There's a small silver lining for regional councils amid slowing local economic growth.

The March Infometrics Monitor reveals economic activity has increased just 0.2% over a year, the slowest growth since the first Covid-19 lockdown.

Building consents have dropped almost 60% in the Tasman District and fell around 25% for all regions.

Tasman District Mayor Tim King told Roman Travers that despite hard times for regions, it does present councils an opportunity

He says with the current economic downturn it's ironically a good time to invest in infrastructure.

LISTEN ABOVE 

There's a small silver lining for regional councils amid slowing local economic growth. 
The March Infometrics Monitor reveals economic activity has increased just 0.2% over a year, the slowest growth since the first Covid-19 lockdown. 
Building consents have dropped almost 60% in the Tasman District and fell around 25% for all regions. 
Tasman District Mayor Tim King told Roman Travers that despite hard times for regions, it does present councils an opportunity 
He says with the current economic downturn it's ironically a good time to invest in infrastructure. 
LISTEN ABOVE

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

Tim King: Tasman District Mayor on the slowing economic growth in the regions

A clearer direction for the hospitality sector, with red tape set to be slashed. 

The Ministry for Regulation's completed a review into cumbersome rules hindering food and drink operators from doing business.  

It highlights several recommendations designed to make things easier for the sector.

Regulation Minister David Seymour told Ryan Bridge the changes would make life easier for people in the industry trying to make a buck. 

Ministers are now working on an Action Plan. 

LISTEN ABOVE  

A clearer direction for the hospitality sector, with red tape set to be slashed.&nbsp;
The Ministry for Regulation's completed a review into cumbersome rules hindering food and drink operators from doing business. &nbsp;
It highlights several recommendations designed to make things easier for the sector.
Regulation Minister David Seymour told Ryan Bridge the changes would make life easier for people in the industry trying to make a buck.&nbsp;
Ministers are now working on an Action Plan.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE &nbsp;

David Seymour: Regulation Minister on the review into the hospitality sector

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/e6aa6d16-a8f2-43fd-aa5c-b4c100040aeb/transcript

Tech New Zealand's hoping AI becomes a hot topic this election as Labour releases its policy on the new technology. 

If elected, the party wants stronger regulations on the use of copyright materials, private information, and the energy needed to power data centres.  

Labour also wants stronger oversight through an Office of AI and would establish an online safety regulator. 

Tech New Zealand chief executive Graeme Muller told Ryan Bridge they've been calling on politicians to focus on AI for the last two elections. 

He says this is a technology which will be more impactful than any that's come before, so it's good people are taking it seriously. 

LISTEN ABOVE  

Tech New Zealand's hoping AI becomes a hot topic this election as Labour releases its policy on the new technology.&nbsp;
If elected, the party wants stronger regulations on the use of copyright materials, private information, and the energy needed to power data centres. &nbsp;
Labour also wants stronger oversight through an Office of AI and would establish an online safety regulator.&nbsp;
Tech New Zealand chief executive Graeme Muller told Ryan Bridge they've been calling on politicians to focus on AI for the last two elections.&nbsp;
He says this is a technology which will be more impactful than any that's come before, so it's good people are taking it seriously.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE &nbsp;

Graeme Muller: Tech New Zealand CEO on Labour's AI policy, data centres

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/1dc0613d-9661-43a8-95df-b4c1000133a1/transcript

House prices could be on track for a much faster recovery than ASB expects.

The bank says national prices are still 15% below their late-2021 peak and won't fully recover until 2029.

But real estate agent Rawdon Christie thinks the market's about to pick up.

He told Ryan Bridge the sheer number of people he's talking to points to a strong start to 2027.

Christie says that's because people have accepted the fact we're in a stable market, with not much changing and not wanting to wait.

LISTEN ABOVE

House prices could be on track for a much faster recovery than ASB expects.
The bank says national prices are still 15% below their late-2021 peak and won't fully recover until 2029.
But real estate agent Rawdon Christie thinks the market's about to pick up.
He told Ryan Bridge the sheer number of people he's talking to points to a strong start to 2027.
Christie says that's because people have accepted the fact we're in a stable market, with not much changing and not wanting to wait.
LISTEN ABOVE

Rawdon Christie: Real estate agent on house prices could be on track for a faster recovery

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/153979ae-4ded-4d6a-aa52-b4c0012c900c/transcript

Tim King: Tasman District Mayor on the slowing economic growth in the regions

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