Mark Mitchell: Police Minister says 'bad fiscal situation' prohibiting paying our police more

New figures reveal hundreds of Kiwi officers are continuing to head across the Tasman, nearly one in three police resignations are now linked to the move. But, the Police Commissioner didn't seem too worried when he spoke to Mike Hosking this morning, saying they prioritise quality over quantity. …

Kerre Woodham: Fees free would be nice... if it actually worked

Well, Winston let the cat out of the bag on Friday afternoon with Heather du Plessis Allan. Oh, we're scrapping fees free in the third year, he said, you'll find that in the budget. And Finance Minister Nicola Willis has confirmed that yes indeed, the scheme will be ditched in the upcoming budget.…

Kerre Woodham: The super situation - what poison are you willing to swallow?

New Zealand, according to the OECD, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, needs to reform the electricity sector, expand and strengthen capital markets, speed up digitisation of the health sector, and reform the pension. The OECD joined other international agencies in calling f…

Christopher Luxon: Prime Minister takes talkback, discusses coalitions, Superannuation, immigration, health insurance

The Prime Minister's signalling he'd prefer a one-party Government, rather than a coalition.  Parties appear to be moving closer to campaign mode, announcing policies ahead of Election Day on November seventh.  The Government's also promising further cost-savings to be re-invested into the frontl…

Kerre Woodham: Are backyard fireworks really worth the cost?

It looks like setting fire to small explosives in the backyard will be one of those wacky stories you'll tell the grandkids about. You were able to set fire to explosives, Grandma? In the backyard? In your own home you let off little bombs? Yes, we did. Those were the days. A Parliamentary Select C…

Olivia Blaylock: Icehouse CEO on the Ignite Growth Summit, small and medium businesses in New Zealand

The Icehouse is celebrating 25 years of powering Kiwi business growth.  They’re a non-profit dedicated to training and mentoring the small to medium enterprises that make up 97% of New Zealand’s economy.  And today is their Ignite Growth Summit, in which they bring together legendary founders who…

Clare de Lore: journalist on the launch of the new 'Brainstorming' podcast

A brand-new podcast from the University of Auckland’s Centre for Brain Research, journalist Clare de Lore and Newstalk ZB, 'Brainstorming' launched today. Clare sits down with world-class scientists and those living with brain disorders, from dementia to CTE. She joined Kerre Woodham to explain f…

Kerre Woodham: Is there a case for amalgamation?

Government ministers gave councils an ultimatum yesterday: come up with your own plans for amalgamation within three months, or the Government will do it for you. Local Government Minister Simon Watts and RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop said there was broad support from councils – some were alread…

Alf Filipaina: Auckland Councillor on the review into the Navigation Bylaw

Auckland Council is aiming to reduce drownings and improve safety by upgrading its Navigation Bylaw.  The most significant change would make life jackets mandatory for everyone on vessels under six meters long whilst it’s in motion.  Current rules only require for them to be carried, with the per…

Kerre Woodham: Is it necessary to make wearing a life jacket a legal requirement?

Auckland Council wants to hear from you. It's consulting on proposed changes to the Auckland Navigational Bylaw. Right now, Clause 20 of the bylaw requires personal flotation devices, also known as life jackets, on vessels six metres and under. Unless, and here comes the thorny bit, unless the pers…