Early Edition with Kate Hawkesby

High school students are increasingly visiting online gambling sites.  An investigation by Newstalk ZB has found that sports betting and online casino games are increasingly popular with teenagers, who even access the sites during the school day.  Life Education Trust Chief Executive John O'Connell told Kate Hawkesby that phones among young people have caused a number of challenges.  He says schools should be aware that students with mobile phones have gambling in their pocket.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A political commentator is suggesting that we should relax a little about how long it's taking to form a government.  There's been much commentary on the fact it's been 18 days since the release of the official election results, and we still don't have a government.  Former National party staffer and now political commentator Ben Thomas told Kate Hawkesby that this time will be quickly forgotten.  He says in six months time —whether the Government is flourishing or floundering— no one is going to be remember the difference between two weeks and three weeks of negotiations.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The weekend has come and gone, but coalition negotiations continue into another week. Incoming Prime Minister Chris Luxon says about three issues to settle remain between National, Act and New Zealand First. The trio's been meeting in Auckland since Wednesday, where Luxon now believes they'll stay for the next few days. Herald Political Reporter Adam Pearse told Kate Hawkesby that Luxon described his meeting with Peters yesterday, as 'helpful'. He says it was a departure from previous conversations in which he described talks as 'positive' and 'good' and cast a better light on things.   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron had his first outing as Foreign Secretary yesterday as he made his way to Ukraine to meet President Zelensky.   UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney told Tim Dower that when they saw a Range Rover coming up Downing Street on Monday and David Cameron climbed out “mouths were literally a gog.”  He added that Cameron doesn’t have the best reputation across the continent given his mishandling of the Brexit referendum and then bouncing as soon as he lost it.   “we'll see how he fares in the rest of Europe in the coming months to get that support going again.”   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron had his first outing as Foreign Secretary yesterday as he made his way to Ukraine to meet President Zelensky.   UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney told Tim Dower that when they saw a Range Rover coming up Downing Street on Monday and David Cameron climbed out “mouths were literally a gog.”  He added that Cameron doesn’t have the best reputation across the continent given his mishandling of the Brexit referendum and then bouncing as soon as he lost it.   “we'll see how he fares in the rest of Europe in the coming months to get that support going again.”   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Economists are praising the Reserve Bank's decision to build up its foreign currency assets.   It's bought and borrowed to drive its total foreign currency holdings up by a third, to a total of almost $18 billion.   Westpac Chief Economist, Kelly Eckhold, says it will give a signal the central bank is willing to step in if there's a shock to the economy.   He told Tim Dower that the move should reassure people.   Eckhold says it would be worrying if the bank didn't have the capacity.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last time I had the privilege of hosting this show I said I had confidence in Chris Luxon's approach to these coalition talks.  I said it seemed businesslike, and I sensed he was out to cut a good deal that'll stick.  I hope I’m not proved wrong on that.  One thing you have to say about the way it's being handled is that all three of the key figures involved have been disciplined and kept things quiet.  Political editors and reporters are coming up against a brick wall when they seek comment.  Not so much as a sneaky hint has leaked out, and to me that speaks to good faith. The horse trading and hard talking is being done between these three and their teams, not in the media.  But still, it's dragging on too long now. Christmas is coming and I for one want to see Parliament sitting again, a clear direction set, and some action.  It's not about who does what job really, I didn't vote with that uppermost in my mind.  Like more than half of the people who did vote, I wanted shot of the last awful crowd and a cha

Call centre staff are facing unprecedented levels of abuse, with industry experts warning of a future dominated by customer service bots.  Customer Contact Network CEO, Elias Kanaris, told Tim Dower that he's pleading with the public to be civil when dealing with contact centre staff.  He says customers need to remember staff are real people who are simply trying their best to resolve your issue.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could we have a new government by Sunday?  Talks continued late into the night and are set to resume in central Auckland this morning, with Chris Luxon, David Seymour, and Winston Peters all pointing to a deal being close.  Political commentator Grant Duncan told Tim Dower that there will be final issues all three parties want to resolve.  He says it has to take as long as it takes, because it's important all three parties are on the same page about what the plan will be for the next three years.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I’ve got some good news for you. Every one of you up now listening, is a go getter. Early birds are into it as we know, but not only that, research tell us they also earn more.   A recent study showed night owls earn 4 percent less than early risers ..and it’s all down to circadian rhythms apparently. Scientists discovered in a Finnish study of more than 12 thousand people, that those who are more active at night, tend to earn less than early risers. That’s  because they’re more likely to make poor lifestyle choices.. like drinking more alcohol, smoking, not exercising as much, and having an unhealthy diet.   Night owls are also more likely to have more screen time, affecting their melatonin production and ability to sleep.. therefore they sleep worse and wake later, feeling less energized. Many according to the study, also had higher BMI’s.   Scientists discovered that on average, night owls accumulate less human, social and health capital. This is because they apparently acquire less work experience, make t

Some markets are feeling economic pain more than others. Infometrics latest economic monitor suggests a primary sector slowdown as annual average growth has slowed to 1.7 percent. BNZ Chief Economist Mike Jones told Kate Hawkesby internal migration numbers are showing various trends. He notes that when people move around the country, employment and construction often follow.Jones thinks cheaper house prices are attracting more people to the South Island.   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research has found children in New Zealand are dying from serious trauma injuries at twice the rate of those in the Australian state of Victoria. The study examined cases of more than 13 hundred children seriously injured between mid-2017 and mid-2022. It focused on injuries usually caused by cars, motorbikes, bicycle accidents and serious burns. Save the Children Advocacy Director Jacqui Southey told Kate Hawkesby the results are unacceptable. She say officials need to focus on raising the level of health care for children across the country.   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A month on from the general election, and the leaders of National, Act and New Zealand First have met together for the first time.  Chris Luxon, David Seymour and Winston Peters caught up face-to-face at an Auckland hotel yesterday. Peters briefly returned last night, seemingly for further talks.  Seymour says they haven't yet dealt with major substantive discussions, in a potential coalition deal.   Political Editor, Jason Walls told Kate Hawkesby more meetings are pencilled in for this week.  He says the first meeting was preliminary to discuss timelines and they'll hopefully get into the meat and potatoes shortly.    LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joe Biden will be hoping to ease geopolitical tensions in today's meeting with counterpart Xi Jinping.  The two leaders will meet at 8am NZST in San Francisco at the APEC summit, marking Xi's first visit to the US in six years.  They're expected to discuss resuming military communications, the climate, and control of a fentanyl pipeline.  US correspondent Mitch McCann told Kate Hawkesby that US-China relations have been frosty in recent times.  He says tensions have been heightened over Taiwan and the South China Sea, as well as a claimed spy balloon being shot down earlier this year.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight will reveal if the Black Caps have what it takes to make it to the World Cup Final.  They’re playing India in the semifinals at 9:30pm NZDT.  Former Black Cap and Cricket Commentator, John Morrison, told Kate Hawkesby that while the team has been written off by many critics, he thinks they’re capable of an upset.  He said the team has a pretty good line up that is capable of knocking India over.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you think about all the sectors and industries in this country which have gone to the dogs lately —much of the public service, (electoral commission anyone?), the media, airlines, airports (namely Auckland), Hospitals— there’s an underlying common denominator.   Within all these sectors there are still amazing people doing amazing things. I hear so often for example from people who, despite all the doom and gloom and horrible news about our Hospitals, have the best experiences with considerate, hardworking, and dedicated nurses. People who say they could not fault the care and attention they received.   Likewise for every horror story about bus drivers and public transport, you’ll hear from someone who says they’ve only ever had a positive experience. I think a lot of the baggage and toxicity from these industries is at the top, amidst the bureaucracy and the layers of BS. Whereas often at the coal face, people are doing incredible things.   I experienced this myself the other day at a medical appointmen

Auckland’s Mayor wants the new Government to review earthquake-strengthening rules.  The region hasn’t shown signs of earthquake activity for 100,000 years, Wayne Brown said, and instead they should focus on the risk of volcanic eruption.  He’s keen to stop spending on seismic strengthening unless a building is likely to fall down.  John Tookey, Professor of Construction at AUT, told Kate Hawkesby that it’s a matter of public safety.   He said that no one thought that Christchurch was going to be a major problem until it became a major problem.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The soon-to-be coalition partners are meeting for the first time today, but there's no end in sight to negotiations.   New Zealand First leader Winston Peters didn't show up for an anticipated meeting with National and ACT in Wellington yesterday.   ACT's David Seymour confirms he flew back to Auckland last night, reportedly also with National leader Christopher Luxon.  Former United Future Leader Peter Dunne told Kate Hawkesby that their rapid return to Auckland suggests negotiations are very much being done on Peters’ terms.  He that there's a perception growing that Christopher Luxon's earlier confidence may have been misplaced.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite a decrease in global wine production New Zealand winemakers feel optimistic.   The International Organisation of Vine and Wine says international wine production's expected to be about 7% lower this year than last.   Statistics from New Zealand Winegrowers show the total production in 2023 is about 360-million litres, down from 383-million last year, but higher than the eight years prior.   CEO Philip Gregan says that over time, wine production in Europe has declined, while in New Zealand, it's grown.   He says our markets are now global rather than just supplying wine domestically, and those markets continue to be strong.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian port operating systems are getting back online, after a major cyberattack halted imports and exports.   DP World Australia —which moves about 40% of items coming into Australia— stopped on Friday after the breach.   It created a backlog of 30,000 containers.  Australian Correspondent, Donna Demaio, told Kate Hawkesby that about 4000 containers started moving again yesterday.  She said that the ripple effect they were concerned about is now unlikely, but they still don’t know what happened.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.