Early Edition with Kate Hawkesby

A senior marketing lecturer sees mandatory vaccinations as a good P.R move. The Government is requiring 40 per cent of our workforce to be vaccinated. Staff will have to be vaccinated at any business that requires vaccine certificates. Auckland University marketing expert Bodo Lang told Kate Hawkesby the vast majority of Kiwis have done the right thing and got the jab. He says now they're just waiting on a few others to do the same. “I think the vast majority of New Zealanders will be viewing this very positively.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I’m not sure the return to school yesterday for seniors in level three will be the super spreader event people like Rod Jackson were ‘freaking out’ about. I guess time will tell on that one. But what I do know from talking to some students who went back yesterday, was that it was stressful for all concerned. I’m not sure what’s more stressful at this point: online at-home-learning, or heading back into school after so long. There are parents in both camps as well as students of course; some nervous they’ve gone back, some grateful. What I did learn yesterday from returning students, is that there’s a lot of stress from feeling so behind on school work – and worry about how to catch that up in time for exams. The big talking point at school of course is Covid, and the stress around what that means for them, whether their exams will happen or not, how they might happen, and what the rest of the term looks like. That’s something we can all identify with, really. No one really knows what the rest of our year look

The Queen will no longer attend the Cop 26 climate summit in Glasgow next week, following her visit to hospital last week. Buckingham Palace says she's been advised to rest and carry out light duties. The 95-year-old will still contribute to the summit, delivering an address to the assembled delegates via a recorded message from Windsor Castle. UK correspondent Gavin Grey told Kate Hawkesby it comes as concerns grow about her health and workload. “Lots of people are now going to be intensely reviewing how she looks and what she’s doing and how many royal engagements she should be trying to do.”  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A glimmer of hope for Kiwis stranded overseas because they can't get a spot in managed isolation. The Government's making a major announcement about changes to the MIQ system today. Shorter MIQ stays for returnees, home quarantine, and possibly no quarantine from safe countries could be in the mix. Travel technology consultant Mike Moore told Kate Hawkesby home quarantine has been used successfully in countries like Taiwan, by using things like apps and phone calls. He said reducing MIQ from 14 to seven days is one of the things mooted. “That actually only increases the number of people you let into the country from 350 to 700 a day so that’s still massively massively short of demand.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Confusion continues on vaccination rules for players at the Australian Open. Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio told Kate Hawkesby a leaked email from the Women's Tennis Association said that unvaccinated players would be allowed to enter Australia and asked the information to be kept private until the government makes a public announcement. This comes after Victoria state Premier Daniel Andrews said, last week, that tennis players who haven't received a COVID-19 vaccination are unlikely to get a visa to enter the country for the Australian Open in Melbourne in January.This risks men's No. 1, Novak Djokovic, not being able to take part as he refuses to disclose his vaccination status.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s hard not to feel disillusioned this week - struggling to understand this new traffic light system. It feels like we’re being asked to reach an unrealistic goal by an ambitious PM who wants to score some points. And in achieving that goal, what do we get for it? A red light.   As we’ve been told many times by this government, Delta didn’t come with a roadmap. That’s actually not true in our case. The roadmap was rolling out in front of us. We had months to watch it unfold in other parts of the world. And in that time, we should’ve readied our healthcare system, our ICU, our nursing capacity, our testing and tracing abilities. But we didn’t. We bragged about Six 60 concerts and how we didn't need to rush the vaccine rollout instead. We put millions into designing a now cancelled bike bridge, money for school lunches, University buildings; stuff that wasn’t as important as money to ready ourselves for the inevitable. And then when Delta did arrive, instead of asking for roadside assistance or seeking help f

New research suggests three quarters of Kiwis have used video games to connect with their children during the pandemic. That's according to a new report by the Interactive Games & Entertainment Association and Bond University in Australia. Nearly 60 percent of parents say their children’s schools are using video games as another way to teach. Let's Play Live director Duane Mutu told Kate Hawkesby parents should jump in and have a turn with their kids on games- like Fortnite, for example. “Understand what they’re doing. Being able to jump in and understand that language, being able to talk to them is very very good.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is keeping a close eye on vaccination rates in every DHB, as it prepares to transition the country to a new "traffic light" system of covid restrictions. Auckland will move to the new system once all three of its DHBs have hit the 90-percent vaccination target. The rest of the country is also set to move to the system, once 90-percent of the eligible population in each DHB area has received both of their Covid jabs. But Associate Health Minister Peeni Henare told Kate Hawkesby everything will be up for review at Cabinet every week leading up to a major review in late November. “We’re pushing our hardest for getting the highest vaccination rate.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We got a strong sense yesterday of the reaction to school going back for seniors currently languishing in Level 3, and how it’s gone down with teachers.  The PPTA, as we know, was furious - they didn’t mince their words. They said the government had abandoned it’s ‘abundance of caution’ approach and moved to a “reckless disregard for consequences in the blink of an eyelid.” Teachers themselves had mixed reactions – some worried about having to teach students both online and in person – the increased workload associated with that, increased risk of exposure to Covid from any unvaccinated students. Could it be some kind of super spreader event, some wondered.  Parents were in the same camp. Some relieved, some anxious. Students, likewise, were split – some thrilled to go back, others saying it’s too soon. And sure enough, yesterday we learn not all schools are going to follow the Ministry's instructions and open back up. Some are opting to just keep exams online for seniors, as was already in train. I can't wor

Human rights activists have disrupted the flame lighting ceremony for the Winter Olympics. This was in protest to China hosting the games.  The activists are calling for countries and athletes to boycott the games due to human rights abuses in China. At the same time, British diver Tom Daly is asking IOC to ban countries from competing where being gay is punishable by death. Deputy Head of Sport and Events Management at Bournemouth University Dr Keith Parry told Kate Hawkesby so long as the IOC are not being punished in a financial sense, we can expect to see them continue to claim political neutrality. “It’s always going to be political.” He says “We have seen the greater presence of activism from athletes because they have got more power these days.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hopes today's announcement on the Covid protection framework will signal when the South Island can move out of Level Two. Canterbury Chamber of Commerce CEO Leanne Watson told Kate Hawkesby the south may have no cases of Covid - but that doesn't mean it's not struggling. She says businesses and people in general are frustrated that there’s just no recognition. “Businesses just want clarity. It will provide that sense of hope and will be a real incentive to people, particularly those who are not vaccinated yet.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tamaki’s are once again defending their right to protest. Bishop Brian Tamaki appeared in court this week for failing to comply with a Level Three order and breaching his bail conditions. He has attended and helped organise two lockdown protests and violated his bail conditions by attending another protest on October 16. Wife Hannah Tamaki told Kate Hawkesby he fully understands he could go to jail. “I don’t think he deliberately wants to break the law but, he’s gonna tip-toe up to the line and shout over to the other side: People, make the choices that are right for you.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you finding these days that your patience is wearing thin?  When it comes to morons, mine is. When I read yesterday that people were gathering and chanting outside the Henderson Police Station wearing "Freedom NZ" masks, and revving their motorbikes after Brian Tamaki’s arrest, it felt like the world had officially gone mad. Worse yet, Tamaki’s wife Hannah was live streaming the whole thing to Facebook. And as the crowd chants - God only knows what they were chanting - she allegedly says, “I hope my hunny comes home tonight".  Give me strength. How have I not taken alcohol back up? Are you serious? “Hunny” unfortunately broke his bail conditions by attending a second Freedom Rally protest. Hunny also claimed he’d gotten off his first arrest and avoided charges. Hunny appears to think he’s above the law, certainly above the Public Health Act Order. Hunny seems to generate a crowd. Not to sound too alarmist Hannah, but Delta’s on babes. This is Level 3, and these are blatant breaches of the rules. And are w

The future of business travel, and what it will look like post-pandemic will be discussed today. Flight Centre are holding their corporate travel event Illuminate. It coincides with the launch of the government's self-isolation pilot for business travellers, with 150 people confirmed for the trial. Flight Centre Travel Group's Head of Customer Engagement Andy Jack told Kate Hawkesby the pilot is a welcome first step in right direction. “We’re no stranger now to isolating. It’s probably the longer-term solution but it isn’t the absolute solution for regular overseas travellers who travel more for days rather than weeks.”  Jack says they saw travel bounce back ahead of this lockdown and domestic travel levels overtake pre-Covid levels. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks have a supporter in the US House of Representatives with a congressman welcoming the "legendary" team to America ahead of their clash against the USA Eagles this weekend. Speaking next to a picture of the All Blacks haka, Republican congressman Alex Mooney, who is co-chair of the congressional rugby caucus, said the All Blacks are "the world's most famous rugby club" and their visit to Washington DC could be an "important barometer" for America to host the Rugby World Cup in the future. "I'm excited to see the legendary New Zealand All Blacks take the pitch against the USA national men's rugby team when they face off this Saturday October 23rd (Sunday NZT)," Mooney said in an address to the House of Representatives. "We hope to pack FedEx Field here in DC. The All Blacks of New Zealand are the world's most famous rugby club. They strike fear in their opponents with their world-famous traditional pre-game war dance called the haka."  I am proud to join with my Congressional Rugby Caucus Co-Ch

Some changes could be on the way for the Catholic Church. Pope Francis has announced a two-year consultation process that aims to reform the Church. Called "Synod" the aim is to consult every Catholic parish and bishop around the world on the future direction of the Church. Assistant Catholic Bishop of Auckland Bishop Michael Gielen told Kate Hawkesby the Pope wants everyone to have their voices heard.  “We're going to approach this in complete openness. We’re called to listen.” Bishop Gielen says change is always hard for an ancient historical community but the Church is up for it.  “We haven’t always got everything right in the past and we have to listen.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senior students in level three regions get to go back to school from Tuesday, but for years one to 10, no such luck.  Education Minister Chris Hipkins says those students might not return to school until 2022. And if they do, Hipkins says some options being considered to make it work are rostered attendance, and learning outdoors in the warmer months.  Principal of Rowandale Primary School in Manurewa, Karl Vasau said it’s not as simple as just getting kids back in the classroom. “Sometimes we think, goodness me, let’s get them back to school, let’s make it safe, but sometimes Kate, getting them back to school just won’t work.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As if this week’s not tough enough and we’re not rarked up enough already, now they want to carve up heritage houses for more development. A new bill aims to force councils to allow more dense housing. The "new intensification rules will allow buildings of up to three storeys on most sites in cities without any need for resource consent from August 2022,” we read yesterday. This is basically a green light to development and a way of addressing housing supply. Councils have previously made access to land difficult; this turns the tables. It takes more power off Councils and reduces impediments to progress, and that’s no bad thing. What might be ruffling the feathers of the latte set however, is whether this snazzy new drive for development winds up on their front door step. A South Auckland Councillor has said that it needs to include wealthier suburbs too. So those sitting pretty in a 200-year-old villa in Remuera, or Kelburn or Fendalton may well be looking down the barrel of a 3-storey development going up

A new bill designed to cut red tape and allow more intensification in housing construction could be pointless if practical aspects aren’t taken into account.  Labour and National have joined forces on the rules, which will allow up to three homes of up to three storeys built on most sites, without resource consent.   AUT construction expert John Tookey told Kate Hawkesby it could help those wanting to get on the property ladder. But he’s raised questions over whether there are enough builders or materials to construct all the houses being promised. About 105-thousand extra homes are expected to be built in the next five to eight years.  Tookey says it has to be twinned up with capacity growth initiatives, such as skills training or a revised Ministry of Works. “Somebody somewhere needs to start thinking more collectively about capacity because opportunity without capacity is meaningless.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prison staff have been taken by surprise by the Government’s move to include them in mandatory vaccination.  All staff working in New Zealand prisons now need to get their first dose by October 30 and both doses by December 1. Corrections Association Acting President Floyd du Plessis told Kate Hawkesby the news has come as a shock to members. He says they understand it was decided by Cabinet on Monday, but they're disappointed it wasn't announced sooner to help get things rolling. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.