A defence lawyer says the outcome of the trial of Restore Passenger Rail protesters is 'strange'. 

The Post reports six people have been allowed to withdraw their guilty pleas, and the judge tossed their charges. 

It was over a series of Wellington protests that disrupted traffic. 

Steve Cullen says it might be a case of the judge responding to a moral undercurrent. 

"A certain proportion of the community felt that these people shouldn't have been convicted at all."

LISTEN ABOVE

A defence lawyer says the outcome of the trial of Restore Passenger Rail protesters is 'strange'.&nbsp;
The Post reports six people have been allowed to withdraw their guilty pleas, and the judge tossed their charges.&nbsp;
It was over a series of Wellington protests that disrupted traffic.&nbsp;
Steve Cullen says it might be a case of the judge responding to a moral undercurrent.&nbsp;
"A certain proportion of the community felt that these people shouldn't have been convicted at all."
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

Steve Cullen: defence lawyer on the group of Restore Passenger Rail protestors being allowed to withdraw guilty pleas

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/a927664e-5a06-4616-98db-b30e006b677e/transcript

There's fears there'll be no slowdown any time soon to the rapid rise in food prices.

Stats NZ figures show they rose 4.5 percent in the year to February.

Steak, mince and chocolate all shot up more than 20 percent.

Infometrics head, Brad Olsen, says the spike in oil prices because of the war in Iran will do nothing to help. 

"We know that not only oil prices are key to transport costs, but also just the production. Now if you're a farmer, you've got to use diesel to move stuff around to run the tractor and everything else. So this is going to hit."

LISTEN ABOVE

There's fears there'll be no slowdown any time soon to the rapid rise in food prices.
Stats NZ figures show they rose 4.5 percent in the year to February.
Steak, mince and chocolate all shot up more than 20 percent.
Infometrics head, Brad Olsen, says the spike in oil prices because of the war in Iran will do nothing to help.&nbsp;
"We know that not only oil prices are key to transport costs, but also just the production. Now if you're a farmer, you've got to use diesel to move stuff around to run the tractor and everything else. So this is going to hit."
LISTEN ABOVE

Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on data showing food prices rose 4.5 percent in the year to February

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/e87e1619-78e8-4c49-a8ab-b41000586915/transcript

A return towards decentralisation is being painted as Health New Zealand's next chapter.

The Government's reverting to giving hospitals more control - letting them decide staffing, budgets, and service delivery from July.

It's adamant it's not a return to District Health Boards, with planning still done nationally.

Acting chief executive Andrew Brant says Health NZ's finances are looking good and it's delivering more, but this ensures improvement continues.

He explained the key change is bringing the operating model much more into the frontline - and communities into decisions.

LISTEN ABOVE

A return towards decentralisation is being painted as Health New Zealand's next chapter.
The Government's reverting to giving hospitals more control - letting them decide staffing, budgets, and service delivery from July.
It's adamant it's not a return to District Health Boards, with planning still done nationally.
Acting chief executive Andrew Brant says Health NZ's finances are looking good and it's delivering more, but this ensures improvement continues.
He explained the key change is bringing the operating model much more into the frontline - and communities into decisions.
LISTEN ABOVE

Andrew Brant: Health NZ acting chief executive on the planned move towards decentralisation

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/50696b54-a4e9-4a9d-a42f-b41000541a98/transcript

Chris Hipkins says he won't discuss family matters publicly - verging on tears at a press conference this afternoon. 

On Sunday, his ex-wife Jade Paul posted allegations on social media, none relating to unlawful conduct.

The Labour leader denies them and says he hasn't spoken to Paul, who is overseas.

Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says it's clear Paul felt like she needed to speak out as Hipkins makes more campaign promises ahead of the election.

LISTEN ABOVE

Chris Hipkins says he won't discuss family matters publicly - verging on tears at a press conference this afternoon.&nbsp;
On Sunday, his ex-wife Jade Paul posted allegations on social media, none relating to unlawful conduct.
The Labour leader denies them and says he hasn't spoken to Paul, who is overseas.
Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says it's clear Paul felt like she needed to speak out as Hipkins makes more campaign promises ahead of the election.
LISTEN ABOVE

Barry Soper: Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent on Chris Hipkins defending allegations made by ex-wife

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/dfda29e2-643c-4849-823c-b41000520acc/transcript

Steve Cullen: defence lawyer on the group of Restore Passenger Rail protestors being allowed to withdraw guilty pleas

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