Podcasts about Air New Zealand

A consumer watchdog is warning passengers to know their rights as Air New Zealand slashes hundreds of flights across the country in the wake of the global fuel crisis. The airline is cutting 11,000 mostly domestic flights between now and early May. That will affect about 44,000 passengers. Air New Zealand says the cuts are necessary to help keep flying affordable as the war in the Middle East forces jet fuel prices up. Consumer New Zealand chief executive Jon Duffy spoke to Lisa Owen.

Air New Zealand is cancelling 1100 - affecting 44,000 passengers throughout the country over the next two months. Nelson is one city where some flights will be cancelled, its mayor Nick Smith spoke to Corin Dann.

Call for the government to encourage working from home to ease fuel costs; Nelson's mayor responds to Air New Zealand flight cancellations affecting the region; Expert says the government must act to secure New Zealand's long-term energy supply; Child Cancer Foundation reports a surge in families needing support; Fuel companies warned over pricing as costs climb.

Air New Zealand's facing more massive cost pressures, with the conflict in the Middle East increasing the price of jet fuel. Air NZ CEO Nikhil Ravishankar spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Air New Zealand has ruled out entirely cutting routes, as it faces huge cost pressures over jet fuel.CEO Nikhil Ravishankar said the airline would focus on trimming off-peak flights and reducing frequency, but he couldn't say which regions would be most impacted. New Plymouth mayor Max Brough spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Ministers meet to discuss New Zealand's fuel reserves and supply chain risks; Air New Zealand's CEO responds to rising fuel costs and possible fare surcharges; Legal action filed after pay rises offered only to non-union staff; Vegetable growers say they were blindsided by a proposal from Wattie's; Employers warned to manage sick leave pressures as a new COVID wave spreads

The price of flying has already gone up and could take off again if the war in the Middle East continues. Air New Zealand raised it fares this morning and said it could be forced to raise them again and also review routes. It all comes back to the price of aviation fuel, and the critical Hormuz strait which is a shipping route for up to 20 percent of the world oil is essentially closed due to the conflict. So what does it mean for the travelling public? Travel agent Vincent George spoke to Lisa Owen.

Some regional mayors are worried Air New Zealand's financial troubles could see flights to their cities facing the chop. New Plymouth District Council mayor Max Brough spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

On the political panel, Paul Goldsmith and Carmel Sepuloni discuss the week in politics, while Wayne Brown weighs in on a fiery council debate over housing rules. Regional leaders worry over potential Air New Zealand route cuts, retailer Rod Duke says Middle East tensions could lift prices, and David Whyman explains why his supermarket offers seniors a daily discount.

The latest on financial market volatility on the back of spiking oil prices as Air New Zealand suspends its earning guidance. Business commentator, NBR journalist Nicholas Pointon, also discusses Forsyth Barr's commentary it is the best reporting season since 2022.

Our national carrier is flying through turbulent skies, with grounded planes, global conflict, and growing criticism from politicians and passengers Air New Zealand is struggling in a booming aviation market, and new fears the war in Iran raise fuel costs and questions over whether the national carrier can regain altitudeFind The Detail on Newsroom or RNZ Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The New Zealand Initiative Chair Roger Partridge joins Taxpayer Talk with Peter Williams to discuss a new report arguing New Zealand could unlock more than $24 billion for essential infrastructure by recycling mature Crown-owned commercial assets.Roger explains how redirecting capital tied up in government-owned companies such as Air New Zealand, Kiwibank and the mixed ownership electricity generators could help fund hospitals, schools, roads and water systems — without raising taxes or increasing public debt. Drawing on the successful New South Wales model, he outlines how a ring-fenced National Infrastructure Fund could convert government commercial holdings into the infrastructure New Zealand urgently needs.Support the show

Rev Scottie Reeve is an Anglican priest, host of the 21 Elephants podcast and a social entrepreneur from Wellington. and joins us LIVE tonight at 9pm to talk about the idea coming out of the US that the war in Iran is, as one Military Commander said, a ‘Part Of God's Divine Plan'. The Commander had a “big grin” on his face while saying Donald Trump “has been anointed by Jesus to light the signal fire in Iran."David Seymour and Marama Davidson joined Ryan Bridge this morning on HeraldNOW to talk Air New Zealand losses and US/Israeli strikes on IranWinston Peters has finally publicly commented on the actions of the US and Israel and subsequent war in the Middle East and on the PM's inability to be clear in his messaging around what NZ's official response to that war is ++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

Air New Zealand's reset just got a lot more urgent. Things could deteriorate faster for the airline amid instability in the Middle East. Morningstar Research is now forecasting a $125 million pre-tax loss this year following a $59 million loss in the first half of the year. Forsyth Barr Head of Research Andy Bowley told Mike Hosking there's little disagreement that the second half of the year will be similar or worse, the concerning aspect is how bad it could be. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Act Party leader comments on Trump’s bombing, Trump’s tariffs, “degenerate dog owners” in Northland, and selling Air New Zealand.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Tuesday Wire... For Dear Science this week, our expert, Professor Allan Blackman, chats with us about the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, Squeaky Rubber Shoes, and Plastic made from Milk.  For our weekly catchup with the National Party, Tuesday Wire Host Alex spoke to National MP Ryan Hamlilton about the government's shares in Air New Zealand, their Teacher Training Boosts, and the results of the New Zealand Crime and Victims Survey. He also spoke with Associate Professor in Politics at the University of Otago, Nicholas Khoo, about The US and Israeli strikes on Iran, nuclear proliferation, and what it means for the existing rules based liberal order.

This week on the Monday Wire... For our weekly catch-up with the ACT Party, News Director Castor spoke to MP Simon Court about the Middle East, Air New Zealand shares, and move-on orders for rough sleepers.  They spoke to Iranian political scientist and activist, Samira Ghoreishi, about the escalating conflict in the Middle East. They also spoke to Chief Executive of Te Hiringa Mahara, Karen Orsborn, about youth struggles to access mental health support services in Aotearoa.  And they spoke to President of Living Streets Aotearoa, Tim Jones, about a set of new transport proposals, particularly as they affect pedestrians and cyclists.

There is disagreement between the ACT and NZ First leader over the Government's stake in Air New Zealand. ACT Leader David Seymour proposed selling the Government's stake, which Winston Peters called 'economic lunacy'. Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper told Heather du Plessis-Allan that, 'David Seymour and Winston Peters have never seen eye to eye at all and it's remarkable really that both have been part of the same cabinet for two years.' LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government wants to see regional routes kept, despite Air New Zealand's poor financial showing. Some regional flights could be axed or scaled back in response to the company's $40million half-year loss. Act leader David Seymour has called for the Government to sell its majority shareholding in the airline, which New Zealand First's Winston Peters calls economic lunacy. Associate Transport Minister James Meager told Heather du Plessis-Allan that Air New Zealand should consider efficiencies.He says there are some commercial decisions they could make, and hopes scrapping regional connectivity is not one of them LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are we holding Kiwi farmers to gold-plated standards while waving cheap imports straight through the border? This week we take on what Duncan calls the double standard threatening to force local producers out of business. From pork and eggs to animal welfare rules, farmers say they're being hammered at home while competing against products made under standards we've already banned. Then it's politics. Ani O'Brien and Maurice Williamson join us to dissect Chris Hipkins' “state of the nation” speech, the cost of living reality facing households, and whether voters are actually feeling any economic bounce. We also get into billion-dollar power company profits, Air New Zealand's big loss, and whether selling it is the answer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The debate over asset sales has reared its head again, this time after a very grim result for our national carrier. Air New Zealand has reported an after tax $40 million loss for the six months to December. We’ve had a controversial and complicated history when it comes to selling off state assets. From bailing out banks to the great 90s airport selloff, it’s always been a touchy subject for Kiwis who want to keep everything in house. But, is it time for us to face facts that maybe privatisation isn’t that bad after all? Today on The Front Page, Act Party leader and Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour is with us to chat about what should stay, and what should go. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Air New Zealand could be in for a hard landing, as the CEO carries out a strategic review in the face of rising costs and falling profits. The national carrier posted a $40 million loss for the six months ended December. That's compared to a $106 million profit for the same period the year before. It is still blaming severe disruption caused by delays to unscheduled engine maintenance grounding up to eight planes, plus fuel and operating costs. Air New Zealand chief executive Nikhil Ravishankar spoke to Lisa Owen.

The Deputy Prime Minister has got his own safety message for Air New Zealand after the airline posted a $40 million loss for the six months ended December. David Seymour has described the national carrier's ticket prices as "crazy", and has renewed his call for the government to sell its 51 percent stake in Air New Zealand. Deputy Prime Minister and ACT leader David Seymour spoke to Lisa Owen. 

Air New Zealand has launched a full strategy review after posting a half-year loss of $40 million after tax. Forsyth Barr's head of research Andy Bowley spoke to Corin Dann.

Winston Peters responds to David Seymour's calls for the government to sell its shares in Air New Zealand. He spoke to Corin Dann.

The asset sale discussion is rearing its head, with the ACT leader asking whether Air New Zealand should be owned by the government. Political reporter Lillian Hanly reports.

This morning we took a look at Air New Zealand's multi-million dollar loss, with one analyst telling us the company will be looking at its labour costs; Plus, Winston Peters responded to David Seymour's calls for the government to sell its shares in the airline; We spoke to the Child Poverty Action Group following new figures that show the number of children living in material hardship has reached a ten year high; There's L plates for learner drivers, but one Auckland man has created S plates for senior drivers. We spoke to him to find out why; And, we wrap up our pulse of the economy series by taking a look at the screen industry to see how it's placed in 2026.

Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour has renewed his call for the government to sell its shares in the Air New Zealand arguing that owning the airline does not represent good value for taxpayers Today the national carrier reported a loss before tax of $59 million for the first half of the 2026 financial year. To explain the challenges the airline, and the aviation industry more broadly is facing, aviation commentator Irene King is with Jesse.

Air New Zealand is fighting with one hand tied behind its back facing local costs its international competitors avoid. The national airline's announced a $40 million half-year loss. The new Chief Executive says airlines are a cyclical business, and New Zealand is disproportionately exposed to local inflation. Nikhil Ravishankar told Mike Hosking some of the other airlines making more money are the ones that have recently gone through a downturn. He says it's partly nature of the business, but there are also things we're exposed to locally that some of our competitors aren't. They've also been struggling with aircraft being grounded due to global engine issues, a slower than expected recovery, and rising costs. Ravishankar told Hosking he took on a business grappling with a post-Covid rebuild. He says up until now, they've been playing not to lose, but now they're building a business that can play to win. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is no doubt that Air New Zealand has issues. In a week of company reports, the vast majority contained good news. Air New Zealand was a glaring exception. A national airline losing money in an industry that is booming doesn't make sense. They have engine issues – that is real and it's not over. They have eight grounded planes and planes that don't fly don't make money. They have issues getting planes, but that has been applicable to everyone. So it's a perfect storm of sorts. But if you read the report the engine compensation was $55 million, but the bottom line would have been $90 million if the engines were on the plane. But add $90 million to the loss and you still aren't making a lot of profit. They blame domestic demand, or lack of it. They blame increased charges and they are real. The cost-plus-accounting of landing charges and so on is not only material, but criminal, and the Government as a main shareholder needs to do more. Then enter David Seymour in election year who says we should sell the thing. "Go woke, go broke" and "they are too politically motivated," says Seymour. Seymour is wrong. We need a national airline. Just imagine the sale to a private operator and the thing tanks. A country needs an air network and Jetstar isn't it. The Government has saved Air New Zealand before, they could do it again as a country with no airline is not a country. But that doesn't mean Seymour is completely wrong; Air New Zealand is woke and it does have reputational issues. It has focused on uniforms and departure videos to a degree that is laughable. The great airlines like Emirates, Singapore, and Qatar have ordinary uniforms and ordinary videos, but world class product and a shedload of profit. That is where Air New Zealand is badly missing. Too often they charge first-world prices for budget services and domestically the services are not reliable enough. There is a line between their genuine issues and their brand issues. They do have problems, but they also don't look like all they could be and haven't for years. Some of it is a small country with a small population. Some of it is too much purple and too much PR around Cassava crisps and $800 flights to small towns. The CEO has a hell of a job. The turnaround, they say, is coming. If you read this week's report, I don't see it yet. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the end of each week, Mike Hosking takes you through the big-ticket items and lets you know what he makes of it all. New Zealand: 8/10 It really has been quite the week. From the dairy to the spending, the turnaround, without question, is real. The confidence is up and the roll could be close to being on. Kiwifruit: 9/10 The forecast and plan released this week is a good example of how you think big when you are bullish. Mitch Barnett: 4/10 We wish him well, obviously, but the geography of the Warriors cannot be escaped. And we get a swap. And more importantly, this is our year. Air New Zealand: 3/10 In an industry awash with profit, they still can't find one. Cash: 7/10 The banks are, rightly or wrongly, out of step with this one. We like cash. We may not use it all that often, but enough do. Reserve bank - 1. Retail banks - 0. LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 27th of February, there's a material drop in the number of victims of violent crime – Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith discusses. Air NZ CEO Nikhil Ravishankar discusses their half-year financial loss in a world of airlines making huge profits. And Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson talk speeding tickets by the kids and Sam's final bill for the dinner at Cibo as they Wrap the Week. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 26 February, 2026, we talk to Air New Zealand's boss about its net loss of $40 million and ask if David Seymour's right when he says: "Go woke, go broke." How much the Government's making from clamping cars when people fail to pay fines. We look at why men are far more likely to own the home they live in than women. And on The Huddle, Clare de Lore and Ali Jones discuss why many people are happy to see Jacinda Ardern living in Australia. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So David Seymour's right about Air New Zealand - but he's also wrong about Air New Zealand. Before we get to why, let me bring you up to speed on what's happened with the airline today, because the news is not good. Air New Zealand has posted a half-year result showing a $59 million pre-tax loss, which is slightly worse than expected. And to be fair to Air New Zealand, a lot of this really isn't their fault. They've had not one, but two engine types in their fleet causing them trouble. And the economic downturn we're experiencing in New Zealand - the worst in most of our lifetimes, you have to go back more than 50 years to find anything as bad - directly affects their earnings. If we don't have money, we're certainly not spending money on flights. But some of this is their fault. They're squandering customer loyalty with poor on-time performance and a tired, diminished Koru Club offering. And this is where David Seymour is right when he says, “Go woke, go broke.” Because part of the reason Air New Zealand is losing customers to Jetstar is that there are people who no longer want to pay for Koru Club. The offering has slid from the good old days. You can't even - and this bugs people more than the airline ever seemed to realise - go into the lounge, ask for a coffee, and take it away like you can at a café. There are no takeaway coffees because Air New Zealand doesn't want paper cups going on planes. Paper cups are bad for the environment… when you're flying planes. They've wasted time and money trialling an electric aircraft they don't actually know how to integrate into their fleet. And they're constantly lecturing the government about sustainable aviation fuel - SAF - which is more expensive than standard jet fuel, and standard jet fuel is already extremely expensive right now. But here's where David Seymour is wrong - he says the solution is to sell down the Government's 51 percent stake in Air New Zealand. We can't do that. We are an isolated island nation. There are only two ways to get here - by boat or by plane, and we all know which one people actually use. We need to own those planes to make sure they keep flying. If we learned anything during COVID, it's that Air New Zealand effectively became a logistics lifeline and repatriation service for the entire country. So yes, David Seymour is part right and part wrong. We do need Air New Zealand to stop the distractions and start doing its job properly. And we do need it to remain in New Zealand hands.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, journalist Clare de Lore and Ali Jones from Red PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Air New Zealand recently posted a multi-million net loss, and it's prompted David Seymour to urge the Government to sell down shares in the airline. Do we think this is the right move? What's gone wrong here? New data from Cotality shows women are lagging behind men when it comes to home ownership. Why do we think this is? Former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has made the jump across the ditch and has been spotted house-hunting in Sydney. What do we make of this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Air New Zealand's assuring it's on track for economic stability. The national airline's announced a first-half before-tax loss of $59 million. CEO Nikhil Ravishankar says the result's driven by challenges from aircraft being grounded, a softer recovery than expected - and rising costs. But he says they'll be well on the road to recovery over the next two to three years. "One of the key reasons I say that so confidently is for the first time in six years, we've got new aircraft coming back into the fleet and we're solving engine issues." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

THE BEST BITS IN A SILLIER PACKAGE (from Wednesday's Mike Hosking Breakfast) It Isn't/Mark the Week/Everyone Agrees; Trump's Deranged/News That's Not NewsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is the AI trade still unstoppable - or is smart money quietly rotating? In this episode, hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang, we unpack Nvidia’s blockbuster US$43 billion quarter and CEO Jensen Huang’s bold pushback against fears of an AI threat to software firms. We examine why Salesforce is leaning on a US$50 billion buyback as shares slide - and what that signals about SaaS sentiment. Closer to home, we explore how OCBC is prioritising special dividends over buybacks as Singapore payouts surge to multi-year highs. In UP or DOWN, we look at diverging fortunes across Air New Zealand, Qantas, Axon Enterprise and Lynas Rare Earths. We also check in on the Straits Times Index after Genting Singapore’s sharp drop. Finally, Malaysia’s durian-fuelled tourism push rounds out today’s Last Word.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So David Seymour's right about Air New Zealand - but he's also wrong about Air New Zealand. Before we get to why, let me bring you up to speed on what's happened with the airline today, because the news is not good. Air New Zealand has posted a half-year result showing a $59 million pre-tax loss, which is slightly worse than expected. And to be fair to Air New Zealand, a lot of this really isn't their fault. They've had not one, but two engine types in their fleet causing them trouble. And the economic downturn we're experiencing in New Zealand - the worst in most of our lifetimes, you have to go back more than 50 years to find anything as bad - directly affects their earnings. If we don't have money, we're certainly not spending money on flights. But some of this is their fault. They're squandering customer loyalty with poor on-time performance and a tired, diminished Koru Club offering. And this is where David Seymour is right when he says, “Go woke, go broke.” Because part of the reason Air New Zealand is losing customers to Jetstar is that there are people who no longer want to pay for Koru Club. The offering has slid from the good old days. You can't even - and this bugs people more than the airline ever seemed to realise - go into the lounge, ask for a coffee, and take it away like you can at a café. There are no takeaway coffees because Air New Zealand doesn't want paper cups going on planes. Paper cups are bad for the environment… when you're flying planes. They've wasted time and money trialling an electric aircraft they don't actually know how to integrate into their fleet. And they're constantly lecturing the government about sustainable aviation fuel - SAF - which is more expensive than standard jet fuel, and standard jet fuel is already extremely expensive right now. But here's where David Seymour is wrong - he says the solution is to sell down the Government's 51 percent stake in Air New Zealand. We can't do that. We are an isolated island nation. There are only two ways to get here - by boat or by plane, and we all know which one people actually use. We need to own those planes to make sure they keep flying. If we learned anything during COVID, it's that Air New Zealand effectively became a logistics lifeline and repatriation service for the entire country. So yes, David Seymour is part right and part wrong. We do need Air New Zealand to stop the distractions and start doing its job properly. And we do need it to remain in New Zealand hands.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Air New Zealand's assuring it's on track for economic stability. The national airline's announced a first-half before-tax loss of $59 million. CEO Nikhil Ravishankar says the result's driven by challenges from aircraft being grounded, a softer recovery than expected - and rising costs. But he says they'll be well on the road to recovery over the next two to three years. "One of the key reasons I say that so confidently is for the first time in six years, we've got new aircraft coming back into the fleet and we're solving engine issues." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Taupō Mayor says he'd be surprised if Air New Zealand cut its popular regional route. Some regional flights could be on the chopping block after the airline posted a $40 million half-year loss. It's pointed to ongoing fleet constraints, a slower recovery in domestic demand, and persistently high aviation system inflation. Mayor John Funnell told Ryan Bridge he understands costs are rising, but the Taupō to Auckland flights are close to full every time. He says they have a good relationship with Air New Zealand and isn't expecting any changes. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anna from Wai Iti Ridge joins us to talk about the anniversary of her heart attack and the experiences she had in the NZ health system because of it.Carmel Sepuloni treated Chris Bishop like a naughty schoolboy bringing that mama mentality to their conversation about move on orders, MediMap data breach and moreThe government says its tough on crime approach has driven a significant drop in the number of victims of violent crime. It comes as the latest New Zealand Crime and Victims Survey reported 49,000 fewer victims of violent crime in the year to October 2025 than two years previously.The deputy prime minister says Government should consider selling off its majority stake in Air New Zealand, after the airline reported a substantial loss. Air New Zealand has reported a loss before taxation of $59 million for the first half of the 2026 financial year.++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

This week for Friday Faceoff Nick is joined in the studio by former Wellington mayor Justin Lester and playwright and columnist Dave Armstrong. They faceoff on the biggest issues of the week, starting with the $40million net loss for Air New Zealand. David Seymour says the government should sell their shares. Our panel talk about what needs to change, and what the government should do. Then would our guests swim at Lyall Bay? They faceoff about the ongoing issues of Moa Point, particularly the lifting of the swim restrictions - is it too soon? Plus Lester and Armstrong get into the rough sleeping move on order debate, Health NZ handing out vapes to smokers and the performance of the Phoenix last game - what would it take for a win with their new manager? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Air New Zealand chief operating officer Alex Marren after the airline cancelled flights out of Wellington, Napier and Palmerston North due to strong winds. 

Greg Foran is back where I suspect he belongs, and likes. The former Air New Zealand boss, if you have missed it, is off to Kroger, which is America's second biggest grocer behind Walmart. I have never met a New Zealander who has worked in America that belongs in America more. It was evident from the first time I met him that he was American. You can spot them in their shirts and ties. They are conservative and yet impeccably pressed. He looked like he had starched himself getting out of bed each morning. The last time he was in here, his farewell interview, we talked off air about where now. He didn't say specifically, but I knew it was America. The bit he never explained, probably because he either couldn't for commercial reasons, or couldn't because he hadn't quite worked it out for himself, was what the hell he was ever doing back in New Zealand. I asked him any number of times in a sort of non-direct way, what on earth was it about a small airline at the bottom of the world that would drag you out of Walmart to come and run it? Possibly given he wasn't running Walmart, it was a job in which he was running something so his CV would show a Kroger in years to come that he was ready to be boss. At Walmart he lived in Arkansas and flew in private jets. In New Zealand he kept having to explain why the Wellington to Taupo plane never took off. The Covid thing must have been the nightmare from hell and it wasn't his fault. But even without it and the myriad of problems he faced, including the inexplicable cluster around engines that no airline anywhere seems to have encountered the way Air New Zealand has, you always got the impression he was either here for a short time, or it had all been a patriotic mistake driven by a laudable desire to return to home base and make some sort of contribution. But I can tell you this, of all the Air New Zealand CEO's I have known - business legend Ralph Norris, marketing genius Rob Fyfe, Prime Minister Chris Luxon and Greg Foran - no one looked less at home and more bewildered than Greg. Some people loved him because he was often at the airport checking their backs in, so work ethic was never the issue. The issue was Air New Zealand wasn't American. I bet you he has never been happier, or more relieved. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thousands of travellers on Air New Zealand international flights could be affected by industrial action this week. Air New Zealand's Chief Customer and Digital Officer, Jeremy O'Brien spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Thousands of Air New Zealand customers are being warned to be prepared as the airline braces for an upcoming strike. The airline has been forced to make schedule changes and 44 flights have been cancelled ahead of the industrial action planned for February 12 and 13. Air NZ Chief Customer and Digital Officer Jeremy O'Brien says the airline will be ensuring that the impact on customers will be as minimal as possible. "If you do need to change plans and you do incur reasonable costs for transport, accommodation, meals - the customer should look to have those reimbursed as well." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The former boss of Air New Zealand is jetting off to America. It's been reported Greg Foran will be named as the new chief executive of retail giant, Kroger. It operates supermarkets and multi-department stores throughout the US, and is regarded as one of the country's big four retailers. Greg Foran says he'll have his hands full but he's looking forward to it. "It's a business, does about $150 billion a year and just over 400,000 associates work there, there's about $3,000 stores, multiple brands - it's going to be complex." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guest: David Wilkinson, SAANZ President Hosts: Dave Homewood Recorded: 22nd of January 2026 Released: 8th of February 2026 Duration: 58 minutes 06 seconds In this Wings Over New Zealand Show “Flying Boat Month” episode Dave Homewood speaks with David Wilkinson, who is President of the Sport Aircraft Association of New Zealand. He is also owner and pilot of a small fleet of aeroplanes, with his latest addition being a Taylor Coot flying boat that he has restored after it was close to becoming scrapped. The Taylor Coot is a two-seat homebuilt amphibious aircraft designed by Moulton Taylor, who was famous for his flying car designs. David’s example, ZK-JST, was originally built in the 1980s by SAANZ stalwart and Life Member Alistair McLachlan, who had been an engineer in the Royal New Zealand Air Force and with Air New Zealand. David talks about the history of the airframe and how he ended up acquiring it. He talks about the restoration process and the various upgrades he has made during the rebuild, including the installation of a bigger horsepower engine then before. And he talks about what it has been like to learn to fly the Coot, his first flying boat. As well as the Coot, Dave also has his father Don’s Corby Starlet ZK-TOY, his Van’s RV-8, his Rihn DR-107 One Design, and a half share with Andrew Hope in the Pitts Special ZK-MPM. The music at the end of this episode is Wild Flower by Joachim Karud. Quick Links: • Taylor Coot on Wikipedia • Previous WONZ Show episode with David Wilkinson and Alistair McLachlan – WONZ 88 Photos below were taken by David Wilkinson unless specified. Taylor Coot ZK-JST out and about after restoration by David Wilkinson, who took this photo. David Wilkinson water taxiing his Taylor Coot on the Hauraki Gulf, Auckland. Photo from his GoPro. Alistair McLachlan back in the Coot Photo by Dave Homewood Photo by Dave Homewood Photo by Dave Homewood David’s video of his Coot

The Founderz Lounge Episode #71 with Don Varady and Steve Bon.Don and Steve are back with another round of Business & Bullsh*t, where real entrepreneurs break down wins, screwups, and what actually moves the needle, without the corporate fluff.At one point, Quiznos had more than 5,000 locations and was one of the fastest-growing franchise brands in the world. A few years later, it was in bankruptcy. This episode digs into how greed, broken incentives, and poor franchise decisions helped collapse a once-dominant brand, and what current and future franchise owners often overlook as a result. Don lays out hard lessons every franchise buyer should understand before signing a deal.The conversation expands into brand recognition becoming a liability, why naive design is gaining traction as consumers push back on overly polished marketing, and how operators get hurt when corporate decisions drag their name through the mud.Along the way, Don and Steve riff on waterbeds somehow making a comeback, Air New Zealand weighing passengers, entitlement in business, and why showing a little gratitude still matters. The episode wraps with a Founderz Hot Take and a fast-paced Founderz Fast Five.Tune in to hear more...Timestamps:[00:00] Trailer[01:06] Founderz Roundup: Quiznos[04:51] Lessons for franchise buyers[09:02] Naive brand design in 2026[13:03] Random Bullshit[13:28] Waterbeds[15:08] Airline weighing passengers[16:43] Founderz Hot Take[21:02] Founderz Fast FiveKey Takeaways:  • “Franchisors should use their buying power to get you better rates, and not just to make more profit.” ~Don Varady [05:01]• Brand recognition cuts both ways. When a brand fails, even the best operators get hurt. ~Don Varady [08:13]• Show a little gratitude when someone gives up their time to give you knowledge or money.~Steve Bon [18:10]Connect with Don and Steve…Don Varady:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/don.varady/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donvarady/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-varady-450896145 Steve Bon:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenbon Instagram: https://instagram.com/stevebon8 Tune in to every episode on your favorite platform: Website: https://www.thefounderzlounge.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFounderzLounge Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Nurr4XjBE747qJ9Zjth0G Apple Music: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founderz-lounge/id1461825349 The Founderz Lounge is Powered By:Clean Eatz:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CleanEatzLife/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleaneatzlife/ Website: https://cleaneatz.com/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJRGrE-Xv4IMW_DbxSOTGGA Bon's Eye Marketing:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bonseyemarketing Instagram: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bon's-eye-marketing/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bon's-eye-marketing/ Website: https://bonseyeonline.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bonseyemarketing9477