Current and former Labour leaders and ministers deciding not to appear at the Royal Commission's Covid inquiry is being described as 'disgraceful'. 

Jacinda Ardern, Chris Hipkins, Grant Robertson and Ayesha Verrall, who were all involved in Covid decisions - have declined invitations to appear. 

They say it would have been performative - not informative - and there's a risk livestream recordings could be manipulated and misused. 

National MP Chris Bishop says they should front up because New Zealanders deserve answers over the scale of Covid spending, which is still having impacts.

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Current and former Labour leaders and ministers deciding not to appear at the Royal Commission's Covid inquiry is being described as 'disgraceful'.&nbsp;
Jacinda Ardern, Chris Hipkins, Grant Robertson and Ayesha Verrall, who were all involved in Covid decisions - have declined invitations to appear.&nbsp;
They say it would have been performative - not informative - and there's a risk livestream recordings could be manipulated and misused.&nbsp;
National MP Chris Bishop says they should front up because New Zealanders deserve answers over the scale of Covid spending, which is still having impacts.
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

Chris Bishop: National MP responds to current and former Labour MPs declining to appear for the Covid inquiry

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/6d52d859-cac6-413a-a02e-b33800687845/transcript

The balance sheet is looking strong for Briscoe Group, which managed to score a few goals late in the game. 

The retailer's posted record annual sales of close to $800 million, for the year ending January 25th. 

Its homeware brand Briscoes saw 1.42 percent sales growth - while Rebel Sport trailed with growth of 0.13 percent.

Managing director Rod Duke says the business just changed its promotions approach slightly. 

"Generally, the market from about Black Friday just eased up a bit. People just got a bit more confident."

LISTEN ABOVE

The balance sheet is looking strong for Briscoe Group, which managed to score a few goals late in the game.&nbsp;
The retailer's posted record annual sales of close to $800 million, for the year ending January 25th.&nbsp;
Its homeware brand Briscoes saw 1.42 percent sales growth - while Rebel Sport trailed with growth of 0.13 percent.
Managing director Rod Duke says the business just changed its promotions approach slightly.&nbsp;
"Generally, the market from about Black Friday just eased up a bit. People just got a bit more confident."
LISTEN ABOVE

Rod Duke: Briscoe Group managing director on the business posting steady result in tough financial year

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/b76d06e7-e380-47e4-b65c-b40a00617d9a/transcript

Federated Farmers thinks it's unlikely the live export ban will be reinstated, now the Government's backtracked.

A campaign promise for National and ACT vowed to return the $370-million-dollar trade with improved animal welfare. 

The Labour Government banned it in 2023. 

Animal Welfare Minister Andrew Hoggard says there were more pressing matters this term.

Federated Farmers Dairy Chair Karl Dean says it's going to be very hard to overturn it now. 

"There was a big industry behind it, that's very much now diminished. The international players, they've gone elsewhere."

LISTEN ABOVE

Federated Farmers thinks it's unlikely the live export ban will be reinstated, now the Government's backtracked.
A campaign promise for National and ACT vowed to return the $370-million-dollar trade with improved animal welfare.&nbsp;
The Labour Government banned it in 2023.&nbsp;
Animal Welfare Minister Andrew Hoggard says there were more pressing matters this term.
Federated Farmers Dairy Chair Karl Dean says it's going to be very hard to overturn it now.&nbsp;
"There was a big industry behind it, that's very much now diminished. The international players, they've gone elsewhere."
LISTEN ABOVE

Karl Dean: Federated Farmers Dairy Chair voices disappointment with Government backdown on live export ban

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/5dc83446-d2d1-4f13-8685-b40a005fbfcd/transcript

Public health experts have noticed this latest Covid wave is worsening as fewer Kiwis are getting vaccination boosters and tests, and it's renewed debate about sick leave.

Wastewater analysis from PHF Science shows that the number of cases is at the highest rate it's been for over six months, and Health NZ says there's been 50 hospitalisations and 19 deaths from the virus this week.

Otago University associate professor Paula O'Kane says it's important to let sick leave accrue every year - and stay consistent as Kiwis move jobs.

"It would give people access to better sick leave, it might discourage misuse of sick leave, and when people are actually sick for a longer period of time, they're better covered. So it would really help to deal with issues around people's long-term illness, for example." 

LISTEN ABOVE

Public health experts have noticed this latest Covid wave is worsening as fewer Kiwis are getting vaccination boosters and tests, and it's renewed debate about sick leave.
Wastewater analysis from PHF Science shows that the number of cases is at the highest rate it's been for over six months, and Health NZ says there's been 50 hospitalisations and 19 deaths from the virus this week.
Otago University associate professor Paula O'Kane says it's important to let sick leave accrue every year - and stay consistent as Kiwis move jobs.
"It would give people access to better sick leave, it might discourage misuse of sick leave, and when people are actually sick for a longer period of time, they're better covered. So it would really help to deal with issues around people's long-term illness, for example."&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Paula O'Kane: Otago University associate professor calls for changes to be made to sick leave

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/7cc95d56-a85e-4c53-ac22-b40a005afc49/transcript

Chris Bishop: National MP responds to current and former Labour MPs declining to appear for the Covid inquiry

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