Podcasts about newstalk zb

Education Minister Erica Stanford repeatedly tried to brief and seek input from Labour's education spokeswoman Willow-Jean Prime about impending NCEA changes - but Prime and Hipkins refused to meet. Is this what we expect from the opposition? Also, the Wellington City Council has voted against a proposal to install fencing along Wellington's waterfront after a recommendation from the coroner. Is this the right call? To answer those questions, BRG senior consultant and former chief press secretary to Christopher Luxon Hamish Rutherford and Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills for Friday Faceoff. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's putting product labelling regulations under the microscope in another attack on red tape. The Ministry for Regulation's reviewing labelling standards, and expects to be finished by the end of the year. Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls says Minister for Regulation David Seymour has pointed out the compliance standards companies are subject to - and he's looking to make some changes. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christopher Luxon was on Newstalk ZB today for an hour explaining how much he enjoyed the format of discussing issues "a bit deeper" all while not going in-depth at all in any way just continuing on the same old talking points.We asked questions last night about how we'd be charged road user charges "like a power bill" without mass surveillance. Seems the answer is the way the government wants to do it...is by using mass surveillance.The 'nobody is surprised' award goes to Jordan Williams and his The Campaign Company who Don Brash confirmed this morning was the group being using Rotorua kuia, Ellen Tamati's, face on a Hobson's Pledge billboard against Māori Wards. The Israeli government has told so many lies since Oct. 7. In under three minutes, Mehdi Hasan debunks the top 10 Israeli lies about the genocide in Gaza.Primary School teachers reject a 1% pay increase offer, meaning they would be going backwards in real terms, about 2% based on current inflation=================================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

Cost of living and the economy remains top of the agenda for National. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s already touting his leadership as one that’s a “clear choice” for New Zealanders at next year’s election, saying the government “inherited a mess and sorting it out”. However, commentators have been quick to out the issues facing National ahead of the campaign – writing that Luxon is “getting worried” and that National is in a “mess”. So, as the battle lines start getting drawn in the Beehive, what’s ahead of politicians? Today on The Front Page, outgoing Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joins us to discuss the past week in politics, and what could lie ahead. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has unveiled a new plan designed to level the playing field for all motorists. Transport and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop's announced the Government plans to implement universal road user charges, to be paid like a bill. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this sounds like a good concept in theory, but there's some key flaws. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The stark reality of linear TV in New Zealand, if Irene Gardiner was right on yesterday's show, is fairly simple. Here is how the calculation works: you make a product, you stick it on air, you get an audience, and you sell advertising based on that audience. Some programs can never hope to get the sort of audience to pay for the cost of the show. Enter Government support or brand sponsorship – in other words, a financial support mechanism to make a show that would not have otherwise been made. I made a show called ‘Sunday' years back. It was on TV3 on the weekend off peak. It didn't rate very well, but it was never going to, but it rated fairly well for what it was, which was a niche program talking about the arts. It was made with NZ On Air money. Now, does Treasure Island attract more viewers than that? Yes. So if you are going to toss money at something why not that? You get more bang for buck. But the money tree hasn't got more money, so someone loses. Maybe it's an arts program. The really scary thing is the calculation around peak time i.e. prime time. This show makes money and quite a lot of it. Newstalk ZB is profitable. TVNZ and TV3 are not. So what about pay-per-view? SkyTV is profitable, but they have sport. What does TV3 or TVNZ have that you would pay for? Would you pay to watch Treasure Island? Of course you wouldn't. So prime time linear TV is not profitable because the advertising dollars have vanished to Google and TikTok and Meta. That is not changing and that's the problem, because all that's left is the taxpayer. The big question is to what extent should the taxpayer fund your evening's entertainment? And when I say you, I mean those who are left watching the TV as opposed to YouTube or Netflix. If linear TV can't make a buck at 7.30pm on a Wednesday, how long before the lights get switched off? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's unsure if foreshore and seabed changes will spark major backlash. It's going ahead with plans to make it more difficult for iwi to get customary marine titles, giving them rights over certain coastline activity. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper weighed in on the changes - and speculated about the possible reactions. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's pushed forward in overhauling NCEA, and it's sparked debate among experts. The Government wants to phase out the school qualification system in five years, replacing level one with a literacy and numeracy test, and level two and three with Education Certificates. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacks these changes - and reveals why a change to the system is overdue. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Big League Podcast - Warriors fullback Taine Tuaupiki reveals why he feels responsible for that final try in the loss to the Dolphins, gives insight into their turbulent team naming process and discusses his ever-growing relationship with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad. Newstalk ZB's Nathan Limm and NZ Herald's Michael Burgess assess the damage of a fourth loss in six games, and with the Bulldogs looming on Saturday, are the Warriors still a top four side?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ed Sheeran BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.Ed Sheeran has electrified the music world yet again by unveiling a blockbuster new tour and album, major stadium announcements, and robust fan engagement that proves his star remains undimmed. According to Vinyl Me Please and multiple other reliable outlets, Sheeran just announced his 2026 Loop Tour, set to launch in Auckland, New Zealand, on January 16, before hitting major Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. The tour's rapid expansion—four more shows added just days after the reveal due to overwhelming demand—underscores Sheeran's enduring magnetism in Australasia, where he has already moved more than 2.5 million tickets across previous visits. Notably, Newstalk ZB highlighted that his initial Auckland show sold so fast that promoters scrambled to add another concert within hours of the first ticket drop.Ed isn't just playing the hits. He is gearing up to celebrate his evolution as an artist with the launch of his forthcoming studio album, Play, set for release on September 12, 2025—timed perfectly with his upcoming tour. TheMusicUniverse noted that Play is being billed as an “explorative, technicolour pop album,” with vibrant influences from Indian and Persian music woven together with Sheeran's signature British folk sensibility. Fans can expect fresh singles like Azizam, Sapphire, and Old Phone, which insiders describe as radiating a globally influenced sound palette that signals a major leap in his artistry. His new stage show promises not just dazzling visuals and full stadium singalongs, but also signature acoustic interludes and solo loop pedal magic that made him famous.Public buzz is only growing, with heavy traffic on both traditional and social media. Sheeran's Instagram has been abuzz with glimpses of rehearsal sessions and cryptic backstage teases, fueling speculation around surprise on-tour collaborators and possible new directions for his live performances. In Zurich this weekend, Blue News reported on Daniel Moon, a devoted superfan following Sheeran's European tour for weeks—he even earned a shout-out from Ed on TikTok, generating another viral burst for the singer and keeping him top of mind among digital natives.For European fans still catching the tail end of his Mathematics stadium run, bold headlines report Ed's ongoing sold-out shows across Zurich, Wroclaw, and Antwerp, where fans packed venues by the tens of thousands. These appearances, paired with friendly mentions of his local pub Bertie Blossoms in UK tabloids and live charity support, complete the picture of a global superstar doubling down on creativity, fan connection, and philanthropic loyalty. As Sheeran gears up for his most ambitious touring and recording chapter yet, all signs point toward continued commercial dominance—and perhaps even more reinvention ahead.Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

Oil and gas exploration is once again allowed in New Zealand. Coalition parties voted to overturn the ban introduced by the previous Government to strong resistance from all opposition parties. Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls wonders what this means for investors - and if they'll want to commit to New Zealand. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Minister for Courts says updating procedures for running Judge Alone Trials is a good step in the mammoth task of speeding up the courts. Newstalk ZB can reveal it'll be implemented countrywide tomorrow. It introduces registrar-led prosecution and defence teleconferences three weeks before trial and allows courts to start earlier to review and prioritise scheduled cases. Minister Nicole McKee told Mike Hosking pilots they've run have seen good results. She says it's based on the need of the trial and the readiness of the person being prosecuted, especially for those sitting on remand for a long time. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Foreign Minister's agreeing with an Act MP that recognising Palestine while Hamas holds hostages would be 'rewarding terrorism'. Simon Court raised the question in Parliament, after Winston Peters expressed support for a two-state solution - after a ceasefire and hostage releases. International condemnation's growing over Israel blocking aid and starving civilians in Gaza, including children. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says New Zealand will adopt the UK's stance on Palestine eventually, but concerns have been raised. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this edition of Great Chats with Francesca Rudkin, we hear from the iconic Helena Bonham Carter on her new movie Four Letters of Love and how she reflects on her storied career. And Francesca speaks with Owain Mulligan who ended up serving in the Iraq War after joining the Territorial Army as an outlet. He's told his story in the book The Accidental Soldier. Plus Canadian band Cowboy Junkies have been around for four decades and they're touring New Zealand in November. Lead singer Margo Timmins tells us the secret behind the band's longevity. 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.

A suite of new voting rules has passed its first reading in the House - 68 to 54. Changes include moves to ban same-day enrolment. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says the bill overhauls outdated and unsustainable electoral laws. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says there'll be plenty of advertising ahead of the next election - and people shouldn't be enrolling to vote on the day. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A frosty reception for the Prime Minister at the ANZ Premiership grand final in Auckland yesterday - with booing from the crowd. Chris Luxon is brushing it off, and says he was well-looked after at the event. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Luxon's taken the backlash in his stride, and acknowledged the backlash that comes with politics. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Pine returns to recap a full day in the world of sport! Highlights for tonight include: Newstalk ZB rugby editor Elliott Smith on all the ALl Blacks injured through the France series Talkback - Should the Wallabies have got a penalty in that Lions game? And what should Razor do about all his injuries? The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran on the contentious loss to the Lions and whether the Wallabies will be a threat to the All Blacks in the Bledisloe Cup. Piney's power rankings! LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Don't panic, but the All Blacks are all broken! OK fine, not all of them, but the team has picked up nine injuries across the series against France. Newstalk ZB rugby editor Elliott Smith spoke to Jason Pine on Sportstalk about when these players will be back playing, and who will replace them in the meantime. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Big League Podcast - Roger Tuivasa-Sheck returns to unravel a horrendous loss to the Titans at Mt Smart, his individual performances and how he switches out of disappointment. Newstalk ZB's Nathan Limm and NZ Herald's Michael Burgess rip into the Warriors' clear and obvious right edge issues - Burge has a crazy team list idea that could see them beat the Dolphins on Friday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Sunday Panel, Newstalk ZB host Roman Travers and journalist and editor, Jo McCarroll, joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! New reports show Health NZ is hiring less nursing graduates than ever. Why are we training nurses and not employing them? Butter prices have shot up - and it's been a leading story across the nation's news outlets all week. Are we blowing the outrage out of proportion? Algorithm fatigue - are we sick of our social media feeds showing us what we think we want? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Peters is sounding the alarm over high levels of immigration, pointing to issues within Europe as a catalyst for further changes to our system. The New Zealand First leader's long rallied against mass immigration, and is hinting at a beefed up policy at the next election. Newstalk ZB political reporter Azaria Howell says NZ First's Shane Jones has also indicated immigration will be a key topic ahead of the next NZ First convention in September. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Justice Minister is moving to overhaul electoral laws, calling them outdated and unsustainable. He'll end same-day enrolment and prohibit offering free food, drink and entertainment near a voting place. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper agrees with these proposed changes - and suggests it could speed up the vote-counting process. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the world's bestselling artists, Ed Sheeran is one of the most influential artists of his generation. He's sold almost 200 million albums and is one of only a handful of artists on Spotify Billions Club with more than ten tracks with over one billion streams. Sheeran last toured New Zealand's stages back in 2023, and he's returning three years later, with 2026's ‘Loop Tour'. Despite his global musical success, Ed Sheeran has a reputation for being down to earth and humble, shrugging off the trappings of stardom in favour of a much more grounded presence. He alternates between projects – huge stadium tours and local gigs, painting and podcasts, parenting and performing. While the most enjoyable period of his career was the first two years after the release of Plus in which the world opened up to him, Sheeran explains that nowadays he prioritises balance. “It's about finding the balance and not going nuts,” he told Newstalk ZB's Mike Hosking. “Not being like, I am just a popstar and that is all that I am, I think it's really nice to be a dad, and also be a popstar, and have a balance of the two.” Stardom and fame can take its toll, some people becoming jaded and disconnected from the world around them, however, Sheeran believes that only happens if you live in a bubble. “I think you get jaded when things start getting very self-centred, and you think like, oh this is happening to me, and this is this, and this is that, and it's very me, me, me, me, me.” Sheeran tries to keep himself grounded, surrounding himself with regular people, getting out into the world, and taking public transport at his wife's strong encouragement. “I do remember playing shows where no one wants to come to them and releasing music that fell on deaf ears,” he told Hosking. “So I feel super grateful to be, you know, people are still interested in my music, people are still coming to the shows.” “I don't think you can get jaded with that.” ‘Loop Tour' is Sheeran's sixth major concert tour, and although he still performs in the occasional pub, stadium tours are on a completely different level. Although there's definitely a pressure to match and even outperform his previous tours, Sheeran has faith in his music and what it means to his audience. “I know I can create special moments.” “I think that when you're doing these shows, it's an understanding that it's not about me, it's about the community and about the couples that are coming to the gig, the families that are coming to the gig, and what the songs mean to them.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister says all roads lead back to supermarket competition, as questions loom over spiralling dairy prices. Nicola Willis yesterday spoke with with Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell - in a meeting she's called constructive and candid. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says it's likely the Government will make an announcement on supermarkets in the coming days. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government believes only a negotiated ceasefire offers the best hope in Gaza. Foreign Minister Winston Peters has signed New Zealand on to a long and growing list of nations calling for a permanent end to the conflict. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper speculates about the impact of this statement. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister has confirmed a Waikato medical school's coming, with construction beginning this year. The Government's putting $83 million towards the $230-million-dollar project, with the rest coming from Waikato University and philanthropic investors. It'll offer a graduate-entry programme, focused on primary care and rural health. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the ACT Party quickly released a statement taking credit for driving down the price of the project. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Big League Podcast - Warriors hooker Wayde Egan reacts to THAT try by Leka Halasima and gives some insight as to what went wrong in the nail-biting victory over the Knights in Newcastle. Newstalk ZB's Nathan Limm and NZ Herald's Michael Burgess give their two cents - what can be done about the Warriors' abysmal left edge defence, and they surely, SURELY can't lose to the Titans, right?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inflation is back on the rise, with an annual inflation rate of 2.7% in the year to June, up from 2.5% in the year to March. What will be going through the minds of the economics wonks at the Reserve Bank - and are we still in line for another rate cut next month with this news? Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks will be feeling satisfied following a scrappy 29-19 win over France to close out a three-test whitewash. The hosts kept the French scoreless in the final 40 minutes of the series in Hamilton as they scored the last 19 points of the contest. Newstalk ZB rugby commentator Elliott Smith says the All Blacks will come out of this series with a lot to learn and improve on ahead of future matches. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Friday Faceoff this week, Nick was joined by ex-Wellington Mayor and Dot Loves Data director Justin Lester, and Raygun co-founder John-Daniel (JD) Trask. They discussed the fallout over the past week from mayoral candidate Ray Chung's infamous email, the Prime Minister's latest criticisms of Wellington and how the city's thriving with a handful of top sporting events. Listen live to Faceoff each Friday at 11am on Newstalk ZB. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's no doubt the news that the number of people on a benefit in New Zealand is up to the 400,000 mark will have some people tut-tutting. But before we start ripping into the so-called “benefit bludgers”, we need to be very careful. Because at the same time that we're finding out that benefit numbers are up —and the number of people on the dole in particular— 10% compared to last year, we're also hearing about people over-50 being knocked back time-and-time again when all they're doing is just trying to find work. So the number of people on the Jobseeker benefit is up right around the country. The biggest increase has been in Northland but overall, there are 216,000 people on the dole. Which is just over half the overall number of beneficiaries. That's with 81,000 people off a benefit and into work thanks to moves made by the Government, which had former WINZ boss Christine Rankin all excited when she was on Newstalk ZB this morning. Social Development Minister Louise Upston also said this morning that thousands of jobs are on the way with the big infrastructure projects in the pipeline. Which is all very well, but not everyone works in construction. And the prospect of these big projects coming online won't provide any reassurance to the over-50s who are over the hill in the eyes of many employers. Which is why we shouldn't make assumptions that everyone on the Jobseeker benefit is not in the least bit interested in working. Because there are plenty of people —thousands of people we're being told today— who desperately want to work but can't because of their age. Or, more to the point, they desperately want to work but can't because some employers are only interested in hiring younger people. The founder of a website for people over-50 seeking work has been saying this week that thousands of people have contacted them with stories of being sidelined just because of their age. Ian Fraser is the founder of the Seniors at Work website, and he says employers need to change their thinking about these so-called older workers. For example, he says not everyone over-50 struggles with technology. He says that excuse comes up all the time. Not that that's what comes through in the rejection letter – if you do get a rejection letter. Then there's the old line about being over-qualified. But we're not talking here about people all that long in the tooth, we're talking about people my age. I'm in quite a privileged position of having a job for the next two years. All going well, that is. Providing I don't completely blow it. I've got a contract that says, “we want you for the next two years”. But I'm as aware as the next person that, when contracts expire, that can be it. Which means in two years time I could very well be joining these thousands of people in their 50's who are finding it impossible to get work because employers aren't interested in them because of their age. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Robertson can no longer be accused of being timid with his All Blacks team selections. Ten changes were made to the starting XV for Saturday's third and final test against France in Hamilton. Ethan de Groot, Fabian Holland, Patrick Tuipulotu, Ardie Savea and Rieko Ioane are the only players remaining from the last run-on side. Newstalk ZB's voice of rugby Elliott Smith told Heather du Plessis-Allan that opportunities to test out different players and different combinations don't come along too often. He says the All Blacks still want to win the final test, but Robertson has to take these opportunities to find out a little bit more about the likes of Damian McKenzie on 10, Samipeni Finau on blindside flank, among others. “You just won't get them too often, and it certainly won't come in the rugby championship.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Seymour's urging councils to axe what he calls 'puppy dogs and ice cream'. The Deputy Prime Minister's adding to the coalition's call for councils to focus on basic, core services - and ditch 'nice-to-have' projects. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained why David Seymour's speech was so controversial. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More accusations are being slung across the House, with the Greens indicating it's the Government that's forcing people across the ditch. At today's Question Time, Greens co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick asked the Prime Minister about the conditions making young Kiwis head to Australia. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says there's a number of factors behind the brain drain - and that many skilled workers are making their way into New Zealand. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Seymour's withdrawn a letter he sent to the United Nations after being called out by the Prime Minister. A United Nations' official's letter was critical of the Regulatory Standards Bill, saying it excluded Māori traditions. Seymour, the Minister responsible for the bill, replied that as an indigenous New Zealander himself, he's deeply aggrieved by the UN's audacity in presuming to speak on his behalf. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper discussed the saga further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Moves have been made to restore regional governance to 10 polytechnics. The Government is undoing Labour's merger of institutes under the Te Pūkenga umbrella. The 10 selected are deemed to be on a path to financial viability - and will stand alone from next year. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says these changes will hopefully help the regions boost employment in the sectors calling out for workers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Friday afternoon, when I heard that Ray Chung, Mayoral candidate for Wellington, was going to appear with Ryan Bridge on Newstalk ZB's Drive to discuss the gossipy email he sent regarding Tory Whanau, I thought good on him for fronting. 7 minutes and 20 seconds later, I was as speechless as Ryan Bridge. What a bumbling, embarrassing trainwreck of an interview. First there was the comment it had been a hard couple of days for Ray Chung since the email was publicly released. Well, yes, when you're running in a local body election and caught spreading salacious gossip it can make for a tough day. But considering Mr Chung had been on the phone since 4am on Friday, and spent the day talking to media about the fiasco, you'd expect him to have crafted a tight message by 5pm. I expected him to apologise for spreading gossip, clarify what happened, accept responsibility. You known, to demonstrate some, well, leadership potential. Some mayoral potential. I'm a big advocate for voting in local body elections. I want to have a say in who runs my city. I know it's not the cool thing to do and most people can't be bothered. But I love and appreciate everything my city has to offer and I want it to be a great and affordable place to live. But to get people to vote we need candidates who are articulate, smart, and decisive leaders. We need people who understand the political environment, can work with others, and know how to get things done. Back in 2022, Wellington City councilor Iona Pannett despaired at how toxic and negative the campaigning was in the local body elections. More recently Tory Whanau has called politics an “ugly place”. Some of the issues highlighted by Crown observer of Wellington City Council, Lindsay McKenzie, are that it's an overwhelmed council, there is public criticism by elected members, and dysfunctional relationships. If there was ever a time Wellington needed a candidate who can convince constituents they can as mayor bring this council together and make it function, then it's now. And yet, here we are. Ten days after candidate nominations opened for local body elections and the dirty politics has kicked off. Did Ray Chung write that email out of genuine concern for his Mayor? Probably not. Has the email's release being timed to hurt Ray Chung's campaign.Probably yes. So, no one looks particulargreat do they? Wellington deserves better. This isn't a big enough faux pas for Chung to take himself out of the race. But if he's going to continue, can I suggest he takes a simpler approach to dealing with issues. When the receipt (as the kids say these days) is there for all to see, apologise and take accountability. You don't need to over explain, and if you're ever asked whether you've had an orgy - just say no.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Public hearings for the second phase of the Covid-19 inquiry got under way this week, and there's been speculation if Jacinda Ardern will make an appearance. Ardern says she will provide evidence to assist the Royal Commission of Inquiry, if asked to. Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls says key decision makers and senior public servants are set to speak next month. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian mushroom murder trial could end up in the appeals court. Erin Patterson's been found guilty of murdering her estranged husband's parents and aunt, and attempting to kill his uncle with a beef wellington containing death cap mushrooms. Newstalk ZB's Lesley Yeomans is in Victoria, following developments. She told Heather du Plessis-Allan that Patterson's legal team now has 28 days to decide whether they'll appeal the verdict. Yeomans says we'll have to wait for the next month or so to see if they'll do so, but you would assume it's likely. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three disallowed tries courtesy of the TMO has made for a scrappy opening match for the All Blacks to begin 2025. They've escaped with a 31-27 win over the French in Dunedin, having led 21-13 at halftime. Newstalk ZB rugby commentator Elliott Smith says it was a close match, but the All Blacks found a way to win in the end. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's excitement over expected changes to the way authorities deal with retail crime. Newstalk ZB understands Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith will be confirming shoplifting policy changes this week, relating to Retail Crime Ministerial Advisory Group recommendations. Group Chair Sunny Kaushal told Mike Hosking that the announcements are ones retailers across the country have been screaming out for. Kaushal says offenders believe police won't respond and the courts will let them go, so they're working to stop this sense of impunity. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACT leader David Seymour's had to step up over the last few days, as Prime Minister Luxon spends time working on relationships overseas. Luxon's been in China and Europe, meaning Seymour's had to address the media as part of a post-Cabinet press conference - and answer questions. Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls says Luxon's taken all the necessary steps to ensure both Deputy Prime Ministers were prepared for the role ahead of the next election. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Peters is accusing the Greens of being one sided on the Middle East conflict. The Foreign Minister's official statement says it's not a 'black and white situation'. Peters says proxies for Iran, including Hamas and Hezbollah, have killed so many. Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Du'Plessis Kirifi's decision to turn done an offer from Japan has been vindicated. The Hurricanes flanker is one of five new caps in the All Blacks squad to face France. He's also one of only five loose forwards in the 33 names read out today - with coach Scott Robertson opting to maximise game time of those selected. Newstalk ZB rugby commentator Elliott Smith explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Less than a third of respondents to a poll believe the Cook Islands should still get New Zealand services. Last week, the Government paused aid after the Cooks signed a partnership with China, without sharing any details with New Zealand. The Taxpayers' Union-funded Curia poll asked participants whether the Cooks should continue to have automatic access to New Zealand passports, citizenship and healthcare when pursuing foreign policy against New Zealand's wishes. Only 30 percent believed they should and 46 percent said not - with the remaining 24 percent unsure. Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls unpacks the results. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Foreign Minister's pushing back on suggestions our geopolitical stoush with the Cook Islands will impact our relationship with China. Winston Peters this morning confirmed the Government's halted development aid to the Cooks, with his Ministry unhappy over the lack of clarity around the island nation's cooperation deal with China. Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls says Peters made it clear that New Zealand's issues are about the Cook Islands' lack of consultation with us. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Minister Deborah Russell raised a few eyebrows after dropping the f-bomb in the House. ACT's David Seymour has been quick to criticise this - and it's sparked further discussion. Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls wonders if this is an attempt to grab attention - in line with similar scandals. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Education Minister says several factors are at play in making teaching an increasingly attractive career option. New figures released to Newstalk ZB show the teaching workforce increased 2.5% last year – the largest annual increase since records began back in 2009. First-time enrolments in teaching courses are also up, 6.3%. Erica Stanford told Mike Hosking the Government's doing several things to attract and retain teachers. She says that includes good resources, world-leading professional learning and development, on-site training programmes, and paying teacher fees. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a shareholders meeting on Tuesday media company NZME - which owns the New Zealand Herald and Newstalk ZB - has a revamped board. Former editor of the New Zealand Herald and media commentator Gavin Ellis spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

In today's episode, according to results out on Wednesday morning, the left bloc would have enough support to govern, the Privacy Commissioner says facial recognition technology in North Island supermarkets has potential safety benefits, despite raising significant privacy concerns, after a shareholders meeting on Tuesday media company NZME - which owns the New Zealand Herald and Newstalk ZB - has a revamped board and an historic ship at the Paihia waterfront in Northland has been 90 percent destroyed by fire.