Some police officers are sceptical about the Government's new crackdown on gangs. The Police Minister and Police Commissioner have announced the establishment of a new National Gang Unit. It'll have around 30 people and up to seven ring-fenced officers in each police district. Police Association President Chris Cahill told Roman Travers that if it …

There are concerns the Government's charter schools plan could be a political football. Associate Education Minister David Seymour's announced more than $150 million to set up 15 new charter schools in the next four years and convert 35 state school in the next two. Massey University's John O'Neill told Roman Travers that since the last government'…

FIRST WITH YESTERDAY'S NEWS (highlights from Tuesday on Newstalk ZB) Climate of Fear/U.S. Shuts Up Shop/The Internet Is a Terrible Place/Auckland Is In the Eye of the Beholder/Chewing On Old Chestnuts See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.โดย Newstalk ZB

Australia’s federal budget is due today. With gross debt predicted to rise above $1 trillion by 2026, Treasurer Jim Chalmers is walking a tightrope between offering cost-of-living relief without fuelling inflation. Repayments on Government debt have become the fastest growing expense in the budget, and Dr Chalmers is facing calls to continue cuttin…

All Blacks Captain Sam Cane has announced his retirement from the international stage. From next year he’ll take up a three-year contract with Suntory in Japan, where he spent this season’s sabbatical. Elliott Smith, Newstalk ZB’s rugby commentator, told Mike Hosking that it isn’t quite the bombshell people are calling it, but it is still earlier t…

There are calls for the government to better regulate salt content in our processed foods. Research from Otago and Auckland universities reveals about two thirds of packaged foods on supermarket shelves exceed the World Health Organisation benchmark. Stroke Foundation General Manager Jess Winchester says one fifth of New Zealanders already have hig…

It's thought a Court of Appeal decision finding the Waitangi Tribunal could summon ACT MP Karen Chhour doesn't set a precedent for future cases. The decision overturned a High Court ruling which found the Children's Minister did not have to front with her reasoning for removing Section 7AA from the Oranga Tamariki Act. Massey University Law Profess…

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New teachers across the country are not being set up to succeed, according to the Education Review Office (ERO). Two thirds of principals are reporting new teachers coming into the role are unprepared, and a third of new primary teachers claim they are unprepared to teach science. The ERO is calling for more to be done. Ruth Shinoda, Head of ERO’s …

A new proposal could see protest groups in the UK banned in a similar way to terrorist organisations. Extracts of an upcoming report show recommendations will be made for a new category proscribing “extreme protest groups”, defining these as those which routinely use criminal tactics to try to achieve their aims. Protest groups such as Just Stop Oi…

In the A-League semi-finals, the Wellington Phoenix had a nil-all draw against the Melbourne Victory. The Phoenix return home this Saturday for the second leg of the semi. The Warriors suffered another loss, going down 38-18 to the Roosters in Sydney. The game brought on injury concerns as Shaun Johnson left the field in the second half. And, Aimee…

Big changes are coming to parking in Auckland’s CBD. Auckland CBD residents and visitors will be stung with new 24-hour parking charges covering overnight, at weekends and on public holidays from July – as Auckland Transport seeks to collect more money. Heart of the City CEO Viv Beck tells Mike Hosking news of the parking charges is out of the blue…

FIRST WITH YESTERDAY'S NEWS (highlights from the weekend on Newstalk ZB) It Doesn't/A Mild Case of Yellow Fever/Car Nuts Are So Annoying/Parking Gets Even Harder/What Happened to Ballet? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.โดย Newstalk ZB

Unlike the US, the UK is not withholding arms to Israel. Foreign Secretary David Cameron said that their position is not comparable with that of the US, since the UK is not a large state-to-state arms supplier to Israel. However, they don’t support a large-scale invasion of Rafah unless there is a plan to protect civilians in place. UK Corresponden…

There's doubts a potential raising of the international visitor levy will impact tourism numbers. Overseas visitors pay $35 collected through visa applications, which is evenly split between conservation and tourism. Speaking at the TRENZ conference, Tourism Minister Matt Doocey says that advice he's received shows it would have to rise to about $4…

Archives New Zealand's shutting down its digital archiving programme. It's part of an initiative to digitise historically significant images and documents. But the agency says it's been unable to secure further funding, and it will have to cut at least three jobs. Historian Paul Moon told Mike Hosking that this is important work and should remain. …

A potential power outage is looming in the chilly air. Many parts of the country have seen temperatures dropping below zero with an early season cold snap. Electricity grid operator Transpower's warning households to limit power use between 7 and 9 Friday morning where possible. It suggests turning off lights and heaters and delaying use of applian…

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Another pro-Palestine encampment was cleared by Police, resulting in the arrest of 33 protestors. Hundreds of police stormed the grounds at Washington’s George Washington University early this morning, using pepper spray to clear the encampment. This came just hours before city officials were due to appear before Congress to justify their actions, …

Air New Zealand's reliability has fallen, and it's trailing Jetstar in figures for last month as it grapples with engine problems. Only 77% of its domestic flights arrived within 15 minutes of scheduled times last month, down from 88% in January. Jetstar reported no domestic cancellations last month and almost 79% of flights were on time. Aviation …

A Wellington City Councillor says the fight isn't over to remove the heritage listing from derelict buildings. RMA Minister Chris Bishop has signed off on the council's housing recommendations, unlocking the potential for up-zoning across the city. But an amendment to de-list 10 buildings to allow for demolition wasn't approved due to legal constra…

A public health academic says David Seymour's claims he can reduce funding for the school lunch programme while delivering the same results is a big call to make. The Associate Health Minister's unveiled a slimmed down version of the programme he says will save $107 million a year. He says they'll reduce costs by bulk buying and serving simple item…

FIRST WITH YESTERDAY'S NEWS (highlights from Wednesday on Newstalk ZB) In Case You Were Wondering/It's Okay to Be Racist Again. Yay/Lunches Done Better/Ice Cream Split/Boys and Their Toys See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.โดย Newstalk ZB

Israeli tanks have now entered Rafah, taking control of the border. Yesterday saw Hamas agree to a ceasefire proposal, but Israel believes the terms do not go far enough and as such, are continuing their mission. Despite this, a delegation is being sent to negotiate, trying to reach an agreement. Former Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem Fleur Hassan-Nahoum…

There are lessons to be learned from the Auditor-General's review of last year's election. The report's found the final check of the official election results was done within a few hours on the day it was announced. The rushed assessment failed to identify multiple errors. It also recommends improvements to controls, quality assurance, recruitment,…

More coal's being burned to keep up with energy demand. The Gas Industry Company has revealed there was a 12.5% reduction in gas production last year. It's also found nearly 30% less gas was produced in the first three months of this year than projected. Energy Minister Simeon Brown says it's because the last Government's disincentivised gas produc…

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An Australian pilot operating in international waters was forced to take evasive action. A Chinese military jet detonated flares close to the Navy helicopter as it flew above the Yellow Sea near South Korea. The Defence Department has described the actions of the Chinese Air Force plane as “unsafe and unprofessional”. Australian Correspondent Donna…

The OECD is pointing to an economic hangover in our economy in its biennial report. It's advising the Government to gradually get the books back into surplus, with economic growth still sluggish and productivity waning. The OECD also supports cutting government spending but warns of unintended consequences from doing so. Independent economist Camer…

The Government's throwing $1.9 billion at Corrections with a pledge to restore law and order. It will add more than 800 extra beds at Waikeria Prison and recruit 685 more frontline Corrections staff. Criminal defence lawyer John Munro says more beds will result in more people in prison. He told Mike Hosking that we need to be careful we don't end u…

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The Government has made its first move in its Local Water Done Well reforms – the replacement for Three Waters. A deal has been brokered with Auckland Council which will allow Watercare to borrow 1.9 billion over the next ten years for long-term infrastructure. The deal will stop the proposed 25.8 percent water rates increase this year, bringing it…

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is facing down his critics after another set of poor election results. Europe correspondent Gavin Grey tells Mike Hosking the infighting has begun within Sunak’s party following local council, Mayoral and Police Commissioner elections as well as on by-election all delivering huge losses for conservatives. And, security…

The Warriors have suffered their third defeat in a row, falling 14-8 to the Newcastle Knights. The men’s and women’s New Zealand sevens-teams have completed back-to-back victories to finish the world series regular season. The series-leading women defeated Australia 31-21 to win the Singapore leg, while the men pipped Ireland 17-14 to move into thi…

Auckland Council is launching a new campaign to drive down dog attacks. Research reveals around 2700 related injuries each year, with just under 300 of those to babies and children under 14 years old. The campaign will include radio advertising, street posters and community papers promoting ways people can keep themselves safe around dogs. Auckland…

FIRST WITH YESTERDAY'S NEWS (highlights from the weekend on Newstalk ZB) One Brown Saves Another/Penney Is Big/Formerly Naked, Now Alone/Dogs Deserve Better/D.I.Y. Done Badly See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.โดย Newstalk ZB

UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney brings us the latest on the UK local elections and from London’s fatal sword attack. McAviney told Mike Hosking “If things are really bad for the Prime Minister, it could see a mutiny on his back benches.” McAviney said Rishi Sunak is expected to lose around half of their councillors in England and Wales. McAviney …

Is it time to review the attitudes of MPs inside parliament? Political commentator Brigette Morten told Mike Hosking that in a week with MP pay rises and James Shaw’s exit - it has become all about her outburst. “It looks like there’s been a pattern of behaviour,” Morten said. House Speaker Gerry Brownlee said there’s a justice process, during whic…

Are kiwis uninterested in New Zealand Fashion? New Zealand Fashion Week has been cancelled this August and has decided to shift into a two-yearly schedule. Owner Feroz Ali says there weren't enough designers to commit to the weeklong event because they're focused on the survival of their businesses. Retail NZ Chief Executive Carolyn Young told Mike…

There's hopes a new policy around education won't be a one-size-fits-all approach. The Government's committing $67 million in the upcoming Budget for teacher training and resources on what's called structured literacy. It aims to go 'back to basics', teaching kids how to read with sounds and phonics. Auckland Primary Principals' Association Preside…

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Economic pain is being felt in the latest employment numbers. The unemployment rate is 4.3%, an increase of 0.3 percentage points from the December quarter. ANZ economist Henry Russell told Mike Hosking that we've come out of a period of intense labour shortages, with migration doing the heavy lifting. He says skill shortages remain and that's why …

Patience has run out for the authorities cracking down on student protests across the United States. Pro-Palestinian protests at multiple colleges have broken out into violence and property destruction. US correspondent Mitch McCann told Mike Hosking that police were called to clear out students in New York’s Columbia University. He says up to 300 …

The Government's continuing discussions around potential future cooperation with AUKUS but it's still a long way off. Foreign Minister Winston Peters outlined New Zealand's position to the Institute of International Affairs at Parliament last night. He says we should be considering exploring Pillar 2 —the technology leg— but we'd first need to be i…

It's been found the blame lies at NZQA’s feet for a number of digital exam assessment glitches. An independent review found last year's issues —which included trouble saving exam work and lagging— was down to a number of safeguards failing. Avonside Girls' High School Principal Catherine Law told Mike Hosking that it wasn't catastrophic from their …

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Unemployment is continuing to rise. New figures from Stats NZ show the unemployment rate was 4.3% in the March quarter, up 0.3 percentage points from 4% in the December quarter. The unemployment rate has been steadily rising since reaching a record low of 3.2% in the December 2021 quarter. Business NZ Director of Advocacy Catherine Beard told Mike …

Questions are arising around the Police response to a fatal sword attack in London. A 36-year-old man has been arrested after a 14-year-old boy was killed in the incident near the suburb of Hainault. Four other people were injured including two officers. UK correspondent Gavin Grey told Mike Hosking that the Police's response time will likely be lo…

It’s unfortunate but hardly surprising. Around 10km of highway through Northland's Brynderwyn Hills has been closed since February for repair work. It had been due to reopen in a couple of weeks, but a slip has put paid to that. Whangārei Mayor Vince Cocurullo told Mike Hosking that delays had to be expected. He says around 40-thousand cubic metres…

It's looking like an MP pay rise is going ahead this time around. The Remuneration Authority's set to increase salaries 2.8% backdated to October, followed by further increases out to 2026. Ministers inside Cabinet will take home just over $304k a year and those outside Cabinet, nearly $257k. Newstalk ZB Political Editor Jason Walls told Mike Hoski…