands will impact our relationship with China.  Winston Peters this morning confirmed the Government's halted development aid to the Cooks, with his Ministry unhappy over the lack of clarity around the island nation's cooperation deal with China.  九一星空无限talk ZB political editor Jason Walls says Peters made it clear that New Zealand's issues are about the Cook Islands' lack of consultation with us.  LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 19 Jun 2025 05:17:35 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/murray-olds-australian-correspondent-on-erin-pattersons-deadly-mushroom-trial-drawing-to-a-close/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/murray-olds-australian-correspondent-on-erin-pattersons-deadly-mushroom-trial-drawing-to-a-close/ After weeks and weeks of hearings, Erin Patterson's deadly mushroom trial is nearing its end. The 50-year-old is accused of intentionally serving a poisonous mushroom dish to her estranged husband's family in 2023. She maintains her innocence. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the jury is set to retire soon - and then a verdict will be unveiled. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 19 Jun 2025 05:13:02 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/jason-pine-sportstalk-host-outlines-predictions-ahead-of-super-rugby-pacific-final/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/jason-pine-sportstalk-host-outlines-predictions-ahead-of-super-rugby-pacific-final/ The Chiefs and Crusaders are set to face off this coming Saturday in the Super Rugby Pacific final. The event sold out Christchurch’s Apollo Projects Stadium and fans are gearing up for a memorable match. Sportstalk host Jason Pine outlined his predictions ahead of the match. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 19 Jun 2025 05:03:03 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/cameron-lacey-psychiatrist-on-getting-approval-to-prescribe-magic-mushroom-treatment/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/cameron-lacey-psychiatrist-on-getting-approval-to-prescribe-magic-mushroom-treatment/ One single psychiatrist has been approved to prescribe psilocybin or 'magic mushrooms' for treatment-resistant depression. That psychiatrist is Professor Cameron Lacey, who welcomed the approval as an opportunity to provide treatment that can change people’s lives. Lacey says there's been a great deal of interest since he got permission to prescribe psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression. "I think it speaks to the demand and eagerness of which people have been following this field." LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 19 Jun 2025 04:48:45 Z /on-air/matt-heath-tyler-adams-afternoons/audio/full-show-podcast-19-june-2025/ /on-air/matt-heath-tyler-adams-afternoons/audio/full-show-podcast-19-june-2025/ On the Matt Heath and Tyler Adams Afternoons Full Show Podcast for the 19th of June 2025 a full and packed show with stories of scams after Larnoch Castle got ripped off by an employee. Then stories of drones being used for things you would never imagine. Later, our Afternoons duo is joined by New Zealand born deep-sea exploration expert Rob McCallum.  He is the man who raised concerns about the safety of the Titan submersible before its fatal implosion. He is featured in the Number one Netflix documentary about the incident - and is absolutely fascinating.  Crusader Scott Barrett joined us for a chat ahead of the Super Rugby Pacific Final. Plus our New Zealander Of The Week and the Call of The Week. Get the Matt Heath and Tyler Adams Afternoons Podcast every weekday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 19 Jun 2025 04:44:19 Z /on-air/matt-heath-tyler-adams-afternoons/audio/matt-and-tylers-new-zealander-of-the-week-19-june/ /on-air/matt-heath-tyler-adams-afternoons/audio/matt-and-tylers-new-zealander-of-the-week-19-june/ At the end of every week, Matt and Tyler name the New Zealander of the week.  It's an honour that we grant on your behalf to someone who has had effect on our great and beautiful nation over the past week.  There are three nominees but can only be one winner. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 19 Jun 2025 04:22:28 Z /on-air/weekend-sport-with-jason-pine/weekend-sport-is-live-in-christchurch-for-the-super-rugby-pacific-final/ /on-air/weekend-sport-with-jason-pine/weekend-sport-is-live-in-christchurch-for-the-super-rugby-pacific-final/ Listen to Weekend Sport with Jason Pine from 12pm - 3pm Saturday as he builds up to the Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final. He will be joined by Crusaders halfback Noah Hotham, Chiefs fullback Shaun Stevenson along with Super Rugby CEO Jack Mesley, Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge and Chiefs CEO Simon Graafhuis. PLUS, listen to WIN a double pass to the sold out match at Apollo Projects Stadium. If you are in Christchurch, join Piney from The Rockpool - the original inner-city gastro pub from 12pm - 3pm Saturday. Thu, 19 Jun 2025 03:58:29 Z /on-air/matt-heath-tyler-adams-afternoons/audio/rob-mccallum-kiwi-deep-sea-specialist-opens-up-about-role-with-oceangate/ /on-air/matt-heath-tyler-adams-afternoons/audio/rob-mccallum-kiwi-deep-sea-specialist-opens-up-about-role-with-oceangate/ With Netflix's new Titan: The OceanGate Disaster attracting acclaim and attention two years after the disaster, one home-grown expert joined the Afternoons team to open up about working with OceanGate. Kiwi deep sea specialist Rob McCallum has spent years exploring the ocean's wonders, and lent his perspective to the Netflix documentary. He joined the Matt Heath and Tyler Adams to explain further. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 19 Jun 2025 03:36:44 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-the-govts-into-local-decision-making-when-it-suits/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-the-govts-into-local-decision-making-when-it-suits/ The Government’s been making it increasingly clear over time that it doesn’t really give two-hoots about local democracy.   But, in the last 24 hours, it’s gone next level.   First up, we’ve got housing minister Chris Bishop, who announced yesterday that he’s going to be given special powers to ride roughshod over council plans if he doesn’t like them. Essentially, if he thinks a council has a district plan that doesn’t support economic growth and development, or won't do anything to create jobs, then he can come in over the top and say “nah nah nah, you’re not doing that.”  In fact, from what I’ve been reading, it seems any government minister is going to be able to modify or remove aspects of council plans that they don’t agree with. Talk about big brother. But that’s not all. Chris Bishop also got himself involved in a spat with the Christchurch City Council, saying that the council’s failed attempt to push back on the Government’s housing intensification rules was “nuts”. He’s saying: “It is an inarguable, and sometimes uncomfortable, fact that local government has been one of the largest barriers to housing growth in New Zealand." Going on to say: “Christchurch City Council just outright defied its legal obligations.”Signing off with the accusation that the council was “nuts” if it thought it could get away with not doing what the Government wanted it to do.  Now, even though I didn't have a problem with Chris Bishop declining the council’s request for Christchurch to be treated as a special case and not have to go along with the Government’s housing intensification policy, I think he needs to rein it in a bit.  But this attack on local democracy doesn’t stop with Chris Bishop.  Shane Jones is at it, as well. Saying in a speech to local government leaders that regional councils have had their day and he wants to get rid of them.  “What is the point of regional government?” That's what he said when he stood up at the lectern in Wellington last night. He seems to think that, with all the changes the Government is making to the Resource Management Act, we won't need regional councils anymore. Saying: “There is less and less of a justifiable purpose for maintaining regional government.” Which I do kind of get. Because I know a few people in local government and I have asked them recently where they see the likes of Environment Canterbury going if the Government is going to give the resource management act the heave-ho. Because that’s what regional councils were set up to do in the first place. To implement the Resource Management Act. There have been a few add ons since then - like running bus services. And I’ve long been a fan of local government amalgamation. But for a government minister like Shane Jones to stand up and give a speech to local government people and tell them that he wants to ditrch regional councils - that is arrogant. Just like this plan to let ministers interfere in council plans if they don't like what they see. That’s arrogant too. But it’s more than just arrogance. It’s an attack on local democracy. Which, apparently, is something the government values. When it suits, it would seem. Because, when he was announcing these new powers - which are going to be in force until all the changes to the Resource Management Act have gone through - he admitted it was a significant step.  "But the RMA’s devolution of ultimate power to local authorities just has not worked.” Which is code for saying: "Even though we say we’re all into local decision-making, we’re only into it when it suits Wellington".  LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 19 Jun 2025 03:10:14 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/phil-mauger-christchurch-mayor-on-housing-intensification-central-government-being-able-to-override-council-plans-christchurch-council-update/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/phil-mauger-christchurch-mayor-on-housing-intensification-central-government-being-able-to-override-council-plans-christchurch-council-update/ Christchurch’s Mayor is back with John MacDonald to discuss the biggest stories from the week that was.  The Government is giving the Housing Minister the power to overrule local councils, and Phil Mauger has some strong opinions on the topic.  Housing intensification is still on the docket, but he’s made it clear they’ll be pushing back against it all the way.  And why are there so many leafblowers out and about? Is that a good use of taxpayer money?  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 19 Jun 2025 01:08:43 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/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/katie-fisher-us-correspondent-on-the-us-involvement-in-the-iran-israel-conflict-republican-response/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/katie-fisher-us-correspondent-on-the-us-involvement-in-the-iran-israel-conflict-republican-response/ Whether the United States will intervene in the Iran-Israel conflict remains up in the air.  President Donald Trump says he 'may' or 'may not' order American military involvement.   US correspondent Katie Fisher told Ryan Bridge the uncertainty is causing some rifts within the Republican camp.  She says that some of his “right-wing cheerleaders” like Tucker Carlson and Marjorie Taylor Green are saying that by entering the Iranian war, Trump would be turning his back on his America First policy.   LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 18 Jun 2025 23:58:00 Z /on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/opinion/mark-the-week-the-world-is-a-mess-isnt-it/ /on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/opinion/mark-the-week-the-world-is-a-mess-isnt-it/ At the end of each week, Mike Hosking takes you through the big-ticket items and lets you know what he makes of it all.    Good ideas: 7/10  Not a bad week. Monthly inflation data, the census scrapped, the Housing Minister to overrule council and health targets improving. Things feel a bit like they're moving.    The Crusaders: 7/10  A great comeback story for Rob Penney, who was vilified a year ago, on the verge of being a hero this weekend.    Nico Porteous: 7/10  Story of the week in some ways for me. Living his dream, charting his destiny, and mature beyond his years. I wish him well.    Venice: 3/10  They're protesting the Jeff Bezos wedding. He has booked the place out, he is throwing money at the joint, and they are a tourist town. What is it you want?    Radio NZ: 4/10  They're looking for people to quit and that, sadly, is what you get when the Willie 'Snake Oil' Jackson rolls his circus into town to hand out lollies that can never be real.    The world: 4/10  It’s a mess, isn't it? This time last week yet another war started and where traditionally we have a country and a leader that rises to the occasion, sadly these days there's no such luck. He's too busy launching his gold phone.    LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW  Wed, 18 Jun 2025 23:41:33 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/erica-stanford-immigration-minister-on-the-travel-authority-for-chinese-visitors/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/erica-stanford-immigration-minister-on-the-travel-authority-for-chinese-visitors/ From November, transiting Chinese passport holders won't need a visa to pass through New Zealand airports.   They'll can instead get a New Zealand electronic Travel Authority that's processed in four hours, and lasts for two years.   Immigration Minister Erica Stanford told Ryan Bridge our Chinese visitor numbers are lagging at about 65% pre-Covid levels, so they're doing anything to help.   She says it will also significantly increase the amount of freight from China and South America and bring down freight prices.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 18 Jun 2025 23:16:51 Z /on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/opinion/mikes-minute-the-move-of-the-week-from-the-govt/ /on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/opinion/mikes-minute-the-move-of-the-week-from-the-govt/ I think this was the move of the week.  Housing Minister Chris Bishop dropped the bombshell on local body operators that the Government has decided to give him the power to intervene around housing in local body decision making.  Mind you, we could argue scrapping the calamitous Census was a good move, and indeed I'm a massive fan of reporting inflation data on a monthly basis, which sort of makes us look like a first world country. These are all good decisions.  But as regards councils and housing, in the broader interests of this small country finally getting its fiscal act together, this move cannot come soon enough.  The simple truth is we are over councilled. We have ludicrous numbers of local do-gooders in a vast array of fiefdoms making decisions that may, or may not, make any sense locally, far less incorporating themselves into the bigger national picture.  Part of the problem is too often councils have not been up to much. Too many councils are littered with acrimony and in-fighting, progress is stalled, or watered down, or major work is ignored in favour of more headline grabbing material that makes the local representatives look good.  Not all of course, but too many.  From Tauranga, to Wellington, to Christchurch, to Invercargill; the infighting and dysfunction has become legendary.  What you can say about central Government that you can't say about local Government is most of us took part in the democratic process and as a result this Government, rightly or wrongly, has a mandate to get on and do stuff.  Mainly, stuff that got cocked up by the previous Government.  If there has been a constant theme of this current Government, even from its broad-based supporters, it is that they haven't done as much as they might have.  They have plans and ideas and announcements and KPIs. What they don't have is a vast array of results.  They don't have tangible things that have been changed leading to us quite clearly being better off.  With the Bishop announcement it would appear that message and the lack of traction is finally hitting home, and they have sat around the Cabinet table and worked out they have about a year left to put some major runs on the board so that election time is about delivery and not more promises.  The country basically is too small for this many councils and committees. A lot of decisions have major national economic implications and as such, central Government has, or should have, a say.  They will hate it of course. They will gnash and wail and moan about local democracy. But guess what? Big picture economic success is more important.  The big picture, generally, is more important. The national story is more important.  Christchurch learned this last week over their intensification scrap, which lasted years and cost them millions, that this Government is serious and on a central vs local head-to-head, only one side is coming out on top.  Wed, 18 Jun 2025 22:47:43 Z /on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/audio/richard-sullivan-health-nz-chief-clinical-officer-on-surgeries-not-being-performed-past-4pm/ /on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/audio/richard-sullivan-health-nz-chief-clinical-officer-on-surgeries-not-being-performed-past-4pm/ Are early finishes to blame for the surgical backlog?  Surgeon Chris Wakeman claims that public health professionals won’t perform surgeries past the 4pm cutoff, causing backlog issues.   Health NZ’s Chief Clinical Officer Dr Richard Sullivan told Mike Hosking that early finishes do occur.  The rosters generally run until about 4:30/5pm, and he says that there are very few operations that can be done in less than half an hour.   He says they’ve been running weekend theatres to try get more people through, but you need quite a big work force to do that consistently.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 18 Jun 2025 22:36:41 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/dave-sweas-dodson-group-ceo-on-the-gdp-figures-set-to-be-released/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/dave-sweas-dodson-group-ceo-on-the-gdp-figures-set-to-be-released/ An Auckland manufacturer is feeling good about the current economic position.  GDP figures are due to be revealed this morning.   Economists and the Reserve Bank are expecting 0.7% growth for the first quarter of the year – slightly higher than the 0.4% predicted earlier this year.  Dodson Group CEO Dave Sweas told Ryan Bridge things turned a corner around February and March.  The precision manufacturers boss says there's been some trepidation about what's coming out of the US, but overall order books are holding up strong.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 18 Jun 2025 22:08:05 Z /on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/audio/wrapping-the-week-with-kate-hawkesby-and-tim-wilson-bullying-mike-for-his-expensive-tastes-lack-of-control-and-his-special-loafers/ /on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/audio/wrapping-the-week-with-kate-hawkesby-and-tim-wilson-bullying-mike-for-his-expensive-tastes-lack-of-control-and-his-special-loafers/ With Matariki this weekend, we’ve come to the end of a short week.  Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson joined Mike Hosking to get their session of Mike-bullying in early – going after his expensive tastes, his lack of control over his life, and his special burgundy suede loafers.   LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 18 Jun 2025 22:03:37 Z /on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/audio/simon-courts-act-s-climate-change-spokesperson-on-the-latest-carbon-auction-ets/ /on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/audio/simon-courts-act-s-climate-change-spokesperson-on-the-latest-carbon-auction-ets/ The latest carbon auction was a bust.  It attracted zero bids, becoming the eighth auction to be declined.  The secondary market currently sits around $58 a tonne, while the auction price sits at $68.  ACT’s Climate Change Spokesperson, Simon Court told Mike Hosking it shows that industrial emitters, such as coal users, already have enough units in the carbon bank to pay for this year's emissions.  With the success of the secondary market, Court says it’s evidence the Emissions Trading Scheme and the carbon markets are working quite well.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 18 Jun 2025 21:53:07 Z /on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/audio/rob-penney-crusaders-coach-ahead-of-the-super-rugby-pacific-final-against-the-chiefs/ /on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/audio/rob-penney-crusaders-coach-ahead-of-the-super-rugby-pacific-final-against-the-chiefs/ The Crusaders’ current Super Rugby season is like chalk and cheese when compared to the las.  They missed the playoffs in 2024, with just four wins in 14 matches.  In contrast, this year sees them host the grand final against the Chiefs – clashing at the Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch on Saturday.  Coach Rob Penney told Mike Hosking the Chiefs have beaten them twice this year, but neither team is the same team as they were on those occasions.  He says it’s going to be another tight match, and the team that holds its composure the longest, prepares the best, and plays the best will be the ultimate victors.   LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 18 Jun 2025 21:33:57 Z /on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/audio/the-re-wrap/the-re-wrap-the-big-bishop-bomb/ /on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/audio/the-re-wrap/the-re-wrap-the-big-bishop-bomb/ THE BEST BITS IN A SILLIER PACKAGE (from Thursday's Mike Hosking Breakfast) Take That, Councils/Stop Doing Pointless Polls/Mark the Week/A Gory End Wed, 18 Jun 2025 21:22:32 Z /on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/audio/full-show-podcast-19-june-2025/ /on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/audio/full-show-podcast-19-june-2025/ On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 19th of June, what will our GDP number look like? It’s set to look quite healthy, but will that give us false hope in Q2?  The Crusaders are going to win the Super Rugby final this weekend, so coach Rob Penney is on to tell us how they’ll do it.    It’s a short week, so Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson get to have their Mike-bullying session slightly earlier as they Wrap the Week.   Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 18 Jun 2025 21:09:06 Z /on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/audio/alex-bartle-sleepwell-clinic-director-on-melatonin-being-approved-for-over-the-counter-sale/ /on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/audio/alex-bartle-sleepwell-clinic-director-on-melatonin-being-approved-for-over-the-counter-sale/ A sleep-expert assures Melatonin is safe, but is still urging people to take caution.   Medsafe has given approval for the sleep drug to be available over the counter at pharmacies. It is commonly used to treat insomnia or jet lag.   Sleepwell Clinic Director Alex Bartle says potential side-effects are fairly minor, and long-term effects aren't fully understood.  However, he doesn’t believe it’s as valuable as it’s made out to be.   Bartle told Mike Hosking behavioural treatments are much more effective.  He says a 2017 study shows a person's total sleep time after taking the medication didn't improve, and says he doesn't prescribe Melatonin at all.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 18 Jun 2025 21:07:49 Z /on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/audio/len-cook-former-national-statistician-on-the-5-year-census-being-scrapped/ /on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/audio/len-cook-former-national-statistician-on-the-5-year-census-being-scrapped/ There are concerns scrapping the traditional census won't deliver the desired results.  Stats NZ is moving to a system using Government collected admin-data, saying the current five yearly Census is financially unsustainable.  Census-style questions will still be asked in much smaller annual surveys looking at a small fraction of the population.  Former national statistician Len Cook told Mike Hosking data-wise, this won't cut it.  He says admin-data comes from about a dozen different sources, none of them complete.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 18 Jun 2025 20:36:09 Z /on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/audio/nick-tuffley-asb-chief-economist-ahead-of-todays-gdp-announcement/ /on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/audio/nick-tuffley-asb-chief-economist-ahead-of-todays-gdp-announcement/ The economy is expected to look better than earlier predictions.  Figures —due out from Stats NZ this morning— are expected to show the country's GDP grew 0.7% for the first quarter of the year.   It's slightly higher than 0.4%, predicted earlier this year.  ASB chief economist Nick Tuffley told Mike Hosking things are expected to slow through the middle half of the year.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 18 Jun 2025 20:08:17 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/rhema-vaithianathan-aut-professor-on-5-year-census-getting-scrapped/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/rhema-vaithianathan-aut-professor-on-5-year-census-getting-scrapped/ The traditional census as we know it is coming to an end. Stats NZ is moving to a system using Government collected admin-data, saying the current five yearly Census is financially unsustainable. Census-style questions will still be asked in much smaller annual surveys looking at a small fraction of the population. Auckland University of Technology Professor Rhema Vaithianathan told Ryan Bridge the price of census is eye-watering. She says admin data also allows information to be released yearly, which is more useful than waiting five to find out what's happening. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 18 Jun 2025 18:08:29 Z /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-19-june-2025/ /on-air/early-edition-with-ryan-bridge/audio/full-show-podcast-19-june-2025/ On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Thursday 19th of June 2025, Dave Sweas CEO of Manufacturer Dodson group, joins Ryan Bridge to talk about the GDP figures out today.  The government scrapped the 5-year census, AUT director of the centre for social data analytics, Rhema Vaithianathan shares her thoughts.  We've got more Visa changes for Chinese nationals, Immigration Minister Erica Stanford tells Ryan Bridge what it means.  Plus, US Correspondent Katie Fisher has the latest on Trump's stance on Israel.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 18 Jun 2025 18:08:18 Z