Over in Australia, Victorian police say they've seized a record number of knives and machetes this year, amid growing concerns about knife crime.

Police say at least 15,000 knives, machetes and zombie knives had been taken off the streets and destroyed so far in 2025.

Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says there's been a targeted push to get rid of bladed weapons, especially following the recent machete ban.

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Over in Australia, Victorian police say they've seized a record number of knives and machetes this year, amid growing concerns about knife crime.
Police say at least 15,000 knives, machetes and zombie knives had been taken off the streets and destroyed so far in 2025.
Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says there's been a targeted push to get rid of bladed weapons, especially following the recent machete ban.
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

Oliver Peterson: Australian correspondent on Victorian police seizing record number of knives

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/1172a1d0-3e0e-4889-8a96-b3980042a742/transcript

A potential insurance policy for those who can't move away from gas for energy, as the Government charges ahead with its plans for an importing facility. 

The terminal will be housed in Taranaki - with the Government aiming to have a build contract locked down mid-year.

It's imposing a levy to help pay for an import liquefied natural gas facility, which it says will save households $50 a year on power bills.

Mercury Chief Executive Stew Hamilton says New Zealand is running out of gas, faster than expected.

"We need to encourage consumers and households to get off gas, but not all forms of businesses, for example, can get off gas. So we need to come up with other forms of energy for them." 

LISTEN ABOVE

A potential insurance policy for those who can't move away from gas for energy, as the Government charges ahead with its plans for an importing facility.&nbsp;
The terminal will be housed in Taranaki - with the Government aiming to have a build contract locked down mid-year.
It's imposing a levy to help pay for an import liquefied natural gas facility, which it says will save households $50 a year on power bills.
Mercury Chief Executive Stew Hamilton says New Zealand is running out of gas, faster than expected.
"We need to encourage consumers and households to get off gas, but not all forms of businesses, for example, can get off gas. So we need to come up with other forms of energy for them."&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Stew Hamilton: Mercury Energy CEO on the Government's plan to build a new LNG import facility

Two of Wellington’s major foodie events are among those receiving fresh support from the Government’s Major Events and Tourism Package.

The funding round covers events across sports, food, culture and innovation.

Wellington On a Plate and Beervana are set for a boost - alongside Tauranga’s AIMS Games, Nelson’s arts festival and New Plymouth’s Winter Fest.

Wellington Culinary Events Trust general manager Penny de Borst says the funding will be used for talent attraction and marketing.

"We're bringing in some international chefs and that's an opportunity for our local hospitality community to learn from these chefs - and also for them to get New Zealand products into their hands."

LISTEN ABOVE

Two of Wellington’s major foodie events are among those receiving fresh support from the Government’s Major Events and Tourism Package.
The funding round covers events across sports, food, culture and innovation.
Wellington On a Plate and Beervana are set for a boost - alongside Tauranga’s AIMS Games, Nelson’s arts festival and New Plymouth’s Winter Fest.
Wellington Culinary Events Trust general manager Penny de Borst says the funding will be used for talent attraction and marketing.
"We're bringing in some international chefs and that's an opportunity for our local hospitality community to learn from these chefs - and also for them to get New Zealand products into their hands."
LISTEN ABOVE

Penny de Borst: Wellington Culinary Events Trust general manager on the Wellington events set to get a funding boost

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/28655b21-b999-482a-a597-b3ed00674f09/transcript

A small West Coast town might be about to strike gold again.

Canadian mining company Rua Gold has discovered a 2.5 kilometre stretch of gold and other minerals at Auld Creek near Reefton - with plans announced to fast-track an underground mine.

The company aims to produce 60,000 ounces of gold annually by 2028.

Vice-president Simon Delander says they're also going after the antimony.

He explained that's a strategic mineral - and there's lots of interest in Japan and the US.

LISTEN ABOVE

A small West Coast town might be about to strike gold again.
Canadian mining company Rua Gold has discovered a 2.5 kilometre stretch of gold and other minerals at Auld Creek near Reefton - with plans announced to fast-track an underground mine.
The company aims to produce 60,000 ounces of gold annually by 2028.
Vice-president Simon Delander says they're also going after the antimony.
He explained that's a strategic mineral - and there's lots of interest in Japan and the US.
LISTEN ABOVE

Simon Delander: Rua Gold vice-president on the company's plan to expand over the West Coast

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/eb7b2d62-6ed8-4ffe-8093-b3ed00651c66/transcript

Oliver Peterson: Australian correspondent on Victorian police seizing record number of knives

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