Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has announced $11.5 million will go towards those responding to Cyclone Gabrielle.

The Prime Minister delivered his post-Cabinet press conference over live-stream, as all domestic flights were grounded due to extreme weather.

ZB's senior political correspondent Barry Soper says that this package will be reallocated from underspent Covid-19 relief funding.

LISTEN ABOVE 

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has announced $11.5 million will go towards those responding to Cyclone Gabrielle.
The Prime Minister delivered his post-Cabinet press conference over live-stream, as all domestic flights were grounded due to extreme weather.
ZB's senior political correspondent Barry Soper says that this package will be reallocated from underspent Covid-19 relief funding.
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Barry Soper: senior political correspondent on Chris Hipkins announcing $11.5 million in support for cyclone affected regions

The Public Service Commissioner says he doesn't think officials involved in an MBIE border biometrics project still work there.

Reviews are being launched into allegations immigration staff tried to avoid Cabinet scrutiny of a cost blowout. 

At least $32 million was wasted over seven years.  

Sir Brian Roche says investigations include looking at current staffing.

"This is a serious problem for us and I have to get the assurance that it's not happening across the system - we cannot function as a public service when we don't have the confidence and trust of ministers." 

LISTEN ABOVE

The Public Service Commissioner says he doesn't think officials involved in an MBIE border biometrics project still work there.
Reviews are being launched into allegations immigration staff tried to avoid Cabinet scrutiny of a cost blowout.&nbsp;
At least $32 million was wasted over seven years. &nbsp;
Sir Brian Roche says investigations include looking at current staffing.
"This is a serious problem for us and I have to get the assurance that it's not happening across the system - we cannot function as a public service when we don't have the confidence and trust of ministers."&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Sir Brian Roche: Public Service Commissioner calls for investigation into MBIE border biometrics project

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/8831c7e5-a57a-499a-9cbd-b46c00618fac/transcript

New Zealand First's leader claims people implicated in an MBIE scandal should be jailed.

Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says she was misled about ballooning costs for a border biometrics tech upgrade, which was axed with about $33 million dollars lost.

The Public Service Commission and MBIE are undertaking reviews.

Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained further, and speculated on the possible consequences for the officials. 

LISTEN ABOVE

New Zealand First's leader claims people implicated in an MBIE scandal should be jailed.
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says she was misled about ballooning costs for a border biometrics tech upgrade, which was axed with about $33 million dollars lost.
The Public Service Commission and MBIE are undertaking reviews.
Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained further, and speculated on the possible consequences for the officials.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Barry Soper: Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent on immigration officials withholding information on failed technology upgrade

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/7264b09f-6bfa-419a-ad2a-b46c005bb2ee/transcript

US law enforcement said it had thwarted an alleged plot to attack the White House during a crowded MMA event attended by President Donald Trump and other top officials.

According to US media, five people have been arrested and investigators have identified 23 people in a 'potential network of plotters' who communicated in a Signal group chat.

The group allegedly planned to detonate explosive-laden drones over the UFC arena on the White House lawn where the fights were held on Sunday and then have snipers open fire on targets in the crowd.

US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says the suspects were thwarted before the attack took place, but it was close call.

LISTEN ABOVE

US law enforcement said it had thwarted an alleged plot to attack the White House during a crowded MMA event attended by President Donald Trump and other top officials.
According to US media, five people have been arrested and investigators have identified 23 people in a 'potential network of plotters' who communicated in a Signal group chat.
The group allegedly planned to detonate explosive-laden drones over the UFC arena on the White House lawn where the fights were held on Sunday and then have snipers open fire on targets in the crowd.
US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says the suspects were thwarted before the attack took place, but it was close call.
LISTEN ABOVE

Dan Mitchinson: US correspondent on the group who planned to attack White House UFC event with snipers and drones

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/882e7dcd-b20f-4948-b0fc-b46c0056eeda/transcript

Barry Soper: senior political correspondent on Chris Hipkins announcing $11.5 million in support for cyclone affected regions

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