Podcasts about listen abovesee

A new cookbook and a celebration of the farming sector. Kiwi Chef Nadia Lim has spent over five years designing her new cookbook, which she says is about paying tribute to the farmers, land, and sustainable food. ‘Nadia's Farm Kitchen' is filled with seasonal recipes, as well as offering a glimpse into life on Royalburn Station with personal stories and anecdotes. She joined Mike Hosking to discuss the book and for a bit of a trip down memory lane, telling him that looking back, their journey on the farm is quite different to what they originally expected. “I would describe the whole journey, if I could sum it up, as starting from quite an idealistic place,” Lim told him. “You know, oh, we're going to be on this farm and we're going to diversify and we're going to have a full farm to plate model, to being chipped away, chipped away at slowly over the years, to definitely becoming a whole lot more realistic.” “It's really a game of you win some, you lose some.” However, despite some mixed results, Lim says they love living on Royalburn Station. “It might not be the best financial return, but I can tell you it is the best lifestyle return, and you can't beat that.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 2nd of October, the Government is teaming up with banks to try deliver more social housing – Minister Chris Bishop unpacks the scheme. Pharmac's new Chief Executive Natalie McMurtry speaks for the first time on how she plans to lead the entity. Beloved Kiwi chef Nadia Lim has been working on her new cookbook for about 5-6 years and is on to talk about it and the value of the farm. 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.

The Housing Minister's working to strengthen our community housing sector with a new loan scheme. The Government will take on some of the risk of bank loans to eligible community housing providers. It says the move should lead to more social homes with better lending conditions and lower priced loans. Chris Bishop told Mike Hosking Kāinga Ora currently borrows through the Government's low rates, which gives them a competitive advantage. He's trying to create a housing system that delivers warm and dry social houses, no matter who owns them. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Corrections says a steep increase in prison assaults is due to better reporting of incidents. New data shows there were more than 2600 assaults in the last financial year. It includes more than 1500 prisoner-on-prisoner assaults, and more than 1000 on staff. Custodial Services Commissioner Leigh Marsh told Mike Hosking they've been working hard to improve how they deal with these incidents. He says the encouragement of reporting assaults has seen an increase in the number of non-injury assaults being reported, which where the biggest number lies. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a view the property market will continue to be in buyers' favour for some time, despite values edging up. Cotality data shows property values in New Zealand ticked up by 0.1% in September, following a cumulative 1.6% drop over the five months to August. Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson says regional New Zealand properties are faring better. He told Mike Hosking that 2026 is looking better, but right now things are pretty flat. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A big headache for NRL bosses ahead of the grand final. 10 stars are reportedly lined up to leave league, defecting to rugby union's Saudi-backed ‘R360', including Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomaz, and Warriors winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. The competition is targeting an October 2026 start date. But Australian Sports Journalist Jim Dolan confirmed to Mike Hosking that no one has officially signed onto the project yet. He says there's no coaches, no venues, and while there's plenty of talk of money coming in from around the world, no one's actually put their hand up and confirmed they're investing. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Natalie McMurtry says Pharmac's model drew her to the agency's top job. She is just three weeks into her five-year-contract as chief executive at the drug-buying agency. The Canadian is tasked with continuing efforts to improve the agency's standing with the New Zealand public after years of degradation. McMurty told Mike Hosking she's happy to keep moving forward on the reset plan that's been put in place. She says she saw an opportunity to make an impact, and a board that has a great plan in place – one she could get behind. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mercury Energy says the Government's new energy plan gives it confidence to keep investing in projects. It's offering Crown-controlled companies more capital to invest in generation projects, establishing a Liquefied Natural Gas import facility, and giving the Electricity Authority greater power. CEO Stew Hamilton told Mike Hosking businesses now have some form of clarity. He says it allows them to keep building at pace, adding they're on the right track, as more power projects have been delivered in the last 18 months than the past 15 years. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government finally unveiled its plan to address issues impacting the energy sector, and it's prompted a mixed response. The country's largest power companies have responded positively, and their shares have jumped on the NZX as a result. Meanwhile, consumers and other businesses have voiced concerns this doesn't address the status quo. Consumer NZ CEO Jon Duffy has criticised this announcement - and claimed this doesn't move the country forward at all. "Let's remember - last year, one in five consumers had trouble paying their bill, 19 percent of people missed paying their bill on time, 56 percent of people are concerned about the price of energy. This does nothing to address that." EMA Head of Advocacy Alan McDonald says this announcement is 'underwhelming' - and claimed it wouldn't stop the closure of any mills. "It's too late for that, there's nothing really in there short-term that offers and kind of assistance for those people already in that spiral, they're looking at tough decisions to close or downsize." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Government finally unveiled its energy reform plan after plenty of anticipation. What did we make of it? Does it go far enough? Nigel Latta has passed away - what will we remember about him? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nigel Latta's being remembered for his sage parenting advice. The clinical psychologist, author and broadcaster died yesterday - aged 58 - after being diagnosed with stomach cancer a year ago. He's survived by his wife Natalie Flynn and five children and stepchildren. Friend Nic Russell says says his parenting books have had a wide ranging impact. "I definitely think a whole generation of Kiwis have been raised on his wise words of wisdom, really." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACT says Auckland University should pay back thousands of students who did compulsory Treaty of Waitangi and Te Ao Māori courses. The university's senate has now recommended making the courses optional - after criticism from staff, students and politicians. ACT's Parmjeet Parmar, says more than 8,000 students had to take the course this year. "They had to push some papers out, papers that they really wanted to do, papers that are relevant to the degree or their aspirations - so they'll have to do that paper in future semesters." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More Government cash for the three Crown-controlled gentailers. That's the biggest change to come from today's energy announcement - alongside plans for a new LNG import facility. Energy Minister Simon Watts says a report concluded sector players weren't confident they could ask the Government for money to fund new generation projects. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Sopers says the Government rejected plenty of other ideas on the table. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A congressional deadlock's shut down the US Government. Congress failed to pass last-ditch attempts to extend federal funding failed, with Democrats and Republicans refusing to vote through each other's bills. The deadline's now passed - meaning the Government must strip back to essential services, and most federal workers won't be paid. President Trump's threatened major cuts. US correspondent Jonathan Kearsley says it's a monstrous situation. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The White Ferns' ODI Cricket World Cup campaign gets underway tonight as they confront defending champions Australia in Indore. Central Hinds' Flora Devonshire, Otago Sparks' Polly Inglis and Bella James and Auckland Hearts' Bree Illing will all make their World Cup debuts in the tournament. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave speaks ahead of tonight's clash. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fire and Emergency's new trucks don't have enough space for firefighter gear. It has spent millions of dollars on the 28 vehicles, but crews say the lockers are about 20 percent smaller than before. Their union says workers are considering cutting holes to make more room. Fire and Emergency Deputy National Commander, Megan Stiffler, says inventory lists weren't accurate. "There were some items that weren't listed on that, and that's the bit that I'm working with fire crews at the moment - to understand why they weren't on a list and how I can best meet their needs." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 1 October 2025, the Energy Minister gets a grilling from Heather over the Government's long-awaited energy plan. But both Consumer NZ and the Employers and Manufacturers Association say the changes won't make power prices any cheaper or save local industries. Sad news with the passing of Nigel Latta from cancer. His friend Nic Russell reflects on the impact he's had on Kiwis around the country. Fire and Emergency tries to explain why they bought more than a dozen firetrucks that don't fit all the required equipment - you have to laugh because otherwise you cry! Plus, the Huddle debates the big energy "plan" - and is Heather ancient for not using Apple Pay? 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.

If you were looking forward to today to learn how the Government would rescue the country from the energy crisis we face, you are already disappointed by now because you've looked at it and you've seen there's nothing here. There is nothing here that is going to stop us going through what we are going through right now. For months and months every winter for the last two winters we've seen the closing down of mills, extremely high power bills, and a shortage of gas - and all of that's going to continue. The disappointing thing is that we have waited two whole winters for this package of ideas, and yet the best idea seems, to me, to be a kooky idea, which is that the Government may be backing the construction of an LNG import terminal. That was an idea that sounded great last winter, but in the months since, when we've actually had a look at the thing and had some reports done and it has been debunked for being quite expensive for not a lot of gain. To set up one of these terminals, most likely at the port of Taranaki, it would cost somewhere between $200 million and $1 billion dollars, which is not money that we have. The gas that we would then import from offshore to basically make up for the shortage of gas that we have in the country at the moment would be very expensive. Have a look at what you're paying for your gas right now - and add 25 percent to that. The second best idea in this seems to be the Government throwing taxpayer money at the partially owned gentailers in order that they can raise capital to build more generation. Which is not capital that they appear to be asking for. They do not seem to have a shortage of money, as evidenced by the fact that they keep paying out massive dividends. The upshot for all of this - as in how much we're going to save - Simon Watts reckons he might be able to drop power prices by two percent a year. Two percent. Now, I'll tell you the problem with this plan is that it appears - and from what I hear - they haven't spent much time understanding the problem and thus understanding what it would take to fix it properly. So what they've done is, in haste, cobbled together a series of what sounds like maybe decent announcements if you're half listening. But they're really things that will not do that much. Unfortunately for them, we have an energy crisis, and it is massive. It is probably the biggest thing that is facing business in this country right now. A crisis of this size demands a proper fix. This is becoming a theme for this Government - having lots of really big things to deal with, and they're not really dealing with them properly. This is not really a fix. So unfortunately, and I'm so sorry to say this, strap yourself in because it looks like for next winter and the winters to come, the deindustrialization of New Zealand will continue. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government recently unveiled its highly-anticipated energy sector announcement and it's prompted good news for the energy companies. The share price for New Zealand's major gentailers raised on the NZX, with Meridian seeing a 5 percent increase. Milford Asset Management's Michael Luke explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A property mogul developing some of Wellington's most infamous quake-prone sites has voiced support for recent Government changes, but says these won't slow down his large-scale projects. Eyal Aharoni is currently working on reopening the long-closed Reading Cinema complex on Courtenay Place and the nearby Amora Hotel, which closed in 2019 and 2017 respectively because of earthquake damage. Earlier this week, the Government confirmed it was watering down existing earthquake strengthening rules in a bid to balance safety and affordability. Aharoni revealed why he's still determined to get these projects done. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Denmark will ban all civilian drone flights across the country over the coming days to ensure security as Copenhagen prepares to host a European Union summit. Mysterious drone sightings across Denmark since September 22 have prompted the closure of several airports, with Denmark hinting at possible Russian involvement, though Moscow denies the charge. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says people caught breaking the rules will face a fine - or up to two years in prison. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's opted against a significant energy shake-up - rejecting calls to re-nationalise or split up the big gentailers. Instead, it'll offer the Crown-controlled companies more capital to invest in generation projects. Energy Minister Simon Watts explained the changes further here today. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In New Zealand's $23.8 billion tech sector, one of the country's largest and fastest-growing industries, there's growing calls to boost gaming. Industry figures have been calling on the Government to support the sector, and an editorial recently published in the NZ Herald has made a case for video games. New Zealand Esports Federation founding board member Duane Mutu joined the Afternoons team to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government finally unveiled its plan to address issues impacting the energy sector, and it's prompted a mixed response. The country's largest power companies have responded positively, and their shares have jumped on the NZX as a result. Meanwhile, consumers and other businesses have voiced concerns this doesn't address the status quo. Consumer NZ CEO Jon Duffy has criticised this announcement - and claimed this doesn't move the country forward at all. "Let's remember - last year, one in five consumers had trouble paying their bill, 19 percent of people missed paying their bill on time, 56 percent of people are concerned about the price of energy. This does nothing to address that." EMA Head of Advocacy Alan McDonald says this announcement is 'underwhelming' - and claimed it wouldn't stop the closure of any mills. "It's too late for that, there's nothing really in there short-term that offers and kind of assistance for those people already in that spiral, they're looking at tough decisions to close or downsize." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Matt Heath and Tyler Adams Afternoons Full Show Podcast for the 1st of October 2025, psychologist, educator and broadcaster Nigel Latta has died at 58. Family spokesperson Bridgette Tapsell shared some time with Matt and Tyler. Then there's been a plea to get behind New Zealand's world-leading gaming industry. And then PDA, public displays of affection - how much is too much? Plus to wrap things up - employment lawyer Gareth Abdinor. Get the Matt Heath and Tyler Adams Afternoons Podcast every weekday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi psychologist author and broadcaster Nigel Latta is being remembered for his relatability - and lasting impact. He died yesterday - a year after being diagnosed with stomach cancer. Family friend Bridgette Tapsell joined the Afternoons team to reflect. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Politics Wednesday, Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen are calling in from airports in Italy and Auckland to delve into the biggest topics of the week so far. Local body elections are looming – how can we raise the involvement rate? Plus, a raft of changes to both the earthquake-prone building system and the energy sector were announced in the last two days. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 1st of October, we get an insight into whether Hamas is likely to accept Trump's proposed peace plan. The Government has announced their plan for energy reform – boom or bust? Energy Minister Simon Watts unpacked the announcement. Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen join us from airports in Italy and Auckland for Politics Wednesday, discussing local body elections, changes to the earthquake-prone building system, and the electricity announcement. 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.

The Government's opting to provide capital to Crown-controlled power companies instead of reshaping its role in the energy sector. Genesis, Mercury, and Meridian have been assured funding is available for major infrastructure projects. A procurement process for a Liquefied Natural Gas facility has also been launched, which Energy Minister Simon Watts says will start on Monday. He told Mike Hosking Cabinet will aim to make a decision by Christmas to get supply into the country as soon as possible. Watts says their shortest timeline has supply arriving by Winter of 2027, but if a more traditional route is used, it's more likely to come by 2028 or 2029. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's revealed progress is being made towards their mental health and addiction targets. The latest data shows 80.3% of New Zealanders are accessing specialist mental health and addiction support within three weeks. However, that percentage is carried by eight of the 20 regions, leaving behind Northland, Gisborne, and Canterbury. Clinical Psychologist Dr Dougal Sutherland told Mike Hosking the access to specialist services was a positive surprise, as it's not necessarily what he'd heard. He says he's cautiously optimistic about the progress, but there is still room for improvement. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A fresh blueprint has been developed to boost Dunedin's future. Business South's new targets include delivering more than 15 thousand high-value jobs by 2034, welcoming 150 new businesses a year by 2029, and growing Māori-owned businesses by 129% in four years. CEO Mike Collins says the goals may be stretched, but are going to be remarkable, with many motivated people backing the growth. He told Mike Hosking they're firing up some wraparound support services that would identify the gaps in a business' practices and match them up to what they need. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pharmac believes it makes sense to leave the day-to-day stuff to Health NZ. The Associate Health Minister and Minister Simeon Brown have jointly announced the national agency and drug-buyer can both procure medical devices. Pharmac will focus on more-technical equipment —due to its level of clinical input and assessment— and Health NZ on bulk-buying standard items. Pharmac Chair Paula Bennett told Mike Hosking it clears up uncertainty around who does what. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trade Minister says uncertainty around Donald Trump's tariffs is most concerning, following threats he'll impose a 100% tariff on all movies made outside the US. The US President didn't confirm when or how it could be enacted in a post on social media, which followed an initial threat on foreign-produced movies in May. Todd McClay told Mike Hosking he was in Malaysia last week with other trade ministers, who are all dealing with the rolling wall of announcements with no clarity. He says Trump's social media announcements are creating a lot of uncertainty, and Hollywood won't know what's going on. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump's proposed peace deal for Gaza is bringing some hope and optimism. The deal would end the war, and requires all hostages to be returned, Israeli troops to be pulled out of Gaza, and would allow Trump to lead an interim Government. It's being supported by our Foreign Minister Winston Peters as well as European and Middle Eastern leaders. The Economist Middle East Correspondent Greg Carlstrom told Mike Hosking it's good to see a serious proposal. He says it's an actual plan to end the war, unlike Trump's wild suggestion in February to depopulate Gaza and turn it into a beach resort. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's hopes that investment will flow into the energy sector once Government reforms are announced. Energy Minister Simon Watts will unveil the changes this morning, targeting issues the market hasn't been able to resolve on its own. The Government ordered the review last year after gas supply issues and soaring wholesale prices. Contact Energy CEO Mike Fuge told Mike Hosking the industry needs support for renewable investment already under way as no one wants that momentum lost. He says the most important thing for the country is continued investment. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kāinga Ora is under fire after Wellington's Dixon Street Flats were re-sold for almost triple the price. The Government housing agency initially sold the flats to Taranaki Whanui earlier this year for just over $1 million. Nearly three weeks later, the flats had been re-sold to a prominent Wellington developer for $3 million - a move Kāinga Ora has gone on to defend. Wellington City Councillor Ben McNulty says this won't be good for the taxpayers - but the opportunity cost of potentially bartering for ages was higher. "From a Wellington perspective, we're just glad to see something happening." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's cautious optimism within the Black Caps about the prospect of a New Zealand team in cricket's Big Bash T20 league. NZ Cricket are investigating whether joining the Australian competition is viable. Sports commentator Nick Bewley revealed what we know so far. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently confirmed he invited LuLu Hypermarket to set up in Australia while on a visit to the United Arab Emirates. This comes as Australia looks to develop a new free trade agreement with the Middle Eastern nation. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says a new player in the grocery market would help break up the current duopoly. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's pressure on Hamas to agree to a US-led Gaza peace plan. The proposed deal includes ending the war, returning hostages, and pulling out Israeli troops. An interim Palestinian Government would be led by Donald Trump and include experts like former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. A number of western and gulf state leaders have welcomed the deal. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Benjamin Netanyahu has voiced support for the plan - but he questioned what would happen if Hamas didn't agree. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump has unveiled a new 20-point-plan to end the war in Gaza - and one former British Prime Minister is set to play a key role. If Hamas agrees to the deal, the war will end immediately, with Israeli troops withdrawing and Hamas releasing all hostages. Donald Trump will head the Gaza transitional Government, made up of Palestinians and experts, including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Former Political Secretary to Tony Blair, John McTernan, says plenty of groups trust Tony Blair's word - and he brings plenty of experience. "He's trusted by everybody, because when he's involved in a deal, the deal is stuck to because people can trust his word - he's a major operator." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's concerns the figures given on Government health targets don't give the whole picture. Numbers on cancer treatment access, childhood immunisation, ED stays and wait times improved in the latest quarter. But Patient Voice Aotearoa's Malcolm Mulholland says the data doesn't reflect things like when patients leave ED. He says there are also questions around the cancer target - which asks for 90 percent of patients to start treatment within 31 days of deciding it'll happen. "Many oncologists would say - that's the wrong metric, the right metric is from the date of diagnosis to the date you are first seen by a specialist." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The CTU's head says excessive dividends for shareholders are stopping power companies investing more in generation. The union says the partially Government-owned gentailers should re-nationalise. Energy Minister Simon Watts will make an announcement tomorrow on sector reform. Richard Wagstaff says gentailers have their priorities wrong. "Between 2016 and 2020, there's 1.2 billion in capital expenditure - that was about a fifth of the dividend payout. There's no more generated today than there was 10 years ago." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a feeling Donald Trump's threat to impose a 100 percent tariff on any and all movies made outside the United States is unworkable. The US president didn't specify when or how it could be enacted in his post on social media - which followed an initial threat on foreign-produced movies in May. Screen Production and Development Association President Irene Gardiner says there's confusion about what he means. "It seems to be that the problem he's trying to solve is American productions not shooting in America. So the way to fix that is their own incentives." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 30 September 2025, former Tony Blair adviser John Mcternan speaks to Heather about Donald Trump's peace plan for Gaza - and whether it will lead to peace. The Government is celebrating getting closer to meeting some health targets but postcode lottery is still alive and well. Malcolm Mulholland from Patient Voice Aotearoa revealed what needs to change to make health access better across the country. Should horseriders be allowed to use a shared footpath? Plus, the Huddle debates whether Kainga Ora should have sold Wellington's Dixon St flats for more than $1million - and whether the big Defence Force flyover at the All Blacks game was embarrassing. 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.

Now, we need to talk about the Reserve Bank's excuses for how it completely stuffed up its job and let inflation get away on it during Covid. We spoke about this on the show yesterday, it's done the review and it says, quote, - "in hindsight, an earlier and more aggressive tightening might have reduced inflation sooner." Yeah. Really, Sherlock? But this would have been difficult given the data available at the time. Now, basically what they're saying is: yeah, we could have done better if we could see what was happening at the time, but we couldn't see what was happening at the time. Which is a crock, isn't it? Because there were people who could see at the time what was happening, and they said so. They said it publicly, they said the Reserve Bank needs to start tightening up - in some cases, months, if not even more than a year, before they did. I mean, the New Zealand Initiative first identified that Covid could cause inflation in April 2022 - that's a year and a half before the Reserve Bank started tightening. Brad Olsen called on them to start lifting the OCR in July 2021, that's about three months before they started. They started in October 2021. Now, that's good on them for - at that point - starting to move, but they were doing it. They were pumping the brake ever so slightly while still pushing the accelerator in a big way, because they did not stop pumping the economy and they kept their cheap money for banks program going all the while. In February 2022, the following year, the New Zealand Initiative was warning them and saying - hey, listen, this inflation is a thing here. But that lending continued, that cheap money to the banks continued all the way through to December 2022. When it stopped, inflation was already at 7.2 percent, which is nutso. Now, to be fair to the Reserve Bank, it wasn't just their fault. Grant Robertson was doing a fair bit, right? He was spending like crazy, and even though he was warned by Treasury, he just kept on spending too. But that doesn't exonerate the Reserve Bank, it just makes their job harder. But they cannot pretend that they didn't see what was happening, because others did see what was happening, and they needed to see what was happening - because that is what they are paid for. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, former Auckland mayor Phil Goff and Conor English from Government relations firm Silvereye joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! US president Donald Trump recently unveiled a 20-point peace plan for Gaza. Do we think Hamas will agree to this? Could this be a gamechanger - or just another plan that goes nowhere? Should Kāinga Ora have negotiated better to get more for the Dixon Street apartments in Wellington? The CTU is calling for electricity generators to be returned to public ownership ahead of the Government's big energy announcement. What do we make of this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fonterra's making the case to shareholders in a bid to sell off its iconic brands. French dairy giant Lactalis has agreed to pay $4.2 billion for the consumer business. The Country's Hamish McKay explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian Reserve Bank will keep the Official Cash Rate on hold at at 3.6 percent. The RBA's Governor, Michele Bullock, says Australia is in a 'difficult position', but they're committed to addressing inflation. HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christian Brueckner, a suspect linked to the disappearance of Madeleine McCann has been released from prison - and he's calling for the 'witch hunt' against him to stop. Brueckner was recently released after serving a seven-year rape sentence, and he had to surrender his passport and wear an ankle monitor upon release. UK correspondent Enda Brady says the suspect hit out at the prosecutor who accused him of murdering McCann - and said he didn't 'feel free.' LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Horse riders in the lower North Island have raised concerns over safe road access. A shared path along the Ōtaki to North of Levin Expressway - a project currently under construction - prompted concern after horse riders were excluded from the path. NZ Equestrian Advocacy Network chairperson Shelly Warwick says the group's lodged a complaint with the Human Rights Commission, citing concerns over equity. "There are alternatives for every other user if you want to take them, but they've made a shared-use path to cater for vulnerable road users to get across this community, but excluded horse riders." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.