Early Edition with Kate Hawkesby

Hundreds of Air Vanuatu passengers have been left frustrated and stranded.  The airline's only Boeing 737 is grounded in Brisbane while it waits for parts following a technical fault.  Australian correspondent Donna Demaio told Tim Dower that suggestions are being made as to how this could be prevented.  She says one travel agent has suggested Air Vanuatu partners with other larger airlines so it can offer more consistent flights.  She says it's caused anger and anxiety amongst many passengers, with some first learning of the situation on their way to the airport.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Now we've had a day to mull it over... has Christopher Luxon played a smart card or a dopey one?  Up until yesterday we were under the impression Luxon wants nothing less than to have to deal with New Zealand First.  But this feels like an admission of defeat, as though Luxon has realised NZ First may well hit the threshold, and if they do that's going to drag down the number of seats National can have.  He says he'll do whatever it takes to form a coalition and I guess a lot of people will have wanted to hear that, and his reinforcing line about ACT being his preferred coalition partner without New Zealand First.  But by putting it on the agenda on a Monday morning less than three weeks before polling day has Luxon gifted a swag of attention, if not votes, to his least preferred coalition partner?  With the prospect of seats around the Cabinet table and of course an important job for Winston Peters, that vote looks a lot less like a wasted vote than it might have done.  So some right-leaning voters, mentioni

You know you're getting down to the rats and mice when you've got a major political party promising to change speed limits, if only we'll vote for them.  Now I'm not saying National's wrong about a lot of those 30k zones especially, some of them are probably really daft but others might make sense.  I guess the point is we're down to fairly trivial stuff now and the election campaign is limping into a petty bidding war.  Where is the meaningful debate about political ideas? Where is the serious discussion about where we see ourselves in five, ten years from now?  Where is the vision of a better New Zealand for our children, our grandchildren?  I guess we only have ourselves to blame, because when it comes to ticking the box on the day, what's going to motivate most of us?  I'll go out on a limb and say it's money.  Most of us are going to vote for the party which will either improve our lot in life, or at least not make it any worse.  Some of us may be contemplating what we're leaving for the kids, some may e

London’s police force said Sunday that some officers are refusing to conduct armed patrols after a colleague was charged with murder in the fatal shooting of an unarmed Black man.  A Metropolitan Police marksman was charged Wednesday over the September 2022 death of Chris Kaba, 24. Kaba was killed after officers in an unmarked vehicle pursued and stopped the car he was driving. He was struck by a single bullet fired through the windshield as he sat in the Audi car.  The case renewed allegations of institutional racism within the London police department. Kaba’s family welcomed the murder charge against the officer, who has not been publicly named. He was granted conditional bail and is expected to stand trial next year.  Only about one in 10 of London’s police officers carry firearms, and the ones that do undergo special training.  The Metropolitan Police force said Sunday that “a number of officers have taken the decision to step back from armed duties while they consider their position.” It said officers we

Not the best of weekends for New Zealand sport.  The Warriors bandwagon has come to a grinding halt, after the Kiwi side’s 42-12 defeat in Brisbane to the Broncos.  But the Warriors have a lot to celebrate regardless, having gone from wooden spoon candidates to one game away from the big dance.  The Silver Ferns’ post-World Cup hoodoo remains, after their 55-54 loss to England’s B team.  Despite a last-quarter fightback, the young England side proved too strong in both attack and defence in the first three.  Newstalk ZB Wellington sports reader Adam Cooper joined Tim Dower.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Automobile Association is expressing its support for some of National's speed reduction promises.  National's announced it'll return many state highways to 100 km/h from 80, and many local roads to 50.  AA Policy Manager Dylan Thomsen told Tim Dower they like the idea of increasing expressway speeds, having more variable speed limits near schools, and fewer unmanned roadwork sites.  “That’s an area that’s a common frustration for a lot of people, so if we can improve that and have less of that, that’d be great.”  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National's deputy has confirmed the party would work with New Zealand First - if it came to it.   It's understood leader Chris Luxon will confirm in a social media video today that he's willing to work with Winston Peters if necessary.   It comes after weeks of questions.   Nicola Willis told Tim Dower their preference is to form a two-party coalition government of National and ACT.  “Realistically, if New Zealand First is to return to Parliament and we need to pick up the phone to Mr Peters to keep Labour out, to keep the coalition of chaos of Te Pati Maori and the Greens out.”  LISTEN ABOUTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chief Children's Commissioner has labelled the latest review of Oranga Tamariki shocking.  The latest probe into the government agency has found that there needs to be urgent change to fix major issues, including those related to staffing and capacity.  Judge Frances Eivers told Francesca Rudkin that it's not good enough and our children in care deserve better.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rupert Murdoch is stepping down as head of Fox and News Corp.   The 92-year-old media mogul has been an influential figure in the US, UK, and Australia for decades, owning numerous tabloids, newspapers and TV channels.   He's passing the baton to his son Lachlan but will remain with both companies as chairman emeritus.   UK correspondent Vincent McAviney told Francesca Rudkin that Murdoch's age is a factor in him stepping down, with some reports of health problems in recent years.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So on Tuesday evening I was quite excited about the first Leaders Debate.   It was a funny old evening. I thought Jessica Mutch McKay did a good job moving things along but the two Chris’s energy wanned, and so did mine. It wasn’t a dynamic debate.    There wasn’t actually a lot of debate.    So, after a solid, but slightly disappointing Leaders Debate, I then turned my attention to the Newshub Nation Powerbrokers' Debate featuring Minor party leaders, which took place last night on Three. Surely this was going to be more entertaining? It did after all feature David Seymour, who put in a sharp and humorous performance at the ASB Great Debate last week in Queenstown. And it was set in a pub.    Joining him was New Zealand First leader Winston Peters, Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, and Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson.    Rebecca Wright was the moderator and she did a commendable job keeping this lot under control, although it was a challenge and there was plenty of spirited bickering.  The

I see it reported that 'the Auckland restaurateur whose close to the site of Monday’s fatal bus stop stabbing is worried “people are afraid to come out to the area to eat” after the second violent attack on innocent members of the public in Albany in months.' The other one was the axe wieldng man attacking diners back in June.   But also at the the Albany bus stop, a 16-year-old told the Police that she was randomly attacked there, getting punched in the head and having her shoes stolen. And they wonder why we don't take public transport in Auckland. But it made me think about the suburbs versus the CBD, because Auckland city's struggling too apparently.   A bar and restaurant owner in the CBD told Mike's show this week that the change in our behaviours heading to town are dramatically different to what they once were. Fewer people in the office, fewer people in town, work functions starting earlier, or on work time, like 4 o’clock, so the function’s over by 6.30 and people can go home. She reckons part of it

Economists are expecting the latest GDP figures to have risen in the second quarter.   The numbers will be released this morning.   After two drops, the country entered a technical recession in the first quarter of the year.  ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley told Kate Hawkesby that things are likely to get a bit more challenging again later on this year.  He said that there’s a risk of a double dip back into some negatives.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACT is promising a huge shake-up to the education system, aiming to hold underperforming schools to account.  Its new education policy would crack down on ECE providers that don't teach children the basics.  The party would increase surprise visits to early childhood providers and penalise those failing standards.  Leader David Seymour told Kate Hawkesby that they need to start thinking out of the box and find new ways to make the education system work.  He said that if they don’t, New Zealand runs the risk of losing its first world status.   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's announced changes for migrant workers are being described as a soft cushion at the bottom of a cliff.   The package includes basic financial support to help with accommodation and essential living costs.  The Government also plans to remove 90-day trial periods for employers utilising the Accredited Employer Work Visa.  Employment lawyer Aaron Martin told Kate Hawkesby that the changes won't be much help at all, as most migrants arrive with no job.   He says the 90-day trial period isn't the problem, the problem is the Government's visa system.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amid the recent allegations against Russell Brand, the BBC has announced an internal review of the comedian's time with them.  Brand hosted a series of programs on BBC 6 Music and Radio 2 between 2006 and 2008 as well as being a guest on other shows, overlapping with the period of time the allegations fall within.  The BBC has now removed programming featuring Brand from their streaming services, saying it now “falls below public expectation.”  UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Kate Hawkesby that the BBC may have more to answer for, as one of the victims alleges that she was picked up by a chauffeur driven car provided to Brand by the BBC, who brought her to his house.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The events of the past few years are having a major impact on young kiwis.  Extreme weather and economic uncertainty have become a source of concern and anxiety for young people, with social media and vaping being other common stressors.  Youthline’s ‘State of the Generation’ report found that a quarter of those surveyed had been impacted by extreme weather events, and half of that group’s mental health suffered as a result.  Youthline CEO, Shae Ronald, told Kate Hawkesby that there is a range of reactions within that group.  She said that for some, especially those directly impacted, it's really increased their rates of anxiety, whereas for others its resulted in an underlying sense of unease and fear for the future.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour says it's taking a long-term approach to reducing youth crime.  In Auckland, a 16-year-old boy has been charged over Monday's fatal bus station attack, the victim's family revealing he was a 24-year-old alleged 501 deportee from Australia.  And in Christchurch, an 18-year-old learner driver is facing charges over Sunday's fatal Rangiora crash, with new figures revealing Canterbury has been facing a sharp rise in serious boy racer incidents.  Labour's Carmel Sepuloni told Kate Hawkesby that she understands community concerns about youth crime, but there is no easy short-term fix.  She says the Government has to continue to do what works to reduce crime over the long term.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How over all the violence are we right now?   I can’t tell you how over it I am. I’m sure you are too. It’s actually getting ridiculous and what I’m worried about now is that not even a change of government is going to stop it.   A stabbing murder at an Albany bus stop in Auckland Monday, another knife incident 30 minutes later in Auckland’s Waterview, the next day, Tuesday, a person taken into custody after a knife found Kepa Road, in Auckland’s Orakei. That same day a shooting at a Rotorua intersection.   And it’s not just Auckland and Rotorua, the night before in Christchurch ten youths went on a crime spree, breaking into shops to steal stuff, also stealing cars. The week prior there were three aggravated robberies across Auckland’s Point Chevalier and Mt Albert... a gang member was rounded up for those.   These are just the ones that make the news. And don’t get me started on all the people out on ankle bracelets on home detention who’re committing crimes and absconding from Police. The level of crime, p

Some are picking Chris Luxon as narrowly taking the crown in last night's leaders’ debate.  The National Party Leader went head to head with Labour Party Leader Chris Hipkins in the first of three debates ahead of the election.   Newstalk ZB Political Editor, Jason Walls, told Kate Hawkesby who he thought came out on top.  He says Luxon was more passionate and had a better plan on law and order, whereas he believes Hipkins couldn't defend the Government's record on that issue.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former MP has some advice for both candidates in tonight’s leaders’ debate.  Labour's Chris Hipkins will face off against National’s Chris Luxon on TVNZ.   Peter Dunne mastered the crowd reactor tool the Worm during TV debates in the 2000s, and says Hipkins should control his words to avoid seeming snide.   But, he told Kate Hawkesby, there are traps for Luxon too.   He says Luxon needs to avoid management language and really connect with people.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.