Podcasts about North Island

Now we're heading to the centre of the North Island where Waimarino Golf Club is marking it's 100th birthday this Easter. At 580 metres above sea level, set against a stunning backdrop that is Mount Ruapehu - it's not hard to see why it's had enduring appeal. But like lots of country courses, it really has to be innovative to keep going. Club President Aiden Gilbert joined Jesse.

Send a textKirkland Signature Ti Point Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2025This is one of Costco's wines that are here for every vintage.Ti Point is the winery that has been family-owned since the 1990s.The winery is situated on a coastal peninsula about an hour north of Auckland.They have grown to include vineyards on the North Island and vineyards in Marlborough, as well as contracted independent vineyards.They make really good wine, and this Costco wine is no exception.Check us out at www.cheapwinefinder.comor email us at podcast@cheapwinefinder.com

"There's an unmistakeable spring in the step on the streets and laneways of Hamilton. Waikato's powerhouse city boasts a growing arsenal of headline sights and experiences, spanning outdoorsy delights, a cranking hospitality scene and cultural riches." Read Mike's full article. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We catch up with Kirsten Searle, owner of Matawhero Wines in Gisborne located on the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand. She is a dynamic producer in the region, producing a wide range of premium quality wine styles.

Residents of the storm smashed southern Wairarapa are assessing the damage after their homes and properties were inundated with floodwater. Torrential rain earlier this week caused widespread havoc across the lower North Island, knocking out power and cutting off access to rural and coastal settlements. Hundreds in the south of Wairarapa have been isolated after raging floodwaters took out two bridges, but one reopened last night, and the other just an hour ago. Mary Argue was there.

The Official Cash Rate has been left unchanged, 2.25%, expected by all the commentators, but perhaps less expected was a dovish view of the future. It was the new Reserve Bank Governor's, well she's not that new I suppose, the newish Reserve Bank Governor's first OCR review, having come on board at the end of '25. She is pretty optimistic about the economy. She said it will continue to recover, but she understands that many households are not feeling it yet. Must be rather annoying being told, no, everything's fine, everything's turning around, everything's great, while you're looking down the back of the couch for coins to get the kids' school lunches. But there are great numbers coming out of our primary industry sector and thank God for you. Just take a moment on your tractor, in your shed, on the motorbike, in the fields, just take a little moment to have a big deep breath and consider yourself congratulated and thanked. Kiwifruit, dairy, sheep, beef, yet again that sector, our primary industry sector, is doing the heavy lifting to keep the engine of the economy running. How many times? And we should point out, you were doing it with one hand and one leg tied behind your back for much of the past decade. So thank you again for keeping us going, producing stuff that the rest of the world wants. However, we can't depend on you, we shouldn't be as reliant upon you as we all are. Trends change, markets change, you know, all of a sudden, the world will decide that, oh I don't know, refined sugar is the way to go, not protein, and all of a sudden, the world will change. Unlikely to go for refined sugar, but you know what I mean. You're also vulnerable to climate, you know, a good season needs good weather. You're vulnerable to external markets. To a certain extent you are not the author of your own fortune, you are very dependent on outside and external sources. And if you're dependent on that, so too are we. We need to find other strands, other sectors to build up. You know, technology would be ideal and we've made some great marks in that, bioscience, fantastic, but not houses. Let's not look at an unproductive sector of the economy to provide us with wealth again. House prices have come back a little in the North Island, Auckland's average asking price is once again over a million dollars, and you should see the tat you get for that. That's up 9% from December. Tale of two islands: Christchurch, Queenstown, Otago, Southland, all seen significant increases in prices. But the “drop in value” has seen a drop in confidence. Reserve Bank's Paul Conway says the reduced prominence of the wealth effect from higher house prices is a risk to the economic recovery. It's a big change, he says, for the New Zealand economy to not have that increase in house prices as a kicker to aggregate demand. He says there may well have been structural changes in the housing market that means an increase in demand for housing no longer equates with higher house prices. And it's true, for a couple of decades Kiwi property owners have been living off the wealth of their main asset. There were astronomical rises in the value of homes around the country and people felt wealthy and spent like they were wealthy. A chronic undersupply of homes, high migration, low interest rates saw huge rises in the value of homes around the country and so people spent like they were rich. All of a sudden, a home became far more than a place you lived in, it was an asset with equity which you could use to springboard yourself into wealth, as so many of the ads that we ran on this station told you. People spent like drunken sailors and the economy boomed. Fast track to the post Covid slump and people have seen their house prices drop – in some horrible cases they owe more on their house than they can sell it for. And as Paul Conway says, there may well have been structural changes to the housing market. High prices for the essentials means there's less disposable income in households and if one of you has been made redundant, it has been a tough few years. We've lost our groove. But as Reserve Bank Governor Dr. Anne Bremen told Mike Hosking this morning, there's enormous potential in the New Zealand economy and there are reasons to be optimistic. “I think it's a great economy. I think New Zealanders are underestimating actually the potential going forward in the New Zealand economy. We're already seeing some sectors doing really well, agriculture, manufacturing is starting going, and I do expect this to broaden in this year. So I'm very positive. We actually think there's quite a lot of what we call spare capacity in the economy, so we think that the economy can grow at a higher pace without causing so much inflationary pressure because there is still high unemployment, firms can increase, you know, manufacturing without having, they're starting to invest actually, which is also really good to see. So we do think there is spare capacity. And I know people, there is a lot of good potential in this economy. People should be a bit more optimistic.” There you go. So many people are telling us to be optimistic. We must be optimistic. We're all going to be optimistic, we're going to stay after class until we're all optimistic. Okay, I mean, a little bit hard when you've got the, you know, the infrastructure plan coming out yesterday which said that pretty much we need so much and we can't afford it. But there is room to grow in the economy as Dr. Bremen said, and as people know. But if you're not feeling it, you're not going to be spending. Back in the day when we were using our houses as ATMs, I mean I was one of them, we bought a house in Grey Lynn because it was the only place we could afford. I think it was about $250,000 —might have been closer to $300,000— which seemed a fortune at the time, but then the house price just went up and up and up so you could afford to do the renos. We could take it from an uninsulated place where the floorboards were open to the bare dirt floor underneath, as it had been since 1890. You could do the renos, you could do the landscaping of the garden, you were spending and New Zealand businesses were the ones who benefited from that. So if you're not doing that, where are the sustainable businesses going to get their work? If people don't feel confident enough about improving their homes or, you know, using the money that they've built up in their homes, how do you replace that quite significant chunk of money go round? Do you feel confident? Do you feel optimistic? Can you see light at the end of the tunnel? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So the OCR decision was largely as expected yesterday, but what the Reserve Bank made very clear is where they think growth will come from. As we've spoken about on the show lately, house prices aren't running away here like in Australia, bar Queenstown. In previous recoveries, the wealth effect kicks in and people go shopping when their house prices go up. But this time the bank says prices will stay flat, then pick up again later this year, but only at the rate of income growth. In other words, the opposite of what we're used over the past few decades. Usually, as anyone who's tried to buy a house will know, the price of a three-beddy in Auckland grows quicker than your salary. That's all changed now because we have more supply, at least according to the bank. So without the tickle up, where does economic growth come from? Anna Breman answered that question specifically yesterday and was pretty clear: agricultural exports, tourism, and more recently, some signs that manufacturing is picking up. These are industries that bring us money from offshore. They provide the basis for other sectors, like services, to pick up. If you're a farmer or tourism operator in Queenstown or Rotorua, you should feel proud of that. And we, through our government, should support them. That means staying off their backs and letting them get on doing what they do best: feeding the world and providing unforgettable experiences for visitors. On manufacturing, it's hard to ignore the energy debate. If we don't have a steady and reliable supply of electricity, trying to run a factory or a mill, as the central North Island has learnt the hard way just recently, becomes very difficult. So while LNG and coal for Huntly, or methane target changes, might sound bad, they're basically what ensure we support the industries that support us. What the Reserve Bank said unequivocally yesterday if that without them, there is no growth. And without growth, there are no new jobs. There ain't more tax. No new hospitals. Etc. etc. This is not to say it's a perfect world. There are costs to not doing environmental stuff. But for them to work, you need the world on board. In the meantime, the question is whether we can afford to bite the economic hand that feeds us. If you listen to the bank, it wouldn't appear so.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nicola Willis and Carmel Sepuloni joined us for our weekly political panel; Shane Jones joined us following the death of a woman who was attacked by dogs in Northland; The government is seeking advice on whether to toll Auckland's Harbour Bridge, we spoke to Greater Auckland's Matt Lowrie; Christchurch mayor Phil Mauger joined us with an update on the flooding across the region. And we spoke to Jono Ridler who is swimming the length of the North Island - he came up for air and we gave him a call to find out why he's doing it

Open water marathon swimmer Jono Ridler is halfway through his swim mission down the east coast of the North Island to call on an end to bottom trawling in vital marine ecosystems. Ridler spoke to Corin Dann.

The heavy rain that battered the North Island has now slammed Canterbury. Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger spoke to Corin Dann.

The wild weather that caused chaos in the North Island has turned its attention South and Banks Peninsula seems to be bearing the brunt. A Local State of Emergency has been declared there but widespread flooding and gusts over 100km/h have been reported in Canterbury. We go to Wainui, a small settlement in Banks Peninsula where local resident Lawrence Smith is locate

Adam's New Zealand road trip was flipped on its head when the interisland ferry he'd booked was cancelled. With his travel plans for the North Island effectively erased, and his options even more scarce than a kiwi, he tried every trick in the book to get onto another boat, quickly learning why you should never trust New Zealand ferries. Tune in for this New Zealand nautical nightmare!Support the show and access the Lost & Found section. This week, Alun shares his passion for tennis and Adam reveals what drives him to continue travelling.Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripologypodcastSubmit your travel stories here: https://www.tripologypodcast.com/talesofatripVerandahs Parkside Lodge: https://www.verandahs.co.nzNeed travel insurance? We recommend SafetyWing! Click here to get started: ⁠⁠⁠https://safetywing.com/?referenceID=26035801&utm_source=26035801&utm_medium=AmbassadorRequire an onward flight? Please use this fantastic flight rental service: ⁠⁠⁠https://onwardticket.com/tripologypodcast⁠⁠⁠Discord: https://discord.gg/xFQVnyTsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tripologypodcast/Website: https://www.tripologypodcast.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tripologypodcastX: https://x.com/tripologypod

Some homes in Wellington may be without power until the end of the week, with the capital battered by heavy gales and flooding today. The dramatic storm cut power to more than 30,000 properties across the entire lower North Island, shutting dozens of schools, prompting ongoing evacuations, causing slips and flooding streets. Ellen O'Dwyer reports.

It has been a day of weather chaos at the bottom of the North Island with thousands of properties still without power. Planes, trains and ferries were also disrupted. Five areas remain under local states of emergency as heavy rain and strong wind warnings continue for the central and southern North Island and eastern South Island. In Wellington, Hutt Valley roads were closed to due to flooding with some schools also closed. Hutt City emergency operations centre controller John Kingsbury spoke to Lisa Owen.

Thousands of properties are without power throughout Manawatu and Whanganui, as people were evacuated and schools closed for the day. Some have been restored but authorities are warning more wild weather could cause new issues. The power outages are also likely to affect cell towers across the regions, as well as water treatment plants so people in some areas are also being asked to conserve water. Manawatu-Whanganui group controller and Horizons Regional Council chief executive Michael McCartney spoke to Lisa Owen.

Communities in South Wairarapa remain cut off this morning, after torrential rain and galeforce winds downed trees, cut power to thousands, and closed roads across the North Island. South Wairarapa mayor Fran Wilde spoke to Corin Dann.

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Georgie Stylianou and Ed McKnight. First up, yet another weather event has hit the North Island. The Panel talks to affected residents of Otorohanga and Wellington. Then, in Australia, One Nation, for the first time in its 29-year history, is polling above 20 per cent nationally and is ahead of the combined vote of the Liberal and National parties. The Panel talks to political scientist Jill Sheppard.

The Bondi gunman has appeared on a video link for the first time in a Sydney court. Naveed Akram is being held in custody at Goulburn supermax prison and his lawyer says he's doing as well as can be expected.15 people were killed and dozens more were injured during the shooting in mid-December which took place while a Jewish event was being held at Bondi Beach.The Federal Treasury is considering changes to Australia's tobacco excise, after previously rejecting the idea that cutting the cost of cigarettes would solve the problem of the illegal tobacco trade.Experts are pushing for a freeze to the excise, which has grown by 60 per cent since 2020 and is due to rise again next month.They say the tax's effectiveness is waning and that freezing it will allow the government to catch up to the illegal market. A state of emergency is in place for a large area north of Wellington in New Zealand due to wild weather, with tens of thousands of people without electricity across the country's North Island.Authorities say 20 vehicles are stuck in a mud slide in Taihape, and that mass evacuations are underway. Air New Zealand has cancelled flights in and out of Wellington and Napier because of strong winds, and Cook Strait ferries, which sail between the North and South Islands, are not running today.Preparations are now underway, as the weather makes its way to the South Island.

RNZ reporter Nick James with the latest from Epuni.

Large parts of the North Island have endured a wild weather night, with very strong winds knocking out power to thousands of homes. In Dannevirke, the Makirikiri Marae has been supporting residents overnight. Its chairperson, Lorraine Stephenson spoke to Corin Dann.

Thousands of homes across the lower North Island are without power after a wild night, with very strong winds. Horowhenua mayor Bernie Wanden spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

This morning we spoke to the Prime Minister after he confirmed Eden Park will host a State of Origin match next year. We also spoke to Sir Graham Lowe about the announcement; The Vaping Industry Association says a loophole that lets vape shops to set up within dairies and petrol stations should be closed. Associate Health Minister Casey Costello joined us; We were live across the North Island this morning as wild weather hit, we also spoke to Manawatu District Mayor Michael Ford.

Nick speaks to Sam Bishop, a spokesperson from the Wellington Regional Emergency Management Office on the latest update for the storm battering the lower North Island. A link to the NZ Herald live blog is below. Weather live updates: Evacuations as storm hammers lower North Island, thousands without power amid localised flooding - NZ Herald LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tourism-dependent businesses in the central North Island town of Waimarino have faced hard times since November's fire in Tongariro National Park. The blaze, which burned through almost 3000 hectares, kept the popular Tongariro Crossing closed for over a week and was then followed by a smaller fire in December, as well as wet weather. Although February has so far proven kinder, many say a good dumping of winter snow is needed to get the area, and its tills, humming again. Jimmy Ellingham reports.

There is an orange heavy rain warning baring down on several districts that are barely back on their feet after the extreme weather three weeks ago. Wet, windy and sticky weather is forecast for many parts of the country this weekend. Much of the North Island is under heavy rain warnings or watches - including areas of the East Cape, Opotiki and Coromandel. MetService meteorologist John Law spoke to Lisa Owen.

Kiwi Ultra-marathon swimmer Jono Ridler is attempting to swim the length of the North Island in an attempt to break the world record for longest unassisted swim. He's also raising awareness for the health NZ's oceans, and making a clear call to end bottom trawling. He joined Matt & Tyler to discuss his attempt, and what it means to him. You can track Jono's progress here: https://liveocean.org/swim4theocean/ LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A low pressure system is lining up a soggy weekend, bringing warm, humid air and the risk of heavy rain, especially for parts of the North Island still recovering after January's floods. MetService meteorologist, Mmathapelo Makgabutlane spoke to Corin Dann.

New Zealand was host to two contrasting acts this week, playing out at the opposite ends of the North Island. On Thursday, Auckland's Laneway Festival was held at Western Springs, whilst in Wellington, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds played two shows – one Thursday and one Friday. Chris Schulz was at both events, and joined Jack Tame to share his thoughts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jono Ridler's on a record-setting journey to swim the 1350km length of the North Island's east coast. The journey is expected to take 90 days to complete, and he's doing it all unassisted, meaning it's all done in togs, cap and goggles with no wet suit in sight. Live Ocean co-founder Blair Tuke is heavily involved in Ridler's journey and he says he's covered over 550km so far as he reaches the Bay of Plenty. "In a week, he'll be halfway, so he's going really nicely...it's just an incredible human endurance feat that he's taking on." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We delve into the business of making wine in Gisborne on the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand, with Mark Thompson head winemaker at GisVin.

On the Saturday Morning with Jack Tame Full Show Podcast for Saturday 7 February 2026, Kiwi dream-pop quartet Yumi Zouma joined Jack to discuss a decade together and their creative shift for album No. 5, No Love Lost to Kindness. Jack finds the Epstein files illuminating. Two contrasting musical events took place at opposing ends of the North Island this week and music reviewer Chris Schulz went to both. Clinical psychologist Dougal Sutherland reveals the happiest jobs in New Zealand. Plus Nici Wickes is not letting us overlook the classics with a deliciously moist Blueberry Muffin recipe. Get the Saturday Morning with Jack Tame Full Show Podcast every Saturday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

North Island beekeepers are expecting a lighter and later honey harvest after struggling to get access to their hives mid-harvest. Last month's storms caused numerous road closures, stranding hives and equipment and delaying access across multiple regions. Barry Foster, a bee industry stalwart and semi-retired beaker in Gisborne Tai Rawhiti spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Venerable Robina is known for her clarity in presenting Buddhist concepts in a straightforward, no-nonsense and compassionate way, and will teach on the topic of dependent origination and emptiness. Lama Tsongkhapa writes lyrically about Lord Buddha's teachings on dependent arising – the "king of logics" to prove emptiness, as Lama Yeshe puts it. With this perfect view, Je Rinpoche says, we can never "fall into the abyss of the great mistake" of nihilism, one of the commonest misconceptions about emptiness. Over two sessions, we will investigate how in his gradual path literature he skillfully leads us to the eradication of ego-grasping, the primordial assumption of a fear-driven, bereft, separate self, which simply doesn't exist. We start by applying the law of karma – an example of the first level of dependent arising: cause and effect -which gradually counteracts our pervasive feelings of hopelessness and self-pity, causing us to realize that we are the source of our own happiness and suffering. Next, we get to the root of the problem by becoming our own therapists: delving deep into our mind and identifying our delusions – attachment, aversion, jealousy and the rest – and recognizing that they are fabrications rooted in ego-grasping. Now, combining our practice with Bodhicitta, we are equipped to understand the subtler levels of dependent arising and to use this logic to uproot ego-grasping itself. Questions include - is there a particular definition for the wrong views, is there a universe or an atom, is the mind the I, what does bringing the two truths together mean, is the mind a random stream of consciousness that is controlled by the ignorance of conditioning if there is no owner, and is the conventional I training my intention?  Mahamudra Centre for Universal Unity, North Island, New Zealand, 10th-11th May 2025.

Over $170,000 of desperately needed money has been raised for whanau in the flood ravaged East Cape of the North Island. But the chair of Manaaki Matakaoa says locals are in for a long slog when the initial response dies down and the community is left to ready themselves for the next bout of heavy weather. Bill Hickman has more.

Last week's severe weather again wreaked havoc on roads around North Island. Slips and flooding have significantly damaged State Highway 35 on the East Coast, and State Highway 25 in Coromandel. NZTA Regional Transport Services Manager, Mark Owen spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Questions to Ministers Hon MARAMA DAVIDSON to the Prime Minister: E tautoko ana ia i nga korero me nga mahi katoa a tona Kawanatanga? Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? LAURA McCLURE to the Associate Minister of Education: What recent data has he seen on student attendance and participation in education? Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? CHLÖE SWARBRICK to the Prime Minister: E tautoko ana ia i nga korero me nga mahi katoa a tona Kawanatanga? Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? CAMERON BREWER to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has she seen about the economy? Hon BARBARA EDMONDS to the Minister of Finance: Does she agree with the Prime Minister's "plans to unleash economic growth in 2025", and does an annual growth rate of negative 0.5 percent reflect those plans? DANA KIRKPATRICK to the Minister of Transport: What update does he have on the transport recovery work in the North Island following the recent weather events? Hon Dr AYESHA VERRALL to the Minister of Health: Does he stand by all the Government's actions in relation to the security of patients' health data; if not, why not? SAM UFFINDELL to the Minister of Agriculture: What support has the Government provided to farmers and growers affected by the recent severe weather event? Hon WILLOW-JEAN PRIME to the Minister of Education: Does she stand by her office's statement that "No, the Minister did not help with securing any additional support or funding for the Teachers' Institute, and did not provide any ministerial assistance"; if so, why? GRANT McCALLUM to the Associate Minister of Housing: How is the Government supporting people whose homes have been damaged or destroyed by recent severe weather events? ARENA WILLIAMS to the Minister of Housing: Will more or fewer houses be built in Auckland for first home buyers because of the changes the Prime Minister has asked him to make to the Government's approach to Auckland housing intensification?

Venerable Robina is known for her clarity in presenting Buddhist concepts in a straightforward, no-nonsense and compassionate way, and will teach on the topic of dependent origination and emptiness. Lama Tsongkhapa writes lyrically about Lord Buddha's teachings on dependent arising – the "king of logics" to prove emptiness, as Lama Yeshe puts it. With this perfect view, Je Rinpoche says, we can never "fall into the abyss of the great mistake" of nihilism, one of the commonest misconceptions about emptiness. Over two sessions, we will investigate how in his gradual path literature he skillfully leads us to the eradication of ego-grasping, the primordial assumption of a fear-driven, bereft, separate self, which simply doesn't exist. We start by applying the law of karma – an example of the first level of dependent arising: cause and effect -which gradually counteracts our pervasive feelings of hopelessness and self-pity, causing us to realize that we are the source of our own happiness and suffering. Next, we get to the root of the problem by becoming our own therapists: delving deep into our mind and identifying our delusions – attachment, aversion, jealousy and the rest – and recognizing that they are fabrications rooted in ego-grasping. Now, combining our practice with Bodhicitta, we are equipped to understand the subtler levels of dependent arising and to use this logic to uproot ego-grasping itself. Summary of the teaching - The teachings in the first and second scopes of the Lamrim. The first one, Karma is the implicit teaching that we really start to get, it's a brilliant example of dependent arising, so it can help us loosen the grip of ego already. Second, when we get to the middle scope we start studying the mind, how these neuroses, delusions, afflictions, are these conceptual states of mind that distort and exaggerate the status of things; we start to understand emptiness and dependent arising, and how ego grasping is the root misconception. Attachment exaggerates the deliciousness of the cake, aversion exaggerates the ugliness of the cake (after five pieces), and they are both (and all the delusions are) rooted in the deepest assumption, which is ignorance, that imposes upon the delicious cake, intrinsic, inherent delicious cake. Ignorance exaggerates the very ontological status of the delicious cake itself. That's underneath the other delusions, and that's why it's much harder to unpack it. So start with the body and speech, control your body and speech, then begin to control the branch delusions, and now we begin (plus with Bodhichitta) to be prepared to get to the root delusion, to uproot that by realising emptiness and getting the hell out of Samsara and becoming a Buddha. Questions about - eons of practice, defining sentient beings, subtle impermanence not being emptiness, and is ego grasping purely a human form of suffering?  Mahamudra Centre for Universal Unity, North Island, New Zealand, 10th-11th May 2025.

As Christopher Luxon announced an election date of November 7, a strip of the North Island was under siege from another bout of brutal weather. As the clean-up and recovery continues, and families and communities grieve the loss of nine lives, questions swirl around the response. In the first Gone By Lunchtime for 2026, Annabelle Lee-Mather, Ben Thomas and Toby Manhire assess that response, and ask whether the bigger picture around climate adaptation and mitigation will filter through the forthcoming campaign. The year begins, meanwhile, with incessant geopolitical disorder emanating from the White House. As Mark Carney sets out his stall in compelling fashion at Davos, what does the Canadian prime minister's "new world order" approach have in common with Christopher Luxon's, where do they differ, and is New Zealand's prime minister on an election-year collision course with a foreign minister set upon below-parapet foreign relations and flirting with the thought of quitting the World Health Organisation? Speaking of Winston Peters, his New Zealand First Party has enjoyed a bump in recent polling. Could they emulate the populist-nationalist trends in Australia and the UK and climb even further? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is it really like to bikepack the Tour Aotearoa on New Zealand's North Island? In this midweek episode, Rebecca Gross shares her experience riding the TA, including the Timber Trail, Warm Showers hospitality, lush North Island scenery, and how well the route is managed with clear detours for trickier sections.If you are planning your own TA ride or curious about what makes this route so unique, Rebecca's update offers up great practical insight into terrain, logistics, the NZ Bike Adventure community, and what to expect when riding the trail.Later in the episode I also share where our Seek Travel Ride listeners on Instagram are planning to ride in 2026 Also be sure to check out the  Snailblazers events happening in Ireland by @SnailBlazers.cc - You can sign up for more info about them via their contact form. Check out Old Man Mountain for the perfect way to carry gear on your bike. Support the showBuy me a coffee! I'm an affiliate for a few brands I genuinely use and recommend including:

The Emergency Management Associate Minister says it's vital we understand exactly what went wrong leading up to the Mount Maunganui landslide. The Government led inquiry will investigate the events surrounding Thursday's deadly slip, where recovery of the six people missing could still take weeks. Meanwhile, it's dishing out $2.4 million to help storm-hit communities. Chris Penk told Mike Hosking it's a high stakes event, with low information and lots of emotion. He says the lessons we learn about avoiding preventable disasters won't be worth its weight in paper if we don't know what happened at Mount Maunganui. There's also an assurance that the Government's funding for storm-hit communities is just the start. About 500 people have been displaced across the North Island, nine left dead, with one still missing. The Government's funding $200 thousand to Rural Support Trusts, $1.2 million into mayoral relief funds, and $1 million into reimbursing marae helping out. Penk told Hosking the funding's on top of Government investments into flood resilience. He says it's not about just giving a small amount for this incident, it's about getting the cash flowing. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is still a huge amount of clean up to do on roads around the upper North Island following last week's severe weather. Slips and flooding damaged major roads in Thames, Coromandel, Bay of Plenty and the East cape. In Gisborne entire hillsides collapsed, bringing forestry and native bush down onto roads. Convoys have made it through State Highway 35 at the top of the east coast, but it could be several weeks before State Highway two between Gisborne and Bay of Plenty reopens. NZTA's Mark Owen spoke to Lisa Owen.

It's an anniversary day for many in the North Island, but today also marks Australia Day so to find out what's happening in OZ to mark it, we're joined by our man on the ground Brad Foster. Brad shares this year's Australian of the Year, update on the recent spate of shark attacks and some sport!

Police have revealed the identity of the victims and the man believed to be involved in a triple homicide in the small NSW town of Lake Cargelligo; Sussan Ley says the door is still open to reconciling with the Nationals even as the regional party demands she quit as opposition leader; New Zealand emergency crews are continuing their search for victims of a landslide that hit a busy ‍campground on the country's North Island due to heavy rains that has killed at least 2 people with 9, including children still missing; It’s been revealed that Australia’s youngest Olympian for the winter games kicking off in Milan Cortina next month, has a Dad who made news headlines, for chasing down a home intruder in his undies; Heated Rivalry stars Hudson Williams and Conor Storrie will be torch bearers for the Winter Olympic Games next month; Paris Hilton has opened up about the private intimate video that was leaked of her back when she was just 19, saying it wasn’t a scandal, it was abuse; Harry Styles has announced a new world tour that will wrap up in Australia at the end of the year THE END BITS Support independent women's media Check out The Quicky Instagram here GET IN TOUCHShare your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice note or email us at thequicky@mamamia.com.au CREDITS Host: Ailish Delaney Audio Producer: Lu Hill Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump has presided over a signing ceremony inaugurating his Board of Peace. Speaking in Davos, he expressed his belief that it'll help forge what he called a "glorious and 'everlasting" peace for the Middle East and the wider world. Nearly twenty other dignitaries have signed the agreement. Mr Trump said the board would work in conjunction with the United Nations. Critics say it is designed to replace some of the UN's functions. Also: Denmark's prime minister has insisted her country's territorial integrity must be respected, a day after President Trump said a possible deal on Greenland will achieve everything he wants. Two people have died and several are feared buried after landslides in New Zealand's North Island. Wildlife rangers in Pakistan have seized eleven lions illegally kept in Lahore after one of the animals escaped and attacked a girl. And the nominations for this year's Oscars are out - with the vampire horror 'Sinners' up for a record sixteen different awards.The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk

An RNZ special on the unfolding weather event in the North Island, presented by Lisa Owen.

Locals in Te Araroa, north of Gisborne, were forced to flee for their lives as what may prove to be a deadly storm, bore down on the North Island. Kate Green reports. Kate Green reports.

Members of the lower North Island's Riversdale community have come together in an outpouring of support for a teen who suffered a horrific spinal injury while swimming just after New Year. Bill Hickman reports.

An RNZ special on the unfolding weather event in the North Island, presented by Ingrid Hipkiss. Red heavy rain warnings are in place for Northland, Coromandel, Bay of Plenty, and Gisborne from Tologa Bay north. Several regions have declared a state of local emergency, including Coromandel, Hauraki, Bay of Plenty, Whangarei and Gisborne Tai Rāwhiti.

Heavy rain and strong winds continue to hit the upper North Island; Auckland Transport has plans to purchase three new diesel vessels as electric ferry trials continue; Research has linked childhood screen time with poor mental and physical health, but a digital education expert says it's not all bad; Labour's ranks are meeting in West Auckland today where they are expected to outline their priorities heading into this year's election; Cyclists on Wednesday morning's Tour of Southland stage will also be taking on the Kingston Flyer vintage steam train.

Send me a DM here (it doesn't let me respond), OR email me: imagineabetterworld2020@gmail.comToday I'm honored to have back on the show once again: Satanic ritual abuse, MK ULTRA and child trafficking survivor turned whistleblower, loving mother, writer and author of the book “Unplugged”, artist, jewelry and crafter maker, clothing designer, gardener, content creator, and my dear friend, Brooke Federline In case you're new here or if you need a refresher on Brooke's testimony - here is a short recap and a bit about what we will be talking about today: In the misty landscapes of New Zealand's North Island, where rolling hills meet endless skies, Brooke entered the world amid secrets that would define her extraordinary path. Born to parents entangled in a hidden web of cult influences, her early life was a mosaic of fragmented memories, veiled by amnesia – a protective shield forged in the fires of unimaginable trauma. From the outside, her childhood seemed ordinary: school days filled with fleeting friendships, high school marked by hidden struggles, and a quiet resilience that masked the storms within. Yet, beneath it all simmered a darkness – depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms that whispered of horrors she couldn't yet name.As a young woman in her 20s, Brooke sought escape, relocating to New Zealand's South Island amid escalating chaos she could scarcely recall. Relationships came and went, often imposed by unseen forces, including a coerced union laced with emotional and psychological abuse. She resisted marriage and motherhood, instinctively sensing the world's cruelties – a premonition rooted in buried truths about the world orchestrated by shadowy powers. But life persisted: after turning 30, she welcomed children into her life, a decision that would later bring forth her protective instincts against the very cycles she had endured.It was at university, pursuing psychology and criminal justice with dreams of forensics, that Brooke's world shattered – or rather, awakened. A lecture on the Power and Control Wheel, exposing the wrongs of psychological, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, ignited a seismic shift. "That's been my whole life," she realized, as her mind recoiled from the "normal" she had known. What followed was a breakthrough disguised as a breakdown: vivid "dreams" revealed as real events, dissociation surged like a tidal wave, and fragments of her psyche emerged – alters born from trauma, including echoes of Disney archetypes like Beauty and the Beast, unwitting imprints from mind control programming.Diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder, Brooke unraveled layers of her past - each memory holding pieces of a puzzle: child sex trafficking, Satanic ritual abuse, and MK ULTRA experiments...On today's episode, Brooke will be diving into healing and recovery with a discussion about breaking mind control, spiritual deliverance, the battle survivors face when getting free, and so much more. If you are new to meeting Brooke, I will have her playlist in the show notes for you to catchup on her previous episodes.BROOKE'S PLAYLIST ON 'THE IMAGINATION': https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoojlrL9wVRO2l0-s7Do42gYFNQF9t3diCONNECT WITH BROOKE:YouTube: @brookefederline3109 Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/nz/shop/LettherebeLight3Telegram: https://t.me/BrookeFederlineIG: https://www.instagram.com/brookefederline/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookie4233CONNECT WITH EMMA: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@imaginationpodcastofficialEMAIL: imagineabetterworld2020@gmail.com OR standbysurvivors@protonmail.comMy Support the show