Podcast appearances and mentions of matthew theunissen

A Coromandel business owner and former army medic desperately tried to save the life of a man who was shot near his remote property. Police have confirmed that one person is dead and another seriously injured after the incident, which occurred this afternoon about eight-and a-half kilometres south of the Coromandel Township, towards the top of the Peninsula. The injured man has been airlifted to Auckland City Hospital. One person was arrested and police are considering laying charges. They are not seeking anyone else in relation to the incident. A Coromandel business owner, who did not want his name used, spoke with Checkpoint producer Matthew Theunissen. 

Northland's general electorates have been swept up in the blue wave engulfing New Zealand. Although, in the Maori electorate, Te Tai Tokerau, Labour's Kelvin Davis holds a slender lead. In a region where there's a huge gap between the haves and have-nots, there's been a major swing away from Labour. Reporter Jimmy Ellingham and producer Matthew Theunissen have the story.

Zambia's coach has touched down in New Zealand denying claims of sexual misconduct against his players. According to an article in the Guardian, Bruce Mwape was investigated late last year following allegations of sexual abuse in the team. The allegations were raised with the Football Association of Zambia, which said it had referred the investigation to police and to football's governing body, FIFA. The Guardian's report quotes an unnamed source who says players have received threats of punitive action should they speak up about Mwape's behaviour. But as it stands, Bruce Mwape remains head coach of the team known as "the Copper Queens". Some of them arrived to a rapturous Zambian welcome in Auckland this morning before they travelled to their host city of Hamilton. Our producer Matthew Theunissen managed to ask Bruce Mwape a few questions as he made his way from the arrivals gate to the team bus outside. We have sought comment from football's governing body FIFA, Immigration New Zealand, and the Football Association of Zambia but are yet to receive any response.

A woman who bought a wooden tray from Kmart in Northland got more than she bargained for when she discovered it contained wood-eating beetle. The $20 Acacia Serving Tray is now being recalled after Michelle Reichardt alerted the Ministry for Primary Industries. It's been identified as Lyctus Africanus, also known as the the African powderpost beetle, a species not found in New Zealand. Michelle told Checkpoint producer Matthew Theunissen what happened. The Ministry for Primary Industries says Kmart has recalled the trays pending further investigation and the infested item has been securely destroyed. No new reports of borer activity have been notified.  

Heavy rain is forcast to hit Coromandel Peninsula again today  Businesses say what seen like never ending storms means they're doing 50 to 90 percent less business than they were last year due to the fragility of road access to the region.. State Highway 25A between Kopu and Hikuai is closed indefinitely and with limited access to the peninsula businesses fear visitors won't visit for the Easter holidays. And as First Up's Matthew Theunissen reports, it's not just tourism operators who are worried.  Some residents are leaving the Coromandel altogether to move closer to the hospital and other essential services.

Around 150 residents from the isolated Hawke's Bay region around Tutira and Putorino met last night to put their heads together and figure out how on earth they're going to reunite with the rest of the world. A washed out bridge to the north and a huge slip to the south means the area spanning some 25km of State Highway 2 north of Napier is almost completely cut off, with a goat track and helicopters the only way in or out. Yesterday, residents confined to the area headed to the sports centre in Putorino to meet with national and local authorities, utility operators and farming organisations. Putorino farmer and rural firefighter Ben Mackintosh told RNZ First Up producer Matthew Theunissen that the Army cooked them a BBQ with meat provided from Beef + Lamb New Zealand.

Wairoa's rural community faces a huge cleanup after Cyclone Gabrielle sent water and silt raging through their properties and across their paddocks. The Army was out yesterday helping some of the worst hit farmers, but it's locals with shovels and buckets who are doing the bulk of the heavy work. The flood waters rushed through the historic farm Turiroa on State Highway 2 south of Wairoa and left a thick layer of silt through the buildings and across the fields. Rowley Powdrell, whose family have been farming there for generations, showed our producer Matthew Theunissen around the property.  

On today's First Up pod - the latest from the UK where a body is found in a river less than a mile from where UK mother of two Nicola Bulley vanished three weeks ago; the Government announces a 300 million dollar support fund in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle - National's deputy and finance spokesperson Nicola Willis joins us for her take and we sent Matthew Theunissen to find out what will become of Tairawhiti's forestry workers. First Up - Voice of the Nathan!

A Tolaga Bay kiwifruit farmer says both the government and forestry companies need to compensate home owners, business owners and the forestry workers themselves in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle. Bridget Parker, who lives in the settlement of Paroa, about 8 kilometres northwest of Tolaga Bay, says slash has destroyed people's lives, and with the roads to plantations closed, local forestry workers have been told there is no work. Matthew Theunissen reports from the East Coast settlement  

On today's First Up pod - US Vice President Kamala Harris says Russia will be held to account for crimes against humanity; orchardists count the cost of cyclone Gabrielle. We tell you what you can do to support them and First Up producer Matthew Theunissen is in the Tolaga Bay where locals are furious about slash and what will become of the forestry workers. First Up - Voice of the Nathan!

For some west Auckland residents, last month's catastrophic floods weren't the first time their homes had been affected by an extreme weather event. In August 2021, several properties in Swanson were badly damaged when heavy rains caused two streams to burst their banks. Back then they were told it was a "one in 100" year event. But given what happened on the night of Friday, January 27, they're scared that their insurance premiums will now skyrocket, and that they may never be able to sell their properties. Matthew Theunissen went to meet some of those affected.  

The future of the Grand Chateau Tongariro is in limbo with the hotel not taking any new bookings for 2023 and 2024. The hotel itself remains open, but virtually empty,  as mystery surrounds next week's release of 'site assessment' reports, some of which RNZ understands relate to to earthquake strengthening and the building's land lease. So what's going on and why are locals being kept in the dark? First Up's Matthew Theunissen went to Whakapapa to find out.  

With the number of robberies of dairies, and the killing of shopkeeper Janak Patel last week, small business owners are taking extraordinary steps to keep themselves safe. We visited one which is about as secure as they come, Cedar Park Superette in Auckland's Wattle Downs. It's where former Police Minister Stuart Nash chose to launch a $1.9 million initiative to double the number of fog cannons in small businesses back in 2020. First Up producer Matthew Theunissen caught up with owner Uday Patel and found that the dairy's now the Fort Knox of suburban retail.  

Sandringham residents want answers and action after the fatal stabbing of a dairy worker on Wednesday night. The Sandringham business community has for months been asking for help to improve security because of how often they're targetted by armed thieves. One dairy owners even resorted to sleeping in his store to protect it because a response to a request for help with bollards had been so slow. Matthew Theunissen reports.

A man who provided emergency first aid to a hit and run victim in Auckland this afternoon, says it was a fast moving and frantic situation. The victim died at the scene after the incident. Marc Rainbow is a personal trainer at Fit Factory in Glen Eden and told our producer Matthew Theunissen what he saw.  

Winter salad days are well and truly over ...and there's a warning from vegetable growers you may struggle to find any spinach, rocket or mesclun leaves on the shelves at all.. A cold and wet winter has seen crops perish and pushed prices to eye watering levels. First Up's Matthew Theunissen spoke to growers to find out more.

Right now in Auckland's Pacific Island areas, you can't move for red and white flags flying out of cars, adorning front windows or draped around the shoulders of arguably the most fervent supporters of any sports team anywhere in the world. Yes on Saturday, the mighty Mate Ma'a Tonga men's rugby league team take on the New Zealand Kiwis at Mt Smart stadium, and the buildup -- which has already gone on for weeks -- is now at fever pitch. First Up producer Matthew Theunissen lives out in Otahuhu so has been swept up in the excitement on the streets. He spoke to some folks in the town centre and filed this report.

Police will manage a six million dollar crime prevention programme, installing bollards and similar measures to prevent ram raids, as part of the government's response to such attacks. Police Minister Poto Williams announced the Small Retailer Crime Prevention yesterday, saying it will help the retailers who don't have the resources to protect themselves. It follows a spate of middle of the night ram raids in the city, some carried out by children as young as seven. First Up's Matthew Theunissen visited one part of Auckland where crime is driving some business owners to the brink.

A co-producer of the Oscar winning film The Power of the Dog says the crew loved working with director Dame Jane Campion. The New Zealander won best director at the Academy Awards. The movie has also picked up big awards the Golden Globes and won best film at the BAFTAs. Co-producer and line producer Chloe Smith told First Up's Matthew Theunissen about the work on set in the Ida Valley.

Māori and Pasifika health providers have teamed up to try and vaccinate people whom the government rollout has failed to reach. After a protracted court battle, the Ministry of Health has been releasing information about the location of unvaccinated people to the Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency. And as First Up's Matthew Theunissen reports, that's enabled providers to target the last remaining pockets of unvaccinated people.

Māori and Pasifika health providers have teamed up to try and vaccinate people whom the government rollout has failed to reach. After a protracted court battle, the Ministry of Health has been releasing information about the location of unvaccinated people to the Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency. And as First Up's Matthew Theunissen reports, that's enabled providers to target the last remaining pockets of unvaccinated people.

A New Zealand-based biotech company wants to start mass producing a device which can tell you whether or not you need a Covid booster shot. Orbis ultimately wants to see its "lab in a box" available in pharmacies, airports and workplaces around the country by the end of the year. And as the national conversation turns in earnest to Covid booster shots, the company says "Arca" could become a valuable tool in determining who needs a third dose of the vaccine. Matthew Theunissen reports.

The Bay of Plenty of town, Murupara has one of the lowest rates of vaccination for Covid-19 in the country. Just 32 percent of have had the first dose. This compares to just over 80 percent first dose and 58 percent second dose for the wider Bay of Plenty region. First Up's Matthew Theunissen travelled to Murupara to investigate.

The Bay of Plenty of town, Murupara has one of the lowest rates of vaccination for Covid-19 in the country. Just 32 percent of have had the first dose. This compares to just over 80 percent first dose and 58 percent second dose for the wider Bay of Plenty region. First Up's Matthew Theunissen travelled to Murupara to investigate.

Truckers say they still don't have clarity about a new requirement that they be tested every week if they travel through Auckland, fearing it could result in costly delays. The government introduced the updated testing regime for essential workers crossing the Auckland border on Monday, giving road transport operators just a few days to prepare before it comes into force at midnight on Thursday. Some frustrated hauliers say it's been implemented before adequate planning and preparation has been carried out, as First Up producer Matthew Theunissen reports.

New Zealand has been denied its first gold medal of the Olympics, but few would begrudge the Flying Fijian's victory after their incredible performance last night, and at a time when their country is being devastated by Covid-19. Despite some moments of brilliance during what was a very assured Olympics campaign, the All Blacks Sevens were never really in with a shot against the dominant Fijians. Fiji led 19-12 at half time and ultimately put on 27 points to New Zealand's 12, winning their second consecutive Olympic gold medal. First Up producer Matthew Theunissen hit the phones after the historic win to find out what it means to the country.

New Zealand has been denied its first gold medal of the Olympics, but few would begrudge the Flying Fijian's victory after their incredible performance last night, and at a time when their country is being devastated by Covid-19. Despite some moments of brilliance during what was a very assured Olympics campaign, the All Blacks Sevens were never really in with a shot against the dominant Fijians. Fiji led 19-12 at half time and ultimately put on 27 points to New Zealand's 12, winning their second consecutive Olympic gold medal. First Up producer Matthew Theunissen hit the phones after the historic win to find out what it means to the country.

The programme to vaccinate some of the most isolated New Zealanders kicked into fifth gear today. A steady stream of Chatham Islanders have been making their way to the small medical centre in the town of Waitangi to get their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine. Matthew Theunissen has been visiting the islands to find out about the extremely challenging vaccine rollout.  

An Auckland family is mourning the loss of their father and husband after he was killed in the devastating tornado that hit south Auckland on Saturday morning. Janesh Prasad was working at the South Auckland Freight Hub in Wiri when the violent tornado touched down, picking up shipping containers and scattering them as if they were match boxes. A huge cleanup job is also underway in Papatoetoe, about 2 kilometres to the north, where the tornado tore roofs off houses, toppled trees onto cars, and sent debris flying hundreds of metres. About 60 homes were left uninhabitable. First Up producer Matthew Theunissen followed the twister's path of destruction down Freyburg Avenue and filed this report.

An Auckland family is mourning the loss of their father and husband after he was killed in the devastating tornado that hit south Auckland on Saturday morning. Janesh Prasad was working at the South Auckland Freight Hub in Wiri when the violent tornado touched down, picking up shipping containers and scattering them as if they were match boxes. A huge cleanup job is also underway in Papatoetoe, about 2 kilometres to the north, where the tornado tore roofs off houses, toppled trees onto cars, and sent debris flying hundreds of metres. About 60 homes were left uninhabitable. First Up producer Matthew Theunissen followed the twister's path of destruction down Freyburg Avenue and filed this report.

The annual muster of the central North Island's wild Kaimanawa horses is due to take place this weekend, with more horses than usual having to be rounded up due to last year's muster being cancelled due to Covid-19. It will be followed by a massive rehoming programme for the captured horses, which have never come into contact with human beings before. Matthew Theunissen reports.

Southland Mayor Gary Tong says Destiny Church leaders Hannah and Brian Tamaki are not welcome in his region. Tong says if leaving Auckland under the cover of darkness to avoid the level 3 lockdown was not bad enough, revelations that Brian Tamaki avoided lockdown to go on a hunting trip in Te Anau is 'doing his head-in'. It comes as the couple fronted for two radio interviews at the same time last night. Brian Tamaki was on Checkpoint. His wife Hannah was on MagicTalk. But it was only afterwards we found there were two very different versions of events. Matthew Theunissen was listening to both.

The leaders of Destiny Church are under fire from the Covid-19 Response Minister and the Maori Party after fleeing Auckland to hold a church service in Rotorua in a bid to avoid the city's alert level 3 lockdown. Chris Hipkins described the move as completely irresponsible and Māori Party co-leader Rawiri Waititi says Hannah and Brian Tamaki would be answerable if there was a community outbreak outside Auckland as a result of their actions. The couple left Auckland on Saturday night as the Prime Minister was announcing the city would go into lockdown at 6am on Sunday. Hannah Tamaki said the service observed social distancing and an attendance register was kept. But as Matthew Theunissen reports, the Minister was not impressed.

As Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was putting Auckland into a snap lockdown on Saturday night, Destiny Church leaders Brian and Hannah Tamaki were packing their bags. The couple left the city for Rotorua, arriving around midnight, where they told a crowd gathered for the Sunday morning service that they had escaped Auckland to avoid the Alert Level 3 restrictions. It comes as concern mounts over some churches defying lockdown rules and spreading misinformation about the Covid-19 pandemic. As First Up's Matthew Theunissen reports, Sunday's service wasn't just about avoiding lockdown.

Some families of the men who died in the Pike River Mine disaster are urging the government to step aside, so they can complete the recovery job. On Tuesday, the re-entry crew at Pike River went as far as they plan to go up the drift access tunnel when they reached the roof fall - 2.26 kilometres in. They placed momentos on a thick foam plug, including a letter addressed to the Pike 29 promising that work will continue to find out what happened on the 19th of November, 2010. Forensic work will now be carried out in the Pit Bottom In Stone area, which is required for the police investigation. Family members of the 29 men who died have expressed mixed emotions about the agency getting to the furthest point in the operation. For Bernie Monk, who lost his son Michael in the tragedy, the recovery team has not gone far enough into the mine. He spoke to First Up producer Matthew Theunissen.

Dunedin City Council has closed a public road so a sea lion can safely reach the ocean to get food for her new born pup. Hiriwa, the 150 kilogram sea lion, is currently nestled in bush alongside the 13th hole at Chisholm Links golf course in order to care for her newborn. John Wilson Ocean Drive, which separates the course from the ocean, will be closed for the next month. RNZ's Matthew Theunissen reports.

Water restrictions are likely for more parts of the Far North if there's not significant rainfall soon, and the forecast isn't good. People in Kaitaia are now not allowed to use hoses, sprinklers or irrigation devices, with restrictions also in force in Kawakawa-Moerewa and Paihia. It comes after Niwa declared yesterday that 2020 was the 7th warmest year on record with multiple regions receiving less rain than in any previous year. RNZ's Matthew Theunissen has this report.

A former Worksafe inspector says workers at airports, ports and MIQ facilities are far too relaxed about the prospect of Covid-19 getting into the community. Opposition parties say the government has also drifted into a summer slumber. But officials say they are still at the wheel and won't hesitate to introduce more protections, if required. Matthew Theunissen reports.

Health authorities in Australia have increased the amount of time overseas arrivals must spend in hotel quarantine in case the highly-transmissible UK variant of Covid-19 makes people infectious for longer. Over the weekend, two people in Queensland and New South Wales tested positive for the mutant variant after they'd been released from quarantine. Brisbane also went into three days of lockdown when a quarantine hotel worker tested positive for the more contagious strain. RNZ reporter Matthew Theunissen discussed the developments with Catherine Bennett, the chair of epidemiology at Deakin University.

New Zealand's managed isolation facilities now house both the highly-transmissible UK variant of Covid-19 and a new strain associated with South Africa. Almost a quarter of the country's live cases are now the U.K. variant with that amount expected to increase. Australia is tightening its MIQ rules after the U.K strain was found in its community. And One Covid-19 data modeller here says should either variant get past New Zealand's border, he would expect an immediate alert level 4 lockdown. RNZ's Matthew Theunissen reports.

A huge fire near Auckland Airport this morning has destroyed the office of a campervan business, and several campervans. Richard Pearse Drive and surrounding roads were closed, causing heavy traffic congestion, while nearby businesses and residents were told to close their windows to avoid breathing the acrid smoke. Fortunately, the nearby quarantine facility - the Jet Park Hotel - didn't need to be evacuated. Matthew Theunissen reports.

A large fire ripping through the Auckland headquarters of Maui campervans has now been contained. Fire and Emergency says firefighters were called to the blaze on Richard Pearse Drive in Mangere shortly after five o'clock, with the property engulfed in flames when they arrived. Several roads have been closed, causing widespread traffic disruption. Fire and Emergency's Auckland city area commander, Richard Twomey, told RNZ reporter Matthew Theunissen no other buildings are threatened at this stage.

The National Party wants all people flying into the country are tested for Covid-19 before they embark, but at least five of the people who tested positive for Covid-19 in managed isolation yesterday had tested negative before boarding their flight to New Zealand. A University of Auckland medical professor says the case demonstrates just how infectious Covid-19 is, and that making it mandatory for people to be tested before they travel to New Zealand isn't a silver bullet. Matthew Theunissen reports.

Masked-up Aucklanders cautiously made their way back to school and work today as the city returned to something resembling normal. It was still quieter than before the latest level 3 lockdown, although Auckland's airport was flooded with people who jumped at the chance to get out of town, while many trundled their well-worn commute to work once again. RNZ reporter Matthew Theunissen and camera operator Dan Cook filed this story.

Masks are now mandatory on public transport, but how is it going in the city at the centre of the outbreak? Matthew Theunissen is at the Manukau bus and train station. He speaks to Susie Ferguson.

After being tasered, pepper sprayed and heavily restrained, Alo Ngata was left face-down in a police cell with an incorrectly-fitted spit hood covering his face. Although police policy required him to be constantly monitored, it wasn't until CCTV footage showed his hands not moving and starting to change colour that officers came to his aid. He died in hospital two days later. The Independent Police Conduct Authority today released its report identifying multiple failures by the officers who restrained Mr Ngata, who was on meth when arrested for assaulting an elderly man in Auckland's Freeman's Bay in 2018. Matthew Theunissen reports.

Women who've lost their jobs due to the pandemic are being forced to apply for work well below their skill level or retrain. There's criticism they are not getting enough help from government who are focussing on so-called "shovel-ready" projects that are likely to employ more men than women. Matthew Theunissen reports.

Women who've lost their jobs due to Covid-19 are being forced to either retrain or to take on work that's well below their skill level. Women employment has been disproportionately affected by the pandemic, with female-dominated sectors like hospitality and tourism among the hardest hit. For boat captain Sarah Robinson, things couldn't have been going better before the virus made it to New Zealand. She told RNZ reporter Matthew Theunissen about her experience.

Monday's announcement of a continuation of the level 3 lockdown has been met with trepidation by Auckland businesses - with many teetering on the brink of collapse. The current restrictions - Auckland at alert level 3, and the rest of the country at level 2 - had been due to lift at midnight Wednesday. But with handfuls of new Covid-19 cases continuing to be diagnosed in Auckland each day, the ministers decided the risk of further spread was too great to lift the lockdown just yet. Matthew Theunissen reports.

Farmers around Auckland's southern border are finding themselves unable to check their stock, and having to drive vast distances to get feed and equipment. They're calling on the government make them exempt from the border rules, or move the border further south. Matthew Theunissen reports.

Thousands of Aucklanders are desperately turning to food banks as increasing job losses wipe out family incomes. There are now 29 registered foodbanks serving the city. Prior to Covid-19 there was fewer than five. One long-standing emergency food provider says too many food banks could be counter productive. Matthew Theunissen reports.

The head of Mangere Budgeting Services is concerned about the number of foodbanks which have sprung up in Auckland since the last lockdown. Thousands of people have been using community food banks since the city went back into Alert Level 3. Darryl Evans says rather than more and more such services popping up, they should pool their resources to provide the best possible help to those in need. He spoke to our reporter Matthew Theunissen.

When New Zealanders emerged from their five weeks of Alert Level 4, a top priority for many was ordering that favourite takeaway. Struggling fast food outlets and cafes enjoyed a much-needed cash injection from pent up demand. In Auckland's latest spell under Alert Level 3 there's been no flurry of business for the hospitality sector, raising the risk for some of permanent closure. Matthew Theunissen reports.

The Countdown supermarket where the latest absconder from managed isolation browsed the health and beauty aisle, bought toothpaste, body wash and razors, and took selfies has just reopened. The supermarket was closed yesterday for cleaning after the 32-year-old man who tested positive for Covid-19 spent 20 minutes in the store. RNZ reporter Matthew Theunissen is outside the supermarket on Victoria Street in central Auckland.

Almost 120 years after they sank to the bottom of the Tasman Sea, the discovery of the remains of Chinese gold miners is causing fury. The New Zealand Chinese Association says a documentary crew should not have filmed body parts of some of the 499 miners who sank with the SS Ventnor in 1902. The miners' bodies were being transported back to their homeland when the ship struck a reef and sank off the Hokianga coast. Matthew Theunissen reports.

Those who work at the country's borders are in line to get tested for Covid-19 tests a lot more often, but they are yet to hear details of how the government's new regime will affect them. The Government announced on Tuesday that it will routinely test front-line staff who deal with the thousands of people returning from global hotspots. As well as those those working in managed isolation or quarantine hotels, drivers who transport new arrivals from the airport will be tested at higher rates, while flight crews returning from any at-risk country will have to return a negative test before they are allowed home. E tu's head of aviation, Savage, told RNZ reporter Matthew Theunissen last night that it's still unclear how the new rules will work.

A woman who arrived in the country on the same flight as a man who now has Covid-19 had to badger health staff before they would test her. The man, in his 60s, arrived from Melbourne on 13 June and started showing signs of illness two days later while in managed isolation. Former RNZ reporter Alexa Cook is in managed isolation at the Novotel Auckland Airport having arrived from the UK. She told RNZ reporter Matthew Theunissen she's worried by the news that she was on a flight with a confirmed Covid-19 case.

District Health Boards could be stuffed with political flunkeys if a proposed shake up goes ahead. That's the call from a former Waikato District Health Board member who admits he landed an earlier public health role thanks to his high level contacts. The Health and Disability System review wants to slash the number of district health boards in New Zealand to as few as eight and do-away with DHB elections. The proposal is prompting fears that any ruling government would fill the boards with favourites and stooges. Matthew Theunissen reports.

The Auckland mayor Phil Goff says he can't rule out the closure of public facilities as the city grapples with its Emergency Budget. Swinging cuts are on the cards for Council, which is faced with trying to find half a billion dollars to make up for the Covid-19 budget blow. Dividends from shares in assets like Auckland Airport have been slashed, as has revenue from facilities like pools and the zoo, public transport and parking fees. Goff spoke to RNZ reporter Matthew Theunissen, who started by asking how many council employees will lose their jobs. Aucklanders have until 19 July to have their say on the proposed Emergency Budget and give their feedback on either a 2.5 or a 3.5 percent rates increase in the next year.

With only two new cases of Covid-19 over the past seven days is it time to lighten Alert Level 2 restrictions? Today Cabinet is expected to consider increasing the size of gatherings from the current limit of 10. RNZ reporter Matthew Theunissen has been talking to people about how Level 2 is working and whether it's time to shift to a lower gear.

Pubs and bars are reporting a sluggish first day back after the lockdown, with the "Fear Of Going Out" or, perhaps, the joy of staying home, thought to be a reason for the low numbers. Venues which primarily serve alcohol had to wait a week longer than other businesses to invite customers back because of the extra risks they are thought to pose. So in order to open they've had to limit the number of people allowed in, keep customers seated and adhere to strict social distancing and contact tracing rules. RNZ reporter Matthew Theunissen overcame his own FOGO visiting a few bars last night to see how staff and customers are coping.

The National Party leader Simon Bridges is facing a slew of criticism over his handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, and a disastrous poll out this week has some calling for his resignation. The latest political poll has National with just 30.6 percent support and in the preferred Prime Minister's stakes Bridges is on 4.5 percent. At the same time Labour and Jacinda Ardern are enjoying a huge surge in popularity. RNZ reporter Matthew Theunissen has been sounding out support for Bridges, beginning in his Tauranga electorate.

The first days of life under Alert Level 2 has started with a hiss and a roar for retailers, restaurants and cafes, but some business owners fear the spending splurge will be short lived as recession starts to bite. Despite some initial confusion about the Covid-19 rules shops are reporting a much-needed flurry of trade under the looser restrictions. Matthew Theunissen reports.

This morning the consumer watchdog is lodging a complaint with the Commerce Commission over Air New Zealand's ongoing refusal to refund passengers from all its cancelled US flights. The airline last month confirmed that people who had flights booked from or into the United States are entitled to a refund, in accordance with US law. But Consumer NZ says it's still not refunding passengers who were to transit in the US, and is providing misleading information to people who want their money back. Matthew Theunissen reports.

The head of a small South Island forestry crew says he's had to find an extra $100,000 in order to pay wages during the lockdown. Like many New Zealanders, about 40,000 forestry workers were back on the job on Tuesday. For Matt Winmill, a contractor for forestry company Port Blakely, the end of lockdown couldn't come soon enough. Winmill is also on the board of the Forestry Industry Contractors Association so has been in contact with numerous other forestry contractors who, like him, face an uncertain future. He spoke to RNZ reporter Matthew Theunissen.

The Context of White Supremacy welcomes Christopher Clark live from South Africa. A self-professed "journalist, writer and wanderer," Clark is a White man who's had artcles published at CNN, World Travel Guide, Business Day, and The Huffington Post. He recently authored a blog titled: "I'm a racist, but I'm trying my best to amend for that." Clark's focus is the recent wrangling involving Matthew Theunissen, this White man posted a racist eruption on social media, but protested being branded a Racist. Clark submits that this is standard White behavior - a total refusal to admit that being Racist in spite of having White Supremacist beliefs and/or engaging in White Supremacist behavior. We'll ask Mr. Clark about specific ways he has practiced Racism. We'll also get his views on the 20 year anniversary of South Africa's Truth And Reconciliation Commission. There's been much dialog about the past efforts of Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela, but also a good bit of outrage that post-apartheid, black suffering continues. #RacismIsNotAPrivilege INVEST in The COWS - http://paypal.me/GusTRenegade CALL IN NUMBER: 641.715.3640 CODE 564943# The C.O.W.S. archives: http://tiny.cc/76f6p