Early Edition with Kate Hawkesby

People are being warned to expect more rises to mortgage interest rates.Kiwibank has lifted its standard 5-year home loan rate to 6.79 percent, the highest since 2014.Umbrella Company mortgage advisor, Sara Hartigan, says as a country, we've been conditioned to very low interest rates but it's not going to stay like that.She told Kate Hawkesby there are many things affecting interest rates, such as the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and high inflation.Hartigan says it's time people started paying attention to that awful B word - budget - and started thinking about the future.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The country's ski industry is grappling to fill 250 specialised roles before the Australians arrive.With the border beginning to reopen next week - places such as Queenstown are bracing for what could be its biggest ski seasons on record.But the industry wants a class exemption to get the needed workers into the country, and are waiting to hear from Immigration New Zealand.Cardrona and Treble Cone Ski Fields general manager Laura Hedley told Kate Hawkesby they're anticipating good numbers this season.She says they've had a good response from the Australians and are hoping they'll want to come back.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand staying in red will help give the health system more breathing space.The Government has decided not to change our traffic light settings, with hospitalisations not expected to peak in parts of the country until mid to late April.Cabinet will reassess Thursday of next week.College of Emergency Nurses member Sandy Richardson told Kate Hawkesby this'll give time to see whether what's happening in hospital is mirroring the community.She says they'll be able to see whether the days patients spend in hospital are reducing, and the number of sick staff is reducing.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the Russian military shifts its campaign to focus on the east and south of Ukraine, Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak has called on the US and its allies to deliver heavier weaponry to the ex-Soviet nation."After the rapid retreat of the Russians from Kyiv and Chernihiv, it is clear that Russia has prioritized another tactic -- to move east/south, to control large occupied territories (not only in Donetsk and Luhansk regions) and to gain a strong foothold there," Podolyak said on Saturday."They have established in the east and south and are dictating harsh conditions," added Podolyak. "So we definitely can't do without heavy weapons if we want to unblock the east and Kherson and send [back] the Russians as far as possible."Last month the Russian military said the "first stage" of its invasion of Ukraine was complete and that it would withdraw forces from around Kyiv and Chernihiv to concentrate on the Donbas region in the country's east.Russia's announcement of that new phase in part may pro

Alyssa Healy struck 170 from 138 balls in one of the finest one-day international innings to power Australia to victory over England in the Cricket World Cup final.Healy went on from a run-a-ball century to record the second-highest ODI score by an Australian woman and to lead Australia to an extraordinary total of 356-5 as they batted after losing the toss at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.It was too hefty a challenge for England to overcome, despite a remarkable innings from Nat Sciver, who blasted an unbeaten 148 off 121 balls to give England an unlikely shot at victory, but they fell 71 runs short as Australia claimed their seventh ODI World Cup title.Healy's 160-run opening partnership with Rachael Haynes in just over 29 overs dampened the spirts of an England team that were hoping for back-to-back titles after winning the 2017 World Cup at home.Her 156-run partnership with Beth Mooney for the second wicket then left England close to despair.Had it been a one-off, Healy's innings would have been an extraord

Do you know what I’m loving at the moment? Normality.At least as much normality as you can get with a mask still on.But as of tonight mandates are gone, and vaccine passes are gone - more steps towards a more relaxed lifestyle.Our local pub was excited - it posted on social media that it looks forward to welcoming everyone back into the pub and not having to scan vaccine passes, and exclude people  It also said it’d love to see Covid dropped as the only conversation being had. The pubs post said “let’s try to keep Covid chat to a minimum and find something more interesting to talk about”. Too right.And how good is it to see crowds back at the Super Rugby? And good crowds too.What a difference it makes to the atmosphere and the vibe of live sport to have people there enjoying it in person.We are slowly getting back to the way it should be.Not everyone’s on board of course. These changes have some concerned. The Herald had a story yesterday on the age divide over the reaction to mandates going. It said, “Resear

The ripples from that Oscar slap continue for Will Smith.The actor's resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and Netflix has now put his next film on the backburner.PR firm Red Banyan CEO Evan Nierman Kate Hawkesby he missed an opportunity to act quickly during his Best Actor Oscar acceptance speech.“In that speech, he apologises to all sorts of folks like the Academy, his fellow nominees, but he doesn’t apologise to the guy he’s just smacked across the face on live television.”LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Wellington bar is catering to its customers still keen on vaccine passes.From midnight tonight, it won't be mandatory for businesses to check passes.Hashigo Zake is planning on still requiring them for the first half of the week, and not for the second half.Owner Dominic Kelly told Kate Hawkesby some of his patrons are only comfortable going places checking for passes.He says the arrangement probably won't be long-term.“By the start of May, everyone’s vaccine passes are going to start expiring and unless there’s a flurry of activity from some in, I don’t know, Ministry of Health, they’re probably all going to stop working anyway.”LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christopher Luxon thinks National's responded well after Labour politicians in Christchurch were harassed online.  Two Young Nats have resigned from the National party as a result. The move followed misogynistic and personal attacks were targeted at three women. They were Cabinet Minister and Wigram MP Megan Woods, Ilam MP Sarah Pallett and Christchurch City Council member Sara Templeton. Christopher Luxon told Kate Hawkesby the pair reflected on the party's new code of conduct, and quit.  He says they've implemented the code, as the comments were vile and utterly unacceptable. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A student representative says the increase to the student allowance and living costs will affect very few people. They are both increasing by $25 a week. Union of Students' Associations President Andrew Lessells told Kate Hawkesby it's far too little far too late. He says the increase isn't going to cover the rental increases most students are seeing and it's not going to cover the cost of food they're seeing either. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I’ve been pretty vocal in my criticism of the Police Commissioner, but never the actual police. However, yesterday my brother had an experience that makes me question what on earth is going on inside the police force at the moment.  Yesterday morning my brother was dropping his son and his son’s mate to school around 8am. My brother’s friend who's just flown back into the country was on speaker phone in the car, telling them all about his trip, when my brother notices a paddy wagon surging up behind, lights flashing, 4 or 5 cops inside.  He immediately pulls over to let them pass, assuming they’re after someone ahead and he wants to get out of their way. But the wagon pulls in behind his car. A female officer hops out, comes over and says to my brother – “you’re on your phone.” He says, “it’s a hands free call, it’s coming through the car speaker.” She says, “no, you had the phone up to your ear.” He says, “no I’ve never had it at my ear, it’s been on speaker, my boys can testify to that because we were all l

One of the things that's irked me this week - apart from Will Smith - (who I'm still irked by, by the way), but the other thing annoying me, is Auckland Transport.  I mean I guess we shouldn’t be surprised at the lengths they'll go to, to get us out of our cars.. and actually if you think this is just an Auckland thing, think again. The anti-car brigade is coming to a road near you any day now. It’s top down, driven by idealogues inside the Government and includes advocates like Julie Anne Genter who would have us all on bikes by now if she could.  The latest car bashing going on is to strip away all the parking. Not just the regular amount of parking they’ve already stripped away, oh no, that was just an appetiser.  They won’t rest until ALL parking is stripped away. That includes parking on the road right outside your house. And what, you may ask, will they do with all that empty space where cars were once allowed to park? More bike and bus lanes of course!  Here’s the thing no one seems to want to admit –

Air New Zealand's  $2.2 billion recapitalisation package is being seen as the only way forward. It plans to use it to repay the Crown loan.  The Government will participate in the raise to retain its majority 51 per cent shareholding. Aviation commentator Irene King told Kate Hawkesby Air New Zealand really doesn't have any option. She says the fallback is for the Government to inject more money, and then it brings into question whether Air New Zealand shouldn't be nationalised. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With most vaccine mandates being scrapped for workers soon, the Government have given some guidance for how private businesses should navigate the changes. It says businesses should undertake their own risk assessment as to whether they should keep mandates. But just because you lost your job due to being unvaxxed, doesn't mean you should expect an offer for your old job back. CEO of Beyond Recruitment Liza Viz joined Kate Hawkesby. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A large study out this morning found New Zealand has the highest melanoma death rate in the world. It also predicts worldwide cases within the next 20 years will increase by 50 per cent, and mortality rates will increase by 68 per cent.  Dr. Chris Jackson, medical oncologist and former Cancer Society medical director joined Kate Hawkesby. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is spending $15 million over three years on its zero road toll campaign.  The National Party say that money is better spent on actually fixing the roads.  But Transport Minister Michael Wood says it's about getting the word out that change is needed. Mike Lee, Associate Professor of Marketing at Auckland University joined Kate Hawkesby. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Holding the America's Cup in Barcelona is expected to breathe new life into the event. Team New Zealand head Grant Dalton says having the event there will allow the team to propel its growth trajectory on the global sporting stage. America's Cup commentator and double Olympic gold medalist, Shirley Robertson, says the team was up against others with unlimited budgets. She told Kate Hawkesby she's sure it's been a tough decision, but says it will put some energy into the Cup. Robertson says three European teams are confirmed, and to have the event in Europe will be good for investment and fans. She says Barcelona is also an easy-to-get-to, loveable city. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I'm not remotely bothered that the America's Cup's going to be held in Barcelona. I can't even imagine how tough it is to organise and fund an event like this - and I take my hat off to all those working so hard to keep it going and to find locations - no easy task. Securing this location has taken a year, no mean feat. But also - can we really complain that it's heading offshore? I mean look what they were offered to stay here. The Auckland Council gave them money in kind - that's not real money, the Government were clearly not that interested in it being here, so, gave them a pittance.  If the powers that be really wanted it here, they'd have fronted up with more cash and made the whole thing more simple. But they didn't. Many of the moaners about it going offshore are punters who like the idea of it being here, but aren't that committed to it anyway. Often, they're the same people who bemoan the whole thing as a rich white man's sport, the ones who bang on about how much wealthy sailing teams shouldn't be

Mixed reaction to the Government's decision to push ahead with Fair Pay Agreements. The bill was submitted to Parliament yesterday - in a bid by the Government to lift incomes and improve working conditions.  It would allow employees to force negotiations with employers, if 10 percent of the workforce, or a thousand workers, agree. Primary teacher union NZEI president Liam Rutherford told Kate Hawkesby early childhood is one sector welcoming this news. He says they can use Fair Pay Agreements to attract and retain teachers in the system. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Well Denzel Washington was right when he said to Will Smith last night that - 'at your highest moment, the devil comes for you'. But the devil didn't just come for Will Smith, the whole Academy and Hollywood glitterati who witnessed it are also at fault here, I reckon. They just sat there and acted like nothing happened, they carried on clapping, laughing.. why did they condone it? Why did absolutely no one working at the ceremony get on stage to check if Chris Rock was OK? Police were there, why did they do nothing? Security was there - nothing. The hypocrisy here just blows my mind. Compare it to Kanye - banned from the Grammys for his Instagram comments about Pete Davidson, virtually cancelled by America's liberal elite for acting in their words – unhinged. Yet Will Smith, a thug, who displayed uncontrollable anger assaulting someone on stage in front of millions of viewers, at a ceremony supposed to be about inclusivity, peace and love.. gets to remain at the event all night, go on to win an Oscar, give a