Martin Hawes: Is a flexible Superannuation scheme worth it?

Earlier this week, an interesting proposal was made to shake up the way we use Superannuation. A report from Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand indicates a flexible choice of when people can start receiving NZ Super could improve affordability. Would this be worth it? And who should …

Greg Pain: Is it normal for one side of your body to be stronger than the other?

We've all got a dominant side of our body, right hand versus left hand, right foot versus left foot, even your eyes tend to be a bit mismatched.  But sometimes it can get too out of balance. If your right arm is stronger than your left, or your shoulders are out of alignment, what are the knock-on…

Chris Bishop: Housing Minister on National promising to expand access to first home loan scheme

National is promising to expand access to the 5 percent first home loan scheme.  If elected it says it will increase the income cap for eligibility so more people can access the scheme.  Singles and group buyers would be able to get it if they make $300,000 a year or less.  National Party Housin…

Tim O'Connor: What’s the best way for a parent to address a problem at school?

We often think of being engaged in our children's education as pitching in with after school activities, or making sure you turn up to the parent-teacher days. But if your kid comes home every day complaining about a teacher, or the way a course is taught, who do you talk to? What warrants a conve…

Peter Norris: What does the OCR change mean for your mortgage?

The OCR changed this week, The Reserve Bank has upped it from 2.5% to 2.75%. But mortgages are already high, some unlucky buyers are now finding they owe more than the value of their house as equity erodes.  So if you're in this situation, what can you do? Opes Mortgages Managing Director Peter N…

The Panel: The Moa Point report, a re-drawing of the world map and Sky's advertising blunder

This week on the Panel, Tim Beveridge is joined by Real Estate agent Luke Dallow and TV Presenter Mark Crysell to discuss the hot topics from the week.  A report in to the Moa Point disaster has revealed a series of issues that led up to the overflow, the UN has voted to re-scale the world map, an…

Nick Crawford: How do you talk to your spouse about money?

One of the first lessons mum and dad teach you is "it's rude to talk about money".  But when it comes to family life, it's important to be open about financial matters with your spouse. And in the workplace, talking about wages is often the way to make sure you're getting the same treatment as eve…

Dr. Michel Neef: How do we future-proof our hearing?

We all know not to listen to loud music, but what actually qualifies as "loud" music? Is the old "60% volume for 60 minutes" still a good rule of thumb to follow?  And noise cancelling headphones are becoming the status quo, but are they actually better for your ears?  ENT Specialist Dr. Michel N…

Cameron Luxton: ACT conservation spokesperson on the party's proposed changes for fisheries

ACT wants harsher penalties for anyone flouting fisheries rules to protect our ocean resources.  The party's promising a suite of changes if re-elected to Government.  These includes stricter shellfish catch limits, setting up a district management area for the Hauraki Gulf and permanently ending…

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on National's new plan for student loan payments

Consequences for New Zealanders overseas who default on their student loans are being proposed under National's new policy. If elected, local graduates would keep more of their pay each fortnight, while overseas borrowers could face an extra one percent interest on their loans. Finance spokespers…