The Government has launched a new review designed to ensure earthquake-prone buildings are up to standard.

The current NBS system has run into controversy, with the inadequate review of a Wellington hospital unit sparking concerns.

Minister for Building and Construction Chris Penk says the current standards are very complicated - and he aims to make it easier for people.

"In a lot of cases, people simply can't afford to remediate, they're not necessarily allowed to do that in the way that they want or need, sometimes they can't even demolish it because of heritage status."

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The Government has launched a new review designed to ensure earthquake-prone buildings are up to standard.
The current NBS system has run into controversy, with the inadequate review of a Wellington hospital unit sparking concerns.
Minister for Building and Construction Chris Penk says the current standards are very complicated - and he aims to make it easier for people.
"In a lot of cases, people simply can't afford to remediate, they're not necessarily allowed to do that in the way that they want or need, sometimes they can't even demolish it because of heritage status."
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 Penk: Minister for Building and Construction on the Government's planned review into earthquake-prone buildings

Christopher Luxon is set to meet the UK’s new Prime Minister next week.

He said in a media standup earlier today that he would work with “every leader the partner countries deliver” and was confident he would have a good relationship with whoever won the election.

Labour’s Keir Starmer has won the election by a landslide, the party having taken over 360 seats.

ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper told Heather du Plessis-Allan that he has a busy first month, with diplomatic meetings with various world leaders in store.

“For the first time now in 14 years, we’re going to see a change in government. Let's only hope that the Labour Party is better than the one that we saw here.”

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Christopher Luxon is set to meet the UK’s new Prime Minister next week. 
He said in a media standup earlier today that he would work with “every leader the partner countries deliver” and was confident he would have a good relationship with whoever won the election. 
Labour’s Keir Starmer has won the election by a landslide, the party having taken over 360 seats. 
ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper told Heather du Plessis-Allan that he has a busy first month, with diplomatic meetings with various world leaders in store. 
“For the first time now in 14 years, we’re going to see a change in government. Let's only hope that the Labour Party is better than the one that we saw here.” 
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Barry Soper: ZB Senior Political Correspondent on Keir Starmer's win in the UK election

National pride in the US nears record lows.

The most recent Gallup poll revealed that 41% of respondents considered themselves “extremely proud” to be an American, and an additional 26% said they were very proud.

The downwards slope hit its lowest point in 2020, with only 63% of respondents saying they were very or extremely proud, compared to the years after 9/11, which peaked at 70% in 2003.

US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson told Heather du Plessis-Allan that while it is somewhat split on party lines, even for Republicans their pride levels are down.

LISTEN ABOVE

National pride in the US nears record lows. 
The most recent Gallup poll revealed that 41% of respondents considered themselves “extremely proud” to be an American, and an additional 26% said they were very proud. 
The downwards slope hit its lowest point in 2020, with only 63% of respondents saying they were very or extremely proud, compared to the years after 9/11, which peaked at 70% in 2003. 
US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson told Heather du Plessis-Allan that while it is somewhat split on party lines, even for Republicans their pride levels are down. 
LISTEN ABOVE

Dan Mitchinson: US Correspondent on the downward slope of national pride in the US

Plenty of excitement in Dunedin as the city prepares for tomorrow’s match.

The All Blacks are facing off against England in their first test of 2024 - the first test of Scott Robertson’s tenure as coach.

Jason Pine is broadcasting live from the stadium this weekend, and told Heather du Plessis-Allan that the team picked for this game was pretty predictable, designed to get Razor’s era as coach off to a good start.

"I think it’s a good team, there’s probably not a lot that most people would have changed in the, in the 15 or the 23.”

LISTEN ABOVE

Plenty of excitement in Dunedin as the city prepares for tomorrow’s match. 
The All Blacks are facing off against England in their first test of 2024 - the first test of Scott Robertson’s tenure as coach. 
Jason Pine is broadcasting live from the stadium this weekend, and told Heather du Plessis-Allan that the team picked for this game was pretty predictable, designed to get Razor’s era as coach off to a good start. 
"I think it’s a good team, there’s probably not a lot that most people would have changed in the, in the 15 or the 23.” 
LISTEN ABOVE

Chris Penk: Minister for Building and Construction on the Government's planned review into earthquake-prone buildings

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