Holiday Breakfast

Over summer Andrew Dickens is catching up with the Mayors of Aotearoa in his Summer Road Trip series. Central Otago Mayor Tamah Alley joined Dickens to talk about her focus for 2026, the potential for a Tarras Airport, local wineries and upcoming summer events. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Synthony owner and boxing promoter David Higgins joined Andrew Dickens to chat about Synthony's meteoric rise and next steps in the world of boxing. Higgins was always put off by joining the world of music, until he discovered Synthony. "With Synthony, I thought, wow, it's like Cirque du Soleil. It's a brand, I could trademark in 100 countries, which I did. I could then schedule dates and venues, at will and use local orchestras and young talent who are grateful for the opportunity and not be at the behest of global agencies and management," he told Dickens. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Boxing Day Races at Ellerslie, in what is likely the biggest wedding of the year, Louise Savage will become a wife. The Races are expected to have 15,000 attendees. Savage joined Andrew Dickens to chat about the big day. "I will just be imagining and preparing to go for a lovely day out at the races and there happens to be a wedding thrown in between race two and three," she said. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New polls are showing older Australians firmly standing behind One Nation as support for Labour and National wanes. Whereas, Australia Correspondent Murray Olds told Andrew Dickens, "young people are running running 100 miles an hour away from the conservative side of politics." And, questions of rising antisemitism continue as a car with Hanukkah decorations, belonging to Rabbi Effy Block, was firebombed on Christmas Day. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dress Smart Auckland manager Lauri Solecki chats to Andrew Dickens about the best sales, her expectations for Boxing Day busyness, and overviews the Christmas shopping period. "We're expecting strong performance and we remain optimistic," she said. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gavin Grey catches up with Andrew Dickens to discuss the EU and UK news of the day. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson were both absent for the Sandringham Christmas service. Two anti-hate social media campaigners were denied entry to the US as the State Department accuses them of trying to supress free speech. And, 115 people were arrested in Turkey for alleged planned New Years attacks connected to ISIS. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fuel providers NPD and Gull announced a proposed merger of the two entities on Wednesday, December 24. The decision now sits with the Commerce Commission as they decide if the merger will increase or decrease competition in the market. Both companies are already low-cost providers, so, it is hoped the proposed merge could lower prices for consumers. Customers have been awaiting a fuel price drop for a while now, as oil prices have fallen, but the change has not been seen at the till. AA Fuel spokesperson Terry Collins told Andrew Dickens, "it's the largest margin I've seen between landed price and retail price, and these companies, what they need to do is not just offer discounts and specials on particular days, but we need to see across the board drop in our fuel prices currently." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Zealand cruise season got off to a slow start, but from Boxing Day until January 5th over 50 cruise ships will dock in across the country bringing a boost to local economies. Although, NZ Cruise Association CEO Jacqui Lloyd told Andrew Dickens that eco-regulations and increased costs have slowed the industry. "While it's great to have the ships in port, it is disappointing in the numbers that are coming in," Lloyd said. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Far North District is a hot-spot for Kiwis looking to get away over the holidays. However, due to the impacts of cyclones, storms and COVID - the area's businesses are still struggling. Far North District Mayor Moko Tepania told Andrew Dickens that tourism this summer is key to boosting Northland's struggling businesses. 'We need you all to come up here and spend your money because our businesses bloody need it.' LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington City Mission is expecting to welcome hundreds of people for Christmas lunches across the city tomorrow. Five different locations will offer food and quality time for those living within City Mission housing, and those who use its services. Missioner Murray Edridge told Andrew Dickens that it's been the hardest year many have experienced, but tomorrow's a time to come together. He says Christmas can be difficult because it reminds those struggling of what they don't have. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Santa Claus says he's fully wrapped up his Christmas preparations - ahead of tonight's global gift run. New Zealand is one of his first stops on his longest night of the year. Santa rolled out a dad joke - as he described what kids have been asking him for this year. He says remote control vehicles are a big thing - but he's not sure how remote children want to be from the vehicle. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Red meat may no longer be the star of the Christmas dinner table. The price of sirloin and porterhouse steaks and lamb chops rose about 25-percent in the past year, and beef mince and sausages more than 10-percent. But poultry and pork have stayed at or below the rate of inflation. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen told Andrew Dickens that a summer salad's more affordable. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump may have spent more time travelling with late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein than previously reported. The Department of Justice has released thousands of documents and images. Emails from 2020 say Trump's listed as a passenger on Epstein's private jet to places including Palm Beach and Washington. US correspondent Richard Arnold says they weren't to the infamous Epstein Island. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Businesses are cautiously reopening along Sydney's Bondi Beach, after its terror attack. Fifteen people were killed and more than 40 others injured when two gunmen opened fire during a Jewish Hanukkah celebration on the beach. Many local businesses sheltered victims during the attack and have struggled in the days since. Australian Correspondent Murray Olds told Andrew Dickens that the area's slowly coming to terms with a new reality. He says cafes are open and people are back surfing. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters says the new Free Trade Agreement with India is rushed. It reduces or removes 95 percent of export tariffs, offers targeted temporary work visas - and gets preferential treatment for our apples and manuka honey. I comes after nine months of negotiations. Peters says it gives India too many concessions on immigration and investment, and does little for this country's dairy sector. Winston Peters told Andrew Dickens not enough time was given for engagement, because of the time frame set by the Prime Minister. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

71,627, that's how many mobile phones have been diverted from landfill this year. The Telecommunications Forum has been running their re-mobile scheme since 2014, diverted almost a million phones since then. The nationwide shutdown of 3G is leaving a large number of mobile phones obsolete, so many people are looking to get rid of their phones. TCF Chief Executive Paul Brislen told Andrew Dickens that, 'if they can be reused, we get them recycled.' LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trade Minister claims our new Free Trade Agreement with India, is its best deal struck with any country. It's followed nine months of negotiations, ending with India agreeing to lower or remove tariffs on 95-percent of our exports, with wins for fruit, meat, wool, coal and forestry sectors. Little's changed for dairy - with duty free access only for certain protein products and those for re-export. Todd McClay told Andrew Dickens that all our exporters will benefit. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump has appointed the Governor of Louisiana as a Greenland Envoy. Governor Jeff Landry has said that he will fight to make Greenland part of America. European correspondent Catherine Field told Andrew Dickens that the Danish Prime Minister is 'absolutely furious.' "She has said national borders are are rooted in international law, you can't just annex another country." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington's had an interesting year. Leaky pipes, Golden Mile chaos, and of course, they got themselves a brand new mayor out of national politics. Tory Whanau quit the mayoralty race, headed to Melbourne, and now Andrew Little is in office. He told Andrew Dickens that he's looking forward to next year, saying, "There's some pretty exciting things scheduled for 2026." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been an up-and-down year for National, seeing success in some areas and struggles in more. However, the slowly recovering economy is an early Christmas gift ahead of next year's election. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon joins Andrew Dickens to discuss the key talking points of the year in politics, and discuss what Kiwis can expect to see from the government as we head in to the new year. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police are renewing calls for patience on the roads this holiday period, warning lives are at risk. Fifteen people were killed in crashes between Christmas Eve and early January last summer. The toll has topped 11 for five consecutive years. National Road Policing Manager Superintendent Stephen Greally told Andrew Dickens that too many drivers are focused on getting to the front of the queue. He says that risk taking causes carnage on too many occasions. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pet Refuge is urgently appealing for donations, and bracing for demand to surge over Christmas. The charity is receiving daily pleas for help from people escaping family violence - and is currently caring for 29 pets. Founder Dame Julie Chapman told Andrew Dickens that more than half of women delay leaving family violence - because they're scared to leave pets behind. She says the charity takes pets in for up to four months and covers all costs, while people rebuild their lives in emergency housing or women's refuge. https://www.petrefuge.org.nz/ LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Associate Police Minister's pushing back on claims her new organised crime plan is purely a holiday headline. The newly released Transnational, Serious and Organised Crime Strategy aims to make New Zealand the hardest place for criminals to do business. Initiatives include options for setting up a new dedicated department, and developing cross-agency data sharing. Casey Costello says it's not a rehash of Labour's 2007 plan, which was within Police and petered out without results. She says this is a long term sustainable model. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions are being asked of Australia's federal Government in the aftermath of the Bondi terror attack - as it appears to bow to the New South Wales premier. Just over a week ago, 15 people were killed at a Hanukkah celebration - when two gunmen opened fire. The New South Wales Parliament's been recalled to debate a suite of measures proposed by state premier Chris Minns. Australia correspondent Murray Olds says the federal Government's under pressure - because it seems like Minns is the one in charge. Olds says Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's said he'd follow New South Wales on the prospect of a Royal Commission of Inquiry - leaving a lot of people asking where's his leadership. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US has launched another pursuit of an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela - the second operation within days. Reuters reports the US Coast Guard is actively chasing the vessel in international waters, to make it the third tanker seized in less than two weeks. President Donald Trump last week ordered a full blockade of sanctioned oil shipments in and out of Venezuela. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Andrew Dickens that it's not clear what the US plans to do with the tankers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland, where the city's economy isn't firing on all cylinders just yet, but the Chamber of Commerce does say that green shoots are emerging. Crime crackdowns in the CBD and changes to boost events at Eden Park are all part of a push to get Auckland City humming again. Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown joins Andrew Dickens to discuss the progress made this year, and talk about what we can expect to see next. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last year the World Health Organisation warned New Zealand about the "alarming" gap in its measles immunisation. Today news of two more measles cases in New Zealand was released bringing the total known measles cases to ten. Dr Angus Chambers said to Andrew Dickens that low immunisation rates can be partially attributed to Covid and systematic issues. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During the first game of the baseball World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays the province of Ontario aired an anti-tariff ad. The ad featured clips from Ronald Reagan's 1987 national radio address which focused on foreign trade. In retaliation US President Donald Trump slammed Canada with an additional 10% tariffs on goods imported from Canada to the United States. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon arrived in Malaysia this morning, along with other world leaders, for the start of the East Asia Summit. US President Donald Trump will also be in attendance meaning a potential face-to-face meeting with Luxon. Geopolitical analyst Geoffrey Miller told Andrew Dickens, "They do need to keep their heads down a little bit because they can't risk antagonising Donald Trump." This weekend the US President raised Canada's tariffs by an extra 10% after being angered at an anti-tariff advertisement. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland-based Samoan artist Lou'ana Whitney Pereira, who performs under her first name, chats to Andrew Dickens about her upcoming album titled 'Disco Witch'. The album was divided into two parts titled 'AS ABOVE' and 'SO BELOW'. The latter was released in June but the release of 'AS ABOVE' this week will complete the album. Lou'ana is a trained jazz singer obtaining a Bachelor of Jazz Performance from the New Zealand School of Music. She won the 2021 Best Pacific Female Artist Award with her debut album 'Moonlight Madness'. Lou'ana's album 'Disco Witch' will be released on October 31. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Black Fern's player Portia Woodham Wickliffe has become an officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to rugby. She entered the record books last week as the Black Fern's all-time leading try scorer when she scored seven try's in a row against the United States. She joins the show to discuss her latest achievement. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Known for her bright smile, catchy songs, and helping Kiwi kids socialise, speak and count, TV host Suzy Cato is now an officer of the New Zealand order of Merit. She has been a central figure in children's programming for more than 35 years. Cato talks to Andrew Dickens about the honour. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comedian Dai Henwood has been honoured as an officer of the New Zealand order of merit. It comes as he's battling stage-four bowel cancer. He talks to Andrew Dickens about what the honour means to him. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand has a new Deputy Prime Minister. ACT Leader David Seymour has officially been sworn in, taking over from New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters. He is the first ACT Party member to take on the role. David Seymour joins the show for his first official interview with Newstalk ZB as Deputy Prime Minister. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The founder of plastics storage container business Sistema Plastics Brendan Lindsay has been appointed a knight companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in this year's King's Birthday Honours. Lindsay received the honour for his services to business and philanthropy, noting his work at Sistema and his efforts as part of the Lindsay Foundation. He founded the plastic business in 1982. He was made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2012, and was inducted into the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame in 2020 in recognition of his contributions to business. Brendan Lindsay joins the show to discuss his appointment. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.