Holiday Breakfast

The Hoodoo Gurus are returning to New Zealand to perform at the Greenstone Summer Concert series, alongside Iggy Pop and Joan Jett, and New Zealand's very own Zed. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A study by Strava found that only 8-9% of people stick to their New Year's resolution until the end of the year, and over half give it up by the second Friday of the month. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If your house catches fire today, you better hope it happens after 1pm. The Professional Firefighters Union is set to strike again today at 12pm - but only for one hour. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A major breach of the country's largest collection of health data has privacy experts concerned. Manage My Health is an app which allows patients and their GPs to privately communicate, send prescription information and share test results. Due to a cyber attack, 120,000 of the app's 1.8 million kiwi user's data has been compromised. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Queenstown Lakes District Mayor John Glover joins to sum up the year for the countries leading district in tourism. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Data breaches aren't as uncommon as you'd like to think - if you don't think your passwords are being sold somewhere online you're dreaming! But when it comes to some of your most private data, like doctor's appointment notes and test results, you'd probably be right to be a bit more concerned. This is the case for users of Manage My Health, a patient portal where up to 120,000 users' data has been compromised by overseas hackers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

She made history at the 2022 Winter Olympics, bringing home a gold medal in the slopestyle and a silver in the big air. But after an injury disrupted her 2024, she's once again dominated this year. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The provisional number of road deaths in 2025 is currently 272, down from 292 in 2024. This marks three years in a row that road deaths have seen a reduction, due in large part to Operation Open Roads. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You wanted to celebrate the new year appropriately, but you don't want the first day of the year to be a complete write-off - so what do you do? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We've seen the photos and videos on social media going viral every year, showing the mountains of rubbish that have to be dealt with after every new year's festival. Tents that got hit by the weather, covered in mud, with festival-goers who just don't want to deal with packing it back in their cars. But the clean up still has to be done, so what happens to all the rubbish left behind? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel has announced it will stop dozens of humanitarian organisations from working in Gaza from January 1st. It says these organisations - including Doctors Without Borders - have failed to meet new requirements to hand over details of international staff in the territory. But the Israeli Embassy says the combined contribution of these organisations make up less than 1% of total aid entering Gaza. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tauranga Mayor Mahe Drysdale joins to sum up his second year as mayor, discuss councillors getting a 15.56% raise, and One Love cancelling its 2026 event. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An 81-year-old's smashing stereotypes - choosing DJ decks rather than knitting needles. Molly Pardoe - who goes by the stage name DJ SuperGran - is making history as the oldest performer to take the stage at Gisborne's Rhythm and Vines Festival. She also chairs festival partner charity, SuperGrans Tairawhiti Trust. Pardoe says music has always been part of her life, and this is another chance to turn up the volume on what she loves. She told Andrew Dickens that it was an incredible experience, and she wouldn't trade it for anything. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the country's leading figures, in motorsport is becoming a Knight in today's New Year Honours List. The country's most successful modern motorsport champion, Scott Dixon, claimed his sixth IndyCar Series championship and his fourth 24 Hours of Daytona victory in 2020. With 59 victories and six series championships, the “speedster” has been a hero to young fans while tirelessly fundraising for children's charities like CanTeen and St Jude. He told Andrew Dickens that, "I love New Zealand, love flying the flag whenever I can, and hopefully doing it well." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three new Dames have made today's New Year Honours List. Former judge Coral Shaw has led a range of public sector reviews, notably, chairing the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and faith based care. She served as a district court judge before becoming the first female employment court judge from 1999 to 2009. She told Andrew Dickens that her career has been gruelling but rewarding, as she announced her retirement on air. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leighton Smith is being made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for Services to Broadcasting. He hosted the Mornings Show on ZB for 33 years, and after retiring in 2019, he started his podcast which is running to this day. When asked about his commitment to the industry, he told Andrew Dickens that, "Radio is radio. It represents everything that I that I ever wanted to be, to be perfectly honest." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leading figures, in motorsport, business, medicine and the arts are becoming Knights in today's New Year Honours List. Xero founder Rod Drury, of Ngāi Tahu, has supported multiple infrastructure and philanthropy projects - particularly in Queenstown Lakes District. He told Andrew Dickens that the title, "Doesn't kind of roll off the tongue yet, that's for sure." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Year's Eve celebrations in Nelson tonight will have a tinge of sadness, as the city marks one year since Police officer Lyn Fleming was killed on the job. Police Commissioner Richard Chambers will be joining beat patrols in the city tonight. Chambers says he wants to back up staff who were working alongside Fleming a year ago, and to remember her. Nelson Mayor Nick Smith told Andrew Dickens that it was an incredibly tragic start to a difficult year, and people in Nelson are keen to move on. He says they can't wait to put 2025 behind them and to get into 2026. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Northland local government leaders are reacting cautiously to news of Te Tai Tokerau's first proposed rates freeze in a decade. The zero-rate increase has been put forward by Northland Regional Council for its 2026/2027 financial year and would affect 100,000 ratepayers. Chairman Pita Tipene told Andrew Dickens that council had been looking for savings and reductions that would not impact the services they can provide. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wind warnings remain in effect across the lower North Island, upper South Island and West Coast. Foxton residents are being asked to urgently conserve water, and thousands of homes are without power in Manawatu, Horowhenua, Kapiti Coast and north of Westport. State Highway 57 is closed south of Palmerston North, and motorists on the Desert Road are being asked to take extra care. MetService forecaster Thapi Makgabutlane says conditions should be relatively more settled, after today. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's New Year's Eve tomorrow, and many Kiwis will be celebrating the New Year with parties and late nights. However, accidental overdoses and spiked drugs are the major issue with hospital visits for cocaine, ketamine, methamphetamine use. Know Your Stuff General Manager Casey Spearin told Andrew Dickens that, "We work with the end user to say, 'will you take this?' and if so, let's try and keep you safer." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Organisers of Gisborne's Rhythm and Vines festival are prepared for every eventuality. Thousands have descended on Waiohika Estate vineyard for the three-day music and camping festival - running since 2003. Festival-goers remain in high spirits - despite heavy rain last night and light rain forecast today. Live Nation Festivals Director Kieran Spillane told Andrew Dickens the team is well prepared for the time, between now and New Year's Day. He says they have 350 security guards, Police patrols, 30 paramedics, and drug and alcohol breath testing. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Safety in central Auckland's back in the spotlight, after Sunday morning's mass brawl on Karangahape Road, leaving three people with serious head injuries. A 21-year-old man's appeared in court, but Police are still looking for other people involved. K Road Community Safety co-founder, Karen Ritchie, told Andrew Dickens that public violence, anti-social behaviour and drug-taking are far too common. She says it's an awful time, where people and businesses are having to deal with this type of behaviour. A fight in Auckland's Wiri on Sunday night also put two people in hospital.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rain hasn't dampened the party atmosphere at Gisborne's Rhythm and Vines festival. Thousands of festival-goers have descended on Waiohika Estate vineyard for three-day music and camping festival - running since 2003. Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz told Andrew Dickens that locals once loathed the event but it's now embraced by almost everyone. He says the young people who attend bring millions of dollars into the local economy, and bring a vibrancy to town. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over 450 kilometres of Auckland roads will be getting a refresh in the coming weeks as droves of Aucklanders head out of town for summer. Auckland Transport's head of road maintenance Alan Wallace joined Andrew Dickens to chat about how people can best avoid the roadworks. Wallace said, "everything we're doing, we're trying to do it in a way that minimises how it affects others." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour Leader Chris Hipkins says he is confident ahead of next year's election. He told Andrew Dickens that the party is focused on gaining more confidence from the public, and says he will still be the Labour Leader when the election rolls round. 'Our our public support's been, really building, and we've got some real momentum going into this campaign' LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More attacks from Russia - as the Presidents of the US and Ukraine prepare to hold talks in Florida. Russia has bombarded Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine with strikes by missiles and hundreds of drones - knocking out power and heat in parts of the capital. Kyiv based Foreign Policy and Security Expert, Jimmy Rushton, [told Andrew Dickens that this is a continuing pattern of attacks. He says Russia's goal is to force Ukrainians to pressure their Government to surrender. He says despite having no power in the height of winter, Ukrainian people are strong and won't give in. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The PPTA says the popularity of school life skills and personal development classes reflects a shift in what students want from school - not just parents. Ministry of Education figures reveal nearly 68 thousand students enrolled in courses in this field in 2025 - up from about 49 thousand in 2021. PPTA President, Chris Abercrombie, told Andrew Dickens that parents are more aware of their children's goals. He says students are less likely to take subjects because they're told to - and more likely to choose courses matching their own aspirations. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has travelled to Florida to begin talks with President Trump about a peace plan. This is the first visit to Trump's Mar-a-Lago by Zelenskyy, and the talks aim to narrow the issues on the US sponsored peace plan. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Andrew Dickens that while Zelenskyy has been negotiating peace, Putin has been launching drones against civilian targets over Christmas. 'Putin stepped up the Russian attacks through the holiday period, with at least 1810 drones fired.' LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Waikato district is the 4th largest region in New Zealand, covering 25,000 square kilometres. Waikato Mayor Aksel Bech is encouraging Kiwis to take a trip to the Waikato over summer, saying that there's more going on than people may think. 'The Waikato region's got lots to offer, not just future facing, but, some of the old-time charms as well' LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.