Early Edition with Kate Hawkesby

The soaring cost of living is pushing every one of us to reconsider which groceries remain a priority.  For some, this may mean going without limes in their evening cocktails, but for many, the reality is that fresh fruit, vegetables and many forms of meat are no longer affordable for each and every meal.   Adjusting one's intake of the aforementioned will undoubtedly have a negative effect on people's health in time to come.   Proof of that can already be seen along with other socioeconomic impacts in areas of the country where people never been able to afford a consistently high standard of food.  Many are now buying chooks and learning the finer points of animal husbandry in order to avoid the soaring cost of eggs from supermarkets and other purveyors of these omelette essentials.   The move makes a lot of sense - but knowing about your councils' bylaws regarding how our fickle, feathered, fowl friends can be kept is also a major consideration.  The last thing you want is your neighbour running foul to the

Our current period of high inflation isn't over yet. Latest figures due out this morning are expected to show consumer prices rose between 6.9 percent and 7.2 percent in the year to March. ASB Senior Economist Mark Smith told Roman Travers says two major factors are driving the high inflation rate. "One is food prices really have rocketed and the second thing is housing costs remain really elevated, despite the softer housing market." LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions over whether the costs justify hosting the 2034 Commonwealth Games. The New Zealand Olympic Committee has expressed interest in bidding for the event, under a new hosting model which now allows nations to host as a whole. Last year's Games in Birmingham was backed by $1.55 billion New Zealand of public and government funding. Games commentator Brendan Telfer told Roman Travers the costs have seriously escalated since we last hosted in 1990. He reckons given the galloping inflation that by 2034, it'll cost us at least $2 billion. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How many times in recent decades have you heard the call for a better and fairer tax system?   How many times have we heard governments saying that the tax system needs to be looked at?   Well, I've got some good news for those at the upper end of income earning who may have been wondering when the tax axe was about to fall, forcing them to haemorrhage more.  It turns out, our tax system is pretty fair and equitable after all.   A new study completed for tax consultancy firm  OliverShaw concludes that the wealthy in New Zealand pay most of the tax collected.  OliverShaw is headed by the former deputy commissioner at IRD, Robin Oliver.  Oliver says that the higher their income, the more they pay. Those earning lower incomes end up paying less tax because of the various tax credits, and other payments they’re eligible to receive.   One of the key highlights of this study, is that the highest income earners are often in a better position to minimise their tax through investment in tax friendly assets.   When Chr

The Government has announced new pricing for Kiwis getting their drivers licenses. They will be reducing the cost of resitting tests, reportedly saving new drivers $5.5 million a year. But if you're unlucky enough to pass on your first try, you'll end up paying more. Ōtorohanga mayor Max Baxter has been an advocate for lower fees and joined Roman Travers to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Global Dairy Trade price index has recorded its first increase in two months. This morning's auction showed a 3.2 per cent climb since the last trading event earlier this month, this is the first gain after four consecutive falls. Amy Castleton, dairy analyst at NZX joined Roman Travers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the key benefits of any vehicle that's well branded with company logos, is that when you see appalling acts of stupidity unfolding around you on our roads, created as a by result the selfish acts of drivers in these vehicles, you know exactly who to call.   Yesterday I had to drive from central Auckland to one of the southern suburbs and back again. I was surprised at some of the deplorable acts of driving I saw buy those that call themselves professional drivers, as well as those by people who just don't care about anyone else, but themselves.  The first incident that captivated me was a bloke on a dirt bike wearing a ski mask; the unsubtle uniform of a potential bank robber, before I realised that there was no helmet in his costume paraphernalia. Another ACC statistic waiting be collated.   Given a green light, I moved into the intersection, only to realise that several vehicles were clearly in a rush and proceeded to run the red light.   I can only presume that their vehicles contained melting ice c

National says the move by Labour to tackle class sizes is an attempt to appease unions. The announcement aimed at Years 4 to 8 students, reduces the ratio from one teacher to 29 students, down to 28. It'll be initiated from 2025 and means recruiting 320 more teachers. National Education Spokesperson Erica Stanford told Roman Travers it's less a policy announcement and more a sweetener. She says that's why they did it in the school holidays and if they wanted to make a big announcement, they would have made a big song and dance about it. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Concerns as job burnout continues to affect our doctors. Massey University data analysis shows the risk for medical doctors is 22.7 percent, compared to 12.2 percent for other workforces. Burnt out doctors are nearly five times more likely to seriously consider quitting the profession, over their non-burnt-out colleagues. Association of Salaried Medical Specialists Executive Director Sarah Dalton says Roman Travers more needs to be done to retain the workforce. “In order to bring people in, we need to be offering competitive terms and conditions. Compared to  Australia, we’re not even in the ballpark.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand’s looming recession is tipped to be twice as deep as previously thought, with Kiwis being warned to prepare for a tough rest of the year. The bleaker forecast, from economists at ASB, comes as food prices rise at their fastest annual rate in more than 30 years and many struggle to afford the basics. ASB is predicting a 2 per cent contraction to gross domestic product (GDP) by early 2024, which is double the 1 per cent economic shrink that the bank forecast in its last quarterly update. And the country’s expected recession is likely to set in earlier than expected, according to the latest ASB Economic Forecast released today, with GDP falling 0.6 per cent in the December 2022 quarter. Wellington university student Aidan Donoghue said he has hardly bought any fruit or vegetables in the last year. Photo / Mark Mitchell ASB’s chief economist Nick Tuffley said high-interest rates and inflation will continue to restrain consumer spending in the coming year, with homeowners feeling the strain and pain

The Government is being slammed after some frontline police were told to consider the necessity of arrests, due to Rimutaka Prison nearing capacity. An email to Wellington staff revealed our largest prison is nearing maximum occupancy, and warns repeat breach of bail and warrant offenders may be remanded in custody for longer than usual. It says officers should consider that before making an arrest. Corrections Association President, Floyd Du Plessis told Roman Travers that it's ridiculous and the result of ignored warnings about staffing shortages. He says public safety is coming second to political direction, which is a serious concern. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you live long enough, I guess you’ll get to see everything either change or completely die out. On Friday the news that Wellington’s grand old lady of the fourth estate is to have a makeover was a bit confronting and sad for me and those who’ve grown old with the name of The Dominion Post.   The Dominion Post is dropping the word ‘dominion’ from its name - and its parent company is signalling further change is yet to come.   Sounding dangerously like something from Italian mafia, ‘The Dom, started 21 years ago as a merger of The Dominion and The Evening Post.   In an act reflective of a complete lack of any creativity, the new name will be… are you ready? The Post.   I wonder how many creative types with cool cardigans, fridges filled with tofu, eclectic Spotify playlists and electric scooters at reception in some Willis Street creative agency got together to come up with that catchy name?   The editor of The Post is Caitlin Cherry and she says that New Zealand's status as a dominion ended in 1945 when it

I measure the quality of the summer season by how many swims I have, this summer I managed just one swim. Not my proudest tally, I can assure you.  But that sad tally was only diminished by my inability to make time. Being able to find clean water to swim in will increasingly prove to be the main barrier. The environment, Minister David Parker says, some of the statistics I’m about to mention are an indictment on the country and an intergenerational challenge to turn around.   45 percent of lake monitoring sites worsened between 2011 and 2020 with just 36 percent improving. 45 of New Zealand’s total river length is non swimmable due to risk of bacterial infection.  48 percent of our river network is at least partially inaccessible to migratory fish.  About two thirds of freshwater native bird species were either threatened with extinction or at risk of becoming threatened in 2021.  Minister David Parker is entirely correct. It’s an intergenerational problem that we have largely turned our back to, and yet we

Victoria University of Wellington has announced their nominations to be considered for Earthshot prizes. Earthshot is offering five prizes of £1,000,000 each for projects that drive change and inspire collective action. Andrew Wilks, Director of Sustainability at Victoria University, joined Roman Travers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A children's charity is pleading for sponsors to more than 1,600 Kiwi kids facing poverty. Variety says the kids don't have enough bedding, warm clothes, food and school supplies. CEO Susan Glasgow says it costs the same as eight lattes over a month to make a huge difference and Susan Glasgow joined Roman Travers. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Water New Zealand is breathing a sigh of relief and says it now has certainty because of the Three Waters shake up. Instead of four mega-entities for water, the Government has opted for 10 regional groups. It's set to be in place by 2026. Water NZ Chief Executive Gillian Blythe says while the plan's not perfect, it means staff will be able to plan implementation better. She told Roman Travers it's important working with iwi wasn't eliminated. Blythe says it's about finding solutions that work for the whole community. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It can be incredibly difficult not to fall in line with the narrative of doom and gloom, instead of celebrating the good things that come and go so quickly in life for those who work so hard to get there.  New Zealand’s very own Finn Fisher-Black scored his first professional win yesterday after the UAE Team Emirates rider triumphed in the opening stage of cycling’s Tour of Sicily.   If you haven’t managed to see the footage of just how remarkable the final minutes of this Nelson cyclist’s stage win was, it’s well worth the watch.   Finn Fisher-Black rode away from the field on the final climb of the 159km stage to take the win, with teammate and fellow Nelsonian George Bennett coming in ninth.  The 21-year-old has had a tough climb to the top having come back to elite level after breaking his leg last year.   At my age, I’m freewheeling down the far side of being a middle-aged man in lycra, who still loves to think he can keep up with the peloton on a decent road bike; but Finn is in the upper echelon of cyc

The country's councils are standing by to hear the Government's latest plan for Three Waters reforms. Newstalk ZB understands the plan will be revealed later this morning. Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan told Roman Travers councils are divided on the way forward. He says some councils want to keep control of the infrastructure, but other councils are very worried about rising costs. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week's OCR hike is starting to have some impact with ANZ, the country's largest bank, raising fixed and floating interest rates across the board. Chief Executive Antonia Watson told Roman Travers the one-year lending rate is going up by 20-basis-points. She says the bank is still passing on only a small amount of the OCR increases. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A councillor is looking to reassure those who suffered during Auckland's January flooding. A report into the flood response has made 17 recommendations including developing an IT system for better communication and creating stronger community relationships. Manukau Ward Councillor Alf Filipaina says those who lost their homes or loved ones will still be devastated. He told Roman Travers the council needs to discuss these recommendations so failure doesn't happen again. LISTEN ABOVE    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.