Carl Taylor: Combined Building Supplies CEO says most builders feeling fuel price increases

A nationwide survey by the Combined Building Supplies Co-operative has found that 84% of members have felt moderate to significant impact from fuel price increases.  CEO Carl Taylor said some builders can't even afford to get to their work sites.  "So, clients are obviously starting to look at pa…

Ash Wallace: Half of pop-duo Foley chats genre, goals and their new EP

Pop-duo Foley has just spent four weeks on the Hot 20 singles chart, peaking at number 1, following their EP release 'Like an Actress'.  The duo is made up of Ash Wallace and Gabriel Everett.  Ash Wallace joined Andrew Dickens to chat defining genre, the New Zealand music community, and aspiratio…

Richard Arnold: US Correspondent on stranded pilot rescue and Artemis 2 mission

In a Truth Social post Donald Trump announced the successful rescue of a missing crew member of a fighter jet that was shot down over Iran.  Although Iran's military claims the US operation was "completely foiled." Meanwhile, the historic Artemis 2 mission enters it's fifth day. LISTEN ABOVE 

Murray Olds: Australia correspondent on Pauline Hanson and latest polls

Far-right political party One Nation, led by Pauline Hanson, has surpassed Labor and the Coalition in Queensland in the latest poll.  "Once upon a time, Pauline Hanson was the fringe lunatic way out on the lunar right, and now, in South Australia, she smashed the conservative vote down there," Aus…

Jono Ridler: Ultra-marathon swimmer completes record breaking swim against bottom trawling

Endurance swimmer Jono Ridler has completed a 1367km journey, swimming the length of the North Island, in an effort to raise awareness against bottom trawling.  After getting out of the water on Saturday, Ridler led a convoy of people to the steps of Parliament, where multiple ministers waited, an…

Mat Woods: Destination Queenstown CEO says region needs more infrastructure for tourism goal

The Government's 2034 tourism target is to lift arrivals to 4.78 million, but a report for MBIE shows that this could require up to $3.5 billion in extra infrastructure. Regions like Queenstown are already facing pressure on their infrastructure with Destination Queenstown and Lake Wanaka Tourism …

Irene Gardiner: Screen Production Association President on kiwi film stars purchasing local film studio

Actors Cliff Curtis and Jason Momoa, and director Taika Waititi, have purchased Auckland-based Studio West with the goal to bring more jobs and Polynesian storytelling to the country. "It's still a pretty tough time for the screen industry, but it is some positive news in the middle of all of that…

Jeffrey Price: Foreign Policy expert on Trump's ultimatum threats of 'hell'

US President Donald Trump has issued threats to Iran in an R-rated speech as his ultimatum to open the Strait of Hormuz comes to an end.  He has said he will target Iran’s critical infrastructure if the strait is not reopened before Monday. Jeffrey Price, senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Insti…

Murray Olds: Australia Correspondent on the new hate speech laws hitting political opposition

Australia’s new hate speech laws have hit a speedbump.   Parliament was recalled early to pass reform that would create serious offences for hate in the wake of the Bondi terror attack.   However, the Opposition and the Greens are refusing to accept the laws in their current form.   Australia Co…

Matiu Walters: Six60 Frontman on the new album coming in February

For many, Six60 is an undeniable part of the New Zealand summer soundscape.   Their classics such as ‘Don’t Forget Your Roots’, ‘The Greatest’, and ‘Please Don’t Go’ are a staple of every backyard barbeque summer get together, and soon a few new songs will be joining the playlists.   Their fifth …