Podcasts about Palmerston North

On August 29th, 2000, while Mark Lundy was presumably away on business, his wife Christine and daughter Amber were brutally murdered in their home in Palmerston North, New Zealand. Police claimed Mark did it for the insurance money, but Mark proclaims his innocence to this day. Connect With Us Website: genwhypod.com Instagram: @generationwhypodcast Facebook: facebook.com/thegenerationwhypodcast TikTok: @genwhypod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegenerationwhypodcastSupport the Show For special episodes, outtakes, and more from Justin & Aaron, visit: patreon.com/generationwhyAudible subscribers can listen to all episodes of Generation Why ad-free right now. Join Audible today by downloading the Audible app.Privacy Policy See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Palmerston North astrophotographer, Evan Mckay, has now earned a place on the shortlist for the world's biggest astronomy photography award. 

Parents of a couple hundred school children in the Manawatu town of Ashhurst are having to dip into their pockets for buses to Palmerston North from today, as the new term begins. Ratepayers are also stumping up for the services, which were previously funded by the Ministry of Education. The change comes after the ministry reviewed routes into the town and found many children weren't complying with its rules. Jimmy Ellingham reports

'Rather than retaliate the mongrel mob came to our church'. Dr Steve Elers is a Maori Anglican Priest from Palmerston North who currently resides in Texas where he is the Associate Professor of Communication at LeTourneau University, an interdenominational Christian university. Back home in New Zealand, Steve shares an incredible story of gang members coming together in a church service and not retaliating after a murder because they sensed the presence of God. Steve shares of his personal practices of finding God but also how from living in Texas, his world view has expanded in terms of appreciating how different Christians express their faith. Support Where Do You Find God?: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?utm_source=omnystudio&utm_medium=linkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 Palmerston North loses last entrologist, the regional loan to build a massive rail and freight yard, the latest in the school bus saga,  the Kaimanawa wild horse muster and knitting a thousand teddies.

New Plymouth has one, Tauranga three and Palmerston North? Well, it's getting a fourth McDonalds. But not everyone is lovin' it. Locals have been debating whether another set of gold arches are necessary, with the construction for a new restaurant underway. Sammy Carter reports.

Yesterday, I was talking about the amount of aid we're sending to places like Vietnam and Indonesia. Places I would venture to suggest that are showing more go ahead, more investment in infrastructure than we are. When you're looking at Vietnam, they're building one of the largest stadiums in the world, they've got fast rail underway, they're building a huge city to house much of its population – they're spending billions. It's also a place where New Zealanders travel to get first class healthcare that we can't access here. Now we've asked Winston Peters why we're sending money to Vietnam and Indonesia. He, or his people, referred us to MFAT. MFAT says they need time to tell us why Vietnam is in need of New Zealand money – we're waiting to hear back from them. They have been asked this before. Why are we sending money to places that don't really need it? It's the equivalent of donating to a Givealittle page for your neighbour to find out that they're building a swimming pool, but you can't afford to. I was asking this question yesterday, this morning there are two stories about the parlous state of two of New Zealand's hospitals. Could be any of the hospitals, but in this case it's Middlemore, the ageing maternity block, and Hutt Hospital. And staff are complaining about the multiple leaks and electrical faults and mould and water on the window as a result of the heavy rain – the buildings can't cope with it. And they accept that every now and then, at times of heavy rain, there will be the odd leak, but they say throughout winter this is what they and the patients have to put up with. Both of the hospital directors at Middlemore and Hutt Hospital say patient health was not compromised, services continued as usual, they're just leaks people, nothing to see here. But staff say they're fed up with working under sodden and collapsing roof panels, damp conditions and electrical issues. It might just be a leak on that one particular day and as a patient at the hospital you're only there for three days – the nurses, the doctors, the staff are working there all day every day and throughout winter they say it's miserable. There's a programme of works for our hospitals around the country, a 10 year plan, but the need is so great it's hard to know where to start. The average age of our public health estate —1,274 buildings across 86 campuses— is around 47 years. That's the average age, some will be much, much older, and the new ones, the brand new spanking new facilities, will drag that average up. The population is growing and ageing and demand for mental health services is growing. The pressure on government budgets and on the health staff trying to deliver services in decrepit infrastructure is immense. There is a 10 year programme of works, but Middlemore maternity hospital and Hutt Hospital don't feature as far as I can see on the plan. You've got Whangārei Hospital – and it's all built into stage one, two, three, and four. Waitākere, and God knows, despite the fact that wasn't in the news, according to locals, that needs a revamp. You've got Middlemore, but they're looking at targeted ED upgrades, and then stage two will be planning a new site. Stage three will be a new site or Middlemore expansion. Nothing about the maternities. Waikato, Tauranga, Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, God knows that needs a revamp. Palmerston North, Wellington and Nelson. So nothing there for Middlemore or Hutt Hospital, so I guess they'll have to keep going to the paper. And if the average age is around 47 years, the need will be great. I don't know how they prioritise which hospitals get it first. Then you look at the last financial year, 24/25 New Zealand spent $943.81 million in foreign aid across 624 activities. I get that we want to be good global citizens and I get that we are wealthy compared to other nations and I'm not saying stop all aid, but come on. When household budgets tighten, you have to give less. There isn't that much money to go around, otherwise you are depriving your own family. And this is the case here on a macro scale. How can we justify donations to Vietnam, which is just thriving, and Indonesia? How can $943.81 million in foreign aid be justified when we have leaky ageing hospitals, some schools need to be completely and utterly revamped, and some of the police stations are just appalling. A lot of the public buildings in which our public servants work are just not suitable and not fit for people to be there. How can we justify that level of aid when New Zealand citizens are travelling to the very country that we're giving aid to for their medical and dental care? Do foreign aid officials realise how weird that looks? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Palmerston North Hospital is funded for six full time gastroenterologists, but has none following the departure of its last specialist. A public meeting to address concerns about the gradual gutting of the service gets underway shortly. Health NZ says gastro services are continuing at the hospital, but patients are worried about continuity of care. Health NZ chief clinical officer, Doctor Richard Sullivan spoke to Lisa Owen.

This winter, Ani O'Brien is taking the Good Faith Yarns Tour around the country: honest, good faith conversations with locals in towns and cities across New Zealand, on the topics we usually just shout about. She sits down with Dane Giraud to walk through the full lineup, stop by stop, and explain why she wanted conversations rather than combat. No debates, no point scoring. Just a willingness to disagree well, listen properly, and stay in the room afterwards for a drink and a yarn. Tickets are $10. All dates, venues and booking: https://www.fsu.nz/events TOUR DATES Queenstown, Tue 21 July: Mayor John Glover and Mike Casey (Rewiring Aotearoa) on growth, infrastructure and energy. Christchurch, Wed 22 July: Professor Te Maire Tau (Ngāi Tahu) on the Treaty and partnership after the Treaty Principles Bill. Dunedin, Thu 23 July: Sir Ian Taylor on technology, AI, ethics and identity. Whangārei, Mon 27 July: Far North councillor Davina Smolders on co-governance and local democracy. Hamilton, Tue 28 July: Duncan Garner on the press gallery and the state of the media. Auckland, Wed 29 July: Rob Campbell on public service neutrality and where the line sits. Tauranga, Thu 30 July: Dr Alistair Reese and Professor Paul Moon on faith, spirituality and the Treaty in history. Palmerston North, Tue 4 August: Liam Hehir on politics and media beyond the Wellington bubble. Wellington, Wed 5 August: Todd Stephenson and Simon O'Connor debate assisted dying. More stops to be announced. ABOUT FREE TO SPEAK Free to Speak is the official podcast of the New Zealand Free Speech Union, uncensored conversations on free speech, civil liberties, and the people defending them. Hosted by Dane Giraud. Join: https://www.fsu.nz/join Donate: https://www.fsu.nz/donate Newsletter: https://www.fsu.nz/subscribe More from the FSU: https://www.fsu.nz All campaigns and links: https://t.mtrbio.com/FreeSpeechUnion Feedback or a guest suggestion? podcast@fsu.nzSupport the showhttps://www.fsu.nz/https://x.com/NZFreeSpeechhttps://www.instagram.com/freespeechnz/https://www.tiktok.com/@freespeechunionnz

Parents forced to fork out for transport to get their children to school in Palmerston North because of Ministry of Education changes to rural bus routes face a new dilemma. A user-pays service from one rural town is about to stop due to a lack of numbers, leaving families pondering homeschooling as an option if they can't find transport. Field correspondent Jimmy Ellingham reports.

The Palmerston North-based chief executive of Food HQ and food futurist looks at what will be on our plate in 2050 and what took her fancy at the PINZ Summit. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A soldier facing court martial for headbutting and threatening to kill someone of senior rank denies there was any physical contact between the two. The solider was facing six charges at a hearing at Linton Military Camp near Palmerston North, but three counts were today withdrawn. Reporter Jimmy Ellingham was at the court martial and spoke to Lisa Owen.

Local controversy over a tongue-in-cheek promotion in Ōtorohanga. In 1986, the town renamed itself Harrodsville for a week - after the owner of Britain's famed Harrods, Mohamed Al Fayed, sued Palmerston North's Henry Harrod - to prevent him calling his business ‘Harrods'. But some have complained, after Ōtorohanga's town sign was covered with a 'Harrodsville' sticker, to mark 40 years since the stunt. Mayor Rodney Dow says it may have been people too young to understand the joke. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A disputed kiss led to a late-night confrontation after a cocktail party at Waiouru Military Camp, where a solider is accused of headbutting and threatening to kill someone of senior rank. The solider is facing a court martial over the fracas in December 2024. The hearing began at Linton Military Camp near Palmerston North today, reporter Jimmy Ellingham was there and spoke to Lisa Owen.

Kia ora e te whānau. This week, we bring you a double header of epic proportions. First, you'll hear the 2026 Ultra Trail Australia Women in Trail panel. This episode features elite trail runners Beth McKenzie, Charlie Simpson, Lydia O'Donnell, and Olympian triathlete Sophie Linn. Next, Ali speaks to Dr. Pelle Kempe, a specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist based in Palmerston North. He is the Medical Lead for the Obstetrics and Gynaecology service at Palmerston North Hospital. Dr. Kempe also serves as Chair of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. A passionate trail runner, Pelle is dedicated to improving women's health. This conversation explores the intersection of trails and health, the changes and challenges for female athletes, and possible ways forward. (Note for the fellas: Women's health affects everyone. Stick around, learn something, and enjoy the chat.) Dirt Church Radio—Best Enjoyed Running.--- --- --- Episode Links Beth McKenzie InstagramSophie Linn InstagramCharlie Simpson InstagramLydia O'Donnell InstagramDr Pelle Kempe InstagramSign up for the DCR AidStation newsletter.Dirt Church Radio on InstagramDirt Church Radio on FacebookFurther Faster New ZealandEnjoy!Music by Andrew McDowall, Digicake

The Government plans to crack down on run it straight-type events and other combat sports following lobbying from sports and health organisations. Sports Minister Mark Mitchell confirmed that work on a potential law change was progressing. Mitchell sought advice from sports officials and health experts after Palmerston North teen Ryan Satterthwaite died from a serious head injury suffered during an impromptu version of the game last year. CEO of head injury organisation Headway, Stacey Mowbray, told Heather du Plessis-Allan, "I would like to see a mix of legislation, but also education. I don't think, legislation alone is going to be enough." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a least one wildly enthusiastic indoor bowler among the hundreds gathered for the National Championships in Palmerston North. Kevin Boothby has been to 57 in a row, a record! The event that's being held at the Central Energy Trust Arena over eight days is being live streamed on YouTube. Kevin Boothby spoke to Lisa Owen.

As far as Budgets in economically precarious times go, I thought it was a pretty good one. And save yourself the 20 cents, anonymous texter. I can see you typing from here. "Well, you would say that, Tokyo Rose, wouldn't you?" Well yes, come on, be fair though – what on Earth were they supposed to do? We were warned that there would be very little money to spend. The Government resisted throwing lollies, instant sugar hits to voters and did concentrate on spending what money there is where it will get the most returns. Not on policies like Fees Free third year of education for tertiary students, which was not delivering on the metrics, but on things like capital works that have been sorely, sorely needed for so many years and will provide pipelines of work for years to come. So there'll be jobs, there'll be increased spending and there'll be necessary upgrades that so many communities have been waiting for, like the new 158 bed tower block at Whangārei Hospital, plans for a new hospital in Drury for the South Auckland population, the Cambridge to Piarere expressway, redevelopment programs for Tauranga, Palmerston North and Hawke's Bay hospitals, the rail network investment program, building 232 new classrooms across the country, new police stations in Greymouth and Whanganui, 2,250 additional social houses, new courthouses in Rotorua. You cannot argue that this is a poor use of what money there is. It feeds into the Keynesian school of economic thought, which I've always thought was really sensible and I don't think any other better alternatives exist, that during tough economic times, consumers and businesses will typically hoard cash and spend less. So, the theory argues, Governments should then step in and break that cycle because once you close everything down, it just gets worse. You can't make consumers and businesses spend money, but governments can. So they fund public works and infrastructure, the sort of sensible kind of spending, the long-term spending, spending with a long-term outcome. It will create jobs by doing that, inject money directly into the economy and provide the sort of capital infrastructure that the country so desperately needs. And the workers who work on these projects spend their money on goods and services and that creates jobs and income for others. It's called the multiplier effect – it brings an economy out of a slump. And I think that's what we've been asking for and arguing for a while, isn't it? The tax cuts, not so much, but that's okay, that was back then. So, you know, we'll draw a veil over that. But this kind of spending where you're spending on works that have to be done. There are no ifs or maybe one days or these are not nice to haves, these are essential works that need to be done. I thought it was, as far as Budgets in tough times go, I thought it was a pretty good Budget. I'd very much like to get your feedback on this. I thought the that old school style of reporting of “there was nothing in it for you, was there?”, to the beneficiaries and to the state housing tenants and the “what about me's”, is lazy. I think that's really lazy reporting. You have to look at the bigger picture and you have to have an expectation that when people are on benefits, it doesn't mean they might have lost their job or they might have lost their ability to work for a time, doesn't mean they've lost their minds or their brains. They can understand too that you've got to fix the economy, it's got to improve, it's got to get better before their chances of finding work improve. And if they're unable to work, you know, they're going to get improved services and improved benefits if we are financially prosperous, if we're in a position to spend extra money. We're not in that position right now and it's going to take a few more years yet. For the first time, I felt a little bit of hope. A little bit of hope that you could actually see the light at the end of the tunnel and it's not the train bearing down upon you. There is a way out. It was sensible spending for the most part. I'd give it an eight out of ten, but I'd love to hear from you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I'm immeasurably uplifted by some Trade Me data. Could it be we are finally getting the message on rural or provincial New Zealand? Job data increasingly shows we're looking to the regions for work. More people (68%) are prepared to move, supposedly. Always be careful of surveys because what people say versus what they do doesn't always equate. But at least some of the 68% must actually pull the trigger. There has been a 12% month-on-month search increase in job ads. The likes of New Plymouth is up 40%, Invercargill is up 37%, and Palmerston North is 23%. I have said for years, if you can do what you do anywhere, why would you do it in a place you can't afford to live in? A lack of money makes life miserable. It limits choices, makes us stressed, and closes financial doors. Too many people are stuck in places like Auckland. Auckland is disproportionately large and the salaries that this country pays, on average, do not support a decent life in a place like Auckland, or Queenstown, or possibly even a large slice of the Bay of Plenty. But there are a lot of jobs where the wage is the same no matter what the location. In fact, one of the most glaring pieces of intel is your average wage and it's broadly the same in most places in the country. It's a little higher in Wellington because of the public service, but overall, between $70,000-80,000 is where we sit on average. You don't need to be a rocket scientist to know that if, as a couple, you earn two lots of $70,000-ish a year, $140,000-ish together, it goes a hell of a lot of further in Nelson than it does in Auckland or Queenstown. The house on the West Coast is nothing like the north of the country. This land is festooned with amazing provincial cities that have a lot of the big city access and choices. Even Christchurch, which is booming, is still comparatively affordable and by the time you get to small town New Zealand you are rolling in it in your $500,000 house, no commute, later get-up, less stress, and all the while doing the same job. So I hope the stats are real and the move is on. There is a lot of New Zealand that has never been fully utilised or appreciated. If your lot is too hard, move. You won't know yourself. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fourteen-year-old Amelia Guest has has Functional Neurological Disorder - and she loses consciousness every three days. When she awakes has no idea who she is and can't even recognise her parents.Field Correspondent Charlotte Cook reports.

Melodious singing is filling a Palmerston North theatre as 400 women take part in the annual Sweet Adelines competition. It comes with a top prize, the chance to represent New Zealand on the world stage. The Manawatu Overtones are hosting the Harmony Manawatu Convention. Reporter Jimmy Ellingham caught up with chorus members as they put the finishing touches on their preparation.

We start this morning with something you already know: the number of New Zealanders moving to Australia is at its highest level in 12 years. And most of those moving are going to Australia – around 58% of those who are leaving say they're heading for Oz. Yet in the World Happiness Report, in terms of happiness, we rank ahead of Australia. We're 11th happiest, they come in at number 15 – the Nordic countries always take out the top spots. The report suggests New Zealand's more equal and less corrupt than Australia with greater freedom and social support, but these positives appear to be outweighed by per capita GDP. And if you're looking for reasons why 58% of those leaving New Zealand are moving to Oz, follow the money, honey. When you feel like you're being ground down by life, that you're working every hour God sends but you're not getting anywhere, it would be very tempting to see the pot of gold at the end of a short three hour flight across the ditch as the answer to everything. And sometimes it is. But there are downsides. Jack Tame looked at the reasons why the people he interviewed had left for Australia, what the advantages were, what the disadvantages were, and found that despite the money and the sun, the grass isn't always greener. James Houston left Palmerston North and the New Zealand Police, one of those we were talking about yesterday, to join the Queensland Police Service. “I did about six years back home in New Zealand in Palmerston North before resigning and coming over here. You've got the lifestyle, you've got the sun, you've got better pay. I think I increased my salary coming over here by about 60% and that's without any overtime. I've got two other officers here at Ferny Grove from my actual station back in Palmerston North, so it's not only me coming over to do it, it's a lot of other people. Some of the challenges I'd say is, you know, you don't have your family support around, especially in a role like this. In all honesty, mate, if we were to get the same perks back home as what we have over here, like you get a better salary, you know, you're looked after a bit better, I'd give up the sunshine, I'd give up the lifestyle. There'd be no doubt in my mind, mate, I'd go home.” That was James Houston speaking on Jack Tame's 1News special, “You, Me and Aussie”. And that's the thing though, isn't it? Like 60% more in your salary, we're never ever going to be able to offer that sort of money. Australia's economy is so much bigger than ours, there are so many more people, and their money is based on things that we won't countenance in this country, like mining. So we're not going to be able to pay the sort of money and that's the sacrifice you make. You know, as James said, he would he would give it up in a heartbeat if he got the same money back home because of the family support he gets. But he's not going to get that money, so that's the trade off. My kids sacrificed money for lifestyle, friends, and family support. They were living in London, they always said they would come home when they started a family. And selfishly, I'm very, very glad they did, although they had to weigh it up. They were earning really good money in the UK, but once they had kids, they wanted to come home. Money's important, very, very important, but so too are family ties and friendship groups. I've never lived and worked in Australia or indeed any other country, but I have many friends and family members who have, and it's family and friends that brought them back. As Jack's show referenced, it can be really lonely moving to a new country, especially if you don't have children. If you've got the children, then you can tend to meet people through the school groups, but if you don't have children, all you've got is your healthy salary. You have to work for it too. You know, those who are working in the mines, it is not a doddle. You have to be strong and you have to have a strong relationship to be able to withstand that. If you have no one but each other to share the good times with, it can be really, really tough. You've got the story of the police officers moving to Australia and the interview with James on Jack Tame's show last night. You've got New Zealanders moving to Oz at the highest level it's been in more than a decade. For those who have family and friends over there, how are they finding it? If you are over there and listening in Oz, and I know there's a number who are, how are you finding it? And if you are young and you are grinding away, why aren't you there yet? Why haven't you made the leap across the ditch? If you can earn 60% more than you're earning in this country? There's no way you can compete on money. No way New Zealand can. So what is keeping you here? And for those who've been and gone and worked in Oz and come home, what brought you back? Those who have made the move to Oz, love to hear from you or your friends and family. Those who haven't gone, what is keeping you here? For me, when all my friends were heading overseas to live and work, do the big OE, I had a job on Fair Go. I was 20/21 had a great job in television, then at 23 I was pregnant, so I wasn't going anywhere. And then once you have a child, it's somewhat more difficult to move. So if you are still in New Zealand, you know, sort of transferring money between accounts as you wait for payday, what's keeping you here? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An American doctor in Palmerston North says he can't think of a single ED doctor in his team who was born here. With about 70 percent of new registrations each year being overseas doctors, perhaps that shouldn't be surprising. Anti-immigration sentiment is in the news again, but without foreign doctors, New Zealand's healthcare system 'would be more on our knees than we already are'Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Fans eagerly awaiting the release of Mel Parsons' new album will be able to experience it live, the Kiwi singer taking it on tour. Earlier this morning she announced a seven-date tour for her upcoming album ‘Castle Hill', named for the remote Southern Alps town in which it was recorded. The album is due out in August, but half a dozen singles have already been released, including Post High Slide, Brick By Brick', and her latest release, ‘Grain by Grain'. “It's just kind of the way that people are releasing these days,” Parsons told Mike Hosking. “With the way, y'know, the way that Spotify and the streaming side of things works, is that you just sort of start teasing them out ... that's the way we've done it for this record.” And to celebrate the official release, Parsons is bringing 'Castle Hill' to life on stage with a full live band, performing in Nelson, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hamilton, Auckland, Wellington, and Palmerston North. Parsons is no stranger to touring and is frequently on the road. “On the one hand, it's my job, but also I, genuinely it's my favourite part of the whole thing,” she told Hosking. “I don't think it's being in front of people, but I think it's, it's what that opportunity gives you – being on stage is this very, very special chance to just connect with people.” “I'm not particularly woo-woo Mike, but it's a bit of an energy, kind of, transfer, y'know like, what you give out, it comes around,” Parsons said. “It's a very, very special, unique feeling, performing live.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clinical nurse Bini Mathew has been awarded the Aged Care Association 2026 Nurse of the Year. Bini is based in Palmerston North where she oversees two aged care homes, so is responsible for dozens of residents and staff members. The awards judges' said Bini has embedded cultural techniques into her everyday work and that's helping to improve outcomes for residents; as her boss says, Bini doesn't just talk about better care, she delivers it. Bini Mathew chats to Jesse.

A long-term patient of Palmerston North Hospital's gastroenterology department is concerned about the care he'll receive when the last permanent doctor leaves next month. Over recent years the service, which focuses on patients suffering from problems with their digestive systems, has struggled to attract specialists to work there. One left on Friday, and the other finishes in June. Temporary and locum doctors will fill the gaps, although Health NZ says it's sent out offers of employment to new recruits. Jimmy Ellingham reports.

Dale Husband is a long time broadcaster and Radio Waatea presenter hosting a Maori focused current affairs programme. Liam Hehir is a Palmerston North lawyer, political commentator and a National Party member.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Dale Husband is a long time broadcaster and Radio Waatea presenter hosting a Maori focused current affairs programme. Liam Hehir is a Palmerston North lawyer, political commentator and a National Party member.

An albatross injured in last week's lower North Island storm is due for release off the coast of Napier today and two others hurt in the same wild weather are on the road to recovery. They've rehabilitated at Palmerston North's Wildbase Hospital, where they're treated to a diet of salmon, and swim in an indoor pool. The hospital's manager said the increasing frequency of storms is keeping the service busy. Reporter Jimmy Ellingham paid a visit.

A Palmerston North woman almost lost her house when a liquidator mistook her for someone else. The woman, 29-year-old army medic Kim Dwyer, was mixed-up with an Auckland company director with the same name. Dwyer says the liquidator has refused to compensate her for the $1735 she paid in legal fees. "He says that I should have contacted him, which, obviously, I don't know how I would have done that - because they didn't know I existed." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Palmerston North Hospital is a step closer to welcoming a new surgical team member - a robotic one. In less than a month, more than $500,000 has been raised to get the hospital a surgical robot, to help surgeons carry perform operations with maximum precision. They've got some way to go to reach the $2.5 million they need to buy the digital doctor. Anya Fielding reports.

Food futurist at Food HQ based in Palmerston North. Today, we look at the Middle East War's potential to create a worldwide food crisis. And how New Zealand is positioned to combat the headwinds.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A grand old dame, who survived World War One and emigrated from Europe to New Zealand with a kiwi solider has made a surprise visit to Te Papa to see an exhibition which actually features her replica. Torty the tortoise, is well over a hundred years old and has been taken care of by three generations of the same family. Stewart Little, a stretcher bearer brought her home to Dunedin from Greece, in his ruck sack in 1916. After Stewart Little died, Miss Torty was cared for by his son and daughter in law. After their deaths, Stewart Little's late grandson and his wife Christine little took on caring duties. Christine, who lives in Palmerston North took Torty on an impromtu visit to see the Te Papa's war exihibition, which features a replica of the tortoise. Christine spoke to Lisa Owen.

Okay, here's a prediction for you, because there have been headlines today about petrol stations running out of fuel because of panic buying: people will panic buy petrol this weekend. Yesterday was discount day at Gull so things went a bit crazy. Gull Ōtāhuhu ran out of 95; Gull Greville Road, Gull Henderson, Gull Torbay, Gull Takanini and Gull Takapuna were also out of at least one type of fuel. Two pumps ran dry at supermarkets in Palmerston North as well. Here's my second prediction: there will be tellings-off. Cheryl from the Bay of Plenty is going to see some punter filling multiple containers and she's going to get angry about it. Actually, that's not even a prediction — because it's already happened. Cheryl went to the Gull in Whakamarama and saw a van filling up multiple large containers causing a 20-minute wait for other customers. She spoke to the media and called it unfair. Now, the thing is: panic buying is obviously not a good idea for the collective good. We've been here before with the toilet paper during COVID, haven't we? It's not a good idea for everyone as a whole — but it is a completely rational thing to do from a selfish perspective if you're just looking after yourself and your family. So you should expect people to do it. And before you tell anyone off for doing it, remember: we don't know their personal circumstances. We don't know what's made them go down to the petrol station that day to fill up their car and multiple containers. We don't know whether they're running essential generators back on the farm, whether they need to be sure they have enough fuel for the next few days. And more importantly, we don't know how tight their budgets are. You and I might be able to absorb a 30-cent rise in the price of fuel, but if someone only has a few dollars left at the end of the week, and they're driving in from Pōkeno to the city centre every day, they might not have the ability to absorb that kind of increase. They may in fact need to buy as much as they can while it's cheap. No one is to blame for what's happening at the moment. This is normal human behaviour. The media is just doing its job by reporting on the fuel increases people want to read about. The government is being as careful in its messaging as it can be. And even the punter filling up is only doing the rational thing. So what I'd say is: expect this to continue for as long as we're talking about possible shortages and price rises. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Rural Games fire up in Palmerston North this weekend. 

McDonald's chief executive's awkward taste test of new burger, Southland and Palmerston North the big spenders on love, and the British police officer fired for using work from home trick.

The Children's Minister says another boot-camp for young offenders is about to start, because of promising results from the first one. Newstalk ZB understands the programme is starting in Palmerston North on Monday for 10 young offenders. They'll spend more time in the residential facility than in the pilot, and this iteration's getting more input from local iwi. Karen Chhour says the first camp saw helped drive change for those young people. "We can't just keep having a revolving door policy and allowing them to just keep coming in and out without actually supporting them once they return to the community." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's hoping to send economic growth sky-high, announcing a 24/7 alternative runway for commercial airlines. It's approved funding for Ohakea Air Force base, near Palmerston North, to run round-the-clock air traffic control so planes can divert there if needed. Associate Transport Minister James Meager says this opens up an easier option for long-haul flights that may run low on fuel. He told Mike Hosking Qatar Airways downgraded its services to New Zealand last year because of how much fuel its planes had to carry. Meager also says they're hoping regional airlines can refinance their debt and make some upgrades as loans are dished out. Golden Bay Air will receive a government loan of around $1.1 million from a $30 million package. Fund administrator, Kanoa, says it's working to fully allocate the rest of the funds quickly, processing loan applications from other airlines. Meager told Hosking loans will be low-interest and paying them back will be a priority. He says if these airlines can't make it work, they've got to find a way to ensure the country has reliable regional connectivity in the long run. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's in the numbers? Well-known economist Shamubeel Eaqub has crunched a few figures. It turns out if you want to see it, being a student at university is a miserable experience. And boy does the media love a story of misery. Being a student is pricier than ever, they tell us. "Does it pay off?" was your headline. The answer, and this isn't from the story, it's from me, is yes. Yes, if you have a plan. Yes, if you are careful. Yes, if you are driven in a specific direction professionally. Our most recent graduate at our house is fully immersed in her first job and loving it. She owes a shed load of dough, but wouldn't for a minute have it any other way. But back to the numbers. All we really learn, when you compare the cost of stuff from Shamubeel 20 years ago versus the cost of stuff now, is the cost of stuff has gone up. That's got little to do with university and a lot to do with life because all our bills have gone up. Student support has gone up 86% but essentials have gone up 220%. In 2005 the allowance was $160 while essentials were $140 and you had $20 left over. These days you're in the red to the tune of eight bucks, which I wouldn't actually have thought was that bad. University fees have gone up 113%. You might want to ask why. But here is a reality check: the story tells us 35,000 students received some form of assistance. That number on the last quarter is up 5%. But the amount they get is down 3%. So more get money, but not as much. Surely that's good? But here is the real number: how many students are there? ChatGPT tells me almost 400,000, so less than 10% get any assistance at all. 90% don't need help. Isn't that the real story? Too many stories and too many headlines are about what's wrong, not what's right, who is doing badly, not who is doing fine. You can play with numbers forever. Palmerston North rents have gone up more than Auckland rents, so it's not as cheap to be at Massey as it once was, and so it goes. But the big picture, the real story, surely is what you got out of university. What did the qualification do for you? If it changed your life, set you on a path, set you up, got you a career and opened the doors then the bill is immaterial. Like life, university is how you see it. Like life, the choices are yours. So does it pay off? Guess what, if you want it to, you are already there. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two Iranian-born brothers who now live in Palmerston North and the United States have written a novel about the future artificial intelligence. 

Air New Zealand chief operating officer Alex Marren after the airline cancelled flights out of Wellington, Napier and Palmerston North due to strong winds. 

Neale, Liam and Kathryn discuss recent events in politics including Finance Minister Nicola Willis' announcement into an independent review of the Reserve Bank's monetary policy decisions made during the Covid-19 pandemic. Neale Jones was Chief of Staff to Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern, and prior to that was Chief of Staff to Andrew Little. He is the director of public affairs firm Capital. Liam Hehir is a Palmerston North lawyer, political commentator and a National Party member.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

We managed to get all the way to Palmerston North! Matty and PJ are heading to Wellington on the BlueBridge and we try a few tactics to stall them We had to give away our only $10 for the 10k challenge ... so we did Megan went shopping during the intense race Going to a pub quiz to try win ourselves some dinner Instagram: @THEHITSBREAKFASTFacebook: The Hits Breakfast with Jono, Ben & MeganSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Manawatu parents and caregivers are dipping into their savings and even taking out loans in order to find a bus service to get their children to school. This comes after some school buses that used to run into Palmerston North were axed as a result of a Ministry of Education review into over 250 routes nationwide. One high school reports that 300 of its students are affected by the changes. Jimmy Ellingham has more.

Some Manawatu parents are starting their own school bus service after routes into Palmerston North were cut, leaving rural students stranded. Tangimoana parent and dairy farmer Nikita Walker spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

"You can come here and see nearly every type of forestry system that can be applied," Blair Jamieson says of Tāmata Hauhā's demonstration farm near Palmerston North.You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Blair Jamieson, Tāmata HauhāGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Jimmy talks to Kathryn about how the community is reacting to the recent Sanson fire, a split within Palmerston North City Council, and he reminisces about the burnt-down Palmerston North pub The Fitz and an ongoing stink over some local public toilets.

A special musical tribute from a New Zealand entertainer filled an auditorium in Palmerston North today as mourners gathered to farewell the three children killed in a fire at their home in the Manawatu town of Sanson. 7-year-old August, 5-year-old Hugo, and 1-year-old Goldie Field died in the blaze earlier this month. Their father, Dean Field, was also killed in what's being treated in a murder-suicide, but the children's funeral today was about remembering three bright young lives tragically cut short. Jimmy Ellingham reports.

Hosts Jo Firestone & Manolo Moreno play listener-created games with callers!Games played: State of the Beverage submitted by Nicky Curtis from Raleigh, North Carolina, Dr. Book Review (and movies are allowed too) submitted by Lydia-Mae from Portland, Oregon, and The Manolo Minute submitted by Ness Shubin from Fresno, CaliforniaCallers: Julie from Palmerston North, New Zealand; Lily from Chicago, Illinois; Willow & Heather from Paris, Ontario, Canada; Emma from Columbus, Ohio; Mitchell from Brisbane, Australia; Nicky from Raleigh, North CarolinaOutro theme by Wilder Adkins from Birmingham, AlabamaThis episode sponsored by:  ZocDoc - Go to ZocDoc.com/GAMESHOW to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today!EveryPlate - Go to EveryPlate.com/podcast and use code GAMESHOW199 to $1.99 meals as a new customer!