You're listening to the Canterbury Mornings podcast with John McDonald from News Talk Z'B Politics Friday.

You're listening to the Canterbury Mornings podcast with John McDonald from News Talk Z'B Politics Friday.

Megan Woods, very good morning to Morning, John, Morning, Matt, Matt Doucep Morning too. We started talking about parking. Was I didn't you've just walked in. I didn't know if you were going to make it or not. I thought it was going to be I thought it was going to be a party political broadcast from from Matt Ducy.

Megan Woods, very good morning to Morning, John, Morning, Matt, Matt Doucep Morning too. We started talking about parking. Was I didn't you've just walked in. I didn't know if you were going to make it or not. I thought it was going to be I thought it was going to be a party political broadcast from from Matt Ducy.

You know, rain, hailshina, walk here and snile. I'll always be here.

You know, rain, hailshina, walk here and snile. I'll always be here.

I love it. I love it. But you've got but you found a Oh you've got a parking hack? Is that right? Matt?

I love it. I love it. But you've got but you found a Oh you've got a parking hack? Is that right? Matt?

Oh, I'm not going to tell people because then people going part there. I ain't get one myself.

Oh, I'm not going to tell people because then people going part there. I ain't get one myself.

It's outside a place called Table at Monks on Ama Armor Street. Yeah yeah, all right, okay, no, no, no, no, it's not the it's a sixty minute matter. Durham, isn't it Durham Street?

It's outside a place called Table at Monks on Ama Armor Street. Yeah yeah, all right, okay, no, no, no, no, it's not the it's a sixty minute matter. Durham, isn't it Durham Street?

No, But it's actually on it's on the corner of it's on the corner, but it's on the RMR Street side the feet all right.

No, But it's actually on it's on the corner of it's on the corner, but it's on the RMR Street side the feet all right.

Not not that you guys need to worry too much. About that life in the limo. Let's talk about parliamentary so there's going to be a referendum and decide whether we want to have a four year term in parliament. What's your view about councils getting the same, Megan Woods, because you've got Sam Broughton being on about it today in Film Majors. All for it? What's your take?

Not not that you guys need to worry too much. About that life in the limo. Let's talk about parliamentary so there's going to be a referendum and decide whether we want to have a four year term in parliament. What's your view about councils getting the same, Megan Woods, because you've got Sam Broughton being on about it today in Film Majors. All for it? What's your take?

Yeah, So, I mean just in terms of the bill that's currently before that Paul Goldsmith announced his day, we haven't had a chance to have a talk about there as a caucus. So it's going to excite you. John, You're going to get my personal views rather rather than our caucus position. I'm all for a four year parliamentary term. When it comes to central government. I do think it's important that that goes to a referendum and I do think that we have broad cross party support for it as well, that it shouldn't divide across party lines. It should be something we decide to do as a country rather than a political party. When it comes to local government, I think the same arguments are there in terms of the ability to get things done. I mean we know that you know your first year you get in particularly if it's a new council, a new mayor, or a new government, you're kind of getting things in place.

Yeah, So, I mean just in terms of the bill that's currently before that Paul Goldsmith announced his day, we haven't had a chance to have a talk about there as a caucus. So it's going to excite you. John, You're going to get my personal views rather rather than our caucus position. I'm all for a four year parliamentary term. When it comes to central government. I do think it's important that that goes to a referendum and I do think that we have broad cross party support for it as well, that it shouldn't divide across party lines. It should be something we decide to do as a country rather than a political party. When it comes to local government, I think the same arguments are there in terms of the ability to get things done. I mean we know that you know your first year you get in particularly if it's a new council, a new mayor, or a new government, you're kind of getting things in place.

I reckon that's a really weak argument, and I know you.

I reckon that's a really weak argument, and I know you.

Think it's a weak argument, but the reality is that by the end of year two the elections looming again and people are going into election mode, and that's a reality whoever is in government. So I think that actually, particularly at central government where we also have MMP, that actually the ability to actually have that longevity and see projects finished. It is impossible to start and finish up for structure within a three year term.

Think it's a weak argument, but the reality is that by the end of year two the elections looming again and people are going into election mode, and that's a reality whoever is in government. So I think that actually, particularly at central government where we also have MMP, that actually the ability to actually have that longevity and see projects finished. It is impossible to start and finish up for structure within a three year term.

The weaver is in government, but.

The weaver is in government, but.

Due to the differences with local councils, isn't it as they have ten year plans, where whereas Parliament doesn't have ten year plans. So you have an election for local council, they get in, there might be a whole bunch of and I'll say this with generosity misfits and that aren't necessarily aligned. But they've got a plan they've got to stick to, so I can't see why they need four years to implement that plan.

Due to the differences with local councils, isn't it as they have ten year plans, where whereas Parliament doesn't have ten year plans. So you have an election for local council, they get in, there might be a whole bunch of and I'll say this with generosity misfits and that aren't necessarily aligned. But they've got a plan they've got to stick to, so I can't see why they need four years to implement that plan.

Yeah, I mean that probably aligns with my view as well, not only with the ten year plan, but I think when you look around council tables, it's not always clear how people will and can vote. At least with central government it is clear under MMP with proxy votes how many votes will be voted in what way for each party? And I suppose if you end up well, we're symptomatic of that, aren't we currently with christ City Council, where there's no real numbers to enact real change, then all you're doing is really stumbling along for a year longer. So I think it really needs to be thought through at a local government level. But I think we've heard loud and clear. I think people are very interested for central government for four years. I think it would be interesting for people if they have a time to read the paper when it is introduced, because there are some I think peculiarly larities around it.

Yeah, I mean that probably aligns with my view as well, not only with the ten year plan, but I think when you look around council tables, it's not always clear how people will and can vote. At least with central government it is clear under MMP with proxy votes how many votes will be voted in what way for each party? And I suppose if you end up well, we're symptomatic of that, aren't we currently with christ City Council, where there's no real numbers to enact real change, then all you're doing is really stumbling along for a year longer. So I think it really needs to be thought through at a local government level. But I think we've heard loud and clear. I think people are very interested for central government for four years. I think it would be interesting for people if they have a time to read the paper when it is introduced, because there are some I think peculiarly larities around it.

Yes, so what's the thing about. You'll get a four year term, but the select committees have to be sticked up with more opposition members.

Yes, so what's the thing about. You'll get a four year term, but the select committees have to be sticked up with more opposition members.

Well, this is an Act bill and it's part of the coalition agreement to introduce it, and the way the act Party has written it it actually, from my understanding, default stays with a three year term. Now within that three year term, if there is a supermajority which Megan's alluding to, which I think is about a seventy five percent majority in favor. It can move to a four year term. But the caveat there is that select committees are proportion to MPs outside the executive So what that will lead to is more select committees where the opposition has the majority. And I believe ACT thinks that will be more prudent for scrutinizing and better decision making. But part of it, I think for me is potentially too many variables and moving parts rather than just a binary letter shift from three to four.

Well, this is an Act bill and it's part of the coalition agreement to introduce it, and the way the act Party has written it it actually, from my understanding, default stays with a three year term. Now within that three year term, if there is a supermajority which Megan's alluding to, which I think is about a seventy five percent majority in favor. It can move to a four year term. But the caveat there is that select committees are proportion to MPs outside the executive So what that will lead to is more select committees where the opposition has the majority. And I believe ACT thinks that will be more prudent for scrutinizing and better decision making. But part of it, I think for me is potentially too many variables and moving parts rather than just a binary letter shift from three to four.

I don't I don't need it to bog down this, but what's what's your faure?

I don't I don't need it to bog down this, but what's what's your faure?

And I mean that's one of the things that I want to take a close look at. Why are we just not making a call one way or the other, whether it's whether we're shifting to a four year term. I mean, Carmel Sepaloni has a bill in the ballot, for example, in terms of a member's bill, so certainly something we're open to, But in terms of the select committees, I think it is important if we go to a to a four year term that we do have checks and balances. New Zealand is one of the few kind of Westminster democracies that only has one house. We don't have an upper house like Australia does, certainly like the UK does with the House of Lords, and I'm not suggesting we should have that, but we do need to have scrutiny in checks and balances.

And I mean that's one of the things that I want to take a close look at. Why are we just not making a call one way or the other, whether it's whether we're shifting to a four year term. I mean, Carmel Sepaloni has a bill in the ballot, for example, in terms of a member's bill, so certainly something we're open to, But in terms of the select committees, I think it is important if we go to a to a four year term that we do have checks and balances. New Zealand is one of the few kind of Westminster democracies that only has one house. We don't have an upper house like Australia does, certainly like the UK does with the House of Lords, and I'm not suggesting we should have that, but we do need to have scrutiny in checks and balances.

All right.

All right.

One final thing on this, Megan, would you be worried about central government and local government elections happening in the same year every twelve years if we extended the terms for parliament but not central not local government.

One final thing on this, Megan, would you be worried about central government and local government elections happening in the same year every twelve years if we extended the terms for parliament but not central not local government.

No, there wouldn't be a particular concern.

No, there wouldn't be a particular concern.

Well, there are, so we don't need to change the terms for local government.

Well, there are, so we don't need to change the terms for local government.

Yeah, And look, I mean I'm not coming down heavily on one side or the other on that. And I do think just like central government, there does actually have to be public and put into it as well, because these are things. I mean, with the Bell with Paul Goldsmith's Bill, there is a referendum attached to that as well, and I think that is right and proper when we're making changes to our electoral system.

Yeah, And look, I mean I'm not coming down heavily on one side or the other on that. And I do think just like central government, there does actually have to be public and put into it as well, because these are things. I mean, with the Bell with Paul Goldsmith's Bill, there is a referendum attached to that as well, and I think that is right and proper when we're making changes to our electoral system.

Yeah.

Yeah.

My concern is already too many people are disengaged from local body elections as it is the risk I think of it's bundled up with a central government election, then it doesn't give people space and head space to actually look and engage with the issues, and that that would be my consent.

My concern is already too many people are disengaged from local body elections as it is the risk I think of it's bundled up with a central government election, then it doesn't give people space and head space to actually look and engage with the issues, and that that would be my consent.

Thought. It's Friday, Matt, do Megan Woods, who was looking at me rather weirdly, we want to ask me something that Yeah.

Thought. It's Friday, Matt, do Megan Woods, who was looking at me rather weirdly, we want to ask me something that Yeah.

I wanted to know what the weather forecast is for the weekend. John, I thought you might be able to fill me in on that. But we can come back to that, I can.

I wanted to know what the weather forecast is for the weekend. John, I thought you might be able to fill me in on that. But we can come back to that, I can.

I'm the fund of well not it's going to be sticking hot. It's about twenty seven degrees both intestic.

I'm the fund of well not it's going to be sticking hot. It's about twenty seven degrees both intestic.

Why is that just interested looking out the window thinking are we going to have a nice weekend? I think it's something most people think about on a Friday.

Why is that just interested looking out the window thinking are we going to have a nice weekend? I think it's something most people think about on a Friday.

Here, isn't it amazing? It's amazing? I thought I didn't think expected to get involved in weather waffle. When now is your opportunity to tell Matt how stupid is citizens arrest policy?

Here, isn't it amazing? It's amazing? I thought I didn't think expected to get involved in weather waffle. When now is your opportunity to tell Matt how stupid is citizens arrest policy?

Oh that's coming. Look, I just think that this is one of those things that looks and there, John looks pretty on an election flyer, but it's going to be really difficult in terms of what it actually means. And I think we've seen retailers already coming out and asking that question and kind of worried for the safety of their staff as well. I mean, fundamentally, what we need to be having is more police, and what we're seeing under this government's viewer police, that's where the effort needs to go with Matt.

Oh that's coming. Look, I just think that this is one of those things that looks and there, John looks pretty on an election flyer, but it's going to be really difficult in terms of what it actually means. And I think we've seen retailers already coming out and asking that question and kind of worried for the safety of their staff as well. I mean, fundamentally, what we need to be having is more police, and what we're seeing under this government's viewer police, that's where the effort needs to go with Matt.

Can you come around here please? I just want to because I can't ask the next next question without you coming around and standing next to me for a second. Okay, game all right, and then we're gonna get We're gonna get Megan. Meghan's going to judge here. Megan, who is the tallest out of out of Matt and Nye, what would you say to tell.

Can you come around here please? I just want to because I can't ask the next next question without you coming around and standing next to me for a second. Okay, game all right, and then we're gonna get We're gonna get Megan. Meghan's going to judge here. Megan, who is the tallest out of out of Matt and Nye, what would you say to tell.

Us about I think you're actually the same high.

Us about I think you're actually the same high.

Quite similar and other similaries to which we won't go and right back to your seat. Matt. Now I've got I've got a question to ask you. When you're in Wellington and you're standing next to Paul Goldsmith, who's the tallest of the two.

Quite similar and other similaries to which we won't go and right back to your seat. Matt. Now I've got I've got a question to ask you. When you're in Wellington and you're standing next to Paul Goldsmith, who's the tallest of the two.

Of you, I think probably Paul would be.

Of you, I think probably Paul would be.

Probably can you imagine him taking someone on and arresting them. I watched him on TV and I thought Lord, are you're touting this policy, but I'll bet you wouldn't do it.

Probably can you imagine him taking someone on and arresting them. I watched him on TV and I thought Lord, are you're touting this policy, but I'll bet you wouldn't do it.

Yeah, but I think at the end of the day, it's personal choice. We have this in law at the moment, John, it's not new. It people from darkness nine pm to six a m. So, actually none of this is new. It happens in New Zealand now. And all we're saying, after getting advice from the Retail Crime Advisory Group is they would like small business, dairy owners, other retail owners to have the power to make citizens arrest. Now. I would caution that because anyone should go into that environment assessing the risk, and only they will know what level of risk is right for them. But it is something that we have at the moment, and quite rightly when you look at retail crime up ninety one percent. We came in with a mandate of law and order. We said would change things, and this is what we've done.

Yeah, but I think at the end of the day, it's personal choice. We have this in law at the moment, John, it's not new. It people from darkness nine pm to six a m. So, actually none of this is new. It happens in New Zealand now. And all we're saying, after getting advice from the Retail Crime Advisory Group is they would like small business, dairy owners, other retail owners to have the power to make citizens arrest. Now. I would caution that because anyone should go into that environment assessing the risk, and only they will know what level of risk is right for them. But it is something that we have at the moment, and quite rightly when you look at retail crime up ninety one percent. We came in with a mandate of law and order. We said would change things, and this is what we've done.

Yeahs I just there's.

Yeahs I just there's.

Not a fewer cops and actually there's actually more cops walking the beat and the CBD mischievous they call it.

Not a fewer cops and actually there's actually more cops walking the beat and the CBD mischievous they call it.

Today, everyone's running right around.

Today, everyone's running right around.

We know about that comes we won't go there.

We know about that comes we won't go there.

The skates become the Bronx now you've got cops walking around central town but out of control. But the thing is, you know someone's making the citizens arrest and we all know how easy it is to lose your rag, and then suddenly the person that you're trying to arrest will say something about, oh, your mother's are just that, No she's not, and then suddenly turn into a scrap and suddenly the person who was doing the arrest will be the one the one getting arrested when the cops turn up.

The skates become the Bronx now you've got cops walking around central town but out of control. But the thing is, you know someone's making the citizens arrest and we all know how easy it is to lose your rag, and then suddenly the person that you're trying to arrest will say something about, oh, your mother's are just that, No she's not, and then suddenly turn into a scrap and suddenly the person who was doing the arrest will be the one the one getting arrested when the cops turn up.

Yeah, but that's exactly the reason while we're changing the Crimes Act to allow citizens arrest outside the time of nine pm to six am, to allow people to do that, but actually to be clearer around restraining and to mandate that they do call the police once they undertake a citizens arrest. Like I say, John, we can come up with all the reasons around this. Potentially there might be an issue here, but this is not news in New Zealand every day now because it's in the law.

Yeah, but that's exactly the reason while we're changing the Crimes Act to allow citizens arrest outside the time of nine pm to six am, to allow people to do that, but actually to be clearer around restraining and to mandate that they do call the police once they undertake a citizens arrest. Like I say, John, we can come up with all the reasons around this. Potentially there might be an issue here, but this is not news in New Zealand every day now because it's in the law.

So one of my concerns, John, is not so much someone losing their rag and the men ending not getting your rested. Is actually that what we're going to say is the people committing retail crime, which I have no time for I'm not defending it, but that they're going to start preparing themselves for citizens arrest and we're going to have people carry more people carrying knives, and it's going to get more dangerous. And I'm really worried for those retail workers that are going to be putting themselves.

So one of my concerns, John, is not so much someone losing their rag and the men ending not getting your rested. Is actually that what we're going to say is the people committing retail crime, which I have no time for I'm not defending it, but that they're going to start preparing themselves for citizens arrest and we're going to have people carry more people carrying knives, and it's going to get more dangerous. And I'm really worried for those retail workers that are going to be putting themselves.

In That's right, We've got to move on. But Matt two said, there was a guy on the TV news the other night. He took on someone who jewelry store. He took on someone got a huge gash across the top of his head, and he said that. He said, he said, these people, they'll be turning up with guns.

In That's right, We've got to move on. But Matt two said, there was a guy on the TV news the other night. He took on someone who jewelry store. He took on someone got a huge gash across the top of his head, and he said that. He said, he said, these people, they'll be turning up with guns.

Now.

Now.

Yep.

Yep.

This is to empower people who have made the choice that they want to make a citizen's arrest. Like I say, Joel, we came in with a mandate of law and order. We said we would make these changes, and we've delivered on them.

This is to empower people who have made the choice that they want to make a citizen's arrest. Like I say, Joel, we came in with a mandate of law and order. We said we would make these changes, and we've delivered on them.

And it's year two and you've got to do something. Do you know that Megan has just told me that when I asked me Matt to come around to stand next to me, she thought that I was going to put them in a headlock.

And it's year two and you've got to do something. Do you know that Megan has just told me that when I asked me Matt to come around to stand next to me, she thought that I was going to put them in a headlock.

I didn't, and I was worried I was going to have to intervene and make a citizen's arrest SHO.

I didn't, and I was worried I was going to have to intervene and make a citizen's arrest SHO.

So I'd be arresting him and you'll be arresting the Well.

So I'd be arresting him and you'll be arresting the Well.

Will there be a rest going on all over the place by citizens?

Will there be a rest going on all over the place by citizens?

What's happening, speaking of force, what's happening with the defense budget? Matt? How many billions are going to be thrown at defense this year?

What's happening, speaking of force, what's happening with the defense budget? Matt? How many billions are going to be thrown at defense this year?

Well, first off, I'm just saying how pleased I am that Megan was concerned for me. I mean, that's genuine concern. We don't often see that.

Well, first off, I'm just saying how pleased I am that Megan was concerned for me. I mean, that's genuine concern. We don't often see that.

This whole citizens arresting. Everyone's going home when they're talking about it, but when it comes to doing the doing, I think that's a different story.

This whole citizens arresting. Everyone's going home when they're talking about it, but when it comes to doing the doing, I think that's a different story.

I mean I was a bit unsure why you were asking me to go around behind the day.

I mean I was a bit unsure why you were asking me to go around behind the day.

Will do anyway? Nice deflection? How many billions? How many billions or nice attempt? How many billions are going into defense this year?

Will do anyway? Nice deflection? How many billions? How many billions or nice attempt? How many billions are going into defense this year?

Well, obviously we've got budget twenty twenty five coming up, so we're not going to be talking specifics before then unless the Prime Minister decides to announce that. But clearly he has signaled intent that we need to increase defense funding. I think most people will realize we've had the issue of the Chinese warships recently and when you lock round the world, there is an increased level of concern and we need to make sure that we're investing into our defense force and using the word interruptibility to make sure that we can What does that mean, Well, it makes it pragmatically. We need to align ourselves more with our allies and make sure that we can pull our fair share and defense force.

Well, obviously we've got budget twenty twenty five coming up, so we're not going to be talking specifics before then unless the Prime Minister decides to announce that. But clearly he has signaled intent that we need to increase defense funding. I think most people will realize we've had the issue of the Chinese warships recently and when you lock round the world, there is an increased level of concern and we need to make sure that we're investing into our defense force and using the word interruptibility to make sure that we can What does that mean, Well, it makes it pragmatically. We need to align ourselves more with our allies and make sure that we can pull our fair share and defense force.

Which allies do you want to align us with in terms of capabilities?

Which allies do you want to align us with in terms of capabilities?

Well, I think that's very clear. Maybe first off with our neighbors Australia.

Well, I think that's very clear. Maybe first off with our neighbors Australia.

Right, so they've got getting nuclear warships, they're involved in that, They've got all sorts of things. Yeah.

Right, so they've got getting nuclear warships, they're involved in that, They've got all sorts of things. Yeah.

Look, we're always going to have sovereignty over where we spend our defense force funding, but we need to make sure that step up.

Look, we're always going to have sovereignty over where we spend our defense force funding, but we need to make sure that step up.

And when you.

And when you.

Hear from Defense Minister Judith Collins, she's been very clear she did not think under the last Labor government that we pulled our weight with defense and we need to step up. It's a challenging world environment out there. The rule of international law is being challenged and quite rightly, we need to step up and make sure our defense force has the capability, but not only the capability. By investing better into our defense, it increases the morale. I mean, we've seen attrition in our defense forces greatly reduced as they realize they've got a government that is backing them.

Hear from Defense Minister Judith Collins, she's been very clear she did not think under the last Labor government that we pulled our weight with defense and we need to step up. It's a challenging world environment out there. The rule of international law is being challenged and quite rightly, we need to step up and make sure our defense force has the capability, but not only the capability. By investing better into our defense, it increases the morale. I mean, we've seen attrition in our defense forces greatly reduced as they realize they've got a government that is backing them.

What international laws is China breaking? None? Well, you said, you said, we've got more cases of international laws being broken, but China's not breaking any international laws.

What international laws is China breaking? None? Well, you said, you said, we've got more cases of international laws being broken, but China's not breaking any international laws.

Yeah, I didn't talk specifically about China, you are, but I think more broadly, when you look around the world, the challenge of the international rule of law has been challenge. What's an example, Well, I suppose when you look at the invasion of Ukraine by Russia for an example. And all I'm saying is that we need to make sure that for us, as New Zealand, we invest appropriately into defense and or all our weight and our fair share.

Yeah, I didn't talk specifically about China, you are, but I think more broadly, when you look around the world, the challenge of the international rule of law has been challenge. What's an example, Well, I suppose when you look at the invasion of Ukraine by Russia for an example. And all I'm saying is that we need to make sure that for us, as New Zealand, we invest appropriately into defense and or all our weight and our fair share.

So, Megan, how come this decline in defense capability? How come? How do we get to this point? And what is your government, previous government's role in that? That's attribution to that.

So, Megan, how come this decline in defense capability? How come? How do we get to this point? And what is your government, previous government's role in that? That's attribution to that.

We actually had a rise in defense spending when we're in government. We bought the pights, the new planes for the air force, so that was one of the significant capital investments that has happened in defense spending over recent years. And actually, Matt, I'm going to challenge you, and I think that it's actually really important that we have this as a growing up conversation. This is actually about us having a defense capable ability plan which the previous national government put into place and that we actually worked our way through as a government. There was actually a cut in last year's budget in defense spending, but I think we need to look beyond our party politics and look at what it is that we need to do as a country in terms of defense capability. And just like chipping away saying that labor reduced spending, it's patently not true. You can go and look at the budgets. You can see that it was one of the highest spends that's happened in recent years. And actually your government presided over at cut. But what we have to do is make sure that we've got long term capability plans that we work through, much like your ten year plans a council you were talking about, John, we have to check in and make sure that their right for the time in which we're operating. Obviously, that last capability white paper was put together, was before a whole lot of stuff that we're currently seeing playing out in the world, and I think we're going to leave our party colors at the door and focus on this as a nation.

We actually had a rise in defense spending when we're in government. We bought the pights, the new planes for the air force, so that was one of the significant capital investments that has happened in defense spending over recent years. And actually, Matt, I'm going to challenge you, and I think that it's actually really important that we have this as a growing up conversation. This is actually about us having a defense capable ability plan which the previous national government put into place and that we actually worked our way through as a government. There was actually a cut in last year's budget in defense spending, but I think we need to look beyond our party politics and look at what it is that we need to do as a country in terms of defense capability. And just like chipping away saying that labor reduced spending, it's patently not true. You can go and look at the budgets. You can see that it was one of the highest spends that's happened in recent years. And actually your government presided over at cut. But what we have to do is make sure that we've got long term capability plans that we work through, much like your ten year plans a council you were talking about, John, we have to check in and make sure that their right for the time in which we're operating. Obviously, that last capability white paper was put together, was before a whole lot of stuff that we're currently seeing playing out in the world, and I think we're going to leave our party colors at the door and focus on this as a nation.

Okay, good luck on that, right. One more thing. We need to cover all this stuff going on with electricity prices and capacity for generation this week. What's your take, Megan, given that you're a former energy minister on Meridians saying that they should be allowed to breach their resource consents and lower the hydro lakes to allow more generation, what's your reaction to that.

Okay, good luck on that, right. One more thing. We need to cover all this stuff going on with electricity prices and capacity for generation this week. What's your take, Megan, given that you're a former energy minister on Meridians saying that they should be allowed to breach their resource consents and lower the hydro lakes to allow more generation, what's your reaction to that.

So, we actually did do some shifting of the contingency lake levels when we were in government. That's something that is always looked at. The fact of the matter is, though that just tinkering around the edges, like there isn't the solution that we need of its.

So, we actually did do some shifting of the contingency lake levels when we were in government. That's something that is always looked at. The fact of the matter is, though that just tinkering around the edges, like there isn't the solution that we need of its.

Would you be up just I'll let you continue, But would you be comfortable with that.

Would you be up just I'll let you continue, But would you be comfortable with that.

We actually did alter Well, I'd have to actually look at what the payoff is at that point. You've got to do it to make sure that you're not causing damage. But the fact of the matter is that our lakes we measure in weeks of storage, there are about eight to nine weeks of hydro storage. You compare that to a Scandinavian fuel were you measure it in years. Just tinkering around the edges isn't going to solve it. We've been open to it, and in fact we did do some of the changing of the contingency lake levels. But we've got to look for real solutions to this as well. In storage, and.

We actually did alter Well, I'd have to actually look at what the payoff is at that point. You've got to do it to make sure that you're not causing damage. But the fact of the matter is that our lakes we measure in weeks of storage, there are about eight to nine weeks of hydro storage. You compare that to a Scandinavian fuel were you measure it in years. Just tinkering around the edges isn't going to solve it. We've been open to it, and in fact we did do some of the changing of the contingency lake levels. But we've got to look for real solutions to this as well. In storage, and.

You had succeeds to find solutions.

You had succeeds to find solutions.

We were doing a project on storage.

We were doing a project on storage.

And it means which made no sense.

And it means which made no sense.

No, we were doing a project on the New Zealand battery project, John, and that whole project has been thrown away and there is no current work being done on storage. Pumped hydro was only one component of that. And actually the portfolio approach we had a range of solutions was pulling ahead of it. But the baby was literally thrown out with the bath water and that whole project was thrown away and there is currently no work being done on what cheap storage to give New Zealand as cheaper power bills looks like. And that's a real shame.

No, we were doing a project on the New Zealand battery project, John, and that whole project has been thrown away and there is no current work being done on storage. Pumped hydro was only one component of that. And actually the portfolio approach we had a range of solutions was pulling ahead of it. But the baby was literally thrown out with the bath water and that whole project was thrown away and there is currently no work being done on what cheap storage to give New Zealand as cheaper power bills looks like. And that's a real shame.

Ma Doocy.

Ma Doocy.

Yeah, I'm not too sure what that was all about. But the reality is we need more generation, and so the quick you've proposed, if we need to look at the RIMA which allows the increased take for future generation, then I think, pragmatically is what Meghan has alluded to. I think the answer should be yes, but ultimately we should be laser focused on the generation. It takes too long to consent new generation and that's where the focus would be. So I think I think Onslow and the storage was a bit of a red hearing really, and that's why after six years we find ourselves in this situation.

Yeah, I'm not too sure what that was all about. But the reality is we need more generation, and so the quick you've proposed, if we need to look at the RIMA which allows the increased take for future generation, then I think, pragmatically is what Meghan has alluded to. I think the answer should be yes, but ultimately we should be laser focused on the generation. It takes too long to consent new generation and that's where the focus would be. So I think I think Onslow and the storage was a bit of a red hearing really, and that's why after six years we find ourselves in this situation.

That is actually not true. New Zealand does not have a generation problem. New Zealand has a storage and a peaking problem. We have enough electricity except for that point.

That is actually not true. New Zealand does not have a generation problem. New Zealand has a storage and a peaking problem. We have enough electricity except for that point.

Why do we let's all real of you say that we have to move on? But what how could you say that when you got the head of Meridian saying we want to increase generation and to do that you should let us lower the lake levels further. Yeah, well, I mean banging on about storage, are they?

Why do we let's all real of you say that we have to move on? But what how could you say that when you got the head of Meridian saying we want to increase generation and to do that you should let us lower the lake levels further. Yeah, well, I mean banging on about storage, are they?

No? Of course Meridian is a generator. They want to generate more electricity and sell it to make more money. Of course they're not going to be banging on about storage. And yes, we do have to increase generation, but you cannot increase your generation without storage. The real problem New Zealand has is when everyone gets up in the morning and puts the toaster on and turns the lights on in winter, and then they come home from work and they turn the heater on and start cooking. So we have those peaks. So that is why storage and peaking is. That is where we've got to put energy. We're not going to solve this by just tinkering with the rim is I said. We pragmatically looked at contingent like levels when we're in power and did things. But we've also got to have some leadership and do some more fundamental stuff.

No? Of course Meridian is a generator. They want to generate more electricity and sell it to make more money. Of course they're not going to be banging on about storage. And yes, we do have to increase generation, but you cannot increase your generation without storage. The real problem New Zealand has is when everyone gets up in the morning and puts the toaster on and turns the lights on in winter, and then they come home from work and they turn the heater on and start cooking. So we have those peaks. So that is why storage and peaking is. That is where we've got to put energy. We're not going to solve this by just tinkering with the rim is I said. We pragmatically looked at contingent like levels when we're in power and did things. But we've also got to have some leadership and do some more fundamental stuff.

All right, okay, we're gonna fly. Matt Docy, great to see you, Great to see you, John, enjoy your day. You're making some sort of announcement together, we'll have it on the news loader on the day.

All right, okay, we're gonna fly. Matt Docy, great to see you, Great to see you, John, enjoy your day. You're making some sort of announcement together, we'll have it on the news loader on the day.

Potentially potentially come on, here we go, we go come.

Potentially potentially come on, here we go, we go come.

Yes or no? You got announced.

Yes or no? You got announced.

You're still getting over the potential headlock on the way out.

You're still getting over the potential headlock on the way out.

No, don't, don't just fall back on that. Have you've got an announcement man, yes or not?

No, don't, don't just fall back on that. Have you've got an announcement man, yes or not?

Yes or not? Come on? Wouldn't Meghan like to know? Oh, here we can go. This will be on the six tonight, you brilliant publicity, but they will be on the phone to Vietnam saying, Chris, it's gone pear shaped again. He's learned too much from you. Nice to see you mate, good see Nice to see you by.

Yes or not? Come on? Wouldn't Meghan like to know? Oh, here we can go. This will be on the six tonight, you brilliant publicity, but they will be on the phone to Vietnam saying, Chris, it's gone pear shaped again. He's learned too much from you. Nice to see you mate, good see Nice to see you by.

For more from Category Mornings with John McDonald, listen live to news talks It'd be christ Church from nine am weekdays, or follow the podcast on iHeartRadio.

For more from Category Mornings with John McDonald, listen live to news talks It'd be christ Church from nine am weekdays, or follow the podcast on iHeartRadio.