The economic value of cruise-ships is on full-display as the season draws to a close.

They've brought in 350,000 visitors, with an estimated value of $540 million.

Newmarket Business Association Chief Executive Mark Knoff-Thomas told Francesca Rudkin they've seen a 30% rise in international visitor spending this season.

But the bounce-back may be short-lived, a 20% decline in port visits is projected for next season as rising costs bite the market.

LISTEN ABOVE

The economic value of cruise-ships is on full-display as the season draws to a close. 
They've brought in 350,000 visitors, with an estimated value of $540 million. 
Newmarket Business Association Chief Executive Mark Knoff-Thomas told Francesca Rudkin they've seen a 30% rise in international visitor spending this season. 
But the bounce-back may be short-lived, a 20% decline in port visits is projected for next season as rising costs bite the market. 
LISTEN ABOVE

Don't risk not knowing what's going around New Zealand and the world - catch up with interviews from Early Edition on Newstalk ZB.

Don't risk not knowing what's going around New Zealand and the world - catch up with interviews from Early Edition on Newstalk ZB.

Don't risk not knowing what's going around New Zealand and the world - catch up with interviews from Early Edition, hosted by Kate Hawkesby on Newstalk ZB.

Early Edition on Newstalk ZB

Mark Knoff-Thomas: Newmarket Business Association CEO on the 30% rise in international visitor spending

Israeli tanks have now entered Rafah, taking control of the border.

Yesterday saw Hamas agree to a ceasefire proposal, but Israel believes the terms do not go far enough and as such, are continuing their mission.

Despite this, a delegation is being sent to negotiate, trying to reach an agreement. 

Former Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem Fleur Hassan-Nahoum told Mike Hosking the ceasefire discussion has been quite confusing.

She said that they’d previously presented five ceasefire deals, all of which were rejected by Hamas.

As soon as they sent out warning leaflets to the residents of Rafah, Hassan-Nahoum said, suddenly they come back with an approved deal on an offer that was never made.

LISTEN ABOVE

Israeli tanks have now entered Rafah, taking control of the border. 
Yesterday saw Hamas agree to a ceasefire proposal, but Israel believes the terms do not go far enough and as such, are continuing their mission. 
Despite this, a delegation is being sent to negotiate, trying to reach an agreement.  
Former Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem Fleur Hassan-Nahoum told Mike Hosking the ceasefire discussion has been quite confusing. 
She said that they’d previously presented five ceasefire deals, all of which were rejected by Hamas. 
As soon as they sent out warning leaflets to the residents of Rafah, Hassan-Nahoum said, suddenly they come back with an approved deal on an offer that was never made. 
LISTEN ABOVE

Fleur Hassan-Nahoum: Former Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem on the ceasefire negotiations and Israel continuing to move into Rafah

There are lessons to be learned from the Auditor-General's review of last year's election. 

The report's found the final check of the official election results was done within a few hours on the day it was announced. 

The rushed assessment failed to identify multiple errors.

It also recommends improvements to controls, quality assurance, recruitment, training, and risk management

Political commentator Grant Duncan told Mike Hosking that people at the polling stations seemed to be under a lot of pressure. 

But, he says, it's good to see a systematic approach taken by the Auditor-General and robust recommendations.

LISTEN ABOVE

There are lessons to be learned from the Auditor-General's review of last year's election.  
The report's found the final check of the official election results was done within a few hours on the day it was announced.  
The rushed assessment failed to identify multiple errors. 
It also recommends improvements to controls, quality assurance, recruitment, training, and risk management 
Political commentator Grant Duncan told Mike Hosking that people at the polling stations seemed to be under a lot of pressure.  
But, he says, it's good to see a systematic approach taken by the Auditor-General and robust recommendations. 
LISTEN ABOVE

Grant Duncan: Political Commentator on the findings of the Auditor-General's report into the 2023 election

More coal's being burned to keep up with energy demand.

The Gas Industry Company has revealed there was a 12.5% reduction in gas production last year.

It's also found nearly 30% less gas was produced in the first three months of this year than projected.

Energy Minister Simeon Brown says it's because the last Government's disincentivised gas production.

He told Mike Hosking that the low production's threatening our energy security.

He says news from Genesis Energy shows they're burning a lot more coal to meet that need, which is twice as carbon intensive than burning gas.

LISTEN ABOVE

More coal's being burned to keep up with energy demand. 
The Gas Industry Company has revealed there was a 12.5% reduction in gas production last year. 
It's also found nearly 30% less gas was produced in the first three months of this year than projected. 
Energy Minister Simeon Brown says it's because the last Government's disincentivised gas production. 
He told Mike Hosking that the low production's threatening our energy security. 
He says news from Genesis Energy shows they're burning a lot more coal to meet that need, which is twice as carbon intensive than burning gas. 
LISTEN ABOVE

Mark Knoff-Thomas: Newmarket Business Association CEO on the 30% rise in international visitor spending

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