There's outrage among taxpayers over the projected cost of downtown Auckland's Christmas tree.

The Auckland Ratepayers' Alliance has raised concern about the 18 metre Komititanga Square tree, which reportedly costs $1.3 million.

The council is stumping up $800,000 for it, with Heart of the City and Precinct Properties covering the rest.

Heart of the City chief executive Viv Beck says it's not being paid for out of general rates.

"The council is putting in a contribution of the city centre-targeted rate, which is paid for by city centre property owners, businesses and residents."

LISTEN ABOVE

There's outrage among taxpayers over the projected cost of downtown Auckland's Christmas tree.
The Auckland Ratepayers' Alliance has raised concern about the 18 metre Komititanga Square tree, which reportedly costs $1.3 million.
The council is stumping up $800,000 for it, with Heart of the City and Precinct Properties covering the rest.
Heart of the City chief executive Viv Beck says it's not being paid for out of general rates.
"The council is putting in a contribution of the city centre-targeted rate, which is paid for by city centre property owners, businesses and residents."
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

Viv Beck: Heart of the City chief executive defends spending on Auckland CBD Christmas tree

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/1d00fab6-b515-463b-80c4-b225005d1f73/transcript

The Education Minister denies ever considering banning Virtual Private Networks as part of the social media ban for under-16s, but says the tool was talked about.

The Post reported this morning Erica Stanford was looking at prohibiting VPNs, which lets internet users mask their location and online address.

The Prime Minister and Stanford rejected the claim.

She says they discussed VPNs in a different context. 

"They can be used for children to get around social media bans, and we also talked about the fact that big tech firms have the ability to know when children are doing that."

LISTEN ABOVE

The Education Minister denies ever considering banning Virtual Private Networks as part of the social media ban for under-16s, but says the tool was talked about.
The Post reported this morning Erica Stanford was looking at prohibiting VPNs, which lets internet users mask their location and online address.
The Prime Minister and Stanford rejected the claim.
She says they discussed VPNs in a different context.&nbsp;
"They can be used for children to get around social media bans, and we also talked about the fact that big tech firms have the ability to know when children are doing that."
LISTEN ABOVE

Erica Stanford: Education Minister explains why Government not looking to ban VPNs

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/bf16282a-2fd6-492b-a1fb-b4800064e395/transcript

The Government's celebrating the new diesel storage tanks opening at Marsden Point.

The Northland site will store 93 million litres emergency reserve, ordered at the peak of the fuel crisis, in April. 

It paid Channel Infrastructure to upgrade its tanks. 

Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the Government's looking to boost up emergency supplies following the uncertainty of the Middle East conflict. 

LISTEN ABOVE

The Government's celebrating the new diesel storage tanks opening at Marsden Point.
The Northland site will store 93 million litres emergency reserve, ordered at the peak of the fuel crisis, in April.&nbsp;
It paid Channel Infrastructure to upgrade its tanks.&nbsp;
Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the Government's looking to boost up emergency supplies following the uncertainty of the Middle East conflict.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Barry Soper: Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent on the Government opening new diesel storage at Marsden Point

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/57d3613d-0c0a-41a1-96c0-b4800060cffb/transcript

The Australian Government has raised concerns over China's decision to test their ballistic missile in the Pacific.

The missile was fired from a Chinese submarine, landing between Kiribati and Tuvalu.

China says it complied with international law - and didn't target any nation.

Australian correspondent Murray Olds says this follows Australia inking the Vuvale Union Treaty with Fiji.

LISTEN ABOVE

The Australian Government has raised concerns over China's decision to test their ballistic missile in the Pacific.
The missile was fired from a Chinese submarine, landing between Kiribati and Tuvalu.
China says it complied with international law - and didn't target any nation.
Australian correspondent Murray Olds says this follows Australia inking the Vuvale Union Treaty with Fiji.
LISTEN ABOVE

Murray Olds: Australian correspondent on Australia's reaction to China's ballistic missile test

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/1c4ae67a-90e5-45b6-896e-b480005c527c/transcript

Viv Beck: Heart of the City chief executive defends spending on Auckland CBD Christmas tree

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