Early Edition with Kate Hawkesby

The Reserve Bank's keeping a watchful eye on global trade developments.  It's lowered the Official Cash Rate by 25-basis points to 3.5%, with another cut expected next month.  But it's still waiting to see how trade barriers affect inflation before deciding what to do after that.  Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen told Andrew Dickens the central bank is right to take a wait-and-see approach.  He says what's become very clear over the past couple of days, and again this morning, is how everything can change in an instant.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A weather forecaster's hoping there can be clearer skies for our Government weather agencies with a merger on the way.  Legislation's coming to merge NIWA and MetService before the end of the year.  The Government says it'll deliver a more efficient agency, combining operations and streamlining back-office functions.  WeatherWatch's Phillip Duncan told Andrew Dickens he wants MetService's clear communication skills to be central to the new agency.  He says it's compared to NIWA, which frequently uses extreme words that often don't come true.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The wool industry believes New Zealand will enjoy the benefits of the Government's new building directive. From July, all new Crown agency builds costing more than nine-million-dollars, and refurbishments topping 100-thousand, must use New Zealand wool where possible. It follows Kainga Ora reversing its price-based decision to not use more-expensive wool products in January. Associate Minister of Agriculture, Mark Patterson told Andrew Dickens it does change the price, but you're getting a better-quality product. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast Thursday 10th April 2025, The Reserve Bank cut the OCR by 25 basis points, Infometrics Principal Economist shares whether or not it was the right move.  Legislation to merge Niwa and MetService, will be introduced later this year, Weather Watch Head Analyst Philip Duncan tells Andrew Dickens about the difference it will make.  The Government's directing agencies to use wool where appropriate, but will it come at a cost? Associate Minister of Agriculture Mark Patterson shares the details.  Plus, US Correspondent Mitch McCann shares the latest on the markets and tariff turmoil.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.       LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Benjamin Doyle spoke on the controversy surrounding them yesterday and basically called themself stupid.   We’ve found out that the Greens actively asked them to delete their accounts which introduced us all to the "bussy".  But they refused, wanting to stand up for what they are and who they stand for.  Given that, if I was the Greens I would have gone to the next person on the list. If Doyle wasn’t going to drop it, I would have dropped him.   I said last week they should go, and I stand by that. I don’t see the need for anyone so stupid and bloody-minded in a taxpayer funded Parliament.   Doyle says the bussy stuff was a knowing joke and I can understand that - Queens are always ironically calling each other Queens.  That’s not the sort of joke I want to see in an MP.  But to claim Benjamin must be a child offender is also a step too far and a heinous accusation unless you have proof, and that goes for Hamish Campbell too.  If they want to put those haters aside perh

New Zealand faces significant obstacles to take down organised crime groups.  A ministerial advisory group's first report reveals a sobering reality the country is losing the fight, and claims bold changes are needed.  It says a significant spike in methamphetamine use last year was dire.  Associate Police Minister Casey Costello told Andrew Dickens a series of reports will provide practical advice over the next six months.  She says there will be specific actions released each month - including how agencies could work more closely together and breaking down barriers about information sharing.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prince Harry has returned to the UK to challenge a court decision over his security arrangements in his home country.  The Duke of Sussex has appeared at the High Court in London, appealing last year's ruling the Home Office fairly gave him different levels of taxpayer-funded protection.   The 40-year-old's legal team has questioned the way the decision, taken in early-2020 after Harry and Meghan stepped down as senior working royals, was made.   UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Andrew Dickens the Duke didn't give evidence, and the hearing's outcome will be revealed at a later date.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese appears to have got the better of opposition leader Peter Dutton in their first election debate.   Sky News declared the incumbent Albanese as the winner after asking 100 undecided voters their thoughts.   Australian Correspondent Lesley Yeomans told Andrew Dickens two key issues emerged last night.   She says the cost of living and energy policy were two of the biggest topics.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Economists are seemingly aligned on where they think today's Official Cash Rate figure will land.  The Reserve Bank's expected to cut the OCR by 25 basis points, down from 3.75 percent.  It's the first rate decision since Governor Adrian Orr's resignation.   Jarden Economist and Investment Strategist, John Carran told Andrew Dickens there's been a lot of uncertainty in markets from US President Donald Trump's tariffs.  He believes it's too early for the bank to panic and cut the OCR any further. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oranga Tamariki is getting rid of its target to place 58% of the kids in its care with wider Whanau.   And it's also ditching a target for investment with Māori organisations - 23% of funding was targeted for those organisations.  The Minister for Children Karen Chhour says this is part of OT's 'Safety First' approach. She says the targets were outdated and went against the ‘need not race’ directive.   And she was concerned whether the priority of Māori organisations were getting in the way of the quality and efficacy of the services being provided.   And it all makes sense.  The ingrained belief in our child social workers that kids are always better off rehomed with whanau always seemed counter factual. In many cases the abuse directed at the kids was at the hands of whanau themselves - people that had been raised by other people in their family but failed at their own parenting. So why would we give the kids to them? It often seemed that children were being thrown right back i

On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast Wednesday 9th of April 2025, Associate Police Minister Casey Costello joins Andrew Dickens to talk on a report which found a substantial increase in organised crime over the past 5 years. Australia Correspondent Lesley Yeomans shares the reaction from the Australian public on the first debate between Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his election rival Peter Dutton.  Plus, It's OCR day... John Carran, Investment Strategist and Economist at Jarden takes his pick on how the Reserve Bank will move.  And UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey shares the latest on the Duke of Sussex is in court again in London to appeal a decision to downgrade the level of security he receives in the UK. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A retired lieutenant can't see how a boost in defence funding will fill missing skills and trades.  New Zealand's injecting $12 billion into defence over four years – $9 billion of which is new spending.   It includes enhancing our strike capabilities, replacing the Boeing 757 fleet, and upgrading our javelin anti-tank missiles.  Retired Lieutenant Colonel Hayden Ricketts told Andrew Dickens the navy, army, and air force already have more vehicles than they can staff.  He says a commitment to spend more money on gear is great but without more personnel, the plan will fall apart.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former police officer is backing the force's approach to dealing with mental health cases.   Police are in the middle of four stage process to pull back from attending mental health call outs.   The Mental Health Foundation has created a petition calling on them to reverse course.  It says first phase, which started in November, has already caused damage in the sector.  Former Police Officer Lance Burdett told Andrew Dickens there are some situations where Police aren't the right answer.   He says some people don't want to see a police officer in uniform when they are having a crisis.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast Tuesday 8th April 2025, The Government's announced a massive 12 billion dollar investment in defence over the next four years Retired Lieutenant Colonel Hayden Ricketts tells Andrew Dickens how it will make a difference.  Former Politicians and health advocates are rallying against New Zealand's lobbying regulations, calling for more transparency, Boyd Swinburn tells Andrew Dickens what went on at the campaign launch. The Mental Health Foundation's launched a petition calling on Police to stop the plan to scale back attendance at mental health callouts, Former Police Officer and mental health advocate Lance Burdett shares his thoughts.  Plus, Peter Dutton has dropped a major policy promise ahead of the election, Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio shares the latest.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.           LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener

A desire to level the playing field, when it comes to lobbying.  Health Coalition Aotearoa's pushing for stronger regulations alongside the Helen Clark Foundation and Transparency International.  They want a public register of lobbyist meetings, a cooling-off period to prevent ex-ministers immediately becoming lobbyists, and a lower limit forcing someone to disclose political donations.  Co-Chair, Boyd Swinburn says told Andrew Dickens those with vested interests are getting a bigger say on public policy, than groups pushing for positive social outcomes.  He says nothing wrong with balanced lobbying -- which gives policy for public good, not private good.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The news that New Zealand is going to spend 12 billion dollars on defence is not news to welcome, and yet it is welcome news.  In an unsettled world, defence is essential. And the equation for a credible defence is spending 2 percent of GDP.  So now within 8 years we’ll get to that target - it’s a doubling.   The question is why we are only just doing this now. If we’d spent that for the past 30 years we would not be facing so dramatic a spend today.  But we didn’t. Fat and complacent in a mistaken belief that we were safe and sound, and if something went wrong our friends would come and save us.  For as long as I’ve been in the news business, Australia and the States have warned that coat tailing did not cut it and that we had to do our bit. So fair play to Judith Collins, she’s finally accepting the responsibility that we’ve always needed.  But it comes at a difficult time.  Firstly, the world has become more dangerous so time is of the essence. And secondly, we’re broke.&

Liam Lawson was beaten by his Red Bull replacement Yuki Tsunoda on the opening lap of the Japanese Grand Prix.  He finished 17th, while Tsunoda finished 12th.  His former Red Bull team-mate, Max Verstappen, won from pole position.  Sports Contributor Andrew Alderson joins the show to discuss the race, Auckland FC continuing their unbeaten run, Women's 7s title win, and the Blues first win over the Hurricanes.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fallout from US President Donald Trump's tariffs announced over the weekend has continued to be felt around the world.  The stock market's S&P fell 10.5%, but New Zealand only fell 0.5%.  Experts are warning tariffs could push prices up for consumers, and protesters have taken to the streets in their thousands as a result.  Washington Bureau Chief for the Guardian David Smith talks to Mike Hosking about the aftermath.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government wants to change the laws surrounding free speech in New Zealand.  As part of the Quarter two action plan, legislation will be introduced to require freedom of expression in our university's.  What impact will the new law have on students and learning?  Former Victoria University Dean & NZ Initiative Research Fellow Michael Johnston talks to Andrew Dickens about the change.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast Monday 7th April 2025, Washington Bureau Chief for the Guardian David Smith shares the latest on reaction out of the US following Donald Trump's tariffs. The Government wants to shake up free speech laws in universities, Former Victoria University Dean and NZ Initiative research fellow Dr Michael Johnston tells Andrew Dickens what this means. Andrew Alderson shares the latest from sport over the weekend. Plus UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey shares the latest on UK car giant Jaguar Land Rover announcing a pause all shipments to the US, following the announcement on tarrifs. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.