Podcast appearances and mentions of andrew dickens

The producer of the newly released Polkinghorne documentary is denying claims from its namesake, the TV show is tabloid clickbait. The three episodes explore the eight-week trial which saw Auckland eye doctor Phillip Polkinghorne found not guilty for the death of his wife Pauline Hanna. Producer Polly Fryer told Andrew Dickens it's played no part in the judicial process and doesn't shy away from his lifestyle choices. Fryer says portraying a side of life not often seen doesn't make it clickbait, and Philip himself has said he's not on trial for morality issues. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast 2025 Monday 14th of April 2025, The Government wants to change up our drivers licensing system, AA Road Safety Spokesperson Dylan Thomsen shares his thoughts. The documentary following the trial of Phillip Polkinghorne was released last night, the projects producer Polly Fryer tells Andrew Dickens about the process behind it. Andrew Alderson has the latest on the weekend's sport. Plus, UK/ Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on Russia's ambassador to the UK refusing to deny allegations that Russian sensors have been hiding in seas around Great Britain in an attempt to track UK nuclear submarines. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand children have had their say on what they want from a safer internet. A Save the Children and Netsafe survey of a thousand young people aged six to eighteen finds more than half feel safe online. Around three quarters believe greater control over ads, and stronger protections from harmful content are needed. Netsafe Chief Online Officer Sean Lyons told Andrew Dickens it needs to be a joint effort. He says it's the responsibility of parents to keep an eye and provide support, but it's also on regulation and the platforms. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast Friday 11th April 2025, The Treaty Principles Bill is dead in the water, Former National Minister for treaty negotiations Chris Finlayson shares what happens from here. New data shows only one in three Kiwi parents have rules around their children's use of social media, Netsafe Chief Online Safety Officer Sean Lyons shares his concerns with Andrew Dickens. It's Supercars weekend in Taupo, Mayor David Trewavas tells Andrew what we can expect from the weekend. Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest on EU reaction to Donald Trump's back-down on tariffs. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last night on 1News I heard the single most logical and sane thing said in the entire bulletin in a long time. It was said by Simon Upton, the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment. A very smart man. A Rhodes Scholar. A Former Minister for the Environment for National. Simon Upton said we should in, an ordinary way, take forestry out of the Emissions Trading Scheme. And I thought, why has it taken so long for someone to say it? We should, in an orderly way, take forestry out of the Emissions Trading Scheme. Forestry for climate change has been a Ponzi scheme. The 1News reporter called it a golden ticket. It's swamped productive land for easy gain. It's caused rampant wilding growth through our wild lands. In essence, it's a very big weed unless you're farming it for wood and paper and even then, that market is turning sour - ask Tokoroa and Kawerau. But has it done anything to reduce emissions? We've had long enough for proof. It has not. It's provided excuses for well-meaning pop bands to travel the world in private jets, planting useless forests in their wake and claiming moral superiority. But the 1News bit then went and missed the point. The headline was that we should plant natives instead of pine. Which he did say, but only if we keep with the nutso forest planting scheme. What Simon proposed was completely removing the ability of carbon polluters to rely on planting trees to meet their climate obligations. He said what New Zealand currently had been mostly a "tree planting scheme" that did little to cut planet-heating gases. And then the zinger quote: "The world actually needs real reductions in gross emissions, not an accounting triumph". If you want to cut your emissions, then cut your emissions. But don't plant a tree.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taupō's hoping for a local economy rev up with the Supercars in town this weekend. It's the second year hosting the Taupō Super 440 – with 60-thousand people expected in town from around the country and Australia. Mayor David Trewavas told Andrew Dickens measurements done after last year's event showed a minimum of $20 million was pumped through the town. He's hoping to replicate that economic success. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Benjamin Doyle spoke on the controversy surrounding them yesterday and basically called themself stupid. We've found out that the Greens actively asked them to delete their accounts which introduced us all to the "bussy". But they refused, wanting to stand up for what they are and who they stand for. Given that, if I was the Greens I would have gone to the next person on the list. If Doyle wasn't going to drop it, I would have dropped him. I said last week they should go, and I stand by that. I don't see the need for anyone so stupid and bloody-minded in a taxpayer funded Parliament. Doyle says the bussy stuff was a knowing joke and I can understand that - Queens are always ironically calling each other Queens. That's not the sort of joke I want to see in an MP. But to claim Benjamin must be a child offender is also a step too far and a heinous accusation unless you have proof, and that goes for Hamish Campbell too. If they want to put those haters aside perhaps, they need to stand up for themself with a defamation suit, or even let the wife speak out. But again, the easiest way to deal with it is to just slope out the door. Carrying on is probably not worth the angst. The whole thing is an ugly and entirely avoidable situation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank's keeping a watchful eye on global trade developments. It's lowered the Official Cash Rate by 25-basis points to 3.5%, with another cut expected next month. But it's still waiting to see how trade barriers affect inflation before deciding what to do after that. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen told Andrew Dickens the central bank is right to take a wait-and-see approach. He says what's become very clear over the past couple of days, and again this morning, is how everything can change in an instant. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast Thursday 10th April 2025, The Reserve Bank cut the OCR by 25 basis points, Infometrics Principal Economist shares whether or not it was the right move. Legislation to merge Niwa and MetService, will be introduced later this year, Weather Watch Head Analyst Philip Duncan tells Andrew Dickens about the difference it will make. The Government's directing agencies to use wool where appropriate, but will it come at a cost? Associate Minister of Agriculture Mark Patterson shares the details. Plus, US Correspondent Mitch McCann shares the latest on the markets and tariff turmoil. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A weather forecaster's hoping there can be clearer skies for our Government weather agencies with a merger on the way. Legislation's coming to merge NIWA and MetService before the end of the year. The Government says it'll deliver a more efficient agency, combining operations and streamlining back-office functions. WeatherWatch's Phillip Duncan told Andrew Dickens he wants MetService's clear communication skills to be central to the new agency. He says it's compared to NIWA, which frequently uses extreme words that often don't come true. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The wool industry believes New Zealand will enjoy the benefits of the Government's new building directive. From July, all new Crown agency builds costing more than nine-million-dollars, and refurbishments topping 100-thousand, must use New Zealand wool where possible. It follows Kainga Ora reversing its price-based decision to not use more-expensive wool products in January. Associate Minister of Agriculture, Mark Patterson told Andrew Dickens it does change the price, but you're getting a better-quality product. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prince Harry has returned to the UK to challenge a court decision over his security arrangements in his home country. The Duke of Sussex has appeared at the High Court in London, appealing last year's ruling the Home Office fairly gave him different levels of taxpayer-funded protection. The 40-year-old's legal team has questioned the way the decision, taken in early-2020 after Harry and Meghan stepped down as senior working royals, was made. UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Andrew Dickens the Duke didn't give evidence, and the hearing's outcome will be revealed at a later date. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand faces significant obstacles to take down organised crime groups. A ministerial advisory group's first report reveals a sobering reality the country is losing the fight, and claims bold changes are needed. It says a significant spike in methamphetamine use last year was dire. Associate Police Minister Casey Costello told Andrew Dickens a series of reports will provide practical advice over the next six months. She says there will be specific actions released each month - including how agencies could work more closely together and breaking down barriers about information sharing. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese appears to have got the better of opposition leader Peter Dutton in their first election debate. Sky News declared the incumbent Albanese as the winner after asking 100 undecided voters their thoughts. Australian Correspondent Lesley Yeomans told Andrew Dickens two key issues emerged last night. She says the cost of living and energy policy were two of the biggest topics. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oranga Tamariki is getting rid of its target to place 58% of the kids in its care with wider Whanau. And it's also ditching a target for investment with Māori organisations - 23% of funding was targeted for those organisations. The Minister for Children Karen Chhour says this is part of OT's 'Safety First' approach. She says the targets were outdated and went against the ‘need not race' directive. And she was concerned whether the priority of Māori organisations were getting in the way of the quality and efficacy of the services being provided. And it all makes sense. The ingrained belief in our child social workers that kids are always better off rehomed with whanau always seemed counter factual. In many cases the abuse directed at the kids was at the hands of whanau themselves - people that had been raised by other people in their family but failed at their own parenting. So why would we give the kids to them? It often seemed that children were being thrown right back into the very cauldron we were trying to help them escape from. There have been examples for generations - let us not forget Baby Ru. He was murdered in October 2023, and nobody has been charged for killing him. There was anger then and anger now when the people who were there when he suffered did not co-operate with Police. Those people were, and are, Rosie Morunga, her partner Dylan Ross, and Ru's mother Storm Wall. Ru's whanau. What happened people? The uplifting of kids is a very serious thing and they need to be housed in safe places with good people. But the history of Oranga Tamariki suggests that too many of the supposed saviours are in fact predators hiding in plain sight. There's no easy answer to this other than strong vigilance by our agencies and the need to find good people who can help. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast Wednesday 9th of April 2025, Associate Police Minister Casey Costello joins Andrew Dickens to talk on a report which found a substantial increase in organised crime over the past 5 years. Australia Correspondent Lesley Yeomans shares the reaction from the Australian public on the first debate between Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his election rival Peter Dutton. Plus, It's OCR day... John Carran, Investment Strategist and Economist at Jarden takes his pick on how the Reserve Bank will move. And UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey shares the latest on the Duke of Sussex is in court again in London to appeal a decision to downgrade the level of security he receives in the UK. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Economists are seemingly aligned on where they think today's Official Cash Rate figure will land. The Reserve Bank's expected to cut the OCR by 25 basis points, down from 3.75 percent. It's the first rate decision since Governor Adrian Orr's resignation. Jarden Economist and Investment Strategist, John Carran told Andrew Dickens there's been a lot of uncertainty in markets from US President Donald Trump's tariffs. He believes it's too early for the bank to panic and cut the OCR any further. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The news that New Zealand is going to spend 12 billion dollars on defence is not news to welcome, and yet it is welcome news. In an unsettled world, defence is essential. And the equation for a credible defence is spending 2 percent of GDP. So now within 8 years we'll get to that target - it's a doubling. The question is why we are only just doing this now. If we'd spent that for the past 30 years we would not be facing so dramatic a spend today. But we didn't. Fat and complacent in a mistaken belief that we were safe and sound, and if something went wrong our friends would come and save us. For as long as I've been in the news business, Australia and the States have warned that coat tailing did not cut it and that we had to do our bit. So fair play to Judith Collins, she's finally accepting the responsibility that we've always needed. But it comes at a difficult time. Firstly, the world has become more dangerous so time is of the essence. And secondly, we're broke. It comes at a time when barely reported mass redundancies are happening in defence to meet government spending targets. And yet they've also announced this new plan. They fire with one hand and employ with another. But you can argue that both are necessary because we've sat on our hands for so long. And we've spent irresponsibly. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former police officer is backing the force's approach to dealing with mental health cases. Police are in the middle of four stage process to pull back from attending mental health call outs. The Mental Health Foundation has created a petition calling on them to reverse course. It says first phase, which started in November, has already caused damage in the sector. Former Police Officer Lance Burdett told Andrew Dickens there are some situations where Police aren't the right answer. He says some people don't want to see a police officer in uniform when they are having a crisis. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A retired lieutenant can't see how a boost in defence funding will fill missing skills and trades. New Zealand's injecting $12 billion into defence over four years – $9 billion of which is new spending. It includes enhancing our strike capabilities, replacing the Boeing 757 fleet, and upgrading our javelin anti-tank missiles. Retired Lieutenant Colonel Hayden Ricketts told Andrew Dickens the navy, army, and air force already have more vehicles than they can staff. He says a commitment to spend more money on gear is great but without more personnel, the plan will fall apart. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast Tuesday 8th April 2025, The Government's announced a massive 12 billion dollar investment in defence over the next four years Retired Lieutenant Colonel Hayden Ricketts tells Andrew Dickens how it will make a difference. Former Politicians and health advocates are rallying against New Zealand's lobbying regulations, calling for more transparency, Boyd Swinburn tells Andrew Dickens what went on at the campaign launch. The Mental Health Foundation's launched a petition calling on Police to stop the plan to scale back attendance at mental health callouts, Former Police Officer and mental health advocate Lance Burdett shares his thoughts. Plus, Peter Dutton has dropped a major policy promise ahead of the election, Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio shares the latest. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A desire to level the playing field, when it comes to lobbying. Health Coalition Aotearoa's pushing for stronger regulations alongside the Helen Clark Foundation and Transparency International. They want a public register of lobbyist meetings, a cooling-off period to prevent ex-ministers immediately becoming lobbyists, and a lower limit forcing someone to disclose political donations. Co-Chair, Boyd Swinburn says told Andrew Dickens those with vested interests are getting a bigger say on public policy, than groups pushing for positive social outcomes. He says nothing wrong with balanced lobbying -- which gives policy for public good, not private good. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So it looks like the Treaty Principles Act is toast as Christopher Luxon assured us it would be. Much was made over the weekend that 90 per cent of the submissions were against it. But that means nothing if all the opposing submissions were just photocopies of one. Māori are organised. Anyone who's seen their multiple Hikoi's and the awesome organisation of the Kings Tangi should know that. You underestimate Māori at your peril. But it must also be noted that Act's act was a simplistic dog. Much of it is already covered by the bill of rights. At its heart it was three sentences designed to overthrow 50 years of legal development. But is the movement against the treaty dead. No, it is not. New Zealand first wants to have a crack. And Winston Peters, being the experienced legislator, wants to amend the existing Treaty Principles legislation we already have. He ran his election campaign on it. It's the smart way to achieve real change. And as we approach the changeover between Peters and Seymour of the Deputy PM role, Winston will have the time and the energy to have his try. So welcome to round two of the Treaty Principles debate. A round that has much more chance to succeed. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A noticeably frail Pope Francis has made a surprise appearance at Vatican City. The 88-year-old was in a wheelchair and wearing a nasal cannula for oxygen, when greeting onlookers in St Peter's Square. It's his first official public appearance since he was released from hospital, after a life-threatening bout of double pneumonia. International Correspondent, Gavin Grey says told Andrew Dickens the Pope ignored doctor's orders. He says Pope Francis was told to take several weeks off duties, upon release from hospital after a five-week stay. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government wants to change the laws surrounding free speech in New Zealand. As part of the Quarter two action plan, legislation will be introduced to require freedom of expression in our university's. What impact will the new law have on students and learning? Former Victoria University Dean & NZ Initiative Research Fellow Michael Johnston talks to Andrew Dickens about the change. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast Monday 7th April 2025, Washington Bureau Chief for the Guardian David Smith shares the latest on reaction out of the US following Donald Trump's tariffs. The Government wants to shake up free speech laws in universities, Former Victoria University Dean and NZ Initiative research fellow Dr Michael Johnston tells Andrew Dickens what this means. Andrew Alderson shares the latest from sport over the weekend. Plus UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey shares the latest on UK car giant Jaguar Land Rover announcing a pause all shipments to the US, following the announcement on tarrifs. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand exporters are in the firing line, as tariffs of at least 10% are now being imposed on almost all goods. The US surpassed Australia as our second largest export destination for beef last year due to a sharp rise in meat exports. There's billions of dollars' worth of trade in the sector, as the United States is unable to meet their consumption demand with their domestic production. Meat Industry Association CEO Sirma Karapeeva told Andrew Dickens we currently trade with a “nuisance tariff” of only a few cents, so this 10% is essentially imposing over 9.3% extra cost on exports. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The dispute surrounding a charity co-founded by Prince Harry will be investigated. The Sentebale charity's caught the eye of the Charity Commission after a public war of words saw its head make claims of bullying and harassment within the organisation. UK correspondent Vincent McAviney told Andrew Dickens the Duke of Sussex is hoping the commission will be able to unveil the truth. McAviney says Harry's welcoming the official investigation. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A health group says the Government's health targets don't tell the full story of the system. Three of the five Government's targets are on track, but two are worse than the previous quarter. Wait lists for elective treatments and a first specialist assessment have worsened, but child vaccination rates have improved, alongside cancer treatment times and ED stay lengths. Patient Voice Aotearoa Chair Malcolm Mulholland told Andrew Dickens the ED wait time metric doesn't include walkouts. He's aware of a case in Palmerston North where a patient walked out of its ED because it was overwhelmed, and died the following day. He's also doubting how cancer treatments are measured. Mulholland told Andrew Dickens it looks at the time from the first appointment to first treatment, instead of diagnosis. He says patients are waiting eight weeks or longer at Waikato, Christchurch, Wellington and Southland hospitals, and some outcomes have been lethal. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The age of globalisation is dead. Trump has withdrawn America. Now we're in an age of blocs - nations that agree to trade with each other, nations that have commonality. So, who are our friends and who are our friends that we get on with? China is our biggest trade friend, but is China our friend? No, they're not. So we are into a period of delicate negotiations and that's going to cause fewer than perfect trade deals. Now what do we do about America? Some have said that the situation is not too bad - 10% as we speak. But our trade with America is $9 billion a year, so 10 per cent is near enough a billion dollars, which is not inconsiderable. So what should we do? The Trade Minister and Prime Minister say it would be foolish to retaliate. We're not in the same weight class. Maybe we should go the Trump playbook. We all know that Trump likes to go big and then pull back to his bottom line. So should we go back and say let's call it 5%, and then wait to see where the cards lie. Who knows. What I do know is that the world is in chaos. Russia, China, Israel, Ukraine. And inflation is lurking, and uncertainty has not gone away. It's time for circumspection and recognising that the elephants are dancing, and we are but mice. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tesla may benefit when founder Elon Musk leaves his government role. There are reports the billionaire will leave his role at the Department of Government Efficiency to take a much smaller role in the administration. It comes as auto maker reports a 13 percent drop in vehicle sales in the first three months of the year. US Correspondent Mitch McCann told Andrew Dickens rumours of Musk's departure are already having an effect on Tesla's fortunes. He says it's sent stocks up five percent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast Thursday 3rd April 2025, Minister for mental health Matt Doocey joins Andrew Dickens to talk on major report into mental health. A slew of new government changes will hold cowboy builders more responsible for poor quality work, AUT Professor in construction John Tookey, tells Andrew Dickens how it will make a difference. All eyes are on America as Donald Trump announces the latest number of tarrifs, University of Iowa Economics Professor Anne Villamil, shares the reaction out of America. Plus, US Correspondent Mitch Mccann Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The comedian Jimmy Carr is coming back to New Zealand for a nationwide tour the culminates at Auckland's Spark Arena. These are big halls, and he can fill them because he's that good. It's called 'Jimmy Carr Laughs Funny' and he does. It's so true, it's funny. And that's Jimmy's thing. It's easy to lump comedians like Jimmy, and Ricky Gervais and America's Bill Maher into a conservative label simply because so much of what they say is politically incorrect. But what makes them funny is that it's just true. They point out the hilarity of our tribal positions - both left and right. I'm reading Bill Maher's book 'What This Comedian Said Will Shock You'. It's a collection of his best monologues over the year. I used to think he was quite right wing when I watched his show, but that was because he was merciless against the Biden administration. Now that Trump is in power he's equally merciless. I like that. I like his pithy observation that conservatives govern without shame and liberals shame without governing. That's true in America and it's true here. And he says that's why the world is full of people who want to break shit up. I like all these comedians because they bring logic to the fight. Unlike politicians who bring whatever might score them votes, and the media who will say anything that will get them clicks, which will pay the bills.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Uncertainty is the word of the day in the US as Donald Trump gears up for his so called "Liberation Day". The President will reveal his latest round of tariffs at 9am New Zealand time. It's expected to throw away decades of norms around global trade and hit people in their back pockets. University of Iowa Economics Professor Anne Villamil told Andrew Dickens there's particular concern around further tariffs on Canada. She says 80% of US aluminium imports come from Canada, which is a key manufacturing component. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's highlighted an Achilles' heel with a $664 million mental health programme that's missing targets. Labour's 2019 'Wellbeing' Budget saw the Access and Choice Programme receive its funding over five years. It's aiming to support 325 thousand people per year, but during 2023-24 saw just over 207 thousand. Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey told Andrew Dickens utilization is a weak point. He says a warm handover to GPs is good for those who need to be seen urgently, but it means there's a workforce being under used. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A rising concern about shoddy builders has prompted the Government to roll out industry reforms. The Building and Construction Minister says relatively few examples of high-profile poor workmanship is tarring the image of tradies. Chris Penk has announced there'll be more transparency about suspended builders, stronger discipline, and an improved complains process. AUT Construction Management Professor John Tookey told Andrew Dickens it's a step in the right direction. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast Wednesday 2nd April 2025, Auckland businesses are disappointed the city will not host the 38th America's Cup, Heart of the City CEO Viv Beck shares her thoughts. The Government's reassuring landowners that they won't be legally responsible for recreational activities they permit on their land, New Zealand Deerstalkers Association CEO, Gwyn Thurlow tells Andrew Dickens what this will mean for the tourism industry. Andrew talks to marketing expert Mike Hutcheson on what will happen now the New Zealand Rugby and INEOS sponsorship feud has officially ended. UK/ Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey shares the latest on the UK and EU plotting their own responses to Trump's planned tariffs. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The draft year 7-13 English curriculum proposes compulsory Shakespeare for senior secondary school students. That's provoked a furious debate about the relevance of Shakespeare in this day and age - Shakespeare is important, but is it essential? Even when I was at secondary school 45 years ago, Shakespeare was not popular. One year we were studying Hamlet. So, the school organised an afternoon matinee of the play at the Mercury Theatre. The boys were so rowdy that a young Michael Hurst commented it was the worst audience he had ever had. We didn't even calm down during the sword fights. That didn't happen when we studied Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman or Thomas Beckett's Murder in the Cathedral. Those plays used language we understood and themes we could relate to. To teach you must engage and much and all as we bemoan the fall of Shakespeare, he's still so strong that his influence on the modern world will not fail. So, what will engage the kids, I don't know. This generation is less engaged than ever - so much so I had to explain who Bob Geldof was to my 26-year-old son. And speaking of which the most engagement I had in English at school was when we studied the lyrics of David Bowie's 'Time' from the Aladdin Sane album. And let's remember that in 2016 Bob Dylan won the Nobel prize in literature. Would anyone mind if he was added to the curriculum? Post script: I see that the new curriculum says that spelling and keyboard lessons for children at intermediate schools should be compulsory - you mean they're not already? How do our kids survive in this modern world?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Auckland Central business group says the Government has missed a golden opportunity for growth by not funding the America's Cup. Central Government refused to give any funding to the 2027 edition of the race. Heart of the City Chief Executive Viv Beck says the bars, restaurants, tourist spots and hotels would have benefited immensely. She told Andrew Dickens the event is ripe for the picking, as we have the infrastructure already, and the economic benefits would be there. Beck says they understand the Government has other priorities, but with imagination, will, and determination, there could've been a different result. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's latest health and safety regulatory reforms are being viewed as a win for hunters. A new change makes clear landowners won't be responsible, if people are injured on their site, while doing recreational activities. Fault will lie with the organisations running them. Deerstalkers Association Chief Executive, Gwyn Thurlow told Andrew Dickens it's a return to personal responsibility. He says landowners were becoming hesitant and shutting gates to hunters. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast Tuesday 1st April 2025, Todd Valster General Secretary of the Rail and Maritime Union shares his thoughts on the Government's plan for the new Cook Strait ferries. The Commerce Commission says Auckland Airport's been over-charging airlines by $190 million since 2023, NZ Airports Chief Executive Billie Moore shares his thoughts. The Government's announced changes to workplace health and safety Mike Cosman, Chair at the NZ Institute of Safety Management tells Andrew Dickens what this will mean for businesses. Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio shares the latest on the Australian Prime Minister responding to a Chinese research ship travelling in Australian waters. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston's great rail solution is now revealed: it's just like KiwiRail's iReX but cheaper. The boats are still big and they're rail enabled but the portside infrastructure is more reasonable. And that's always been the thing. The original boats were a good deal, but the kicker came portside. KiwiRail was under the belief that the project had to be future proofed. This was something that had to last 50 years - a type of thinking that New Zealand hasn't done often. So, the Ferrari was not the boat, it was the ports. Now Winston says Picton needs a big revamp. But the earthquake prone Wellington port just needs a revamp. In an ideal world this is not ideal. But it is, as Winston says, pragmatic. I know people involved with the original iReX deal on the Government side. And when this story first broke, they told me that KiwiRail shouldn't come to the Government expecting an open cheque book. And he was right. The original iReX deal was a good deal, and the one that we should aspire to. But as the Government keeps telling us, now is not the right time for aspirational long-term planning. But if not now, when will we ever do anything right first time? And while this deal looks like a saving short term, will we end out paying more long term? The upshot is that we have ferries coming and they're less likely to sink than the ones we already have. That's about it - we're right back to where we were 30 years ago. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Commerce Commission and Auckland Airport's latest interactions are being seen as a sign regulation is working. Auckland Airport isn't lifting its airline charges for the next two years as much as intended, after the commission's report showed their targeted returns were too high. The report also found the airport's multi-billion-dollar infrastructure investment plan is appropriate. New Zealand Airports Association Chief Executive Billie Moore told Andrew Dickens the investigation is all part of the part of the process. She says the feedback wasn't unexpected because these processes take time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some are struggling to see the point of the Government's face-lift to workplace health and safety obligations. Minister-in-Charge, Brooke van Velden confirms small businesses will only need to manage risks relating to death or serious injury – to reduce compliance costs. Institute of Safety Management Chair Mike Cosman told Andrew Dickens multiple things the Government's painted as an issue are imaginary. He says there's no current requirement to report minor injuries or have signage for minor risks. Cosman believes the Government's created a myth and is now congratulating itself for cracking that. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the future of the Cook Strait ferries becomes clearer, some are lamenting how long it's taken. Two new road and rail-enabled ferries and port-side infrastructure will be ready by late 2029. Rail and Maritime Transport Union General Secretary Todd Valster says while the cost isn't public yet, he's happy they will be rail-enabled. He told Andrew Dickens the delays haven't given people confidence. Valster says the previous Government's plan took ages to put together and there's been more delays as this Government's plan has emerged. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian officials are closely monitoring a Chinese vessel that's passing through its waters, after completing a joint mission with Kiwi scientists off the coast of Fiordland. The high-tech Chinese research ship is carrying a deep-sea submersible that's capable of exploring extreme depths. It's following the route of Australia's deep-sea submarine cable, off the southern coast, weeks after Chinese warships carried out live drills in the Tasman Sea. Australian Correspondent Donna Demaio told Andrew Dickens that when asked, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says there's not much Australian can do about it. Albanese says they'd prefer it wasn't there, but it's able to pass through, just like Australia is able to have vessels in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A grocery sector expert says he's pleasantly surprised by Nicola Willis's plans for the sector. The Economic Growth Minister has confirmed she's seeking advice on potentially breaking up the supermarket duopoly. That could include separating the retail and wholesale arms of Foodstuffs and Woolworths. Ernie Newman says told Andrew Dickens he was sceptical before the announcement but is impressed by what he's heard. He says Nicola Willis has come across as a "minister on a mission" and she's done her homework.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spent all weekend waiting for more details about the death by dog in the Bay of Plenty. This story upset me greatly. We heard about the victim. A cheeky cheery 4-year-old kid. His family say he had a little mischief in his smile, a little wid in his heart and a heart full of cuteness. We heard a statement from the Marae that something had happened suggesting this was in Maori circles. For a while I thought it was an incident on the Marae but it wasn't. We heard another person was injured and presumably they were trying to save the boy. On social media I saw claims that the boy may have razzed the dogs but that's not the point. That's victim blaming. The thing that always gets me on these stories is that dogs should not kill people. Even though 4 people have died at the teeth of dogs in the past 5 years. Dogs are man's best friend. Dogs are a useful tool. But dogs should never kill humans. The way robots are programmed to never kill humans. Even the dogs who's jobs are to be security for humans should not kill other humans even if the humans are bad. The only dogs who kill humans are dogs who are owned or controlled by humans who do not know how to control their dogs. And if they have dogs who are not controllable, they are humans who don't realise the threat those dogs pose. Therefore, they should surrender those dogs before bad stuff happens. And when these things happen the concerned start raising rules and regulations that the bad owners ignore and the only thing they do is irritate and criminalise good owners. Any dogs that kill that can be traced to an owner means that owner must face a custodial sentence. Because your weapon just killed an innocent child. I don't know how you live with yourself and don't you dare defend the dog. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast Monday 31st of March 2025, nearly half of the Government's contractor and consultancy spending cuts are set to come from Health NZ, Former Health Nz Chair Rob Campbell shares his thoughts. The Government's looking at bringing a third player in the grocery sector to break up the duopoly, Grocery Policy Expert Ernie Newman tells Andrew Dickens how this could work. Andrew Alderson has all the latest sport from over the weekend. UK/ Europe Correspondent shares the latest on the chair of the charity set up by Prince Harry has accusing him of "harassment and bullying at scale" after he and several others quit the organisation earlier this week. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liam Lawson has officially been demoted from the Red Bull Formula One team. He lasted two Grands Prix before management decided to replace him with Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda for his home event next weekend at Suzuka. The switch confirms widespread speculation of a new partner for defending champion Max Verstappen. F1 Journalist Thomas Maher told Andrew Dickens that this is a risk for Red Bull, as if Lawson does well in the Racing Bulls car, the blame for his struggles in the big leagues will fall back onto the car. He says Yuki Tsunoda is a known quantity when it comes to racing, so answers about whether the car is to blame will be gained very quickly. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.