Podcasts about newstalk zb

A revamped All Blacks side has been tasked with maintaining an almost 72-year unbeaten legacy against Wales on Sunday morning in Cardiff. Three players —captain and lock Scott Barrett, flanker Simon Parker and Will Jordan, who shifts to the right wing— remain in the run-on side from last week's loss to England. Ardie Savea and Codie Taylor are among the players rested...along with Cam Roigard and Beauden Barrett. Newstalk ZB Rugby Commentator Elliott Smith told Mike Hosking much like the bronze medal match at the Rugby World Cup, no one really wants to play it. He says it feels more like a box ticking exercise, but they've got to get through it, come home with a win, and then face what comes over the course of the summer. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's growing speculation Chris Luxon is at risk of being rolled ahead of the election, with Chris Bishop being touted as a potential replacement. An opinion piece by Audrey Young was released today, and it claimed that Labour was going extra hard on Bishop over the cycleway project because he was likely to take over the party by 2026. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says National's taking a hit in the polls and there's discussions about Luxon's leadership abilities taking place. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Smokefree 2025 goal was created in 2010 with the hope that fewer than 5 percent of Kiwis will smoke by 2025, but that's looking unlikely. The annual New Zealand Health survey's confirmed rates are stagnating just below 7 percent - and vaping rates growing. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's pointing to market changes and consumer costs as motivation for changing 2023's Clean Vehicle Standard. It gave importers credits for meeting carbon targets, and charged them if they missed. But Transport Minister Chris Bishop says charges are falling on the consumer, which will now be slashed nearly 80 percent. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the Government's wasted no time getting this through. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newstalk ZB senior political reporter Azaria Howell joins Nick Mills for Beehive Buzz this week discussing the latest poll results on capital gains tax and the rebrand of The Opportunities Party. Will their new name and leader be enough to hit 5%? For the latest insight into parliament, it's Beehive Buzz with Azaria Howell LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

England is celebrating a first home win over the All Blacks in 13 years. The hosts won 33-19 at Twickenham, despite being 12 points down within the first 20 minutes. Newstalk ZB rugby commentator Elliott Smith says the team made a strong start, but they couldn't keep up the momentum. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Sunday Panel, editor and journalist Jo McCarroll and Newstalk ZB host Roman Travers joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! A damning police watchdog report from last week found numerous failures in how police handled complaints a staff member made against disgraced former deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming. How bad does this look for the police? It's been a big week for Te Pāti Māori, with Mariameno Kapa-Kingi and Tākuta Ferris being ousted. Is this a bad look ahead of the election? The All Blacks got trounced in their latest match against England in Twickenham. What do we make of this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I hate carrying my wallet. Not because I'm a prickle pockets —I swear I'll always buy my round!— but because at heart, I'm an optimiser. I don't want something else to remember, a bulge in my back pocket. I want to be able to do everything with the least baggage possible. My wallet has four cards. Just four. Bank card, credit card, driver's license, and my TVNZ access card. Until two weeks ago, I needed a card to get into the Newstalk ZB offices as well, but not anymore. We've moved to a digital swipe system, an app on our phones. Very 2025. I don't carry cash. My wallet has nowhere to put it. Except for the $2.40 in change in the centre console of the family Corolla, I don't have any cash whatsoever. I barely use my physical debit and credit cards; I just pay for everything with my phone. For the best price I still need a real card for the bus, although they've recently changed the system so that in a pinch I can pay with my phone. My library card is digital. Concert tickets are digital. Auckland FC, Air New Zealand – it's all on my phone. If all goes well with the Government's rollout, in a few months we should be able to access digital driver's licenses. In the US they've now gone one step further. As of this week, American citizens with either Google or Apple phones can upload their passports to their devices and store them in digital wallets. The systems scan your passport and then read the little chip. They compare the photo page with a biometric scan of your face. You can use it as ID for domestic travel and although you still need a physical passport for international flights, surely it won't be long until your digital ID does that too. I know what you're thinking. Digital passports, bank cards, driver's licenses. Digital swipe cards for getting into the office. What could possibly go wrong?! And I agree with you! The more that our vital ID and payment systems go digital, the more vulnerable many of these systems might be to failure, power outages, coding errors, or hacking. At least for the near future, there will be traditional options. They're not scrapping plastic driver's licences just yet. But all things being equal, I reckon 2026 might be the last year of my life in which I actually need to carry a wallet. I'm going to be first in line for a digital driver's licence. A year from now, everything I need from my cards I should be able to do my phone. And while I know there are risks, I know it's a single point of failure, I know it'll be even more of a disaster if I accidentally lose my phone. Truthfully my concerns are drowned out by an even stronger impulse. Sure, there are security concerns. But man, just think of the convenience. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The White House says Democrats are pulling a manufactured hoax following the release of emails by late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, mentioning Donald Trump. Democrats on the House Oversight Committee have released three email exchanges, followed by the release of 20-thousand pages of documents by Republicans. One email from 2011 claims the US President spent hours at Epstein's house with an unnamed victim. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacked the reactions to this development. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks have their captain back as they prepare to face England at Twickenham on Sunday morning. The English haven't beaten the All Blacks at the stadium since 2012, and the All Blacks will be looking to continue that streak and keep their current winning streak alive. Scott Barrett has been cleared to start after a full week of training as his leg gash healed. Newstalk ZB's Voice of Rugby, Elliott Smith, joined Ryan Bridge to preview the clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday the 14th of November 2025, Labour says it will repeal the Regulatory Standards bill in their first 100 days if elected next year, Labour regulation spokesperson Duncan Webb tells Ryan why. The All Blacks take on England at Twickenham, Newstalk ZB voice of rugby Elliott Smith has the latest. Pub Choir is a new phenomenon taking the internet by storm, Australian vocalist and conductor Astrid Jorgensen tells Ryan how she came up with the idea and landed herself a feature on America's Got Talent. Plus, UK/ Europe Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest on Jeffrey Epstein appearing to confirm Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was photographed with Virginia Giuffre and France marks the 10th anniversary of the Bataclan massacres. 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 Police Minister says like many Kiwis, he's disappointed - by a scathing IPCA report highlighting past failures in senior Police management of complaints about one of their own. The police watchdog report has detailed how staff, including then-Commissioner Andrew Coster, didn't investigate allegations when they were made against Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacked the discussions. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister has responded to Winston Peters' fears over potential asset sales. Chris Luxon has ruled them out this term, but is again suggesting it needs discussion. Meanwhile, the NZ First leader has told RNZ it's a silly argument - and claimed the party will stop the country's assets from being sold. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacked the discussions further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Te Pāti Māori's co-leaders won't share why their National Council decided to expel Tākuta Ferris and Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. The Council met last night to decide on the two MPs' fate. The expulsion comes after weeks of public sparring between the pair and Party President John Tamihere. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained the situation further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newstalk ZB political reporter Ethan Griffiths joins Nick Mills for Beehive Buzz this week discussing the annoucement from Te Pati Maori that two MPs - Mariameno Kapa-Kingi and Tākuta Ferris have been expelled from the party. They talk what's next for these MPs and Te Pati Maori, possibilities of exercising the waka jumping legislation and reactions around parliament. For the latest insight into parliament, it's Beehive Buzz with Ethan Griffiths. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Satisfaction for All Blacks coach Scott Robertson in how they wrestled momentum back to clinch a 25-17 win over Scotland in Edinburgh. A late Damian McKenzie try and penalty secured victory after the home side came from 17-nil down to level the scores going into the final quarter. Newstalk ZB rugby commentator Elliott Smith says it was a tight game, with Scotland nearly managing to get ahead LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Treasury is nudging the Government to sell state assets that are underperforming or are no longer fit for purpose. It is continuing to sound alarm bells over the Crown's finances being on an 'unsustainable' path forward. Newstalk ZB political reporter Ethan Griffiths explained the situation further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ex-top cop Jevon McSkimming's admitted to having child exploitation and bestiality images on work devices. The former Deputy Police Commissioner's pleaded guilty to three representative charges of possessing objectionable material in Wellington District Court this afternoon. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacked today's verdict. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chloe Swarbrick was on Newstalk ZB today talking homelessness with Heather du Plessis-Allan offending her white lady sensibilities trying to find a solution to those homeless people "who shout" posing that locking them up overnight is the best solutionNicola Willis was on with Ryan Bridge this morning talking unemployment and who is to blame for it,BHB whanau Craig Renny seems to be under a coordinated attack by operatives on the right starting at Chris Bishop and Kieran McAnulty were on Breakfast this morning debating TPM's impact on Labour's chance to win at the next election and the unemployment numbers versus people leaving NZ=================================Come support the work we're doing by becoming a Patron of ⁠⁠#BHN⁠⁠ www.patreon.com/BigHairyNews⁠=================================Merch available at www.BHNShop.nz Like us on Facebookwww.facebook.com/BigHairyNews Follow us on Twitter.@patbrittenden @Chewie_NZFollow us on BlueskyPat @patbrittenden.bsky.socialChewie @chewienz.bsky.socialEmily @iamprettyawesome.bsky.socialMagenta @xkaosmagex.bsky.social

Significant progress is being made on New Zealand's Free Trade Agreement with India. India's Trade Minister is in the country - discussing our trade relationship over the next few days with Minister Todd McClay and the Prime Minister. India has announced it's looking towards an early conclusion of the FTA. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained that these discussions were why Luxon missed Question Time - prompting criticism from Labour. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Police Minister says he has more pressing priorities than the enforcement of a law banning smoking or vaping in cars with children. Last year, Newstalk ZB revealed Police never updated systems so officers could issue fines and had no plans to. Police say the systems remain the same fourteen months on, and no fines have been issued. Mark Mitchell told Ryan Bridge this is an operational issue for Police, and he's focused on other things. He says his priority is getting on top of aggravated robberies and other violent crime. Mitchell says Police have been very clear they prefer to educate parents rather than fine them, and he supports that approach. He says despite this, the legislation remains, and they're still working on a system to action it. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Saturday night I was in Lyttelton for a gig and saw a guy sleeping on the bench outside the local supermarket, which took me a little bit by surprise. Maybe I need to get across to Lyttelton more often. But that's the kind of thing we will see way more of if the Government goes ahead with this idea of banning homeless people from congregating and sleeping rough in central business districts. Because instead of being an answer, it just raises another question: where would they go? We know where they'd go. The suburbs. They wouldn't go away. And even though I can't stand being asked for money all the time when I walk through town, some sort of CBD ban isn't the solution. It would start in Auckland apparently and eventually be implemented elsewhere around the country. This hasn't come from the Government itself, which is being all mealy-mouthed about it. It's come from Newstalk ZB's senior political correspondent, Barry Soper. He says the Associate Housing Minister, Tama Potaka, has been talking to community housing providers and has suggested to them that such a law is on its way. Now I'm a realist and I know that we are never going to get rid of homelessness. That's because there are so many things that lead to someone not having a roof over their head. And I reckon most of us are only two or three steps away from being homeless ourselves. It wouldn't take that many setbacks in our life before we looked up one day and realised we were sleeping under a blanket on Hereford Street or Queen Street. But banning rough sleepers from downtown areas is not the answer because what happens when the rough sleepers start moving into the suburbs? I know the Government will say “aww, we're not just kicking them out, we're providing the old wraparound services.” But this isn't a solution, it's just moving the problem elsewhere. And, if I had to choose where in town the rough sleepers should be, give me the CBD any day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Te Pāti Māori has confirmed they're not ruling out triggering two separate byelections by expelling controversial MPs. Co-leaders Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer aren't backing down from the party's actions as it defers to Te Pāti Māori's national council. This comes as deliberations to oust Te Tai Tokerau MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi and Te Tai Tonga MP Tākuta Ferris continue to take place. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper recapped what we know so far. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Te Tai Tokerau MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi says she isn't going anywhere. Te Pāti Māori's President, John Tamihere, has suggested she and Te Tai Tonga MP, Takuta Ferris, should resign from the Party. That's his response to a petition launched by 'Te Tai Tonga Executive' - calling for his resignation. He's accusing the two MPs of avarice and entitlement, referencing Hone Harawira's split from the Party in 2011 - and telling them to do the "honourable thing'. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper recaps the ongoing saga. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rain's on the forecast for today's 165th running of the Melbourne Cup. There are no New Zealand-trained runners this year, but Smokin Romans and Torranzino were both bred here. Newstalk ZB's Melbourne Cup correspondent Donna Demaio says those heading to Flemington will need to pack their brollies and coats. She told Andrew Dickens the weather is dominating much of the conversation. Demaio says it's expected to rain all day and even during the race. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon joins Mike Hosking live on Newstalk ZB and explains why National's 'Water Done Well' is better than Three Waters even though it's now proven to cost moreLabour leader Chris Hipkins joins Q+A to go through the finer points of the capital gains tax policy, and whether Labour is projected to bring in enough revenue to pay for its promises. Minister for Children Karen Chhour joins Q+A to talk about the reduction in youth crime rates, along with the complex picture of harm emerging for children in Oranga Tamariki care.Te Pāti Māori president John Tamihere is fuming after members from his own party called for resignation.=================================Come support the work we're doing by becoming a Patron of ⁠⁠#BHN⁠⁠ www.patreon.com/BigHairyNews⁠=================================Merch available at www.BHNShop.nz Like us on Facebookwww.facebook.com/BigHairyNews Follow us on Twitter.@patbrittenden @Chewie_NZFollow us on BlueskyPat @patbrittenden.bsky.socialChewie @chewienz.bsky.socialEmily @iamprettyawesome.bsky.socialMagenta @xkaosmagex.bsky.social

Dame Noeline Taurua has broken her silence, following her suspension and reinstatement as Silver Ferns coach. The 57-year-old and her coaching team were stood down in September after player concerns emerged from a Sydney training camp. Interim coach Yvette McCausland-Durie is leading the team on next week's Northern Tour. Speaking to Newstalk ZB's Mike Hosking in her first interview since the saga, Taurua says the suspension was horrific, and she feels partly vindicated, but not fully back in the job. She says her happy place is on court, training with the players, so there's still a bit to go until she's really back. LISTEN ABOVE FOR PART 1 AND BELOW FOR PART 2 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Bayly, the MP for Port Waikato, stood down as ACC and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister after allegations of unprofessional behaviour. While speaking to Newstalk ZB yesterday Bayly said he was told the allegations made against him had been corroborated by three other people - he now has evidence it was not. Speaking from Korea overnight Luxon reiterated he would have fired Bayly had he not resigned. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday the 31st of October, Fonterra Chair Miles Hurrell on the sale of their consumer business. All Black Ethan de Groot joins ahead of the Sunday morning game against Ireland in Chicago. Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson make fun of Mike - and celebrate Technical Producer Glenn Hart's 30th anniversary on Newstalk ZB. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Bayly is fighting to clear his name and claims he was misled about the allegations against him before he resigned as a Cabinet Minister. Bayly, the MP for Port Waikato, stood down as ACC and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister after he “placed a hand” on a staff member's arm during what he described as an “animated discussion” in February. Bayley says the fact that no complaint had been made against him was contrary to what he was led to believe at the time - and he's determined to set the record straight. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper confirmed Bayly's now taken legal advice. "There was never a formal complaint laid against Andrew Bayly, but he was led to believe that there was some serious complaints made against him." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters has appeared to correct the Prime Minister for taking credit on a trade deal. Chris Luxon has confirmed New Zealand is one of a handful of nations that now has a comprehensive strategic partnership with ASEAN - and posted that he made a deal with Southeast Asian nations. In a since-deleted tweet, Peters corrected Luxon with one word - 'we'. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper speculated on why Peters deleted the comment. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the latest episode of Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin, we hear from multi award winning and delightful Australian author Trent Dalton on his latest book, Gravity Let Me Go. He also celebrated his theatre production coming to Auckland. Francesca catches up with Kiwi actress Melanie Lynskey. She's taking Hollywood by storm with a starring role in Yellowjackets but came home to star in the new Pike River film. Plus we learn the art of writing historical novels from the iconic Ken Follett. Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin brings you the best interviews from Newstalk ZB's The Sunday Session. Listen on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour was forced to reveal its tax policy early, after details were leaked to media over the long weekend. The party's proposed a 28 percent capital gains tax on all residential and commercial property - but not the family home. It's promising to use the revenue to fund three free GP visits for all Kiwis. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Hipkins has voiced frustration with this leak and confirmed whoever leaked the policy will get booted from the party. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Arrests have been made following last week's Louvre heist. Thieves stole an array of valuable jewels, worth $177million NZD, including a crown belonging to the wife of Napoleon III. Newstalk ZB reporter in Paris Catherine Field told Mike Hosking that the thieves arrested were not masterminds, and were known to police. 'They knew that these two were part of the gang, but they knew that they weren't the mastermind.' LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister heads to Asia today, for crucial meetings on trade and the economy. Chris Luxon's first travelling to Malaysia for the East Asia Summit and mark a milestone of 50 years of diplomatic ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Newstalk ZB political reporter Ethan Griffiths says Luxon will be meeting with other world leaders at APEC to discuss trade. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Te Pāti Māori's behaviour is once again a topic of discussion following bill burning and allegations of over-spending this week. Barry Soper told Heather du Plessis-Allan that Te Pāti Māori 'shouldn't be anywhere near Government'. Soper identified a possible link between the ongoing party controversies and it's culture of nepotism. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Memories were shared of Jim Bolger as a devout Catholic, masterful farmer, family man and exceptional leader. Colleagues and family shared remembrances of the former Prime Minister, as he was laid to rest in Kapiti today. Former Prime Ministers, Governor-Generals, iwi leaders and the Māori Queen attended the funeral at Bolger's local parish. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper recapped all the tributes. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Public Service Commissioner's again sounding a negative note over New Zealand's major health and education strike tomorrow. About 100,000 union members across various sectors will stop work across the day - expressing frustration over pay and working conditions. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this is expected to be the biggest strike in New Zealand's history since the 1970s, with many unions expected to take part. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An unexpected Labour policy announcement was a bit of a shock for leader Chris Hipkins today. Health spokesperson, Ayesha Verrall revealed the policy in an op-ed for New Zealand Doctor magazine. It proposes to create an independent body to estimate and allocate GP funding increases, rather than the Government. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Labour 'botched up' the rollout of this announcement. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Experts now say it's unlikely the jewels, most recently stolen from the Louvre will ever be seen again. The thieves rode a basket lift up the museum's facade, forced a window and fled with France's Crown and Napoleonic jewels - in just seven minutes. The museum had just opened on Sunday - local time. Newstalk ZB's Paris correspondent Catherine Field says it's already been 24 hours, and authorities have no idea who they're looking for. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recent data shows inflation reached three percent in the year to September, and it's prompted concerns about the economy. Stats NZ figures out today show the rate rose from 2.7 percent annually to June - hitting the top end of the Reserve Bank's target band. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this is higher than what the Government was hoping for, and it's unclear what this could mean for the Reserve Bank. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health Minister Simeon Brown was met with booing at the senior doctors' annual conference before accusing doctors of "crossing an ethical line" and threatening compulsory arbitration. New Zealand First leader Winston Peters fired off some threats of his own suggesting regulation for Fonterra if the Lactalis sale proceeds. ACT leader David Seymour hit back at Peter's threats saying the decision is for the farmers, not the Government. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says 'politicking' tiffs like Peters and Seymour's will become more common as elections approach next year. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A flurry of tributes from current and former politicians for former Prime Minister, Jim Bolger, who died yesterday. The 90-year-old died peacefully, surrounded by family. He served as Prime Minister between 1990 and 1997. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper looked back on some memories with the former leader. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recent polls show Prime Minister Chris Luxon's popularity has taken a nosedive, prompting speculation about his future in the National Party. With the election set to take place next year, there's growing speculation Luxon's leadership role might not last. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this discussion is a self-fulfilling prophecy, but it's likely there could be mood for change. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parliament's Speaker will meet MPs across the House today, as he cracks down on behaviour. Gerry Brownlee's spoken about Te Pati Māori's newest MP, Oriini Kaipara, going over-time in her maiden speech on Thursday, and joining a haka that started in the public gallery. He now says he'll convene Parliament's Business Committee to discuss dress standards, attendance records, leave, and the allocation of questions. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says last week's rule-breaking from Oriini Kaipara was the straw that broke the camel's back. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erica Stanford believes mandated structured literacy is turning reading and writing skills around. The Education Minister's revealed new data showing 58 percent of students are at or above phonics expectations after 20 weeks at school - up from 36 percent in Term One. The number exceeding expectations is more than double Term One's figure. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this data shows the Government's education plan is working. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on the Huddle: Rugby commentator Paul Ellison and NewstalkZB's own D'arcy Waldegrave join Ryan Bridge to discuss the latest sports news. The story around Dame Noeline Taurua and her suspension continues, will there be an end to this drama? Why is TV coverage of F1 focusing on the celebrities, not the racing? And has progressiveness come at the cost of good refereeing? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than 200 people have won by default in this weekend's local election, but that's an improvement on decades prior. Newstalk ZB analysis of the thousands of council races over five consecutive elections have found more than one in seven roles have been won by the only person who stood. Unopposed elections have fallen by about a third since 2001. Gisborne Mayor and Local Government NZ Vice-President Rehette Stoltz told Mike Hosking there are two sides to the story. She says that while in some areas the lack of people standing for office may be caused by apathy, it could also be that the people who are already there are believed to be doing a great job. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A researcher says all she can do is laugh about the Government ordering more vapes for those wanting to quit smoking. Health New Zealand's been providing vape kits to smokers for almost a year as part of a pilot programme, initially ordering three thousand kits. Newstalk ZB has revealed it's ordering more, including flavours like cinnamon and blueberry. Auckland University researcher Kelly Burrowes told Mike Hosking the Government seems to be promoting and supporting vaping as a healthier product. She says there's many studies coming out showing there are negative short and medium-term impacts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

France is farewelling its fifth Prime Minister in under two years as it enters a fresh political crisis. The country's new Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has resigned just hours after appointing his new cabinet. His ministerial line-up has been heavily criticised by parties in the National Assembly. Newstalk ZB's Paris correspondent Catherine Field told Mike Hosking Lecornu believed negotiations between other parties had stalled. She says he believed other parties just wanted to push their own programme on to the government, without making any compromises. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.