Holiday Breakfast

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.

The Government's celebrating Kāinga Ora seeing a 600 percent rise in warnings under a new tenant crackdown. Sixty-three Kāinga Ora tenancies have been terminated in the past 10 months. Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says it's a result of tenants exhibiting abusive, threatening, or persistently disruptive behaviour. Former Monte Cecilia Housing Trust CEO Bernie Smith joins the show to discuss the crackdown. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The United States is battling a measles outbreak as the disease surges across the country. Experts are saying a post-covid anti-vaccine movement is contributing to the rising numbers. So far the disease has been confirmed in 30 states. US Correspondent Richard Arnold joins the show to discuss how the country's tackling the outbreak. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US is trying to convince Australia to lift its defence spending “as soon as possible.” US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is pushing for a rise of 3.5 percent. He says it's a protection measure against the threat of China. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says his country will determineits own defence policy. Australian Correspondent Murray Olds joins the show to discuss this and Trump's new steel tariff. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indie-pop artist Lisa Crawley makes portraying vulnerability in song writing seem effortless. She's built a career as a multi-instrumentalist, in demand session player and songwriter spanning multiple contents. Lisa has a new EP out today called 'New Girl Syndrome'. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Social media's latest obsession is ... cottage cheese! High protein, low calorie recipes with the ingredient at its centre are going viral. Sales are now through the roof, with Woolworths up 50 percent in the past three months. Owner of organic cheese maker, the Cheese Wheel, Kevin Jenkins talks to Tim Beveridge about the craze. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is taking action on calls made from those in the trade industry. Experts will now be able to run things in their own way as an overhaul of apprenticeships is taking shape. An independent, industry-led model will be introduced early next year. Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmons joins Tim Beveridge. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Industry owned and industry-led apprenticeships are on their way back. The Government's announced an overhaul of vocational training after widespread criticism of Te Pūkenga's attempt, with some labelling it a disaster. Motor Trade Association head of advocacy, James McDowell, talks to Tim Beveridge about the change. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RSA National President Buck Shelford talks to Tim Beveridge about Anzac Day. They discuss the Government's amendments to the Anzac Act, Anzac services and the Dawn Service today. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It seems like far too often we're reading a new headline about another violent crime — another murder. And it's hard to keep up. But every now and again, a crime seizes your attention and makes you ask if we're heading in the right direction when it comes to addressing violent crime in New Zealand. And that case, for me, is the murder — or should I say the alleged murder — of American entomology student Kyle Whorrall. And often, I think, when we hear about violent crimes, we try to comfort ourselves with the assumption that they're confined to the criminal underworld — gang-on-gang, drug deals gone wrong, or some other context that feels far removed. And if we can keep our distance from that world, we're somehow safe. An illusion of security that, perhaps, helps us sleep at night. But now with the news that a 16-year-old has been charged with the aggravated robbery and murder of Kyle Whorrall, I've found myself increasingly of the view that our justice system simply isn't delivering sentences that act as any sort of deterrent to violence. Of course, there needs to be a process and we can't get ahead of ourselves when it comes to assuming guilt. But if someone is found accountable — what real chance do you really think there is of a sentence being handed down that is any sort of deterrence in a society that is becoming more brazen and more violent. Because what happens is that the focus shifts to the accused and to all the terrible reasons they've ended up where they are. And then the discounts start rolling in — for age, for remorse, for a troubled upbringing, maybe even a guilty plea, or their so-called prospects for rehabilitation. And before you know it, the sentence is chipped away — discount after discount — and a young offender is out on home detention after barely a couple of years inside. Meanwhile, for the victim, there's no second chance. He's dead. There's no chance to make a submission to the court, to try and mitigate the outcome of the terrible assault. Because he's dead. He can't make a plea that his life was only just getting underway. Because he's dead. And I'm sorry — that sounds jarring, doesn't it? But maybe it should. Because we like to dress tragedies like this up in euphemisms to soften the blow. But there's no cushioning this tragedy - because, well, Kyle Whorrall is dead — and he shouldn't be. And I'm sorry, but when it comes to our justice system, in my view it's doing bugger all to send any message that violent crime will not be tolerated. Ask any police officer who's spent time dealing with this stuff — they'll tell you how callous the criminal community has become, and how little value is placed on other people's lives and safety. So yes — I'm all for harder sentences. Sentences with consequences that send an unequivocal message around violent crime. Because the murder victim gets no say in how things play out. No plea. No mitigation. No second shot at life. And when it comes to the perpetrator of this crime — I'm not interested in their tears. I'm not interested in their regrets. I'm not interested in their tragic past or the excuses that will be rolled out. They deserve no more benefit of the doubt than their victim received when his life was cut so brutally, and so tragically, short.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A gang conflict warrant has been issued in the Hawke's Bay after shots were fired at homes in Wairoa on Tuesday, then again in Napier yesterday. It will give Police extra search powers for affiliates throughout the region. Napier City councillor and former police detective Keith Price talks to Tim Beveridge about the issue. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A defence minister's highlighting the importance of an alliance with the United States amid global tensions. Shadow defence minister Andrew Hastie says the country's not reliable under Donald Trump. Australian Correspondent Murray Olds tells Tim Beveridge Hastie could be the next leader of the Liberal Party should they lose in May's election. Olds gives an update the direction the election's heading in and Anzac Day commemorations. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The deadliest attacks in months hit Kyiv yesterday. US President Donald Trump posted to Truth Social, "Vladimir, STOP!" after Russia sent 70 missiles and 145 drones toward Ukraine - an attack Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said was aimed at pressuring the United States. US Correspondent Richard Arnold talks to Tim Beveridge about what this means for the war, reactions from European leaders and tariffs. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aucklanders air and water quality could be impacted after a fire broke out at an industrial business on the North Shore. People have been told to keep windows and doors closed and stay away from the area. Newstalk ZB reporter Emily Ansell talks to Tim Beveridge about the fire, issues with National's tax break promise and South Auckland's long awaited Mill Road project. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This could be the final Easter weekend of not knowing what's open and not what's not and when and when you can drink something and when you can't. That's because Kieran McAnulty's member's bill to make amendments to the Shop Trading Hours Act has recently passed its first reading at Parliament. MPs in the past have tried and failed at making changes to legislation, including Act's Cameron Luxton, who talks to Tim Beveridge. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As severe weather has battered the North Island, the timeliness of weather warnings and alerts have again come under question. 0:03Auckland councillors and independent weather forecasters were among those seeking answers over the weekend with severe thunderstorm warnings issued hours into the event overnight on Saturday. Dozens of homes were flooded before emergency phone alerts picked up. Auckland councillor for Waitakere Ward Shane Henderson talks to Tim Beveridge. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Russia and Ukraine are both accusing each other of breaking a 30-hour "Easter truce". Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky calls Russia's President Vladimir Putin's words "empty" as he says there have been more than 46 Russian assaults since the start of the day. Foreign policy and security analyst Jimmy Rushton talks to Tim Beveridge about the truce. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the second Formula One race in a row, Liam Lawson's chances were dashed by a time penalty, as the Kiwi finished 12th at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Oscar Piatri crossed the line to win the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and lead the driver's championship. Motorsport expert and former McLaren race member Bob McMurray talks to Tim Beveridge about the race. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian musician James Reyne is coming from down under to visit our shores for a tour in August. You might know him from hits 'The boys light up', or 1991's 'Reckless' - James was the frontman for Australian Crawl. In the late 80s James began his solo career and went on to release album Hard Reyne - featured the hits "House of Cards" which was #17 on the ARIA Charts and "One More River" #22 on the ARIA Charts. James Reyne talks to Tim Beveridge about the tour. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christopher Luxon's making his first trip to the UK as Prime Minister. While in London they'll be a focus on trade and defence during the meeting with his counterpart Kier Starmer. The UK is only a 7th largest trading partner with with a 20% increase in exports last year. British New Zealand Business Association president Philip Wood talks to Tim Beveridge about the visit. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Russia is after access to an Indonesian air base. The two countries have a friendly relationship, and Russia is now telling Australia to stay out of Indonesian affairs. Australian Correspondent Murray Olds called it a "blunt warning from Jakarta." LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump's in the midst of a showdown with the Supreme Court. US border agents put 28 Venezuelans on a bus to Texas airport last night, where they would be taken to the infamous Salvadoran prison CECOT. But the Supreme Court ordered a pause on the deportations. US Correspondent Richard Arnold talks to Tim Beveridge about the unfolding situation and state department cut backs. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rocket Lab founder Sir Peter Beck is trying not to compare himself too much to his mega-wealthy rivals. Jeff Bezos' Blue Origins has successfully launched its first rocket into orbit overnight, while Elon Musk's SpaceX has been launching a pair of landers towards the moon. Rocket Lab, meanwhile, has been launching a second Varda Pioneer Spacecraft into orbit. Beck told Tim Beveridge he's never had the capital of his two main competitors, owned by the two wealthiest people on the planet, and he probably never will. He says the lack of money has forced Rocket Lab to innovate, which has become its strength. In other space developments, India has docked two spacecraft for the first time, while stranded NASA astronaut Suni Williams has made her first spacewalk on the ISS. She and her colleague Butch Wilmore aren't expected back on Earth until late March at the earliest. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have the standards in New Zealand's Parliament been slipping? Between constant interruptions and heckling, name calling, and a haka towards the end of last year, 2024 was filled with events that drew concern about the behaviour of our MPs. Speaker of the House, Gerry Brownlee, told Tim Beveridge that since there is now a party of reasonable size that wants to make cultural expressions that recognise their voters, they need to ask how that fits in. He says there's a lot of tension surrounding it, and they're looking at ways in which they might formalise some aspects so that there isn't the element of surprise or ambush. Brownlee says that in the end, New Zealand has a very safe Parliament, and people shouldn't lose sight of that. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's multiple debuts happening at this weekend's SailGP regatta. Not only is it Auckland's hosting debut, but it's also the first time the new high-speed titanium T-Foils will be seen in action, having been trialled for the last two years. Nat Fortier, SailGP's Global Director of Communications, told Tim Beveridge that the last speed record was under 100kph an hour, but now they're seeing the boats hit just over 100kph. She says they're all hoping they'll see that kind of speed out on the water this weekend. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winds have briefly eased in LA but the battle continues for firefighters trying to contain deadly wildfires. Whole neighbourhoods have burned to the ground and many evacuated families don't know when they can return home. Meanwhile, local authorities warn the gusts could pick up again next week. Fire and Emergency New Zealand's Thomas Harre has worked in California. He told Tim Beveridge the environment's very complex in terms of its terrain, fuel types, and vegetation types, as well as the number of communities affected. Harre says that makes it very difficult to extinguish, especially combined with the current weather conditions. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The forecast isn't looking too bad for what's arguably Auckland's biggest events weekend of the summer. Thousands are expected to descend on Eden Park over the next two nights, to see country music star Luke Combs. The city's also placing host to Sail GP over the next two days and Auckland FC is taking on Melbourne FC at Mount Smart Stadium tomorrow night. MetService forecaster Hordur Thordarson told Tim Beveridge it should be a mostly settled weekend for most parts of the country, including Auckland. He says there'll be an easterly flow, reasonably warm temperatures and the odd shower, but lots of fine spells as well. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The banks are at it again. ASB is slashing its rates this morning following a move by Westpac yesterday afternoon. Many borrowers have been moving to floating or short-term fixed rates, anticipating further OCR cuts. But latest forecasts show bank economists now expect the Reserve Bank to start hiking the OCR again next year. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen told Tim Beveridge the latest changes to advertised rates are driven more by bank competition, than by the Reserve Bank. He's expecting a lot of competitive pressure between the banks this year as they jockey for market position. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's determination from the Education Minister to continue focusing on literacy and numeracy in schools. New data shows 70% of Level 1 students passed NCEA last year, down from 82% the previous year. It's partly due to the new 20-credit foundational literacy and numeracy requirement. Erica Stanford told Tim Beveridge there was a cohort of students who were getting enough credits but couldn't pass the requirements throughout the year. She says it's why more investment was announced to target young people in 169 schools in term four. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Green Party had a rough time in 2024, dealing with their fair share of scandals and tragedies. From Darleen Tana's dramatic exit and Golriz Ghahraman's shoplifting scandal, to the death of Efeso Collins and Marama Davidson's cancer diagnosis. Co-Leader Chlöe Swarbrick told Tim Beveridge that it's been tough. “I do spend a lot of time reflecting on the actions that I take, and whether I'm the best person to be doing this job,” she said. “I can tell you that I feel confident that we've done the best that we possibly could with those circumstances, with our values being the guiding star.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police officer Lyn Fleming's life will be remembered at a full police funeral today in Nelson. She died after she was run over while carrying out patrols in the city on New Year's Day. The funeral will be held at the Trafalgar Centre and livestreamed on the Police website and Facebook page. Police Association President Chris Cahill says there are unique features to a police funeral, including the police flag draped over the coffin, the police guard, and the performance of a haka. He told Tim Beveridge that the public support from across New Zealand have been felt both in Nelson, but also in stations across the country. Cahill says the support is always welcomed, even if it's come from incredibly tragic circumstances. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.