Holiday Breakfast

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.

The ACT Party argues the re-election of Donald Trump is another reason for New Zealand to ramp up its Defence spend. It's proposing an investment of at least 2% of GDP, with the current spend sitting at 0.9%. ACT's defence spokesperson Mark Cameron says the world is becoming a less safe and predictable place, and New Zealand needs to pull its weight in traditional alliances. He told Tim Beveridge that its incumbent on our crown to spend a bit more on investing in the men and women who wear our national colours every day to protect our national interests. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An overhaul of how obesity is diagnosed could be on the way. The Global Commission on Clinical Obesity has made recommendations that diagnosis is focused on measures of total body fat, not just BMI. The paper says current practices rely too heavily on body-mass indexes. Endocrinologist Rinki Murphy told Tim Beveridge it won't mean people can just diagnose obesity by standing in front of the mirror. She says it becomes unhealthy when fat goes into organs, and it's not able to be seen by the bare eye. The Global Commission on Clinical Obesity also recommends recognising two categories of obesity. Clinical obesity would be used for cases where excess body fat is negatively affecting body functions, while pre-obesity is where a patient has excess fat but it's not having consequences yet. Murphy says BMI will still need to be used for population data. She says it's required for monitoring, while the two categories can be used on an individual level. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another sign of hope on the horizon for jobseekers. The latest quarterly Westpac-McDermott Miller Employment Confidence Index has risen for the first time in over two years, off the back of a three-and-a-half-year low. Public sector workers are more pessimistic than private sector workers about their earning prospects. But there's growing confidence, across the board, about the availability of jobs. Infometrics' Brad Olsen told Tim Beveridge that it's another sign that we're maybe starting to reach the end of the really difficult periods people are facing. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Celebrations in the streets of Israel and Gaza, with reports of ceasefire being reached. More than 46-thousand people have been killed in the region and nearly two million people have been displaced since the conflict began in October. BBC reports the first phase of the deal will see a six-week ceasefire and 33 of the hostages held by Hamas exchanged for hundreds Palestinian prisoners. Foreign Affairs Correspondent Paul Wood told Tim Beveridge it's essentially the same deal that's been offered since May. He says both sides are to blame to some extent for extending the deal, but it was largely Israel's Prime Minister prioritising destroying Hamas over getting the hostages home. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Businesses are feeling optimistic they could be in for a better 2025. The latest Quarterly Survey of Business Opinion from the Institute of Economic Research reveals a net 9% of firms are expecting general economic conditions to improve. This is a jump from a net 4% feeling downbeat three months prior. Infometrics' Brad Olsen told Tim Beveridge that it's definitely a good sign, however at the same time, around 26% of businesses said they had less business activity in the December quarter. He says this could indicate the recession continued through until the end of the year. Olsen says there's quite a clear feeling that while last year was tough, there are better things to come. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ziggy Alberts is as dedicated to song-writing as they come. The Australian musician picked up the guitar when he was 17, releasing his first EP the following year in 2012. He's best known for his studio album ‘Laps Around the Sun', which peaked at number 2 on the ARIA charts. Alberts told Tim Beveridge that when it comes to creating his music, the first step is relative insanity, the second is all the voices in his head. “[Songs are] so mysterious to me,” he revealed. “Writing a story that is actually cohesive or comprehendible, that part I'm quite particular about, but I guess that the inspiration of songs, whether it be playing the guitar or a melody, they're so spontaneous.” “They're such a mystery to me, and have been my whole career.” Alberts recently released a new single, ‘Where Does The Love Go?' - the debut of his next album, ‘New Love', which releases February. ‘Where Does The Love Go?' discusses self-love and awareness, caring for ourselves so that we can care for each other. “I read a lot of Buddhism, and it talks a lot about being responsible for that... not seeing the Buddha outside you, and you've gotta be, you've gotta be the Buddha,” Albert explained. “I think we have to be the change we want to see in the world.” “It's so hard to be that kind of loving embodiment of, you know, conducting yourself and communicating in a way that is useful and hopefully breaks down barriers,” he said. “I think that's the challenge of humanity, really.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A humanitarian worker says a ceasefire in Gaza is desperately needed, with negotiations reaching the final stages. The conflict has killed more than 46-thousand people in the region since the wars began with the Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7. CNN reports the agreement would see a phased release of Israeli hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Doctors Without Borders Head of Programmes Simon Eccleshall told Tim Beveridge it'd mean aid can reach those who desperately need it. He says before the crisis 500 trucks and supplies flowed into the area every day, but now there's a fraction of that. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's thought consistency is key as the Government moves to ban all under 18s from buying all Lotto products. Currently, only Instant Kiwi products have an age limit. Internal Affairs Minister Brooke Van Velden says neither Lotto nor retailers want to sell its products to children, but it's a legally grey area right now. She told Tim Beveridge she expects little resistance to the change. Van Velden says Lotto estimates just 0.2% of all tickets are bought by kids. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LA officials say the destruction caused by the deadly wildfires is "massive", "unimaginable" and unprecedented. Firefighters are a long way off containing the largest Palisades blaze, with 86% of it thought to be burning out of control. The death toll remains at 24, while another 23 people are still missing. Char Miller —a Professor of Environmental Analysis at LA's Pomona College— told Tim Beveridge the firestorm has been unrelenting. He says while they're used to fires in California, this one is different, and it feels like they're constantly under siege. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's likely to be an anxious morning for 160-thousand secondary school students, who soon receive their NCEA exam results. NZQA will upload the outcomes online, with students able to check if they've passed and if they've received Course and Certificate Endorsements or University Entrance. PPTA President Chris Abercrombie told Tim Beveridge for those disappointed with their results, it's not the end of the world. He says one bad result won't shape someone's entire future, and there are always options available. NZQA doesn't reveal the exact time results will be released, but it's usually early in the day. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Intense winds are once again fanning the flames of the LA wildfires. Newstalk ZB's California correspondent Richard Arnold told Tim Beveridge it comes as officials are ramping up the emergency response. He says there's an "army" of about 15 thousand firefighters on the frontline and he's never seen anything quite like it. Arnold says it's hard to stop embers from spreading in the blustery conditions. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a push to limit the amount of alcohol international passengers can drink before flights. Budget airline Ryanair is asking European aviation authorities to enforce a two drink maximum. Europe correspondent Catherine Field says passengers are limited in the amount of duty-free alcohol they can buy. The airline argues that should apply to bars too. Ryanair says changing the rules would create a safer experience for passengers, with improvements to behaviour. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Seymour's controversial Treaty Principles Bill has faced a fair bit of opposition since its introduction. The ACT Leader says it comes from two main camps, and in his opinion, it reinforces the need for a debate around the Treaty of Waitangi and its application. He told Tim Beveridge that the debate has shifted to the point where it's not about race or the Treaty, but rather about whether New Zealand is a society that gives respect and dignity to each person, or whether it's some “backwards-looking tribal place” where people have to say their race before their ideas are heard. Seymour believes the presentation of the bill by the media is “pretty hopeless”. He says there was one interview on TV1 where they gave more time to the protestors that interrupted his interview, than they did him. “It's pretty difficult not to despair with the standards of media coverage.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Almost all Kiwi children experience significant trauma before the age of 10. That's the finding of new Auckland University research, published in the European Journal of Public Health. The study's also found children who experienced at least one traumatic event were twice as likely to be obese by the age of eight. Lead author Ladan Hashemi told Tim Beveridge that they were looking to see if children had been exposed to things such as domestic violence, mental health issues, and alcohol misuse, which have a high prevalence in New Zealand. She says that when all of the categories are combined, the prevalence of trauma is quite high and unsurprising. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Kiwi classic has been scorned. The Marmite and chip sandwich has been named the 17th worst food in the world in Taste Atlas' annual ranking. Although the sandwich only scored a 2.3, the top three spots were claimed by Sweden's Blodpalt, Spain's Bocadillo de Sardinas, and Calskrove, also from Sweden. Food Envy Head Chef and critic Max Gnojczak told Tim Beveridge that he was kind of confused by some of the choices, as they looked pretty decent to him. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.