Tova: Recent Episodes
rova | Today FM
Opinion: Something is rotten in the state of beehive.
First up, great that the Prime Minister has asked the cabinet office to review all of Stuart Nash’s communications with his cash donors but beyond appalling that the PM is using that as a smokescreen to hide behind and avoid accountability now.
"The advice I’ve had from the cabinet office is that will take two months and I will await the outcome of that review before making any further decisions or comment on it," Hipkins said in Parliament.
And zero assurances all communications will be reviewed - nor an explanation of this very questionable erasing of possible evidence…
"Has he asked Stuart Nash why his Facebook account appears to have been deleted last night?" Luxon asked.
Hipkins responded in a single word... "No."
A sound of 'ohhhhh' echoed out following the PM's response.
Forestry, fishing, tourism - Nash has been minister of industries with very powerful lobbies. And he takes cash from them. And then what?
"I will await the outcome of that review before making any further comment on the matter," said Hipkins.
And here’s where the rot really starts to stink. When was the Prime Minister’s office first made aware of the email which saw Nash sacked - the one where he divulged confidential cabinet information to cash donors with a vested interest in the information?
"I did ask this morning... ah last night for review to identify whether the office had in any way been aware of that communication prior to that," said Hipkins.
"My understanding is that in 2021, Stuart Nash's then ministerial office consulted the office of the then Prime Minister, on an Offical Information Act (OIA) request release, where that email had been identified as part of that release and was identified as being outside the scope of the review…
"Neither the Prime Minister of the time, nor the PM's chief of staff of the time was made aware of that."
"Disgrace!" "Boo!" "Cover-up!" can be heard in outbursts from the opposition.
Nicola Willis shouting out in the background there seems right. This does have the hallmarks of a cover-up.
Jacinda Ardern’s Office knew - it looks like they colluded with Nash’s office to keep that offending email - that smoking gun - a secret from the public.
And what, no one told the former PM or her chief of staff? No one alerted this new Prime Minister even after he put Nash on his third and final warning?
And then the Prime Minister - without a hint of irony - declares that everything is hunky dory, Stuart Nash is squeaky clean, has done everything by the book... Whaaat?
"I can confirm that all Stuart Nash's donations, to the best of my knowledge, have been publicly declared and transparently," said Hipkins.
"Any conflicts of interest that he had were registered with the Cabinet Office, using the usual process."
Right. The same Stuart Nash who gave the Prime Minister assurances that there were no other skeletons in his closet after those first three strikes.
Something is very rotten. And just cause Hipkins has cut out the source of the rot, I’m not feeling particularly assured that the government’s going to get to the bottom of how deep that rot goes.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Religion... it can be fairly profitable to be fair! So why should all churches get charity (ie. tax free) status? Should all of them be taxed, or maybe just some of them?
Or maybe we should stick to the status quo...? Who will land on which side of the debate today?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Police have yet to determine a motive for the shooter behind the school shooting in Nashville, Tennessee.
They have revealed that the shooter legally purchased seven guns over recent years.
Six people were killed including three children, the shooter was then killed by Police.
Russ Pulley is the District 25 Councillor in Nashville, the area that covers Covenant school and he joins us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - and today our super smart opinion makers are Today FM host of Polly, Polly Gillespie and Executive Director of Auckland Pride, Max Tweedie.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Each week we are joined by brilliant clinical psychologist Karen Nimmo who offers us all a chance for self reflection and therapy.
We call this segment 4 Minute Therapy, and this week our subject is "Why am I struggling to control my anger at the moment?".
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Government policies designed to crack down on gangs passed into law last night under urgency, giving police new warrant and search powers, the ability to seize weapons from gang members, and an expanded range of offences where police can seize assets.
But there has been a chorus of complaints - from the Privacy Commissioner to civil rights and legal groups and even Treasury - that the legislation’s being hastily conceived and that means human rights issues haven’t been properly addressed.
Justice Minister Kiritapu Allan joins us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
20,000 secondary school teachers are striking again today, with the PPTA saying there has been positive movement on negotiations with the Government… though clearly not positive enough.
And - this could cause further animosity - Today FM can reveal that an email has been sent to teachers trying to recoup money already paid to teachers who went on strike last week. They were paid on the day of the last strike and the Ministry of Education is now trying to get that money back.
Paul Stevens is a visual arts teacher at Rangitoto College and the Auckland representative of the PPTA and he joins us with more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Police in Nashville, Tennessee are still searching for a motive in Monday’s elementary school shooting that left three children and three adults dead. Authorities say the alleged shooter - 28-year-old Audrey Hale - was a former student of the Covenant School and that she may have harbored resentment at having attended the institution.
Toni Waterman joins us now from outside the school.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The National Party leader said there are likely to be more skeletons in Nash's closet, following the latest revelations.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion: That Stuart Nash had to be sacked now is an utter failure of leadership by the Prime Minister.
It’s the action Chris Hipkins should have taken after Nash’s first offence, definitely after the second or even third offence.
That he waited til the fourth makes him a sucker and he needs to own his shortfall here as PM.
You might argue that a good guy gives second chances and you’d be right, but not in this case.
This was a case of political naivety and poor leadership.
Hipkins is at his best when he’s at his most ruthless - whether you agree with his decisions or not - his political compass points sharp North. He’s usually pretty good at making fast, decisive, politically astute and broadly popular decisions.
On Nash, he let his guard down and trusted someone he shouldn’t have trusted - and it looks weak rather than charitable.
Just remember how Nash handled the fallout of that first offence - he outed himself on the radio, seemingly unaware there was even a problem with dialling up the Police Commissioner to give him advice about a prosecution. His brazen ignorance fast became defiance when questioned by the media. There was no contrition there. Nash didn’t think he’d done anything wrong. We were the idiots for daring to question his autonomy.
Nash was stripped of his Police portfolio but that was all despite the cabinet manual making it clear no minister can intervene with constabulary independence. Being Police Minister had nothing to do with it.
Then we learnt of a second offence - Nash was nearly charged by the Solicitor-General for this one and was given a telling off by the Attorney General - for his comments about the killer of police officer Matt Hunt.
Then a third offence - Nash shortcutted the rules, directly asking a senior Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) official to look into an immigration case of a constituent.
The Prime Minister demoted him in Cabinet. A nothing penalty. Hipkins screws up again.
Anyone who knows Nash knows he’s a brazen, bold, bolshy, blokey bloke prone to saying things he shouldn’t.
The PM should have seen this coming. It wasn’t just a failure of political leadership but Hipkins’ political foresight failed him here too.
He also looks gullible.
Nash took him for a ride. Hipkins had sought assurances from Nash there was no more naughty stuff, and Nash - all sunshine and lollipops - batted his eyelashes and said 'of course not PM, I promise...'
Hipkins believed that, looking the schmuck.
So a failure of leadership, a failure of decisiveness, a failure of foresight and a failure to judge character or properly investigate a problem minister.
The PM needs to own these labels and needs to own the embarrassment that comes with them all.
‘Cause it is embarrassing to have messed up so many times in so many ways.
That’s how Hipkins will learn from this and I suspect once bitten, twice shy, I pity the next minister who tries to get one past the PM. He won’t be walked over like that again.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Auckland's Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), a crucial social service, is at risk of closure if Auckland Council's budget cuts go ahead. Mayor Wayne Brown's budget plans include a NZ$2 million cut to the bureau's funding, which would severely impact its ability to operate.
Submissions on the budget plan have now closed, and the future of the bureau is uncertain. The bureau has been described as an integral part of Auckland's social fabric, providing free advice and support to those who need it most.
One individual who credits the bureau with changing her life is Eirian Perkins, a migrant who suffered a severe shoulder injury in 2020, leaving her unable to work. When she found herself in need of help, she had no idea where to turn until she discovered the Citizens Advice Bureau.
Perkins spoke to Tova O'Brien on Wednesday, detailing the support she received from the bureau during a challenging time.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Snow has fallen, temperatures are plummeting and you want to stay wrapped up in bed in the mornings… we hate to say it but the cold season is coming.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Stuart Nash, former Minister of Police has been removed from Cabinet by the Prime Minister following his fourth breach of the cabinet manual.
This time, Nash is accused of sending top-secret information about cabinet decisions to property investors who had a vested interest in the policy decisions and had also donated money to Nash's political campaign.
Chris Hipkins has not only removed Nash from Cabinet but has also encouraged him to consider resigning from Parliament altogether. Such a move would force a by-election in his Napier seat.
Nash's former colleague Matt McCarten, former chief of staff for the Labour Party, expressed little surprise at Nash's removal from Cabinet. McCarten told Tova O'Brien that Nash was known for having loose lips.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"They have already faced a raft of regulatory actions and fines for non-compliance in this area," spokesperson Andree Froude told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"I think it's an incredibly difficult event to police," Ginny Andersen told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Joining us today (Tuesday instead of Thursday) is University of Auckland History professor Caroline Daley, and The Spinoff’s editor-at-large Toby Manhire.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The once-grand Sky World Entertainment Centre in Auckland's City Center, which was home to Planet Hollywood, Burger King, Starbucks, Borders, bars, cafes, and a full food court, has now become a rundown husk of its former self.
However, there may be a glimmer of hope for the building, as it was quietly listed for sale on TradeMe on Friday.
The nine-level building sits on a 3,486 sqm site and offers Escher'esque escalators, a closed food court and restaurant precincts, 928 underground carparks, and a digital display board that used to offer movie times now just reads "EEEEEEE."
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As we have been reporting this morning, 6 people have been killed in a school shooting at Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee - 3 of them children.
The female shooter has been identified as a 28-year-old woman and was killed by police.
Angie Henderson who is Councillor for District 34 in Nashville and is at the scene joined Tova for the latest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the face of increased overseas competition and rising costs, TAB looks set to be taken over by Entain - which owns betting behemoth Ladbrokes
The announcement comes after a lengthy process to find an overseas betting agency to take over running the majority of the TAB’s operations.
Racing Minister Kieran McAnulty will still have the final say on whether any deal goes ahead on what would be a 25-year arrangement.
As the Government considers its decision, local anti-gambling groups say they want assurances Entain will be able to support TAB NZ’s existing harm minimisation and responsible gambling efforts.
Problem Gambling Foundation spokesperson Andree Froude spoke to Tova.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Zealand's Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) has revealed some of its usually covert counter-terrorism work.
Speaking at parliament on Monday, chief spy Andrew Hampton disclosed that three recent operations had been carried out, including one involving an individual who made bomb threats last year with an implied ideological motivation.
In addition to these threats, the Security Intelligence Service has raised concerns about the risk of foreign interference and espionage in New Zealand.
Speaking to Tova O'Brien on Tuesday morning, Paul Spoonley, Director of the Centre for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism, was asked about the seriousness of these threats and whether they posed an imminent danger.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Five bars went into liquidation last month alone as the cost of living crisis tacks itself on the back of a few tough COVID years.
Matt McLaughlin is a long-time venue operator in Wellington and told Tova O'Brien on Tuesday morning that the industry is "certainly changing".
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Prime Minister is doubling down on his defence of Marama Davidson, following her abuse comments.
The Family Violence Prevention Minister is under fire for saying 'white cis men' cause the most violence in the world.
She has since issued a clarification stating she was in shock after being struck by a motorcycle and faced "inflammatory questions".
Chris Hipkins said on Tuesday morning he hadn't spoken to Davidson directly since the comments were made.
"Her office contacted my office when the video began being circulated online to indicate she had not conveyed the message or the sentiment that she had been intending to with those comments," said Hipkins.
"I have accepted that."
Hipkins said she could have faced a more severe punishment had she not clarified her statement when she did.
"I'm sure we would have had a further conversation about it. In the end, the matter was resolved by the clarification."
Though he said she deserves some "leeway" after what appears to be Davidson being struck by a motorcycle rider earlier in the day.
"I do give it some leeway for the fact that she had just been hit by a motorcycle and was probably in a state of shock from having had that happen."
Host Tova O'Brien pointed out that Davidson failed to actually apologise for the comment. She asked the PM if he thought she should.
"I think her comments were wrong," said Hipkins.
"I think if she decided to do that, I'd certainly have no issue with that, it may well be appropriate, but it's not something that I've discussed with her."
He said Davidson's comments were factually incorrect, though said he understood her wider point.
"I don't think ethnicity comes into this at all," said Hipkins.
"I think the broader comment she was making that the majority of violence, domestic, family and sexual violence is conducted by men, is true. And we should be open about that and we should continue to have conversations about it. But I don't think bringing ethnicity into it or sexual orientation into it in that way was legitimate."
"It is legitimate, however, to say that our trans community have often been the victim of that violence. That is also a legitimate point to raise. So within that, within what Marama was trying to convey, I think there were some legitimate things that we should talk about. But the form of words she chose was wrong."
Listen to the full interview between Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and Tova above.
You can also download the full interview on the Tova podcast, and listen on the go. Download the rova app on apple or android to listen to this podcast on the go, or anywhere else you get your podcasts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We have had some serious (and some not so serious) debates over the last year, but the text machine really found a lot of support for both sides of this debate...
Irish band U2. It appears that they're very polarising...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rescue efforts are under way in Mississippi and Alabama after a tornado tore through the two states on Friday night killing 26 people, including a baby and her father.
Emergency services will have to dig through the debris left behind by the tornado, which flattened one town and obliterated homes and businesses.
A state of emergency was declared in Mississippi on Sunday.
Chief meteorologist Matt Laubhan for a local network was giving viewers an update on what to expect and took a moment during his weather broadcast to pray for the people of Mississippi.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As Aotearoa picks through the rubble left by last month’s Cyclone Gabrielle, and we continue to feel the consequences of the pandemic, we have to ask ourselves why we weren’t prepared.
Our short termism, our ‘she’ll be right’ attitude, our reactivity is leaving us vulnerable to risks like a global pandemic, earthquakes, a cyclone according to a new report by Koi Tū: The Centre for Informed Futures.
It’s pushing for a national risk assessment authority. Author Sir Peter Gluckman joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"It's not appropriate to talk to people like that," Hamilton Mayor Paula Southgate told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The former MPs have expressed their dismay over recent incidents of hate speech and violent behaviour.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull aka Posie Parker lasted less than 24 hours in New Zealand, before she was back on the plane to the UK.
The anti-trans activist was doused in tomato juice and had water thrown at her at Auckland’s Albert Park, saying afterwards that she feared for her life.
But Rainbow groups say they reject the narrative that Parker was forced to abandon her planned event because of violence from their community.
LGBTQIA+ rights activist Shaneel Lal and Free Speech Union CEO Jonathan Ayling shared two sides, two perspectives surrounding the events on Saturday.
Ayling told Tova O'Brien that the Free Speech Union was in support of the counter-protest until it became unsafe for those involved.
"Right up to the event itself, we were in boots and all for the rights of counter-protesters to gather there and speak against her thoughts and opinions," said Ayling,
"But what we saw there was actually a lot more than what anyone signed up for."
He said the scenes were comparable to the Wellington Parliament protests, noted that the media was highly critical of the breakdown of communication by the end of that protest, and said the same accountability needs to be held for this event.
Ayling acknowledged that the vast majority of protestors were peaceful, though there needs to be an investigation into those who instigated unrest.
"That's why we have a public letter that we released that's been signed almost 15,000 times in less than 24 hours. And the reason that we've released that is to call on the Minister of police and the police commissioner to speak out against this, because the issue there was the fact that the police failed to do their jobs to ensure the rights of Kiwis that wanted to hear from Posie Parker were guaranteed.
"I stood next to one of the police commanders there and he said to one of the women who approached him... He said, "This is a public space. If she feels unsafe, she needs to leave."
"And I wrote that down because I felt so chilled by that comment. The role of the police is to guarantee the rights of lawful assembly and lawful speech in public spaces.
"If she feels unsafe, the police need to ensure that the rule of law is guaranteed. And that's the problem here."
O'Brien pointed out that the trans community felt unsafe by the rhetoric from Posie Parker during other rallies. Ayling said the police had a duty to keep everyone at the Auckland rally safe and failed.
He said our current speech laws must be enforced and protected for everyone, including those we disagree with.
"We have this idea that we can outlaw hate. I wish we could - It's a pipe dream. What we need to do is build communities of love. And what we saw on Saturday was not that."
LGBTQIA+ rights activist Shaneel Lal, who had been very vocal in the need for rainbow attendance at the counter-protest leading up to the event on Saturday, said the situation is not black and white.
"I think this is a difficult situation to assess, right?" said Lal.
"It is one of the very few protests that had an immediate resolution. That is that Posie Parker was not able to speak at all. But on the other hand, we did put out an explicit communication that there was to be no use of violence and force. And I think that those who did use violence or force, which was a very small number of people on either side, could have possibly jeopardised the safety of all.
"My concern primarily laid with the kids and the elderly that were there. But I generally think that most people were incredibly well behaved and the protest was something that I could not describe as violent. I think it very quickly turned into a colourful celebration."
Lal condemned the actions of the individual responsible for pouring what is believed to be tomato juice over Parker's head.
"I was very explicit in the communication that counter-protesters were not to use violence under any circumstances other than self-defence, and that person was not with us. The issue with these large protests is that multiple organisers are mobilising their own people. So there's no one central person that anyone’s listening to. This is something the police knew.
Lal said they had contacted police in the morning to understand how many officers would be present at the rally.
"I personally called the police in the morning and I said, "Thousands of people could show up. How many police are you sending?" And what I was essentially told was that there wouldn't be a high police presence and that in a sense, did concern me. But equally, I'm not the police. I have never done policing before, so I did not tell them how to do their job."
Lal said they were only there to protest Posie Parker, and instructed people not to get involved in the Destiny Church march.
"We had communicated to the counter-protesters not to go down to Queen Street because we went to the counter-protest with a very specific purpose, which was to drown out transphobia by Posie Parker. And we had done that very successfully. So we had clearly instructed people not to go down there and people who did were of their own volition.
"However, Destiny Church did use an incredible amount of violence against counter-protesters who were there peacefully. They rammed bikes into people. They hit people with bats. They knocked people down to the concrete floors. They were inappropriately touching women - grabbing them by the hair. They were also grabbing signs from people and breaking them. They were using significant amounts of intimidation and violence."
Lal said the organisers were not responsible for the protest "getting out of hand."
"I don't think you can control a protest like this."
Listen to the full interviews between LGBTQIA+ rights activist Shaneel Lal, Free Speech Union CEO Jonathan Ayling and Tova above.
You can also download the full interview on the Tova podcast, and listen on the go. Download the rova app on apple or android to listen to this podcast on the go, or anywhere else you get your podcasts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Just when you think you’ve heard it all…
Researchers in Sweden have a hunch that smelling people’s sweaty armpits might help to relieve anxiety.
They’ve released their results at a medical conference in Paris this week, and have started testing it on volunteers.
POTION Project in Stockholm reasons the smell activates brain pathways linked to emotions, offering a calming effect.
Speaking with Tova O'Brien on Monday morning, Principal investigator Professor Vladimir Carli said one of their theories is that when people are exposed to sweat, there is a feeling of "human presence" that can help to alleviate anxiety.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion: I went along to the Posie Parker counter-protest on Saturday with my friend and colleague Lloyd Burr.
I felt enormously proud to be part of such an enormous group of people standing up for what’s right - human rights. The rights of people to be themselves, love who they love and not be targeted by misguided, hate-fueled anger and abuse.
I was there, as a woman and a feminist who is pro-women - all women including trans women.
I was there for a shared kaupapa that says no to stirring up fear and hysteria designed to marginalise a group of people.
As with any large group of people, there are going to be a range of emotions, levels of feeling, and different methods of achieving the shared goal of the group - which in this case was making it clear that Posie Parker’s discriminatory anti-trans message is not welcome.
I’m not here to defend the methods of everyone at that protest. As I’m sure - I hope - that Brian Tamaki wouldn’t defend his thugs who nearly punched me when I tried to help a young protester they’d pushed to the ground and looked primed to kick in the head on the concrete of Queen Street.
And like Posie Parker doesn’t publicly defend the neo nazis who always rock up to support her rallies.
And nothing I saw from the counter-protesters was even remotely akin to those examples.
What I took away from Saturday was an enormous heart that people came out in force to stand up for one another, to stand up against hate.
Posie Parker tries to tell us she’s on the right side of history.
But history tells us that - despite our enduring and sometimes painful struggles - it lands on the side of protecting people’s rights.
In this case the rights of trans people.
And to all those people who are rushing to their keyboards to tell me it’s about women’s rights - the same people who have criticised me in the past for being too pro-women, too much of a feminist but who have now suddenly become staunch defenders of women rights - you’ve got to ask yourself why are you so fixated by some else’s genitals, by their identity, by their lives which probably aren’t even going to intersect with your lives, certainly not in any way you’d even really know about or need to know about.
It’s about respect and rights for everyone and we showed over the weekend that more people care about that in Aotearoa than hate.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s over hush money allegedly paid to adult film star Stormy Daniels who says she had an affair with the former president, a claim Trump denies.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"I'm just trying to see whether it would matter if we weren't [there]," Desley Simpson told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"There needs to be better leadership and coordination from central government around this issue," said Sharon Pihemasaid.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Each week, our producer Jeremy has to find an item in the news to put to a catchy little ditty.
This week, he found it ironic that a new Police Minister would stoop to petty crime...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
One of the most polarizing figures of the 21st century has been former (and future...?) US president Donald Trump.
At the moment he's in the news for all the wrong reasons, but is he that bad? Really?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero our panel here on Tova - a chance to hear from some smart thinkers.
Today it’s Spinoff bulletins editor Anna Rawhiti Connell, and broadcasting legend Gary McCormick.
They'll be talking about possible trouble at the Posie Parker rallies, and a lack of support for those that want to quite vaping.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"If you see a car on a website that's been sold privately, that looks too good to be true, it probably is," Turners auto retail CEO Greg Hedgepeth told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"We think she has really clearly demonstrated in Melbourne, in Canberra, and throughout the years that she is a risk," Ahi Wi-Hongi told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
I’ll be stoked to see the big parties get behind oral health this election. They’ve promised and broken those promises too many before.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"The ratio of students per teacher starts out at 15:1 [years 0 and 1], 23:1 in years two and three then you hit year four and it's 29:1," Kyle Brewerton told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There are some places in the country where the kids go straight from primary school to college, and some where they attend some kind of intermediate in the middle.
But what's the difference? Is one better than the other? And who's having a birthday?!?!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pae Korero - our brilliant big brained panel is here.
Joining us today is University of Auckland History professor Caroline Daley, and The Spinoff’s editor-at-large Toby Manhire.
We're talking Posie Parker coming to NZ, Donald Trump, and our old Unruly Tourists.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Yet another bad poll for National Leader Chris Luxon.
The latest Talbot Mills - which yes is Labour’s polling company but which tends to mirror the main public polls - has National down 2 points to 34%
And Luxon’s preferred prime minister numbers are also down to a new low of 23% - he fell 4 points, Chris Hipkins is up 4 points to 39%.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
I would like to at least hear our political leaders take a stand on party participation - Chris Luxon I’m looking at you.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Blackcaps to donate gate revenue to Cyclone relief fund, ANZ pitching in $1 million
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The former UK Prime minister refused to accept any fault during the televised Partygate showdown over whether he intentionally misled Parliament.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wellington is the worst with a median of $695 per week, Auckland at an average of $630 per week but Gavin Lloyd said smaller regions aren't immune to significant growth.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tova Exclusive: Adult film star Stormy Daniels's lawyer has responded to claims that her allegations against Donald Trump, and his impending potential indictment, is a 'political tool' to smear the former President.
Trump and his top dogs have huddled away in his flashy Mar-a-Lago home right now - but soon, he could be on his way to get a mugshot.
The former US President may be indicted over his role in handling hush money for adult film star Stormy Daniels... Though Thursday’s (NZT) grand jury hearing was just cancelled at two hours' notice.
Daniels claims an adulterous affair ensued at a celebrity golf tournament in 2006 when Trump and Daniels first crossed paths, something she’s written about in excruciating detail, and a claim Trump denies.
In a Today FM exclusive, the attorney for Stormy Daniels, Clark Brewster, told Tova O'Brien on Thursday morning that Daniels is not being used as a political tool against the former President.
"Stormy didn't say anything about Donald Trump from 2006, forward," said Brewster.
"To her, it was essentially irrelevant and not important to the world or to anyone she knew."
For more than a decade it was kept out of the media… but as the 2016 election closed in, Trump’s people were struggling to keep a lid on it.
He said it was only once Trump was running for the presidency and other claims were being made that Stormy believed her experiences were important to share.
"Stormy wouldn’t have done anything with regard to Donald Trump, She would have changed the channel, but it became relevant and important. And that's what led to, I think, some level of desperation to try to get her quieted."
It was at that point, Brewster claims, money was offered and a non-disclosure agreement was introduced by Trump.
Trump's legal team paid the pornstar just over NZD$200,000 in hush money.
No issue there - but when Trump reimbursed his lawyer Michael Cohen, it was recorded as ‘legal fees’.
Falsifying business records is a misdemeanour - a criminal offence - in New York that District Attorney could upgrade it to a felony, which would carry a far more serious punishment.
In Trump fashion, he claims it’s fake news - he says almost everybody agrees by the way - and he’s reportedly keen to make a spectacle of any possible perp walk and handcuffs.
When O'Brien asked if Brewster believes Trump will wind up behind bars, the lawyer said he will likely be convicted.
"It's hard for me to say what they're going to charge him with specifically and the strength of the witnesses that they may advance toward him.
"But I can tell you that the statements that he's been making in the press don't comport with the facts, as I understand them. And if he has that defence, I think he's at great risk of being convicted."
Listen to the full interview between the attorney for Stormy Daniels, Clark Brewster, and Tova above.
You can also download the full interview on the Tova podcast, and listen on the go. Download the rova app on apple or android to listen to this podcast on the go, or anywhere else you get your podcasts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
NZ Jewish Council spokesperson Juliet Moses said there is no legal punishment for supporting the nazi regime with things like displaying swastikas or a sieg heil salute.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
92 year old media mogul Rupert Murdoch has just got engaged to a 66 year old he met in September last year. Is she just doing it for the money? And if she was... would that be okay? Or should marriage just be about love, sweet love?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - and today our super smart opinion makers are Today FM host of Polly, Polly Gillespie and Executive Director of Auckland Pride, Max Tweedie.
They'll be talking pies, shoplifting, and anti-trans protests.
Woweeeee!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The extreme toll of Covid-19 on our frontline health workers has led many to feel abandoned.
A new viewpoint in the NZ Medical Journal draws on recent research revealing the extent of the stress felt by inadequate access to PPE gear during the first wave of Covid.
It says the poor distribution was a canary in the coalmine of wider cracks in the health system, especially when it comes to worker safety.
Otago University public health researcher Dr Elizabeth Fenton joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Several US cities are preparing for trouble, ahead of the possible arrest and indictment of Donald Trump.
The former president has so far not been arrested - despite Trump posting on social media over the weekend that he expected to be detained on Tuesday.
Barricades have been erected around a courthouse in New York City ahead of a decision by a grand jury on whether to criminally charge him.
US correspondent Nick Harper has been following all of this…
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After months of speculation and turmoil in the All Blacks coaching camp, Scott ’Razor’ Robertson has finally been announced as the team’s next head coach.
In a weird and frankly dumb quirk of sporting politics the Crusader’s coach has been announced well in advance of his first day next year, well in advance of the Rugby World Cup in September where current coach Ian Foster will instead lead the team.
Sports broadcaster Scotty Stevenson, who also spoke to O'Brien on Wednesday morning, shared Nisbett's sentiment for Foste
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After months of speculation and turmoil in the All Blacks coaching camp, Scott ’Razor’ Robertson has finally been announced as the team’s next head coach.
In a weird and frankly dumb quirk of sporting politics the Crusader’s coach has been announced well in advance of his first day next year, well in advance of the Rugby World Cup in September where current coach Ian Foster will instead lead the team.
Sky Sports' rugby commentator Grant Nisbett told Tova O'Brien he thinks Razor is the right man for the job.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The gaming industry is tipped to be New Zealand’s next billion-dollar industry, with it already raking in a casual NZD$407 million annually, which is more revenue than wool.
However, the industry isn’t being valued in Aotearoa. Rising Kiwi stars in gaming are skipping the ditch, finding better pay and enticing tax incentives across the Tasman.
It’s proving to become a bigger problem with each day. Over the past two years, growth in New Zealand has stalled, despite NZ's sector being bigger than Australia’s.
Rocketwerkz is one of Auckland’s largest gaming developers. Its chief operating officer Stephen Knightly told Tova O'Brien until our Government makes some changes, this will continue to be the reality.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dental care... it can be painful, expensive, and it can give you anxiety (mainly because it can be painful and expensive).
BUT since it appears to be so important, should the Government be funding it? Or should it be a user pays model?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Each week we are joined by the amazing clinical psychologist Karen Nimmo who offers us all a chance for self reflection and therapy.
We call this segment 4 Minute Therapy, and this week our subject - Can I teach myself to be mentally tougher?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apparently, cruise ships are becoming cool with the kids!
Often considered the travel experience of choice for the silver set, Flight Centre is now seeing a dramatic increase in interest from people aged between 18 and 30, with bookings more than doubling in just under a year.
General manager of marketing Jodie Brunard told Tova O'Brien she believes they are looking for cost and time-efficient holidays.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Webb’s Auctioneers Director of Art Charles Ninnow talks to Tova O'Brien more about this at 8:30 am on Wednesday morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"For him, as a veteran, he found his place in the world and he was ready to come home so at least he achieved that, whatever it's worth," Aaron Wood told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion: In the same way that homophobic comments often start a preface ‘some of my best friends are gay…’
I should acknowledge that some of my best friends are lobbyists.
I like political people.
And lobbyists are political people - often really great, fun, smart, political people.
They’re also not pretending to be something they’re not. They work on behalf of clients to get them in the room with powerful people who make decisions to have their perspectives heard and push their clients’ agenda.
So I don’t have a problem with lobbyists though I do have a problem with the broader concept of those who have money and means having greater access to power and privilege.
And where I really take issue is with Government departments hiring these external forces to circumvent and harm our delicate democracy.
And there’s one particular government department which sticks out like a grotesque malformed thumb in Guyon Espiner’s investigation into lobbying and that’s Pharmac.
The drug-buying agency hiring lobbyists to further foment its fortress of opacity.
Pharmac’s refusing to say how much of your money it spends paying lobbyists to help avoid and evade you.
And with respect to Draper Cormack the firm they choose, whatever the sum they spent was too much. They were sold a pup.
First of all, advising a government department CEO to effectively lie and pretend they had somewhere to be after select committee so as to avoid journalists. That is bad bad bad advice.
Secondly, advising their comms team to stall when reacting to media queries - also bad advice.
Third, profiling journalists - the Berlin wall is down people!
Fourth, if the senior comms advisor has to ask a lobbyist for a one-liner to respond to why it took so long to fund epi pens - that advisor shouldn’t be in the job. The lobbyist replying there isn’t really a great answer so here’s a non-answer - that lobbyist shouldn’t be paid.
Fifth, if the best advice a lobbyist can give to try to improve Pharmac’s reputation is to do a puff piece of the CEO in the women’s weekly - honestly. You may as well be burning the cash you pay them. It’s not rocket science - the bigger conundrum would be convincing Women’s Weekly it’s worth the column inches.
Finally, how much did the lobbyist's brain dump of proactive story ideas cost the taxpayer? How much did this doozy cost on contraceptive numbers - “are New Zealanders hornier at a particular time of year”.
So yeah I have a problem with cash for access. I have a problem with government departments squandering our cash to obstruct accountability - on top of their legions of spin doctors who appear trained to do the same.
It’s so much more insulting that the money they’re spending which could be going towards funding drugs is about as creative and clever as you might expect from a doorknob.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's Pae Korero - and it’s Tuesday - so they are back!
Our powerbroker edition - Labour Minister Kiritapu Allan and National’s 3IC Chris Bishop. They'll be talking lobbying, and free speech.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Various government departments around the world are looking at banning social media app TikTok due to the concern that it could be used to gather information for China! Sounds conspiratorial doesn't it...? But it started a debate whether or not we should just ban the thing altogether!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
China’s president Xi Jinping is visiting his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Moscow for the first time since the invasion of Ukraine.
It follows US claims that China is considering supplying lethal military aid to Russia to support its invasion of Ukraine.
Professor in politics and director of International Relations at Otago University Robert Patman joins us again.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"There's a strong view that traffic management has become completely over the top," AA's policy director Martin Glynn told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"She is well acquainted with systems of government, I think she is going to be a great minister of police," Chris Hipkins told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"I wanted to figure out how it is we got to where we are," Espiner told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today marks one year to the day that I turned on my microphone in this studio for the first time and started a conversation with you.
There were all sorts of reasons I came here. All sorts of reasons I made the switch from something I knew and loved - politics and television reporting - to something I had no clue how to do or whether I’d enjoy.
The main reason was our boss - the man who convinced me - Dallas Gurney.
He sold me a dream that was too good to resist - being a foundation member of a brand-new news and talk radio station doing something like no other.
News that moves you forward.
We would listen, challenge, debate, be curious, fierce, balanced and empathetic.
Yesterday Dallas told our team that he’s leaving for understandable personal reasons. It is devastating news for our Today FM whānau - he was our architect and our champion.
And he delivered on that promise he lured me here with. His genius actually is that he didn’t just do it - he created a team that would deliver on that promise ensuring that Today FM would endure long beyond any one of us - even him.
A year ago today I wrote and read this to you, from my first editorial:
When you’re given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of something as special as we’re creating here at Today FM - you close your eyes and take the leap.
Six months ago I could not have imagined this moment, now that I’m standing here, I can’t imagine anywhere I’d rather be.
That was one year ago.
And a year on I do have a bit more of a clue about what I’m doing - a little bit - and I do know how much I enjoy it - a lot.
And those words are more true now than ever before.
Today FM is a family, we have mixed views, and mixed backgrounds, we have a newsroom full of journalists who honestly you would not believe how hard they work, our team is hilarious, they find the ridiculous in the mundane, they hate injustice, they love people, they look out for each other and we all really love and truly believe in what we do.
And we do it all for you.
So happy first birthday to us! And happy birthday and thank you to you - our Today community!!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
An activist accused of spreading anti-transgender sentiment is intent on entering New Zealand, as Immigration reviews her application to visit.
British woman Kellie-Jay Keen, also known as Posie Parker, was due to travel to New Zealand to speak in Auckland and Wellington for her Let Women Speak tour this weekend.
But that’s now up in the air, after her events in Australia saw some attendees give Nazi salutes and rising tensions between those there to support and oppose Posie's position.
The request to ban the activist from entering NZ is being met with mixed expressions. Some say her presence is an invitation to incite further extreme political action as we saw in Melbourne and potential violence.
On the other hand, even those who oppose Keen's political views say free speech means everyone, including those you don't agree with, should be able to have a voice.
Green MP Elizabeth Kerekere is opposing Keen's visit, and told Tova O'Brien on Tuesday morning that shutting her out of the country is not the same as "shutting down the debate".
"I think the debate can continue on. It's not like we're completely isolated and people can't share their views unless they're physically here," said Kerekere.
"But the fact is it has real-life consequences. When someone who incites violence and they come into a place and whip up that kind of hate, that has a direct and physical, mental impact on the trans and non-binary people in this country.
"We've already started passing laws to protect the rights of trans and non-binary people and this is a huge step backwards for them."
Kerekere said the activist is coming to New Zealand specifically to "create that kind of hate and violence," and the Government should be stepping in to stop them from legally entering the country.
Listen to the full interview between Green MP Elizabeth Kerekere and Tova above.
You can also download the full interview on the Tova podcast, and listen on the go. Download the rova app on apple or android to listen to this podcast on the go, or anywhere else you get your podcasts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"I have a one-year-old daughter who by the time she understands what climate change is, will not have the opportunity to act on it," Amanda Larsson told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We’re returning to the anti co-governance meeting in Orewa.
The event was part of a nationwide tour organised by Christian evangelist Julian Batchelor. Those who attended describe the mood as tense.
Protestors who attended were mostly from local iwi Ngāti Manuhiri and members of Te Herenga Waka o Ōrewa Marae.
Mikaela Matenga was there and filmed what happened.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Big news here for us today… the first episode in the new Today FM Investigates video documentary series has just dropped.
UNSOCIAL MEDIA: Following the Trolls looks at the all-pervasive scourge of those who post hateful comments about others online.
You can watch the doco by texting Trolls to 3920, and the series is also available as a podcast - download the Rova app on apple or android .
Investigations Editor Wilhelmina Shrimpton is here to tell us more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel segment on Tova! On Mondays we turn to our wise heads, our former politicians - we are joined by former Green MP Sue Bradfordand and Chris Finlayson, former National MP & former Attorney General.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A new study reveals that humans' enjoyment of feeling lightheaded could go back on the evolutionary scale to when we were apes.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Those particular patients are left on their own and unable to access the care they need," Hugh Tengrove told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cyclone Gabrielle has revealed cracks in Aotearoa's rural health system.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Greens are frustrated…
It used its annual state of the planet speech to threaten to hold back its support unless the big parties promise the strongest possible climate action.
"Labour and National may be duking it out over the so-called political centre," said Greens Co-leader and Climate minister James Shaw.
"But this October, New Zealand will either elect the most progressive, climate-focused Government we have ever had… Or hand the keys to the most reactionary race-baiting right-wing government we have seen in decades."
Shaw told Tova O'Brien on Monday morning his party must keep their influence after October's ballot.
"If you want to see stronger action on climate change, you've got to do something different," said Shaw.
"You have to produce a government that actually has the Greens sitting around the Cabinet table because that's how you get stronger action on climate change."
He's admitted the Green Party has felt stifled by the government.
"I think that we've done a pretty good job of the government that we've been given, over the last two terms of parliament," Shaw said.
"But I do feel a level of frustration that we haven't been able to move as quickly as we would have liked to."
O'Brien pointed out that the Greens have been in government with Labour for the past two terms. Hear how Shaw responded in the full interview.
Listen to the full interview between Greens Co-leader and Climate minister James Shaw and Tova above.
You can also download the full interview on the Tova podcast, and listen on the go. Download the rova app on apple or android to listen to this podcast on the go, or anywhere else you get your podcasts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Not long after the event started about 12 police filed in and then there were more that showed up outside the venue so it was quite shocking," Jake Law told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion: National would be mad to think it can pull off an NZ MAGA trick - that horrid Kiwi-isation of that horrid American term. Make Ardern Go Away.
That it could get rid of its unpopular leader - like Ardern was to Labour - and turn itself around in the polls - like Ardern’s ‘going away’ did for Labour.
Anyone in National doing the maths right now, those in the more marginal seats, or candidates outside of parliament in seats lost in last election’s red tide who were hoping to get in this year, or MPs who don’t like Luxon or who think they could do a better job than him - even if they’re all right to an extent, they need to calm those itchy trigger fingers.
If National is to have any hope at the next election they need to rally like hell behind their boy.
They may be going off Luxon, he may not be winning over voters, and his policies may not be getting traction but they made their bed and now they need to dig in and try to help him turn round the torpor.
As the year wears on and if the bad polls worsen for the Nats and Luxon, the already very audible agitation arguing for a Nicola Willis/Chris Bishop coup mach 2 will grow in volume.
But as hungry as Willis and Bish are, as certain as they are that they have always been the ones preordained to rule the party in government, they need to actually learn from the mistakes of the past.
Coup me once shame on me, coup me twice shame on you.
They will not survive as a future leadership ticket if they spill any more blood.
Their exoneration from the Simon Bridges/Todd Muller coup isn’t complete. Many in the caucus and wider party still harbour a grudge for the damage Muller’s 53 days in power did for the party and instead of Muller, who evokes pity rather than antipathy, it’s Willis and Bishop who are blamed for the disaster.
That’s not necessarily to say Luxon’s the right person for the job but rolling him now, or even a gracious resignation like Ardern’s, will not be the same for National as it’s been for Labour for a few reasons beyond the scepticism of the two behind the coup.
First, National has been the party of instability for the last six years. Don’t remind people of that. There’s no way they’ll vote for a party in disarray. 2020 showed us that already.
Second, Nicola Willis - she’s great but I’ve yet to see that x-factor - that thing that John Key revived National with, that Jacinda Ardern supercharged Labour with.
You might argue the same could be said of Hipkins and you might be right but he had an ace up his sleeve - this kamikaze destruction of all Labour’s unpopular policies. Establishing a mega reset.
National can’t do that. It’s barely announced anything. It’s got no trump card. Luxon’s it. Stability and consistency is the party’s best shot right now - whether they like it or not.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Big week for the UK, US, and Australia as they make a pact for some nuclear submarines amidst tensions with China.
This, and it's catchy name of AUKUS, caught the attention of Producer Jeremy, who took a bit of inspiration from The Beatles.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Language is a lot looser than it used to be back in the day, especially when it comes to the odd cuss word.
But does that mean we shouldn't need to hold our tongues in the workplace? Or should we just f**king talk exactly how we like?!?!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Yesterday we talked about data from Trade Me showing the average property price has dropped by $88,400 in the past twelve months.
The national average asking price plunging 9% to $870,550.
We want to look at the key factors cooling the market and also what might happen if National’s elected and reverses some of those factors.
Kelvin Davidson is the Chief Property economist from CoreLogic, and he joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oops he did it again…
Stuart Nash was even staring down a possible contempt of court charge for a comment in 2020.
It follows his forced resignation as Police Minister after his most recent breach.
The Prime Minister says Stuart Nash has lost his prized police portfolio and that’s enough... but is it? Should the PM be kicking him out of cabinet altogether ?
Our Political Editor is Newsroom’s Jo Moir.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The East Auckland community is in shock after six young people raided a liquor store.
Some as young as just 10 years old busted into the liquor store during school hours.
It comes after Police admitted earlier in the week that there have been dozens more ram raids than initially reported.
Retail NZ CEO Greg Harford is urging Police to do more to protect retailers and he joins me this morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Government is pushing ahead with a bold business case for a shallow Central Otago Lake, despite its massive price tag.
A pumped hydro-electric power scheme at Lake Onslow now has an estimated cost of $15.7 billion - up from $4 billion.
The project seeks a solution to the ‘dry year’ problem, where our hydro stations cannot generate enough electricity over winter… meaning we rely on fossil fuels.
John Carnegie is the CEO of Energy Resources Aotearoa, whose members include businesses involved in oil and gas.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero, our panel segment here on Tova. Today it's a chance to hear from some smart thinkers - it’s Spinoff bulletins editor Anna Rawhiti Connell, and broadcasting legend and Today FM host Gary McCormick.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"I'm hopeful that she wants to get a settlement because we definitely want to get a settlement that meets our needs," Chris Abercrombie told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The heat is on the former Police Minister, as National labels him a repeat-offender.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion: Yesterday before the show I was dead sure in my own mind that Stuart Nash should not be sacked from his other portfolios, that losing Police - his special favourite - was punishment enough.
But it was our interview with Judith Collins actually that brought me round. Not by playing party politics or categorising what Nash had done as a judgement or character flaw but by simply reading the letter of the law.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Within Western democracies there tends to be an increased level of transparency," futurist and Gorilla Tech CEO Paul Spain told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Questions are being raised about whether Stuart Nash - who resigned from his role as police minister amid growing controversy - should be stripped of other portfolios.
Further revelations came to light yesterday, prompting renewed calls for him to be booted out of Parliament altogether.
In 2020, the Auditor General considered charging him for comments he made about cop killer Eli Epiha - saying he should go to prison for a long time.
Speaking with Tova O'Brien on Friday morning, lawyer Graeme Edgeler believes there is good cause for Nash to be kicked out of parliament.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With all eyes on a tight election later this year, a lot of people are doing the numbers to see what combination of coalitions might make up our next Government.
But with the way that our new PM has let a few environmental issues fall by the wayside recently, is a Greens and Labour friendship a thing of the past?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We spoke to our wonderful entertainment reporter Carol Ramos post Oscars earlier this week about what seemed like a controversy-free ceremony.
But oh what a difference a day or two can make…Carol Ramos joins me now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Around 50,000 teachers are set to walk off the job today to strike for better pay and working conditions.
So far the government has offered $4000 pay increases for some teachers for this year. But that’s been rejected and called ‘borderline insulting’ by teachers like our next guest.
Maurie Abraham is the Principal of Hobsonville Point Secondary School, 50 out of 60 members of his staff are striking today.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What is your tolerance for swearing in the workplace?
In the safety of a meeting room, hearing someone use animated language is not unheard of.
A UK employment court has just deemed it fine too - saying the phrase ‘I don’t give a f***” doesn’t have the shock value it once held.
Waikato University senior lecturer of linguistics Andreea Calude joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's Pae Korero, our panel segment here on Tova. Joining us today is University of Auckland History professor Caroline Daley, and The Spinoff’s editor-at-large Toby Manhire.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Searching for that kill shot got them a little bit over-excited, over-stimulated with that big lead," NBL commentator Andrew Mulligan told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"It is not the Prime Minister's discretion, it is the law… it's really clear," Judith Collins told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"We are the experts, we know what we're talking about, we're the ones that are at the coalface," kindergarten teacher Rhiannon Morris told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Damien Grant from insolvency business Waterstone says he’s dealing with more failed ventures in the building sector than any other at the moment.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The team at the Oxford English Dictionary have been busy officially incorporating new words into their collection, including 'chur' and 'balls deep'.
In addition, they have recognised 36 words from te reo Māori, bringing the total number of New Zealand-origin words to 47.
According to the dictionary entry, 'chur' is now officially defined as "used to express good wishes on meeting or departing, or to express thanks, approval, etc.: 'cheers!'"
On Thursday morning, broadcaster Julian Wilcox spoke to Tova O'Brien about the addition of 'chur' to the dictionary.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It was a boast that cost Stuart Nash his job.
When he was still Police Minister on Wednesday morning, during an interview, Stuart Nash’s braggadocio was on full display.
"I've seen a couple of judgements and actually one, I phoned up the Police Commissioner who said, ‘surely you're going to appeal this'," Nash told Newstalk ZB.
And despite the clear breach of police independence, Nash doubled down when questioned by reporters shortly after.
"I wasn't Minister of Police, I was chewing the fat with a guy who was a mate, about a decision that I thought was very bad," Nash said.
The phone call took place in 2021 when Nash was not the Police Minister.
However, the Prime Minister helped clear things up.
"I think it demonstrated a serious error of judgement and that is why I've accepted his resignation," Hipkins told Newshub.
"Had he not offered his resignation, then I would have removed him from the role."
Speaking with Tova O'Brien on Thursday morning, Police Association President Chris Cahill gave his opinion on the recent events, agreeing with Chris Hipkins that, unfortunately, Nash had to go.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion: Yesterday early afternoon I wrote an editorial about the sanctity of constabulary independence and how - despite really liking Stuart Nash as a person and as a Police Minister - I thought the Prime Minister needed to sack him.
A few minutes later the editorial was rendered redundant. Stuart Nash was gone.
But as I'd been writing the last line of that first editorial I marvelled. The last line read, "Independence. A core constitutional principle. One that may have just cost the PM his first minister.. And remember he's still not even two months into the top job".
Not even two months as Prime Minister.
Let's take stock for just a moment.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kiwis and their relationship with alcohol... it's an interesting one for sure.
But is it a good idea for kids to learn how to drink around their parents? Or should they just steer clear of the booze altogether?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Let’s take a minute to think about the people who think about us.
The doctors, nurses and teachers; those who put themselves selflessly ahead of those they look after. How are they doing?
The ‘Heart Place Hospital’ is a service aimed at focusing on the wellbeing of frontline carers.
Founder Jacqui O’Connor is a former nurse - she’s leading a fundraising campaign for the service.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New research shows extreme weather events like Cyclone Gabrielle now produce 30 percent more rain than before humans arrived on earth.
A quick analysis of the two days where Hawke’s Bay was most affected was not able to definitively say how much human input played into the wider picture.
But it could say that there is no other plausible explanation for an increase in rainfall other than a warming planet.
Principal NIWA scientist Dr Sam Dean joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We’re marking four years since the violent terror attacks on two Christchurch mosques claimed 51 lives
Paul Spoonley is the director of the Centre for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism - he joins us now to talk about hate speech and hate crimes, and whether or not this country has changed four years on.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero, our panel segment on Tova. Today our super smart opinion makers are Today FM host Polly Gillespie, and Executive Director of Auckland Pride, Max Tweedie.
They'll talk about bullying in schools, and Nelson's homeless receiving $200 fines for... being homeless?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Let’s bring in Council of Trade Unions Economist and Policy Director Craig Renney who crunched those tax numbers for us...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Each week we are joined by clinical psychologist Karen Nimmo for four minutes of collective therapy - to help us understand some of the feelings we’re feeling and learn strategies to help us cope.
This week our theme is "Parents Under Pressure" - how do you keep the kids happy enough, get your work done and hold onto your sanity?
Our expert Karen Nimmo joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"We want real wages for teachers to rise over time and that will be a priority for us," Deputy Leader Nicola Willis told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Speaking with Tova O'Brien, Dr Phil Borell said there's more to the masculine identity of these men "than just the physical we see on TV".
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
People living in their cars in Nelson are being issued fines of NZD$200 when attempting to park near public toilets.
This has become a significant concern for the local community, with advocacy group The Male Room speaking out against the fines.
The group claims that local men who live in their vehicles are being disproportionately affected, and are facing fines that they will never be able to pay off.
Director and founder of The Male Room Philip Chapman spoke to Tova O'Brien on Wednesday morning to explain the issue further.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We wave them off to get an education - but some children - a minority but even one is too many - some children, are coming back bullied, beaten and terrified to go to class.
Today FM has revealed videos of group violence at school and parents feeling helpless.
“It’s incredibly difficult to watch that video. It plays, and it just plays, and there’s this image of my son being smashed. It’s gut-wrenching," one Waimea College student's father told us.
“After his detention which was during lunchtime, a mob of kids were waiting outside the detention room, they surrounded him, hustled him out into the field, and one kid proceeded to beat the crap out of him while the rest cheered, called him names and videoed it,” another woman said.
“He went to go toilet before his first period and one of the bullies was there. He wanted something from Seth and started pounding on the toilet door and Seth came out and he pulled him to the ground and started kicking him in the back several times until he got what he wanted," said another mother.
Education Minister Jan Tinetti told Tova O'Brien on Wednesday morning that students returning after the pandemic was tough for them, blaming COVID-19 lockdowns for the recent rise in bullying at schools.
"[We've seen] an increase of mental health issues over COVID time," said Tinetti.
"We are making certain that our young people feel secure and confident back within the schooling environment again."
She acknowledged the recent raise in bullying events across schools in NZ, suggesting people reach out to the Government to make their voices heard.
"I know that sometimes you feel like you're in this on your own," she said.
"I urge that when this happens to schools, get in contact with the Ministry of Education. They have got the support that can help you work through."
Meanwhile, the principal of Waimea College in New Zealand, Scott Haines, has stated that the school is taking the recent incidents of bullying and violence seriously and is reviewing its procedures for handling such incidents.
Haines said, "We are actively reviewing how we handle incidents in our school along with what can be done to reduce anti-social behaviours. As noted in our letter to parents, we will be providing an update later this week with our progress on this review and actions identified."
He also mentioned that the school has met with the Ministry of Education and the police to investigate the incidents and incorporate their recommendations in the review process.
Haines said, "We have met with the Ministry of Education, and they will be supporting us with a review of our incident response, and we will be incorporating their recommended actions. We have also met with the police regarding the incidents in the media, and they are currently speaking with all parties involved."
Haines emphasised that violent incidents and bullying behaviour will not be tolerated and that the school is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students.
He said, "Just one student feeling unsafe at school is not something we accept, let alone students being attacked...violent incidents like this will not be tolerated, and other bullying, intimidation or aggressive behaviours will also not be tolerated."
Haines also acknowledged the nationwide crisis of anger and violence in schools and the impact of social media on young people's mental health and behaviour.
He said, "Sadly, the messages I'm receiving from my principal colleagues is that we have a nationwide crisis... Social media is not helping with this as it is a 24/7 tool, and it provides the opportunity and means to share videos and pictures or make harmful comments or to victimise or re-victimise someone."
In the full interview from Wednesday morning, the Education Minister also conceded a resolution is still some way off, ahead of the planned teacher strike.
Schools will close tomorrow, as tens of thousands take to the streets across the country.
Education Minister Jan Tinetti said the strike is too late to stop.
Listen to the full interview between Education Minister Jan Tinetti and Tova above.
You can also download the full interview on the Tova podcast, and listen on the go. Download the rova app on apple or android to listen to this podcast on the go, or anywhere else you get your podcasts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Four years passed but I'm still feeling March 15," Temel Atacocugu told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's happening in countries like Australia and Canada... they're looking at making childcare more affordable so parents can go back to work.
Would it be a good idea to look at it NZ? Tova and Duncan will try and woo you with their side of the argument!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
US authorities are working urgently to prevent wider financial chaos following Friday's collapse of Silicon Valley Bank — the biggest failure of a US bank since 2008.
Two other banks have also collapsed in the US this month - Silvergate and Signature were used mainly by crypto companies.
Some New Zealand companies have been affected, raising questions about how safe our own banks are as a potential recession looms.
Michael Reddell is a former Reserve Bank economist and he joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What would happen if the pokies disappeared from your local club or pub?
What would it do to the business and even the local community organisations who rely on funding from those gambling machines?
In Sydney, a sports club who said no to pokies 16 years ago says the result for them was a 700% lift in revenue.
Now the Petersham Bowling Club is encouraging similar businesses to adopt their trailblazing approach for the sake of their communities.
Here to discuss is the club’s president, Dr George Catsi.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion: This whole selective ‘I’m not going to play the rule-in/rule-out game’ bit that the Prime Minister’s regularly deploying has got to stop.
The smokescreen has become suffocating.
It’s fine for Chris Hipkins to not announce the entire Budget or policy manifesto every time he speaks to journalists. I get that.
But to refuse to be drawn on nearly everything because it’s now interpreted as the rule-in/rule-out game is going to have a very limited lifespan.
And based on the flurry of texts you sent me after our interview with the PM yesterday, you have short shrift for it too.
My ears pricked up when Hipkins said this…
"In terms of indexation of income tax brackets that is a very significant cost for a relatively modest return in terms of what people will get out of that," said the PM on Tuesday.
Huh... tax cuts by way of indexation of income tax brackets - like National’s policy - are not good bang for buck.
Interesting, given Labour had just announced it was indexing super and benefits to inflation, making income and wages just about the only thing not keeping up with inflation.
Here’s a good starting point for a fulsome chat about tax I thought to myself... I thought wrong.
I asked Hipkins if he was saying it’s too expensive to index income tax brackets...
"No I'm just saying the announcement we made yesterday is the thing that will make the biggest difference here and now," said Hipkins.
"I’m not going to tell you the tax policy of the government heading into the budget particularly when the budget hasn’t even gone to cabinet yet…"
I wasn't asking for the policy or specifics of it, I was asking if there is enough money for a policy like it.
"As I indicated not going to give you the budget here and now," Hipkins repeated.
I wasn't asking for the budget… Hipkins was telling us what other things are affordable and which are not. I simply wanted to know if tax cuts are affordable.
"I love the fact you don’t want the budget, you just want to know what’s in it," the PM said.
I mean, learning the contents of the Budget before it’s gone to cabinet would be dreamy - but no, that’s not what I was after.
The Prime Minister made a very clear statement and then refused to back it up or be drawn on it.
I’d expect that kind of thing from a minister beholden to their Prime Minister and Cabinet but Chris Hipkins isn’t just a minister anymore.
What he says goes. And if the Prime Minister steps up to the mic and makes a bold statement like saying tax cuts through indexation are a very significant cost for modest returns... He’s got to be able to back that up.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"I want to see us narrowing our focus," Hipkins told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s the rapidly growing sport with a kooky name, and it has people going crazy for a variety of reasons.
Pickleball is booming in the US and it’s starting to pick up traction here too.
But the sound of the players and of the racquet smacking against the small hollow ball is said to be so annoying, entire communities in America are rallying against it.
Jeff Parke has been described as Auckland’s Pied Piper of Pickleball, he can’t get enough of it and he says it’s like ping-pong on steroids, he joined Tova O'Brien on Monday to talk more about pickleball.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Monday morning, we’re looking at to what extent drug companies should be able to give trips, gifts and payments to health professionals.
Medicines NZ CEO Graeme Jarvis believes such a relationship can be useful, and told Tova why he thinks this.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For the first time, big pharma companies are disclosing how much they’ve given to Kiwi health professionals by way of freebies and payments.
After years of pushing for transparency, the first tranche of disclosures has come through, revealing drug companies have spent 456-thousand dollars cosying up to doctors.
But should such sponsorships exist and how does it influence what brands of medicine GPs prescribe?
Auckland University Associate Professor of psychological medicine, David Menkes talked to Tova O'Brien about the topic.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sports editor and cricket commentator Nigel Yalden told Tova O'Brien it's just another example of what wonderful sporting theatre test match cricket can provide.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Watercare, Auckland's water supplier, has announced plans to increase water rates by 9.5 percent starting from July 2023.
This decision comes despite the recent double hit from the floods and Cyclone Gabrielle.
The move is expected to result in an extra cost of NZ$2.20 per week or NZ$114 per year for the average household.
Watercare CEO Dave Chambers defended the price hike in an interview with Tova O'Brien on Tuesday morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Go further and faster on making those bold moves for the sake of our people and our planet's future," Sophie Handford told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The eagerly anticipated changes to alcohol advertising and sponsorship laws have been deferred, marking another setback for reform efforts. This decision comes in the wake of the elimination of several other policies in recent weeks.
The decision has left the Health Coalition Aotearoa, which comprises healthcare workers, non-governmental organisations, and academics, deeply frustrated.
According to Co-chair Boyd Swinburn, the government is tucking its tail in the face of this decision.
"This is cowardly," said Swinburn.
"The government could seriously do something about this if it wanted to. There is an alcohol levy which brings in about $10 million a year. It's going at the moment to the Ministry of Health and doing nothing on reducing harmful alcohol consumption."
He suggested that if the government is looking to save money, it could start by using the $10 million annual alcohol levy to buy out alcohol sponsorships, as it did with tobacco sponsorships in the past.
Swinburn accused the government of making "weak excuses" and being "afraid of standing up to the alcohol industry on behalf of New Zealanders."
"Don't forget this harm really has a big impact on those households that are struggling the most," he said.
"It has a big impact on health inequities and social inequities. So I think that we really need to do things that support those families."
Listen to the full interview between Health Coalition Aotearoa Co-chair Boyd Swinburn and Tova above.
You can also download the full interview on the Tova podcast, and listen on the go. Download the rova app on apple or android to listen to this podcast on the go, or anywhere else you get your podcasts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's Pae Korero, and it’s Tuesday...and they are back!
Our powerbroker edition - Labour Minister Kiritapu Allan and National’s 3IC Chris Bishop.
What did they make of the latest 1News Kantar Public poll, and should under 16s be allowed to vote?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Safety advocates are expressing concern after plans for nationwide speed reductions on New Zealand's State Highways were scaled back, potentially prolonging the country's journey towards zero road fatalities.
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins announced on Monday a "significant narrowing" of the speed limit reduction programme as part of his policy reprioritisation process. The move follows the wiping out of several other policies in recent weeks.
The programme has been scaled back and instead will focus on just one percent of the most dangerous highways, a decision that has raised questions from road safety advocates about the effectiveness of the approach.
AA road safety spokesperson Dylan Thomsen spoke with Tova O'Brien on Tuesday morning about the announcement.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion: Remember last week when Te Whatu Ora published junk figures for Northland emergency department wait times?
How they jumped from just 76.5 percent of people seen in the target time of six hours to a glowing but impossible 99.7 percent and they got busted.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jacinda Ardern’s previous commitments to tackling climate change are been challenged as Chris Hipkins shovels the policies onto the scrap heap. Ardern had previously declared climate change to be 'our generation’s nuclear-free moment'.
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has cancelled the ‘cash for clunkers’ scheme, which was aimed at incentivising low-income families to exchange their old polluting vehicles for cleaner ones. The clean car leasing scheme has also been eliminated.
Furthermore, public transport seems to have fallen down the priority list, and there will be fewer speed limit reductions.
The container return scheme, which aimed to increase recycling rates, has also been postponed.
Ironically, these policies were cut to provide funding for the cleanup of Cyclone Gabrielle, a climate catastrophe that hit New Zealand in January.
Russel Norman, Executive Director of Greenpeace New Zealand, slammed the cuts with Tova O’Brien on Tuesday morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The National Party's Police spokesperson Mark Mitchell told Tova O'Brien the police force feel their duty is restricted under the current Government.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"I think 'Everything Everywhere All At Once' could likely sweep, dominate, make history," KTLA Morning News reporter, Sam Rubin told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"The longer this goes on, the more risk the BBC might be [in]," London's Matt Lawton, the Times Chief Sports Correspondent told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Yes, mortgage rates are higher than they've been for a few years, and banks are wary of how much money they're lending...but house prices are lower as a consequence.
Is now a good time to get yourself into property?
Tova and Duncan take a corner as we hit Debate Club!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel - and on Mondays we turn to our former politicians! We're joined by former Green MP Sue Bradford and and Chris Finlayson, former National MP & former Attorney General.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
An Auckland bus driver has been left with serious injuries after a stabbing which involved a passenger on Saturday night in the Auckland suburb of Mt Roskill.
The incident left the driver with serious injuries and has raised concerns about the safety measures on Auckland's public transport network.
The alleged attacker, a 62-year-old, has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and is due to appear in court on Monday.
Police are investigating the incident, and the Auckland Tramways Union has called for increased safety measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
Gary Froggatt, President of the Auckland Tramways Union, spoke to Tova O'Brien on Monday morning and expressed his concerns about the safety of bus drivers.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion: I had such a lovely weekend - one of those weekends that make you feel very lucky and grateful.
Mum and I went to Revisor - a dance by one of our favourite choreographers, smashed some mango sorbet in the blistering heat at the Big Gay Out, caught up with family and friends, went to an engagement party for one of the loveliest couples I know, some yoga for righteousness, lots of Next in Fashion late into the night on Netflix and the centrepiece - dinner at Pasture on Saturday night.
One of the country’s great fine dining, degustation restaurants. Pure experience, pure delight, pure memorable belated birthday feast for my mum.
It’s a proper treat. And one that could, sadly, become less accessible according to Pasture’s Chef.
We were chatting to him somewhere between the sliced clam, sliced peach, sliced mushroom whozeewhatsit and the chopped oyster, asparagus foam, garlic cream somethingarather when Chef told us it’s still so so hard to get staff, to get chefs - especially highly qualified chefs. So many head overseas and so few come the other way.
He thinks the end result could be that fine dining becomes a thing of the past or a thing reserved for the rich, of the rich, of the rich.
Bearing in mind, Pasture is far from cheap. It’s a save-up-for kind of an evening.
But with rising produce costs, a short supply of chefs and everything generally just getting more expensive, there is a fear restaurants that occupy this special place in the culinary culture of a country could fold, or if they do soldier on, they’ll be forced to push prices up even further and occupy a place that even fewer people will be able to afford.
I know the government did finally (late last year) fix the anomaly that meant chefs weren’t able to come into the country without certain qualifications, and unqualified chefs probably aren’t ideal candidates for fine dining anyway, but we’re just not making the country attractive enough.
We spent so long alienating so many different industries last year when the government was tutuing about with its immigration reset, changing the policy on the fly as it went along when the rest of the world had already recognised there was a global workforce shortage - it was already fighting for workers.
Whereas we dilly dallied and that’s seen us fall from anywhere near the top of the table in terms of attracting the best and brightest.
It’s not just hospitality - it’s hospitals.
We need to incentivise people to come here. And even more than that we need to incentivise Kiwis to train up and want to stay here. We need them to be able to afford to stay and live here.
Even afford a twenty-course meal once in a while on very special occasions.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Each week, our producer Jeremy is given the task to look at a story in the news that can be set to music, and this week he wanted to visit Kaitaia College's raw chicken saga...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cost of living crisis, economy heading towards recession, everything seems tougher for your average person on the street to make a buck... so... um... how come banks are still making record profits?
And is it okay?
(Imagine being the person that has to debate in favour of the banks!)
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today FM can reveal a big project which has been happening behind the scenes.
Our newly-minted investigations editor Wilhelmina Shrimpton is launching a new podcast series - Today FM Investigates.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Two people have died from whooping cough, and further infections are likely due to what’s described as a ‘seriously low’ rate of routine childhood immunisations.
Te Whatu Ora is urging people to watch for symptoms and make sure vulnerable groups - tamariki, older people and pregnant women - are up to date on jabs.
Covid-19 restrictions meant that while there were lower case numbers of infections, many people also fell behind on their other vaccines.
National Public Health Service clinical lead William Rainger joins us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero our panel here on Tova - a chance to hear from some smart thinkers. Today it’s Spinoff bulletins editor Anna Rawhiti Connell, and broadcasting superstar Gary McCormick - host of McCormick unleashed here on Today FM.
Inaccurate ED wait time data is getting released... Whether by accident or not, is it making it hard for journalists trying to report on the true extent of health crisis?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Massey University associate professor of business Claire Matthews believes they aren't, while 2Degrees founder Tex Edwards believes banks are.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Canterbury District Manager Toni Stewart explained there are a number of factors that decide where people who offend in this way are housed.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Up to 50,000 teachers, principals and support staff will walk off the job next week, forcing many schools to close on Thursday 16 March.
Union members from kindergartens, primary schools and secondary schools have heaped on their support for the mega-strike, as 10 months of negotiations for a collective agreement stall.
They overwhelmingly turned down the latest Ministry of Education offer, which they say leaves little regard for the profession and fails to attract and retain staff.
Though with several disruptions to children's learning schedules over the past several years, there has been criticism that teachers striking will be yet another disruption to Kiwi kids.
Paul Stephens is the chair of PPTA Auckland Region, and he’s also an art teacher on the North Shore.
He told Tova O'Brien on Friday morning the consequences of not striking for early childhood learning could be far greater.
"That's actually why we're striking," said Stephens.
"Because of the challenges that we've been facing over the last three years and now facing declining wages on top of that, we’re really trying to raise the alarm about what we're hearing in our staff rooms, and watching staff leaving.
"We're realising, increasingly, and we're hearing from our principals as well, that we're not able to staff our specialist subjects."
Stephens said the "growing crisis" in education is akin to what is also happening in the health sector.
"We're seeing a pattern emerging."
He said teachers are often faced with the moral dilemma of wanting to give what they can to their students while also expecting fair pay in return.
"It's really tough as a teacher because you get into the work because it's meaningful, you often get into it and then find you really enjoy it, but when the challenges increase and you don't feel like the value coming back can match that, you can't blame people for wanting to leave."
Stephens said that mounting social issues leading to growing violence across different schools continue to make life harder for teachers.
Listen to the full interview between PPTA Auckland Chair Paul Stephens and Tova above.
You can also download the full interview on the Tova podcast, and listen on the go. Download the rova app on apple or android to listen to this podcast on the go, or anywhere else you get your podcasts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ayesha Verrall told Tova O'Brien the statement from her office directing journalists to the incorrect figures was incorrectly attributed to her.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion: A text earlier this week caught my eye - I didn’t get to it because there’s just been too much brilliant feedback to even get through let alone read on-air or write about lately. This one wasn’t particularly brilliant but it is worth a mention.
Based on the text the texter won’t be reading this now anyway but I think it’s worth acknowledging the general tenor of it cause there are bound to be some of you who feel similarly.
I can’t remember exactly what it said but it was along the lines of - 'I gave you a go but you’re not balanced, you’re just like the other guy always bagging the government, I’m out' - something like that... perhaps a bit ruder.
And yeah some days I’m gonna bag the government. The government has stuffed up on a fair few levels lately - we’re not going to ignore that. Likewise, we won’t ignore it when the opposition stuffs up.
This is not a party partisan criticism - this is a governance criticism. I couldn’t give any fluffy ducks which party they belong to.
But if you’re the government and you screw up governance we’re probably gonna be pretty ruthless. I think - I hope - you’d be even more critical of us if we weren’t.
I’m used to receiving criticism from the left and the right - I’m completely fine with it. It literally comes in 50/50.
But it’s a shame if you see things so black and white. I really want you to see the rich rainbow in between.
Don’t just listen for the thing that offends you. The criticism of your party or your politics that you might take personally. Listen to the whole interview - there are often compliments and criticism bedded within.
Don’t just listen to one interview or one editorial either - listen to an entire show - an entire day here at Today FM. There is no single opinion here and I love hearing and being swayed by views different to mine.
Some days - yeah depending on which side you’re rooting for - it might feel like I’m beating up on your guys or praising the other side too much. For the other half of our listeners that day they might be saying - finally Tova’s seen the light and she’s doing her job, holding that lot to account.
That’s fine.
And I don’t mind losing that listener that texted in - they made up their mind. That’s fine too. Shit happens.
But genuinely I promise - l will give credit where credit’s due, and I will definitely give criticism where I feel it’s warranted. And I’ll hear you out when you disagree with me.
But please don’t mistake my cracks or kudos for me picking a side.
Left or right - this show probably will feel different for you depending on the day.
You might love me one day, and hate me the next. Hopefully, most of you fall in the middle.
And that for me, is balance.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Te Whatu Ora CEO Margie Apa was unable to provide the actual figure for Northland DHB but told Tova O'Brien it will be published on the website later on Friday.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Thursday morning, Tova O'Brien and Duncan Garner faced off once again on the Debate Club segment.
The moot for Thursday was: 'It's ok for politicians to lie'.
Tova O'Brien was tasked to argue that it is ok, with Duncan Garner arguing that it isn't.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As part of his role, Schmidt hopes to promote the event and increase coverage of the Special Olympics in New Zealand.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A "nationwide crisis" - that’s how the principal at Waimea College is describing the anger, violence and anxiety in our country’s schools in an email to concerned parents.
A small but concerned group of parents gathered at Waimea College bus bay on Wednesday, trying to find a solution.
Since Today FM started reporting on two violent beatings caught on film at the school - dozens of Kiwis have gotten in touch from around the country with their own harrowing stories.
Today FM has requested interviews with the principal of Waimea College, Scott Haines. He’s been away and refused so far but he did send that email to parents on Friday, which also expresses deep concern about the two incidents of assault at his school.
Sharona Stanton is a parent of another boy at the school who claims her son was attacked.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's been a week of some slightly embellished language from our politicians and public servants... but when isn't it?
But should those bureaucrats have to be honest ALL the time? Or is it okay for them to ben the truth just a little?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's time for our panel segment on Tova - Pae Korero.
Joining us today is University of Auckland History professor Caroline Daley, and The Spinoff’s editor-at-large Toby Manhire.
They'll talk the health system, banks, and public transport fails.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Paediatric and emergency junior doctor Nina Su told Tova O'Brien staff morale is incredibly low with many staff on the verge of quitting.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health NZ's interim National Medical Director told Tova O'Brien they are yet to see reductions in emergency wait times and doesn't expect that to change any time soon.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Some students at Kaitaia College landed in hospital yesterday after being given a stomach-churning free lunch.
Their lunch provider - Bell’s Produce - accidentally served up a batch of completely raw chicken tenders.
Bells’ Produce has apologised and is investigating… probably little comfort to several students who chowed down on the tendies - their pink meaty inner disguised under a crumb coat.
Maria Parsons’ son vomited three times before she arrived to pick him up on Thursday.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's International Women's Day, and we didn't want to be overly serious with this one... but who's better and why? Men vs Women. Tova vs Duncan.
It's Debate Club time!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - and today our super smart opinion makers are Today FM host of Polly, Polly Gillespie and Executive Director of Auckland Pride, Max Tweedie.
They're both outspoken, public figures - could they sign up to a neutrality protocol if they found themselves heading a key public sector organisation?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For better well being, a session in collective therapy can be everything…
And to that end, we are here to help!
Each week we are joined by clinical psychologist Karen Nimmo who shares some strategies to help us stay mentally robust.
We call it this segment 4 Minute Therapy, and this week our theme is - Imposter syndrome why we struggle with self-doubt at work.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s International Women’s Day, and it’s a chance to celebrate the magnificent women in our lives but also reflect on how far we have to go. Too far.
Firstly we check out a small handful of the measures we look at when judging progress and equality, then we'll talk to feminist, activist, and former Green MP, Sue Kedgley.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Either we are really serious in New Zealand about having an impartial public service or we're not," Christopher Luxon told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tova O'Brien will speak to Deborah Ferris just after 7:30 am on Wednesday morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"I think there needs to be a lot more thought in there and clarity for those that are taking on those roles," Paula Bennet told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"A line in the 2019 autopsy report said the lungs were unremarkable… if there was a death from drowning… how could they be unremarkable?" Reid told Tova.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion: One thing that’s bothering me about this messy Steve Maharey mess is the Prime Minister’s semantic acrobats on whether or not Steve Maharey offered his resignation when he called the PM’s office.
There are a whole lot of things politicians do when they don’t want to tell the full truth and the Prime Minister did a whole of those things...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rob Campbell told Tova O'Brien he thinks his comments on LinkedIn had very little to do with why he was stripped from his chairing roles.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For some reason, cyclists seem to be a very polarising segment of our community! And so do cycle lanes. Is there a problem in NZ with a lack of places for cyclists to be safe, or are they just a pain in the butt who should stay off the road?
Strong language... but let's see what Duncan and Tova have to say!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's Pae Korero time, and we love this dynamic duo!
Our powerbroker edition - Labour Minister Kiritapu Allan and National’s 3IC Chris Bishop.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In a pilot of new NCEA standards last year, only 56 percent of students passed the Maths test and 34 percent passed in Writing.
Documents released to RNZ show the Ministry of Education requested simpler language, allowing spell check, and avoiding complex words and situations students might not be familiar with like tramping or taking food to a potluck dinner.
Today we’ll hear from Secondary Principals Association president Vaughan Couillault, and National’s Education spokesperson Erica Stanford.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The government has performed an enormous u-turn on its plans to take money away from repairing potholes, and instead use it to create more bus and cycle lanes
Ironically the transport strategy which was prioritising climate change for the first time ever is back to the drawing board as a result of climate related Cyclone Gabrielle
But not before the Transport Minister gave an interview suggesting it was full steam ahead and that petrol taxes and road user charges were also up for a hike
The Prime Minister’s quickly kiboshed all that
How does this sit with their friends in the Greens? Transport Spokesperson Julie Anne Genter joins us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Activist, entertainer, and trailblazer - the memorably unique Georgina Beyer. The world’s first openly transgender Mayor and MP, is being remembered for the richly colourful legacy she leaves behind.
The "rainbow legend" died at Mary Potter Hospice in Wellington yesterday after a long illness.
Her first serious foray into politics was at a local level, becoming Carterton’s mayor in 1995. We’re joined now by the town’s current mayor, and Beyer’s former political colleague, Ron Mark.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Former All Blacks coach Sir Graham Henry and seven other men frequently meet for strolls and pilates anyway - and now they’re doing it for a good cause.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion: The Transport Minister’s had a bit of a mare.
The Herald yesterday morning broke the story about the Government’s new transport plan being finalised, including plans to take funding for fixing potholes and spend it on new bus and cycle lanes.
The transport plan which is rewritten every few years was to make climate change the number one priority for the first time.
That was of course until a climate-related weather event obliterated our roading system, tore down our bridges and cut off entire communities. '
And the Prime Minister additionally recognised how politically cataclysmic it would be to divert money to bus lanes we don’t even have bus drivers to drive down them right now when some of our state highways have become one giant pothole... kilometres wide.
The transport plan would need a rethink, which the Prime Minister has since confirmed, though it seems he failed to tell his transport minister in time for print.
Reading the Michael Wood interview in the Herald yesterday, not only did he fail to say the whole plan was for the scrap heap post-Gabrielle and that the new priorities were rebuilding and resilience...
He also failed to kibosh the cycle and bus lanes over potholes proposal.
The chef’s kiss, or political kiss of death, was Wood also talking up the prospect of not only lifting the subsidy on fuel taxes and road user charges but hiking fuel taxes and road user charges on top of it. Double whammy.
Did he not get the ‘bread and butter’ memo from the Prime Minister? We’re in a cost-of-living crisis - households are struggling to afford bread and butter and not only do you want to remove the discount that was helping people fill up the tank to get to work to pay their rent and feed their kids… but the government also wants to increase those taxes in election year too.
Wow. I admire your honest recognition of the need to top up the transport coffers but read the room bro…
The perversity here though is, of course, that the government is now dropping climate action back down the list of priorities to pay for the damage created by climate change.
We are the serpent eating its own tail. Forever caught in an endless cycle of destruction and rebirth.
At least we have politicians and their endless hijinks, u-turns, misspeaks and self-preservation to keep us entertained.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
While Iulia Iatan agreed the diet can have health benefits, she told Tova O'Brien there are ways to replace carb intake that doesn't involve Kiwis consuming meat or saturated fats.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"It is a rich opportunity for them to either receive personal information or in many cases defraud people from money," Pope said.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When Tova O'Brien asked the PM if Maharey had offered his resignation "when he called the PM's office," Hipkins responded to say...
"Oh, look, even if he had, I wouldn't have accepted because in this case, he's indicated that he apologises for the column and he's not going to be continuing to do it.
"I've got a lot of confidence in Steve Maharey as a chair. He's an excellent chair, He's a very good public sector governor and I think that New Zealand is well served by having his expertise in those roles that he's doing."
O'Brien clarified with Hipkins if Maharey offered his resignation, but wasn't accepted by the PM.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Former State Services Commissioner Iain Rennie told Tova O'Brien that Rob Campbell's situation is slightly different to Steve Maharey's.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There's an argument for this one either way - more immigrants into New Zealand means more workers when many industries are crying out for more, and more people paying tax. But does it also mean more of a drain on our under pressure infrastructure?
Tova and Duncan take up the debate!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
750 buildings across the upper and eastern North Island have been red stickered
after the Auckland floods and Cyclone Gabrielle.
It’s likely that total will grow as inspections of properties continue over the next few weeks.
The newly established Claims Resolution Service is now dealing with hundreds of affected homeowners seeking legal, engineering, and wellbeing support.
Director of the Claims Resolution Service Darren Wright joins me now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel on Tova. Today we turn to our wise heads, our former politicians - it's former Green MP Sue Bradford, and Chris Finlayson, former National MP & former Attorney General.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Up to 80 percent of Vanuatu is thought to be devastated by two cyclones which bore down in just three days.
New Zealand has sent a Hercules over with relief supplies and hygiene kits, and a seven-person disaster management team is also making its way there
Many areas are still cut off so the full scale of the damage is yet to be realised.
Save the Children estimates 125-thousand kids are impacted… advocacy director Jacqui Southey joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
So this week, Bishop Brian Tamaki from Destiny Church decided that the reason New Zealand was hit so hard by bad weather was because Kiwis watch to much porn and get abortions.
Producer Jeremy had a musical look at the situation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ahead of their season opener, Duncan and Tova were given a side to debate and figure out if the Warriors could go all the way in the NRL this year.
Who will take it out?!*
(*Debate Club... not the NRL)
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tucked away in eastern Germany, a 500-year-old brewery is bringing a beer to the market unlike any you’ve probably tried before.
It looks like a beer, apparently tastes like a beer, and foams up like a beer… once you add water.
Neuzeller Klosterbräu’s powdered beer reduces shipment weights by 90 percent, and is much more environmentally friendly!
Brewery managing director Stefan Fritsche joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chef Al Brown is asking restaurants around the country to “cook up a storm" for the cause and told Tova O'Brien they want to create a feeling of belonging.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"The $51 million that was spent on consultants to dream up a cycleway over the Auckland Harbour Bridge, we're going to stop that stuff," said the opposition Deputy Leader.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A bombshell leak of 100,000 WhatsApp messages has rocked the UK political establishment, revealing the true thoughts of top politicians during the height of the pandemic.
Former Health Secretary Matt Hancock gave the messages to journalist Isabel Oakeshott but despite volunteering confidentiality, Oakeshott leaked them to the press.
The messages, which included exchanges with Prime Minister Boris Johnson, shed new light on the Government's handling of the crisis.
Perhaps the most shocking revelation was Hancock's admission that he wanted to "frighten the pants off of everyone" about COVID.
The news has caused outrage among the public, who feel they were lied to by the government during the pandemic. Many have taken to social media to express their anger.
Oakeshott told Tova O'Brien on Monday morning that the UK is referring to the scandal as "Project Fear."
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"This has created a massive upset… A lot of hurt, a lot of despair, grief and sorrow in the last 48 hours," North Shore Councillor Chris Darby told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"The housing survey reflects the current market conditions that we are seeing," ASB Senior Economist Kim Mundy told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is it too hard for swing voters like me to pick a side? Do we end up voting on the personality and popularity of the leaders?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Warriors Assistant Coach told Tova O'Brien they are stoked to have regular home games for the first time in three years.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aotearoa is currently experiencing a nationwide shortage of sperm donors, with an increasing number of people turning to unregulated Facebook groups in their desperation to start a family.
In Aotearoa, it is illegal to pay donors for their sperm, leaving those who give their time, effort, and DNA uncompensated, even for small costs like parking.
Importing sperm from overseas is also prohibited, adding to the challenges faced by hopeful parents.
Fertility Associates group medical director, Andrew Murray, spoke to Tova O'Brien on Friday morning, to explain how much of an issue this is.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today, classrooms across Aotearoa will remain empty as students take to the streets to participate in the Global Climate Strike, a movement demanding urgent action to address climate change.
The strike, organized by the youth-led Fridays for Future, began in 2018 and has since spread across the globe, inspiring millions of people to demand climate justice.
The strike comes in the wake of a series of climate change-related weather events in Aotearoa. The organizers hope that the recent events will encourage more people to join the protests and push for immediate action on climate change.
Sophie Todd, one of the Auckland organizers, spoke with Tova O'Brien ahead of the strikes and expressed hope that the protests would be better heard following the recent climate change-related weather events.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Ministry of Education has told Today FM it’s working with the principal of Waimea College in Nelson to identify whether additional support is needed, after Today FM published footage of violent student attacks at the college
On Friday morning Tova O'Brien spoke to another parent who sent in footage of a year 11 student brutally punching her son, with a mob of onlookers cheering him on.
The college is calling it a fight, but his mum says she's watched the video and that's clearly not the case.
"I was actually in shock, I was beside myself, I called the school and said this isn't a fight, they beat the shit out of him," she told O'Brien.
Waimea College Principal Scott Haines refused Today FM's request for an interview, saying their focus is on the school and community.
Nelson MP Rachel Boyack has been speaking to parents who say their kids have been bullied and spoke to O'Brien on Friday morning about the situation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Residents gathered at the Muriwai Golf Club in Auckland on Thursday night, seeking answers on when they can return to their homes that have been devastated by flooding and landslips.
For several weeks, many residents in the beach town have been living in temporary accommodation provided by friends or volunteers, with some even resorting to sleeping in tents due to the ongoing risk of landslips.
Officials from both the Council and Government agencies were present at the meeting to listen to residents' concerns.
Among the attendees was Brent Bailey, a Rodney local board member, who then spoke with Tova O'Brien on Friday morning. O'Brien asked Bailey if residents received the answers they were hoping for.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Say what you will about freshly sacked Te Whatu Ora Health NZ boss Rob Campbell... but at least he allowed a degree of accountability, and at least he did interviews.
There’s a rot that’s set into the public service at the senior level, an arrogance, a fortress mentality, a refusal to be answerable to their decisions that belie the reality - we, the public, pay your bloody wages, you work for us and have a duty to speak to us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s a video which will make any parent’s stomach drop… their child being beaten and thrown about in a schoolyard brawl.
Yesterday we spoke to Nelson man Mike Harvey, whose 14-year-old son was attacked at Waimea College.
Today FM has since received more than a dozen messages from parents - with kids at schools across the country who say they’ve been bullied, beaten and terrified to go to class.
The mother of a boy involved in another fight at Waimea College last week… we’ve obtained footage - a screen recording of a Snapchat - which shows him being circled and assaulted while others jeer and film. At one point he raises his fists but is quickly beaten back by the other kid.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Normally a core decoration for uni dorms and flats alike, road cones and street signs are often 'borrowed' by students for their accommodations, but the University of Canterbury Students' Association (UCSA) has issued an amnesty for their return.
Tova O'Brien spoke to the Students’ Association president Pierce Crowley about the amnesty.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With house prices in a state of flux at the moment, many have given up on the dream of owning their own home. Is it better to just rent right now? Is it just better to rent, full stop?
Time for Tova and Duncan to present their arguments!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's time for our panel segment here on Tova - Pae Korero!
Joining us today is University of Auckland History professor Caroline Daley, and The Spinoff’s editor-at-large Toby Manhire.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Summer may be over in New Zealand but it’s springtime in Hollywood... where it's also inundated with floods and extreme weather… our entertainment correspondent in LA is Carol Ramos!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Despite missing the black jersey, Ruby Tui told Tova O'Brien she has a number of commitments off the field that need attending to before considering a return to rugby.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion:You’re going to hate me for saying this but thank God for Brian Tamaki.
It was all starting to feel a bit overwhelming. All just a bit bloody grim. As a country, it feels like we’ve aged a decade in a month.
But just when I thought there could be no light relief, no levity in the melancholy... up pops old mate, the good bishop.
And his latest stand-up routine is an absolute doozy - arguably his best yet.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Buckingham Palace has reportedly issued the Duke Dutchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, with an eviction notice from their ten-bedroom UK home known as Frogmore Cottage.
According to The Sun newspaper, the couple has been asked to vacate the premises, adding insult to injury to the already strained relationship between the Sussexes and the Royal Family.
Buckingham Palace has remained tight-lipped on the matter, and the BBC has reported that any discussions regarding the issue would be treated as a private family matter.
Royal commentator Gareth Barlow told Tova O'Brien on Thursday morning the timing is peculiar.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mike Harvey, the father of a Waimea College student who was beaten by a group of classmates, expressed immense pride in his son's courage during the ordeal.
The incident, which took place during lunchtime at the Nelson school, saw his son being attacked by six classmates without any provocation, Harvey claims.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Former New Zealand Rugby boss David Moffett is calling for current CEO Mark Robinson to resign.
Moffett says the treatment of All Blacks coach Ian Foster by NZR has been 'appalling'... and Robinson needs to go.
"I don't think there's any respect for New Zealand Rugby any more, he shows no respect for Ian Foster, I mean it's completely disrespectful this stuff," Moffett told Tova O'Brien on Thursday morning.
Foster won't reapply for the role with NZR to appoint the new All Blacks coach for after the World Cup in 'four to six weeks'.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Some like it hot... some not so much! Which is your preferred season? Tova and Duncan go head to head with an age old favourite argument.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For better well being a session in collective therapy can be a life-saver.
And to that end we are here to help!
Each week we are joined by clinical psychologist Karen Nimmo who shares some strategies to help us stay mentally robust.
We call this segment 4 Minute Therapy, and this week our theme asks how do you know if you are suffering from climate anxiety?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - and today our super smart opinion makers are Today FM host of Polly, Polly Gillespie, and from our newsroom, the legend that we call Craig Craig Norenbergs.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nobody picked it... not least some of the biggest brains in cricket! Yesterday we talked to Black Cap and Today FM host Mark Richardson, and host of Today FM’s cricket commentary Nigel Yalden - they thought the BlackCaps were no chance.
So how did they do it?!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The morning after becoming just the fourth team in history to win after being forced to follow on, Neil Wagner told Tova O'Brien it was an amazing moment to be a part of.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion:Rob Campbell was sacked from Te Whatu Ora Health NZ.
I’m gutted about this. I rated the man big time - from our very first interview on day one of Health NZ… when he blindsided me with honesty and frankness unbecoming a senior public servant.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The family of missing man Joseph Ahuriri are furious with the police's lack of support and their insinuations about his character.
Ahuriri was last heard from over a week ago in Napier during Cyclone Gabrielle, but authorities have suggested that his disappearance may not be related to the weather event.
Speaking to Tova O'Brien, Ahuriri's brother, Mike, expressed his frustration with the police's statement that it is unlikely his disappearance is linked to the cyclone but also admitted it can't be ruled out.
"That's complete bullshit. We know he left his motel the night of the storm heading to Gisborne. I don't know why the police think it's not cyclone related. It sounds like they think he's a criminal," Mike said.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
University of Auckland (UoA) students are set to face a disruptive start to their academic year, as their lecturers walk off the job during the first week of classes.
A strike has been called by members of the Tertiary Education Union (TEU), who are demanding fair wages from their employers, it is the union's second industrial action since October.
According to TEU members, UoA has the financial resources to pay its staff more, but instead, they are pushing for a collective agreement that bases potential wage rises on a performance system.
Nicole Wallace, the TEU strike organiser spoke to Tova on Wednesday morning and said striking was their last resort.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The former Chair of Te Whata Ora has made extraordinary claims about his former boss, Health Minister Ayesha Verrall.
Rob Campbell was sacked after publicly criticising the National party's proposed three waters policy,
In an interview with Tova O'Brien on Wednesday morning, Campbell stated that he was given little choice in the matter.
"I was given an ultimatum - to resign or be sacked," said Campbell.
He said this is irregular treatment - suggesting it could be considered "bullying."
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Andree Froude, Director of Communications for the Problem Gambling Foundation, expressed concern over the use of Lotto as a means of fundraising.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lotto's Director of Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility, Lucy Fullarton, has defended the fundraising effort.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After over three years of speculation and differing opinions within the intelligence community, the US Energy Department has released a report concluding that the COVID-19 pandemic most likely originated from a laboratory leak in China.
The Energy Department's conclusion now aligns with that of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which also suggests that the virus spread due to an accident at a Chinese laboratory.
However, four other agencies, along with a national intelligence panel, continue to maintain that the virus likely resulted from natural transmission, while two agencies remain undecided.
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) was one of the first to report on this development, Tova O'Brien spoke with Warren Strobel, one of the reporters who broke the story, to provide more information on how and why the Energy Department arrived at this conclusion.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sure... things aren't all sunshine and rainbows. But are they the best they've ever been in history?
An interesting idea... and one worth debating!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's Pae Korero, it’s Tuesday, and they are back! We love this dynamic duo...
Our powerbroker edition - Labour Minister Kiritapu Allan and National’s 3IC Chris Bishop.
They'll be talking Health NZ Chair Rob Campbell, sending the military into help isolated rural communities, and funding for Te Matatini.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hipkins tells Tova O'Brien how they are dealing with the politically charged remarks made by the public servant.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Federated Farmers is calling on the Government to deploy the army to rural areas of Coromandel, East Cape, and Hawke's Bay in an effort to deter crime.
According to Federated Farmers CEO Terry Copeland, who recently visited Hawke's Bay, many property owners in the region expressed serious concerns about their safety and the security of their homes.
Tova O'Brien asked Copeland on Tuesday morning to provide examples of what crime those on rural properties have experienced.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dealing with Chester as a journalist you never felt played, misled, used or spun - you could trust what he was telling you, and when you called, he would answer.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Women generally take the most leave after the birth of a child, but why don't men take more? Is it money? Is it just that women are better with babies?
Rachel Smalley is in for Tova today, and she's ready to debate with Duncan!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's time for our panel segment on Tova, . Pae Kōrero. Monday is the day for our statespeople - our former MPs. He was once a National Minister and Attorney General Chris Finlayson, and she was once a Green MP Sue Bradford.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A year ago, Ipswich near Brisbane was caught in a 4 day flood event that saw the area record more than twice the average summer rainfall in February, resulting in the Bremer River breaking its banks and sending water raging through the city.
Around 600 homes and 300 businesses were inundated, displacing residents, destroying livelihoods, and leaving a major clean-up task. In the past, locals in this high risk flood area would wait for their houses to be patched and hope for the best. But this time a buy back homes scheme has been introduced which brought cautious optimism among the flood affected.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rachel Smalley spoke with climate and weather researcher James Renwick from Victoria University.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The National Party's alternative policy to Three Waters has come with a bold statement which could lead to an increase in your rates.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Businesses in cyclone-affected areas will be eligible for grants of up to NZD$40,000 to assist with immediate costs.
The news comes as communities across the country begin the recovery process following the recent devastating cyclones.
Cyclone Recovery Minister Grant Robertson has also promised that further funding support will be available shortly to assist businesses in getting back on their feet.
Owner of the Kiwiesque Luxury Lodge, Justine Wilson spoke earlier on Monday morning with Rachel Smalley and said that, while money is important, what is needed is a clear plan for how quickly roads and other utilities will be fixed.
Cyclone Recovery Minister Grant Robertson responded to Wilson's issues.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The community is crying out for assistance, as the devastating effects of the storm have left many businesses in a dire situation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aucklanders are urged to be patient and plan ahead as the city's roads and public transport services are expected to get busier as the region heads into what is known as 'March Madness'.
It’s driven by school and university students returning to normal routines for the year, and workers returning from summer breaks.
The transport provider has asked those who can travel off-peak to do so but has faced fierce criticism on social media by those who are unable and are stuck travelling on Auckland Transport (AT)'s cut-back schedule due to the ongoing driver and ferry staff shortage.
Rachel Smalley spoke to Richard Harrison from Auckland Transport who defended the transport operator's request.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Residents of the small town of Wairoa in Hawke's Bay are on edge following a disturbing incident over the weekend.
A police car was shot at on Saturday night, and now two men are set to appear in Gisborne Court on Monday in connection with the incident.
The shooting has sent shockwaves throughout the community, as the town continues to grapple with the cleanup following Cyclone Gabrielle.
Wairoa Mayor Craig Little has condemned the shooting, calling those responsible "lowlifes" who need to be dealt with harshly. Little spoke to Rachel Smalley on Monday morning and explained what extra support the region is getting from the police.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
She's a National MP that was pretty undecided on man-made climate change this week... until she had a chat with her boss Chris Luxon!
This week Producer Jeremy looks at the week that was for Maureen Pugh.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After YEARS of "friendly" rivalry between fans of two of the biggest bands of all time, Paul McCartney has announced that he'll be collaborating with members of The Rolling Stones.
It started the debate in the office - Beatles or Rolling Stones?
So why not make Tova and Duncan argue the points for us!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
I’m very excited about our next guest ! I, like many of you, grew up watching the mind-bending ventriloquism of David Strassman and his motley crew of puppets
They’ve just landed in New Zealand and I’m thrilled to welcome David Strassman and Chuck Wood to the studio!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel here on Tova. Today it's a chance to hear from some smart thinkers - Spinoff bulletins editor Anna Rawhiti Connell, and broadcasting legend Gary McCormick.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Reserve Bank governor has sent a tacit warning to politicians about spending to rebuild post Cyclone Gabrielle, basically suggesting cuts or taxes would be less inflationary.
Reserve Bank chief economist Paul Conway is with me to talk through the options.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"I didn't know, I wasn't alerted to it," Former Health Minister Andrew Little told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ukraine's Ambassador to New Zealand, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, told Tova O'Brien Ukrainians are more united than ever before.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Immigration Minister Michael Wood told Tova O'Brien he is confident the new Recovery Visa will bring "a significant number of workers".
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Former National Party Minister Hekia Parata will lead the inquiry, alongside former Regional Council Chief Executive Bill Bayfield and forestry engineer Matthew McCloy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion: One year ago today the world recoiled in horror as Russia defied all expert analysis, all logic, all diplomacy, and all humanity when it unleashed its tyranny on Ukraine.
More than 8,000 civilians are now dead. At least 487 of them are children. 487 children needlessly killed.
Thousands of others have lost their parents, and hundreds of thousands, maybe millions more, have lost their homes, schools, and playgrounds.
Putin’s planned two-day special military operation is now 365 days of war crimes, crimes against humanity and heartache.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"I'm sure like myself, everyone slept with one eye open because the rain has been coming down hard," Rehette Stoltz told Tova O'Brien
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It was big in the 1940s and 50s, and now it's starting to happen in some parts of Europe... but could food rationing start here any time soon?
Tova and Duncan give us the ins and outs!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Academy Awards are approaching fast - just two and half weeks away and Hollywood is buzzing. Entertainment reporting royalty Carol Ramos is right across it and she joins us now!
Plus she tells us about collaborating music legends, and royalty vs South Park!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A group of West Auckland residents are calling for the council and central government to introduce a managed retreat, which would involve voluntary buyouts for the most at risk properties in their area.
“West Auckland is Flooding” Spokesperson Morgan Allen joins us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pae Korero - our brilliant big brained panel is here.
Joining us today is University of Auckland History professor Caroline Daley, and The Spinoff’s editor-at-large Toby Manhire.
Today we're talking food rationing, paying for Cyclone Gabrielle damage, and a new Jami-Lee Ross documentary.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When mental health advocate Jazz Thornton went to pick up a repeat prescription for her ADHD medication, she thought nothing of it.
But her request was denied.
Despite her diagnosis Jazz was told she had to go effectively through the diagnosis process all over again with a psychiatrist… and the wait list is months long.
Her case has been resolved with a last minute intervention from her doctor but it speaks to a broader issue for people with ADHD.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The government isn’t ruling out a flood tax to help pay for the Cyclone Gabrielle rebuild.
After the Queensland floods in Australia, $1.8 billion was raised through a small levy - between .5 and 1% of income - for every dollar earned over $50,000 per annum.
For example, if you’re on $55k you paid about 50 cents a week, while people on 100k are about $5 a week.
Warwick McKibbin is a former board member of the Australia Reserve Bank and thinks it was a terrible idea for Queensland, and it’s a terrible idea for us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
So many Kiwis have pets, and so many Kiwi families rent. How does that work when so many rentals don't allow pets?
Time for a debate about it!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Everyone should feel like they can participate in democracy, because if they don't, what the hell are they going to do?" Director Tony Sutorius told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Martin Glynn from AA told Tova O'Brien a "public transport crisis" and an increase in local road closures is only adding to the problem.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Residents in Piha, a village in West Auckland that has been devastated by Cyclone Gabrielle, are infuriated with the increasing number of looters and disaster tourists who are visiting the area. They are now demanding to restrict access to outsiders.
Piha residents are still trying to recover from the damage caused by the cyclone, with many living in temporary porta-com housing. The situation has been worsened by burglaries that have left them feeling more violated and vulnerable.
The United North Piha Lifeguard Service has also been affected, with a loss of NZD$35,000 worth of equipment such as radios, a patrol laptop, and important documents, which were stolen on Tuesday.
Club President Rob Ferguson told Tova O'Brien it's a huge loss.
"We work on a very long beach and we use side-by-side vehicles," said Ferguson.
"Having a radio is crucial for us."
He said this behaviour is unacceptable.
"It's pretty heartbreaking to turn up and find that sort of equipment missing."
Ferguson said the radios should be easily traced once powered on.
"The moment they get turned on, they're GPS located, so we should be able to work out where they are. We've got all the serial numbers, so as soon as they get turned on, they will be disabled.
"They are of no value to anyone."
In an uplifting and inspiring turn of events, volunteer firefighter Nick from the Bay of Plenty was listening to that interview with Ferguson and offered to donate some spare radio equipment to the looted United North Piha Lifeguard Service.
"We have some old radios in our fire station that are no longer in use, which we're happy to donate," said Nick.
Ferguson responded later in the show by saying it was "fantastic" and will certainly help.
Listen to the full interview between United North Piha Lifeguard Service Club President Rob Ferguson and Tova above.
You can also download the full interview on the Tova podcast, and listen on the go. Download the rova app on apple or android to listen to this podcast on the go, or anywhere else you get your podcasts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
President of 'United Fresh' Jerry Prendergast told Tova O'Brien he is very concerned that the damage caused by Cyclone Gabrielle could drive people out of the industry.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion:The battle of the Chrises... The Chris off…. Chris v Chris…. World War Chris!!!
I mean I was excited - the first clash of the Chrises in parliament, the first question time of the year, in election year, since Jacinda Ardern resigned, during a national emergency, with a new Prime Minister…
But despite the ingredients, it was a bit of a fizzer…
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For better well being, a session in collective therapy can be a life-saver.
And to that end, we are here to help!
Each week we are joined by clinical psychologist Karen Nimmo who shares some strategies to help us stay mentally robust.
We call it this segment 4 Minute Therapy, and this week our theme is how to build resilience.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Concern over looting has prompted worried residents from flooded affected Puketapu, near Napier, to set up their own security cordons.
Today FM’s senior news reporter Mark McCarron spoke with one those locals last night.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero, and today our super smart opinion makers are Today FM host of Polly, Polly Gillespie and Executive Director of Auckland Pride, Max Tweedie.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Canterbury homeowners took to the courts to fight against insurers’ dodgy assessments, shoddy repair work, and the Crown’s unfair and unlawful exclusion of the uninsured in red zone buy-outs for years after the quakes.
But the Government promises its new Claims Resolution Service will help people be certain they’re getting a fair result from their insurer.
GCA lawyer Grant Cameron led a class action suit of more than 3000 policy holders against Southern Response, which eventually paid out more than $300 million in compensation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Luxon confirmed the two have had a conversation about her interview and that Pugh now understands the scientific consensus around "human-induced climate change".
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"We're still in the middle of investigation to figure out if Julia is the real Madeleine," Dr Fia Johansson told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today is the 12th anniversary of the 2011 Canterbury earthquakes.
An unnerving symmetry 12 years on - the country is once again in a national state of emergency, grappling with a natural disaster and a seemingly insurmountable rebuild.
But there are positives we can take from the Canterbury rebuild and a lot of cautionary lessons as well.
The former Christchurch Regeneration Minister Megan Woods is drawing parallels between Cyclone Gabrielle and the Christchurch quakes, telling Tova O'Brien that the devastation is much the same.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The first show will be focused on Super Rugby Aupiki, but host Laura McGoldrick told Tova O'Brien they aim to cover as many different sports and female athletes as possible.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Inflation is still going to be at least as strong if not stronger than what the picture looked like before we got hit by the cyclone," Nick Tuffley told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion:Instead of doing my usual editorial here I’m going to show you some feedback I received this week.
I’ve abridged the email because - well it’s long - the author took such care to patiently and thoughtfully explain something about language to me which I wish hadn’t needed explaining but for which I’m enormously grateful they took the time.
And perhaps in the context of the Roald Dahl "censorship debate" we’re having this lends context too.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After opening its second orbital launch pad on the Mahia Peninsula in Hawke's Bay nearly a year ago, Rocket Lab has leant the community a helping hand.
The California-headquartered aerospace business has used its helicopter fleet and resources to send in much-needed aid to cut-off Mahia on Thursday.. Also donating $50,000 to local relief efforts.
Founder and CEO Peter Beck was to join us but he is MIA. Instead we have Rocket Lab’s Communications Manager Morgan Bailey.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Some of the country’s biggest names in music will come together to perform at a fundraising concert this week to raise money for the victims of Cyclone Gabrielle.
Marlon Williams, Lorde, Neil Finn, Supergroove, L.A.B., and Tiki Taane are among the mega line up for Ōtautahi 4 Aotearoa - which will be held at the Christchurch Town Hall this Friday.
Promoter Brent Eccles, the man behind the event, joins us now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Over the past week you will have heard some amazing stories of people stepping in to help out their community in their hour of need following the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle.
When flood waters rose in the small rural community of Waiohiki, near Napier, Gabriella Henderson’s home was the only one on her side of the road to not sustain any damage.
So she did what she could, at one stage, taking in 48 people to give them a place to stay.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Very apt timing... It's Pae Korero, and on Tuesdays it's our powerbroker edition - Labour Minister Kiritapu Allan, and National’s 3IC Chris Bishop. Today we're going to talk about the financial support being laid out for the cyclone clean up and support, and whether or not it's enough.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"We're hearing dreadful stories," Animal Evac chairman Tony Sutorius told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tova O'Brien was tasked to argue 'for', with Duncan Garner 'against'.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Give them some resources, give them access to capital, give them some access to labour, you just have to back them," Jonty Moffett told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
59 people have been arrested in Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti since Cyclone Gabrielle with reports of looting and road management crews having guns drawn at them.
But despite the Prime Minister’s assurances, there are calls from ACT and NZ First to bring in the military to fortify cyclone-hit areas from crime.
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins is adamant that bringing in the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is unnecessary.
"We already have 145 extra police on the ground in Hawke's Bay," said Hipkins.
"We have to make decisions around this based on evidence. Police aren't reporting that they need additional support. They're confident that regular law and order is being maintained and you see that through the arrest rate they've got at the moment.
"They have been investigating some of the claims that have been made and many of the cases have been proven to be unsubstantiated."
The PM said that reports of gunfire in the streets turned out to be fireworks, reports of people filming places to come back and loot later were actually "disaster tourists," and that reports of people pulling guns at checkpoints have not been substantiated.
"Police have only been able to get third or fourth-hand accounts of that. Nobody who was involved or who was a victim of it or who witnessed it directly has reported that to the police.
"So if that did happen, I'd encourage people who saw it, who were directly involved in it, to report it to the police."
Hipkins acknowledged that under the current circumstances with power outages, communications dark zones and a heightened rise in criminal activity, reports may be difficult to make.
But, he said that he has absolute confidence in the police stationed currently in those vulnerable areas.
Listen to the full interview between Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and Tova above.
You can also download the full interview on the Tova podcast, and listen on the go. Download the rova app on apple or android to listen to this podcast on the go, or anywhere else you get your podcasts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When asked exactly what an attendance officer's job is, Jono Campbell told Tova O'Brien he is as unsure about that as she is.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
While they don't have all of the same powers as police, the Defence Force is able to assist with security cordons and presence control among other things.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The country has a big cyclone repair bill on the way, but also an election... a time when tax cuts are traditionally used to entice voters.
But when we are just recovering from a pandemic, and now have to cover a fatal natural disaster, are tax cuts really realistic?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero, our panel segment on Tova. Today we turn to our former politicians - former Green MP Sue Bradford and Chris Finlayson, former National MP & former Attorney General.
Normally they are cool heads... but not so much this week!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Gisborne remains at an extreme alert level for water use, with residents and businesses being warned to restrict to an absolute minimum for at least the next day.
Large industries and high water users cannot operate using mains water, and council staff are working round the clock to stabilise supply.
Joining us is Tairawhiti Civil Defence Controller Ben Green.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Residents on the main access road to the flood damaged West Coast settlements of Muriwai, Piha and Bethells beach near Auckland say visitors need to stay away.
The state of Scenic Drive has been described as ‘perilous’ after it suffered two major slips - several homes on the street remain inaccessible.
Joining us is Catherine Wells from the Waiatarua Residents and Ratepayers Association.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If you need a lesson on living life to the fullest, look no further than this guest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"What's outrageous is the nature of these contracts and the absolute appalling behaviour of the management," Dame Catherine Healy told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion: Let’s take a moment to acknowledge the eleven people who died as a result of Cyclone Gabrielle.
Volunteer firefighters Dave van Zwanenberg and Craig Stevens, who died saving others.
Mother of three Shona Wilson. Her partner dug through metres of mud for hours trying to save her.
“Father, brother, koro, uncle, mentor and a friend,” wrote local league club Hawera Hawks of their totara George Luke who died in hospital after being rescued by helicopter.
“Generous and kind” is how Marie Greene is being remembered by her daughter. Marie’s body was found in the roof cavity of her cottage.
John Coates died in Te Karaka - part of a family that had lived in that community for over a hundred years. His son described the “inland tsunami” that inundated the town.
And two-year-old Ivy Collins. A baby swept from her pregnant mother’s shoulders as they tried to reach safety. The current of the Esk River burst through homes.
Four other victims have not yet been publicly identified.
On behalf of Today FM and our listeners. Moe mai ra.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"I think we had about 900 people listed on our database and last time I looked at it we are at about 68 percent safe," Richard Lay told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s day eight since New Zealand first started feeling the whiplash of Cyclone Gabrielle.
More than 100 extra police officers are being deployed to Hawke's Bay to quell looting concerns where there have been 42 arrests, along with 17 in Tairāwhiti.
East Coast MP and Minister Kiritapu Allan told Tova O'Brien on Monday morning that stress levels are high - driving people to behave desperately.
"In the first couple of days it was period products, it was nappies, it was formula," said Allan.
"Those types of anxieties do drive desperate behaviour."
Even as we see an increase in looting or theft in some of the flood-affected areas, police are being praised for their exceptional response to the disaster.
Allan said officers have been highly visible in the area, and she can't see how they could have done a better job. She said officers have even been escorting business owners to their respective banks to drop off cash, as the communities have been operating as a "cash-only" society.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Is our infrastructure fit for purpose to deal with the climate change world? The short answer is no," Independent Economist Cameron Bagrie told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With so much of the country being hit hard by losing power and mobile communication in the last week, it's shown just how important phone coverage is to so many people.
But is it time we checked ourselves on this, and went a bit more old school?
Debate Club time!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As Cyclone Gabrielle bore down on Gisborne, residents braced not only for flooding but also the inevitable wave after wave of dangerous and destructive tree slash.
The littering of branches and logs - offcuts from the forestry industry - has been a long-standing thorn in the side of the region where one in four jobs are reliant on forestry
Climate Stigma is an agency that assesses the impact of climate change on property value and says we need to have the difficult conversation about whether harvesting forestry is feasible in Tairawhiti.
Managing director Belinda Storey joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero, our panel here on Tova - a chance to hear from some smart thinkers. Today it’s Spinoff bulletins editor Anna Rawhiti Connell, and also first time panellist with us - and he’s here to stay, broadcasting legend Gary McCormick.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Questions are being raised about the level of warning that residents in communities around the Ngaruroro River near Hastings received before the stopbanks broke.
In the settlement of Omahu a marae, school, and cemetery along with around 50 houses were submerged by the floodwaters.
Heather Te Au Skipworth, who lives several kilometres away, drove to Omahu to check on the safety of her best friend when she realised how dangerous the situation had become.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As of Thursday afternoon, 3544 people were still uncontactable following Cyclone Gabrielle.
While police believe most simply cannot access communications, there is a prioritised push to quickly get to those who live in the most isolated areas.
Many of those harder-to-reach properties in the low-lying parts of Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay are farmers. Federated Farmers national board member Sandra Faulkner joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"More urban areas… It may be a matter of days or even today when they get power back on," Transpower's John Clarke said.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion: This may not be a popular opinion given all the exceptional stories of rescue, heroism, kindness, hospitality and communities uniting.
But have we become worse as people?
Have the last few years taken their toll? Changed us as people?
The anxiety and division of a pandemic, the isolation of lockdowns, the weaponised hate of a terror attack, and the fear and threat of fatal natural disasters.
Has it all just been too much that our DNA has been fried? We’ve mutated. And not in a cool X-men way. In a nasty way. In a way that speaks to a lack of understanding, a lack of ownership of consequences. Also of desperation.
I ask these questions after reading way too many stories yesterday about really horrid behaviour...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As stories of devastation from Cyclone Gabrielle pour in, a picture is also emerging of the long-reaching effect to produce.
Growers across Hawke’s Bay - the fruit bowl of New Zealand - are anxiously waiting for the waters to subside to check their crops.
Greg Miller owns the Valley d'Vine Restaurant, located on Linden Estate Winery in Eskdale, while the restaurant has survived, the winery below it has not.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Six people are now dead as a result of Cyclone Gabrielle after the second Muriwai volunteer firefighter died in hospital last night.
Today FM understands a seventh person has also died in hospital in Hastings as a result of the floods, though is not yet officially counted in the total death toll as of yet.
More than 3,500 people are still unaccounted for.
Minister and East Coast MP Kiritapu Allan did not deny that the death toll could continue to rise "significantly".
"We expect in circumstances like this that the death toll will rise," said Allan.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As flood waters rose across the North Island, many people fled their homes, while Defence Force personnel headed towards the danger to rescue those in need.
Flooding has caused widespread damage and displacement, with some residents needing to be rescued from the water by helicopters.
The operation has now ramped up significantly, with 700 Defence Force personnel, four aircraft, seven helicopters, two ships, and 58 trucks being deployed across the region.
Tova O'Brien spoke to Joint Forces Commander Rear Admiral James Gilmour to get an update on the response.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As parts of New Zealand deals with the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle, other areas have been subjected to a decent size earthquake.
A 6.3 magnitude tremor struck off the Kāpiti Coast, 50km north-west of Paraparaumu, at 7.38 pm on Wednesday, according to Geonet.
The quake caused strong shaking and was felt by more than 60,000 people from almost the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South Island, some reported the shaking lasting for several seconds.
Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau spoke to Tova O'Brien on Thursday morning to describe her experience in the shake.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When flooding hit Puketapu, a small town in Hawke's Bay, Steve and Caroline Manning stepped up to help.
As helicopters rescued people from flooded homes, they began dropping them off at the Mannings' property. Without hesitation, the couple took in as many as 12 people seeking refuge.
Caroline had to take over from Steve in the interview with Tova on Thursday morning, due to emotions running high for the Puketapu resident.
"He's struggling a bit to talk, it's all just a little bit emotional," she said.
Caroline recounted the harrowing flooding.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle, there's a lot of work being done by rescue teams, much of it dangerous. And this is before the clean up even begins.
How well is our country going to cope? And how well do we cope in general with natural disasters?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tairawhiti Civil Defence are urging people to conserve water with warnings that there could only be enough to last one day.
Mayor Rehette Stoltz joins us this morning with the latest from Gisborne and surrounding areas in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hopes are dwindling of finding more survivors of the massive earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria 8 days ago.
The death toll has now passed 40,000 in what the World Health Organisation is describing as Europe’s worst natural disaster in 100 years.
Zoe Coulson-Sinclair is New Zealand’s Ambassador in Turkey and she joins us now from Ankara.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero, our panel segment here on Tova. Today our smart opinion makers are former United Future leader and chair of the United Fire Brigades Association, Peter Dunne, and Executive Director of Auckland Pride, Max Tweedie.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"We don't want the Government wasting money, we want to make sure every dollar is directed in the right way," said the opposition leader.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"We had an evacuation plan but really we just had to make do with what we had," Greg Pritchard told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hawke's Bay has been turned into a sea of brown silt with only roofs and treetops visible above the floodwaters.
The situation has prompted mass evacuations, as torrents of water and tree debris overwhelm towns and smash bridges.
The town of Wairoa is completely isolated, and both Napier and Hastings have lost power, phone, internet, and road access.
The situation has taken a tragic turn, with one woman killed in Putorino after a bank collapsed on her home and another person being found dead on a Napier beach, although the cause of death remains unclear.
Residents in the affected areas have been advised to be ready to evacuate at a moment's notice. Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazelhurst spoke with Tova O'Brien and provided the latest updates from the region.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
One death has been confirmed following a slip, however, it's unknown whether the body of a second person found in Napier is directly related to the Cyclone.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Tuesday morning, Claudia Karlsson of Hastings went to work as normal with the hope of returning home.
However those plans were quickly disrupted as flood waters rapidly washed away the Waihoki bridge that she uses to get back into Taradale, cutting her off from her partner and children and leaving her unable to reach them either physically or by phone.
In the face of this unexpected and difficult situation, a friend's grandparents have stepped forward to offer their home as a temporary refuge for Karlsson.
She updated Tova O'Brien on her situation on Wednesday morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cyclone Gabrielle and the accompanying floods have not only cut people off from their homes but also left others trapped. Many have been unable to escape the wrath of the storm which includes Eric Gathercole, owner of the Wimbledon Tavern in Tararua, who is currently stuck in his pub.
At one point, the waters around the pub had reached a height of two meters, leaving Gathercole and others in the area trapped.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion:Man, I had an overwhelming sense of déjà vu yesterday when Chris Luxon walked out onto the caucus run, in parliament, in Wellington, away from the storm, answering questions that probably aren’t going to make it onto the news.
The same feeling swept over me again when Chris Hipkins stepped out, in front of the cameras, in high viz, in Auckland, one of the places hardest hit by the storm, answering questions that are probably going to make it into multiple stories on the evening news.
An opposition leader struggling for air time in a national crisis.
A Prime Minister dominating the airwaves, guiding a country through said national crisis.
It’s a script we’ve all become veeeery familiar with.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The moot is... All non-essential retailers in Auckland should have shut for the cyclone. Many already were, but should the City of Sails have had a mini lockdown?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rahul Uppal is the owner of Olive Cafe on Scenic Drive in Titirangi. After the storm and floods a couple of weeks ago, getting hit by a cyclone was the last thing they needed. With numerous slips overnight they've been forced to close again.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sometimes the worst of the weather can bring out the best in humanity.
Three teenagers have rescued a man from Waitangi River as Cyclone Gabrielle pounded the Bay of Islands.
The dinghy’s rowlocks had broken leaving it uncontrollable and heading towards the Haruru Falls during massive swells and gusty winds on Saturday morning.
Jacob Fewtrell was at the local yacht club and was one of the trio involved in the rescue.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A State of Emergency has been extended to the entire Hawke’s Bay region as evacuations take place in every district and city due to Cyclone Gabrielle.
A part of the Puketapu Bridge has been washed away by floodwaters, while the most affected area appears to be the Esk Valley, where homes are underwater.
Napier Mayor Kirsten Wise joins us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's Pae Korero, our panel segment hre on Tova. Today we have National’s 3IC Chris Bishop, and directly from the cyclone hit East Coast, Labour Minister Kiritapu Allan.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
An already sodden East Coast has been pummelled by Cyclone Gabrielle for the past 24 hours.
The Hikuwai River near Tolaga Bay rose to a record high of 13.5 metres overnight, and there were evacuations around the region.
Lines company Eastland network reported strong winds and flooding right across parts of Tairāwhiti, Gisborne city, Mahia and Wairoa with trees and lines down as well as damage to poles.
Local civil defence says this is the sixth flood major event they’ve had to deal with in just the last year.
Joining us from the remote East Coast coastal settlement of Tokamaru Bay is Civil Defence co-ordinator Lillian Te Hau-Ward.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cyclone Gabrielle has caused widespread devastation in Northland, leaving tens of thousands of homes without power and shutting down multiple roads.
The coastal community of Tutukaka, northeast of Whangārei, has been hit particularly hard by heavy rain and strong winds. Despite the challenges, the community has come together to support one another and ensure everyone is safe.
Earlier this week, residents of Tutukaka worked together to clear roads from previous storm damage, and now they have set up a generator for power and internet access. The community has also established systems to check in on their neighbours and make sure everyone is doing well.
Co-owner of Dive Tutukaka, Kate Malcolm, spoke with Tova O'Brien on Tuesday morning to give an update on the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle on the area overnight.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"This cleanup is going to take a long time and we've got more weather coming as well," said Coromandel's Civil Defence manager Gary Towler.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There are grave concerns for a trapped firefighter at Muriwai in Auckland.
Two volunteer crew members had been investigating flooding in a house on Motutara Road when they were hit by a landslide, one was rescued and is in critical condition, but the other is still missing.
Fire and Emergency have been forced to suspend search efforts around 3 AM Tuesday because it was too dangerous.
50 apartments surrounding the Colonial Ammunition Company Shot Tower in Mount Eden have been urgently evacuated due to concerns it may collapse
Elsewhere in Auckland, scheduled bus services are running but delays and last-minute cancellations are expected, the Harbour Bridge is currently open but is expected to be fluid throughout the day.
Trains have been cancelled until at least mid-Tuesday afternoon and all ferries have been cancelled.
Deputy mayor Desley Simpson spoke to Tova O'Brien on Tuesday morning to provide an update on how Cyclone Gabrielle is impacting the Super City.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There’s not necessarily a right or wrong way of responding to a crisis but COVID showed us what can happen if we let those differences get the better of us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cyclone Gabrielle has barrelled through the North Island leaving a path of destruction, ten regions have declared a state of emergency so far with a decision to be made shortly about whether to declare a National State of Emergency.
Tens of thousands of homes around the North Island are without power.
Some beach communities have been told they are at risk from coastal surges and slips and flooding has made travel dangerous.
In Today FM's efforts to get the latest information we have attempted to speak with Gisborne's mayor Rehette Stoltz but Gabrielle's impact has cut communication with the region.
National Emergency Management Agency's national controller, Roger Ball, provided an update on the situation facing the region on Tuesday morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's a tough time for many Kiwis - storms, looming recessions, cyclones, cost of living crisis... but is there enough in the coffers to help those in that have been struck by the devastating earthquakes overseas?
It's a tricky subject - so which side will Tova and Duncan get?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hundreds of Uber drives are banding together to bargain for better pay and conditions.
It follows a landmark Employment Court victory on October last year where four drivers were determined to be employees - unlocking a raft of additional workers’ rights.
The rideshare giant is now working towards its first ever collective agreement with the workers. FIRST union spokesperson Anita Rosentreter joins us with more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero, our panel segment here on Tova. Today we turn to our wise heads - our former politicians! We're joined by former Green MP Sue Bradford and and Chris Finlayson, former National MP & former Attorney General.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Each week our producer Jeremy is given the task to put an item of news to music, but what occurred to him was the fact that the two leaders of the main political parties have quite a bit in common.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rumours abound that Scott "Razor" Robertson is about to be named as next All Black coach - some even pontificating that he might take over before the next World Cup... unprecedented!
Should NZ Rugby hold off, or just get on with it if they've made a decision?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s Superbowl time! The Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles are set to go to battle in Arizona just after midday NZ time.
Journalist Lysa Gayle has just arrived outside the stadium.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pilots are demanding answers after they were cleared to land in floodwaters of an unknown depth during Auckland’s torrential rain last week.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Northland was the first region to be affected by the powerful Cyclone Gabrielle.
As residents brace for the potential for widespread flooding, one street in Whangārei has already experienced it. Kaka Street, known for its history of flooding, was inundated from around 5 PM on Sunday.
Just last week, a business on that street spoke about their multiple experiences of flooding, including the sighting of eels swimming down the road.
The owner of The Grooming Lounge and Daycare on Kaka Street is Rebekah Thompson who spoke to Tova O'Brien and provided an update on the current situation in the area.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Prime Minister is urging businesses in the North Island to think about the safety of workers.
Roads are closed and power is out while people brace for Cyclone Gabrielle.
Chris Hipkins told Tova O'Brien it is up to each business to decide if they open or not.
"Those are calls for businesses," said Hipkins.
"They need to think about their workers and their safety getting to and from work."
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The emergency event caused by Cyclone Gabrielle is still ongoing in the North Island, with several regions having been issued warnings for heavy rain and strong winds.
The impact of the storm has led to significant concern and precautionary measures being taken by authorities and residents.
As the situation evolves, NIWA has stressed the importance of staying away from water, as there is a high risk of flooding and sudden swells.
Tova O'Brien spoke to NIWA meteorologist Ben Noll to get a clear understanding of the exact path of Cyclone Gabrielle.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion: One of the things Chris Hipkins likes to promote about himself is that he's a straight shooter, an honest, upfront guy and that he's not going to change that now that he's Prime Minister.
And for the most part, I'd say that's fairly accurate.
But when it comes to the Auckland Mayor, I feel like the Prime Minister's got to put that spin into practice.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cyclone Gabrielle is a weather event that should not be underestimated. Red warnings for severe gales and heavy rain have been issued by MetService for Northland, Auckland, Coromandel and Gisborne.
The expected amount of rainfall could result in hazardous and extensive flooding, with floodwaters damaging roads and potentially isolating communities.
The forecast winds are also expected to bring about widespread damage, with the potential to cause harm to life and property due to flying debris, falling trees and branches and insecure structures.
For the latest updates and information, Tova O'Brien spoke to Roger Ball, the Director of Emergency Management at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to gain insights into the situation and what steps are being taken to ensure public safety.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Defence Force personnel are on the ground in Coromandel to assist with any potential evacuations from Cyclone Gabrielle.
The region, which was so hard hit by the floods just two weeks ago, is now in the firing line again.
Water rescue crafts are on standby, and centres have been set up for those who are opting to self-evacuate.
Around 4,000 homes in the area are without power, and road crews are working to clear numerous slips caused by the storm.
Thames-Coromandel Civil Defence Controller Garry Towler told Tova O'Brien we haven't seen the worst of it yet.
"It is going to be -day today," said Towler.
He said people need to be on alert throughout the rest of today, into tonight and tomorrow morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's always an awkward conversation to have with your boss - "Can I get some more money please???". But is it a good time now to ask, or should you just put that conversation back in the pocket?
Tova and Duncan are set to go!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tova O'Brien spoke to two guests who have differing opinions on the subject.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"My message might help somebody take up the sport and say, I feel okay wearing something different than a bikini," Anna Harrison said.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For just NZ$3000 StardustMe will attach one gram of the ashes of your loved one to a SpaceX satellite where it could be viewed in space for up to ten years.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Soils are very loose and if we get high winds and we get trees down then power outages could be quite a theme of this event," Roger Ball told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion: One of the things I love about Today FM is our dogged determination to examine things from different perspectives - sometimes with a degree of self-interest - today for example, in a few minutes, we’re looking at the rights of pet-owning renters from two different sides.
Convenient, given I was recently adopted by a stray cat and now find myself on the hunt for a new flat in a rental market pitted against pet owners.
But even when I don’t have skin in the game, I love it. Hearing different arguments, being challenged and challenging others. My brain sponges it up...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Auckland Councillor Julie Fairey told Tova O'Brien these travel plans are usually planned well in advance.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Some MPs seem to look at politics as a stepping stone to other careers, while some hang on as long as they possibly can!
Should there be a limit to how long an MP can stay in Parliament?
Tova and Duncan are ready to argue it out!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
No absence of celebrity news as we await next month’s Oscars... and no one knows more about the celebs and what they are up to than our brilliant entertainment reporter Carol Ramos!
And what stories has she got about the movies La La Land and The Way We Were?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As we’ve heard, the big merger of TVNZ and RNZ is goneburger.
One person who has followed the ins and outs of the debate to the nth degree so we don’t have to is Duncan Grieve, founder and, until just recently, managing editor of The Spinoff.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pae Korero 2023, and our brilliant big brained panel is here!
Joining us today is University of Auckland History professor Caroline Daley, and The Spinoff’s editor-at-large Toby Manhire.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Yesterday’s scrapping of the RNZ TVNZ merger and all work on it will have been welcome news to commercial media owners and managers.
They were the ones raising most of the red flags about the creation of a giant new public media entity.
Stuff CEO and owner, Sinead Boucher, told parliament last year the merger would create a media giant with the power to distort the market.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
More than 11,000 people in southern Turkey and northern Syria are now known to have been killed in Monday's earthquakes.
We’re crossing now to our correspondent Diego Cupolo who’s based in Istanbul - and he says the outlook is bleak.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Prime Minister’s taken a blow torch to Jacinda Ardern and Grant Robertson’s policy agenda.
Killing the TVNZ-RNZ merger, Robertson’s baby (the income insurance scheme) is dead this term, the biofuels mandate gone, the hate speech law kicked for touch, and Three Waters is going back to the drawing board .
With so much cash already spent it’s also wasted money, wasted work, wasted time
Finance Minister Grant Robertson is on the phone with us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"They're taking a step back and making a really big pause on what had been progress forward," Aliya Danzeisen said.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"They can't please Ian Foster, they can't please Jamie Joseph and Razor at the same time whatever they do here," Rob Van Royen told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After following the twin earthquakes across Turkey and Syria, concerns have risen around New Zealand's current seismic building safety.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"We would rather do a smaller number of things, do them more thoroughly and communicate better about them."
That’s the PM on the sweeping policy changes he announced yesterday - the Opposition says it reflects just how little this government’s actually achieved in the last six years.
Among the policies thrown into the cauldron is the notorious RNZ/TVNZ merger - the $23 million that's been spent on the merger so far is a sunk cost now that taxpayers will have to suck up.
National Finance Spokeswoman Nicola Willis said National are not happy or impressed.
"That is New Zealanders' money that the Labour Government has put a match to and it's not right," said Willis.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"You've got small businesses making the invidious choice between trying to keep struggling on or shutting shop," Simon Bridges told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion: Full disclosure - this is the second editorial I wrote for today.
The first was quite critical of our new Prime Minister off the back of our interview yesterday using a bunch of examples of him failing to answer basic questions which he should have been better prepared for. I compared him to someone who risks becoming known as the dude who always turns up to parties, without any Doritos and expects to be able to drink everyone else’s beer.
That was around midday. Then at 3pm Chris Hipkins fired the blowtorch on the bonfire of the political vanities.
Kaboom!!
Most of it we’d predicted - RNZ/TVNZ, social insurance, the three waters redraw - but there were a couple of surprises in there too...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New South Wales is considering major gambling reform.
Under a new proposal all pokies in the state would become cashless by the end of 2028.
Gamblers would need to impose a mandatory weekly limit for money lost, and transfers from credit cards would be prohibited.
The state’s premier Dominic Perrottet says he hopes it will fix money laundering and problem gambling.
Rev Stu Cameron is the CEO for gambling reform advocates Wesley Mission, and he joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Each week we're joined by clinical psychologist Karen Nimmo who shares some strategies to help us stay mentally robust.
We call it this segment 4 Minute Therapy, and this week our theme relates to something we’ve all probably done before… assume the worst.
So Karen Nimmo is with us now to help us learn how to stop catastrophising!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for our panel segment Pae Korero. Today our super smart opinion makers are Today FM host of Polly, Polly Gillespie, and Executive Director of Auckland Pride, Max Tweedie.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The death toll from the powerful earthquakes which levelled buildings across Turkey and Syria has passed 5000.
The World Health Organisation is warning it could surpass 20,000 dead.
Aftershocks, freezing temperatures, and damaged roads are hampering rescue missions.
New Zealand has committed $1.5 million in humanitarian support.
Diego Cupolo, a freelance journalist in Istanbul, joins us again for an update.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Desperate acts are taken when you are ignored and you have suffered multiple deaths," Catherine Delahunty told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Prime Minister told Tova O'Brien the recent change is a 'welcome development'.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Retail crime has doubled under Labour - peaking out at more than 10,000 incidents in a single month in October last year - that’s the highest in recorded history.
Opposition Leader Christopher Luxon painted a grim picture of Labour's efforts on Wednesday morning.
"We've got a rather bad situation emerging in New Zealand and it's becoming a new normal," said Luxon.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"If you can, take it to a transfer station, but if you can't someone will come and collect it," Auckland Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson said.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Yesterday I got that same sinking feeling I often feel during those trans-tasman grip and grins - that sense of being the meekly obedient younger sibling. It doesn’t matter what we say or do. Our paternalistic big brother will always do what he wants, when he wants.
But it was worse because this time we didn’t even pretend to stand our ground.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Some are rather precious over whether our fine country should be called New Zealand, Aotearoa, or some combination of the two. Some aren't too worried about it at all!
Is it time that we had our say as a nation? Or would it just be a waste of money?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The small Coromandel town of Tairua is emphatically reminding people it is still open for business after a big landslide cut off its main access point.
The popular stop off point for visitors in the area has seen tourist numbers plummet after the slip on State Highway 25A.
And it follows an already poor start to the summer…
Joining us now is Donna Brooke, president of the Bed and Breakfast Association and representative for Tairua businesses.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s the night which promises no shortage of on and off-stage Hollywood drama…. The 65th Grammy Awards!
Beyonce has broken the record for racking up the most Grammy awards ever - adding four to her existing 28.
And Harry Styles picked up the biggest award of the glitzy night, Album of the Year, for Harry’s House.
Here to give us all the goss is KTLA News entertainment reporter Sam Rubin.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We have lift off! Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has taken flight internationally for the first time since taking over the top job from Jacinda Ardern.
The Defence Force plane is en route to Canberra where the PM will meet face to face with his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese.
Channel 10 Political Editor Peter Van Onselen joins us with more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's Pae Korero - our panel segment here on Tova. On Tuesday it's our powerbroker edition - Labour Minister Kiritapu Allan and National’s 3IC Chris Bishop.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
At least 2600 people have been killed after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Turkey and Syria.
It hit early Monday morning, sending people sleeping in their apartments and homes collapsing into piles of rubble.
More than 12000 are injured, and the desperate hunt for survivors among more than 2000 destroyed buildings is heading into the night.
Diego Cupolo joins us now, he’s a freelance journalist based in Istanbul.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Some Kiwis have told the Student Volunteer Army they are scared to clean up in case it impacts their insurance.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jackson said David Seymour and Christopher Luxon have successfully transitioned a section of the NZ public into thinking co-governance is all part of the Māori takeover.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The aftermath of a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake has left Turkey and Syria in dire need of assistance, as rescuers desperately search for survivors among the rubble of levelled buildings.
With the official death toll now exceeding 2700, this number is expected to rise in the coming days.
The World Health Organisation has expressed particular concern for areas in Turkey where communication lines remain down, making it difficult to assess the full extent of the damage and needs.
Turkish MP Burak Erbay told Tova O'Brien they will need all the help they can get, including from New Zealand.
"We need everything," said Erby.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Michael Brooks told Tova O'Brien they have more spacious conditions than the European Union.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion:The second an inquiry was launched into the Auckland flood response, I despaired.
Not because there shouldn’t be an inquiry into the Auckland flood response - because there most definitely should - but because it immediately gave politicians and officials an out for early accountability and transparency.
Sure, in a month from now, this very expensive but important review conducted by a crack team led by former Police Commissioner Mike Bush will give us the complete picture of what we already know - the initial flood response and communications were crap.
But we have to wait a month for that illuminating insight and the subsequent recommendations that help ensure we don’t screw up the next response to a civil defence emergency so magnificently.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
School holidays can be a big stretch of time for a lot of families - mid December to late January at least. Is there a better way of structuring the school year?
Tova thinks she has the answers... Duncan wants to leave it as is!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Even though the flood in Auckland and around the upper North Island haven't been a laughing matter, the handling of the response by one particular person has been interesting to say the least!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If you ask people how their summer’s going it varies a lot across the country.
Picture perfect weather for much of the south… up North, floods and polluted beaches.
But the post-pandemic green shoots for the tourism industry are now nearly in full bloom!
To discuss we’re joined by Rotorua NZ CEO Andrew Wilson, and Mat Wood from Destination Queenstown.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Commemorations for Waitangi Day are on track to be held at the Treaty grounds in Northland, with organisers keeping a close eye on the weather following this week’s state of emergency in the region.
However it’s likely numbers will be lower than usual - the annual commemorations normally attract more than 30,000 people
The political pōwhiri on February 5 will include some changes - here to discuss is Pita Tipene, Chairman of the Waitangi National Trust Board.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The heritage-listed Chateau Tongariro Hotel will officially shut its doors for good this Sunday.
The overseas owners of the 93-year-old property are closing it down permanently rather than undertake a costly seismic upgrade while the future of the Ruapehu ski fields remains uncertain.
Cathy Guy has worked extensively with three generations of the family that owns the hotel. She says she was shocked to learn about the fate of the property, and she joins me now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero our panel here on Tova. Today we’re thrilled to welcome Spinoff bulletins editor Anna Rawhiti Connell, and long time listener, first time panelist... broadcasting extraordinaire - from Afternoons on The Edge, Nickson Clark!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
48,000 Ed Sheeran fans packed into Wellington’s Sky Stadium last night for a record-breaking concert.
The popstar attracted the biggest crowd the venue has ever hosted… with more than 16,000 of them coming in from outside the Capital.
Sky Stadium CEO Shane Harmon joins us now! Then we'll hear from the man himself...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After a coordinated global effort to heal the earth’s ozone layer, a new threat has been discovered.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nearly every beach has been 'black flagged' after the floods, which indicates the beach is unsafe to swim in.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Editorial: This is a tale of sadness… blind rage, helplessness but most of all it’s about love.
Like all good stories, it started with laundry. Last year as the season turned and the days grew drier there was no more need for the clothes dryer.
Bundling wet clothes to the washing line down the back yard, out she’d come from under the house as sunny as the day. The as yet un-named cat meowing as loud as a horse’s ney.
Rolling, stretching across the warm concrete inviting pats on her big, furry, white belly only to swipe with sharpened claws if you dared - not on your nelly.
A lot was said over the next couple of weeks, not a lot understood. I asked who you belonged to, if you were ok, you meowed - loud, proud, though not making a lot of sense.
It would eventually earn you the name Poli - initially after politicians who talk a lot but don’t say much at all.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It took only 10 minutes for Kataraina Toka to lose nearly everything, as Friday’s flooding seeped up through the floors of her Auckland home.
Toka and her four children, all under 12, plus extended family members, swam through chest-deep water to the safety of Wesley Primary School, where they spent the night sleeping on gym mats.
They’re now dry and safe in temporary accommodation, organised by the Mount Roskill community, but most of their belongings are contaminated and unsalvageable.
Tova O'Brien spoke to Kataraina Toka about her whanau's harrowing escape experience during the floods.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It was pretty big in the news when The Queen passed away last year, and it's been bubbling under again. Is it time to make our great little country a republic?
Tova and Duncan - DEBATE!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s been crazy weather in Los Angeles as well as here in NZ. Torrential rain to start the year, and now unheard of near freezing temperatures. Definitely not red carpet friendly!
Here to tell us everything is entertainment reporter Carol Ramos.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As we’ve discussed on this show before, all political parties have done a disservice to the public when it comes to clarifying positions on co-governance.
And while It’s been clearly divisive, it’s also brought about unusual political consensus - both Chris Luxon and Chris Hipkins have fessed up they’re not really sure what it means.
That’s an observation from political commentator Ben Thomas - who was one of the advisers to former attorney general Chris Finlayson when the term was coined during treaty negotiations and Ben’s now written the "only co-governance column you need"!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s a show that can get a wee bit dramatic and feisty at times!
Married at First Sight Australia is back for season 10 - the reality show social experiment where couples meet for the first time at the altar.
A panel of experts pair up the best suited lovebirds out of hundreds of applications… and then watches the ensuing chaos unfold!
MAFS veteran relationship expert John Aiken joins us now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Since the floods first hit Auckland on Friday, the Supercity’s councillors have stepped up to fill the information void left by the mayor.
In a leaked email Wayne Brown told councillors he encouraged them to continue speaking to their communities, but says he and his deputy should be the one voice on regional matters.
Councillor Jo Bartley has been at the Mangere Civil Defence Centre a lot over recent days and she joins us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It is Pae Korero - our fabulous panel! Joining us this Thursday is University of Auckland History professor Caroline Daley, and The Spinoff’s Editor-at-large Toby Manhire.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"You certainly don't want to end up with your dog having diarrhoea or vomiting," Michelle Le Long told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After extending, then extending, then extending, then halving, then axing the fuel tax cut and half-price public transport, the Government has done a u-turn and is extending it again.
The cuts, alongside half-price public transport, will continue until the end of June.
Speaking to Tova O'Brien on Thursday morning, Finance Minister Grant Robertson was asked if this was the first example of Prime Minister Chris Hipkins overriding one of Robertson's key decisions.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The demand for chefs is so high, students are likely to get around 10 job offers each, following the year-long qualification.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The whole ‘people are still getting to know me’ routine has a shelf life and people want to get to know him.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The back-and-forth of the Auckland schools' closure has unleashed pent-up frustration among some educators, over centralised authority.
Schools can reopen from Thursday, after the initial order for them all to stay shut for 7 days following the flooding.
Some have chosen to remain closed, saying they have not had time to prepare following the u-turn.
Speaking to Tova O'Brien on Thursday morning Tim O'Connor the headmaster of Auckland Grammar said the flip-flop speaks to a wider problem in education.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wayne Brown's response to the current flood and weather crisis in the Super City has been... mixed at best. So is it time for him to step down?
Tova and Duncan take a side - and one of them has to argue for him to stay on...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Each week we are joined by clinical psychologist Karen Nimmo who shares some strategies to help us stay mentally robust.
We call this segment 4 Minute Therapy, and this week our theme is coping in a crisis.
And goodness knows in the face of the state of emergencies many are facing around the country due to severe weather conditions, this may be just what you need to hear.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - and today our super smart opinion makers are Today FM host of Polly, Polly Gillespie, and Executive Director of Auckland Pride, Max Tweedie.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Newshub has reported the Australian government will introduce major changes to 501 deportees by next month.
The Immigration minister’s office has confirmed it will take into account what connections people have with New Zealand and Australia before making the decision to deport.
But Filipa Payne, 501 deportee advocate, says these changes don’t go far enough.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has revealed his new Cabinet!
The casualties - Nanaia Mahuta loses Local Government (and therefore Three Waters), and Andrew Little is no longer Health Minister. Phil Twyford has been sent packing altogether.
On the up - new Auckland Minister is Michael Wood, Ayesha Verrall takes Health, and Jan Tinett gets Education
And three newcomers to Cabinet, Ginny Andersen, Barbara Edmonds and minister outside cabinet Kieran McAnulty comes in and picks up local government.
Matt McCarten is Labour’s former chief of staff, and he has some thoughts on these changes!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
More heavy rain is expected in Coromandel today, hampering attempts to mop up widespread flooding and slips.
MetService has a red warning in place, with up to 150 millimetres expected to fall.
Thames-Coromandel Mayor Len Salt joins us with the latest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion: Initially I'd thought bad call for a Prime Minister to be reshuffling a cabinet when parts of the country are facing a civil defence emergency - it seemed a bit navel gazey.
But Chris Hipkins' swift and decisive wielding of the filleting knife is yet another strong declaration of intent. Now they can get on and get it done.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"When we've got a major challenge with our kids who are well-behind on attendance… this is the year we've got to back them," Luxon said.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Simpson has since touched base with Tova's producers to say the affected cars would have their tickets rescinded.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion: Labour has introduced a new portfolio in the Cabinet reshuffle – there is now a Minister for Auckland.
That's a big strategic move and it also allows the Government to put some distance between Auckland and Chris Hipkins, and what will ultimately play out in our biggest city under Wayne Brown's mayoralty and leadership.
I would wager a bet that never again will you see Hipkins standing side by side with Brown in a media conference. It just can't happen. Brown is too unpredictable and too intolerant of the Government. So Hipkins, as PM, needs to keep his distance.
And so we see Michael Wood bolting up to number seven in Hipkins' cabinet. Wood retains his portfolios and takes on the responsibility for Auckland too. And that gives the Government a much stronger ministerial presence in Auckland.
The Government has some serious ground to make up in our biggest city. Many didn't vote for Wayne Brown because they thought he was brilliant. They voted for him because he wasn't Wellington, and he wasn't part of the senseless bureaucracy that left more than one and a half million people stuck in their homes for much of the second half of 2021.
Aucklanders will never forget that.
Some poo-poo the political impact of that lockdown. They shouldn't. It was disastrous for Labour. And that's why there was so much opposition to the schools being closed yesterday. It was instantly infuriating for so many Aucklanders because here we go again – I think lockdowns have made it easy for the Government now to just instruct people to stay home. But, enough now.
There are many other shifts and movements.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our new PM Chris Hipkins got a nice little bump in the polls over the last 24 hours, as did the Labour party. But is it enough to convince him that a snap election is a great idea? Tova and Duncan are given a side... and it's time to scrap it out.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We heard from the Far North District mayor earlier where they’re bracing for possible flooding.
A red warning remains in place for all regions north of Orewa, with the rest of Auckland at an orange warning. Auckland is due to be hit with more rain overnight.
Rachel Kelleher the Auckland Emergency management deputy controller joins us this morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Auckland remains in a state of emergency as the city braces for more wild weather and flooding.
There are questions over the leadership of the response - the stakes could not be any higher.
Auckland’s Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson joins us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
All Blacks and Chiefs halfback Brad Weber said it's moments like these which will send the message that it's 'okay to be gay and be a rugby player'.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The decision to keep Auckland schools closed is a logistical nightmare for many.
For some it means an extra week potentially forking out for childcare, working from home, or towing the kids to the office.
The Ministry of Education says early childhood providers which aren’t impacted by flood damage can open for kids who have no alternative.
Early Childhood Council CEO Simon Laube joins us with his take on the situation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's Pae Korero - and it’s Tuesday - and they are back, baby! We love this dynamic duo!
Our powerbroker edition - It's Labour Minister Kiritapu Allan, and National’s 3IC Chris Bishop.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A red weather warning has been in place for Northland since 4am this morning, with rain expected to cause significant damage.
Local authorities are on alert for any slips that are likely to disrupt travel and make some roads impassable, possibly isolating communities
Far North District Mayor Moko Tepania joins us with the latest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It is on. The election starting gun has sounded with the two major political polls lockstep.
In both the Newshub Reid Research and 1 News-Kantar polls voters have delivered Labour a bump, Chris Hipkins has debuted ahead of Chris Luxon in the preferred PM numbers - and we’re staring down a hung parliament
Labour is on 38% in both - a 5.7 percentage point increase in the Newshub and 5 in the One News poll.
To break all of this down we have two former cabinet ministers, from National is Jonathan Coleman, from Labour is Iain Lees-Galloway.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
One of Auckland’s hardest hit areas in this week’s flooding is West Auckland’s Titirangi, out near the dense Waitakere Ranges.
Many residents had to flee their homes over the weekend as water and mud pummelled through the community.
Some roads are completely cut off by slips, and many still have no safe water supply.
Waitakere Ranges local board chair Greg Presland joins us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s already been a long summer holidays for parents juggling childcare with work or other commitments.
But just days out from some relief, Auckland schools have been instructed to remain closed.
The Ministry of Education says class will be back on February 7 to reduce traffic on the flood-damaged roads.
CEO of children’s charity Kidscan Julie Chapman joins us with more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"You're never going to get away with doing this work and not have to reckon with trauma," Ward told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The verdict is in, on the Labour leadership change,
Both big public polls were out on Monday night and the results are lockstep - it’s a Chippy bounce.
The Newshub Reid Research has Labour getting a 5.7 percentage point and on the 1News Kantar, Labour gets a 5-point bump.
The votes have been taken off National and in his poll debut, Chris Hipkins is coming out on top as the preferred Prime Minister over Chris Luxon.
On Tuesday morning, Newsroom’s Political Editor Jo Moir spoke to Tova O'Brien to analyse the poll results.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion: Well there you have it - the Chippy Bounce.
Boinging us into one of the most exciting election years.
Chris Hipkins gets the predicted bump in the polls - it's both an endorsement of his early leadership and condemnation of Jacinda Ardern's twilight.
Voters are saying welcome to the new, good riddance to the old.
But although Labour will be pumped about this there will be no resting on laurels.
Hipkins will be keenly aware that voters giveth and they taketh away. The Chippy bounce is his to lose.
A few thoughts on the Newshub Reid Research and 1News Kantar polls out last night.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
While much of the focus is on Auckland amid widespread flooding, other parts of the North Island are also facing significant storm damage.
Waitomo’s District is also in a state of emergency with roads closed and homes damaged.
Mayor John Robertson joins us with more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for our panel segment Pae Korero, and on Mondays we turn to our wise heads, our former politicians - former Green MP Sue Bradford, and Chris Finlayson, former National MP & former Attorney General.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A new study is suggesting early humans and other great apes once shared a sign language.
More than 5000 people were shown videos of chimpanzees doing their most commonly used gestures, and more often than not the participants knew what they meant.
Researchers believe the movements could form part of an early vocab across all ape species including us - and it may have been the starting point for our own language.
Study lead Kirsty Graham joins us with more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A real estate company’s Queenstown branch is noticing increasing demand from Auckland home buyers - but not for the reason you may think.
Tall Poppy is crediting the uptick of interest in Central Otago to the rising crime rates in the City of Sails.
Business partner Keeley Anderson says she’s hearing from many buyers that they are upping sticks for some peace of mind.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Have more open spaces, plant more trees, have open streams instead of having them hidden in culverts," James Renwick said.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tova O'Brien was tasked to argue 'against', with Duncan Garner 'for'.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Everybody's trying to do their level best, but it's not something that's going to happen really, really quickly," Tim Grafton told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A mobile alert pinged Aucklanders’ phones on Sunday night, warning them more heavy rain was on the way just 48 hours after the devastating floods.
Four people are dead and more than 5,000 homes have reported damage after three-quarters of the average summer rain fell in the supercity in just 15 hours.
Thunderstorms have since moved to other parts of the North Island with watches and warnings also in place in Northland and Coromandel.
On Monday morning, Tova O'Brien asked Roger Ball, director of emergency management at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) why a state of emergency wasn't declared at 6pm on Friday, the time it was already being considered.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
He took over the top job from a Prime Minister whose leadership was defined by crises... and now, Chris Hipkins' first week on the job is having to deal with a natural disaster.
The Prime Minister admitted with Tova O'Brien on Monday morning that communication about the Auckland floods could have been better.
"Communication was clearly something that left a bit to be desired in that first 24-hour period," said Hipkins.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As Auckland experienced a flooding disaster on Friday afternoon, some have described the late showing of Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown and his handling of the situation as a disaster.
Brown is being heavily criticised for bad communication, and the time it took to declare a State of Emergency.
Today FM host Dave 'Buttabean' Letele has been working hard to provide support to those who have been impacted by the flooding.
When the mayor made a visit to the Māngere Emergency Hub, Buttabean took the opportunity to have a few stern words with Brown about the situation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion:It remains a mystery to me why we were so blindsided by the devastating natural disaster that hit Auckland on Friday night, why no one who’s tasked with predicting or preparing for these things, predicted or prepared for it.
But at least one of Auckland’s other great mysteries has been flushed out in the process - the curious question of why Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown refuses to do any interviews has been solved.
It’s because he’s exceptionally useless.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Each week our producer Jeremy has to find something that's in the news, and set it to music.
And was there any bigger story in the news this week than getting a new Prime Minister?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel here on Tova.
For your listening pleasure we have The Spinoff bulletins editor Anna Rawhiti Connell, and broadcasting legend Mark Sainsbury.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
NOTE - BOTH ELTON JOHN SHOWS HAVE NOW BEEN CANCELLED
There’s been outrage on social media after Auckland Transport told Elton John concert goers to drive to Mount Smart Stadium rather than using public transport.
Penrose Station, which is ten minutes walk away from the stadium, is closed due to Kiwirail maintenance.
Niall Robertson is the chair of the Public Transport Users Association who is concerned that people will be standing on the side of the road waiting for an Uber...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There's some countries around the world where tourists have to get their driving skills tested before they're allowed to take to the road.
Is that something that should happen in NZ? Check out Tova and Duncan's debate!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We’re looking ahead to what’s happening in sport this weekend. And judging by the weather, a lot of us might be parked up in front the telly enjoying game action!
And we have Today FM’s very own Marc Peard to give us the lowdown.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Australia Day - January 26 is the date marking the 1788 landing of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove. It’s also a day that many indigenous Australians see as commemorating the beginning of colonisation in their homeland.
This year there’s been growing calls to change the date of the public holiday that many First Communities now describe as Invasion Day.
Some big retailers like Woolworths and Universities have told staff they can swap the date and choose another day off.
Here to tell us more is author, journalist and Sydney Morning Herald columnist Peter Fitzsimons.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A series of in-depth interviews with adolescents is challenging the long held perception that they are impressionable to perverted or extreme sexual content they see online; that it could send them down a devious path.
Instead it suggests they have the ability to think much more critically than they get credit for.
Auckland University psychology researcher Kris Taylor joins us with more!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Much has been written about what Jacinda Ardern’s resignation and Chris Hipkins’ elevation will mean for the Labour Party and what it will mean for the election.
And while well-informed musings are wonderful - and there’s been a lot of brilliant analysis out there, it’s the polls which will reveal all.
National’s pollster, Curia’s David Farrar told Tova O'Brien on Friday morning the inbound polling will be illuminating.
"Mid-February or earlier, you should start to see some polls," said Farrar.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"It's been so hard over the last 20 or 30 years to impart that sense of urgency… It's not in people's consciousness," said Sharon Squassoni.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Council of Trade Unions Economist Craig Renney and Retail NZ Chief Executive Greg Harford share their thoughts on what solution will benefit Kiwis the most.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Council of Trade Unions Economist Craig Renney and Retail NZ Chief Executive Greg Harford share their thoughts on what solution will benefit Kiwis the most.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
87-year-old Holocaust survivor Bob Narev told Tova O'Brien social media is the main contributor to the recent growth of anti-semetism.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Instead of doing their job and working for us, politicians on both sides have confused and politicised co-governance & Three Waters.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Their petition is calling for an independent inquiry into the causes of the sedimentation and slash entering their waterways to work towards a long-term solution.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s that time again in Los Angeles - people are getting excited about their favourite movies of the year being selected for an Oscar. Here to tell us about this, Justin Bieber, Kim Kardashian, and more is the glorious Carol Ramos, our Hollywood entertainment reporter.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It might seem harsh, but given that it's Australia Day over the Tasman we wanted to have an Aussie themed debate.
Is Australia all it's cracked up to be? It's up to Duncan and Tova to argue it out.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New data out from Trade Me shows our rental market went through the roof last year despite house prices falling across the country.
Rents reached the highest level they have ever been, with every region climbing except Wellington.
Gavin Lloyd is their sales director and he joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Welcome to Pae Korero - our daily panel with Tova and two feisty and thought provoking opinion makers.
Today it’s University of Auckland History professor Caroline Daley, and the New Zealand editor of The Conversation, Finlay Macdonald.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
You will have seen them swooping through your garden, or maybe darting among the trees down at the local park.
Colourful exotic parrots and parakeets who were once pets - but have either flown the coop or been deliberately released.
Now scientists are suggesting the number of escapee birds in our suburbs could put our own native bird population at risk.
Here to tell us more is Ecology professor Margaret Stanley.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Germany has agreed to send 14 of its Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, in a move that Kyiv sees as crucial to defeat Russia's invasion. However, as you would expect, The Kremlin sees it as a dangerous provocation.
And now US President Joe Biden has said that Washington will send 31 of their M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine as well.
With reaction to that news we cross to our Washington correspondent Nick Harper.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Robert MacCulloch told Tova O'Brien he believes the new Prime Minister has just as much Business know-how as his opposing leader.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
While Sepuloni didn't want to talk about specific tax policies before final decisions are made, she told Tova O'Brien the welfare of Kiwis is a high priority.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion:The new Prime Minister will fast find the honeymoon afterglow fades if it’s not backed up.
Holding his first post-cabinet media conference, Chris Hipkins didn’t go far beyond the sweeping statements of intent we’ve been hearing from him since Saturday.
The same commitment to address the cost of living, focus focus focus on the economy. Number one priority yadda yadda yadda.
But beyond platitudes, no action.
Most of you will probably find that perfectly reasonable and - you’re right - it is.
But it was also a magical moment missed.
This, right now, is an opportunity nexus, a tear in the fabric of the political space/time continuum.
A powerful time when Chris Hipkins can almost do anything - the only thing he can’t afford to do is nothing.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Do we need to toughen up laws for boaties?
Life jackets, licences, breath testing for booze…
On Monday, Today FM spoke to Peter Busfield from the Marine Association who said we do need a tightening of the rules.
"If everyone had to wear a life jacket, then everyone on the boat would look at everyone and know you have to wear a life jacket," said Busfield.
He said they are "recommending vessels under 6 meters to make it compulsory to wear life jackets."
National leader Chris Luxon told Today FM he’s keen to see it on smaller vessels too - that it should be treated like a seat belt.
Associate Transport Minister Kieran McAnulty told Tova O'Brien on Thursday morning that legislation is already in the works.
"We know that lifejackets save lives and we know that it really can make the difference between a life and death situation," said McAnulty.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"His first meeting is with business and that gives you a sense that he gets it because business fuels the economy," Bridges told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
One unexpected outcome is the rare moment in the sun it’s giving to ghostwriters - the authors who do much of the work but rarely get any credit.
Our next guest is one of the few experts on that delicate dynamic between celebrity and writer…
Madeleine Morel is a literary matchmaker in New York whose agency 2M Communications works exclusively with ghostwriters, she joins me now, welcome
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s that time of year - the flurry of action in Hollywood where the Oscar nominations are released!
Absurdist comedy-drama ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ is leading the pack with 11 nods this year - closely followed by “All Quiet on the Western Front”, a World War I epic, and “The Banshees of Inisherin,” a dark comedy, both of which scored nine nominations.
KTLA entertainment anchor Sam Rubin joins us!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Newsroom’s National Affairs Editor Sam Sachdeva was at Ratana for Jacinda Ardern's final speech as PM, plus talks about how Chris Hipkins performed as well.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero, and today our super smart opinion makers are Today FM host of Polly, Polly Gillespie - and a first time panelist Executive Director of Auckland Pride, Max Tweedie.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ratana has often been seen as the beginning of the political year. And yesterday it also marked the end of a political era - with Jacinda Ardern making her final appearance as Prime Minister.
It was also a chance for politicians of all stripes to signal to Māori their intentions.
Aaron Smale Newsroom’s Maori Issues Editor was there.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With the recent spate of drownings on our beaches we’ve been discussing whether swimming lessons for children should be mandatory
One of our listeners recommended we speak to Professor of Physical Education and Sport Chris Button from Otago University who’s been researching the topic.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tova O'Brien argues the negative and Duncan Garner argues the affirmative.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"It's much easier and more healthy to think in terms of priorities," Karen Nimmo told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
He told Tova O'Brien he supports co-governance in many ways, just not when it comes to public services.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
National’s Christopher Luxon went to Rātana Pā on Tuesday with a hotly political speech against co-governance and the government’s handling of it.
“Co-governance has been messily handled and explained by this Government," Luxon said.
"They haven’t been upfront on such a big constitutional issue they haven’t taken people with them, and as a consequence, it has become increasingly divisive across New Zealand."
He said the debate has become divisive and immature - and he’s right - but all political parties share responsibility for that.
Former Minister for Treaty Negotiations under National, Chris Finlayson, has written a book on the topic - he says co-governance should be embraced, not feared… it’s about partnership.
But ACT leader David Seymour says it leads to racism where different people get different rights based on their ancestry.
Unfortunately, after today's debate, clarity and understanding were far from the conclusion reached as there still seems to be a huge misunderstanding on what co-governance is at its base level.
All started well as both sides proposed their views on what co-governance is.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dame Naida believes Harawira was right to challenge former Prime Minister Helen Clark's right to speak at Te Tii Marae during a Waitangi Day celebration in 1998.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Zoi Sadowski-Synott is in hot form going into the X-Games following a win at the LAAX Open slopestyle World Cup last weekend.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Labour responded to National's leader putting co-governance with Māori on blast on Wednesday morning.
Christopher Luxon called conversations around it divisive and immature, at Rātana yesterday.
Deputy Labour Party Leader and Minister for Māori Crown Relations Kelvin Davis told Tova O'Brien it comes down to a difference in opinion.
"I thought it was a bit tone-deaf," said Davis.
"I thought it was not quite the right thing at that time, but he makes his own decisions."
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jacinda Ardern has her last formal engagement as Prime Minister with the annual political pilgrimage to Ratana today.
She’ll be joined by incoming Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, and Newsroom’s National Affairs Editor Sam Sachdeva will also be there but not before speaking to us!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's time for Pae Korero, our panel segment on Tova. On Tuesdays we have our powerbrokers - National’s 3IC Chris Bishop, and in for Kiritapu Allan this week, Labour’s representative for Hutt South and therefore Bish’s opposite number, Ginny Andersen.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We’ve been looking at what we can do to try to prevent the tragic drowning toll at our beaches every summer.
Yesterday we heard from Swim Station, an organisation which teaches swimming skills, and they called for more restrictions for boaties - life jackets on boats, spot checks and licences. That fired a lot of our listeners up, questioning why people drowning on our beaches equals more boat restrictions.
One area worth looking at is life jacket laws on boats… the law currently requires you to wear them unless a skipper says you can take them off.
Today we're talking to Peter Busfield, the executive director of the Marine Association.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sadly there are a number of drownings every summer in New Zealand, and this summer has been no exception.
Would it be better for swimming lessons to be compulsory at our schools? Duncan and Tova look at the pros and cons.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There’s been a renewed call from environmentalists and animal welfare advocates for the introduction of a national cat management programme.
The Predator Free Trust says we need to follow Australia’s lead, where a country-wide plan’s been established to reduce its feral cat population numbers as well the introduction of policies to better manage domestic felines.
Today we talk to Grant Norbury - is a senior scientist who’s studied the impact of predators on native wildlife for more than three decades - and Anne Batley Burton - spokesperson The New Zealand Cat Foundation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After working for Sir Elton for the past 25 years, DC Parmet describes the final tour as "quite a sad thing".
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Daniel Gerrard said we need to make sure that not only are kids safe, but "parents and adults are safe as well."
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"The average man in the street can tell between something that is a joke and something that's mean spirited," Carr told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Theatre geeks and rock fans might seem like unlikely bedfellows, but an international spectacular which has touched down in NZ could draw in a mixed mosh.
Inspired by Jim Steinman and Meatloaf’s greatest hits, the stage show ‘Bat Out Of Hell’ has performed in London, Canada, New York and Paris.
Tova spoke to one of the lead performers Kellie Gnauck ahead of two shows in Auckland.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
While most figures received up to 400 mentions over the three-year study, Ardern's name came up 18,000 times - she was the target in nine out of 10 posts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Never take criticism from someone you don’t take advice from.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
University of Auckland scientists gave the drug Alpelisib to healthy middle-aged mice for one year and found they lived ten percent longer.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s Pae Korero, our daily panel - and on Mondays we welcome our brilliant statespeople - our former MPs.
He was once a National minister and Attorney General, it’s Chris Finlayson.
And she was once a Green MP, Sue Bradford.
We are so grateful to have them with us again in 2023!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Honest, candid, heartfelt, diplomatic, pragmatic.
It was seriously impressive - Chris Hipkins was seriously impressive.
Until the wheels came off magnificently when he was asked the inflation rate, unemployment rate and treaty principles...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A three-day coronation with all of the pomp and pageantry fit for a King has been detailed.
Buckingham Palace has outlined the three-day celebration for King Charles III, which kicks off with the crowning of he and the Queen Consort Camilla, on May 6.
It includes a ‘Coronation Big Lunch’, a ‘Coronation Concert’, an extra bank holiday, and a public volunteering push called ‘The Big Help Out’.
BBC reporter Charlotte Gallagher joins us with more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Any pet owner will know just how distressing it is when your furry friend goes walkabouts.
And while many will walk back through the door on their own accord, for those who don’t return it can be difficult to know where to look for help.
Our next guest is Lisa Dean, a UK woman - she was a teacher, turned pet detective who alongside an army of volunteers, has helped track down more than 700 missing animals.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Even with a different leader in Labour, Seymour does not believe the Party will be able to solve "New Zealand's bigger and longer-term problems."
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"This is the guy who ran MIQ… who blocked a pregnant Kiwi from coming home," argued Garner.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Although she couldn't give specific names, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer said there are plenty of strong, indigenous options for the top job.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Incoming Prime Minister, who will be officially sworn into the top job on Wednesday, told Tova O'Brien he wants to work on the issues that Kiwis are focused on.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion: Chris Hipkins and Labour will be very pleased with how this new era, forged from fire, is shaping up so far.
The riotous applause in the caucus room, the hug between the departing and incoming PM, the swift, bloodless and unanimous leadership change, the statesmanly yet endearingly cheery and upfront first media conferences, the proud loyal deputy.
So far, so good.
It’s almost enough to make you think Labour can do this, they can bring it back, can shift the polls and retake power on October 14th.
Almost enough.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As a new Prime Minister is inbound to take the helm, the opposition is calling for Chris Hipkins to follow through on cutting out the distractions that the Government has been focusing on, that Kiwis are not.
National Party leader Christopher Luxon told Tova O'Brien a list of actions that need to be canned.
"I'm expecting him to come out and stop and repeal three waters," said Luxon.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's been a heck of a last 24 hours in politics... but can the country stand any further shake ups? Some people are suggesting that the two National leaders should swap jobs, but is there anything in it?
Tova and Duncan are ready to debate the pros and cons!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
And just like that, Prime Minister Jacinda Adern announced her departure from politics.
It’s the end of an extraordinary five-and-a-half year era, and completely changes political calculations this election year.
To discuss the Prime Minister’s legacy and implications of this extraordinary decision I’m joined by Auckland University professor of politics Jennifer Curtin.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A massive political day in New Zealand yesterday, and today's Pae Korero panel are here to talk us through it!
We have the NZ editor for The Conversation Finlay Macdonald, along with Anna Rawhiti Connell, the Spinoff’s Bulletin editor.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Election year is off with a hiss and a roar with the calamitous caucus clash!!
Both Labour and National scheduling their caucus retreats - the parties’ respective first political hui of the year - scheduling them not only at the same time but also in the same place - poor Napier...
National’s Deputy Leader Nicola Willis talks us through the latest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s been one year since a family disappeared into the Marokopa bush but new sightings are still filtering through.
Police began searching for Tom Phillips and his three kids Jayda, Maverick and Ember, after he failed to show for a court appearance last January.
Officers are appealing to anyone who is helping Tom Phillips evade arrest, the concerns for the children are very real. Here to tell us more is private investigator Chris Budge who has been investigating this case.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Debate Club is BACK for 2023, so did Duncan and Tova make any resolutions for the New Year? And do they think they'll stick to them?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The likes of Joe Biden, Justin Trudeau and Anthony Albanese all shared their admiration for New Zealand's Prime Minister.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Will have to take some difficult decisions to correct it and that will make them unpopular reasonably quickly," the former Prime Minister said.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"It is going to be an incredibly tough year and so for us, our job is to stay very focused on the things that we talked about as a caucus yesterday," said the opposition leader.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
She was the reason there was still a real contest in this election - she was the star power despite many in the country turning on the government.
Like John Key before her, Jacinda Ardern has chosen to protect her legacy and save face in the face of a loss.
There’s nothing wrong with that. It’s politics and yes Jacinda Ardern can include compassion and kindness in her legacy but by golly, she’s also a political master.
And this, this was checkmate.
Unfortunately, it could also mean game over for Labour.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today FM political reporter Emma Hatton had a front-row seat and told Tova O'Brien she froze when she heard the news.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The resignation of Jacinda Ardern. Jaw-dropped… what an incredible political moment.
An undeniably gargantuan time and tenure as Prime Minister.
Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark believes prejudice against women drove Jacinda Ardern to resign from office.
Clark has spoken to Today FM, in her first New Zealand interview since hearing the news.
She told Tova O'Brien the level of hatred, in her experience, is unprecedented.
"There has been a misogynistic element in the way that Jacinda has been attacked," said Clark.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Prime Minister will resign, with her last day being February 7th.
Jacinda Ardern announced her resignation at today’s Labour party caucus retreat.
She tearfully told the media after that giving it her all she doesn’t have anything left in the tank to see through another term.
Today FM host and former political editor, Tova O'Brien is in utter shock at the announcement.
She told Leah & Mark that all eyes will be on who will succeed her.
"I'm probably gonna have a bob each way," said O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Labour Party Cabinet Minister Iain Lees-Galloway and former Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett give insight into what to expect from the election this year.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Joining us once for the first time this election year are our Pae Korero panel - University of Auckland History professor Caroline Daley and The Spinoff’s Editor- at -large Toby Manhire.
And in an early twist Labour and National have clashed in a seemingly unprecedented way before any of it’s even began... the two major parties have scheduled their caucus retreats not only for the same weekend, but also in the same city - Napier!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Awards season is heating up in Lala Land!
We’ve already had the Golden Globes and the Critics Choice handed out, so let’s look ahead to what else is coming with our favourite entertainment reporter, the fabulous Carol Ramos.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
While the search continues for a missing swimmer following yesterday’s mass rescue in Opoutere that has already left one dead, there’s frustration among some residents who flagged surf life saving last year that they needed more patrols.
One of those is bach owner Phillip Ratcliffe...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We’ll find out soon today exactly how much Christmas dinner has cost the country’s wallets.
Statistics New Zealand is set to drop December’s food price index, which shows exactly how much grocery costs have risen - or fallen… though unlikely.
Costs increased more than 10 percent in the last update.
Infometrics principal economist Brad Olsen said produce will likely push prices up again.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
One swimmer is still missing after a mass rescue at Opoutere Beach on Wednesday which left one person dead and others injured.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This year, at Today FM, we are even more fired up than last year! Determined and in our element, we know what we’re doing, we love what we’re doing and we promise to up the stakes.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Happy election year!! And in an early twist that’s utterly joyous for political tragics like us at Today FM, Labour and National have clashed in a seemingly unprecedented way before any of it has even begun...
The two major parties have scheduled their caucus retreats not only for the same weekend... which we can’t ever remember happening... but also in the same city - Napier.
The retreats are usually a good opportunity to steal the early political headlines, now both parties will be competing for your attention.
Labour’s campaign chair also minister of housing, energy and building, Megan Woods told Tova O'Brien on Thursday morning that Labour will commit to running a clean 2023 campaign ahead of the retreat clash.
"I can absolutely guarantee that we will run a clean campaign," said Woods.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Director of the Transportation Research Centre told Tova O'Brien it's not as simple as just increasing the budget.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"94 percent of OD's are from ages 15 to 24 and they are doing it by accident…so we need to provide them with something safe," Martin said.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
National says call wait times to Waka Kotahi are 26 times longer than they were five years ago.
The data which was released under a written parliamentary question found the average wait time was 40 seconds in October 2017, but ballooned to just over 18 minutes during the same month last year.
The numbers have been revealed at a time of increasing frustration on our roads ... with potholes and safety issues causing havoc for Kiwi motorists.
National Party Transport spokesperson Simeon Brown says the dramatic increase in wait times over the last five years is "appalling and concerning".
"It's trending upwards over those five years," said Brown.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
David Norton believes that Gisborne is dealing with the long-term effects of poor land management decisions from 40 years ago.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
I’m struggling to see what the $350 million deal between Auckland Transport and Fullers360 has actually done to improve services.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pleas for the restoration of a historical central Auckland theatre are ramping up with its future still hinging on support from central Government.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Denaro was known for ordering grisly murders, including the kidnapping, torture and killing of the 11-year-old son of a mafioso turned informant.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Auckland cricket club has been left scrambling after its cricket pitch was torn up by motorbike riders over the weekend.
The ripped-up turf and skid marks have forced Mountfort Cricket Club to relocate for the rest of the season.
It's the latest in a long line of chaos caused by dirtbikes across the region ... Prompting calls for a harsher crackdown on riders.
Manukau Ward Councillor Alf Filipaina told Wilhelmina Shrimpton that the actions of those riding the bikes are deplorable.
"It's just disgusting what these riders are doing," said Filipaina.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Exercise is a great way to get your endorphins flowing, Sara Chatwin said, noting that having time to rest and "do nothing" isn't always a bad thing.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
24 prominent organisations across multiple sectors have joined forces calling on political parties to prioritise improving air quality in houses.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Smaller brewers are having to ration, and may have to half production, due to a shortage of carbon dioxide.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"What I'm hearing consistently from truck drivers is that the roads are the worst we've ever seen them," said Transporting NZ CEO Nick Leggett.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
So if this isn’t reason enough to prioritise efforts to curb climate change and sustainability then I don’t know what is.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The former Director-General of Health is excited to go back to his roots, in his new role as Professor, in the School of Population Health at Auckland University.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The owner of a Hamilton dairy targeted over the weekend has been left traumatised.
A staff member lost two fingers in the machete attack and thousands of dollars worth of cigarettes were also stolen.
Irvine Street Dairy Owner Puneet Singh told Today FM on Monday morning that his staff fear for their safety.
"My other worker was supposed to open the shop," said Singh.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For some it's the most wonderful time of the year... for others it's a commercial nightmare! Christmas time - mistletoe and wine? Or should it just get lost?
Who's going to be the grinch - Tova or Duncan?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the other side of the world, a tiny island north of Norway has plunged into ‘winter night’ - three months of icy darkness.
Svalbard is home to the closest community to the North Pole, the home of Santa Claus, with just 2500 residents braving the cold.
But it’s unique for another reason too this year - it's inhabitants are mostly split between Russians and Ukrainians, with the two groups forging an unspoken and at times uneasy truce.
Joining us now is resident Natalia Maksimishina.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hollywood is still basking in the glow of another dazzling Emmy Awards, and one of the prestigious evening’s winners is one of our own.
New Zealand animation director Amnon Schwartz has picked up an Emmy for Outstanding Animated Preschool Series.
He and his co-directors are the brains behind the visually and generally charming Netflix television adaptation of children’s book Ada Twist Scientist.
Amnon Schwartz joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s the Christmas present that will transform the lives of around 12,000 New Zealanders.
From February the adrenaline auto-injectors Epi Pens will be free for those with severe allergies.
They’ll be funded to receive two a year… and at a cost of at least $140 each, it amounts to a cost saving of hundreds of dollars annually for those who rely on the pens.
But the real question is why has it taken Pharmac so long?
Joining me to discuss is Allergy New Zealand CEO Mark Dixon.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We love her theme music, and we love her. Here is the fantastic LA entertainment reporter Carol Ramos with one last celebrity wrap up for the year!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel segment here on Tova. On Thursdays we have our top thinkers - University of Auckland History professor Caroline Daley, and political commentator Shane Te Pou.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This couple were nominated by their son Josh.
In September 2019 they opened a toy store in Glenfield Mall, and have managed to survive almost 1/3 of their possible trading days being spent in Auckland's lockdowns.
Through this all they have supported their customers, staff and each other to not only survive physically but to thrive in this difficult time.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Finance Minister Grant Robertson played the grinch yesterday - announcing the end of half priced public transport and the fuel tax cut.
He’s briefly extended the 25 cent cut to fuel excise by a month, it’s then reduced to 12.5 cents off, then gone entirely - so we’ll be whacked by full price fuel come April 1st
Half-price public transport fares end then too.
We're joined by AA Principal Policy Advisor Terry Collins to discuss the government's decisions.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Calling all blood donors! 7000 eligible people need to offer up their arms if the Blood Service is to have enough blood and plasma to get through the holiday season.
NZBS is forecasting a 4% increase in demand compared to the same period last year.
National Marketing and Communications Manager Asuka Burge joins us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
He told Tova they will look at their budgeting priorities over summer and make a decision then, on whether the Government should go through with the merger.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion: If only it were an April Fool's prank but alas on the 1st of April next year travelling to work, home, school, study, and kid's sport - it's all getting way more expensive.
It was a toss-up whether the Government was going to keep the fuel tax cut and public transport subsidy in place but it's chosen saving over spending as we've all been directed to do by the reserve bank governor.
And it's symbolic too. Symbolic of the broader budget that the government is trying to convince us it's running in an election year.
'Getting the basics right' is how Grant Robertson is pitching 2023 - which begs the question, have you been failing to do so to date?
He wants this to look like a frugal, no-frills, no-wild helicopter cash, money scramble in an election year.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Zealand’s third COVID-19 wave is picking up speed right before Christmas.
Daily numbers have broken through the 8,000 mark this week - 8,428 to be exact - the highest daily total in four and a half months.
The Ministry of Health predicts around 10 to 11,000 cases a day by December 25th.
But how can you make your Christmas less 'sick-mas' and spread cheer and not the virus over the silly season?
This has raised the question about whether to add a layer of COVID protection, heading into summer.
The Ministry of Health has passed advice to the Government to consider bringing back the use of masks - particularly on public transport, the Deputy Director General of Health Andrew Old told Tova O'Brien on Thursday.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Come April next year, it’s the end of the line for half-price public transport. The Government has briefly extended the scheme from January to March 31st, but said it’s not sustainable long-term.
There is good news though, for the million-odd community service card holders. They will still be able to access cheaper fares.
But FIRST Union said moving towards free public transport should be the ultimate goal. Research and policy analyst Edward Miller spoke to Tova O'Brien on Thursday morning and said the removal of half-price fares is disappointing.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
One year ago Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of Cryptocurrency company FTX, was one of the world's richest young entrepreneurs, peaking at a net worth of over 40 billion New Zealand dollars.
Today, he sits in a jail cell in the Bahamas, without a cent to his name, likely awaiting extradition back to the United States where he will face charges of wire fraud that could carry a life prison sentence. "
Senior Special Writer for the Wall Street Journal Justin Baer has been across the case and told Tova O'Brien on Wednesday morning Bankman-Fried has been laying his case in the media for weeks.
"In recent weeks, Bankman-Fried has gone public many times," said Baer.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Government is breaching the basic human rights of those living in emergency motels according to the Human Rights Commissioner.
A report into emergency housing chronicles the devastating, damaging and often disgusting conditions families and children face in emergency motels.
The report was released at the same time as the government promised an overhaul of emergency housing including minimum standards for motels - mystifying they weren’t in place already.
Speaking on Tova, Social Development Minister Carmel Sepuloni could not give a clear answer on whether the government is breaching human rights, as the Human Rights Commission has suggested.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"There is an insidious culture within Pharmac where I believe patients and patient outcomes are not a priority," Smalley told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Patient Voice Aotearoa's Malcolm Mulholland questions the competence of Fitt following the continued media botch-up around this announcement.
"I just think she's an idiot, To be perfectly frank," said Mulholland.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Two police officers are among six people dead in Queensland after a shooting at a rural property. Two other officers were injured following a siege.
Police then shot dead the three suspects.
President & CEO of the Queensland Police Union Ian Leavers joins us with the latest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For some it comes after years of fighting for residency, many pushed right to the brink, ready to take their valuable skills offshore.
Through our coverage we’ve kept in touch with several nurses including an aged-care nurse who was devastated nurses were initially be excluded from the list. She returns as well as National’s immigration spokesperson Erica Stanford, who has been a big part of pushing for nurses to get a fast-tracked residency.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Six people are dead in Queensland including two police officers, a neighbour and three suspects in the small town of Wieambilla.
Four police officers were shot at after responding to reports of a missing person at a rural property… a siege ensued.
Local Mayor of Western Downs Paul Weigh joins us,
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The ease with which New Zealanders can access fentanyl online remains a significant concern for police and those involved in drug and overdose prevention.
Details of how a group of people who overdosed on fentanyl in the Wairarapa sourced the drug from the dark web have been revealed in a documentary released yesterday by Today FM.
Glenn Dobson is a former police officer and is the chief operating officer at the Drug Detection Agency, a business that undertakes workplace testing.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's Pae Korero - powerbrokers edition - with two people we have loved having on the show all year - Labour Minister Kiritapu Allan and National’s 3IC Chris Bishop!
They're in for one last tussle in 2022.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After months of despair, frustration and mounting pressure on the health system, nurses and midwives have finally been added to the immigration green list fast-track for residency - with immediate effect.
But other professions that have been calling to be added remain left off - key among them chefs.
Hospitality NZ CEO Julie White joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There’s been years of hype, business plans, submissions and justifications from government ministers. Yet despite it all, the TVNZ-RNZ merger could now be for the scrap heap.
When asked if the merger’s still going ahead the Prime Minister has changed her language from - of course it is - to saying ministers have been tasked with finding ways to trim their budgets over the summer break.
But with public opinion against it, and National and Act pledging to undo the merger if they win office, perhaps it's a rat the Government is prepared to swallow.
To discuss the devil in all this detail, we're joined now by former news boss at TV3 and Newsroom co-founder Mark Jennings.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
And that is very nearly a wrap - Tomorrow night, Parliament sits for the last time this year, capped off by the most keenly coveted night on the political calendar - the press gallery party.
What a phenomenal year in politics it’s been - and our political editor, Newsroom’s Jo Moir, has had a front row seat...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Six people are dead including two police officers, a neighbour, and three suspects in the small Queensland town of Wieambilla.
Four police officers were shot at after responding to reports of a missing person at a rural property, and a siege ensued.
We're joined by our correspondent Luke Siddham Dundon from the ABC.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After months of despair, frustration and mounting pressure on the health system, nurses and midwives have finally been added to the immigration green list fast-track for residency - with immediate effect.
Several other roles including teachers, drain layers, and motor mechanics can apply for the second-tier green list from next March - they still have to work for two years here before being eligible for residency.
There’s also a new temporary residence pathway for bus and truck drivers, through a sector agreement to help employers attract workers.
But there are doubts the shake-up will ease the nursing shortage, Kerri Nuku from the Nurses Organisation told Tova O'Brien the changes fail to address the elephant in the room.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tourism Minister Stuart Nash has shot down claims that the government is not doing enough to help the sector recover from COVID-19, saying much has been done.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Tuesday morning, Tova O'Brien and Duncan Garner faced off once again on the Debate Club segment.
This segment is all about winning, and getting the listeners to side with the stronger argument.
How it works is a subject is chosen, both sides of the debate are disputed, and the winner is decided at the end.
The moot for today was - The government will scrap the RNZ/TVNZ merger.
O'Brien is arguing they won't, while Garner is arguing they will.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sometimes, even if you’re horrendously late to the party and everyone’s angry with you, if you finally show up with a karaoke machine and Rashuns - all will be forgiven as we join forces to sing off-key Bon Jovi together.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A 13-year-old girl from the UK whose blood cancer was deemed incurable has just been given a second chance at life, thanks to a potentially groundbreaking new treatment.
Alyssa has been cured using base editing - a technology which modifies a building block in the genetic code, to teach it how to fight off disease.
It’s the first time the immune system has been redirected to fight cancer - and Alyssa is the very first of 10 patients to trial the new drug.
Immunologist Professor Waseem Qasim was one of the project leaders at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Qasim told Tova O'Brien the medical technology has made leaps and bounds in the last several years.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Zealanders who were burned by the managed isolation lottery system are disappointed the Government is skirting around an apology.
An investigation by the Chief Ombudsman found officials did not adequately consider the 'very real impact' the lottery system had on people’s lives
Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier said Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ) also failed to consider individual circumstances for those trying to get a ticket home in the virtual lobby.
He added he would follow up with the hundreds of complainants to see if an apology from the Ministry of Innovation, Business and Employment (MBIE) is necessary.
But Grounded Kiwis spokesperson and lawyer Alexandra Birt told Tova O'Brien, New Zealanders deserve acknowledgement.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Firearms owners are warning a proposal to bump up licensing fees could lead to more unlicensed guns.
Police want owners to cover a bigger portion of the regulatory service costs… the current fee of just over $125 makes up less than 15 percent of the actual cost.
Three options are on the table - bumping licence fees to 25, 50, or 75 percent of the total regulatory costs… the last one would mean more than a 400 percent increase.
On Two Sides Tova O'Brien spoke to Gun Control NZ co-founder Philippa Yasbek.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It was a series of events, a moment in British political history, that was stranger than fiction
Each chapter of Boris Johnson’s short reign as Prime Minister is more bombastic/dazzling than the last
Not to mention the events leading up to it - AND what could follow yet…
The remarkable story has been exceptionally curated and chronicled by multi-award-winning journalist Sebastian Payne - Whitehall Editor for the Financial Times, host of the Payne’s Politics podcast and now the author of The Fall of Boris Johnson: The Full Story
Tova O'Brien spoke to Sebastian about the new book.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For a lot of New Zealanders, Fiji is about winter holidays, cocktails by the pool, and that welcoming 'Bula smile'.
But of course, the Pacific nation is a lot more complicated than that.
On Wednesday Fijians go to the polls – with two former coup leaders running for prime minister.
In one corner, the current PM and leader of the 2006 coup, Frank Bainimarama from the Fiji First party.
In the other corner, former PM and leader of two coups in 1987, Sitiveni Rabuka, and his People's Alliance Party.
It will be the third election under the constitution introduced by Bainimarama – a constitution with language which still allows for the possibility of military intervention, and contains sweeping limitations on free speech.
To discuss the upcoming election Tova O'Brien spoke to Dominic O'Sullivan, professor of political science at Charles Sturt University in Australia.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
US star athlete Brittney Griner will be settling back into life at home, after being released from a Russian prison 10 months after her arrest for minor drug charges.
The man she was swapped out for, on the other hand, arms dealer Viktor Bout, has a slightly darker rap sheet…
Referred to by some as Russia’s ‘Merchant of Death’, Bout was serving 25 years in the US for charges which included conspiring to kill US citizens and aiding a terrorist organisation.
Tova O'Brien spoke to former US judge Shira Scheindlin, who presided over Viktor Bout’s case in 2012, to discuss the swap.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Flight Centre CEO David Coombes has written an open letter plea to politicians to clarify their position on travel and tourism.
It comes as flights are being disrupted due to various issues including staffing shortages at Auckland Airport, concerns about fuel contamination and flight prices continuing to break banks
Tova O'Brien spoke to David Coombes.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Kōrero - and on Mondays, it’s our statespeople - our former MPs, two great thinkers. He’s a former national minister and Attorney General, it is of course Chris Finlayson. And she was once a Green MP, Sue Bradford.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Firearms owners are warning a proposal to bump up licensing fees could lead to more unlicensed guns.
Police want owners to cover a bigger portion of the regulatory service costs… the current fee of just over $125 makes up less than 15 percent of the actual cost.
Three options are on the table - bumping licence fees to 25, 50, or 75 percent of the total regulatory costs… the last one would mean more than a 400 percent increase.
On Two Sides Tova O'Brien spoke to Council of Licensed Firearms Owners spokesperson Hugh Devereux-Mack.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Frustrated Surf Lifesavers say beach safety messages still aren’t getting through to the public following a dangerous capsizing of a boat in big surf near Raglan at the weekend.
One person was seriously injured in the incident that involved three men and rescuers say they fear the outcomes would have been much worse had lifeguards not been there to respond so quickly.
Tova O'Brien spoke to James Lea, Lifesaving Operations Manager from Surf Life Saving Northern Region.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
National’s candidate in the Hamiton West by-election has been celebrating his resounding victory.
National had tried to pretend Tama Potaka was the underdog but he was always going to be the top dog - the question was by how much — and in the end, it was a lot, about 2,300 voters.
The question is now what does the result mean for the general election - Hamiton West is a bellwether seat, almost always predicting which party will get the most votes across the country.
Tova O'Brien spoke to Hamilton West’s new MP Tama Potaka about how the celebrations went and if he thinks his result will impact the upcoming 2023 election.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is it shaping up to be a very COVID-y Christmas?
It could go one of two ways, with COVID-19’s current Omicron wave expected to peak within the next few weeks.
The end of the school and business year breaking the circuit, hastening the decline in cases…
Or, seasonal gatherings could act as superspreader events leading to a rolling spike in cases.
One group especially concerned about the possibility of a longer, rising wave is Grey Power, whose members are older and more vulnerable to the effects of the virus.
To discuss this and explain how older Kiwis are preparing for Christmas, Tova O'Brien spoke to Grey Power’s health group chair Jo Millar.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In Australia, federal parliament will return this week to pass an energy relief bill that will cap coal and gas prices for a year in an effort to ease pressure on households and businesses.
Tova O'Brien spoke to Sydney correspondent Sam Emery.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's been revealed the group of people who accidentally overdosed on fentanyl in Wairarapa in June sourced the drug from the dark web.
The details are outlined in a new documentary from Today FM’s current affairs series The Core. The episode shows just how easy it is to access the drug online.
Twelve people were hospitalised over Matariki weekend this year, and a thirteenth a week later after taking a white powder they thought was cocaine.
Police told Wilhelmina Shrimpton about an ounce of the substance was imported to New Zealand via the dark web, and then bought unwittingly by users.
Speaking on Tova, host, writer and producer Wilhelmina Shrimpton tells all.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Labour has a year to pull its socks up and get back on side. The political landscape will be different come election time from how it is now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"The royal family and whoever those advising them probably are breathing a slight sigh of relief," said Gareth Barlow.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"It's pretty obvious that he wants to get back into the White House," said Sean Spicer.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A judge has reinforced the urgent need for a baby to undergo heart surgery, as the parents try to block it.
The couple wants only unvaccinated blood used for transfusion, with the court earlier this week granting doctors guardianship over the infant.
The parents have been ordered to stop blocking doctors from prepping the infant for surgery.
They allegedly told staff they would press criminal charges.
Family law expert, Professor Mark Henaghan told Tova O'Brien it's a very serious matter.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
National Party's police spokesperson Mark Mitchell discusses the implementation of the 12-month circuit breaker and why it is necessary.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After a lawyer of anti-vax parents argued that more than 40 people have died because of the COVID-19 vaccine - I thought I should do a quick fact rundown.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After parents of a critically ill boy wanted to choose their own blood donor for their child's life saving surgery, Little was glad the court stood firm.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tim Dare, Professor of Philosophy at Auckland University provides insight on the ongoing case with the Court's temporary guardianship over the sick baby.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In case you missed it, parliament was a bit of fun yesterday...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
While the country's ban could send people to prison, those who can report the 'crime' are the parents, the children or their spouses.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
National has made it clear it won't be privatising water assets if elected next year.
Labour has backtracked on a controversial entrenchment clause under the Three Waters legislation.
Speaking to Tova O'Brien on Wednesday morning, opposition leader Christopher Luxon was asked if he would "pinky promise" that no National government he led or future National governments would privatise water assets.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After months and months of putting the heat on, firefighters have finally struck an agreement with their employer.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"There's one reason the fire service is in this position, and that's because of our leaders and our management," said the former All Black.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sport NZ announced yesterday transgender athletes will be able to participate in community sports in the gender they identify with. They have released new guidelines and it will be up to individual sports to define where and how transgender athletes participate.
Raelene Castle, Sport NZ CEO, wouldn't respond to comment on Tova pointing to scientific studies in Sweden establishing that "the muscular advantage enjoyed by transgender women is only minimally reduced when testosterone is suppressed."
This was one year after undergoing testosterone suppression.
The study also acknowledges that "sports organisations should consider this evidence when reassessing current policies regarding the participation of transgender women in the female category of sport."
"This conversation is not about that at the moment," Castle said on Wednesday morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
They're well paid, and they're in an important and highly public role, but does that mean that politicians should just accept whatever abuse they get as a simple "part of the job"?
It's an interesting argument... let's hear what Tova and Duncan have to say.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The people have spoken!
For the first time Oxford’s Word of the Year has come down to a public vote, and the 2022 winner is not actually a word, but a term: ‘Goblin mode’.
It refers to “a type of behaviour which is unapologetically self-indulgent, lazy, slovenly, or greedy, typically in a way that rejects social norms or expectations”.
Here to tell us more is Oxford Languages senior editor Jonathan Dent!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If money truly does buy happiness, it’s understandable to feel down in the dumps after the latest official cash rate hike and the prospect of re-budgeting for higher interest rates.
And economic confidence is taking a real hit - plummeting 18% in the 1 News Kantar Public poll.
Auckland University economist Robert MacCulloch is not surprised one iota... he studies the link between the state of the economy and wellbeing, and joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A second public poll has aligned to deliver the Prime Minister a very cold wake up call - the public is turning away from her party and from her own once unstoppable popularity.
And with economic pessimism at levels surpassing the global financial crisis and Winston Peters on the comeback, last night’s One News Kantar poll doesn’t leave a lot for the government to celebrate.
Our Political Editor, Newsroom’s Jo Moir is with us now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When he was elected as Auckland mayor, Wayne Brown was quick to come out of the blocks to say rate rises must be avoided.
He said he wanted to reduce the pressure on young and lower-income home owners, who can least afford it.
Now less than 2 months into his new job... and he’s proposing to put rates up by 4.66%!
That would means a household with $1.4 million dollars of property capital would pay an additional $154 dollars a year, roughly $3 a week.
Deputy mayor Desley Simpson joins us to talk through rates!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's Pae Korero, and today we have our powerbrokers who are reflecting on polls with contrasting fortunes... Labour Minister Kiritapu Allan, and National’s 3IC Chris Bishop.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is there a person in your life that you can’t do without?
The person who does the little things that keeps your family or community together?
Tell us about the hero in your life now at todayfm.co.nz - or text HERO 3920.
We’re going to share their stories and then we going to let you know who is Today FM’s Hero of the Year.
And now we would like you to meet our hero for today - Sally Walker. We're told she is a selfless person, and although she has suffered immensely from surgical mesh complications, she is helping so many women.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A Royal Commission of Inquiry is launching into the official handling of COVID-19 in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The Government says the NZ$15 million inquiry will look into the legislative, regulatory and operational settings of the pandemic - including border rules, quarantine and community care.
It will not look into decisions by clinicians, vaccine efficacy or some individual decisions by the Reserve Bank - through monetary policy will be covered.
Epidemiologist Michael Baker told Tova O'Brien he supports the inquiry, however he was surprised the effectiveness of COVID-19 jabs is excluded from it.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion: Perhaps Jacinda Ardern will take a moment, reset and think about the things they might do to get back in the public good graces.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The bad news keeps coming for Labour.
Monday night's 1 News Kantar public poll puts National and ACT in a position to easily form a government.
National’s up to 38 percent, Labour’s down to 33, ACT is up 2 points to 11 and the Greens unchanged at 9.
Stalking his way back to Parliament bit by bit… Winston Peters and New Zealand First are on 4 percent tantalisingly close to that 5 percent threshold - Te Pati Māori are on 2.
On Tuesday morning Tova O'Brien spoke to two former ministers, National’s Paula Bennett and Labour’s Iain Lees-Galloway to break down the latest poll.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"That decision was made some time ago [based] on the facts that we discovered, which were that we've been lied to," Winston Peters told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The parents whose baby boy needs critical heart surgery are heading back to the High Court in Auckland on Tuesday, in a bid to ensure only ‘unvaccinated blood’ is used in his care.
Te Whatu Ora-Health New Zealand wants the courts to take temporary custody of the four-month-old so the life-saving operation can take place using donated blood from the NZ Blood Service.
The case raises difficult legal and ethical questions about the rights of parents and very young children, and where the state can or should intervene when life is at risk.
University of Auckland philosophy professor Tim Dare told Tova O'Brien all aspects of the case will be carefully considered.
"From a medical perspective, pretty straightforward," said Dare.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Facebook and Google could soon be required to pay New Zealand media companies for the local news they use on their sites.
The Government is introducing legislation as a ‘backstop’ - hoped to prompt the social media giants to strike their own deals with media companies
It’s a bid to pump $30 to 50 million back into the industry as audiences move online.
Australia and Canada have already made similar moves - so let’s see how it’s been working.
We're joined by Peter Menzies - a senior fellow at Canada’s MacDonald Laurier Institute and has spent more than three decades as a journalist.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The government has admitted it made a mistake, and is promising to fix the Three Waters legislation by removing the entrenchment clause which was rushed into the bill late at night when the house was sitting under urgency.
We're joined by Leader of the House and Police Minister - we want to talk fog cannons and a developing crime story with him too - CHris Hipkins.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A major victory for cystic fibrosis patients - Pharmac has reached a provisional agreement to fund life saving drug Trikafta.
It is beginning consultation on funding the drug which could give people with the condition up to 27 more years of full health.
Health Minister Andrew Little spoke to Rachel Smalley this morning saying there are more drugs they want to fund, but that the money isn’t available for Pharmac
Cystic fibrosis has been advocating for Trikafta to be funded for the past two and a half years and their CEO Lisa Burns joins me this morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When the price of petrol skyrocketed in recent months, the Government did what they could by reducing some of the tax on fuel. But if the tax goes back to normal early next year, will it be good or bad for the country?
Hear what Duncan and Tova have to say, and make up your mind!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There is growing interest in a high-tech solution to the chronic staff shortage in the hospitality industry.
A handful of robot waiters and cocktail machines are already in use around the country - taking orders, mixing drinks, and collecting plates
‘G Robotics’ says they take up hard to fill positions without complaint, and some can be hired for $50 a day - the equivalent of two hours wages for a worker.
G Robotics managing director Raman Sharma joins us now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Zealanders with cystic fibrosis are celebrating following Pharmac’s announcement it’s struck a deal to fund the expensive yet life-changing drug Trikafta from April.
The fight to get the so-called ‘miracle’ drug funded started over two years ago - Alex McKay who has cystic fibrosis says it has been a long and painful process to get to this point. He joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A migrant workers group is calling for the parents of Janak Patel, the dairy worker killed during an armed robbery, to be given fast-tracked permanent residency so they can stay and grieve with his widow and sister.
They are currently in New Zealand on visitor visas.
Anu Kaloti is the President of the Migrants Workers Association and she talks us through the latest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Minister of Broadcasting and Media Willie Jackson had a train wreck of an interview on Q and A with Jack Tame over the weekend.
The Spinoff’s founder and CEO Duncan Grieve is with us now to dissect just how bad it was.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is there a person in your life that you can’t do without?
The person who does the little things that keeps your family or community together?
Tell us about the hero in your life now at todayfm.co.nz - or text HERO 3920
We’re going to share their stories and then we going to let you know who is Today FM’s Hero of the Year.
But we would like you to meet Today's first hero, mental health nurse Gemma Whitehead. As you'll hear, she's just a heck of a lovely lady!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero, and on Mondays it’s our Statespeople - our former MPs, two thoughtful, insightful commentators.
He is a former national minister and Attorney General, it is of course Chris Finlayson.
And she was once a prominent Green MP - it's Sue Bradford.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
France have sailed into the last 16 at the world cup beating Poland 3-1.
Reporter Coen Lammers has been all across the action in Qatar and he us now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
British comedian Kerry Godliman is back for the second season of crime drama Whitstable Pearl.
She's best known for her appearance alongside Ricky Gervais in Afterlife, and she joins us now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
San Francisco has approved a policy which will allow city police to use potentially lethal, remote controlled robots in emergency situations.
There are no current plans to arm droids with guns, however the department could deploy bots with explosive charges to quote - ‘incapacitate, or disorient violent, armed, or dangerous suspects’ when lives are at stake.
Elizabeth Joh joins us now - she is a professor at the University of California, who focuses on policing and technology.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hey Aucklanders! Fancy a trip down to the Capital next weekend? It’ll cost you about $600 return at the cheapest, and those flights are at the most unholy of hour.
What about you, Southlanders? How does a weekend in sunny Nelson sound? Do you have $900 to spare?
For many people a mini summer getaway is off the cards, with domestic airfares remaining stubbornly high.
So just how long is this set to last? Here to discuss is the former chief executive of Aviation New Zealand, Irene King.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Okay okay okay... we get that the wording wasn't the best, but with no All Whites in the FIFA World Cup, and the Aussies doing pretty well, should we New Zealanders be backing our Trans-Tasman neighbours or not?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion: Why on earth should these MPs have to contest with the abuse and harassment they face because of the careers they’ve chosen? Personal attacks should not be valid.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Greens’ Eugenie Sage added the provision with support from Labour while the legislation was being debated in parliament under urgency, and National isn't happy about it.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Jewish community is sounding the alarm over growing anti-semitism.
It follows disturbing Twitter posts by rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West at the weekend, which saw him kicked off the platform for the second time in just two months.
New Zealand Jewish Council Spokesperson Juliet Moses told Tova O'Brien his comments are extremely damaging.
"It does do a large amount of harm," said Moses.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With Three Waters reform becoming such a highly contentious issue has the original purpose of it all been drowned out in the hullabaloo?
Public health researchers are raising concerns over the debate and how it’s delayed improvements towards safe drinking water.
In the NZ Medical Journal, Otago University public health researcher Tim Chambers warns the stall is disproportionately impacting smaller communities,
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today FM understands those 455 fog cannons on order are the cheapest option available - that all a robber needs is a hammer and they could knock them off the wall.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week we’ve been talking a lot about smoking and vaping.
We heard from tobacco company Imperial Brands who says the government’s Smokefree bill will put more than half our dairies out of business and rob smokers of choice
Life Education Trust got in touch, and told us the problem is now vaping and the insane rates kids are now taking it up.
And ASH has just released its year ten survey results - slightly positive just 1.1% of those kids are smoking cigarettes and vaping is down from 20% to 18.2% of 14-15 year olds
Associate Health Minister Ayesha Verrall joins us now to talk about this and the latest COVID cases as well.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel segment here on Tova - and today we're joined by The Spinoff’s Bulletin Editor Anna Rawhiti-Connell, and political commentator Ben Thomas.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s a question we’ve all pondered… if you had the chance to go to space, would you?
More than 22,000 people applied when the The European Space Agency put out the call for new astronaut recruits, and only 17 people were successful.
Australian Meganne Christian is on the official reserve team, her mission has not been decided yet, but she will eventually blast off in the name of science.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Returning to Buckingham Palace, where an aide has resigned after repeatedly asking a black guest at an event where she was "really from."
The palace aide who quit, Lady Susan Hussey, is godmother to Prince William and was also the the late queen’s lady-in-waiting.
Royal commentator Gareth Barlow joins us with his thoughts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Kaipara District Council had their first meeting since the local elections, and one new councillor had a simple request - she wanted to begin with a Karakia.
That request was denied by mayor Craig Jepson who said he wanted to “run a secular council.”
The comments rightly drew outrage, and Māori ward councillor Pera Paniora joins us with her side of the story.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our country’s top spies - the Security Intelligence Service - are set to cough up more than $66,000 for breaking the law, after unlawfully spying on a journalist to try to identify a source.
A long-running dispute has ended in a settlement between investigative journalist and author Nicky Hager and the SIS.
The spy agency has now apologised and admitted it illegally accessed Mr Hager's phone records in 2012, after the publication of his book about Defence Force conduct during Operation Burnham in 2010 in Afghanistan.
Nicky Hager's lawyer Felix Geiringer joins us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
World Cup second ranked side Belgium have been knocked out in the group stages following some major upsets in group F.
They drew nil all with Croatia, but Morocco’s win over Canada is enough to send them and Croatia into the last 16.
Reporter Coen Lammers has been at the Belgium game and he joins us now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How good is the sporting weekend looking? Today FM's John Day is in with a look towards the White Ferns, the Breakers, and the FIFA World Cup.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
'tis the time of year for multiple Christmas parties, but it's also a time when COVID-19 cases are on the rise.
Are the two mutually exclusive? Can one exist without the other?
We found out in the form of music!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It was a bit of a roller coaster watching that Press Conference with our Prime Minister and Finland’s Prime Minister.
Two Prime Ministers who also just happen to be young women...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Agriculture’s big showcase Fieldays is finally underway at Mystery Creek after multiple Covid disruptions over recent years.
It was a chance for the PM to mix it with the farmers but the reception may not have been all she hoped for….
Today FM Rural Exchange host Hamish McKay joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's a curly one today... as New Zealand heads towards being Smokefree by 2025, there are some who think that dairies and other retailers will suffer from this, and some who think it may actually end up being a good thing.
What will Tova and Duncan think? Or more importantly what will they argue?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sometimes in journalism you get really lucky. The news gods smile on you, you land a great interview, you discover a stand-out correspondent
Our next guest is that latter piece of good luck. Carol Ramos is a headlining LA-based entertainment reporter.
But today rather than talking to us from sunny California she’s with us in the studio!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
China is ramping up efforts to quell protests against its strict zero-COVID policy.
Riot police have clashed with a string of demonstrators, with ugly footage emerging as some are forcefully dragged away.
The US and Canada have both urged the country not to intimidate or harm protestors - and the UK has summoned China’s ambassador after BBC journalist Edward Lawrence was beaten.
This as the country reports a record numbers of OVID cases over recent days.
We're joined by Edward White, a China Correspondent for the Financial Times.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel here on Tova - and we have two great commentators on politics and culture for you right now!
From The Spinoff, Toby Manhire, and newspaper columnist and co-owner of Club Burlesque, NZs only burlesque club, Verity Johnson.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How is the Government's Smokefree 2025 Action Plan tracking as vaping becomes more popular?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"He's left a mark on sports and the disabled that will live on forever," Barry Magee told Tova O'Brien on Friday morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion: They have ordered cheap alternatives to the trademarked fog cannons… All a robber needs is a hammer and they could knock them off the wall.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"That will not change unless we actually make some proper change and this [mandatory reporting] is one of those things we need to do," Child Matters CEO said.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When asked if Sir John is "completely confident" that Oritain is ethically sound, he said there is "no question they are".
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A momentous break-through could move forward the treatment of the most common form of dementia - Alzheimers - after decades of little to no progress.
For the first time, an antibody drug - Lecanemab - is slowing down the degeneration of the brain.
And despite Lecanemab only having an incremental effect, researchers are hailing this as a turning point after years of what some describe as 100 percent failure.
Geneticist Professor John Hardy, who was instrumental in pursuing this line of research 30 years ago, spoke to Tova O'Brien Thursday morning and said the clinical effects are phenomenal.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In news hot out of the oven, a five-year campaign to get the French baguette cultural heritage status is finally baked!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's a debate that's been consistently bubbling for a while - do we need to increase our super age from 65? Can the country afford not to?
And since it's a debate... why not get Duncan and Tova to have a whirl at it?!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1.8 million of our phone numbers have potentially been exposed in a huge Whatsapp data scrape.
A user posted in a hacking forum that they were selling up to one billion users of the app worldwide.
Jurgita Lapienyte is the Chief Editor of Cyber News who has been investigating this story and she joins us to discuss what it all means.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Recently we invited author and clinical psychologist Karen Nimmo to give us some collective therapy to help us get some strategies to keep mentally robust for that final push to the end of the year.
The feedback was so positive we decided to bring Karen back for a regular slot which we’re kicking off this Wednesday called 4 Minute Therapy.
And this week our theme is a bit seasonal - our question for everyone is “the psychology of gift giving - are you an asker or a guesser?”.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A blank piece of paper has become the symbol of rare demonstrations across China as frustrations over stringent lockdowns boil over.
Police forces have pushed back against the crowds who are calling for an end to the Government’s zero-COVID policy, and the tough restrictions that come with it.
Masses of people on the streets are holding empty signs - thought to symbolise the silencing of dissent.
New Zealand China Council chairperson John McKinnon, who also served twice as NZ Ambassador to China, joins us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health New Zealand is heading to court over the guardianship of a baby in need of heart surgery.
The NZ Herald is reporting the child's parents are refusing blood donations from vaccinated people - wishing instead to use their own donor’s.
Auckland Uni’s Immunisation Advisory Centre medical director Nikki Turner joins us to discuss further.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero, our panel segment here on Tova. Today our smart opinion makers are Today FM host of Polly, Polly Gillespie, and the NZ editor of The Conversation, Finlay Macdonald.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week we spoke to John Mitchell from tobacco company Imperial Brands about their survey that suggests half the dairies in NZ could go out of business by the time the Smokefree bill goes through Parliament.
We got a ton of feedback about this - a lot of people even more concerned about the harms of vaping.
One listener told us to contact Life Education Trust about it, we were about to but didn’t have to in the end because they were listening in and got in touch with us.
Life Education is of course a charity that works with schools to encourage better health outcomes for students - you may know them by their mascot Harold the Giraffe.
Joining me now is their CEO John O’Connell
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Researchers have discovered a link between excessive screen-time for children and certain addictions later in life.
An Otago University study looked at television time for 5 to 15 year olds, and determined it may be a risk factor for alcohol, tobacco and gambling disorders in adulthood.
Study author Helena McAnally joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With a recession looming, record inflation, cost of living pressures, and a sweep of predicted job losses, pressure is mounting on students nearing graduation who are entering the workforce for the first time.
Otago University Students’ Association say undergrads are nervous about what jobs are out there, and believe more than ever it's going to be a very competitive market, based on who you know.
Here to discuss is Professor of Management at AUT, Candice Harris.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There’s no easier way to exponentially increase your carbon footprint than to fly.
Sometimes it’s inevitable or vastly more convenient than any other travel option, but is it time we stopped getting rewarded for it?
Climate activists are calling for perks like Airpoints or Frequent Flyer programmes to be scrapped in a bid to limit the ways we incentivise excessive flying.
Researcher and Harvard Law fellow Ashley Nunes joins us with his thoughts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion: Yesterday the Police Commissioner pulled off a classic example of - 'Hey what's that over there? Look look look! What is that?'
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Earth's largest active volcano erupted for the first time in 38 years on Monday.
Mauna Loa on Hawaii's Big Island came to life, with lava flowing from the summit down one side of the massive volcano, much of which lies underwater.
At present, there have been no evacuations ordered, but locals have been asked to have a plan should things change.
We take a close interest in all things volcanic here in New Zealand, as a country that's part of the ring of fire. To find out more about Mauna Loa's unrest, Tova O'Brien spoke to University of Hawaii volcanologist Kenneth Rubin on Wednesday morning, who explained what's going on.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Government is promising to roll out the fog cannons to any small business that wants one, as part of its latest multi-million dollar plan to target violent retail crime.
Police Commissioner Andrew Coster pointed to their success yesterday, while speaking to Tova O’Brien, after an earlier government programme saw 1000 installed since 2017.
But with a warning, it takes time…
"It takes time to assess the requirement to actually get installers deployed, to get the products required and particularly in the current environment,” said Coster.
The only officially appointed installer of the Police initiative, in New Zealand is a company called Focus Digital Security Solutions.
They have chosen not to work on the latest rollout, due to cost-effectiveness and time constraints.
"We've chosen to move away from the project," said Co-Director Graham Zuill.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Admittedly today's moot was a little bit confusing, but generally we just wanted Tova and Duncan to have a good old fashioned debate over fun in the workplace.
Whose side will you take?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ten years ago documentary maker Bryan Bruce set out to discover what was happening to the poorest families in Aotearoa.
His findings were grim - confirmation that 1 in every 5 children in New Zealand was living in poverty, and that many of those went to school hungry and lived in damp, overcrowded houses.
It’s a narrative that’s depressingly familiar now and one that concerned Bruce so much he’s revisiting the subject in a new documentary that broadcasted on Three on Tuesday night.
Here to discuss the doco is Bryan Bruce himself.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A liquor store owner who had previously been declined protective support from the government fund is Ash Parmar from Waikato.
He had been ram raided when he applied, but because his family collectively owns four stores, he wasn’t eligible.
Have things changed with the loosening of the laws? We ask him for the latest...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
More money for crime prevention, more businesses eligible for support, fog cannons for everyone.
And this morning it was announced that the Police Pursuits policy is being changed as well.
It seems the soft on crime attack line is having an affect...
Our Political Editor Newsroom’s Jo Moir talks through all this and more!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New research of dairy owners shows that over half of them could be out of business by the time the smokefree bill goes through parliament.
It comes at a time of increased pressure for owners dealing with a rampant crime spree of their stores.
But - and it’s a big but - the survey was conducted by Imperial Brands... a Tobacco company which has a serious vested interest in keeping the products on the shelves.
Joining us is their corporate and legal affairs manager, John Mitchell.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's time for Pae Korero - and we have our powerbrokers, but there are two fill ins this week! In for Chris Bishop is National’s justice spokesperson Paul Goldsmith, and in for Kiritapu Allan this week is Labour’s representative for Hutt South Ginny Andersen.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
ACT leader David Seymour is calling for eligibility for euthanasia to be broadened - removing the requirement that a patient has only six months to live.
However the Royal College of GPs issuing a strong warning for caution.
They say there needs to be a greater focus on palliative care, and that the lack of a strategic plan and adequate funding is a cause for concern.
An example, they say, is that the Ministry of Health has a dedicated team dealing with assisted suicide and euthanasia but not one focused solely on palliative care.
Joining us to discuss are Royal College of GPs medical director Dr Bryan Betty, and then ACT's David Seymour.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's no secret that New Zealand – like much of the developed world – has an ageing population.
The baby boom is now a retirement boom, and it's raising a lot of questions about how well prepared we are as a country – in particular, whether the current superannuation settings are fit for purpose into the future.
Right now, roughly 60% of Kiwis aged 65 and over rely mostly or completely on their super. That's a statistic very much on the mind of the Retirement Commission, which has just released its 2022 Review of Retirement Policies this morning.
We're joined by the Retirement Commissioner Jane Wrightson.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The drivers of the four-day working week initiative are launching a new tool to ensure businesses are well equipped for it.
4 Day Week Global is launching the Work Time Reduction Center of Excellence, aimed at finding ways to streamline work so employees can clock off early.
Here to talk us through it is 4 Day Week Global CEO Joe O’Connor.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
t’s not often we get insights into the notoriously closed-off Church of Scientology, but one man is in a unique position to lift the veil.
Mike Rinder spent 45 years climbing the ranks of the organisation founded by L. Ron Hubbard and became a high-ranking official while building a life and a family on the inside before he finally worked up the courage to escape.
He has since written a book about his experiences in the church, while in the church he received gifts from Tom Cruise, flew around the world and even prevented others from leaving… at 67 years old he’s hoping his account will act as a blueprint for his two adult children, still inside, to leave as well.
Rinder spoke to Tova O'Brien on Tuesday morning to explain why and how he escaped.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
NZ Police announced they are ramping up their presence in areas most affected by serious retail crime following the death of Auckland dairy worker Janak Patel last week, with the Government on Monday announcing an extension to its crime prevention package - including fog cannon subsidies for any small shop that wants one.
On Tuesday morning Police Commissioner Andrew Coster spoke to Tova O'Brien about the changes. Coster told O'Brien he welcomes more money for security measures in some shops.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Changes are coming to the Crime Prevention Fund for retailers amid increasing calls of anguish and anger from violent crime.
An Auckland liquor store owner is grateful for changes to the Crime Prevention Fund but said greater consequences are needed for offenders.
Arshvir Singh owns a liquor store on a busy main street in Auckland and said he couldn’t get ram raid prevention support because he hadn’t been ram raided, only had his store held up at knifepoint.
Arshvir Singh spoke to Tova O'Brien on Tuesday Morning about the changes to the Crime Prevention Fund and what impact having access to fog cannons and bollards could have on his business.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It looks like the Prime Minister’s preparing to back down on a controversial clause in the Government’s Three Waters bill that would entrench public ownership of water assets.
The clause is being sent back to the business committee after an outcry and warnings from constitutional experts that it could create a ‘dangerous precedent'.
If the clause was to be approved, it would mean that Three Waters passed in the Parliament would require a supermajority of 60 percent of MPs and that it couldn’t be changed in the future.
Auckland University senior lecturer Edward Willis was one of those who signed an open letter raising the alarm.
Willis told Tova there are two major issues around what was put forward.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion: Given the domestic abuse rates in our country, what kind of message is this sending?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A nationwide protest is taking place on Monday after the fatal stabbing of dairy worker Janak Patel during a robbery of the Rose Cottage Superette in Auckland’s Sandringham last Wednesday.
A 34-year-old man has now been arrested and charged with Patel's murder, and another two have been charged with robbery.
Dairy and Business Owners Group (DBOG) chairperson Sunny Kaushal said the country is experiencing a "crime emergency" and wants urgent action from the government.
Speaking to Kate Gregan on Tova, Kaushal explained what is on the cards for Monday's protest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
To be fair... today's moot could mean a few thing things depending on how you interpret it.
The givernment has prepared us for a recession.
Has it fattened us up, like lambs to the slaughter...? Or have they actually put steps in place to minimise the effects of the recession that is more than likely ready to hit us?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In New Zealand we are all too familiar with stories about predator-free initiatives aimed at saving native wildlife.
Get rid of the ferrets, stoat, and rats to save the birds… REPEAT - get rid of the rats to save the birds!
So when you hear about a plan to introduce rats INTO a threatened habitat to scare birds away you have to wonder if you actually heard that right.
Find out more from the joint initiative between DOC and the National Wetland Trust, from the Trust's executive officer Karen Denyer.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel segment here on Tova. We’ve got a big brain banger for you this morning - The Spinoff’s Bulletin Editor Anna Rawhiti-Connell and political commentator Ben Thomas.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Earlier in the show we talked to Olympic cyclist Kirstie Klingenberg - one of around 60 elite athletes who have banded together and are taking High Performance Sport to the Employment Relations Authority.
They’re seeking a determination from the Authority that contracted athletes are effectively employees - with all the commensurate rights.
Our employment lawyer Charlotte Parkhill joins us now with her take.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Some of our country’s best ever Olympians are taking on High Performance Sport NZ in a landmark employment case.
The Athletes Cooperative, made up of 60 of our elite cyclists and rowers, is calling for better rights and protections for top sportspeople, including meeting minimum wage requirements.
Co-leading the union, alongside rower Mahe Drysdale, is a former track cyclist who competed at the Tokyo Olympics, Kirstie Klingenberg. She joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Many of us will have fond memories of after school activities - whether you played an instrument, joined a sports team, or maybe a dance class.
But there’s a substantial activity gap impacting poorer families who cannot afford to send their kids to extracurriculars.
An Otago University study has found more involvement from high socio-economic areas, and warns factors like cost and transport will put some children developmentally behind.
We're joined by one of the people behind the study, Ivana Barbalich.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
One of the biggest things in the news this week, maybe even this year, was the FIFA World Cup kicking off in Qatar.
A lot of people are criticising Qatar for things like:
- How they treat LGBTQ+ people
- How they treat women
- How they treat migrant workers
- How they said you'd be able to buy beer there... but then you couldn't
One of the people taking aim at Qatar was Manchester United legend Roy Keane...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A German Shorthaired Pointer is at the centre of a custody battle, after she was abducted from a previous owner six years ago, and sold on to an unsuspecting family.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A Canadian psychology student Brogan Ingram goes by the online alias ‘Not The Worst Cleaner’ - and boy is that an understatement.
Ingram enters houses deemed unlivable, stacked to the ceilings with clutter and filth, and cleans them, for free… judgement-free.
At the same time, she teaches her huge online following - of 5 million people about the connection between mental and physical health and one’s ability to keep a space clean.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s a national shame… the number of fatalities on our roads is already at 333 - more than last year’s total.
Waka Kotahi had six targets as part of the aspirational Road to Zero strategy - how did they do?
Reduce speed (FAIL)
Start safety improvements (FAIL)
Make four intersections safer (PASS)
Breath testing and screening (FAIL)
Mobile cameras deployed (FAIL)
Successful road safety campaigns (FAIL)
An almighty fail on five out of six targets.
AA road safety spokesperson Dylan Thomsen believes 2023 will be the make or break.
“COVID has been used as an excuse and there’s some justification in that, there are also some issues that existed before COVID… but if we don’t see a big turnaround next year, then the goals for the 40 percent reduction in deaths and injuries by 2030 are looking very, very hard to achieve.”
So, what’s happening with our major road safety campaign?
Tova O'Brien grilled Waka Kotahi's Road to Zero Portfolio Manager Tara Macmillan over the results (or lack thereof) delivered so far. You can hear the firey exchange in the full interview above.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dairies have a special place in New Zealand culture… quite literally a cornerstone of a community.
So news that a worker at an Auckland dairy was fatally stabbed in an aggravated robbery has left Sandringham residents shaken and heartbroken.
Sandringham Business Association Chair, Jithin Chittibomma told Tova O'Brien, it was inevitable.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The world is full of hazards that challenge us or put us in danger, but should a school be a safe haven for our kids, or does it exacerbate the situation?
Tova and Duncan have an interesting debate on their hands today!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel segment here on Tova. On Thursdays we have a smart and ever astute duo - Toby Manhire, The Spinoff’s Editor-at-large, And publisher with Allen & Unwin, Michelle Hurley.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chances are a lot of you are driving as you listen, maybe you're stuck in traffic… and based on a recent survey, chances are you’re either feeling a bit road ragey or are on the losing end of someone else’s shaking fist.
A survey by the AA Insurance shows 46 percent of people feel that road rage has escalated since the beginning of the pandemic.
AA Insurance Head of Motor Claims Beau Paparoa joins us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s Black Friday eve - the day retailers heavily discount all sorts of things in an effort to kick-start Christmas shopping.
And that sales bonanza includes some tantalizing travel deals... and to get the best independent view on what’s available we’re asking an expert, Stuff Travel reporter Lorna Thornber.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When this story first came up it divided the newsroom - those who are in the know, those who don’t have a clue, and each side looking at the other like they’re the bonkers ones.
Settlers of Catan - ever heard of it?
It’s a board game - a massively addictive boardgame with a cult following.
And - for Kiwi fans massive news - a New Zealander has just taken out the Settlers of Catan world championship.
It took place in Italy, with Hamish Dean beating 47 other countries to become Catan world champion!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After three T20’s that were all affected by rain in one way or another, the Blackcaps and India will both be hoping that they can play a bit more cricket with the first of three ODI’s set to start tomorrow night at Eden Park.
Wednesday’s match in Napier saw a rare Duckworth Lewis tie between the two teams as India claimed the series 1-0.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Peter - the 66 million year old male T-Rex skeleton has had the run of the Auckland Museum as the king of the dinosaurs - but it’s been a lonely existence...
From next Friday he finds a friend… A female Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton named Barbara is set to join him…
Never before have an adult male and female T-Rex been exhibited together, anywhere in the world.
Auckland Museum CEO David Gaimster joins us now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
William Wood couldn’t even vote when he was selected by the National Party to run for parliament at 17 - had he been successful he wouldn’t have been the country’s youngest MP.
At the time he said his selection demonstrated National's commitment to meritocracy – that age, ethnicity, or sexuality aren't as important as being able to do the job.
He’s now a councillor in Palmerston North – a seasoned political veteran at 20 years of age.
We wondered what he has made of the recent debate over the voting age and his party’s decision to vote against it.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Road To Zero has failed to meet all bar one of its annual targets, with the Transport Agency blaming the pandemic and supply chain costs.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Japan came from behind overnight to record the second major upset of the World Cup in two days - they beat 2014 champions Germany.
Journalist Coen Lammers is in Qatar to fill us in on all the on-field action!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Seven people are dead after a shooting at a Walmart in the US state of Virginia.
Police rushed to the store in Chesapeake just an hour before it was due to close, and found bodies strewn around the building.
Officers say an employee shot customers and staff - some in the staff room - before turning the gun on himself. The motive remains a mystery.
Kamaria Braye, a reporter for Virginia station WAVY 10, joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Not so long ago there was a time where if you wanted to meet someone of the opposite sex, you kind of had to approach them, talk to them, and ask them out on a date.
Then along came dating apps! Were they good for the dating game or not? Tova and Duncan give us their take!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel segment on Tova - and we’re out to pick the brains of two clever opinion makers...
Today FM host of Polly, Polly Gillespie, and the NZ editor of The Conversation, Finlay Macdonald.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion: I mean 25 million dollars is an expensive experiment - particularly one that’s been tried and tested - but sure, let’s give it one last hoon.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After the Official Cash Rate shot up yesterday, things got spicy in the house.
The Finance Minister and his National Party opposite dealt blows to each other in The House on Wednesday.
After National confirmed earlier on Thursday morning with Finance spokesperson Nicola Willis, Finance Minister Grant Robertson told Tova O'Brien's people just can not trust National with tax.
He said they are all over the place.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tragedy stuck Sandringham Wednesday evening when a dairy worker was fatally stabbed after an offender entered the Rose Cottage Superette on Haverstock Road and Fowlds Avenue armed with a knife just after 8pm.
The offender took a cash register after stabbing the dairy worker, during the altercation.
Police are still trying to identify and find the offender, and a homicide investigation has been launched.
Time and time again, the dairy sector has pleaded for better protections for shop owners, warning someone will get killed amid a spike in violent crime.
Dairy and Business Association chair Sunny Kaushal spoke to Tova O'Brien following the incident.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hold onto your wallets… an unprecedented hike to the official cash rate, homeowners are going to feel the burn big time, probably around the same time the country heads into a recession and all the cost of living subsidies end.
And if you’re more of a high roller and you were banking on National to scrap the top tax rate and give you a pay bump - sounds like you can kiss that dream goodbye too.
Or as David Seymour eloquently summed up the u-turn.
"He’s gone down to the parking lot, put the diesel on the tarmac and done a big doughie, lighting it up in his Nissan," Seymour told Newshub on Wednesday night.
What other tax cut promises could National possibly "do a big doughie" and "light up" in its Nissan on?
National’s Finance Spokesperson Nicola Willis confirmed with Tova O'Brien on Thursday morning that the upper tax cut will be scrapped for their first term in government, should they be elected.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could talk to our pets and they could reply to us?
Tell us when they want to play, if they’re hurt… well, there’s a very special dog in the US who can do exactly that.
Bunny the sheepadoodle is learning how to talk with her owner Alexis Devine, using a grid of buttons which she pushes with her paw.
She’s amassed a following on social media of more than eight million, and is also now the subject of an observational study.
Owner Alexis Devine joins us now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Argentina were widely expected to beat Saudi Arabia heavily in the FIFA World Cup overnight and it looked to be going to plan early on, then the unthinkable...
Saudi Arabia pulling off one of the greatest world cup upsets of all time against championship contenders Argentina.
Across all of this, the author of the book Red Card: FIFA and the Fall of the Most Powerful Men in Sports, Ken Bensinger from the New York Times joins us!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Morgan Barrett was a pokie addict - he gambled away $500,000 of life savings
In 2018 he died of a heart attack, the same day he spent the last of his savings, leaving his widow with just $46 in her account.
Morgan’s case drove proposals to crack down on pokies and publicans - but the new regulations don’t come close to what was initially proposed.
Internal Affairs Minister Jan Tinetti has talked a tough game on addressing gambling harm on our show - promising serious action. We ask her if it's gone far enough.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Morgan Barrett was a pokie addict - he gambled away $500,000 of life savings
In 2018 he died of a heart attack, the same day he spent the last of his savings, leaving his widow with just $46 in her account.
Morgan’s case drove proposals to crack down on pokies and publicans - changes the government finally announced last Friday they include moving ATM machines into sight of the bar, mandatory problem gambling training for staff, no visible pokie machines, and regular sweeps of the gaming room floor.
But the new regulations don’t come close to what was initially proposed.
Morgan’s son Paul Barrett is with us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The worst kept secret in US politics was out last week - Donald Trump is back!
But it comes off the back of a poor showing of the candidates that the former president endorsed in the recent midterms.
John Bolton was Trump’s national security advisor until 2019 - he was also US Ambassador to the United Nations, so we want to hear his views on the last week’s Poland/Russia/Ukraine situation
We're very happy to welcome Ambassador John Bolton back to the show!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The year was 1992... Whitney Houston’s ‘I Will Always Love You’ was topping charts. Bill Clinton was elected US president. Acid-washed jeans were having a real moment.
And a set of twins, who were born just weeks ago, were conceived.
They were frozen for a mind boggling 30 years before their delivery in the US… believed to be the oldest to ever result in a live birth.
It’s a process called embryo donation - where couples going through IVF produce more eggs than they need, and freeze them to pass on to future families.
Snowflakes Embryo Adoption Program vice president Kimberly Tyson joins us now to tell us more!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mixed reaction to the Supreme Court’s ruling that denying 16 year olds the right to vote in elections could be unjustified discrimination.
It will now be up to Parliament to decide whether the voting age should be lowered.
We wanted to know what difference it would make in practice, and thankfully other countries have made the change so can offer some insights. We head to Austria, which introduced a voting age of 16 in time for the 2007 elections.
Professor at the Institute of Political Science at the University of Vienna, Sylvia Kritzinger, joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
National’s new/old boot camp policy has found favour with the public - a politically popular idea that perhaps quells some of the concerns around rising ram raids, smash and grabs, and other youth crime
But military style academies like this have faced steadfast criticism from experts who say flat out that they don’t work - the data, the research, past experience is emphatic.
Ronald Kramer, a criminologist at Auckland University, joins us with his thoughts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A landmark decision from the Supreme Court in favour of lowering the voting age to 16 is now in the hands of MPs! Any change would need a 75% super majority in the parliament... which could prove very difficult to achieve!
Professor Andrew Geddis from Otago University knows more about electoral law than most, and is on the independent panel tasked with reviewing those laws after the last election - including whether to lower the voting age to 16. He joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Can you imagine waiting nine weeks to see a GP, or not even being able to enrol for regular visits with your local doctor?
That’s the situation many people are facing across the country who’re struggling to get access to primary health care.
And it’s spurred over half the country’s GPs to start a petition to increase funding and support to save family doctor services. GenPro - an organisation representing half the country’s General Practitioners - is leading the campaign and the deputy chair Dr Angus Chambers joins me now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The cost of living is biting hard, and for a lot of people the thought of a nice dinner out is off the table.
But a restaurant now open in Auckland and Wellington is doing its bit to make sure nobody goes hungry.
Everybody Eats encourages people to pay what they can for a nutritious meal - those who can afford to pay a little more will chip in for the next customer who perhaps can’t afford as much.
And it’s also working to eliminate waste - using perfectly good food which would otherwise be destined for landfill.
Everybody Eats founder Nick Loosley joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's that time of year... not Christmas, but that time of year where you can see it sneaking into malls, supermarkets, and the like.
Some are even putting up their Christmas Trees at home over a month before the big day - is it okay or not?
Let's get Duncan and Tova to take a festive (or not) look at Debate Club!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's Pae Korero - and it’s so great to be able to welcome our powerbrokers! In for their weekly segment are Labour Minister Kiritapu Allan and National’s 3IC Chris Bishop.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This one is for the political geeks out there…
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tuesday on Tova we got a unique and illuminating perspective on National’s new/old boot camp policy for serious young offenders from Chris Polaschek, the man who was tasked with implementing the camps when John Key tried them in 2010.
Polaschek told O'Brien on Tuesday there was no evidence it works for serious offenders, but there was some evidence that it could help low-level offenders.
Today FM Drive host Lloyd Burr reckons National's Boot Camp déjà vu will get ticks for blue, but the Greens said there is nothing to suggest they work and the ACT party agrees.
On Wednesday morning Leader of the Opposition, Christopher Luxon spoke to Tova O'Brien. It appears Luxon is keen to go ahead with the boot camps but revealed to O'Brien they would ditch boot camps after 1 year if they failed to bring results.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fishermen are known for their tall tales about the ‘one that got away, but British angler Andy Hackett has landed one of the world's biggest goldfish and has the photos and video to prove it.
Hackett caught the giant goldfish while on a trip to France, it took 25 minutes to reel in the mega catch, which weighed a whopping 30 kilograms and required two hands to lift.
The goldfish, nicknamed 'The Carrot', was put into the French lake 20 years ago and has been elusive ever since, Tova O'Brien spoke to the man who released 'The Carrot' Jason Cowler.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Mental Health Foundation is demanding an urgent national response to mental health on a whole new scale.
New international research reveals that levels of distress, depression, stress and suicidal thinking are alarmingly high for all New Zealanders, especially those aged 18-34.
This after Newshub revealed last night that despite a record 1.9 billion dollar mental health spend in budget 2019, we have the same number of acute mental health beds as when Labour took office in 2017.
Mental Health Foundation chief executive Shaun Robinson told Tova O'Brien inquiries have found adding extra services is not the solution.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's a bitter pill to swallow for people stuck in damp, mouldy rentals, as private landlords and Kainga Ora now have until July 2025 to comply with Healthy Home Standards.
It’s yet another setback for the standards which had already been delayed and anyone who has had a standoff with a landlord over getting a heater installed, or a draft fixed, will be wincing at the thought of it.
Tova O'Brien spoke to someone who knows all too painfully how debilitating a sub-par home can be… Devon Webb has dealt with rats, holes in the floor, and rotting carpets, which has set off myriad health issues for her. Webb explained to O'Brien what it feels like as a tenant to see the standard deadline pushed back
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
She came on the show back in September and talked a really big game about addressing gambling harm in New Zealand.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Zealand isn’t the first country in the world to consider giving 16 and 17-year-olds the right to vote.
Other countries have already made the change, Austria lowered their voting age to 16 in 2007 and in Scotland 16 year olds were given the right to vote in 2015 for their parliament and local elections.
Former chair of Scotland's youth parliament, Kyle Thornton, spoke to Tova O'Brien on Tuesday morning and said changing the age is a good way of keeping young people engaged in politics.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There has been much debate over whether or not boot camps actually work for serious young offenders.
National’s proposal to reintroduce military-style activity camps has broadly found favour with the public, but not so much with academics or experts in the justice sector.
Because we’ve tried them before... Former Prime Minister John Key introduced the Fresh Start programme for young offenders in 2010 - a review found 83 percent of young people who completed them went on to re-offend in the first year.
Chris Polaschek not only worked in youth justice for 30 years, but he was also in charge of John Key’s boot camps back in 2010 - responsible for implementing the Fresh Start programme as project manager for the Military Activity Camp programme.
Polaschek told Tova O'Brien that the time young offenders would spend inside the nine-week program was life-changing - for the better.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There's been a lot of controversy around Qatar's human rights issues, and the way they treat LGBTQ+ people. But is it enough for them to not host a successful football World Cup?
Tova and Duncan kick off a heck of debate...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
An ice cream truck is possibly not a place most would associate with a conversation about grief and loss.
But the owner of the pastel-toned Fandangoe Whip, which weaves the streets of London, knows a good place to start a conversation is over a sweet scoop.
Artist Annie Nicholson suffered an immeasurable loss in 2011, when four of her direct family members were involved in a helicopter crash. It would claim three of their
Then after the pandemic Annie saw a growing need for a space for people to talk - whether their grief be a death, or a past life lost.
Annie Nicholson AKA The Fandangoe Kid joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We’ve been happily adding mushrooms of all shapes and varieties to what we cook forever - but increasingly mushrooms are being utilised for the specialised health benefits they can offer.
Functional mushrooms are recognised for boosting wellbeing and the rather poetically named ‘lion’s mane’ is one of the stars of the so-called functional funghi family.
The species is known to enhance cognitive function and is the key ingredient in a new supplement being produced by NZ company OtherNature.
The product was also the result of a search to find a non-prescription medication solution to nxiety and sleep problems, The co-founders of OneNature join me now to explain - welcome Matt Leadbeater and Hope Williams.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
WInston Peters has made an unprecedented play - ruling out working with a major political party BEFORE voters have their say on election day!
In a startling interview with Herald Senior Political Correspondent Audrey Young - Peters ruled out working with Labour, and ruled out being part of any government led by Jacinda Ardern.
To dissect this further I’m joined now by another senior political correspondent - from Stuff we have Andrea Vance.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Football World Cup is finally here!
Qatar and Ecuador kicked the tournament off in style, a sporting start to what has been 12 years of controversies that have overshadowed the tournament.
Dan Roan is the BBC News Sports Editor and he joins me live from Qatar this morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's time for our panel segment, Pae Korero. On the show today you'll hear our former statespeople - one who used to a National MP, Chris Finlayson - and Catherine Delahunty, who used to be in the Greens.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Recently we have been reporting on the major shortage in the trucking industry, with an estimated 2500 job vacancies.
And as the CEO of Transporting New Zealand Nick Leggett told us a couple of weeks ago, there’s a desperate need for the industry to diversify its workforce.
Our next guest, former hairdresser and make-up artist Emma Satherley is helping to change perceptions about what it takes to be a truckie.
She’s had a heavy vehicle licence for six-and-a-half years, and currently drives a nine axle logging unit - that’s one of those massive logging trucks.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Youth activists who are campaigning to have the voting age lowered to 16 will be holding their breath as a big court ruling is set to be delivered.
The Supreme Court will release its judgement on whether keeping the group from voting is inconsistent with the Bill of Rights.
When the Court of Appeal had heard their case it found there was age discrimination, but it would not issue a formal declaration saying so.
Make It 16 says if the Supreme Court goes that step further it would send a powerful message to parliament… co-director Sanat Singh joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Close to 200 countries have struck an historic deal to wrap up COP27, agreeing to contribute to a loss and damage climate fund.
The money will help poorer nations stricken by climate disaster - New Zealand announced its buy-in of $20 million last week in a bid to hurry things along. We were just the third country to commit.
But our next guest is less than impressed... Climate Change Research Institute professor Adrian Macey believes it is distracting from more pressing issues...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Move over Bird of the Year - a hot new competition is creeping (and crawling) its way into town.
The inaugural ‘Bug of the Year’ competition has launched, showcasing 24 critters selected from New Zealand’s 20 thousand insect and spider varieties.
The Entomological Society hopes it will spark a new appreciation for our bugs, and president Phil Sirvid joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is it effective, disruptive activism or crude destructive behaviour?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Two months ago a relatively unknown German football fan, Dario Minden, stood in front of Qatar’s ambassador to his country and said this.
"I'm a man and I love other men. I do - please don’t be shocked - have sex with other men. This is normal. So please get used to it, or stay out of football, because the most important rule in football is… football is for everyone"
The massive sporting event is clouded in controversy, not only for Qatar’s appalling human rights record for the migrant labourers tasked with building the stadiums, but also for the state’s treatment of LGBTQ+ people.
In Qatar, same-sex sexual activity is illegal and punishable by seven years in jail and under an interpretation of sharia law, can even lead to a death sentence.
Minden's statement has gone viral. He spoke to Tova O'Brien on Monday morning and was asked if he felt his statement had been heard.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
‘Mediocre manchild’, ‘worthless billionaire’, and ‘space karen’... just a few of the insults projected onto the side of a deserted Twitter HQ for Elon Musk and the world to see.
It’s not clear who was behind it, although likely a sentiment shared by the hundreds of Twitter employees who have walked out this week, disillusioned by the new boss.
It’s far from Elon Musk’s only firestorm - he has also reinstated the account of former US president Donald Trump after putting it to a vote online.
As a flood of employees have either been fired or left Twitter of their own accord - The question bears whether the platform is in real trouble or not.
Seemingly at this stage, even with the mass exodus, Twitter is well and truly surviving.
However, technology reporter for the New York Times Ryan Mac told Tova O'Brien on Monday that the concern will come if something 'breaks'.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Turns out the old dog does have some new tricks after all and he’s using every last one to make a comeback in 2023.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
At least five people have been killed and another 18 injured after a gunman opened fire at Club Q, an LGBTQ nightclub in the US state of Colorado.
Police say a 22-year-old suspect named Anderson Lee Aldrich is being held in custody and is also being treated for injuries.
Two guns were recovered at the club and investigators are working to determine a motive for the deadly attack.
Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers has paid tribute to local residents, some of who have been gathering at the scene this morning to lay floral tributes for those who have been killed.
CNN correspondent Nadia Romero shared more details with Tova O'Brien on Monday morning (NZT).
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The biggest news of the week (that was suitable) for Producer Jeremy to put to music was Donald Trump having another go at being the US President.
Ironically... it's a parody of a song by a band called The Presidents of the USA.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New technology is reuniting Holocaust survivors with images and memories from their past.
Website ‘Numbers To Names’ allows users to submit photos of themselves from before or during the wartime, and uses facial recognition to uncover pictures in the database which they may not know existed.
The cross referencing is also connecting the dots to name people in photos whose identities are currently unknown.
It’s the brainchild of software engineer Daniel Patt, and he joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today's moot is "It’s time to stop producing new ‘full’ petrol cars" - so hybrids would stay, as well as electric vehicles.
Tova and Duncan will take their side - and debate away!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel segment here on Tova. Today we're joined by The Spinoff’s Bulletin Editor Anna Rawhiti-Connell, and political commentator Ben Thomas.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The invisible line separating Poland from Ukraine has been shattered by a missile which hurled into the Polish countryside, killing two people.
It was misfired by Ukraine, a defence against a missile attack from Russia which went horribly wrong.
Now, the realities and horror of Russia’s war are confronting Poland in a new light, as NATO faces the tricky job of dealing with the geopolitical fallout.
Karolina Wigura joins us now, she’s a historian of ideas and a member of the board of the Kultura Liberalna Foundation, which publishes one of Poland's leading magazines.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We may be smoking ciggies less, but more of us are reaching for the vape.
Latest figures show a decrease in the number of adults smoking - 8 percent now - however the number of people vaping is up to 8.3 percent - vapers have overtaken smokers!
And it’s the young people taking up the habit that has the Associate Minister of Health Ayesha Verrall worried... so cue a new campaign designed to get young people thinking about how they’re vaping.
Here to discuss ‘Protect Your Breath’ is Hayden McRobbie, the Regional Director Te Whatu Ora
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We want to talk about nangs.
The Netherlands is banning nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas) amid concerns over health risks of young people using it.
The ban would make it illegal to buy, sell or own gas; however authorities say it can be used for medicinal purposes and in the food industry.
New Zealand made nitrous oxide illegal in 2005, however there is a clear work around with users able to purchase cream chargers that contain it instead. Today we're speaking to Robert Riezebos, a Dutch cardiologist at the Greater Amsterdam City Hospital.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We had the Black Ferns last Saturday providing one of the most thrilling games of the year, this weekend it’s the turn of the Kiwi Ferns! Plus we previews Rugby League World Cup Final, The All Blacks vs England, and more!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Let’s fly to Thailand now, where the Prime Minister is about to have her first in person meeting in three years with the Chinese President Xi Jinping.
He’s one of the most powerful people in the world, and he just gave the Canadian PM Justin Trudeau a very public dressing down after details of their meeting appeared in the media.
Our Political Editor, Newsroom’s Jo Moir, joins us from APEC.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
NATO is confirming an explosion which killed two people in Poland was likely caused by a Ukrainian air defence missile.
It landed on a farm just across the border, following a barrage of attacks on Ukraine by Russia.
The NATO security council has held an emergency meeting overnight, and afterwards secretary general Jens Stoltenberg was clear about where the blame lies - Russia and their illegal invasion.
We’re grateful to welcome back to the programme, Retired United States Army Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman, who was the Director for European Affairs for the United States National Security Council.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Green co-leader Marama Davidson & ACT leader David Seymour bring two sides to the boot camp discussion, finding both un-common & common ground.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Gary Morrison from the Security Association has seen the video and told Tova O'Brien while it's not an isolated incident, they don't often see acts of this magnitude.
"We don't see it regularly of that nature," he said
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With the latest developments in Eastern Europe, there's every chance that countries outside Ukraine and Russia are going to become more and more affected.
If something were to happen to any other country (as was the case in Poland this week), should NATO be ready to retaliate?
Tova and Duncan are ready with their debates!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Former US open winner Emma Raducancu is the latest big name set to make a splash at the ASB Classic in Auckland in January.
The tennis star joins a highly esteemed field including world number seven Coco Gauff, American Sloane Stephens and Canadian No 1 Leylah Fernandez - and that's only the womens draw!
Nicolas Lamperin is the new tournament director and he joins us to talk about the latest!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lean in and just relax. We are headed now for tinsel town, where the weather's always fine and the awards nights are glamourous. Which brings us to the always elegant and amusing Carol Ramos, our fabulous LA based entertainment reporter.
She's talking Grammy nominations, Jay Leno, and Jennifer Aniston.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Now that former US president Donald Trump has confirmed his third run for office, people will be wondering… what are his chances?
Bookies are furiously tallying those odds at the moment too!
Politics analyst at UK betting exchange Smarkets, Patrick Flynn, joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel - and on Thursdays we have the astute Toby Manhire, The Spinoff’s Editor-at-large. Today he’s joined by a first timer, the equally astute Michelle Hurley - publisher with Allen & Unwin.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Just weeks after axing 1000 bus services, Auckland Transport is hoping to get the wheels turning on new recruits.
It's hosting its first ever careers day on Saturday in a bid to entice new bus drivers and ferry skippers.
It says hundreds of jobs are on offer, and attractive ones too, after that $61 million pay packet for bus driver salaries just weeks ago.
Public Transport Users Association National coordinator Jon Reeves joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The COVID Response Minister Ayesha Verral told a select committee MIQ could be re-established if the border was closed again, but the policy on how it would manage emergency spots is yet to be developed - remember the high court found the eligibility was too strictly set.
Grounded Kiwis won their High Court challenge to the fairness of the system.
Their spokesperson Alexandra Birt joins us with more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The worst kept secret in American politics has been revealed - Former President Donald Trump is making another run for the White House.
But the road to Pennsylvania Avenue is far from straightforward - for the latest we bring in our correspondent Nick Harper in Washington DC.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Despite efforts to get women involved in the trades, it's not easy out there for the
female workforce.
Bullying and harassment are rife in the industry - back in July we spoke to Queenstown electrician Brooke Thompson aka Sparky Girl, who told us about the uglier side of the job.
Now the industry is being called upon to change that, by signing on to a set of workplace guidelines encouraging people to be better, and also to call out bad behaviour.
Today we're joined by Workforce Development Council for Construction and Infrastructure CEO, Philip Aldridge.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
He’s back... former US President Donald Trump is having a third crack at the White House.
That’s despite many of the candidates that he endorsed at the Midterms losing, and his greatest rival Florida governor Ron Desantis outperforming expectations.
Joe Walsh ran against Donald Trump in the 2020 Republican primaries for President, and he joins us to talk all things Trump.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Documents leaked to the Act Party show Health Minister Andrew Little was advised to add 30 more professions to the list, due to shortages.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Documents leaked to the Act Party show Health Minister Andrew Little was advised to add 30 more professions to the list, due to shortages.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
I was out of practice. It’s impossible to live fact check or properly consider the grandiose claims or ponder the machine gun delivery of wtf policy promises.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Really what we need is this horrible war to end, but the chances of that in the immediate future are not looking bright."
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
House prices have fallen dramatically in 2022, but should you hold back if you're a first home buyer? Or should you just jump in and bite the bullet?
It's a tough call... maybe Tova and Duncan can help you decide!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel here on Tova. Today we’re out to pick the brains of two clever opinion makers - Today FM host Polly Gillespie, and the NZ editor of The Conversation, Finlay Macdonald.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our next guest has an impressive, and possibly the longest, job title we’ve ever seen here at Today FM - Global Senior Vice President of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) at Evercommerce - which is a top multinational software company
And as a trailblazing champion for equality in the corporate world, Mary Haddock-Staniland is incredibly proud of her unusually long work handle.
It reflects the work she does to ensure everyone has a sense of belonging in the wider community - which is also the objective behind Transgender Awareness week.
We’re delighted to have Mary with us in the studio today.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A highly venomous sea snake from the Pacific - the banded Sea Krait - was spotted in the harbour at Auckland Viaduct yesterday
The sea snake was curling its way through the still water when it was noticed by a boat crew, and was quickly reported to the Department of Conservation.
They are said to be docile creatures and there is no record of anyone in New Zealand being bitten.
But it’s nerve inducing for some, so here to calm us down is DoC’s technical marine adviser Clinton Duffy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found major failings in the way police are responding to the growing number of fraud complaints, and that they need a fundamental overhaul of how they investigate fraud.
In New Zealand banks only reimburse customers for unauthorised use of their accounts, but if people are scammed and are tricked into giving their permission to transfer large sums of cash, they’re on their own.
So what role for banks here? Erica Penney is the Banking Ombudsman systems manager and joins us now
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kyiv has been hit by multiple airstrikes overnight, leaving three residential buildings on fire.
85 missiles have been fired across the country, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a brief statement.
It follows widespread condemnation of Russia’s actions by world leaders at the G20 summit.
Half of Kyiv is now without electricity - our next guest is among those without power
Yevheniya Kravchuk is a Ukrainian MP for the Servant of the People’s party who joins us from Parliament where they have had to get the generators going.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There is something therapeutic about taking in a deep breath of salty ocean air while staring out at a blue horizon, the line between sky and sea almost indecipherable.
And now there’s growing evidence of the scientific benefits of ‘blue health’ - harnessing bodies of water to improve mental wellbeing.
Sea Sanctuary is a UK charity which has been tapping into this since 2006, taking groups out to the ocean as a form of therapy.
Founder and CEO Joe Sabien joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Former US President Donald Trump is widely expected to announce today that he will run again in 2024 for the presidency.
Republican governor of New Hampshire Chris Sununu joins us with his thoughts on this developing story.
NOTE - Since going to air, Donald Trump has confirmed that he will be running in 2024
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Two very familiar names won’t be on the team sheet for the Blackcaps upcoming home series against India.
Martin Guptill and Trent Boult have both been left out instead opting for Finn Allen and Adam Milne. Today FM sport reporter John Day is across the developments, and he joins us with his thoughts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Government has announced that it's finally happening - Auckland are about to get a second harbour crossing!
But should it be a bridge, or a tunnel? There's arguments for both sides, and it's sure going to make a great debate...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How are you going?
Feeling ragged, like it’s a bit of a slog getting through these last weeks of the year?
You are not alone. We feel ya! We hear you. We’re here for you.
And so we’ve invited author and clinical psychologist Karen Nimmo back on to give us some collective therapy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Football World Cup starts in a week's time, but the Qatar tournament has been riddled with scandals even before it's begun.
The Guardian is reporting 6,500 migrant workers have died in Qatar since World Cup was awarded to the country, although their government says the numbers are misleading and there has only been 37.
It comes as Netflix releases a new series called FIFA Uncovered, that revealed the World Cup was bought through bribes.
Today we're joined by Guido Tognoni - he was the FIFA media director for 11 years, and also advisor to previous president Sepp Blatter.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
You might have heard my editorial earlier about an ill-advised foray into teasing a scammer... I thought I’d scam them back by pretending to fall for the text which said ‘hey mum phone just crashed, send me a whatsapp'
But it turned dark real fast when I gave the game away.
It spooked me a little, and the internet was dishing up conflicting information about what could actually accessed about me.
So we’ve called in the expert Netsafe CEO Brent Carey for some help and advice.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's Pae Korero, and today it's our powerbrokers - Labour Minister Kiritapu Allan and National’s 3IC Chris Bishop. Kiri will start with the latest on the South Korean facing extradition over killing two children who were found in suitcases in South Auckland.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The man who lived in a Paris airport for 18 years after finding himself caught in diplomatic limbo has died.
Mehran Karemi Nasseri who went by Sir Alfred - is believed to be Iranian and made a terminal at Charles de Gaulle his home in 1988.
He was eventually given the right to live in France.
But he recently returned to the airport, where he had befriended many staff and flight crew - and sadly had a heart attack just days ago.
His plight inspired the Steven Spielberg film ‘The Terminal’ starring Tom Hanks.
Sir Alfred wrote an autobiography ‘The Terminal Man’ - co-authored by our next guest Andrew Donkin.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A mother and tattoo artist in New York are facing charges after a 10-year-old boy was allowed to get a large tattoo - his name in large block letters on the inside of his forearm.
The mother is accused of endangering the welfare of a child, as is the unlicensed artist.
There is no national age restriction here in New Zealand for tattoos but some regional councils do have regulations on providing tattoos and piercings to minors.
Kevin Brinsden is a tattoo removal specialist, and deals with people who change their minds.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Economists are sounding the alarm that New Zealand’s financial situation could still see more trouble on the horizon.
New data from Westpac shows they expect to see the official cash rate raised to a peak of 5% next year.
Michael Gordon is their Acting Chief Economist, and he joins us for some financial crystal ball gazing!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A coroners inquest is looking into how a murderer released on parole in Christchurch was able to kill again.
Paul Wilson - also known as Paul Tainui - was jailed for killing his girlfriend Kimberly Schroder in 1994, only to be released before raping and murdering his colleague Nicole Tuxford in 2018.
The inquiry has heard there were red flags Wilson would kill again, and that he became obsessed with Nicole - much like he had with Kimberly before he killed her.
Ruth Money is a victims advocate and she joins us to talk about this case.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s a simple formula - politician botch job, media scrutiny on behalf of victims, public pressure, fix it, no more complaints from victims or media. Ta da!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Georgetown University psychologist and neuroscientist Abigail Marsh explained how to identify psychopathic tendencies in a person and what they could mean.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
National has described the current truancy target as 'not ambitious enough', with Luxon wanting 75 to 85 percent of Aotearoa kids at school regularly as soon as possible.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Article five outlines a collective defence of a vulnerable NATO member and considers an attack against any NATO member an attack against all NATO members.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"You talk and talk and talk and everyone nods and everyone says that sounds terrible but nothing actually changes and that's what's most depressing about it all."
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
While I await my fate and learn the damage from my one-time scamming scammer experiment, let this serve as a lesson.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Howard X - the self proclaimed first lookalike impersonator of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is entering his local state election race in Victoria, Australia.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In case you missed it (you probably didn't), the Black Ferns won the Rugby World Cup against the odds over the weekend.
HOORAH!
Is it time that rugby for the girls gets as much time and money as it does for the boys?
Tova and Duncan are set to collide!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The case for children to go and run around outside for a few hours just keep stacking up.
It’s one of the things parents are urged to consider as a measure to prevent myopia - commonly known as short sightedness.
By 2050 it is projected to affect 55 percent of people, but what many parents do not realise is that it can be managed if caught early.
Jagrut Lallu joins us now, he’s a founding member of the Child Myopia Working Group.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Finding solid advice on diet and exercise can be a bit of a minefield, and now there’s yet another factor in the mix.
UK scientists set out to clarify whether fitness has the same benefits in the morning after a sleep - compared to the evening on an empty stomach.
It found fasted exercising does indeed burn 70 percent more fat, regardless of the time of day.
However they note while most people tend to get their session in after work, fasting through the day can decrease motivation in the gym.
Nottingham Trent University nutrition expert David Clayton joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero, our panel segment on Tova. Today it’s our statespeople - our former MPs, two thoughtful, insightful commentators.
He is a former National minister and Attorney General, it is of course Chris Finlayson. And she was once a Green MP, Sue Bradford.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When Toby Good was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, his parents took shifts to check on him throughout the night.
For months they woke every two hours - blood pricking his finger to check his levels.
If they were too low, he could slip into a coma. Too high and his organs could be destroyed.
But now - thanks to a glucose monitor - his parents can sleep through the night, and their lives have changed for the better.
Toby’s Mum, Lavina Good, is on a mission to have these devices funded for the 26,000 type 1 diabetes sufferers across NZ.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Days after millions of Americans voted in the crucial midterm elections, the fate of the Senate has now been revealed.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It can be easy to forget sometimes that at the heart of every true crime mystery, behind the speculation and drama, is a family searching for answers.
Last week a new lead emerged in the 48-year search for Lord Lucan - with a facial recognition expert sure an 87-year-old in Australia is the UK aristocratic murder suspect.
Hassan had no idea he had made the connection on behalf of Neil Berriman - the son of Sandra Rivett, the nanny who was found bludgeoned to death before Lucan fled.
Neil began a relentless search for his mum’s killer since he found out he was her son 14 years ago.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We're crossing now to Cambodia where the Prime Minister is attending the ASEAN summit before bundling off to APEC
Our Political Editor, Newsroom’s Jo Moir, is travelling with Jacinda Ardern.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Six people have died and 53 are injured after a blast ripped through a popular tourist precinct in Central Istanbul overnight.
One video posted online showed flames erupting in the street among crowds of shoppers, who then turned and fled.
An investigation is underway, with the city’s criminal court imposing a ban on sharing footage of the explosion or its aftermath.
Joining us from Istanbul is security analyst Murat Aslan.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"I learnt a lot about rugby. I enjoyed the vibe. I loved the competition. I loved celebrating these legendary women. I even thoroughly enjoyed the actual game."
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The atmosphere of the Women’s Rugby World Cup games has been almost as much of a star of the world cup as the games and girls themselves.
And the star of the atmosphere, star of the crowds - Rugby World Cup roving reporter Brodie Kane joined Tova O'Brien to share his opinion on just how much of an impact they had on the games and the World Cup as a whole.
She told Tova that despite having covered a number of significant sporting events including the America's Cup, and the Blackcaps semi-final victory over South Africa in 2015 but "nothing, nothing can compare to what we witnessed on Saturday night at Eden Park."
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sunday Star Times Editor Tracy Watkins in her column yesterday summed up what many people were thinking following the dramatic Black Ferns World Cup victory.
“With a new and growing fan base the Ferns have captured hearts and revitalised interest and passion in the national game in a way that a string of wins by their male counterparts wouldn’t,” she wrote.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After the final, he wrote a brilliant piece for Newsroom titled “The Black Ferns are the answer to every NZ rugby question”.
Also as editor of NZ Rugby World - he was the first editor to run a woman on the front cover of a rugby magazine as a player, not a model, such as when they featured Portia Woodman on the cover last year.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today FM sports guru John Day and UK sports broadcaster Stella Mills talk all things Black Ferns with Tova O'Brien following their dramatic World Cup victory on Saturday.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If you’re looking to buy a house in Auckland with $440,000 New Zealand dollars… good luck.
So first home buyers block your ears - over in Spain that’s the price tag going on an entire village.
Nestled among the hills near the Portuguese border, Salto de Castro sports 44 houses, a bar, a church, even a school.
It rarely rains, and is right beside a river to cool off from the scorching sun.
The catch - no one lives there, it’s completely abandoned - and the right buyer will be expected to change that.
Here to help us daydream, is the real estate agent for the town - Ronnie Rodriguez.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Young people who are participating in ram raids could be missing out on the education to know better.
Newshub revealed a link between those regions with the highest truancy rates, and the most ram raids - Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty
It’s a connection also drawn by Police-aligned youth development organisation Blue Light, who told Waatea News basically all of those involved, are kids who frequently skip class.
Secondary Principals’ Association president Vaughan Couillault joins us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Doubt is being cast on whether trainee doctors in Auckland are being properly prepared to enter the strained workforce.
Junior doctors working in a stressed health system are facing competing demands - night cover, emergency surgery, and managing their own health
A survey of 13 students at North Shore hospital found less than half were told how to manage workloads or look after their mental wellbeing.
Survey Author Jonathan Koea - Professor of Surgery at Auckland University and surgeon at North Shore - joins us to discuss the findings.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
An uncomfortable confrontation in Auckland... after a top fashion brand dumped allegedly good clothes in a rubbish skip outside.
A charity caught wind of what Moochi had done right outside its Grey Lynn office, but says when it went to fish out the clothes an employee of the fashion store threatened to call the cops!
Moochi says its staffer felt threatened, and the clothes were not fit for purpose - a detail being disputed by the unnamed charity.
Jane Treseder from Fix Up, Look Sharp - another charity which helps men find clothes to wear to job interviews - joins us now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero, our panel segment here on Tova. Today we're joined by The Spinoff’s Bulletin Editor Anna Rawhiti-Connell, and political commentator Ben Thomas.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
She's not coming on our show much, but Jacinda Ardern was on The Hits breakfast show this week!
So since we don't get much of a chance to interview our Prime Minister, we took some of her answers from Jono and Ben’s interview, just so we can feel part of the important democratic process of holding the PM to account too.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Black Ferns are in the Rugby World Cup final in front of a sold out Eden Park.
Stacey Fluhler is a Black Ferns outside back, and she joins us with her thoughts on the big game.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dogs - many people love them, but some aren't such massive fans. Is it best to just have a blanket rule that all dogs should be leads at all times?
Time for Tova and Duncan to debate pooches!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Open banking is coming, and by all accounts it’s going to be a good thing for us all.
The Commerce Minister announced the move this - it should make it easier to switch banks and get better deals on mortgages and loans... but it could take two years to put in place.
With us for an Open Banking 101 is David Tripe, Professor at the School of Economics and Finance at Massey University.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The eyes of the nation will all be focused on Saturday's Rugby World Cup final between the Black Ferns and England.
And while the Kiwis are going all out for a win on home soil, England will be determined to maintain its 30 game winning streak
Joining us now is England hooker Lark Davies.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s finally here - the Rugby World Cup final will take place in front of a sold out Eden Park!
The Black Ferns are the underdogs against an English team that are on a 30 game unbeaten streak.
Today’s two sides is a special one because joining us in the studio representing the English is UK sports broadcaster Stella Mills, and former Black Fern now TVNZ General Manager of Sport and Events Melodie Robinson.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A 16 year old entrepreneur is sending fans at the Women’s Rugby World Cup into a spin, distributing tens of thousands of poi across the tournament.
The Black Ferns vs Red Roses finale at Eden Park will be the cherry on top with 25 thousand poi needed to ensure match day is covered.
And while producing so many has not been easy, Potiki Poi CEO Georgia Latu has enlisted friends and family to help.
And in the middle of it all, Georgia managed to win the Rangatahi/Youth Leadership at the Blake Awards as well!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for our panel segment Pae Korero, and today we have two deep thinkers with a ton of opinions - from The Spinoff, Toby Manhire, and political commentator Josie Pagani.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Reflecting on Tama Potaka's interview with Tova O'Brien, producer Jeremy Pickford crafted a song inspired by his inability to answer a "simple question".
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There is further criticism over the government's move to reappoint Reserve Bank Governor, Adrian Orr.
National says there should have been a review before the decision was made.
Speaking to Tova O'Brien, former Reserve Bank Economist, Michael Reddell said it is time for Orr to go.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
He’s become a kind of butterfly in the chaos theory of US politics. Chase Oliver is a libertarian independent candidate running for the Senate in Georgia which has become the most hotly contested state
Oliver won 80,000 votes in the race - those votes have denied either of the main candidates - republican and democrat - from getting a clear majority.
The race now goes to a runoff in December and whoever wins could determine whether the senate overall goes to the Democrats on Republicans.
Chase Oliver spoke to Tova O'Brien Friday morning about how things have unfolded over the past few days.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The family of jailed British-Egyptian pro-democracy activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah have no idea whether he is still alive.
He took his last sip of water behind bars in Egypt on Sunday, six months into his hunger strike.
A group of Nobel Laureates have written to world leaders including our Prime Minister calling on them to use COP27 to demand freedom for Alaa and the thousands of other political prisoners held in Egypt
The cousin of Alaa Abd el-Fattah, Omar Robert Hamilton, joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Yesterday, we ended up having our show saved by Make It 16 co-director Caedin Tipler... it's a long story, but it made us think - are we underestimating our under 18's?
Time for Tova and Duncan to debate the pros and cons!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kiwi band L.A.B. has made history by winning the same four awards two years in a row at the Aotearoa Music Awards.
It was a stunning haul - they took top honours for Album of the Year, Single of the Year for 'Mr Reggae', Best Group and Best Roots Artist.
Joining us now from the band are Joel Shadbolt and Miharo Gregory
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Yesterday on the show Internal Affairs minister Jan Tinetti promised us that changes were coming to New Zealand’s gambling laws.
Across the ditch Australia has just brought in stricter measures on advertising where companies now have to include a warning that quote “You will lose more”, and submissions for an inquiry into online gambling close tomorrow.
Peta Murphy is the MP that’s chairing that inquiry and she joins us this morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
She may be talking to us about the latest in entertainment news from Hollywood each week, but make no mistake...
Our favourite LA correspondent is also a political junkie and before we get the most up to date intel on what’s happening in the celebrity world…
We ask her how have the midterms have been!
Plus, who is Hollywood’s sexiest man alive, and who's hosting The Oscars?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We're just two days away from the Rugby World Cup final between The Black Ferns and England at a sold out Eden Park.
The crowd atmosphere has been electric and well, nice. The players have been magnificent and open and the game has been rollicking!
And this is not just anecdotal - Toni Bruce is Professor of Sociology of Sport at the University of Auckland, and not only has she attended 17 matches, she’s also conducted an anonymous survey of fans.
She joins us now with her conclusions.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The woman, the legend, the voice - Tami Neilson!
She's won big time at this year’s Aotearoa Music Awards, taking out Best Solo Artist, Best Country Music Artist and Best Producer for her work on her own album, Kingmaker.
She joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A facial recognition expert believes his technology has confirmed an elderly man in Australia is actually the missing aristocrat, Lord Lucan.
Lucan vanished after his family’s nanny, Sandra Rivett, was found murdered 48 years ago.
His blood-spattered car was found abandoned at a port in East Sussex, sparking reports he’d fled the UK. He was allegedly sighted in Ireland, South Africa and even New Zealand.
Now there’s speculation he’s hiding out in a Bhuddist community in Brisbane.
Professor Hassan Ugail had no idea of the significance of his positive ID, after being sent eight photographs of the man suspected to be the Lord Lucan.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When asked if there would be an annual COVID vaccination programme, Associate Health Minister Ayesha Verrall told RNZ the government is still awaiting expert advice.
But epidemiologist John Donne Potter believes the country should be lining up for a second round of boosters as soon as possible.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A beloved Wellington video store which has been a magnificent mainstay for many Wellingtonians, and clung on through the rise of streaming services.. is in real trouble again.
Aro Video saw a groundswell of community support in 2017 when it offered to let people ‘adopt a movie’ to raise money and stay open.
It innovated again in 2019 by launching a subscription model, and last year sold donated DVDs to launch an online service.
But it’s on its last legs again… and owner Andrew Armitage says this time it’ll take a miracle.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Republicans appear on track to regain the house and the senate is in the balance.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How are the US Midterm election results unfolding, Tova O'Brien spoke to political analyst Eric Ham on Thursday morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Proving again that the criteria are too restrictive... Waikato liquor store owner Ash Parmar has been ram raided - so ticks that box - but because he owns four stores, he still isn’t eligible for the government’s ram raid protection fund.
"Because we own, under one company, four stores, they would exclude us to apply for more funding," said Parmar.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Don’t know, unsure, unknown...
These are a few of the words most used by voters to describe National leader Christopher Luxon in the latest Newshub Reid Research Poll.
It’s not a marked shift from the last poll word cloud from back in November last year just days before Judith Collins was rolled making way for Luxon as leader...
Christopher Luxon joins me now
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Elon Musk... according to Wikipedia he's is a business magnate and investor. He is the founder, CEO, and chief engineer of SpaceX; angel investor, CEO and product architect of Tesla, Inc.; founder of the Boring Company; co-founder of Neuralink and OpenAI; president of the Musk Foundation; and owner and CEO of Twitter, Inc.
BUT... is he changing the world for the better... or for worse?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Exams are well underway this week, but there are acknowledgements from people in the education sector that the results will be poorer than previous years.
Yesterday we spoke to the University of Auckland’s pro vice chancellor Bridget Kool, who said her fears were that some students weren’t even making it to the exam room.
In September $20 million was made available to support students affected by the pandemic.
Associate education minister Jan Tinetti joins us with her thoughts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The pits of the ocean are an endlessly mysterious place, and perhaps no site is more eerie than the wreckage of the Titanic.
But scientists have made a surprising discovery down there - after first detecting a blip on the radar near the sunken ship 26 years ago.
They had expected it to be another shipwreck, but instead they were greeted with a thriving rocky reef, home to lobsters, deep sea fish and coral that could be thousands of years old.
One of the researchers on the expedition, Murray Roberts, joins us now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel segment here on Tova. Today our smart opinion makers are Today FM host of Polly, Polly Gillespie and the NZ editor of The Conversation, Finlay Macdonald.
Kind of... another special guest will join us completely out of the blue!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Government is allocating $20 million to support developing countries through climate change.
Loss and damage has been a focal topic of the ongoing COP27 talks - the concept that countries who contribute more to planet-warming emissions should pay those at the forefront of natural disasters.
We’re one of only three countries to dedicate specific funding to it...
Climate Change Minister James Shaw joins us!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the United States the midterm elections are finally underway.
The balance of the Senate and Congress, and ultimately the power to decide the legislative process, is at stake.
Republicans could be about to make President Joe Biden’s presidency a whole lot harder according to the polls.
We’re continuing our coverage today in Pennsylvania where Democrat and House Representative Brendan Boyle joins me.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Let’s go to the by-election race where everyone is pretending they’re the underdog in the hope of galvanising their supporters to vote
Hamilton West - home of the Sharma drama - last week we talked to Labour’s new candidate there.
National wouldn’t let us talk to theirs until today, so we're very happy to welcome Tama Potaka - Chief Executive of Iwi Ngai Tai ki Tamaki - to the show!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The cost of living crisis has made for a long, cold winter for many New Zealanders.
A survey of close to 1500 people shows a third reduced the use of their heaters, and a quarter turned them off altogether to cut back on the electricity bill.
One in four also cut back on their showers.
Consumer Advocacy Council chair Deborah Hart joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The current predictions are expectations that Republicans will gain the House of Representatives and possibly also the Senate as well.
Losing either house will make it much harder for President Joe Biden and the Democrats to advance their agenda over the next two years of his presidency.
Nick Harper is in Washington with the latest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion:I get it. If you were a politician with an innate need to be adored, it would suck to be told you suck but sometimes you gotta listen and go - Ok maybe I have been sucking a bit lately but I don’t wanna suck. I can bring it back.
That would have been the correct response from the Prime Minister to the Newshub Reid Research poll result on Sunday night.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A close to NZ$800 billion futuristic mirrored metropolis has broken ground in Saudi Arabia.
'The Line' is a city designed to one day host nine million residents… it will be 200 metres wide, 170 kilometres long, and 150 stories high.
While some are touting the NEOM design as environmentally impressive, many of the elements are based on technology that does not yet exist.
There are also concerns for the project's morality, due to Saudi's patchy human rights record.
Adam Greenfield is an American writer and urbanist who looks into the intersection of design and culture and spoke to Tova about the project.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A new report is pushing for a national forum to look into how urban design techniques can help create safer cities.
The Helen Clark Foundation paper said concerns over crime means people limit their use of the streets, and opt for cars rather than public transport, It said building safe spaces for people from all walks of life is crucial, with a million more set to live in Aotearoa’s cities by 2050.
Acting WSP Fellow, Anne Cunningham, spoke to Tova O'Brien on Wednesday morning and gave some examples of what can be done in urban design to make a space safer.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
At the sentencing of the Christchurch terrorist, survivor Wasseim Alsati delivered this powerful testimony.
Wasseim and his daughter Aden, who was four at the time of the attack, suffered multiple gunshot wounds.
The Christchurch gunman is now attempting to appeal his conviction and sentence.
The gunman’s appeal application comes two years after his conviction and sentencing - for crimes he pleaded guilty to.
Usually, a defendant has to prove their guilty pleas weren’t made voluntarily or they weren’t of sound mind in order to appeal.
Wasseim Alsati and Defence Lawyers Association co-chair Elizabeth Hall spoke to Tova on Wednesday morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Some revel in the pressure... others crumble.
Is it still fair to grade teenagers on their ability to master the art of a final exam, or should they be judged on their performance throughout the year?
Time for the debate!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Everyday I write a to do list for work I need to tick off for the next day’s show.
My list on Sunday read like this:
Editorial
Debate Club
Prime Minister or Minister questions - the PM pulled out
Ukraine speech prep
Nicola Willis qs
Read merger stuff
Watch porn
Watch porn. Last but definitely not least on Sunday I watched porn - or to be clear Chris and Eli’s Porn Revolution - a brilliant new series on shaking the stigma around pornography but in a very responsible, funny, thoughtful, personal way
Chris Parker and Eli Matthewson are with me now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
People who choose to be cremated often envisage their ashes being scattered at a special place… maybe at the ocean, or perhaps their favourite dog-walking spot.
A company in the UK is taking those final wishes to new heights, using drones to release ashes from the skies as the family watches on.
Aerial Ashes has performed more than 50 services, scattering remains from forests to coastal areas, even one at a university campus.
Founder - retired RAF helicopter pilot Chris Mace - joins us now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today we’ve been discussing the PM’s thinly veiled rebuke at banks and their profits yesterday...
Our Political Editor, Newsroom’s Jo Moir joins us to talk about this and more!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As Pacific nations face the prospect of losing entire islands to climate change, the unthinkable decision for some communities to leave behind the bones of their ancestors is looming.
In places like Samoa, the burial spot of a loved one carries a heightened cultural significance.
And as our next guest has written in a poignant piece for The Guardian, the ability to sit with those who have died may no longer be guaranteed.
Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson joins us to discuss this more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A dazzling sight will grace our skies tonight, and you won’t even need a telescope to see it.
A blood moon will be in our skies this evening!
That’s when the Earth blocks any sunlight from reaching the Moon, and instead light is bent through the earth’s atmosphere casting a reddish hue over the moon.
To explain more we’re joined by Stardome astronomer Rob Davison.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's Pae Korero, and on Tuesdays it's our powerbrokers edition - Labour Minister Kiritapu Allan and National’s 3IC Chris Bishop.
What did they make of the latest Newshub Reid Research poll, and Jacinda Ardern having a go at the banks for their huge profits?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A real estate company is suggesting it may be time to ease the door open to foreign property buyers.
Century 21 wonders whether the ban, which stops most non-residents from buying existing property here, should be carefully reversed to boost the cooling market.
A recent Real Estate Institute report noted overseas interest in NZ has dwindled since 2020 - immigration is still down post COVID, alongside a weakening domestic demand for housing.
Today we hear from economist Shamubeel Eaqub, and Century 21 owner Tim Kearins.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Democrats narrowly hold the power in the USSenate and House, but that could be gone as soon as tomorrow as polls for the midterm elections close.
Many races are on a knife edge, but the overall trend is slightly leaning in favour of the Republicans.
Republican candidate Christian Zimm is standing in Georgia’s 5th district and he joins us with the latest from the US.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A third NCEA exam season warped by COVID-19 is underway, with much discussion around how to get young people engaged.
Yesterday we spoke to community paediatrician Dr Jin Russell about how best to support students who have had yet another difficult year - and it’s not sitting them down and forcing them to study.
And last week Associate Education Minister Jan Tinetti said schools were reporting lower levels of NCEA achievement than usual.
Today we’re looking at whether universities are also having to adjust expectations… here to discuss is Auckland University’s Pro Vice Chancellor Education, Bridget Kool.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In a landmark decision, two academics won’t pay a single cent even if they lose their court challenge to repeal and replace the Mental Health Act.
Otago University’s Giles Newton Howes and Sarah Gordon want fast-tracked clarification on a provision which forces someone with a mental disorder to have compulsory treatment.
It is the first New Zealand case of a human rights issue where the fees have been waived by the court.
Giles Newton-Howes joins me this morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nearly 6 months ago, just before the Budget, we spoke to three New Zelanders who were part of what National described at the time as the ‘squeezed middle’.
A teacher, a builder and a small business owner, we call them our Middle NZ panel.
Since we spoke to them back in May, the cost of living crisis has deepened here in Aotearoa. So we wanted to check back in with them to see how life was tracking with each of them.
From the Wairarapa we’re joined by builder Jeremy Long.
From Hastings, we have Ebbett Park Primary School Principal Kate Medlicott.
And from Southland small business owner, Dave Mckissock is with us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion:I don’t profess to know anywhere near as much as I should about climate change. I confess I find emissions reduction targets, pricing, different gas in-atmosphere formulas, global targets and offsetting hard to fully understand. I promise I try but I’m just a bit crap.
I do however understand politics a bit and political calculations and miscalculations make sense to me.
The Prime Minister not going to COP27 falls into the latter camp.
A woeful miscalculation but worse yet - a seriously misleading one at that.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The banking sector is being told to take a good hard look at themselves, as profits near record amounts, amid the cost of living crisis.
Westpac and ANZ are the latest to record eye-watering after-tax profits… more than one billion, and two billion dollars respectively.
And the Reserve Bank believes collectively banking institutions are on track to pass a NZ$10 billion annual profit.
At Monday's post-cabinet meeting the Prime Minister had an almighty crack, asking if banks are "demonstrating social license? Are they demonstrating a commitment to the communities that they’re serving, by taking profits such as those that they’re taking in these current times?”
Tova O'Brien spoke to Co-Operative Bank CEO Mark Wilkshire and asked him the question the Prime Minister put to the banks.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Over the weekend Labour released a policy for helping out with child care with some sectors of our society. Even though they're falling further behind in the polls, could ideas like this salvage their election campaign?
Tova vs Duncan - who's going to take it out?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There’s nothing quite like looking up at a clear night sky, a view that’s been admired for thousands of years.
And New Zealand is not just known anecdotally as a good place to stargaze - we are home to one of the few places which has the seal of approval.
And while Aoraki/Mount Cook is a certified dark sky reserve, a push began a couple of years ago for the whole of Aotearoa to become one - only the second nation after Nuie, to be a dark sky country.
To tell us more, we’re joined by International Dark Sky Association CEO Ruskin Hartley.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A draft business case of the RNZ-TVNZ merger reveals big commercial losses are expected from the television arm within the next half decade.
A leaked copy shows a projected drop of a third of TVNZ’s existing commercial revenue - equating to $100 million a year.
Which will mean a taxpayer top up!
Newsroom co-editor Mark Jennings joins us to discuss.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There are few Netflix series which drum up as much anticipation as The Crown - and days before the season five release many already have an opinion on the royal drama.
This series moves the plot - which is "based" on real events - into the 1990s, showing a Queen Elizabeth II in her 60s, and documenting the divorce of Diana and Charles.
And another bombshell is in store for the Royal Family soon - with buildup beginning ahead of Prince Harry’s memoir release in January.
ITV News royal editor Chris Ship joins us now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Twitter’s coveted blue tick used to be a symbol earned through status, but now New Zealand is on a list of countries who can buy it.
For a $14 subscription each month, users can get the verification as part of billionaire Elon Musk’s takeover.
It’s one of many impending changes for the platform, with more than half of the company’s employees likely to lose their jobs.
Joining us now is Futurist and Gorilla Tech CEO Paul Spain.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The cost of putting goods on supermarket shelves has gone up 10% in the last year, and that will inevitably be felt at the checkout by consumers.
An Infometrics-Foodstuffs report found just over 9,000 items were re-costed higher in October 2022, nearly five times higher than in the same month in 2019 (pre-pandemic).
And that acceleration is unusual, even for these uncertain times according to Infometrics principal economist Brad Olsen who joins us now...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kingmaker no more.
Te Pati Māori was sitting in the plum position in recent polls but last night’s Newshub Reid Research poll has robbed them of the honour.
National and Act can do it alone.
The Māori Party still holds its two seats - on 1.9% and assuming it holds onto an electorate seat.
Māori Party Co-Leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer us to discuss.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Black Ferns will take on England’s Red Roses in the final of the Rugby World Cup this Saturday in what’s likely to be a sold out Eden Park.
They took out France in an absolute thriller winning by one point, winning their semi final by 25-24.
Former Black Ferns captain Les Elder joins me this morning. Morena Les.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel show here on Tova. On Mondays it’s our statespeople - our former MPs, two thoughtful, insightful commentators.
He's a former national minister and Attorney General, it is of course Chris Finlayson. And she was once a Green MP, Sue Bradford.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Government’s announced a mega boost to childcare support, which means half of all Kiwi families will get extra cash to help out with childcare costs.
The payments will be indexed to inflation, like the Nats are proposing we do with income tax.
Working for Families and Best Start payments also get a bump.
It’s all conveniently timed to kick in in April next year - so about six months out from the election families will see their wallets swell.
And goodness knows Labour’s going to need all the help they can get after last night’s Newshub Reid Research Poll saw them plummet to their worst result since Jacinda Ardern became leader...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s only natural for parents to want their kids to succeed.
But as school and university exam seasons fast approach, a friendly reminder that teenagers cannot always conjure up motivation... even if they know they’re meant to be studying.
Doctors are urging parents to take a step back and give them space to figure it out, while supporting them where they can.
Community pediatrician Dr Jin Russell joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In 2020 UK woman Kate Isaacs was scrolling through her Twitter feed when she found out someone had taken her face and edited it into a porn video.
She had become a victim of deepfaking - an artificial intelligence technique which takes someone’s photos and alters them convincingly into a video.
The digital altering is a growing concern and its use in deepfake porn - with it becoming easier for anyone to create online, and prey on whoever they like.
Kate presumes she became the target by someone who felt ruffled by her campaign work against non-consensual sex… she’s founded Not Your Porn in 2019.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Scientists are diving into marine heatwave data in the hope they can spot patterns which could protect the country’s seafood industry.
Coastal records dating back decades around Dunedin and Auckland have been evaluated, and the patterns of temperature rises catalogued.
Researchers found the number of days a year where Otago waters experience a heatwave has doubled since the 1960s, but up north it didn’t.
Physical Oceanographer Robert Smith joins us to discuss!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A labour shortage in the trucking industry is threatening to bring the movement of goods and services to a screeching halt.
Industry groups estimate as many as 8000 positions need to be filled, with attracting younger truckies proving a challenge.
An apprenticeship programme was introduced last year but employers have been reluctant to sign on… only 50 new recruits have come of it so far.
Transporting NZ CEO Nick Leggett joins us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Reserve Bank’s warning that negative equity will grow with property prices continuing to fall and interest rates continuing to rise.
It will have sent a nervous tremor through many households.
About 2 percent of the country’s mortgage lenders currently owe more than their house is worth but that could rise to 7 percent if house prices were to slide another 10 percent.
Here to discuss financial adviser and founder of The Money Men, Josh Farry.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The latest Newshub Reid-Research poll showed NZ First at 3.3 percent and the reviews of Peter's possible return to politics have been mixed.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion:The first time Jacinda Ardern trumpeted her successes in a crisis it worked. It was unusual for the Prime Minister to be quite so personally self-congratulatory. It made you sit up and listen and go yeah - actually you did do good and good on you for recognising that.
Christchurch, Whakaari and COVID early days. Good job.
But that was way back in 2020, I’m pretty sure it was her speech launching Labour’s election campaign, and this is now.
It’s been a long time since all of those things - a long time since her expert navigation of them.
Sure, the PM used her speech over the weekend to make the point that not only has the government handled those crises but it also made progress despite them.
But the jury’s well and truly out on a lot of that ‘progress’.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Zealand is still at least 12 months out from a general election but the latest Newshub - Reid Research poll released on Sunday shows Labour down on just 32.3 percent, with National on 40.7 percent, ACT on 10 percent and the Greens on 9.5 percent.
These poll results mean National and ACT could hypothetically govern together if an election was called today.
Speaking to Tova O'Brien on Monday morning, ACT party leader David Seymour was asked if he would like the role of finance minister in a hypothetical National/ACT government.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Labour’s whopping great childcare support payments mean half of all Kiwi families will get a cash injection timed to kick in about six months out from the election.
But based on the latest Newshub Reid Research Poll, It’s going to take a lot more than that to win voters back. Labour is free-falling, hitting its worst result under Jacinda Ardern’s leadership ever, a meagre 32.3 percent.
It’s no wonder Labour’s lashing out - Here’s Finance Minister Grant Robertson at the party conference over the weekend.
National’s Finance Spokeswoman Nicola Willis is not the only person vying for his job, with Seymour hot on her heels with a bid to take the role if National and ACT form a coalition come the next election.
Willis said she believes it's too early to be worried about who will take the prized finance position, even though National Party leader Christopher Luxon didn't rule out the idea of Seymour as Finance Minister.
"No. Look, I'm very relaxed about that," said Willis.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's a debate that's rumbled along for a few years now... should fireworks be banned for private use?
But today Duncan and Tova will take it to the next level! What about the children?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Each week Producer Jeremy is asked to keep on eye (and ear!) on the news and find a story that’s worth putting to music.
Sometimes there’s a moment during the week that just makes your ears prick up.
Makes your head turn.
Like when the Rock Wren was announced as Bird of the Year, and one team member showed her true colours…
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Labour has a new candidate to go up against its old candidate Gaurav Sahrma in Hamilton West!
Georgie Dansey is Chief Executive of an independent school union and owns a body fit training gym in Te Awamutu.
She joins us now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There’s a push for security guards to have more powers to defend themselves and others amid a spike in youth crime.
Under the current laws they can use reasonable force against someone but only as self-defence… and it doesn’t extend to protecting other customers.
The Security Association fears it could take a serious incident before anything is done… CEO Gary Morrison joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
North Korea’s suspected launch of its most powerful intercontinental missile has failed, according to South Korea... however it’s likely cold comfort.
Pyongyang is flexing its power with an intensifying barrage of missile tests towards its neighbours - with some analysts believing it is building up to the real thing.
Joining us now is Scott Snyder from the US Council on Foreign Relations.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Well... he isn't looking like getting off the couch this weekend.
Another massive weekend of sport awaits so we check in with Today FM’s sports guy John Day.
This week he's going to run us through the Black Ferns taking on France in the Rugby World Cup semi-final, the All Blacks against Wales, the Blackcaps at the T20 World Cup, and the Kiwis against Fiji in the Rugby League World Cup quarterfinals!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel here on Tova. Today we're joined by The Spinoff’s Bulletin Editor Anna Rawhiti-Connell, and political commentator Ben Thomas.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pakistani Senator Anwaar ul Haq Kakar told Tova O'Brien the political divide in Pakistan is deep-rooted and has been brewing for almost the last two decades.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Warning: This article talks about traumatic events, mental health and suicide.
Former All Black turned firefighter Steve Devine recounted a harrowing story with Tova O'Brien on Friday morning of a firefighter left to deal with their trauma allegedly without support from FENZ.
Firefighters across the country will walk off the job again for an hour today to protest pay and working conditions.
No agreement has been reached between the Professional Firefighters Union and Fire and Emergency NZ - despite 16 months of negotiations.
Devine first spoke to Duncan Garner back in August of this year.
He told O'Brien that firefighters have been left to deal with their own traumas themselves, recounting a heartbreaking story live on air.
"I don't want to tell this story, but I will," said Devine.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Strangely... this was one of our most controversial Debate Club topics ever! There's so much dislike for Auckland around the country, but is it justified?
Tova and Duncan will try to sway you with their arguments!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What started as a bit of a laugh - a UK woman renting out her husband - has turned into a full-time gig.
Laura Young found her man James to be awfully good at getting through those odd jobs - so much so she decided to advertise him on social media.
‘Rent My Handy Husband’ now goes for close to $80 NZ an hour - and James is fully booked right through November! He does everything from painting, decorating, carpet laying and even hanging up Christmas lights.
Laura and James Young join us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It has the makings of a gorgeous story… Auckland Council is hosting the first of a string of ‘Dog Days’ today - a meet and greet at the park, with pups up for adoption.
But it’s actually one of desperation - shelters in the Supercity are so overrun with unwanted and abandoned animals, they’re at breaking point.
Joining us now is Shaun Murray from the Council’s Animal Management team.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We’re joined now by our very own breath of fresh Bel-Air, bringing us all the happs from Hollywood - entertainment reporter Carol Ramos.
Today you'll hear about celebrity breakups, Daniel Radcliffe, Oprah Winfrey, and Gwyneth Paltrow!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
An Auckland councillor is hosting a meeting on a street in Glen Innes, where several known ram raiders are believed to live.
Josephine Bartley says the road - which she will not name - is home to multiple young people heading down a bad path, and she wants to check in with the whanau.
Police and social services will also be involved in the chat.
Josephine Bartley joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As Jacinda Ardern began a spiel on the global economic challenges during a speech at last night’s BusinessNZ conference - she told the packed room it may be time to pour another drink.
The Prime Minister acknowledged a raft of challenges squeezing the industry - including labour shortages, an energy price shock and inflation.
But she didn’t arrive empty handed - promising to introduce Resource Management Act reform within weeks, and hinting at progress towards a Latin America trade deal.
BusinessNZ CEO Kirk Hope joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Banks are being urged to better support their customers and take a long-term view when lending money.
The Reserve Bank Governor is warning a growing number of people could face difficulty with their mortgages as interest rates rise.
NZ Bankers’ Association CEO Roger Beaumont joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel here on Tova! On Thursdays we have two witty, brilliant writer/commentators - University of Auckland History professor Caroline Daley, and The Spinoff’s Editor- at -large Toby Manhire.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
130 people have been evacuated from a Canterbury holiday park after a massive blaze arose at Pegasus Beach.
The bush fire is covering 200 hectares in Christchurch North, and three helicopters and fresh crews have arrived to try and get the fire under control.
Brennan Wiremu is the Civil Defence Management Officer for Waimakariri who has been assisting evacuated residents overnight.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Firefighters are continuing to try and get the blaze under control at Pegasus Beach in Canterbury.
Jessie Allan was evacuated alongside the five other members in her house last night and was just down the road from the Woodend Holiday Park.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Buy Now Pay Later schemes are set to face new regulations before the year’s end, in a bid to make sure they’re not sending people into debt spirals.
The loan providers, which include the likes of Afterpay and Laybuy, have had a surge in popularity, with $1.7 billion spent through them last year.
While welcomed by many retailers, concerns people are becoming reliant on them has prompted a crackdown and they will soon be required to make better credit checks on customers for purchases over $600.
Speaking on Tova, Retail NZ CEO's Greg Harford andDunedin Budgeting Service's Andrew Henderson give their opinions on the situation - with Harford describing it as a "positive move" and Henderson arguing $600 is "too high".
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"It’s a really strong political play for about a minute - and then the realities of real life, governing, hypocrisy etc etc start coming home to roost."
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"There have been at least two or three fires in the same vicinity over the last two weeks," Greg Byrnes told Tova O'Brien on Thursday.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"If anyone is wanting to go into Iran ... keep silent, go in there quietly, don't have a platform where you are broadcasting what you are doing, simple as that."
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"I was walking down the road and you've got voting documents blowing in the wind, you can see them falling out of letterboxes, that's not how they should be run."
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Last week, a family in America felt a sense of relief few of us will ever understand. The body of American soldier Joshua Jones was returned to Ukraine - released by Russian forces as part of a swap to return one of their soldiers.
Joshua was a friend of New Zealander Dominic Abelen, the two men fought on the frontlines in Ukraine together, they died in the same firefight, and it’s believed their bodies were taken by Russian soldiers at the same time... but sadly their bodies weren’t returned together.
Dominic’s family told me they’re happy for Joshua’s, they still have hope Dom will come home too.
Misty Gossett is Joshua Jones’ mother and she joins us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A Gloriavale man charged with sexual offences against five children has had his jail sentence reduced.
Timothy Disciple has lost his name suppression - but he’s also had eight months shaved off of his prison term under an appeal - with a judge citing his cooperation and good behaviour.
He will now serve just 21 months behind bars.
Former Gloriavale member Virginia Courage joins us now - before she left in 2019 she was best friends with Timothy’s wife.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Surely there's no question right? Kiwi summers mean people flocking to the beach, and some of them get into dangerous situations and need rescuing.
So how are Duncan and Tova going to play out this debate?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Gold Trip caused a major upset and stormed home to win the Melbourne Cup at a rainy Flemington yesterday.
The 6-year old horse, who took the lead with 300m to go, paid out a massive $19.40 for the win.
Amanda Elliot was the first female chairman to be elected to the Victoria Racing Club in its over 150 year history and she joins us!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nothing spells a Kiwi summer quite like a festival… your best mates in tow, cold bevvie in hand, and your favourite live music under a still-light evening sky.
But the music industry is facing a crisis - a nationwide crew shortage is putting a real strain on gig organisers ahead of the busy season.
The director of the country’s largest audio and production company - College Hill Productions - Michael Cole joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The country’s top security experts are returning home after a two day summit focused on dissecting the threats and risks most feared by New Zealanders.
A survey released to coincide with the hui found that New Zealanders are deeply concerned about national security threats - disinformation and cyber attacks chief among them.
Yesterday we spoke to Kate Hannah from the Disinformation Project, and much of the discussion boiled down to the eventual risk of violent extremism.
Today we talk to Paul Spoonley, the co-director of He Whenua Taurikura - the Violent Extremism Research Centre.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel segment here on Tova. Today we have two whip-smart political brains - former Labour Party General Secretary Andrew Kirton, and political commentator Josie Pagani.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week I worshipped at the altar of consumerism and conscious capitalism - and I loved it.
Expecting to be perhaps a bit amused, even I’m sorry to say it, a bit snide about a store which sells everything from Yves Saint Laurent monogram handbags to enormous value packs of chicken drumsticks and coffins.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
South Korean authorities, police, the President, and Prime Minister are lining up to take responsibility and call for accountability over the Halloween tragedy in Seoul that left at least 156 people dead.
Seoul based journalist Raphael Rashid was in Itaewan that night not far from where the crush occurred, he’s has been following developments and is back with us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
International retailer Costco is proving to be popular with cookie monsters in Auckland.
Sales of the locally made Cookie Time biscuits have catapulted since entering the retail giant in September - to the tune of more than a million dollars!
An entire pallet of the choc chippie goodness has flown off the shelves every single day - so successful that Cookie Time is now set to expand operations and supply some Costco stores offshore.
Cookie Time managing director Guy Pope-Mayell joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Even when I was in it, I could not see it. I was that person, and everyone can be it. There is no profile”
Those are the words of the world’s first male supermodel Hoyt Richards talking to Anke Richter about being under the control of UFO doomsday cult Eternal Values.
Throughout Anke’s thorough and immersive reporting on cults, those words have been an accessway - at times sailing very close to her own personal experiences
The reporter and author has a new book on shelves today - Cult Trip - which explores disturbing shared patterns across cults - from New Zealand’s own Centre Point to Agama Yoga School in Thailand and back to the west coast with Gloriavale
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Police Minister Chris Hipkins told Tova O'Brien that number is misleading - stating more businesses are underway, though admits more could be helped.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
National Party leader Christopher Luxon has said he takes no issue with the new telehealth service that has been rolled out nationwide - and will issue no change under a National government.
Luxon also spoke on the proposed tax cuts which has received criticism for only pocketing most Kiwis close to $2.00 a week.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aaron Gate is offering a signed Commonwealth Games cycling jersey to the most generous donor.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
CTU Economist and former senior economic advisor to finance minister told Tova O'Brien around 2 million kiwis would receive less than $2.15 a week.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Around half a million Kiwis have a punt on the Melbourne Cup each year. For most it's just a bit of fun. But for others, could it lead to a slippery slope where gambling could be an issue for them?
Duncan and Tova gave us the pros and cons.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A sunny getaway certainly isn’t what it used to be... with airlines forced to hike prices thanks to fuel costs, inflation and high demand.
Air New Zealand is warning people to book early if they need a holiday.
Flight Centre manager of leisure brands Heidi Walker joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pressure on Nelson’s tight housing market is seeing people who are working full time struggling to find any kind of rental accommodation.
And as international tourism begins to return to the region, there are increasing concerns about a further spike in homelessness in the city.
Louis Chapman runs The Male Room which provides support to help individuals and families into housing.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's Pae Korero - our panel segment here on Tova. On Wednesdays it's our powerbrokers edition - Labour Minister Kiritapu Allan and National’s 3IC Chris Bishop.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Despite being seemingly disinterested in engaging in actual elections, there’s hope people will be willing to explain why.
A wide-reaching electoral review is underway, covering everything from the voting age and election advertising, to the length of a parliamentary term.
It launched after a woeful local election turnout - just 36% of those eligible voters took part.
To give us an update on where things are at with the review, we're joined by Independent Electoral Review chair Deborah Hart.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brazil has a new president - kind of... Left-leaning Luiz Inácio 'Lula' da Silva has reclaimed the reins of power, four years after he lost them.
The astonishing political comeback came down to the wire - he received 50.9 % of the vote, with the incumbent fair-right Jair Bolsonaro on 49.1.
Joining us now is Brazil-based journalist Michael Fox.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Auckland Council is being left to scoop oversized goldfish out of waterways as owners find themselves out of their depth.
It’s believed people like buying the seemingly low-maintenance pets but when they outgrow their tanks, they’re dumping in them in local lakes and streams where they can cause enormous ecological damage.
And the $10 pet purchase is costing thousands of dollars for ratepayers.
Auckland Council senior ecologist Ebi Hussain joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It appears the wheels are already coming off the $61 million pay packet for bus driver salaries.
While the industry has long-pushed for better pay, the funding boost depends on partial contribution by councils - and there are fears some may opt out.
And in what could be a case of very bad timing, Auckland Transport axed 1000 bus services shortly after the announcement - citing driver shortages.
The funding also doesn’t apply to school buses, funded by the Ministry of Education, despite the drivers sharing the same depots with their urban counterparts.
Bus and Coach Association CEO Ben McFadgen joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Stop what you’re doing!! It’s Melbourne Cup Day - the race that stops the nation when everyone puts tools down for a few minutes this afternoon.
Damien Ractliffe is the Chief Racing Reporter for The Age and he's here to break it all down.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The spokesperson for Communities Against Alcohol Harm Grant Hewison shared his thoughts with Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The director of the Hoff Hospitality Group Matt Mclaughlin shared his thoughts with Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"The fact our government was hamstrung and unable to speak its mind on a regime that murders women and girls is appalling."
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Phil Mauger told Tova O'Brien the Prime Minister and Local Government Minister are willing will meet with him in the hopes of working something out in the near future.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
84 percent of Kiwis are worried that misinformation and disinformation is a very real threat - though according to a disinformation expert, government censorship could make things far worse.
In advance of the Prime Minister’s speaking at a big counter-terrorism conference this morning, a whopping great stocktake of national security threats has been released.
The government research includes information held by NZ spy agencies, submissions and a survey of 1,000 New Zealanders.
It shows Kiwis are more concerned about threats to our national security than people in other countries and unfortunately those threats are all set to get worse over the next decade.
The risks most bothering New Zealanders are natural disasters (given we’re so prone), health epidemics following COVID-19 and interestingly... misinformation, cyber attacks and hacks, which are in the top three concerns keeping people up at night.
Director of the Disinformation Project Kate Hannah told Tova O'Brien on Today FM that government censorship is not the answer.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's Halloween... and love it or hate it, it's the time of year that kids dress up in costume, knock on doors, and ask strangers for sweet sweet candy!
Listen now as Duncan and Tova debate the pros and cons!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Just before the weekend, the entire employment bar in New Zealand - a who’s who of lawyers, Kings Counsels, judges - got together for the annual employment law conference.
400 of them, gathered and among the various chats and workshops and whatever else is done at an employment law conference, those 400 enormous brains heard a brilliant speech by a brilliant lawyer about the need for legislative change to restraints of trade - she won over the room
And she joins me now! Charlotte Parkhill - partner and employment law specialist at Dentons Kensington Swan.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dancing in the rain might be an activity associated with philosophical benefits - but science is revealing it could have physical ones too.
Our next guest is a writer who looks into the benefits of walking in all weather - and is attesting to getting steps in, rain, hail or shine.
Annabel Streets has written books on the perks, and she joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tomorrow marks a groundbreaking change in the way abortions can be accessed in New Zealand.
If you are in your first 10 weeks of pregnancy, you will be able to seek a phone consultation for an early medical abortion. The procedure involves taking two pills, and can be completed at home.
Some similar services were available in lockdown, but will now be formally available following a law change.
Dr Helen Paterson is a consultant and the chair of Abortion Providers Group and she joins us this morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Does hanging on the phone waiting to get a response from the business you’re calling drive you totally spare?
Consumer NZ has been investigating who does it well - and who doesn’t - when it comes to answering customer phone inquiries efficiently.
They checked out 21 companies from 5 different sectors and found wildly differing results.
Here to tell us more is Consumer NZ’s Head of Content, Caitlin Cherry.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s been a mega weekend of sport - the Black Ferns are through to the semi finals of their World Cup, the All Blacks battled to a difficult win over Japan, and the Blackcaps resoundingly beat Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cup.
Keeping up with all of that was our Today FM sports guru John Day.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nine years ago, at the height of her eating disorder, Kristie Amadio sat in a Los Angeles clinic marvelling at the state of the US facility.
She’d travelled there as a last resort, unable to find anywhere in New Zealand which could offer her the follow-through care she desperately needed.
She vowed that once she recovered, she would change that.
And now Kristie is making good on that promise, finally securing private funding for a facility near Christchurch - Recovered Living - a live-in programme which has 12 beds.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Māori knowledge about our night skies stretches back centuries, but there are concerns that indigenous communities are being left out of Aotearoa’s future approach to accessing space.
People have until tonight to have their say in the Aerospace Strategy and Space Policy Review - which aims to make clear the country’s values and objectives in the wider universe.
However the Society for Māori Astronomy Research believes the public consultation has been too rushed for the indigenous community to have meaningful input.
Society chairperson Pauline Harris joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel segment here on Tova. On Mondays it’s our statespeople - our former MPs.
He was once a National minister and Attorney General, it’s Chris Finlayson. And she was once a Green MP, Sue Bradford.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Families in Korea are on a painful search for their loved ones after a Halloween festival in Seoul turned into the real stuff of nightmares.
154 people are confirmed dead following a crowd surge in the Itaewon district, which saw people crushed and suffocated, and 133 more injured.
Many of those who died are in their teens and early 20s, and close to 100 of the fatalities so far are women. One of the victims is Australian, but none are from New Zealand.
Seoul journalist Raphael Rashid joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The least we can do as a country is pull out all the stops to get him home.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"This stuff has been asked and answered time and time again and we can just get on with it which is why I'm not pulling my bill," Chlöe Swarbrick said.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Journalist and media commentator Russell Brown and Free Speech Union's CEO Jonathan Ayling give their two cents on the platform's recent change of ownership.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Also known as the pīwauwau, it managed to take the victory off the little penguin with the most transferred votes.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kiri Allan told Tova close to 6000 liquor licenses have been granted in Auckland with only 10 declined in just the last five years.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Each week Producer Jeremy is given the task finding a news item to put to music, and this week he couldn't help but notice that there was a bit of an oversight at NZ Rugby HQ.
Who was the person that didn't realise that the Black Ferns and the All Blacks were going to be on at the same time?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week Tova spoke to Louise Hutchinson - PR liaison for the Waikato Mongrel Mob. It's fair to say that many listeners didn't think this was a good idea... why give a group associated with criminal activity any sort of platform?
Time for Tova and Duncan to try and convince you if it's give gangs air time or not!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A mother of two who yearned to reenter the workforce is now helping other mums to do the same.
Mela Lush had 10-15 hours a week to offer to an employer if they would let her work remotely… she approached her former bosses and they loved the idea.
After realising there must be tons of others in the same boat, she created Jobs For Mums - a website helping parents match up their free time with flexible workplaces.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Earlier on the show you may have heard Ken Laban passionately rejecting a proposal to scrap live broadcast of First XV rugby matches to protect young people from bullying.
Former Auckland Netball Development manager Leigh Ashton who wrote The Talent Trap is familiar with pressures young athletes face, and she joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If you’re lucky enough to have spare cash to give to a charity, it can feel a little overwhelming picking the most worthy cause.
Cue Impact Lab - an organisation with the motto ‘do good, better’. It puts in the work looking at exactly where charity dollars go, so you don’t have to.
It has just released new insights into which social services resonate most with those who use them.
Joining us now to discuss is Impact Lab CEO Maria English and from the charity sector, Wellington City Missioner Murray Edridge.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr has warned that unemployment will rise as New Zealand tries to combat inflation.
The governor also confirmed a full review of how the Reserve Bank responded to the pandemic will be released next month.
Editor of the Kāka Bernard Hickey was listening in to the governor’s speech, and joins us to discuss.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A new survey of hybrid workers is revealing that it pays to stay away from the office.
Networking giant Cisco commissioned a study of 28,000 workers, and found once you take away the commuting costs and those lunches out, it saves an average of $250 a week.
That’s 13,000 bucks a year!
And New Zealand respondents were found to save about 15 percent more than the global average.
Cisco NZ managing director Garrett Heraty joins us with all the details.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Vape retailers are being warned to check that their products are not exceeding the legal nicotine limit, and to immediately strip them from their shelves if they are
A Fair Go investigation reveals some manufacturers and suppliers had misinterpreted the laws governing nicotine limits - which could mean people are inhaling far more nicotine than they think or is allowed.
The Ministry of Health has even found some cases where there may have been deliberate misleading information about what’s in the vaping products.
Joining us for more on this is the CEO of the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation Letitia Harding.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel here on Tova. Today we've got political commentator Shane Te Pou along, with Anna Rawhiti Connell, the Spinoff’s Bulletin editor.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Zealand’s spy agency has released a public guide on how to spot the early warning signs of a violent extremist, as they grapple with an increasing amount of alarming behaviour online.
The Security Intelligence Service says children have started joking about terror attacks on social media, causing a headache for those trying to weed out the serious threats.
Joining us now is the director of the International Centre for the Study of Violent Extremism Anne Speckhard. Anne has interviewed more than 800 terrorists, violent extremists and their family members through her career.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The world of sport never stops and that’s why every Friday we catch up with Today FM sports guy John Day.
So lets find out all about the Black Ferns World Cup quarterfinal against Wales, the All Blacks team to take on Japan, The T20 World Cup, and the Rugby League World Cup!
worldcupcity
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As Russia began its invasion of Ukraine, one of its neighbours has found itself quite literally caught in the middle.
Belarus is considered a close ally of Russia, and has been used as a gateway into Ukraine by Russian troops - and fears are growing of a joint incursion.
But political pockets within the country are pushing back, in a charge led in large part by our next guest.
Sviatlana Tsikha-nouskaya is the leader of the opposition. Previously a teacher, she took the reins from her husband and ran for President in his place in 2020 after he was jailed.
She joins us now from Lithuania where she has been exiled.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ken Laban has covered hundreds of First XV games, telling Tova O'Brien the decision makes 'absolutely no sense whatsoever'.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A major development following the shooting of Christchurch-born Christian Glass by police officers in Colorado
A US grand jury is set to decide whether those officers should be charged.
22-year-old Christian was shot and killed after calling for roadside assistance in June.
Police argued he had turned violent before his death… but distressing body cam footage eventually released, proved otherwise - the police had lied
It shows a terrified Christian, pleading with officers to lower their weapons, even offering to throw his rock-carving tools out of the window if they were causing the hostility.
Police shot Christian six times with bean bag rounds, tasered him twice, and then shot him five times.
The grand jury is set to meet during November with the District Attorney saying she is "absolutely committed to seeking justice in this case"
Christian’s parents Simon and Sally Glass spoke to Tova O'Brien on Friday morning and explained how important finding justice for Christian is.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Half the country's senior doctors are reporting serious burn out, with medical workloads driving some to the brink.
The NZMJ editorial has outlined major concerns about the risk this poses, with one saying she became suicidal after being told by her bosses that patients would die if she took time off.
The Association of Salaried Medical Specialists which represents thousands of senior doctors has weighed in, saying urgent action is needed.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With reports of a couple of social media famous Kiwis being detained in Iran for the last few months emerging, plus all the protests going on over the death of Masha Amini, is it time for action to be taken diplomatically?
Should we kick out the Iranian ambassador? How will this one play out between Tova and Duncan?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With this year’s sea temperatures shaping up to be some of the warmest ever recorded, marine biologists believe it could be a factor that’ll drive shark numbers in our waters this summer.
One person who is seriously trying to understand what that may mean is marine scientist Dr Riley Elliot aka Shark Man.
He’s launched an extraordinary project inviting the public to help sponsor satellite tagging of great white sharks in our waters, so we can not only track these apex predators but also help in the conservation to protect them.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's the Queen of Hollywood entertainment reporting - the incomparable Carol Ramos.
This week she'll talk us about the cancellation of Kanye West, two well loved super heroes ready to re-emerge on the big screen, Beyonce and Jay Z, and more!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Zealand rugby has acknowledged they didn’t take into account that the All Blacks would be playing at the same time as the Black Ferns this weekend when they scheduled the games with Japan Rugby.
In a statement sent to Today FM they say there was never any intent to overshadow the Rugby World Cup.
Respected sports broadcaster Scotty Stevenson sounded the alarm on Tuesday as did Today FM’s newsroom and he joins us!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It feels like a blast from the past… cruise liners coming back to New Zealand shores!
So we’re looking at whether the right protocols are in place, amid claims Ovation of the Seas passengers are disembarking in Picton with cold and flu symptoms.
The liner has more than 100 Covid-infected tourists isolating on board.
Today we speak to Cruise Association CEO Kevin O’Sullivan, and Picton pharmacist Graeme Smith.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel segment on Tova. On Thursdays we have University of Auckland History professor Caroline Daley, and The Spinoff’s Editor- at -large Toby Manhire.
Today we're going to talk a wee bit of sport!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hundreds of nurses from whanau support organisation Plunket are walking off the job today - their CEO says reaching pay parity would mean a Government funding shortfall of over nine million dollars this year.
The workers are striking in a push to be paid 20% more - in line with nurses at Te Whatu Ora.
We're joined by Plunket CEO Fiona Kingsford.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Back in May, with much fanfare, the Government announced the small business crime prevention package - $6 million to help protect retailers from the dangerous spate of ram raids.
That was five months ago, and last month we revealed that just five businesses had been helped to date - so the Police Minister and Police promised to make it easier.
This week I met a liquor store owner in Auckland - his shop’s on Symonds Street a busy, main road, they’ve been held up at knife point before.
He was feeling like there was no support, he’d just received a 20k quote to have bollards installed himself, so I tried to help him access the government funds for businesses like his.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The body of an America soldier who died fighting on the battlefield with kiwi Dominic Abelen has been returned by Russia to Ukrainian custody - what does this mean for Dom’s family?
Joshua Jones’ was killed in the same burst of enemy fire as Abelen, Jones’ father told CNN in a tearful phone call “I cannot tell you what a burden is lifted off this family, I couldn't give up that hope”
Tenby Powell is one of the exceptional kiwis working in Ukraine to provide humanitarian support, when Dominic was killed he was also in touch with and supporting the Abelen family. He joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hearing other people’s reasons behind theirs is important. Respecting their decisions - often hard reached - is critical.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Mongrel Mob’s Waikato Chapter has vehemently tried to push a clean image…
And now, the chapter’s Former 2IC Mark Griffiths - who is also one of its most outspoken anti-drug advocates - has pleaded guilty to importing, possessing and supplying meth.
So which is it - anti-drug or drug dealers...
Louise Hutchinson spoke to Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s an iconic photo… a kaleidoscope of pinks and tans… thousands of stark-naked people lying outside the Sydney Opera House, with their faces and much more beaming towards the sun.
It’s the trademark style of US photographer Spencer Tunick, and while some criticised the 2010 snap, he’s back in Aussie inviting people to don their birthday suits once again.
This time, people are encouraged to get their kit off all in the name of good health - thanks to a partnership with Skin Check Champions - an Australian charity that runs free, educational skin check clinics.
The photoshoot will coincide with Australia's National Skin Cancer Action Week, with the flesh-baring crowd assembling on a yet-to-be-revealed beach in Sydney on November 26, but Tunick requires volunteers for the shoot.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If you were planning to watch both the Black Ferns quarter-final and the All Blacks against Japan live this weekend, we have some bad news, you can only watch one.
The scheduling of Saturday's All Blacks game against Japan clashes with the women's World Cup quarter-final, which has prompted major outrage on social media directed at New Zealand Rugby.
But the outrage has now moved past social media.
Speaking to Today FM's Tova O'Brien, Black Ferns legend and Former Labour MP Louisa Wall has blasted NZR for being "sexist".
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A study showing that less kids are walking or biking to school raised a question this week - are Kiwis just lazy, out of the habit, or is it just not safe?
Duncan and Tova are ready to take sides, and debate away!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If you’re an animal lover without a furry friend in your life you may find yourself with a void which cannot be filled by your human mates.
But an online platform is picking up in popularity, which is being likened to ‘Tinder for dogs’.
Share My Pet connects the animals - horses, cats, dogs, rabbits - with pet ‘borrowers’.
And it’s a win-win - providing pet parents with dog walkers, extra companionship or someone to check in on their animals through the work day.
Share My Pet founder Lili Wenzel joins us!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
One of the most common eating disorders is flying under the radar - restricting the ability to get help to those who need it.
Binge eating disorder - characterised by bouts of uncontrollable eating in large quantities, often in secret - is thought to be more prevalent than anorexia and bulimia combined.
A multinational research project led by Otago University reveals it is being underrepresented in studies, and commonly misconstrued as simply an occasional overindulgence.
Researcher Hannah Kennedy is here to tell us more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A landmark ruling for four Uber drivers could significantly shake up the way the multinational ridesharing company operates in New Zealand.
The employment court has ruled they are employees - not contractors - unlocking a raft of additional workers’ rights.
It follows a succession of similar rulings abroad, and while Uber says it’s too soon to speculate whether it will have wider implications - it has confirmed it will appeal.
E Tu Union assistant national secretary Rachel Mackintosh joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
76-year old dog attack victim Chris Radich wants the Far North District Council to take tougher action against the owner of the animal that left him bleeding and traumatised while walking his own dog in the town of Awanui.
The dog responsible for the attack was surrendered and euthanised and the owner’s been fined for non-registration and failure to control his animal. But Chris Radich says there should be stronger deterrents against those who own dangerous dogs. He joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Alan Dershowitz is one of America’s best known lawyers having represented high profile clients like Donald Trump, Mike Tyson and Julian Assange. He advised OJ Simpson’s defence team and more recently - and perhaps more controversially - he’s also defended Harvey Weinstein and Jeffrey Epstein.
Alan Dershowitz became further implicated in the Epstein saga when he was accused of sexual abuse by Virginia Giuffre, who was trafficked by Epstien. Dershowitz has strenuously denied the allegations and subsequently countersued.
He joins us today!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The United Kingdom has its third Prime Minister in seven weeks.
It’s kind of uncomfortable democratically that they can just keep anointing leaders every time one screws up without putting it to a vote from the public, and without seeking a new mandate
If our politicians kept doing that - if Labour rotated through three Prime Ministers this term and just kept getting to decide who it is themselves without your say - how would you feel about that?
National leader Christopher Luxon gives us his take on this and much, much more!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel show here on Tova - and today our smart pair of opinion makers are the clever and caring Today FM host of Polly, Polly Gillespie, and the ever droll NZ editor of The Conversation, Finlay Macdonald.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rishi Sunak is vowing to clean up the mess left by Liz Truss in his first speech as UK Prime Minister.
He’s been invited to form a Cabinet under King Charles overnight, and in his first speech outside Number 10, he paid a veiled tribute to his predecessor.
And after then warning of a “profound economic crisis” he promised to rebuild public trust - starting, it seems, with a rebuild of his own Cabinet.
For more on this we are joined by the Sun’s Westminster Editor Jonathan Reilly.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rishi Sunak will be the new British PM... on his second chance!
Winston Peters has had many many more than two chances, and even Donald Trump might get another go at being the President of the US.
Do politicians deserve a second crack at things? Time for Tova and Duncan to convince you one way or the other!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Health Taskforce boss has admitted Middlemore Hospital's emergency department is overcrowded and dysfunctional.
A scathing study carried out following the death of a patient at Middlemore earlier this year came back with 101 recommendations needed to get Aotearoa's healthcare wait lists, accessibility and equity back on track
Speaking to Tova O'Brien taskforce chair and Chief Medical Officer of Counties Manukau DHB Andrew Connolly said he is concerned about the Middlemore situation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As plumes of deadly steam erupted from Whakaari White Island in 2020, former SAS soldier Mark Law sped towards it in his helicopter.
After landing, he put on a gas mask, and waded through shin-deep ash to locate 20 people in the crater… after flagging down the other rescuers, Law took five casualties back in his chopper to Whakatane Hospital; however, 10 later died.
Law is being awarded the NZ Bravery Star - one of seven chopper pilots to be commended for their part in pulling people off the volcano.
Despite the well-deserved honour, which is being warmly welcomed by the Prime Minister, Law’s company Kahu Helicopters is still being taken to court by the government - facing charges for breaching health and safety laws for the rescue mission
Law spoke to Tova O'Brien about how it felt when he learned about the award
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion:Recently our brilliant colleague Rachel Smalley wrote a column for the NBR and an editorial for Today FM predicting the Prime Minister would bounce from the job before this Christmas.
While I respect Rachel and her big brain enormously and can absolutely see why she landed on her thesis - because I agree with a lot of the arguments she posits - I still don’t think Jacinda Ardern’s about to quit.
So in the time-honoured tradition of setting colleagues at odds for a friendly, editorial scrap, let me set out my rebuttal…
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Researchers are training up an unlikely hero to help rescue people who get trapped under collapsed buildings.
A team of rats wearing tiny backpacks kitted out with cameras, have been sent into mock earthquake rubble to sniff people out.
Lily Shallom from the APOPO training and research center in Tanzania joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Forty years ago the floppy disk was a major player in the world of digital storage - and you may have thought that time has passed.. but our next guest would tell you you couldn’t be more wrong.
Tom Persky is the founder of Floppydisk.com in California and self proclaimed "last man standing in the floppy disk business."
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The UK’s incoming Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has acknowledged the country is facing “profound economic challenges.”
Sunak will be the UK’s first person of colour to hold the top job after both Boris Johnson and Penny Mordaunt pulled out of the race.
Fraser Nelson is the Editor of the Spectator, and he talks with us now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's time for Pae Korero - and today we have our powerbrokers! National’s 3IC Chris Bishop, and in for Kiritapu Allan this week, Labour’s representative for Hutt South (and therefore Bish’s nemesis), Ginny Andersen.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Gone are the days of the walking school bus… New Zealand has received a ‘D Grade’ in an international children’s exercise report card for our ‘active transport’
Out of 57 countries, only five performed more poorly when it came to incorporating physical activity into travel.
But not due to a lack of trying - we received an ‘A’ for government initiatives aimed at supporting kids’ activities.
Today we'll speak to the lead researcher - Professor Melody Smith from the University of Auckland - but first Waka Kotahi urban mobility manager Kathryn King is with us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Zealand is enjoying an embarrassment of world cup riches - the women’s Rugby World Cup's on now, and next year we’re joint hosts of the the Women’s Football World Cup. Preparations are already underway to do it justice - and better justice than our cousins across the ditch!
The draw on Saturday night puts the White Ferns in a group with Norway, the Philippines, and Switzerland.
One of our representatives helping draw the teams playing New Zealand was Football Ferns legend Maia Jackman who joins us to talk about how it all went down!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tony Williams turned 69 yesterday, and he certainly made sure it wasn’t a ‘resting on your laurels’ kind of birthday.
He’s been walking the length of Aotearoa for 57 days with the aim of raising money for a medical charity working in the world's worst conflict zones - Medecins Sans Frontier.
Tony’s an ex SAS officer with 27 years in the armed forces under his belt, and he’s also using the walk to raise awareness around the specific mental health issues that can arise for veterans.
He left Cape Reinga on August 27, averaging about 30kms per day and with a rest day on Fridays, trying to catch up with Veterans, First Responders and other supporters.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s been quite a pause... but finally Hawkes Bay businesses were yesterday putting out the welcome mat again for cruise ship passengers after a more than 2 year hiatus.
With some local businesses relying on cruise stops for up to a third of their income, it was little wonder one operator said she felt she could finally breathe again with the first of the big liners for the 2022-23 season pulling into the port of Napier.
Here to tell us more of what happened is Hawkes Bay Tourism CEO Hamish Saxton.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
MPs in the United Kingdom are worried the trade deal struck with New Zealand puts their own goods at a disadvantage.
A cross-party International Trade Committee is calling for an analysis of its food security, noting our meat and dairy is much cheaper than that produced over there.
Scottish National Party MP and committee chair Angus Brendan MacNeil joins us now to discuss.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our next story is one about a very hungry caterpillar, but spoiler alert - it doesn’t have a very happy ending.
There’s an unlikely danger lurking which could be contributing to the demise of our Monarch Butterflies!
Some experts here believe Swan Plants, which many of us rush out to buy to attract the butterflies - are covered in pesticides that are killing them.
Moths and Butterflies of New Zealand Trust founder Jacqui Knight joins us now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With Rishi Sunak now set to become the UK's next Prime Minister, what will his tenure mean for the so-called special relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States?
Joining me to discuss that is our Washington Correspondent, Jagruti Dave.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Why anyone would want to be a politician in the first place is frankly beyond me."
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The woman behind an explosive interview with former socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, has spoken to Today FM about some of the bombshell claims made.
The ex-girlfriend of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is serving 20 years for sex trafficking,
Maxwell spoke to producer Daphne Barak ahead of a new CBS-Paramount Plus special titled Ghislaine: Partner in Crime.
Speaking to Tova O’Brien, Barak says Maxwell believes a damning photo of Prince Andrew was a set-up.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The United Kingdom has a new Prime Minister. Yes, another one... The third in seven weeks.
Rishi Sunak has been elected leader of the Conservative Party after other would-be contenders Boris Johnson and Penny Mordaunt withdrew from the race.
Sunak takes over Downing Street from Liz Truss, who he lost to in the last leadership contest.
UK Conservative MP Kevin Hollinrake told Tova O'Brien that changing party leader again would trigger a general election that he thinks they would lose.
"If we change leaders again ... I think we'd end up at general election," Hollinrake told O'Brien.
"Nobody wants that, I don't think that will be necessary".
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There’s a legal push for the public to get their hands on the final trove of hidden documents relating to the assassination of John F Kennedy.
16,000 documents are still withheld by the federal government with US President Joe Biden delaying their release a year ago, while Donald Trump had delayed and delayed their release before him.
The Mary Ferrell Foundation - which holds the largest online collection of records on JFK - is now suing Mr Biden, as well as the national archives.
Vice President of the foundation Jefferson Morley joins us now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Zealand filmmaker Taika Waititi is copping flack for missing a pretty blatant opportunity for diversity in his newest series.
His remake of cult movie Time Bandits - which centres on a man who finds himself in the company of a group of little people - has not cast anyone of shorter stature.
Actress Abbie Purvis, whose granddad starred in the original, has taken to social media to question why another opportunity has been taken from her community - and has a special appeal to Taika himself!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Imagine receiving a letter to say you will be required to sell your home to make way for a new bus route.
Buses over homes.
That’s what’s happening to hundreds of Auckland homeowners, who’ve been told their properties could be affected by the proposed Airport to Botany Rapid Transport System
475 homeowners have been sent letters that their properties could be affected.
One of them - Kamlesh Rana - now faces the prospect of being forced to leave the home he’s had for 25 years, a house he remodelled just four years ago so it could accommodate his entire extended family, including his two grandchildren - this was supposed to be a forever home for generations of his whanau.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero, our panel here on Tova. Today you'll hear from Managing Editor for Newsroom Pro Jonathan Milne, along with Anna Rawhiti-Connell, the Spinoff’s Bulletin editor.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Former Speaker of the House Trevor Mallard has said "au revoir" to Parliament, as he takes up a post as Ambassador to Ireland.
Like him or even loathe him... it's worth hearing Tova looking back at his valedictory speech.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There was one of us in every class.
The kid who ‘forgot’ their PE gear on the day of dodgeball, who walked the running races, who burned red with embarrassment every time they missed the hoop.
But there’s a growing push towards the idea that phys ed shouldn’t just cater to the ‘sporty’ kids - but should teach those skills people will realistically take into adulthood… how to use gym equipment, the importance of walking, sleeping and eating well.
Joining us now is Brett Hollister, an olympic medallist and who now runs ‘Thrive Nation’ - which works with schools to incorporate a wellness program.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Liz Truss has resigned - the shortest stint as Prime Minister in British history by a mile - and The Conservative Party’s now divided on who they want to replace her with.
In another twist in the sordid drama that is British politics, Boris Johnson’s name is being thrown about as a potential contender! He of course held the job six weeks ago before receiving hundreds of no confidence letters
But the frontrunner will likely be former Chancellor Rishi Sunak.
Joining us this morning for more is the Guardian’s political correspondent Aubrey Allegretti.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Zealand has another overnight Lotto millionaire - $16 million to be exact - scooped up by a lucky player in Wellington this week.
If you’ve ever sat glued to the screen, yellow ticket in hand, you’ve probably considered the age-old question - what would you do?
But there’s arguably a more important one - what SHOULD you do?
Here to help us answer that is Robert Pagliarini - he’s the president of US firm Pacifica Wealth Advisors which specialises in managing sudden wealth, and author of The Sudden Wealth Solution.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Many industries around the world like to be as "ethical" as possible - everything from coffee to mining. Is anyone being exploited, hurt, or enslaved?
But what if a business that isn't 100% squeaky clean wants to sponsor one of our big sports teams? Is that okay or not?
Let's hear what Tova and Duncan have to say!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Each week Producer Jeremy watches the news for something that might be appropriate to put to music. This week.. there really was only was choice.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Government is patting itself on the back as the number of people on work-ready benefits dips below 100,000 - but critics say that’s still too high with labour shortages in nearly every sector.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Scaramucci's time working for Trump made it very clear the former US President didn't want people to think he wasn't the smartest or 'best' man in the room.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After just six weeks in office, Truss becomes the shortest-serving Prime Minister in the UK.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Black Labrador Eclipse surprised owner Jeff Young by hopping on the bus and then correctly exiting the bus at the dog park they regularly visited.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cyclists on our roads... it's a divisive subject at the best of times. But should they be on our roads or on our footpaths?
Time for Tova and Duncan to be given side to the debate!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The jury have retired in one of Australia’s biggest court cases in recent years.
Bruce Lehrman is standing trial for the rape of fellow parliament staffer Brittany Higgins in a case that forced the country’s parliament to have to apologise to her. 9 News’ Lauren Tomasi has been at court every day and she joins me bright and early this morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Direct from Los Angeles we have our magnificent entertainment reporter Carol Ramos.
Today she talks to us about one celebrity behaving admirably, another behaving badly, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson making a big announcement.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A baffling ruling from the High Court... The teenage rapist who raped four girls and sparked nationwide protests after the light home detention sentence he received will not be handed a tougher prison sentence.
Despite the judge finding the sentence for Jayden Meyer “manifestly inadequate”, the court’s approach, “irregular and contrary to established principle”, and that an appropriate sentence would have been “at least three years and five months of imprisonment”... she still rejected the Crown’s appeal.
Victim Advocate Ruth Money joins us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Terrorism laws have been strengthened in a bid to make it more difficult for people known to be threats to carry out attacks.
Cabinet launched a review following the stabbing at Lynn Mall last year, where the terrorist was known to authorities and at the time was under 24/7 police surveillance.
The tweaks to the law mean eligibility for terrorist designation is widening, and will not automatically expire without a review.
Richard Jackson from the National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies joins us with more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel segment on Tova! On Thursdays we tap into major brainpower - Joining us are University of Auckland History professor Caroline Daley, and The Spinoff’s Editor-at-large Toby Manhire.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The UK has a new home secretary… Suella Braverman resigning after sending an official document from her personal email that is a direct breach of ministerial rules.
But she went out swinging over the direction Liz Truss is taking the country.
ITV News Deputy Political Editor Anushka Asthana has been following the fall out and she joins me this morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The National Party has gone back to the future... Dusting off and resuscitating its old, dead social investment policy.
Targeted funding and early intervention for our most vulnerable based on data and evidence about what works, and Government initiatives that aren’t working could be scrapped.
It was originally former finance minister Bill English’s baby - it didn’t go exactly to plan the first time round - and it’s now National’s finance spokesperson Nicola Willis’s baby...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Farmers will be out in force on city streets again - this time to protest the Government’s proposed emissions pricing plan.
Groundswell NZ is holding a nationwide protest at midday - Groundswell co-founder Bryce McKenzie joins me now to tell us more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pressure continues to build on the Prime Minister Liz Truss as around 100 of her own Conservative MPs are believed to be signalling that they do not want her as leader.
Our UK Correspondent Laura Makin-Isherwood is in London, and she joins us with the latest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Several electric scooter companies in Tāmaki Makaurau have been awarded the right to continue zipping around the footpaths.
Despite bicycles having to stick to the roads, e-scooters - most of which can go about 25 kilometres an hour - can choose to ride kerbside.
On Tova, the breakfast team looked at the pros and cons of e-scootering and where Kiwis should be able to ride them.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"A couple of you have felt we’ve been piling on the government a bit much lately - and you’re right because frankly, the government has been a bit crap."
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pasifika women are on average earning 25 percent less than pakeha/NZ-European people, meaning they have effectively been working for free since October 1.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"To finally start getting a feeling that we might be getting some justice…I don't think people quite understand the environment that we were put through," he said.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's an issue that seems to divide people around the world - Donald J. Trump and the US presidency.
Some think he's the best thing since sliced bread, many think he's the worst?
But what will Tova and Duncan think...?
DEBATE TIME!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How good must Rob Ruha and Te Tairāwhiti choir Ka Hao feeling today, after picking up the 2022 APRA Silver Scroll Award last night for that wonderful song, '35'.
‘35’ - which refers to the highway running along the East Coast - was a collaboration
aimed at promoting and revitalising Te Reo Māori. And boy did it do the business, blasting to huge international fame on TikTok.
Joining us now is the highly talented Rob Ruha!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Just when you’ve caught up with the latest text slang, it moves on again - and now, people are even at risk of offending our Gen Z’s with emojis.
Younger people on social media appear to be taking it as common knowledge now that the ‘laugh-crying’ emoji we know and love is no longer cool.
And who knew you could go wrong with the ‘thumbs up’ emoji - apparently it's being seen now as passive-aggressive and hostile.
Editor in chief of ‘Emojipedia’ Keith Broni can attest to this...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Earlier today we spoke to Stephanie Mead who told the story of how her mother died in Auckland hospital.
She got in touch after our interview with Andrew Little yesterday, who refused to say whether he agreed with the findings of a report into the death of a woman who had presented at Middlemore - the report said the overloaded and under pressure health system failed her”.
Sandy Grace also got in touch with us yesterday - four years ago he lost his son Callum when he was in hospital care. Sandy’s son had Prader Willi syndrome, a genetic disorder that causes obesity, intellectual disability and shortness in height.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rogue Hamilton West MP Gaurav Sharma is forcing a million dollar by-election, where he’s still insisting on standing in as an independent.
His rationale is that the Prime Minister was going to use the "waka jumping law" to boot him out of parliament mid-next year, which would mean there wouldn’t be a by-election because of the proximity to the actual election
Jacinda Ardern refutes that - and her former chief of staff Neale Jones joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Auckland City’s picturesque location nestled by the harbour is putting seabirds who venture too close in grave danger.
A new map is revealing hundreds of them are crashing into buildings or being disoriented by light pollution - badly injuring or killing them.
A map of 365 deaths or injuries shows the CBD and Sky Tower are hotspots, and it is believed many more end up on roofs or in drains and are never found.
University of Auckland PhD student Ariel-Micaiah Heswall joins us to discuss the issue.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hand me my popcorn… The new Mayors of Wellington and Auckland have got in the ring!
An ad signed off by Wellington’s Tory Whanau is inviting Aucklanders to move to the capital, as Auckland’s Wayne Brown threatens to drop the axe of Auckland Council controlled boards
But good riddance, Brown says - a spokesperson for him saying it would raise the IQs of both cities.
The ad suggests people get in touch with economic development agency WellingtonNZ, so we’ve done just that!
CEO John Allen joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The SPCA is hoping to inundate the Racing Minister’s inbox this week, pushing for a phase-out of greyhound racing
New Zealand is one of just seven countries still commercially racing the pups, and 700 new dogs are registered every year.
The industry was put on notice last year after a review of animal welfare and safety standards, and while a decision will not be made until December, the SPCA says we need a plan so animals aren’t harmed on the way out.
Today you'll hear from Racing Minister Kieran McAnulty, and SPCA science officer Dr Alison Vaughan.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Last week, UK PM Liz Truss sacked chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng after the pair’s mini-budget left the markets – and her party – on its knees.
Jeremy Hunt became the fourth chancellor in as many months, and set about dismantling Truss’s economic plans.
So how damaged is Liz Truss, and is she even still in charge? Here is the Chief political commentator for The Independent, John Rentoul.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel here on Tova - and today our smart pair of opinion makers are Today FM host of Polly Gillespie and NZ editor of The Conversation, Finlay Macdonald.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With inflation figures showing Aotearoa New Zealand is not moving out of its cost of living crisis at any real pace, the National Party is facing more flack over its potentially inflationary tax cuts for the rich.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Not a lot to celebrate out of the inflation update on Tuesday.
Falling fuel prices this quarter were offset by other rising costs - construction, rental prices, and local rates remain stubbornly high.
Vegetable prices are up 24 percent, international travel, 20 percent.
The annual inflation rate defied all economist predictions, it only dipped by the smidgiest of smidges - 0.1 percent to 7.2.
Speaking to Lloyd Burr yesterday, the Finance Minister is again blaming overseas pressures, adding it is largely the Reserve Bank’s job to manage.
“When it comes to price stability the OCR is the lever around the world, but we’ll play our part trying to get under the hood... it’s why we’re doing supermarket reform work we are trying to help dive down food prices,” Robertson said.
But even the Reserve Bank had predicted a drop to 6.4 percent, so way off.
This begs the question, are the central bank’s interest rate hikes working…?
Economist Cameron Bagrie will be able to help answer that.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
She became a member of New York’s social elite, and left in handcuffs… and while not many people truly know her, everyone has an opinion on Anna Sorokin.
Sorokin - AKA Anna Delvey - is the subject of Netflix hit ‘Inventing Anna. Just last week she wrapped up a 17-month stint in jail for fraud, after blending in with the rich and famous and taking their money.
She’s back in her apartment in the Big Apple - this time wearing an ankle bracelet - while she fights against her deportation to Germany.
Sorokin told Today FM's Tova O'Brien that she is eager for a second chance and wants to turn over a new leaf.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion:Oh Andrew Little, how you frustrate me... Let me count the ways.
First and most obviously, not answering a basic question is frustrating.
Did the overloaded and under-pressure health system fail a woman who died after presenting at Middlemore?
Because a report into her death says in black and white, “the overloaded and under pressure health system failed her”.
Andrew Little refused to say. Sure he provided context but so does the report and within that context, this is the conclusion it drew.
You either agree or contest the findings of the report. Either of those things are fine but you don’t get to do neither.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A woman's mother was dropped during physiotherapy and given medication she was allergic to while being treated at Auckland Hospital.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Following Tova O'Brien's interview with Health Minister Andrew Little on Tuesday morning, Duncan Garner heard from other kiwis who have had less than satisfactory experiences in the NZ health care sector.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Minister Andrew Little flat-out fails to answer the first and arguably most important question from Tova O'Brien on Tuesday morning following a damning report establishing that New Zealand's emergency departments are critically overcrowded, unsafe and unsustainable.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The school holidays have just wrapped up, and we couldn't help but notice a few people around the office have had their kids at work with them!
It is, of course, hard for some to balance work and kids - but should they really be in the office?
Tova vs Duncan... FIGHT!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Love him or hate him, since launching his website 18 years ago Perez Hilton has become one of the biggest names in Hollywood.
He's broken some of the biggest stories in the business and attracted an enormous following... but he’s also outed celebrities as gay before they were ready to come out, been accused of bullying young female celebrities like Britney Spears and Chloe Kardashian, and has faced innumerable lawsuits.
Perez Hilton joins us now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Newshub’s Jenna Lynch was leaked documents which show the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet want to hold onto powers which underpin the COVID restrictions for another two years - while most countries are winding theirs back.
We’ve received a wishy washy statement from PMO saying the Government is removing powers from the COVID Act which are no longer required, while still ensuring they can practically manage the ongoing impact of COVID. It's all a bit confusing...
Newsroom’s Jo Moir is our political editor she joins me now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A new raft of sexual assault allegations have been dug-up concerning disgraced television host Kamahl Santamaria.
A deep-dive by the BBC into his time at Al Jazeera - where he spent 16 years before his 32-day stint on TVNZ’s Breakfast - has uncovered several more incidents.
Some employees claim their concerns were not acted on, and higher-ups who witnessed his behaviour - kissing women on the cheek, commenting on their breasts - would turn a blind eye.
BBC journalist Suranjana Tewari was behind the investigation, and she joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's Pae Korero - and we're having a shake up this week! Our Wednesday panel are in early... it’s the powerbroker edition! Labour Minister Kiritapu Allan and National’s 3IC Chris Bishop.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A residential building in Russia is engulfed in flames after a military plane crashed into it.
The country’s Government says the fighter jet was performing a training flight when it lost control and hit the nine-floor building in Yeysk.
It comes after a day of Kamikaze drone attacks against Ukraine which have left eight people dead, including four in the Capital Kyiv.
The leader of Ukraine’s Holos Party Kira Rudik joins us now with the latest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Students at Victoria and Massey Universities will see their teachers outside of the lecture halls today, picketing for better pay.
Staff are undertaking two-hour strikes, claiming the current pay offers are insulting in light of the cost of living crisis, and normalised overworking is unacceptable.
It’s the start of nationwide strikes across all eight universities.
Nicki Wilford is the organiser of Victoria University’s strike today, she joins us now, welcome.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s all going wrong for UK Prime Minister Liz Truss! The new Chancellor Jeremy Hunt scrapped the majority of her mini budget that was announced just weeks ago, and when it came time to answer the questions of her fellow MPs today she was nowhere to be seen.
Paul Brand is the UK Editor for ITV News, and he's been following all of this!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Back in August, the Government announced ‘build to rent' investors will get an exemption from interest deductibility rules provided they meet certain conditions.
Property Council CEO Leonie Freeman thinks they got some bits right, but they could be doing a bit more...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
An American entrepreneur who became the world’s first space tourist two decades ago is heading back up.
82-year-old Dennis Tito has signed up to ride around the moon on SpaceX’s Starship once it is developed.
Starship will be fully reusable and passenger-friendly - potentially paving the way towards a new era of space tourism.
John Spencer joins us now, he’s a space architect and the founder of the Space Tourism Society... and he also knows Dennis Tito personally!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A group of divers has spent the weekend in Wellington Harbour hauling up all types of junk from beneath the surface.
Volunteer group Ghost Diving NZ has a mission to clean up our seabeds, and clears tonnes of rubbish every time they go out.
The group then cleans up the litter, before piling it up for passers-by to inspect and for City Council to collect.
Founder Rob Wilson joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
At least four people have died after a fire erupted at an Iranian detention centre known for housing political prisoners.
Plumes of thick smoke and flames were seen coming from Evin Prison, located in Tehran, and gunshots and explosions heard.
It is unclear whether the deaths are among the hundreds of anti-government demonstrators who have been sent there as protests escalate across the country.
More than 230 people have been killed in the waves of unrest, prompted following the death of Masha Amini at the hands of morality police.
Iranian journalist Omid Memarian joins us with the latest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thousands of migrants are missing out on billions of dollars in retirement savings due to the eligibility requirements of Kiwisaver.
Researchers started following a group of migrants in 2009, and found after five years, 10,000 of them were still on temporary visas making them ineligible for the scheme.
AUT Professor of economics and author Gail Pacheco joins us to discuss what this all means.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The actions of thieves at a south Auckland food bank means families who usually get fed will miss out this week.
Frozen food, as well as butter and other goods, have been taken from David ‘Buttabean’ Letele’s food parcel HQ.
It means the service will likely be closed for a few days, and Buttabean says the kick in the guts is they would have given the offender food if they had asked.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero, our panel segment here on Tova. Today we're joined by former National Minister and Attorney General Chris Finlayson, and former Green MP Sue Bradford.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The cards are beginning to fall for UK Prime Minister Liz Truss.
She's not only sacked Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng, who only found out the news after reading a story in the Times, but the Kwartang was then replaced by former health secretary Jeremy Hunt, who did a big media round trashing the government’s economic policies.
To call it a bloody mess would be an understatement. And Truss’s MPs are sharpening their knives…
Former Minister Crispin Blunt has become the first Tory MP to break ranks and publicly call for the Prime Minister to go and he joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s back to class after a couple of weeks of school holidays, but not all students and staff were afforded the luxury of staying away.
Many schools decided to keep their doors open to feed more than 10,000 kids who would otherwise go hungry.
Kids Can is fielding more and more requests to help, and its CEO Julie Chapman tells us how bad the problem is getting.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Government says there are no plans to introduce a support package, despite some people having the virus having to isolate for up to four weeks.
Social Development Minister Carmel Sepuloni MSD can offer some food or rent cover in hardship cases - and otherwise suggested people hit up the food banks.
Auckland Pride executive director Max Tweedie joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tova O'Brien heard arguments from both sides, the Coalition for the Abolition of Horse Racing and from the President of the Jockeys association.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"It's set us up for Christmas, we are running massive kids, to look after families at Christmas so it's just a huge relief," Letele said.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"If he won't accept there is a crisis in the health system, I'm telling you, Andrew, on June 15 at Middlemore Hospital there was a crisis, very clear," Shane Reti said.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Minister Andrew Little flat-out fails to answer the first and arguable most important question from Tova O'Brien on Tuesday morning following a damning report establishing that New Zealand's emergency departments are critically overcrowded, unsafe and unsustainable.
The review looked into the death of a woman, who had a brain aneurysm after showing up at Middlemore Hospital’s ED with a headache. She left before being seen.
The ED was over-capacity, the waiting room was significantly overcrowded and the wait for non-urgent cases was hours.
While the report was inconclusive whether she could have been helped - the unnamed author did conclude that “the overloaded and under pressure health system failed her”.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In August 2022, Tova took an unimaginable and sobering trip to Ukraine.
There she would not only interview President Volodymyr Zelensky in the country's capital Kyiv, but travel to cities like Irpin and Mykolaiv - talking to locals and seeing the effects of the Russian invasion first hand.
This is the first of a special two part look back at Tova's time in the war torn country - this story is public interest journalism funded by NZ On Air.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In August 2022, Tova took an unimaginable and sobering trip to Ukraine.
There she would not only interview President Volodymyr Zelensky in the country's capital Kyiv, but travel to cities like Irpin and Mykolaiv - talking to locals and seeing the effects of the Russian invasion first hand.
This is the second of a special two part look back at Tova's time in the war torn country - this story is public interest journalism funded by NZ On Air.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Creative NZ CEO Stephen Wainwright joined Tova O'Brien to explain why they have decided to cut their funding for the secondary schools' Shakespeare Festival.
Creative NZ says the festival focuses on a ‘canon of imperialism’ - questioning if sole focus on an Elizabethan playwright is most relevant for a 'decolonising Aotearoa'.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
CEO of the Shakespeare Globe Centre Dawn Sanders joined Tova O'Brien to discuss why the festival should continue to be funded.
Creative NZ says the festival focuses on a ‘canon of imperialism’ - questioning if sole focus on an Elizabethan playwright is most relevant for a 'decolonising Aotearoa'.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Climate activists over the weekend caused outrage when they threw soup at a Vincent Van Gogh painting in London worth over $80 million dollars.
They were part of a group called just stop oil who has been ramping up their protests across the UK.
Our regular listeners will know we’ve been talking a bit about the efficacy of radical activism lately - we interviewed vegan activist Tash Peterson and discussed the throwing of human faeces on the statue of Captain Sir Tom Moore in the name of climate action.
One of New Zealand’s most prominent climate activists Sophie Handford, also a Kapiti District Councillor, told Tova on Monday morning that the bottom line is we need conversation on the action on the climate crisis.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Debate Club this morning was around whether 'shit' is a swear word and should not be said in the media... ironically our boss Dallas shut down the debate before Duncan could even give his side. Listen to the events unfold on-air - visit todayfm.co.nz to read Duncan's argument that we couldn't put to air.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Parties they voted for like NZ First, TOP or New Conservatives didn’t stand a chance of hitting the 5 percent threshold.
So the 2.6 percent of Kiwis who wanted Winston and the 1.5 percent who wanted TOP or the Conservatives, their votes were for nothing.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sam V has just released his new EP, ‘The One, The Lonely’ as he embarks on a New Zealand tour.
He’s one of the country’s up and coming shooting stars, winning best R&B and soul artist at this year's Pacific Music awards.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Arise Church is closing its Auckland services but - a bit like a game of whack a mole - something will soon pop up in its place.
Newshub has seen an email from Pastors Ben and Anna Carroll saying they’re working on a new church - Passion Auckland - in its place next year.
The church has just been through an independent investigation following allegations of sexual assault, homophobia, bullying and actively discouraging victims from going to police.
Revelations that came to light in large part thanks to the amazing, tenacious work of our next guest - journalist and documentary maker David Farrier.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s bigger than Ben Hur, bigger than the Rugby World Cup, the Super Bowl and the Olympics combined - NZ’s very own Bird of the Year competition
But this year fans are in absolute squawkers, as the beloved kakapo is booted from the event.
Some say it’s been robbed, and others are skeptical over the official statement implying the bird decided to step back.
Forest and Bird says the fat parrot, who has won twice, could overshadow the less glamorous competitors, who are just as worthy of recognition.
Today we’ll speak to the Louise Porter from the Department of Conservation, and Forest and Bird’s Ellen Rykers.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It can be revealed an average of 77 children are being admitted to hospital each day, for preventable diseases linked to poor sleeping environments.
AA Insurance says the kids are sleeping on couches, chairs, mouldy bedding, or with siblings - leading to serious conditions like bronchiolitis or rheumatic fever.
That’s 28,000 children hospitalised each year.
Today we're joined by CEO of children’s charity Variety Susan Glasgow, and Associate Minister of Housing, Marama Davidson.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Been an interesting week hasn't it? Wayne Brown is voted new mayor of Auckland, then he kind of goes to ground... refusing interviews, saying his salary isn't that big, and just putting out press releases rather than actually talk to anyone.
So why not get Producer Jeremy to put it to music...?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today's Debate Club is very interesting... because Tova really doesn't believe in the side of the moot she has to argue for!
So what does she prefer, Jetstar or Air New Zealand? And can she beat Duncan?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The January 6th hearings are back underway as US Department of Justice officials try to prove that former President Donald Trump remains a clear threat to the country’s democracy.
The committee is planning a vote to subpoena the former President.
It’s just one of many ongoing legal issues for the former President who is still dealing with the raid on his Mar-a-lago home, and will have to testify next week in a defamation lawsuit lodged by a writer who says he raped her in the mid-1990s.
Joining us now is Joe Walsh who ran against Donald Trump in the 2020 Republican primaries. He's got some very interesting insights...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero, our segment panel here on Tova. Today we're joined by The Spinoff’s Bulletin Editor Anna Rawhiti-Connell and for his Pae Korero debut, Australian Associated Press NZ correspondent Ben McKay.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s that time of the week - John Day’s sensational sports wrap! He’s all over this weekend’s Rugby World Cup games, the NPC semi-finals, the Black Caps, and one very expensive piece of sporting memorabilia.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A multi-million-dollar centre for a religious sect rooted in India is being built at Auckland’s Ihumatao Stonefields
The donation-funded Science of the Soul Study Centre has been in the making for ten years, and the location has the backing of iwi.
The land at Ihumatao has been the focus of a years-long occupation - but Newsroom reports the sect’s build has permission due to being a lower intensity use than the proposed Fletchers housing development.
Religion expert Professor Peter Lineham joins us now to talk about this sect, and its founder Gurinder Singh Dillon.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As if we needed more reasons to boot out the Russian Ambassador and diplomats, the Embassy’s now taunting and taking the proverbial out of our government and its latest round of sanctions.
Taking to twitter, the Embassy posted a picture of a Russian doll wearing a Russian fur hat and playing a Russian stringed instrument - the tweet read "NZ banned imports of Russian vodka and caviar. What’s next Matryoshkas, balalaikas and shapka ushankas?"
We’ve been trying to get the foreign minister on the show for ages... but she keeps refusing. So, former Foreign Minister and National’s spokesman Gerry Brownlee is joining us instead.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Foodstuffs North Island CEO Chris Quin suggests people consider the types of wine or cuts of meat they are purchasing to counter-act rising costs at the checkout.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Robbie Parker, father to killed six-year-old Emilie Parker, told Tova O'Brien that Jones is no better than the shooter.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"They are great performers" ... "I've heard it all before," said Gloriavale leaver Rosanna Overcomer on Friday morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mahathir Mohamad is the former Malaysian PM who is set to run for office again... aged 97.
Throw people like US President Joe Biden into the mix, and some people are questioning if there should be an age limit on those working in local and central government.
Let's see what Tova and Duncan think of it all!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
England’s Red Roses are taking on French side Les Bleues in their second pool game of the women’s Rugby World Cup this weekend.
The top-ranked team had an emphatic win over Fiji in the opener, and having just completed a 25-match winning streak before arriving here will surely give the Black Ferns a run for their money.
Red Roses captain Sarah Hunter joins us now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our LA-based reporter Carol Ramos has her finger on the pulse when it comes to Hollywood and the wider entertainment industry.
Today she's talking Weinstein, Kanye, Madonna, and a heck of an interesting house going on sale.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We know National’s scrapping the top tax rate so wealthy New Zealanders pay less tax, but it’s also indexing the tax brackets to inflation so everyone gets a tax cut.
We also know the Government just raked in an extra $10 billion more in taxes.
What we don’t know is what Labour’s planning to do with taxes going into the next election...
Until recently Craig Renney would have been part of designing that policy - working closely with the Finance Minister as his senior economic advisor but he’s now with the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions, its economist and director of policy, and he’s here to help us puzzle together Labour tax policy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Ohakune community is in turmoil following the announcement that Ruapehu’s ski fields are now in administration. The man in charge of clearing out the perfect storm is PWC’s John Fisk, who joins us with the latest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel - and on Thursdays we tap into major brainpower! Joining us are University of Auckland History professor Caroline Daley, and The Spinoff’s Editor-at-large Toby Manhire.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s World Sight Day today, and the lead actress of Wellington Paranormal is hoping to bring vision impairment awareness out of the shadows.
You might recognise Karen O’Leary as ‘Officer O’Leary’ in the deadpan comedy series, but she’s also a passionate inclusivity advocate - and tonight she will be the voice behind the audio description of Shortland Street.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The big shift to the centre-right for local Government also signifies a notable drop of support for Three Waters reform among our mayors.
Analysis from The Spinoff of mayors confirmed so far, suggests 43 are now opposed to the centralisation of water systems, nine support it, and 14 are ambivalent.
Today we speak to one of the remaining mayors still backing it, Lower Hutt mayor Campbell Barry, and also Grey District mayor Tania Gibson, who fiercely opposes it.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nine new cases of Monkeypox have been detected, bringing New Zealand’s total number to 20.
Te Whatu Ora says two of the new cases are in Wellington, and the rest in Auckland - all have spread through community transmission.
Canterbury University associate professor of epidemiology Arindam Basu joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Russia is continuing its barrage of attacks across Ukraine, with capital Kyiv among its first targets this week in response to the Crimea Bridge explosions.
Journalist Sarah Ashton-Cirillo was one of the first at the scene of a missile attack in capital Kyiv earlier this week… and a video shared alongside the post, showed a dead civilian on the ground. It’s now been shared thousands of times - including by Ukranian political leaders.
And as of just a few hours ago, Sarah Ashton-Cirillo was enlisted in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The government has dusted off an old immigration policy it mothballed a couple of years ago... with big promises to revamp it and make it more fit for purpose.
The re-introduction of the Skilled Migrant Category is a desperate and necessary attempt to attract workers back to New Zealand to fill dire workplace shortages.
But given the backlog of visa applications already piling up on Immigration New Zealand’s desk, National’s not convinced they’ll be able to cope with the expected influx of migrants.
National’s Immigration Spokeswoman Erica Stanford joins us to discuss.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The impacts of the Government’s Farming Emissions Scheme could be hitting all of our pockets.
Economists believe the plan for the sector to pay for greenhouse gases will eventually lead to consumers having to pay more for meat.
Nathan Penny is a Senior Agri Economist at Westpac, and he joins us with his thoughts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Following the release of Netflix’s new drama series and documentary, Wendy Patrickus spoke to Tova O'Brien about serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Somewhere deep in the dressed-up flounce that was the Immigration Minister’s speech yesterday, there was an almighty government back down.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s been revealed that TikTok is profiting off of families in refugee camps, who are begging on its live stream service.A BBC investigation has revealed that Syrian children spend hours pleading with viewers for money, in the form of a digital gift on the app.
Marwa Fatafta, the Middle East and North Africa policy manager at digital rights organisation Access Now, told Tova O'Brien that it is reported the middlemen in these camps work for agencies with ties to TikTok.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The role of the First Lady in the United States is critical to a successful presidential administration... behind every great man and all that.
And they are just as much household names as their presidential husbands - Hilary Clinton, Laura Bush, Michelle Obama, Melania Trump and now of course Jill Biden
Our guest knows her better than most, he helped present her public face to the world.
Until a few months ago Michael LaRosa was the press secretary to First Lady Jill Biden and he spoke to Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Iranian Ambassador to New Zealand has responded to waves of protest in his home country, parroting denial of any misconduct from the morality police.
He insists Mahsa Amini experienced no physical or verbal abuse, or coercive treatment, after being detained for wearing a hijab incorrectly.
He says she simply lost consciousness after her arrest
His comments were made in a response sent to the ACT Party leader, who is now calling for the Ambassador to be expelled
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
An incremental change to a power bill can be huge to someone on a low income - others have the privilege of not giving it a second look.
Power company Nau Mai Rā offers those better off the chance to help someone who cannot afford to pay… and dips into its profits to ensure every customer keeps their lights on.
Co-owner Ezra Hirawani spoke to Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hundreds of thousands of households are set to see steep increases in their gas and electricity bills.
Despite reporting a 600% profit, Genesis says its customers’ gas bills will rise on average 11 percent next month, with the cost of carbon up 48 percent - a sign, it says, that the Emissions Trading Scheme is working.
Contact Energy will see the same bump to gas, and also increase electricity costs for 200-thousand customers by an average of 8 percent. Though it’s not raking in the same enormous profits.
Contact Energy CEO Mike Fuge spoke to Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Farmers are fuming over the proposed agriculture emissions pricing plan, Tova O'Brien spoke to Opposition Leader Christopher Luxon.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's Pae Kōrero with National’s 3IC Chris Bishop.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
North Korea has put out a clarification on its recent missile tests which does little to settle nerves.
Seven short and long-range missiles have been launched from Pyongyang, including one ballistic missile with nuclear capabilities.
The country has now confirmed, through state media, that it was part of a successful stimulation of its capabilities to hit South Korea.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The race for the Far North mayoralty is still too close to call.
Deputy mayor Ann Court took the lead on Saturday.
But by Sunday, as special votes rolled in, the man vying to be the area’s first Maori mayor, Moko Tepania, took the lead.
Ann Court spoke to Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mount Ruapehu Ski Field has entered voluntary administration, as the season wrapped up early due to a lack of snow… the nail in the coffin following years of Covid-19 pressures.
Should the Whakapapa and Turoa fields close permanently, the North Island would have none left.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There are just five months until RNZ and TVNZ merge into one entity - the Aotearoa New Zealand Public Media - but what it will actually look like is still unclear.
To help us make sense of it, we’re joined by the architect of the project, former NZ First minister Tracey Martin.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Saturday afternoon, after his third crack at Marlborough District Council, Blenheim ward candidate Cyril Dawson received a call from the electoral officer.
He’d finally made it in.
With 90 percent of the votes counted, it was presumed to be pretty much a done deal, and soon he was fielding calls from friends and family and having a beer with the new mayor.
But, just 26 hours later Cyril Dawson had a voting update which he says sent him into anguish… he’s now two votes shy of the lead.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Group of seven industrialized nations has warned Russia there will be “severe consequences” should Moscow escalate the war in Ukraine.
The G7 held this emergency virtual meeting in the wake of Russia’s escalation of missile strikes on Ukrainian cities.
For more, we’re joined by Will Denselow in New York.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Good job on the extra sanctions yesterday but boot the Ambassador to boot.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A new proposal - a world first - which will see farmers pay for their emissions from 2025 has drawn criticism from both farmers and environmentalists.
The document, now up for consultation, would see Cabinet ministers set the rates for greenhouse gases.
Some environmental groups say it’s not far enough. Opposition pollies believe it will drive harmful emissions overseas. Federated Farmers says it’ll rip the guts out of small-town New Zealand.
It’s not a new idea - pricing emissions dates back to Helen Clark’s leadership when it was dubbed the ‘fart tax’, as it largely charges for methane produced by cows.
Lobby group Groundswell wants the heads of Dairy NZ and Beef and Lamb NZ put out to pasture, claiming they have failed to act as an industry voice.
Groundswell co-founder Bryce McKenzie and Agricultural Minister Damien O’Connor gave their sides of the argument on Tova on Wednesday morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
G7 leaders are meeting after Ukraine was hit with fresh Russian strikes that left 19 people dead.
New Zealand yesterday announced new sanctions and targeted 51 oligarchs including Alexander Abramov who owns a luxury lodge in Northland.
But despite other countries rushing to provide additional support for Ukraine, there was nothing further from our government.
Former foreign minister Winston Peters told Tova O'Brien on Wednesday morning that we "most certainly" should be throwing all of our support Ukraine's way.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It can be easy to confuse symptoms of ADHD as just another personality trait.
Many pass off the inability to concentrate on a task, as laziness. Perhaps you mistake symptoms of feeling disorganised or speaking out of turn as a personal failing.
But a growing number of adults are finally recognising it for what it is and seeking help after years of struggling to cope.
Speaking to Tova O'Brien on Tuesday, ADHD New Zealand chair Darrin Bull explained some of the most common signs of ADHD which are often ignored or misdiagnosed.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion:It was nice to hear the Prime Minister have a good old-fashioned belly laugh yesterday.
She works blimmin hard and we don’t hear it enough.
Though on second listen, I do wonder if it was an actual happy laugh when reporter Caylee Callaghan asked her in Christchurch about Labour getting a hiding in the local government elections…
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A Kiwi fighting on the frontline with Ukraine has described the fight against Russia.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A terrifying escalation from Russia in Ukraine… It’s launched a massive surge of strikes targeting cities including the capital Kyiv.
Cruise missiles and kamikaze drones have hit in the thick of morning rush hour to cause maximum damage - targeting civilian sites and key infrastructure.
Russian President Vladimir Putin says it’s a response to the attack on the bridge linking Russia and Crimea.
Former Prime Minister and Former Head of the United Nations Development Programme Helen Clark finds Putin's continued escalation of the conflict "deeply disturbing".
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Following the recent local body elections, Tova and Josie Pagani debate whether these elections should be held at the same time as the general election.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mates Matt Ford and Jack Steele rose to social media fame for their brilliant videos during lockdown.
The pair have come up with a new lager ‘Better Beer’ which they attest - at 87 calories a pop is healthier than broccoli.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Former Director for European Affairs for the United States National Security Council Alexander Vindman gave key evidence during the impeachment hearings of President Donald Trump - he was on that phone call between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fake German heiress Anna Sorokin, who became the subject of Netflix hit ‘Inventing Anna’ has been released from jail.
She has spent the past 17 months behind bars after being found guilty of conning friends, banks and hotels in New York of close to 500-thousand New Zealand dollars.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
An Eden Park sell out and a record crowd for women’s rugby it's fair to say the rugby world cup is off to a great start.
Yesterday Canada, Wales and Italy all enjoyed opening wins to start the tournament in Whangarei. Michelle Hooper is the tournament's director.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Parts of New South Wales are under water once again as the state continues to be lashed by intense rains
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Government is conceding there are lessons to be learned from the local body elections.
The final votes are still being counted, however turnout is not expected to push past 2019’s roughly 42 percent, in line with a thirty-year decline.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tova O'Brien spoke to Jules Radich about their new role as Dunedin Mayor.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tova O'Brien spoke to Phil Mauger about their new role as Christchurch Mayor.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tova O'Brien spoke to Tania Tapsell about their new role as Rotorua Mayor.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tova O'Brien spoke to Tory Whanau about their new role as Wellington's New Mayor.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Voting was way too hard and as my queue buddy said - if he’d known it was going to take that long and be that difficult, there’s no way he would’ve bothered.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
At least 37 people, including 24 children, were killed when a former police officer went on a rampage at a day-care centre.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oranga Tamariki is being accused of a ‘litany of failures’ in the weeks and months before a child’s life was taken.
The Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier says a report given to OT when Malachi Subeczs was four, flagged suspected abuse and medical neglect - but it was not acted on.
Photos of his bruised face were not given to police. There was no risk assessment. No one was sent to ask Malachi if he felt safe.
Malachi was murdered at just five years old, after months of torture.
Speaking on Tova, Boshier said this is one of the 'most distressing' cases he has ever encountered in all his years of being a family court judge.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The risk of brain disease is 2.5 times higher in rugby players compared to the general population.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Workers tell us every single day about their cost of living woes, and how tough they’re doing it out there. They just topped up the government coffers by $4.3 billion.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Actually the overall number of nurses getting a visa combined with a critical purpose visa has increased over the year not decreased," Michael Wood said.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"To mark the approximate one-year count down to the next election Labour and National drew the battle lines."
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Her father received a phone call around 3 am on Wednesday morning to confirm she had been found.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tash Peterson is a shock activist who we had on the show last week - she uses blood, faeces, and her usually naked body to tell people about the evils of eating meat.
Are people like this all good? Or do we like our protestors to be a wee bit more peaceful?
And can Tova defend someone that she doesn't really agree with?!?!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our next story is about something we don’t much like talking about.
But this is not just a load of crap….
We want to talk about the new science of recycling human waste, and joining me to discuss is Kelsey McWilliams founder of Point of Shift, a US based company that designs circular sanitation systems.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
13 year old Blake Dalley was a keen skateboarder, an empathetic, sensitive kid, an adored middle son and brother in a big loving family
The last weekend his mother Natasha went out with him - she picked him up from the skatepark, they went to Starbucks, talked about the Christmas present he was going to buy his girlfriend, and the summer trip he was doing with his dad.
Normal stuff, future stuff.
But the following Monday, Blake took his own life.
He is among the 607 New Zealanders who died as a result of suspected suicide in just 12 months to June 2021.
We need to be doing more to help.
Blake’s mother Natasha is with us now, and her story is heartbreaking.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero, our panel show on Tova. Today our two outspoken and insightful commentators are political consultant Josie Pagani, and the NZ editor of The Conversation, Finlay Macdonald.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A drive to give families in poverty the means to heat their homes with the likes of blankets, heating, or in some cases relocation, is receiving a glowing report card from the government.
It says 142,000 people have benefitted from the Healthy Homes Initiative - funded mostly by philanthropic organisations.
It has just recently rolled out countrywide, and is separate to the Healthy Homes Standards which in theory, also applies to rentals across the whole country.
Today we’re speaking to Associate Health Minister Ayesha Verrall, and President of Renters United, Geordie Rogers.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The UK Conservative Party has done a huge U-turn - backtracking on cutting the top tax rate after just ten days. Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng said the party had listened to the public. The humiliating decision came just a day after Prime Minister Liz Truss defended her party’s policy.
Jonathan Reilly is the Westminster editor of The Sun, and he joins us to discuss the troubles.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The pile of visa applications on Immigration New Zealand’s desk is getting higher by the day... and collecting dust it seems.
Yesterday we discussed delays preventing tens of thousands of tourists from coming here, and now the head of an aviation college in Dunedin has also been in touch with us, saying he’s lost millions since the borders reopened as potential students try and fail to get in.
CEO of Mainland Air Phillip Kean says he’s getting radio silence from immigration officers.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Auckland’s Eden Park is set to host a record-breaking crowd for the opening day of the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
More than 35,000 tickets have been sold for Saturday’s triple-header. The largest crowd previously for a women’s rugby game was the final at the 2014 World Cup final in France, with around 20,000 there.
Eden Park CEO Nick Sautner joins us now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With the election approaching later next year, political parties are starting to let their tax "cats" out of the bag.
One of the big talking points is the top tax bracket - we've seen in the UK how much of an affect it can have on the whole economy, and now it's up to Tova and Duncan to debate the heck out it!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
An inquest is underway to determine whether an Australian fraudster actually died, or whether her washed-up foot on a Sydney beach was a ruse in an elaborate escape.
Melissa Caddick was suspected to have stolen between 20 and 30 million dollars before she vanished in November 2020.
She’s been the centre of a scandal-fuelled search - but now a New South Wales coroner’s court is debating whether she’s the victim of a murder, suicide, or a faked death.
Kate McClymont is a Sydney Morning Herald investigative journalist who alongside 60 Minutes’ Tom Steinfort created the podcast Liar Liar - the definitive investigation into Caddick’s dealings and disappearance - and it's held the top spot in our charts here in New Zealand for weeks.
We are very lucky to have Kate with us this morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The fashion industry is not as glamorous as it’s cracked up to be.
There’s a dark underbelly - ‘fast’ fashion - cheaply-made, quickly made goods which do not give a second thought to worker wellbeing or the environment.
New book ‘Worn Out’ is bringing to light all the ways the fashion industry is covering up climate change and labour injustices - giving a platform to women experiencing abuse, wage theft, and illness in the name of a new blazer.
The author - former Teen Vogue and In Style editor Alyssa Hardy - joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The moon is finally coming to earth... sort of.
Moon World Resorts is on a mission to build a series of hotels across the world that look like the moon and they are starting in Dubai.
Canada-based entrepreneur Michael Henderson is the organisation's founder and he joins me this morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ram raids are never good news.
But we did feel a little uplifted when we saw a Facebook post from John Phillips of Kiwi Modular Homes.
The takeaway shop next to his factory in Christchurch was smashed up in a raid - so he got out his tools and some plywood and boarded up the store so the business could keep operating.
It was a small act of community goodwill that went a long way to helping the situation. John Phillips joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero, our panel segment on Tova. Today we have our former MPs - two wise and insightful commentators.
He was once a National minister and attorney general, Chris Finlayson.
And standing in for former Green MP Sue Bradford, we have another Sue - former Labour MP Sue Moroney!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A court case in India has handed down a landmark ruling which could significantly improve women’s abortion rights.
It says all women, including those who are unmarried, have equal rights to termination.
Abortions have been legal since 1971, but because of a traditional preference for sons, and in-turn a higher prevalence of female fetus terminations access has been extremely restricted.
BBC India online Women and Social Affairs editor Geeta Pandey joins us with her take on things.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The latest reality show to hit New Zealand is marred with controversy before it begins.
It’s been revealed one of the contestants of TVNZ’s ‘Fboy Island NZ’ appeared in court for targeting a drunk and vulnerable woman. The judge described the man’s behaviour as "deeply inappropriate and disrespectful”.
The US-born reality series focuses on three women, who have before them 24 men: they’re either seeking a serious relationship, or self-proclaimed womanisers.
The women do not know the difference and have to figure it out for themselves.
Now some commentators are calling for the series to be scrapped ahead before it’s even made it to air.
Joining me to discuss is Steve Newall, the editor from flick.co.nz.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Despite New Zealand’s claims it is fully reopen to tourism, it is proving difficult for tens of thousands to get through.
Close to 300,000 tourists from the likes of the US and the UK - countries which do not need a visitor visa - have been granted entry since May.
But since our borders fully opened in August, more than 60,000 people have applied to come here... and less than half have been approved.
National immigration spokesperson Erica Stanford joins us to discuss this.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
UK Prime Minister Liz Truss has admitted that her chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng’s policy to abolish the 45% tax rate wasn’t discussed with the rest of cabinet.
The revelation came as the UK Conservative Party holds its leadership conference, and polling putting the party at its lowest support since the 90’s.
Kate Ferguson is the Sun on Sunday’s Political Editor, and she joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Opportunities Party is hopeful the third time will be the charm, as it ramps up another political campaign to get into Parliament.
TOP’s just-released tax policy would create a new threshold, where all earnings under $15,000 would be tax free
Raf Manji is the party's leader and he joins us to talk tax.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There are renewed calls for the Government to freeze the assets of New Zealand’s wealthiest Russian oligarch.
The Prime Minister is indicating further sanctions against Russia are likely, following its attempts to illegally annex Ukrainian territory.
Greenpeace says there is an obvious place to start, and that is with billionaire oligarch Alexander Abramov - a steel magnate who lives in a luxury home in Northland.
Head of campaigns Amanda Larsson joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
I don’t want any of these guys resting on their laurels and getting too cosy or having the run of the show for that long without us having our say.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"That's pretty exciting, that's the major I'm missing and kind of the one I grew up watching….and I'm very much looking forward to it."
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wayde Moore is being axed from the new reality TV show after he appeared in court in 2021 charged with suffocating a woman. He was found not guilty.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Concerns are being raised around the negative impact pokie machines are having on kiwis - in particular those in poorer, more vulnerable communities.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Concerns are being raised around the negative impact pokie machines are having on kiwis - in particular those in poorer, more vulnerable communities.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Looking around the world right now, everyone’s doing it tough - and most are doing it far tougher than us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kelvin Davis has had a heck of a week. He told ACT MP Karen Chourr to cross "into the Māori world" and that it was no good looking through a "vanilla lens"... which was interesting as she is Māori!
He then doubled down, saying that he knew she was a Māori, but that she was brought up like a Pākehā.
He refused to apologise for his comments, but then he apologised.
Producer Jeremy thought this deserved a musical tribute.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Well they've never really looked stylish exactly... but Crocs have a reputation for being very comfortable, and very popular.
But should Crocs just be sent to the recycle bin? Time for Tova and Duncan to debate it for us!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Australian vegan activist Tash Peterson has already been banned from every pub in Western Australia after her notorious and often viral stunts designed to highlight the rights of animals.
Petersen - who’s lingerie clad protests has also made her a global social media star - was again in court this week, facing multiple charges including failing to leave licensed venues and disorderly conduct
Tash Petersen joins me this morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If you get a message saying “Hi Mum - I need help”, what would your first reaction be?
If you do get that stomach-wrenching message, think twice - there’s a nasty scam circulating New Zealand tugging at the heart strings of generous parents.
Netsafe says it has seen an uptick of the scam which has already done the rounds in the UK and Australia.
Netsafe CEO Brent Carey joins us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Residents living near Auckland’s newly revamped Mangere Bridge are taking matters into their own hands to try and put an end to unruly behaviour.
Locals will be staging a roadblock tonight and tomorrow night, claiming police are turning a blind eye to partygoers congregating there.
Resident Malcolm Turner joins us now with the latest!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If you’ve noticed your dog seems to know when you’re feeling tense - it’s not just in your imagination.
Researchers in Northern Ireland have discovered canines can smell the difference between someone who is relaxed and someone who is stressed!
The four dogs involved in the study could detect with more than 93% accuracy when the subjects had undergone a three-minute arithmetic task.
University of Belfast lead author Clara Wilson joins us now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The UK’s Prime Minister Liz Truss has done a mega round of media to defend her government’s calamitous tax cuts which have been criticised by the IMF, the Fed, and forced the Bank of England to take urgent action
Truss says growth won’t come overnight, but it puts the country on a better trajectory for the long term.
Sir Ed Davey is the leader of the UK’s Liberal Democrats and he joins us to talk through the drama!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel here on Tova. Today it’s with political commentator Shane Te Pou, along with Anna Rawhiti Connell, the Spinoff’s Bulletin editor.
They'll be talking about speed reductions in our biggest city, and what the heck Kelvin Davis was thinking with his weirdly racist comments in parliament this week.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Prime Minister needs to step up, take a stand, and have a good hard look at the culture in her party.
Kelvin Davis’s comments about ACT’s Karen Chhour - basically accusing her of not being Maori enough, not living up to some expectation he has of the kind of Maori woman she should be are offensive in the least and at most, racist.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After two terms in what is described as one of the toughest jobs in politics, Auckland mayor Phil Goff is hanging up his boots.
It’s been the pointy end of more than four decades in Government with another 32 years as an MP under his belt, including becoming New Zealand’s youngest cabinet minister and leader of the opposition!
But there are whispers he’s not closing the chapter on his political career just yet… we’re joined now by Phil Goff!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Traffic is set to slow down on close to 20% of Auckland’s road as the next phase of the council’s Safe Speeds Programme is approved.
More than 1600 roads will have their speed limits readjusted between December and March with close to 1000 of them around schools - others around high-risk roads and town centres.
A 30% drop in fatalities was noted on roads involved in the first tranche of changes in 2020 - even higher in rural areas.
National transport spokesperson Simeon Brown is dubious of the benefits, while Auckland Transport’s Executive General Manager of Safety, Stacey van der Putten, welcomes the changes.
We hear from both sides!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We’ve been pushing hard to have the Ukraine special visa broadened to extended families - and we've told you the story of Anna and Olga Zaichenko.
On the day of the Ukraine invasion Anna’s mother died of a heart attack, a week later her grandmother died, then, her brother George was killed on the frontline by Russian forces.
Yet when she tried to get his only daughter Olga to New Zealand their application for the Ukraine Special Visa, was refused.
We put their case to the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and to our Immigration Minister who promised to look at whether they could qualify for an exemption to the close family rule.
Anna Zaichenko joins us now, with some fantastic news!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Auckland’s ever-expanding roading work is threatening to claim a row of homes in Botany.
Residents on Puhinui Road have received a notice explaining their homes could be bulldozed within 15 years to make way for a new route to the Airport.
Author Ali Shakir came to New Zealand in 2008 as a refugee, and says to potentially be forced out of his home again is devastating.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hurricane Ian, one of the most powerful hurricanes ever to strike the US mainland, has knocked out phone and internet services across Florida making it difficult to assess the full extent of destruction that’s been left in its wake.
Downgraded to a tropical storm, it's expected to turn north and make a second landfall in South Carolina in the next 24 hours, returning to close to hurricane strength.
Joining us now is Rick LoCastro, Collier County Commissioner in East Naples.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After two terms in what is described as one of the toughest jobs in politics, Auckland mayor Phil Goff is hanging up his boots.
Goff has been at the pointy end of politics with more than four decades in Government and another 32 years as an MP under his belt, including becoming New Zealand’s youngest Cabinet Minister and leader of the opposition.
Speaking on Tova on Friday morning Goff reflected on his 40 years, going through the good, the bad and the ugly.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cabinet papers obtained by Today FM under the Official Information Act reveal that Health Minister Andrew Little and Associate Health Minister Ayesha Verrall wanted nurses and midwives added to the fast-track immigration green list.
The Health Minister told Tova O'Brien on Friday morning that all angles were debated robustly in cabinet before making a final decision.
O'Brien asked Little if she could interpret his response as "pushing" for nurses to be fast-tracked to the immigration green list.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There's a lot of discussion at the moment around youth crime, and whether or not boot camp style punishments would help the issue.
Duncan and Tova have their arguments loaded, and they're ready to debate!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chinese New Zealander Virginia Woolf openly admits she grew up wanting to have blonde hair and blue eyes simply to blend in with everyone else.
That basic discomfort, and her eventual acceptance and celebration of her cultural identity, is the subject of a new video series she’s produced for Stuff.
Reporter and photographer Virginia Woof joins us now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s that time of the week - our Hollywood insider, entertainment reporter Carol Ramos is with us.
She'll be talking about Hugh Jackman, Adam Levine, Gwyneth Paltrow, and more!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been booted to the bottom of the Royal Family’s website. It’s the latest in a string of demotions for Meghan and Harry in the last couple of years.
You now have to scroll to the very bottom (of the very bottom) of the official profile section to find their names… just ahead of Prince Andrew.
Joining us to discuss is Vanity Fair's royal correspondent and author of the just released book everyone is talking about - The New Royals: Queen Elizabeth’s Legacy and the Future of the Crown - Katie Nicholl.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero, our panel segment here on Tova. On Thursdays we have University of Auckland History professor Caroline Daley, and The Spinoff’s Editor-at-large Toby Manhire.
They'll be talking tax cuts, Kelvin Davis, and boot camps.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A new package of “biting sanctions” has been announced by the European Commission against Russia in the wake of refrenda that’s been held in four regions of Ukraine.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen rejected the process in strongest possible terms.
President Vladmir Putin is looking annex the areas within days, and Western nations have rejected the votes as a sham
Winchester University professor in Modern History, Natalya Chernyshova, joins us now to discuss.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The UK’s new Prime Minister is sticking by her controversial approach to bolster the British economy despite warnings from the IMF and the Fed.
Liz Truss admits the tax cuts mostly benefit the wealthy, but insists giving people more money to pump back into businesses is necessary.
So are tax cuts here a good idea or not? - particularly cuts to the top tax rate like National is proposing.
For their takes we speak to National deputy leader Nicola Willis, and former Reserve Bank Governor Don Brash.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Iran’s streets are still rumbling with protests after close to two weeks of unrest - prompted by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini shortly after she was arrested by morality police for wearing her hijab "too loosely".
While it’s difficult to put an exact figure on the number killed in demonstrations, we spoke to an Iran human rights organisation who said it was as high as 76
Iran-born Green MP Golriz Ghahraman joins us with her take on events.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Pound in the UK is continuing to slide, and the Bank of England has stepped in to buy government bonds in a bid to calm the market.
It follows the ongoing fallout of Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng’s mini budget that is anything but mini - the tax cut plan has even prompted the International Monetary Fund to make a rare public attack on a leading global economy
Mehreen Khan is the economics editor for the Times and she joins us with the latest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Imagine you find the rental property of your dreams - or more realistically in the current housing climate, one which simply accepts your application.
Written into your agreement however: no pets allowed. Your beloved dog or cat can not come with you. What do you do?
This is the reality for a growing number of New Zealanders..
Companion Animals NZ is questioning why so few landlords will allow furry friends, and their General Manager David Lloyd joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After knocking out all power to Cuba, category-four Hurricane Ian is closing in on the coast of Florida.
Millions of people have been urged to evacuate around the Tampa Bay area, and those in Fort Myers - which is set to take a direct hit - had to leave under a mandatory order.
The window to evacuate has now closed, and those who remained are told to take cover as the storm intensifies closer to category five.
Joining us now is Erik Salna - associate director at the International Hurricane Research Center in Florida.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If the government hasn’t done proper due diligence and can’t properly explain to the public why on a deal of such enormous significance… the Broadcasting Minister’s already setting this thing up to fail.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Davis told Chhour she needed to understand 'exactly how the Māori world operates' and said it's 'no good looking at the world from a "vanilla lens"'.
Davis made the comments after Chhour raised questions in the house over the relationship between Oranga Tamariki and Te Whānau o Waipareira Trust.Chhour, who whakapapas to Ngāpuhi, told Tova O'Brien she wants an apology, describing it as the 'least Kelvin can do'.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today FM has been investigating the harms of problem gambling and earlier this month Tova O'Brien spoke to one former addict about how much it can tear lives apart.
The DIA is in charge of regulating gambling, Internal Affairs Minister Jan Tinetti told Tova she has huge concerns about problem gambling.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With a general malaise washing over the country's local body elections, is it time to just hand everything to a central agency?
It's been pretty hard to make a decision on who should be local mayor... let alone a big topic like that.
Let Tova and Duncan discuss the pros and cons for you!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Queen Elizabeth’s lifelong passion for all things equine was apparently obvious from the first moment she was heaved up on a pony at just 3 years old.
When not much older and asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, the young Elizabeth replied: “I should like to be a horse.”
Until very recently she still rode frequently with trainer Terry Pendry, and had not missed the Royal Windsor Horse Show since 1943.
But it’s her legacy in working to stamp out abusive practices in horse racing that will continued to be celebrated by animal lovers all over the world
Here to discuss is Marty Irby executive director of the Animal Wellness Action.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A drug which could radically change the lives of people who have spinal muscular atrophy is finally set to be funded in New Zealand.
Spinraza is one of two new treatments to get the green light from Pharmac
It’s the first drug for SMA to be fully funded here - and is priceless for families like Rachel Shaw’s in Hawke’s Bay.
Her 11-year-old and 12-year-old have Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and her 7 year old Chloe carries the gene.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week we’ve been looking at what a nuclear war would look like if Russian President Vladimir Putin was to follow through on his threats.
So far we've talked about the consequences internationally of a strike, and now we investigate the impact on victims.
Alicia Sanders-Zakre is from International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons and she joins us with her take.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's Pae Korero, our panel segment here on Tova. Today we check in with our parliament representatives - Labour Minister Kiritapu Allan, and National’s 3IC Chris Bishop.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The country is embarking on its first clinical trial of Magic Mushrooms as a treatment for severe depression.
About a third of those diagnosed with the mental illness are classed as treatment resistant - anti-depressants do not help them.
But hallucinogenic compound psilocybin, paired with psychotherapy can get through to this group - with some promising results overseas.
Mental health nurse and psychotherapist Professor Marie Crowe is involved in the Otago University trial, and she joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week Today FM brought you a rare insight into the minds of young people involved in ram raids, and smash and grabs.
In a documentary released yesterday, Wilhelmina Shrimpton spoke to a 13 and 15 year old who explained why they did what they did. The kids were contrite and apologetic to the owners of the stores they attacked
But there’s mixed opinions about how best to deal with these young offenders
Today we'll hear from youth lawyer Harvena Cherrington, who wants some empathy shown to these young people, but also Dairy and Business owners chair Sunny Kaushal, who's not so keen on that approach.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Liz Truss has only been the UK’s Prime Minister for three weeks and there are already members of her own party that reportedly want her gone.
Over the weekend her Chancellor announced a series of tax cuts that included scrapping the top rate like our National Party is proposing.
As a result the pound then slumped to a 37 year low.
Anuska Asthana is ITV News’ deputy political editor, and she joins us with the latest from England.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Council of Trade Unions is suggesting New Zealand forms a national investment bank, Ministry of Green Works, and dives into a comprehensive pilot of a four day working week to boost the economy.
It has launched a ‘Building a Better Future’ plan honing in on five key missions - improving worker and national wellbeing, tackling climate change, and improving housing, work-life balance, and economic equity.
CTU Policy Director Craig Renney talks us through the plan!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A survey of four communities reveals compounding pressures of unaffordable housing, inflation, and inadequate healthcare, have left many without hope for better living conditions.
The Salvation Army’s fifth "State of Our Communities" report interviewed close to 500 people from Blenheim, Wellington’s Petone, and Auckland’s Westgate and Royal Oak.
It says home ownership is a pipe dream for many, renting is unaffordable, and social housing is unavailable.
Social Policy Analyst and advocate Ana Inka joins us with the latest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Latest 1News Kantar poll has luxon down one percent to 21 percent as New Zealand's most wanted Prime Minister with Ardern at 30 percent.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Grant Robertson told Tova O'Brien he is confident the party's numbers will get better, as summer gets closer.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's Tova's first day back at work after going to the UK for the funeral of The Queen, but she's not the only Kiwi spending a lot of time overseas recently!
The debate today centres around our Prime Minister doing quite a bit of overseas travel in recent weeks - is it a good thing or not?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
President Vladimir Putin’s most recent statements on what he’ll do to succeed in Ukraine goes well beyond any veiled threats - he’s toying with nuclear war and says he’s not bluffing.
The US has now retaliated in the nuclear war of words warning Russia of ‘catastrophic’ consequences if it uses nuclear weapons.
I am joined now by Michael Clarke, a visiting Professor of Defence Studies, a specialist adviser to the House of Commons Defence Committee since 1997, and a former Director-General of the Royal United Services Institute!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Around six hundred dignitaries attended the New Zealand state memorial service for her majesty Queen Elizabeth the second in Wellington this week.
Royal historian Jock Phillips joins us this morning with his thoughts on the service, and whether or not New Zealand could become a republic.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Architects have discovered a new slice of real estate where they can build houses which defy the laws of physics.
Clients are paying real money for the designs - pillared mansions, floating rooms, imitation colosseums… but there’s a big catch.
You’ll never be able to visit your property in person - they exist only virtually - in the quickly growing Metaverse.
George Bileca is the CEO of Voxel Architects, a Portugal-based company which designs buildings for clients in the Metaverse.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The CEO of Christchurch City Holdings has stepped down after just six months following revelations of his past, with one of his former associates expressing shock that Tim Boyd got a Government position of any kind - let alone the boss.
Since stepping down it’s been revealed the Australian businessman has committed fraud, been charged with drink-driving, faced a restraining order, and still owes millions of dollars.
Yet none of this stopped him working as an executive at organisations run by local and national government.
Here to discuss is a Businessdesk reporter who helped break the story, Oliver Lewis.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Frustrations are mounting over unsightly graffiti winding its way around Auckland’s rail networks.
The Public Transport Users Association fears vandalism on the sides of trains is prompting people to choose alternative options.
But despite a slew of complaints, it claims Auckland Transport is pretending not to notice, while gangs of taggers get away scot-free.
PTUA chair Niall Robertson joins us now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Restraints of trade. They’re mentally, financially, professionally draining.
And far too often they’re enforced on vulnerable workers who aren’t paid enough to survive the restraint period, who can’t afford to take legal action, and end up trapped in jobs that aren’t good for them.
Great news then that Labour MP Helen White is championing the cause - her member’s bill banning restraints for low wage workers has been plucked from the ballot box.
If passed it would mean restraints imposed on employees earning less than three times the minimum wage would be void.
We talk to Helen White about the latest on the bill now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Russian families are saying goodbye to young men amid a wave of protest and panic, following a conscription drive for citizens to fight in Ukraine.
President Vladimir Putin has strengthened penalties against any who try to defy the order.
It was meant to be only for reserves but is now reported to be pulling in men with no military background - and their prospects are bleak.
There are also reports of disproportionately high numbers mobilised in poor regions populated by ethnic minority groups.
Here to tell us more is Huseyn Aliyev, security studies lecturer at Glasgow University.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Italy is on course to form what is described as its most right-wing Government since World War Two, with provisional election results swinging in favour of Brothers of Italy leader Giorgia Meloni.
The 45-year-old would be Italy’s youngest and it's first female Prime Minister.
Giorgia Meloni denies allegations she is a fascist, however clings to the Mussolini-era slogan of ‘God, homeland, family’ - and despite skepticism is promising to govern for everyone.
Policy Sonar is a Rome-based political risk consultancy, its CEO and co-founder Francesco Gailetti joins us with the latest out of Italy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It started with a single name - and now, eruptions of unrest in Iran have claimed at least 41 lives.
The country is heading into the 11th night of protests following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who died after being detained by morality police for wearing her hijab too loosely.
The Government has ordered riot police to push back heavily against the crowds, and many claim the actual number of those killed is much higher than officially reported.
We’re joined now by Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam - he’s the Director of Europe-based NGO Iran Human Rights.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel segment here on Tova. Today our politically smart provocateurs - Today FM commentator Josie Pagani, and the NZ editor of The Conversation, Finlay Macdonald.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
He’s been on Weed, on Meth, on Booze, on Hate... and now Paddy Gower’s setting his sights on the nefarious underbelly of the internet.
His new documentary, Patrick Gower on Cyber Crime is out tonight on Three and he joins us to talkin about what to expect!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Prime Minister’s back after attending the United Nations General Assembly. She didn’t quite receive the same level of fanfare as last time she was there in 2019, but she did use her speech to deliver some of her strongest condemnation of Russia and support of Ukraine yet.
What if it was us? Well, like Ukraine, we’d probably want more global support too but despite the strong words the PM didn’t extend our support for Ukraine.
We check in about these issues, and other political topics with Newsroom’s Political Editor Jo Moir!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Bollards, cameras and the like, we are using those but they are not going to stop all crime and so there is a much bigger problem to solve," Southgate said.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Enough is enough. Our reality has been sailing too dangerously close to Hollywood and literary doomsday scenarios for too long.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We've seen the number of ram raids and smash and grabs skyrocket in recent months, and while we've heard from businesses, policymakers and spokespeople, we're yet to hear from the kids and teens behind the wheel.
Until now.
Today FM's documentary series The Core spoke exclusively to two ram raiders - one who was 14 years old, and the other just 12 when they robbed a number of Auckland stores.
The pair were open and honest about their upbringing, their lack of support, and what drives them to crime.
Host of The Core Wilhelmina Shrimpton told Tova on Tuesday morning she hopes the documentary will change people's opinions on these kids as it changed hers.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's time for Carly and Duncan step into the Debate Club ring one more time for this week, as they look at the issue of safety for a politicians. Is it time for them to stop public walkabouts, and up their security in general?
Who's side will you take?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Imagine this - you're working from home, but you have quite a bit to do around the house that isn't related to your job.
You're called into a Zoom meeting... but you need to empty the dishwasher, clean the bathroom, mow the lawns, walk the dogs... so much life admin!
Imagine if someone wrote a song about it...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When you go to a restaurant normally you want polite staff, good service, and to feel like a valued customer... however if you want the complete opposite then do we have the recommendation for you!
Karen's Diner is a place where you will be greeted and waited upon by rude waiters, and forced to play a variety of games. You can complain until the cows come home - because they just don't care.
Karen's Diner opened this week on Auckland's Mt Eden Road, and venue manager Scott Clark joins us now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Four new cases of Monkeypox have been detected in New Zealand, bringing the total number here to nine.
All of those new infections had recently returned from overseas, with three isolating in Auckland and the other in the South Island.
We’re joined now by Arin Basu - Canterbury University Associate Professor of Epidemiology.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As he does every week, Today FM sports aficionado John Day is looking forward to a huge few days of sport. There's cricket, rugby, netball, football, and tennis to look forward to and dissect... and there's no one better than John Day!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A bill being dubbed by some as the ‘Tova O’Brien bill’ will be debated in parliament.
Labour MP Helen White’s bill could limit the ability for businesses to impose a ‘restraint of trade’ clause in employment contracts.
It’s a matter which garnered scrutiny, after Tova had to wait for months before she could join us here at Today FM, after her former employers at Newshub took the case to court.
MP Helen White joins us with more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for our panel segment on Tova - Pae Korero. Today we have two passionate news junkies with us - political commentator Shane Te Pou, along with Anna Rawhiti-Connell from The Spinoff.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Russia’s foreign minister Sergei Lavrov has traded barbs with his U.S. and Ukrainian counterparts at the United Nations.
A UN security council meeting has been held at the ministerial level to discuss the issue of impunity in Ukraine.
An international criminal court prosecutor told council members that he’s confident that crimes of the court had been committed.
Will Denselow joins us from UN headquarters in New York.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Finding a new job could be as quick as getting fast-food this weekend.
McDonalds is preparing for a national hiring day in a bid to bring 2000 new staff on board.
People will be given the opportunity to interview in-restaurant, and be hired on the spot for full time, part time, and casual roles.
People of all ages and experience levels are welcome.
Franchise owner Sarah Hassett joins us with the details!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Massive day at Eden Park this weekend! The Black Ferns take on Japan as the curtain raiser for the second and final Bledisloe Cup test of the year - can the All Blacks back up last week's controversial win against the Wallabies?
Rugby commentator John Macbeth gives us his thoughts!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Schools in Northland are set to receive an extra $223 per pupil under the incoming equity index next year.
The decile system is being scrapped, and schools are just finding out how much funding they will receive under the new model.
In South Auckland it’s about $70 more per pupil, however about 10% of the country’s educators will have their funding stay the same or drop.
Secondary Principals Association president Vaughan Couillault joins us with more details.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Companies are discovering new uses for human waste rather than just flushing it down the loo.
There's a growing realisation that our current sanitation process is unsustainable for a few different reasons. It not only pollutes the environment, but also pulls nutrients out of the land and then is pumped through drains into lakes and oceans, fertilising all the wrong things.
San Francisco based company Epic Cleantec is tackling the issue, fitting apartments with smart tech which separates out the solids and purifies the liquids to be reused.
Co-founder and CEO Aaron Tartakovsky joins us now with more!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Moscow has begun its biggest conscription drive since World War II.
The military says at least 10,000 volunteers have signed up so far, but some draft-age men are rushing for the borders.
This comes as the war in Ukraine enters a dangerous new phase as Russian President Putin looks to annexation, which would see about 15 percent of the country taken by force.
Russia-backed officials in Donetsk and Luhansk - both of which Putin recognises as independent - have called for referendums on joining Russia.
Vladimir Putin is also toying with the idea of nuclear war, warning the west he is not bluffing.
Waikato University Professor Alexander Gillespie, told Carly Flynn, there will be pushback from Russian civilians.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel segment here on Tova. On Thursdays we're joined by University of Auckland History professor Caroline Daley, and The Spinoff’s Editor at large Toby Manhire.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s World Car Free Day today, a global initiative aimed at helping people shift their driving habits for good.
It's prompting debate over whether it’s time to move away from personal car ownership for good.
For some that might sound like an impossible ask, but bikes and public transport are not the only alternatives out there anymore.
Today we talk to Kirsten Corson, the co-founder and executive director of Zilch - an electric car-hire service -
and Warren Wilmot, the country manager of electric vehicle company B.Y.D. Auto.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A members bill which contained a provision to lower the voting age to 16 has not passed its first reading, and will not be considered by a select committee.
It's a slight setback for 'Make It 16' campaigners right in the midst of local body elections, however their optimism remains high.
Both Labour and National say they are holding off for the results of an independent electoral law review first.
'Make It 16' co-founder Cate Tipler joins us now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Russia has ordered the partial mobilisation of its military reserves in a bid to hold the ground it has occupied in Ukraine.
In a televised address, President Vladimir Putin has sent a veiled threat to the West, saying he ‘wasn’t bluffing’ when he promised to go to any length to protect territory.
He says his country has ‘various means of destruction” - in what some consider to be a nod to its nuclear capabilities.
Joining us now is Professor of International Relations from Otago University, Robert Patman.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
People are encouraged to stretch their pins, put on their walking shoes, or hop on their bikes today, to mark World Car Free Day.
Cities across the globe take part in the initiative, some shutting down main thoroughfares or hosting events to encourage more environmentally friendly transport options.
But at the end of the day, it’s about more than just one day - with the hopes people consider permanently changing their driving habits.
CEO of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority Andrew Caseley talks to us about what it all means.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When you work in an office, there are a lot of things you don't pay for that you might take for granted... coffee, stationery, power, water, internet, toilet paper... the list is pretty long!
So when you work from home, should your employer pay more to cover these things that you're now paying for?
Let's hear Duncan and Carly argue it out!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There is a new push for exercise to be embraced as a useful tool for supporting mental health.
Exercise New Zealand says with growing research proving its cognitive benefits, it is time the system acknowledges it too.
Exercise New Zealand CEO Richard Beddie says the current approach of relying on medication is not working.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A massive project to create a super-sized wastewater tunnel in Auckland is creating history this week as Hiwa-i-te-rangi, Watercare’s central interceptor tunnel boring machine, is tunnelling 1500m across the Manukau Harbour, in the most challenging section of her 14.7km journey from Māngere to Grey Lynn.
Shayne Cunis is the Watercare Project Head, and he joins us now with more on this fascinating story.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There are calls for an inquiry into the COVID-19 pandemic response while it is still fresh in everyone’s minds.
A group of leading Wellington academics believe it is the right time to act, noting all sudden mass fatality events with more than ten deaths since the 1930’s have resulted in an official inquiry.
Lead author of the public health expert blog Nick Wilson joins us to discuss the findings.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our LA based reporter Carol Ramos has her finger on the pulse when it comes to Hollywood and the wider entertainment industry. She'll give us the latest goss on Will Smith, Brad Pitt, and much more!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After an uncertain week The Silver Ferns have taken out their frustrations against a severely understrength Jamaican netball team, with a 70 to 45 win against the Caribbean side in Auckland last night.
The three Test series had already been postponed and reduced to two tests after five members of the Jamaican squad had not been able to travel here due to visa issues.
They needed 10 players to make the matches count as full internationals, and leading up to first test they only had 7!
It required some creative thinking to fill their bench with three more, and some very unusual call ups!
Someone else who was called in at the last minute, to commentate the game, was Today FM sports editor Nigel Yalden!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our next guest is a young man on a mission to bring awareness to Kiwis about their own mental health - and raise funds to help along the way.
Last year his Mum took her own life after a long battle with bipolar disorder. She was just 57.
So in tribute to his Mum's age when she passed he's going to be running 57km, with a goal to raise $20,000 for the likes of I Am Hope and the Key to Life Charitable Trust.
And we're excited to have Oscar McCallion in the studio with us today!
===
If you want to find out more, or donate, text RUN to 3920. We'll flick you back a link with all the info!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"The old adage of "you can sleep when you're dead", might be true, but you don't wanna be dead because you haven't slept."
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Zealand's largest clean up event, Clean Up Week, is now on and it's not too late to get involved.
The CEO of Keep New Zealand Beautiful is Heather Saunderson, and she joins us to talk about being behind this great initiative.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Other countries often marvel at the fact our politicians can be spotted out at the supermarket, in a gym class… but that level of accessibility could be under threat.
Deputy, and currently acting Prime Minister Grant Robertson is voicing concerns over an escalation of threats and abuse towards him, forcing him to reluctantly accept a new layer of security when out and about.
His comments echo those of Labour MP Megan Woods, who warns next year’s general election campaigns could look dramatically different if this keeps up.
Former police negotiator, and qualified protection officer Lance Burdett joins us to discuss what might be causing all this.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 21 is World Alzheimer's Day.
70,000 Kiwis are currently affected by Alzheimer's ; and it's thought that by 2050 almost 170,000 are likely to be living with the condition in New Zealand.
There's no cure in sight - Alzheimer's NZ says its an impending health and care crisis that needs to be addressed.
Catherine Hall is the CEO of Alzheimer's NZ, and talks us through the challenges they face.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Voting is currently open for local body elections... but you’d be forgiven if you didn’t know it.
It’s an uphill battle this year getting people to have their say on their council - in 2019 just over 40 percent of those eligible took part.
It’s an area frustrating to political scientist Jean Drage, who monitors local trends closely and joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
UK Prime Minister Liz Truss has said she is prepared to be ‘unpopular’ in order to ensure economic growth. Her comments come ahead of a planned mini-budget set to be delivered this week. Our UK Correspondent Laura Makin-Isherwood joins us to discuss this, and how England is going after the funeral of The Queen.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The women's Rugby World Cup 2021 kicks off next month... after a one year delay!
This is the showpiece event in women’s rugby union, and will feature 12 teams playing matches at Eden Park, Waitakere Stadium, and Whangārei's Northland Events Centre. The first game is on October 8th with the final on November 12th.
Looking after the teams and everything they need is a big job and Team Services Manager Del Morgan-Coghlan is in charge..
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Not often we get a mid-week update from Today FM's sports guru, but we wanted to check in with the latest on the All Blacks, and ask him how on earth the Jamaican netballers would manage to field a full team.
You'll be surprised where they're pulling their players from!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tova's currently flying back from the UK, so Carly's in the hot seat... which includes taking on Duncan in Debate Club!
Local body election voting rates are traditionally low, so should it be compulsory to vote? Listen to the pros and cons and decide!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
He told Carly Flynn once they received the report, they did their best to turn it around as soon as possible.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Professor of Disaster Risk at Canterbury University Tom Wilson told Carly Flynn that alert level one is more about watching and observing, with no cause for major worry.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
PaeKōrero regulars Chris Bishop and Kiritapu Allan discuss street safety, local elections and more on Wednesday's PaeKōrero.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Queen Elizabeth II has been laid to rest after a fittingly majestic funeral, as Britain farewelled a sovereign who has reigned for seven decades.
Members of the royal family, royal families from around the world, dignitaries, prime ministers, presidents attended the sombre service.
With a look back on the day's events, we hear from Today FM's chief reporter Grace Cocker.
(Audio Credit - BBC World Service)
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for our panel segment Pae Korero, and in honour of this special programme marking the Queen’s funeral we’re welcoming two special guests for our panel this morning... former PM Jim Bolger, and former deputy prime minister Winston Peters.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Two thousand guests have attended the Queen’s funeral in Westminster Abbey.
Among them, world leaders including US President Joe Biden and our Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
Outside the Abbey hundreds of thousands of people lined the streets and parks to pay their final respects to the late monarch.
Angela Levin is a royal biographer and she joins us with her take on the events of the day.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Once upon a time the death of a Queen or King would have triggered a tidal wave of poetry – odes, elegies, epic poems... all celebrating and commemorating the monarch and their life.
Some of the greatest poets in the English language – John Donne, John Dryden, even Chaucer – were moved to pick up their quills and eulogise in verse their fallen Kings and Queens.
But with the death of Queen Elizabeth II, are we also witnessing the death of this ancient tradition?
Sarah Ross is associate professor of English literature at Victoria University in Wellington, and she joins us now with her thoughts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There’s no denying the respect, reverence, and adoration the public held for the Queen was a lynchpin for their relationship with the wider royal family.
Since the passing of his mother, King Charles has commended respect and empathy for his handling of his personal grief in the most blinding public glare.
So what does the Queen’s death mean for how a relationships might change with the monarchy - be it the Commonwealth, the UK, or simply us as individuals?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
TV channels around the United Kingdom and the world have been locked onto the coverage of the funeral of her late majesty the Queen.
Dan Walker is the presenter of Channel 5 News and the former presenter of BBC Breakfast, and he joins us with his thoughts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Before the funeral, Buckingham Palace released a never before seen photograph of the Queen which was taken in May ahead of the platinum jubilee celebrations.
Ranald Mackechnie took that photo, and he gives us the story behind it, as well his thoughts on the late monarch.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Central London stood still today as hundreds of thousands of people from Britain and all over the world came to farewell the 96-year old sovereign - the only monarch most people have ever known.
The Queen’s coffin travelled over three processions during the day - the last leading to St George’s Chapel in Windsor where an emotional burial took place .
Joining us now from Windsor is BBC reporter Charlotte Gallagher.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
29 New Zealanders attended today’s funeral service at Westminster Abbey.
Among them former deputy prime minister and Commonwealth secretary general Sir Don McKinnon, who had to face quite a trek to get to the service!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brand new National MP Sam Uffindell has been exonerated by the long overdue report into the allegations of bullying against him.
The investigation found allegations against Uffindell about his behaviour as a university student towards a female flatmate in Dunedin were not as reported in the media, that there were differing accounts, and the allegations could not be substantiated.
Former Beehive staffer and political pundit extraordinaire Ben Thomas joins to discuss the latest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Prime Minister has been avoiding politics, avoiding difficult conversations about republic and avoiding problematic delegations at royal gatherings.
But she’s about to go headlong into the most supercharged geopolitical forum there is - the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Newsroom’s Political Editor for Today FM Jo Moir joins us with the latest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There are very few things that are as iconic to the Queen as her handbags, and since 1968 she’s been loyal to one company - Launer London.
And at the age of 90 years old its CEO and owner Gerald Bodmer is still going strong, and he joins me to talk through his thoughts about the late monarch.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
I wasn’t the only one that found the whole experience at Hyde Park incredibly moving.
Everyone I spoke to, monarchist or not, found the service something truly special.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This, I think, is exactly what a Queen who so dutifully cared about her subjects surely would have wanted.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If you try and understand your brain-fog through a Google search you’ll be clouded by tens of thousands of results, not many that are particularly helpful!
It’s a term most of us are familiar with, but don’t really understand - except that it happens to the best of us, at the worst of times.
But a neuroscientist in Ireland is unpicking the term, and has a dedicated podcast to making the brain stronger, and the fog clearer - Sabina Brennan joins us now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After the weather we’ve had recently, wading your way into balmy waters at your favourite New Zealand beach sounds dreamy.
But while it might make for a pleasant holiday, New Zealand scientists are warning a marine heatwave heading this way may be as severe as two of the worst we’ve had here.
To explain, we are joined by NIWA meteorologist Ben Noll.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why is it that despite launching an entire revolution to cast off British rule, some Americans still nurse an enduring fascination with the Crown?
Is it purely down to a love of pomp and a weakness for the British accent? With us to discuss whether this love affair will continue now the Queen is no longer with us is psychologist and author of “The Psychology of Celebrity”, Gayle Stever.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New rules have just been put in place to protect what remains of New Zealand’s highly-productive food-growing land.
Councils will be given responsibility for identifying, mapping and managing the land most adept for growing vegetables, fruit, and other primary production.
The Government says it will prevent urban sprawl, by restricting lifestyle developments on the most fertile spots - with the main areas of concern being Canterbury, Waikato, Hawke’s Bay, Horowhenua, and Auckland.
HortNZ CEO Nadine Tunley with her take, Bioprotection Aotearoa’s Amanda Black for a slightly different view.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jacinda Ardern is one of the many world leaders in London who’ll be jumping on a plane directly after the Queen’s funeral to head to the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
It’s the first time in two years the General Assembly has taken place in person, after disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Robert Patman is the director of International Studies at the University of Otago, and he joins us to discuss the importance of the trip.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for our panel segment Pae Korero. On Mondays we are joined by our former MPs - He was once a National Minister and Attorney General, it’s Chris Finlayson, and she was once a Green MP, Sue Bradford.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The opportunity to see the Queen lying in state in Westminster will close at 7:30 tonight NZ time.
Hundreds of thousands of people have queued up for the past four days - many for over 20 hours. All of that takes a lot of organisation and a lot of that has come down to one professor from Cumbria, Keith Still, who joins us now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
So determined to attend the Queen’s lying in state and be there for this incredible moment in world history, our boss Dallas Gurney - Director of News and Talk at Today FM - has flown all the way from Auckland to London,
He’d barely dropped his bags off before rushing to join the queue.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion:When you first step into Westminster Hall, the silence crashes into you like a kind of sonic boom.
It’s incredible.
To walk in from the hubbub of London, through the back roadways of Westminster and into a space with hundreds of people inside and hear nothing, in this deep, cavernous, ancient space. The power of silence is so striking.
It knocked me back so entirely that I forgot for a minute what the centre point was.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Billions of people are expected to watch the state funeral, most from the comfort of their own homes
It's an enormous undertaking, and our next guest plays a critical role in the coverage which will be beaming across the world.
ITV’s Royal Editor Chris Ship knows more than most about the royals and he joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
While Harrold did tell Tova he thinks King Charles will lead in his own way and will likely make changes, he doubts anything major will happen soon.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
O'Brien asked Ardern if she would have been willing to queue up for "12 plus hours" to see the Queen if she wasn't Prime Minister.
"I think I would," said Ardern.
"In part as a way of acknowledging the moment in time as well as the person."
She said for many, there is a sense of remembering Queen Elizabeth II as well as wanting to be a part of the history being made now.
O'Brien asked if criticism from the public towards media and politicians about being able to skip queues to see the Queen lying in state was valid.
"I was very aware of the privileged position we had, to be there in that way," said Ardern.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dogs are meant to be ‘man’s best friend’, so reports of some pets being surrendered as things get too expensive speaks volumes of the cost of living crisis.
Animal shelters are noting an increase of abandoned pooches - a heartbreaking decision for most pet owners - with COVID-19 and the cost of living tipped as potential factors.
The SPCA says there is a nationwide influx, and fears it will only get busier with kitten season just around the corner.
SPCA Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne area manager Bruce Wills is with us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What a finish to the first Bledisloe Cup match last night!
And with us live for more on that incredible All Blacks vs Wallabies game is our Today FM sports guru John Day for his weekly wrap.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Works by some of the country’s best known artists will go under the hammer this Sunday, in the first of two auctions expected to net $10 million in total sales.
The Bank of New Zealand Art Collection was curated in the 80s, and is said to reflect a transformative moment in NZ’s social order.
Five months ago when this sale was announced we spoke with Charles Ninnow Webb’s Director of Art, and he joins us again now with the latest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Robbed. That’s the headline you’ll find on Australian rugby fans’ social media posts this morning.
Last night's match against the All Blacks was a cracker, with the Wallabies losing 37-34.
They might have won if it hadn’t have been for a controversial penalty against the Wallabies in the dying moments for time wasting.
Christy Doran is a rugby journalist for Fox Sports Australia and he joins us to dissect the drama.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
David Dimbleby is one of Britain’s most trusted broadcasters, presenting the BBC’s election coverage for nearly 40 years.
At the age of 83 he will be part of the team presenting the funeral coverage of her Majesty the Queen.
We’d been planning to request an interview with him, when our producer Tom Day bumped into him on Vauxhall Bridge as he was coming back from Buckingham Palace!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for our panel segment, Pae Korero. Today we’re joined by The Spinoff’s bulletin editor Anna Rawhiti-Connell, and columnist Shane Te Pou.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The queue to see the Queen lying in rest is an enormous exercise. It’s incredibly orderly but also incredibly long, and people are currently waiting about 8 hours for their few seconds with the Queen - standing alongside her coffin in Westminster Hall
We went to meet some of those who had paid their final respects.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Imagine this - sharing a tiny one bedroom flat with your friends, sleeping in the kitchen and bathroom to scrimp and save, trying to launch your own business. You finally get there, you’ve spend everything you’ve got - tens of thousands of dollars - and you’re about to launch your handbag range with a gorgeous logo of a lion wearing a crown!
Then you get a legal letter saying the image is too close to royal emblems - if you want to use it you have to have to fork 26,000 dollars you do not have.
This is what happened to Kiwi entrepreneur Jacqueline Gilbert...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After nearly three years being grounded during the pandemic, Chinese President Xi Jinping has left China for the first time.
And one of his first in person meetings was with Russian President Vladimir Putin
Joining me to discuss what this all means is professor of Government and Politics at George Mason University, Mark Katz.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
No matter how many times the Orange Guy shows up in your letterbox - it seems it is near-impossible to get some people to have a say in their local body elections.
Voting opens today for the 78 jurisdictions across the country, but if last time was anything to go by the results are hardly a representation of society.
In 2019, just over 42 percent of those eligible voted, and in Auckland it was just over 35 percent.
So why are people not having their say? To help us understand is AUT policy making lecturer, Julienne Molineaux.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our next guest is broadcasting royalty in the United Kingdom, and he has a special connection with New Zealand
Phillip Schofield is the co-host of ITV’s This Morning - he has been for 20 years - and he also recently co-hosted ITV’s national coverage of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tova O'Brien: The Brits are renowned for queueing. Their decorum, the etiquette, the rules, the orderliness. It’s said that their love of queueing often sees Brits joining queues without actually knowing what they’re for, hoping it’s something worthwhile and only asking once they’ve joined.
There’s zero confusion about the purpose of this queue. The motivation is clear. The respect is there. The infrastructure is in place.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Warning this story contains distressing content.
The parents of New Zealand man Christian Glass who was killed by police in the United States are calling for justice.
The 22-year-old called 911 for roadside assistance after his car got stuck on an embankment near Silver Plume, Colorado.
An amateur geologist, Glass told the dispatcher he would throw his small knives out the window when police arrived.
But when they did, things escalated, seeing him be shot five times.
The lawyer for the Glass family, Siddhartha Rathod, spoke to Tova O'Brien this morning, saying police handled the situation wrong.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The relationship between Maori and the Crown is a complicated one, with a lot of change over the past seven decades. But with the death of Queen Elizabeth II potentially comes a new era.
The Māori King, Kiingi Tūheitia, is among the few New Zealanders travelling to London for her funeral.
His chief of staff Ngira Simmonds will join him for the trip, and he joins us with his take.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hollywood has its own kind of royalty, and when it comes to reporting on them our correspondent is in a class of her own. Entertainment reporter Carol Ramos joins us with the latest from LA.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The number of new mothers who are struggling mentally during and after pregnancy is prompting calls for a universal screening tool.
‘Perinatal distress’ - which includes postpartum depression - is estimated to impact 15 percent of New Zealand women, with suicide being the highest cause of death among people within six-weeks postpartum.
But researchers believe those most at risk could be identified early on in pregnancy.
Former Chief Science Advisor to the PM, Sir Peter Gluckman is a co-author of the evidence brief, he joins us to discuss it!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Queen is now lying in state at Westminster Hall where she will remain until Monday for the funeral. King Charles has returned to Highgrove House in Gloucestershire for some private time away from the crowds.
Russell Myers is the Daily Mirror’s Royal Editor who has been following today’s events and joins us with the latest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There is concern over the number of tin-foil hats in the ring for this year’s local elections, with voting opening up tomorrow.
It prompted a campaign by Local Government New Zealand, urging people to make informed decisions this year instead of just ticking boxes.
Anti conspiracy theory group FACT Aotearoa has been working to identify misinformation peddlers who are vying for councils.
FACT spokesperson Stephen Judd joins us to dissect all this.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
All Blacks legend Sean Fitzpatrick met the Queen on a number of occasions
We’ll get his hot take on tonight’s Bledisloe Cup match, but first he tells us how he's been remembering the Queen over the last few days.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After a wobbly, fraught, and controversial season, the All Blacks head into tonight’s Bledisloe Cup match more vulnerable against the Wallabies than any of us would like.
Former Wallaby, journalist and author Peter FitzSimons has been predicting (or at least hoping) the Aussies will end their 20 year Bledisloe Cup losing streak. Is this finally the year?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel segment here on Tova. On Thursdays we enjoy the company of two of the smart set - Auckland history professor Caroline Daley, and the Spinoff’s editor-at-large Toby Manhire.
One is a big fan of the comprehensive coverage of the Queen's funeral, but one isn't...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Security and intelligence forces are on high alert as the funeral of the Queen draws closer.
World leaders are starting to arrive, including our Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern who will touch down tomorrow.
Nick Aldworth is the UK’s former counter-terrorism coordinator and he looks at the ins and outs for us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After a decade in the making, Auckland City Mission is officially opening the doors to its new $110 million mental and social services facility.
‘Homeground’ boasts a health centre, a pharmacy, a community dining room and specialist detox services with 25 available beds.
The nine-storey building also has 80 brand new apartments, and a rooftop garden - offering a sense of stability and community many of its new residents have never had before.
Auckland City Missioner Helen Robinson is with us to tell us more!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Zealand’s sharemarket has taken a tumble this week - one of many global markets to wobble after the US stock plunge.
The Dow fell close to 1300 points on Tuesday, after American inflation data came in higher than expected.
Stocks are creeping back up, but not before impacting our own leading stocks - with Air New Zealand, Fisher and Paykel Healthcare, and Infratil down by more than two percent.
Infometrics principal economist Brad Olsen joins us now to discuss.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It was dubbed #pengate on Twitter - the moment a frustrated King Charles found himself signing a visitors book in Belfast the other day with a leaky pen.
It was the second time in less than a week that the Monarch had been irritated by his signing paraphernalia - at St James Palace he made aides move a pen holder that was in the way when he was applying his signature to an oath that confirmed him as King.
So what went wrong with the damn pen?! We scoured London for the best pen expert we could find and we are very pleased to be joined by Amaya Cederina, owner of Penfriend, a specialist pen service which has provided pens to the royal family.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
EXCLUSIVE: When on-leave New Zealand soldier Dominic Abelen was killed in Ukraine, it was a devastating shock to his family.
Abelen was driven and compelled to help Ukraine in its fight against Russia. He hadn’t told many people about what he was doing.
In fact, his mother had no idea.
Because of this, his family didn’t know he’d started a relationship with someone in Ukraine.
Sadly, they didn’t have as much time together as they could have - but they had plans. In their short relationship, Dom Abelen made a huge impact on Ukrainian Zhanna Tsvir’s life
In an exclusive interview with Today FM, Tsvir shared with host Tova O'Brien insight into her relationship with Abelen.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tiny little first-world problems that would normally be totally surmountable suddenly become emblematic of all the big things you’ve been just managing to grapple with.
It’s a good reminder isn’t it - no matter the person or their place in the world - to show empathy and understanding.
I’m sorry, King Charles, about those bloody, stinking pens. God, I hate them too.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Since we got to the UK we've been visited Buckingham Palace in London, and watched the Queen's funeral cortege go past in Edinburgh.
We've talked to many mourners, and they've been generous enough to share their feelings with us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A Southland woman has likely become the first in the world to be bestowed with a Royal honour under the reign of the new monarch.
We spoke to Ann Robbie back in June when she was named a recipient of the Queen’s Service Medal, for her work preserving old war memorials.
Her ceremony had to be delayed, and on Friday around 100 people gathered in a Winton hall as she received her QSM, on behalf of King Charles the third.
Ann Robbie is with us again now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
One of the biggest boxing fights to ever grace the planet is now confirmed. In a British grudge match, Tyson Fury is coming out of retirement to fight Anthony Joshua. Terms have been agreed with Joshua just needing to sign the contract.
Today FM’s Sports mastermind John Day joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Martin Higgins was just 21 years old when he became one of the Queen’s butlers at Buckingham Palace.
He now runs an empire in household management.
Former under butler and footman to the Queen, Martin Higgins, joins me now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's Pae Korero, our panel segment here on Tova. On Wednesday's we're lucky to have our powerbroker edition - Labour Minister Kiritapu Allen and National’s 3IC Chris Bishop.
They'll be reflecting on the passing of the Queen, and what it mean for the future of New Zealand.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mourners in England have just had their first glimpse of her majesty the Queen’s coffin, as her hearse travelled past hundreds of thousands into Buckingham Palace.
Tributes to the Queen are continuing across the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, from the public to celebrities, to politicians like our next guest who delivered his tribute in the House of Commons.
David Lammy is the British shadow foreign secretary and he joins me this morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The UK is preparing what is being described as its biggest security operations ever, as world leaders and up to 750-thousand people make their way here to London to for the funeral and to see the queen lying in state
There are extensive plans in place to protect against threats ranging from protests, crowd collapses and health issues and even terror attacks
It’s an all hands to pump operation - special forces soldiers are involved and police officers who were on holiday have returned to the fold
Former military intelligence officer Philip Ingram joins us now, welcome Philip!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Around a dozen New Zealanders have been invited to Westminster Abbey for the Queen’s funeral.
Only 30 guests attended Prince Philip’s ceremony due to COVID restrictions, but all 2000 seats are expected to be filled to farewell the monarch.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has confirmed our country’s guest list, which includes the Maori King Kiingi Tūheitia, Victoria Cross for New Zealand recipient Willie Apiata, and former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Sir Don McKinnon.
Also on the list is Whaea Esther Jessop, a founding member of the London Maori Club Ngāti Rānana - she joins us now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It feels here that the national focus is also singularly British right now, But of course, it’s not. Things in the last country I visited have taken an enormous turn.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
National Party Leader Christopher Luxon confirmed he would rule out a referendum to make New Zealand a Republic under his first term as Prime Minister, following the late Queen's death.
Luxon told Tova O'Brien he couldn't see it being a conversation for the time being.
"People are fixated on other things," he said.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There is no newsroom or network in the world more prepared for the passing of the monarch, than the BBC.
Likewise, there is no story the BBC is more prepared to cover, than this one.
Everything was resting on the British state broadcaster’s coverage being tonally perfect, extensive, everywhere, capturing every moment and knowing everything about it
One of Today FM's regular correspondents is BBC reporter Charlotte Gallagher.
Tova O'Brien spoke to her about what happens at the BBC when news like this starts to come through.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
People line up for plenty of things, new shoes, the best view at a concert, but would you wait in line for 48 hours, sleeping for two nights alongside the river Thames to be among the first to visit the Queen as she lies in state?
Today FM's Tova O'Brien spoke to three women who are set up in waiting, folding chairs and all.
Vanessa, Grace and Annie are the first in the queue to visit Westminster Hall when the Queen’s coffin eventually makes its way there on Thursday.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Some people will be feeling caught off guard by the grief they’re experiencing at the moment, after the loss of our Monarch of more than 70 years.
Queen Elizabeth II was a very private figure, living a very public life - and while most of us never had the honour of meeting Her Majesty, UK psychologist Elizabeth Paddock is here with a reminder: ‘your grief is valid’.
Speaking on Tova, Paddock said it makes sense to feel the loss of the late Queen because she's 'always been there'.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As we’ve mentioned, hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets of Edinburgh to pay their respects to the Queen.
Young or old they were filled with emotion, many telling me they felt like they had lost a family member.
Edinburgh’s deputy lord provost the equivalent to a deputy mayor in New Zealand, Lezley Marion Cameron joins me this morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
King Charles paid tribute to his mother at a ceremony in which the new monarch heard formal condolences from the Speakers of the Commons and Lords … emphasising the intertwined nature of royalty and government in the UK.
He gave the speech in Westminster Hall, the oldest building in Parliament, and was where Guy Fawkes and Charles the First were tried - and it’s also where her coffin will lie in state for public viewing from Wednesday.
To talk more about the protocols involved we’re joined by a former Black Rod of the UK Parliament, General David Leakey.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is justifying not ditching the traffic light system earlier
Let’s not just take her word for it - our political editor Newsroom’s Jo Moir is with us now to discuss the latest on this, and the one off public holiday in NZ to farewell The Queen.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Right now the United Kingdom and realm countries like New Zealand are officially in mourning - but we will eventually have a proper conversation as a country about republicanism.
Labour Party pollsters will already be preparing to go into the field questioning and focus grouping voters once it’s deemed appropriate. The Prime Minister will want a steer of where the public mood is at before making any sudden movements.
And there won’t be any sudden movements and nor does there need to be.
But Jacinda Ardern has always made clear that that debate would happen, that referendum would be had, upon the passing of the Queen.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel here on Tova. Today we're joined by two wise heads - lawyer Linda Clark, a partner at Dentons Kensington Swan and Finlay Macdonald, NZ Editor for The Conversation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
News of The Queen’s death prompted something rarely seen in Westminster - MPs united for once, albeit in collective grief.
A minute's silence in the House of Commons was soon followed by politicians sharing tributes, funny stories, laughter and sadness - together. One of them was former leader and deputy leader of the Labour Party and MP for Peckham and Camberwell, Harriet Harman, and she joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ukraine’s forces are continuing to drive Russia further to the East.
Kharkiv, once a Russian stronghold, has been the focal point of a Ukraine counterattack.
President Voldymyr Zelensky issued Moscow a stark warning saying “history will put everything in its place." Joining us this morning is the leader of Ukraine’s Holos party Kira Rudik.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
He has walked off the set of his own television show while it was live over a stoush about Meghan Markle.
Now he's got a new show Uncensored which began with a scrap with former US President Donald Trump.
He recently gave us the world-exclusive interview of the Ukrainian President and his wife together.
British broadcasting legend Piers Morgan spoke to Today FM's Tova O'Brien.
In January Morgan called Aotearoa's traffic light system 'draconian', O'Brien asked Morgan what his reaction was to the news that the traffic light system is no more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today FM host Tova O'Brien spoke to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern live from Edinborough ahead of her travels.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The new king was formally proclaimed at St James Palace in a ceremony that dates back centuries, and - thanks to the insistence of King Charles - it was televised for the first time.
King Charles paid tribute to his late mother describing her reign as unequalled in dedication, duration and devotion.
That steadfast stoicism meant that despite the obvious concerns over Queen Elizabeth's health, many were left shocked by how suddenly the end finally came. Here’s Today FM’s Geoff Bryan.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Two enormous historically significant things are underway simultaneously here in the United Kingdom.
The death of a sovereign and the making of a king.
Although, this has been preordained in a way none of us non-royals will ever fully understand.
King Charles' life is now irrevocably and extraordinarily changed.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
She’s part of the fabric of the world we grew up in.
She was something else. Something above all the captivating voyeurism, the scandal, the celebrity, the functionality, the institution, the charity, the sometimes absurdity, the pageantry, of the royals.
The death of Queen Elizabeth the Second is a profound loss. Not just of a person and a Queen but of everything she represented - duty, devotion, service and care.
And for some people we spoke to outside Buckingham Palace - the grief was intensely personal.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A New Zealander who crossed paths with Queen Elizabeth many times, whether that be over a cup of tea, a church service, or to perform for her, joins us now.
Opera singer Dame Kiri Te Kanawa sang Happy Birthday and God Save the Queen to Her Majesty back in 2006 at the Commonwealth Games in Australia.
Good morning Dame Kiri!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Just moments ago the Queen’s funeral cortege drove past us here in Edinburgh.
It was striking how moving it was.
The crowds went quiet, a soft applause, all phones to capture the moment, people wiping tears from their eyes as her coffin made its way down the Royal Mile having set off from her most treasured place, Balmoral Castle, this morning.
It was the first time we’ve seen the coffin. It now feels very real.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Like many New Zealanders, Health Minister Andrew Little went to Buckingham Palace to take a moment to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth. He joins us now to talk through that experience, and to share his thoughts on the late monarch.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Queen’s cortege has begun its long journey from Balmoral Castle to Buckingham Palace.
Seeing the coffin for the first time has really driven home the reality of what’s happened. The fact the Queen is gone - she won’t be that constant anymore.
For all of us, the Queen has been there for most if not all of our lives.
This is one of the things people here are really struggling to grapple with.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s now time for a very special edition of Pae Korero, and we are delighted to have two former Prime Ministers - Dame Jenny Shipley and Sir Geoffrey Palmer - as we talk about the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Top CNN anchor Richard Quest has always been open about his admiration for Queen Elizabeth, and in his view it’s something that absolutely binds most Brits together.
When he covered the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012 he noted “Ultimately, for real deep-seated, honestly felt emotion, that goes to the British core, it is usually left to the very top, the very top senior royal, the queen”. Richard Quest joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
'I think he will be a great king.'
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
He told Tova O'Brien the Queen lying at rest in Holyroodhouse is 'the most significant event' in the history of Edinburgh.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As is often the case when you arrive in a country that’s in the throes of a major global event, the first thing that strikes you is the normalcy
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Incredible scenes outside Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace today, as tens of thousands of people lay tributes at The Queen's residences.
We cross to Ellie Costello, our correspondent from GB News, at Windsor Castle. She tells us about the raw emotion in the UK right now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
David Seymour, leader of the ACT party, said of The Queen - "her work supporting charities will be her legacy".
So on this sad day when we said farewell to her majesty, we asked him for his thoughts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We have so many memories and images of her even for those people who never met her.
I was lucky enough to meet her a number of times and I have a lot of memories from those conversations that remain with me.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There's a real sense of shock in the United Kingdom this morning following the death of Queen Elizabeth II at the age of 96. On a big day in the UK, BBC correspondent Charlotte Gallagher shares the reaction on the ground.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dame Jenny Shipley, the former NZ Prime Minister, visited The Queen at Sandringham. She reflects on meeting The Queen, and what the woman was like as well as the monarch.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Someone who knew The Queen very well was Sir Lockwood Smith. He was the former Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament, and also the former high commissioner to the United Kingdom. He spent a lot of time with The Queen, and he told us how sad he is at the breaking news.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As mourners started to gather around Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace, we crossed to Riley Carson - a CNN correspondent who was watching events unfold in London.
She shared with us the sense of shock and disbelief that was playing out in front of her.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"There was an ordinariness about some of the things that she could quite easily say that would come from your next-door neighbour."
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s 30 degrees celsius today in Waco, Texas - the perfect temperature to enjoy an ice cream in the sun, or as it turns out, to age whiskey.
Higher temperatures induce a stronger reaction between the spirit and the wood cask that holds whiskey for the ageing process.
Jared Himstedt is the head distiller at Balcones Distillery in Waco, and he joins us to talk about how climate change is speeding up whiskey production.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Upon the death of Queen Elizabeth II, we crossed to the UK to speak to royal correspondent Gareth Barlow.
The dust wasn't even beginning to settle - the country was in shock. Gareth shared his thoughts, less than two hours after the news broke.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Queen Elizabeth II has died. Prince Charles, heir to the throne since the age of 3, is now King Charles III.
We're joined by Dr Sean Palmer, the chair of Monarchy New Zealand, for his immediate thoughts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Queen Elizabeth II has passed away. She was 96 years old, and was the longest serving British monarch in history. We talked to our UK correspondent Giles Gibson, less than 90 minutes after the official announcement had been made.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Just an hour after the official announcement that The Queen had passed away, we spoke with Nathan Wilson, an Australian based in London, and he told us about the initial reaction was to the news.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"I think he will be a very good king… he also is someone who is deeply committed to service and public service and has followed his mother's example incredibly."
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
He told Tova O'Brien and Rachel Smalley Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern should attend the Queen's funeral service.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2020 and 2021... two years of many COVID lockdowns around the country. It's hard to argue that, at the time, it was a useful tool to combat the virus. But looking back, would you ever want to have to do another one?
Tova and Duncan take their corner, form their argument, and give us their debate!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If you’ve ever wondered what the Romans used to wear into battle, we can help you out big time!
An ambitious project to recreate an authentic set of Roman bronze armour has recently been completed by a team at Auckland University.
The replica battle garments offer fascinating insights into how the Romans strategised on warfare.
Here to discuss is the project lead is military historian Associate Professor Jeremy Armstrong.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s sweltering in Southern California at the moment, but our amazing entertainment reporter Carol Ramos continues to keep a cool and discerning gaze on what’s happening in the celebrity world there.
And what other guest do we have that would talk about Adele, Eminem, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and Brendan Fraser?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero, our panel show on Tova. On Thursdays our brilliant, bold, brains - University of Auckland History professor Caroline Daley, and The Spinoff’s editor at large Toby Manhire.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today we're looking at whether it’s time to change our tax brackets from a couple of different perspectives.
Tax is alway a hot button. The current tax brackets were set back in 2010 - when the average weekly income was around $400 less than it is now.
The Government has no plans to make changes - National does.
We’ll talk to journalist, author, and economics commentator Max Rashbrooke, and tax specialist Terry Baucher.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The wait is over for Apple fans. The company has just released its iPhone 14 at its 'Far Out' launch event held at its California headquarters.
Ira Spitzer has been following the action in Silicon Valley, and talks us through the latest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When travel blogger Alexei Gaynanov booked his eleven day holiday to Germany earlier this year, he bought a conventional interrail card.
But that pass quickly became redundant when Germany announced a trial offering unlimited travel around the country for a month, at the cost of just 9 Euros!
The scheme’s became so popular that the Government is planning to introduce free public travel across the country from early next year. It’s a move that advocates for public transport here in New Zealand will be watching closely.
Alexei Gaynanov joins us to share his experience!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Worldwide, about 1 in 5 people with a severe gambling problem seek help. Most don’t and the harm gambling can cause is immense.
It’s perhaps hard for those of us who haven’t had a gambling addiction to understand how utterly destructive it can be, how small cues like advertising can tip the balance, how pernicious gambling companies can be when trying to keep addicts addicted, keep them spending.
On Thursday morning a former gambling addict spoke to Tova who shared a story so important, so tremendously shocking but also hopeful.
The former gambling addict’s voice has been altered to protect his identity and remain anonymous.
The former addict told Tova he remembers his first ever bet in the 1993 Melbourne Cup, which ended up being successful, explaining from there he was hooked.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
About 1 in 5 people with a severe gambling problem seek help - meaning 80% don’t. The harm gambling can cause is immense.
It’s perhaps hard for those of us who haven’t had a gambling addiction to understand how utterly destructive it can be, how small cues like advertising can tip the balance, and how pernicious gambling companies can be when trying to keep addicts addicted.
Today we spoke to a problem gambler who's spent millions on his addiction, and we then talked to Andree Froude, Marketing and Comms manager for the Problem Gambling Foundation, for her thoughts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our next guest I covered a lot when I was reporting in the UK but have only managed to shout questions in his direction and not yet had any replies… so I’m terribly excited!
The last time I saw him he was standing on the roof of a truck delivering a rousing speech to an enormous adoring rally outside Westminster, he was inspiring a Labour movement in the UK which was responsible for a party membership boom, he’d just led the party to an enormous vote surge in seats at the election in 2017
Former UK Labour leader and now independent MP Jeremy Corbyn joins me now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sit up straight kids - Here are six lessons taught in yesterday's masterclass in ass-covering from the Government
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Just eight of the 21 sunscreens tested by Consumer NZ this year met the SPF protection claims on their label.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's in the news a lot at the moment - the amount of people in Emergency Housing motels, and the amount of them that are in Rotorua.
How prevalent is this problem? And should their be an inquiry? Tova and Duncan... take it away!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Marlon Williams - Singer, songwriter, actor and Lyttleton’s favourite son. He has a brand new single out called ‘Don’t Go Back, and he’s also announcing a new tour of his third solo album ‘My Boy’.
He joins us in the studio now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bowel Cancer NZ is urgently calling on the Government to make bowel cancer screening available to younger New Zealanders.
Professor Frank Fizelle is a medical advisor and surgeon who's behind that call
and he joins us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Government’s made a couple of big announcements to curb youth crime and "crack down on gangs".
Turns out they weren’t that big... the gangs policy had actually been announced a year and a half ago and the youth crime package was an extension of what they were already doing.
Opposition Leader Christopher Luxon joins us now to discuss this and more!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's time for our panel segment on Tova - Pae Korero! And on Wednesdays we greet our sitting MPs - Labour Minister Kiritapu Allan, and National’s 3IC Chris Bishop.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
I had a really great chat with a really smart, really lovely stranger yesterday at an event and I found myself in this weird position. A position I don’t think I’ve ever been in before.
Defending politicians behaving like children in the Parliament.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The UK has a new Prime Minister - Liz Truss has just given her first speech outside 10 Downing Street, pledging to transform Britain into an aspiration nation and to tackle the country’s energy crisis.
Natasha Clark is The Sun’s chief political correspondent and she us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Last week Victoria University became the first university in the country to issue a blanket ban on intimate staff/student relationships
Otago University is reconsidering its policy - but it can’t come soon enough for Gil Elliott
You will all remember what happened to his daughter - it shocked and shook the country
In 2008 his daughter Sophie, just 22 years old, was murdered by her then boyfriend and tutor at Otago University, Clayton Weatherston.
The relationship was turbulent, abusive and - despite the power imbalance between staff and student - it was allowed by the university.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Liz Truss has officially taken over from Boris Johnson as the UK PM, and both have made speeches about their respective positions.
We take a look at the highlights.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When you go to Waiheke Island for a holiday, it's usually sun, sand, and maybe a bit of wine.
But what did Tova find herself doing?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Police are being given new powers by the Government to strip gang members and their associates of their bling, boats, bikes and other assets bought with drug money.
If anything over $30,000 is suspected of being purchased illegally they will have to prove to a court how it came into their possession, or it could be seized.
Lifetime Black Power member Denis O’Reilly joins us now to discuss the affect of this.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Revelations that a Government worker mistakenly approved travel documents… leading to Northland's 11-day lockdown.
The region was plunged into level three in October last year after a group of women crossed the border from Auckland.
One of them then tested positive for COVID-19, sparking intense backlash… including allegations of gang involvement.
But information obtained by the New Zealand Herald found their travel approval was issued in error by a Ministry of Social Development worker.
Police announced earlier this year that the women would not be facing charges.
Far North Mayor John Carter told Tova O'Brien on Wednesday morning it's 'frustrating'.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Forever we’ve been told not to reheat freezer meals more than once, right?
As sure as day follows night, we know this to be true.
But no! After all these years of fearing the double reheat, possibly wasting good leftovers - science is now telling us you can reheat and reheat and reheat to your heart’s content.
Speaking on Tova, Professor of Microbiology at Swinburne University of Technology, Enzo Palombo, busts the reheating myth.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Zealand has been dropping the ball when it comes to the way our towns and suburbs are designed.
A new study also from Canterbury University has looked into how 'unhealthy neighbourhoods' are affecting Kiwi teens.
200 adolescents were tracked over several weeks using GPS to see if their environment influenced their physical activity.
The study found young people who live in areas with better access to parks, and fewer liquor stores, are more active.
Research author Matt Hobbs spoke to Tova O'Brien on Wednesday morning and explained there were some big differences across major cities
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's a real issue for some people, whether or not they should post pictures of their young kids on social media. Tova and Duncan will take you through their arguments.. there are definite pros and cons for this one!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tongan Language Week is upon us!
According to Stats NZ, Tongans are the fastest-growing Pacific ethnic group in New Zealand in recent years.
The 2018 census found Aotearoa had a Tongan Population of more than 82 thousand - but only 12 percent of Tongans under 15 spoke the language.
Now the Government is investing in Pacific bilingual education throughout the school system so young people can reclaim their language.
Joining us now to share more on Tongan Language Week and the importance of keeping Pacific languages alive is year 12 student at McAuley Girls High School, Maleohi Tu’ipulotu.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Liz Truss has done it! She’s the new Prime Minister of the UK, and will officially take the title after travelling to meet the Queen at Balmoral in Scotland.
One of her main concerns is about the cost of living crisis, and people being able to pay their bills. Earlier we heard from the editor of the spectator Fraser Nelson, and now we have further analysis from the UK Editor of ITV News Paul Brand.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero, our panel segment here on Tova. Today our politically savvy opinion makers join us - NZ editor of The Conversation, Finlay Macdonald and Today FM commentator Josie Pagani (in for PJ Harding who we send our hugest congratulations and love to on the birth of her baby boy Charlie last week!).
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
National and Te Pāti Māori have called for an investigation into Rotorua’s emergency housing crisis.
We asked Housing Minister Megan Woods to come on the show, but she declined. Her statement basically said Police and a QC had taken a look... and everything’s looking great!
Today we talk through this with National’s housing spokesperson Chris Bishop, and Te Pati Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Government's going after gang members' ill-gotten gains, announcing powers to target associates of gang members for any dodgy cash or assets worth over 30,000 dollars.
Our Political Editor Newsroom's Jo Moir joins us to talk through this, and other news from the capital!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The UK has a new Prime Minister - Liz Truss has officially won the Conservative Party leadership beating Rishi Sunak.
The former Foreign Secretary, now PM elect, will be sworn in as Prime Minister when she visits the Queen in Balmoral tomorrow.
It ends months of infighting and scrapping over the Conservative leadership. We're joined by British political journalist and editor of The Spectator magazine, Fraser Andrew Nelson.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Canadian authorities are on the hunt for two men suspected of being behind one of the deadliest mass killings in the nation's history.
10 people were killed and another 15 injured in a spate of stabbings across a number of locations in the small Canadian province of Saskatchewan.
Police say some of the victims appear to be targeted, while others seem to be attacked at random.
Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau described the attacks as ‘horrific and heartbreaking’, and vowed to bring justice to the pair responsible.
Joining us now to provide an update is the Canadian Press’ Saskatchewan correspondent Mickey Djuric.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Imagine turning superannuation on it's head - instead of getting your super when you retire you get the payments from 0-18 years with 90% mandatory investment in KiwiSaver.
And a 5-10% living allowance.
It would mean by the time you're 18 you have an enormous nest egg for a first home, or you can continue saving for retirement under your own steam - but it means every child is given a greater - and more equal - chance in life.
It’s a concept Informetrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen raised recently when we were chatting about equality and it really intrigued me - he joins us now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chances are you’re already thinking about your morning routine if you’re not already deep into it.
School drop-offs, get to work, maybe grab something from the supermarket, a coffee if you can.
Now ask yourself, could you do all those things without your car? Or could you do any of those things in under 15 minutes - either walking, on a bike or by public transport?
Tom Logan from the University of Canterbury mapped 42 of New Zealand’s main urban areas to see how accessible they are without a car - and then compared the results to 500 cities in the United States.
There has been a lot of talk about the concept of the walkable city, sometimes called the 15-minute city. Tova O'Brien asked Logan why the topic is gaining more intrigue.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
COVID cases have been on the decline, and it's noticeable how much more relaxed people are becoming when it comes to obeying pandemic restrictions. Should NZ stay on 'Orange', or is it time to 'go Green"?
Or maybe there's another option altogether?
Listen as Tova and Duncan take on the pros and cons!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
No more sleeps - tonight we should know who the UK’s next Prime Minister will be.
It comes at a time where inflation is up to just over ten percent in the UK, and voters there just want to know how they are going to pay their next energy bill.
So what are Prime Ministerial contenders Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak promising, and how has Boris Johnson left the state of things at number 10? For more we are joined by Adam Hawksbee, the Deputy Director of Onward - a centre right think tank.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Encouraging people to self assess their gambling habits online could be the first step in getting problem gamblers help.
That’s the message from the Salvation Army which is teaming up with the Problem Gambling Foundation to raise awareness of the harm caused by gambling. It’s an addiction that carries so much stigma that few of those affected actually seek help.
Here to tell us more, from the Salvation Army Oasis, is Lisa Campbell.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jessica Apanui began using drugs at the age of 12, and eventually ended up manufacturing meth in her west Auckland home.
She’s now three years clean and uses her Facebook page Life Beyond Meth to share her journey and advocate for others.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero, our panel discussion here on Tova. On Mondays we welcome our former MPs...
He was once a National Minister and Attorney General, Chris Finlayson.
And she was once a Green MP, Sue Bradford!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today we're looking at the pros and cons of a windfall tax on petrol companies who are making record margins while we struggle with the cost of living crisis.
A windfall tax is a levy applied on an unforeseen or unexpectedly large profit, especially if it's considered to be excessive or unfairly obtained.
The UK introduced one on energy companies after they raked in record profits, in the wake of disruptions caused by Covid and war in Ukraine
But to date, policymakers here have avoided them.
Today we talk to Auckland University’s energy economics head Basil Sharp, and Gareth Hughes from Wellbeing Economy Alliance Aotearoa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss is looking a dead cert to become the UK’s next Prime Minister, with an announcement expected around 11pm our time
But the challenges she’ll be facing are nothing short of daunting - including an cost of living crisis unparalleled in recent history.
Truss’s closest rival, Chancellor Rishi Sunak says if he loses he wouldn’t rule out having another crack at the job in the future.
Always a pleasure to welcome Jonathan Reilly, The Sun’s Westminster Editor.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This is the moment for our smaller parties to shine. Step forward ACT, Greens, Te Pāti Māori - no not you Brian Tamaki - but anyone else
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If wedding bells are tolling for you then you might need a bit of help with planning.
Founder of the app My Celebrant and wedding celebrant, Victoria Thomas, spoke to Tova O'Brien on Monday morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Former Prime Minister Helen Clark is calling for a complete rethink of how we approach methamphetamine use - not only decriminalisation of the drug but also exploring substitution treatment programmes.
And where a meth substitute doesn’t work, prescribed methamphetamine should be trialled.
The goal is to reduce harm, not expect perfect abstinence from all meth addicts.
Lead author of the joint report between the Helen Clark Foundation and the Drug Foundation Philippa Yasbek told Tova on Monday morning that the proposed trial is not just for methamphetamine.
"We're also proposing a trial of other stimulants, such as methylphenidate, which was Ritalin, amphetamines and possibly methamphetamine if those don't work," said Yasbek.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Each week our producer Jeremy is given the task to watch the news for a story that deserves some form of musical acknowledgement.
This week he was pretty entertained at how fast the Government can pull a policy U-turn when they feel the need!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Most of the population are more aware of environmental issues that challenge us than they were in the past, and there are specific ministers in the major parties that are appointed to environmental portfolios.
With this in mind, is it still as important for their to be a Green party?
Duncan takes Rachel on in a humdinger of a debate!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Warriors will play at a sold out Mount Smart stadium when they take on the Gold Coast Titans tomorrow night in the final game of the NRL season. But its been another disappointing year, with the team sitting in 14th and it could get worse with some of the teams best players set to depart this summer... including our next guest.
Euan Aitken is a centre for the Warriors and he joins us this morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
An uptick in the frequency of Great White Shark encounters in the Bay of Plenty has sparked a group of researchers to investigate why. They want a better understanding of the shark population so they can inform the community on how to behave in the water this summer. There are even opportunities for locals to get involved in the data collection.
Joining us now is head of the team Marine Ecologist Phil Ross
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
John Day's getting excited about the sporting weekend - The Warriors final NRL game of the season, the US Open tennis, and can the All Blacks come back against Argentina?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Earlier this morning on First Light, Wilhelmina Shrimpton shared with a story about Lifewise and the Housing First programme - People who are standing alongside our homeless community, providing them with a roof over their head, and then wrap-around support.
But in some regions, the emergency housing crisis seems almost beyond repair. Rotorua’s Fenton Street McDonalds has been forced to hire security guards following issues with its unruly emergency housing neighbours.
Joining us now to discuss more is co-chair of Restore Rotorua, Gary Smith
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for our panel segment, Pae Korero. Today we’re joined by Anna Rawhiti-Connell & former National party press secretary Ben Thomas.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
United Nations officials are visiting the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant that is currently held by Russian forces. It's part of a mission to ensure fighting doesn’t lead to a major catastrophe for Europe at the station. This is all while Ukraine is reportedly gearing itself up to launch a counter offensive against Russian forces in the east. Here for more on this is the President of the Kyiv School of Economics, Tymothy Mylovanov.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Worksafe are calling for a renewed focus on health and safety in the construction industry. At least two workers have died on the job every month since the start of 2021. The Council of Trade Unions also agrees that it is unacceptable, and their president Richard Wagstaff joins me this morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Artificial intelligence could be the key to increasing the accuracy and efficiency of colonoscopies.
A New Zealand based Scimex study found the detection rate for precancerous polyps was significantly higher in AI-assisted groups when compared to conventional colonoscopies.
The great thing about this is that as the detection rate increases, a patient's risk of developing colon cancer further down the track decreases.
Joining us now to explain more is co-author Dr Cameron Schauer.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
'Good, he got there in the end, but it took a lot longer than it should have.'
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
National are ecstatic to see the KiwiSaver GST proposal retracted, but the Greens are finding this somewhat rich. They say National has shown hypocrisy in its plight to remove the tax due to the way it made it harder for Kiwis to save for retirement while it was in Government.
Joining us now is Greens finance spokesperson Julie Anne Genter.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There would have been sighs of relief right around the country when the Government’s proposed KiwiSaver GST was axed.
National’s petition against the move had amassed more than 20 thousand signatures in less than 24 hours! The party’s Finance Spokesperson Nicola Willis tweeted saying National ‘has your back’ after forcing Labour to U-turn, and she joins us now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's an age old Kiwi debate - who has the best chocolate? Whittakers or Cadbury?
Time for Rachel and Duncan to take a side... and debate the pros and cons!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's time for our panel segment, Pae Korero, and today we'll be picking the brains of Auckland history professor Caroline Daley, and the Spinoff’s editor-at-large Toby Manhire.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's been two weeks since the regions of Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough were impacted by severe flooding and slips.
It's been two weeks since the regions of Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough were impacted by severe flooding and slips.
Emergency management minister Kieran McAnulty spoke to Rachel Smalley on Tova Friday Morning and revealed that some of the roads may not be able to be repaired.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
ASB’s chief economist Nick Tuffley spoke to Rachel Smalley about the plummeting prices.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We’re off to Los Angeles now to speak with Carol Ramos, our reporter covering the Hollywood beat. Today she’ll be talking Chris Rock, Harry Styles, Meghan Markle, and more!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It was almost gymnastic in its execution.
The government will today be nursing whiplash, after the fastest political U-turn certainly in my living memory.
Labour says it won't, in fact, apply GST to KiwiSaver fees.
It took less than 24 hours for it to be culled, such was the public outrage.
Richard Klipin is the CEO of the Financial Services Council, and he joins us now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We all know the labour market is tight right now, and across the ditch retailers are crying for help... so much so they want the Government to change its labour laws.
They want a nation-wide ruling that would make it legal to put 13 year olds to work - something that isn't currently allowed in some states.
Here in Aotearoa under 16s are allowed to work, and many people believe they should,but there is no minimum wage for them. Joining us now to discuss the issue is Unite Union Assistant National Secretary Gerard Hehir
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
An eye opening case has hit the headlines in Canada this week - a news anchor, who happened to have let her hair go grey, was fired after 35-years in the business.
She told her audience it was not her decision and local media soon heard allegations from a source that a higher up at her company let her go due to her grey hair. The company denies this was the reason but that staff member has now been put on an absence of leave.
Joining us is broadcaster and host of the Grey Areas podcast, Petra Bagust.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's official - businesses need to be offering flexible working options if they want to have any skin in the game when it comes to recruiting.
A new study from Seek has highlighted exactly what Kiwi workers of all ages, genders and locations want out of a job. And shockingly it found that people are no longer typing job titles in the search bar…. The website’s number one search term is now ‘work from home’. Seek says the tight labour market means it has never been more important to understand what workers want.
Joining us now to share further insight is Seek Country Manager Rob Clark.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are back in the headlines - in fact they're never really out of the news.
However, this time, it's because they're underway with some of the work they signed up to do with the likes of Netflix and Spotify.
The couple have styled themselves as a sort of entrepreneurial entertainment couple...and they've signed various deals.
Nicole Laporte is an entertainment reporter in LA - she writes for a website called "The Ankler" - and she joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Federal Reserve in America came out late last week and said they would aggressively use interest rates to try and get on top of inflation.
Since then stocks have been all over the place - Wall Street and the Dow Jones have gone south - and in the space of a couple of trading days US markets closed down around 4%.
Why does this matter? Because America is the world’s biggest economy and all of us, virtually every country, follows behind.
Dominic Chu is a senior markets correspondent with CNBC.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In what has been one of the more public disputes in recent years firefighters have, in the last 24 hours, agreed to suspend any further strike action.
They will now enter into facilitated mediation for better pay and conditions.
In a joint statement Jan Tinetti, the Minister of Internal Affairs, said she had brought the two parties, Fire and Emergency NZ and the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union, together to discuss a way forward in the collective bargaining dispute.
Today FM's Duncan Garner has been one of the protagonists in this situation - elevating the voices of firefighters.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Can Labour afford to keep Parker at the wheel? Can Jacinda Ardern and Grant Roberston state, categorically, that they have faith in David Parker?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Since the devastating 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck Christchurch in 2011, no one, other than search and rescue teams had been inside.
That changed late last month, with workers from the Tom Cuthbert and Belmont restoration team entering for just 10 minutes to inspect the limestone columns and other tricky-to-reach spots.
Keith Paterson, the project director of the Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Limited Project spoke to Rachel Smalley on Tova about how the rebuild and restoration is progressing.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
NASA are planning to send humans back to the Moon for the first time in 50 years. Is it a good idea or not?
Let's see what Rachel and Duncan have to say about it!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In October 2007, the New Zealand Police conducted what was known as the anti terrorism raids on the Tuhoe community of Urewera, an event that would spark great controversy.
Now it's been created into a film called Muru, which it says not a recreation but a response to what happened. Cliff Curtis and Jay Ryan star as Sergeant Tuffy Tawharau and Captain Gallagher and they are with us now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In Duncan Garner’s show yesterday we heard from a caller who highlighted an issue many people face after going through a divorce - financial abuse through the legal system and forced to give up the fight as appeal after appeal is launched.
It comes as recent data found women are already up to $300,000 worse-off when it comes to KiwiSaver. In just two weeks submissions close for a new family court bill which sets to introduce a family court associate role to speed up the process - with advocates hoping those in the new role would actually be trained to recognise all kinds of abuse - such as financial.
Joining us now is someone who has been through almost a decade of divorce court proceedings herself, Auckland business woman Sarah Sparks.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On our panel segment today we have National's 3IC Chris Bishop and Labour MP Kiritapu Allan.
We know they're passionate about their respective causes... but things got pretty heated!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today we talk to Dr Oliver Hartwich, Executive Director of The New Zealand Initiative, who's behind a report about Ministry of Health policy failings and claims made by the Government about systemic racism in the health system.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There's always two sides of the story and we embrace that.
Fish and chips might be delicious, but the latest figures from MPI show it comes at a cost to marine species. More than 10,000 kgs of coral and bryozoans have been unintentionally caught over the past nine months - alongside more than seven hundred dead birds and 70 marine mammals.
The impacts of bottom trawling, a practice by which fish are caught using weighted nets that drag along the seafloor has been heavily criticised - But Sealord says a recent survey shows only eight percent of Kiwis would like to see fishing on seamounts banned.
Today you'll hear from Sealord CEO Doug Paulin, and Greenpeace Ocean Campaigner Ellie Hooper.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jenny Shattock is the Mayor for South Waikato - a region that encompasses Tokoroa, Putaruru, Tirau and Arapuni.
All towns are achieving remarkable growth - but they remain as the fifth most deprived community in New Zealand.
Jenny wants South Waikato to thrive, so that’s why she, alongside 35 others from Council, the community and business groups are headed to Parliament to show the Beehive what they’ve got.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
British tennis superstar Emma Raducanu will begin her title defence at the US Open against a tough opponent in experienced French player Alize Cornet. However since that last win Raducanu has been unable to back up any major success, something that sports psychologists believe they know why it happens.
Joining us now is tennis mental performance expert Dr Patrick Cohn.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Heidi tells Rachel Smalley on Tova where she was and what she was doing at the time.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
'We felt we have no other course of action at this point than to use the legal action to hold the Ministry to account on those broken promises.'
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"The Government is looking to tax our retirement savings every year by applying GST to KiwiSaver fees."
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Countdown's Corporate Affairs Manager said they have had 2,500 verbal abuse incidents in just the last three months.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Remember a few weeks back when the Government thought it would be a great idea to throw some cash the way of Kiwis finding it tough? A small payment to address a cost of living crisis... that ended up being paid to many ineligible people all over the world (or no longer of this world!).
Maybe they should just throw it out to everyone? Or should they?! Time for Rachel an d Duncan to go head to head!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s that time of the week for our political wrap with the ever fabulous Newsroom and Today FM political editor Jo Moir.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Over the past week we have been introduced to a phenomenon titled where workers are say enough is enough, and are no longer going above and beyond for their employer.
Younger generations are taking the job description verbatim, and completing what they are paid to do. So is this just laziness or is it just doing your job for an employer who may not value you the way you may deserve?
Joining us to explain "Quiet Quitting" is Council of Trade Unions economist Craig Renney.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's time for the panel segment on Tova - Pae Korero. Today we're joined by political commentatot Josie Pagani, and NZ editor of The Conversation Finlay McDonald.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There's always two sides of the story and we embrace that.
Today we're talking COVID-19 restrictions…. Hang on, we still have those?
A recent Government commissioned survey found just 27 percent of people will officially record the result of a RAT and only 47 percent will isolate if they feel sick. It's obvious this virus is no longer as big a thing, but an epidemiologist believes we still need the limited rules as a way to stop the virus running rampant. Case numbers are the lowest since February - and some may say this can be attributed to our best efforts in mask-wearing and isolating.
You're about to hear the thoughts of epidemiologist Professor Michael Baker, new Auckland Business Chamber CEO Simon Bridges.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Zealand’s Polish embassy is working with Ukrainian officials to see if there is a way to get Corporal Dominic Abelen’s body out of Ukraine. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern wouldn’t say yesterday when asked if Russian forces had Corporal Abelen’s body.
Today 120 of New Zealand’s infantry will head to the UK to train Ukrainian soldiers. For more on this we are joined by former defence minister Wayne Mapp.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Victorian government have announced they will offer free university degrees to more than 10,000 nurses and midwives.
But the New Zealand Health Group is joining the loud chorus of voices calling on our government to do the same and to add nurses to the fast track priority green list, an issue we have campaigned on for months here at Today FM.
The New Zealand health group is the country’s largest national provider of home and community support services, disability support, health staffing, workplace support, and training and their CEO Josephine Gagan joins me this morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Supposed ‘healthy’ alternatives to snacks like crisps and chocolate are taking over the supermarket shelves. From chickpeas, to coconut, peas and kale - everything is being processed and packaged.
Now Kiwi researchers have managed to turn a typically-wasted part of the avocado into what they call a ‘porous puffed snack’. They wanted to do something with the large number of avocado seeds (yes those big pips in the middle) that end up wasted during the production of avocado oil - and so they turned them into crisps.
Joining us now is co-author and AUT senior food science lecturer Rothman Kam.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It seems obvious, doesn't it? If New Zealand wants more nurses and midwives, then provide their qualifications for free.
That's what the Victorian Government in Australia has done. Thousands of nurses and midwives will be recruited and trained for free as part of an AUS$270 million Australian initiative.
Speaking on Tova, Lisa Fitzpatrick of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation said this will be a great incentive for people wanting to pursue a career in healthcare.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
'Kids are showing up to do these ram raids with a film crew, they're putting it on TikTok and they're putting it on social media.'
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Revenue Minister David Parker told Rachel Smalley they received advice from both parties to not go ahead with the cost of living payment
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tova's having the week off, so Rachel Smalley is in to take on Duncan Garner for our Monday Debate Club - so will you think that petrol cars should be off our road by 2035... or not?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In 1915, around 12 years after the world's first controlled powered flight, Austrian physicist Robert Ettenreich was watching an aircraft skirting across the sky in southern Tirol when he noticed something – a long wispy cloud trailing out behind it.
But what are those aircraft made clouds doing to our environment?
Ulrich Schumann, a professor of atmospheric physics at the German Aerospace Center has been studying them for decades and he joins us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brad Smeele's thrill-seeking, fast-paced life as a professional wakeboarder came to an abrupt halt eight years ago when an accident caused him to become a quadriplegic.
Brad was at the height of his career, winning world championships and perfecting tricks that no one else could achieve. He was also a sought-after model and relished his free-wheeling lifestyle. But in July 2014, while practising his latest trick, he landed badly. Catastrophically, in fact. He landed on his neck, completely crushing his spinal cord and becoming a quadriplegic immediately.
He joins us now to talk about all this, and about his new book "Owning It".
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Stupid, indecisive, and lacklusture. These are terms being bandied about when describing the All Blacks 25-18 loss to Argentina on Saturday night.
In what is being described as one of the most stunning results in rugby history, Argentina claimed their first victory on New Zealand soil in Christchurch and never really looked like losing.
The All Blacks are now 2 wins from 8 matches this season, and the alarm bells are once again ringing loud to sack the coach, captain and half of the NZRU.
To discuss Saturday’s loss and where to from here, we're joined by sports commentator and journalist, John McBeth.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's time for our panel segment - Pae Korero.
On Monday's we enlist the thoughts and words of our former statespeople Chris Finlayson and Sue Bradford.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Auckland CBD has been hit hard during the pandemic, with lots of employees working from home, hospitality businesses struggling due to less people being around the city, and crime on the rise.
We're joined by Precinct Properties CEO Scott Pritchard to discuss the state of Auckland’s city centre.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The University of Auckland has seen cases of cheating at its exams spike by about thirty times since the pandemic.
Here for more on how this has all happened is the Universities Pro vice-chancellor for education, Professor Bridget Kool.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Oranga Tamariki Oversight Bill has now passed a third reading, meaning there will be significant changes to how the agency is monitored.
The Children's Commissioner will be stripped of her power to investigate Oranga Tamariki, and oversight will be split between a new independent monitor and the Ombudsman - moves that have been roundly criticised.
We talk to youth worker and advocate AJ Hendry about what these changes may mean.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
All Black coach Ian Foster is struggling for results - his team has now lost 6 out o their last 8 test matches.
But if he was to be sacked from his coveted role, what would that mean financially both for him and NZ Rugby?
We talk to employment lawyer Charlotte Parkhill about it.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Six former female Gloriavale residents will have their case heard from today in the Christchurch District Court, which is expected to go on for five weeks.
It comes after three male former residents of the Christian commune won their case earlier this year that from as young as six they were employees and not volunteers. Liz Gregory is the Manager of the Gloriavale Leavers Support Trust and she joins us with the latest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
'You have to look at their home situation and make sure there is actual parent engagement and that parents are actually stepping up.'
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The official guidelines recommend a man get tested for prostate cancer at around 50, but if he has any family history should be looking earlier around 40.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Child abuse disproportionally affects Māori. This is where you work with Māori leaders who are at the top table and part of the solution
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Each week our producer Jeremy is given the task of putting a story in the news to music. Remember how Brian Tamaki started his own political movement? Remember how National party leader Chris Luxon didn't rule out working with him?
Yeah... Jeremy did.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Join us as Carly jumps in the hot seat again to take on Duncan after two consecutive losses! The moot? Student debt should be cancelled. Imagine that!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel here on Tova. Today we’re joined by The Spinoff’s Bulletin Editor Anna Rawhiti-Connell, and columnist Shane Te Pou!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A local library director in the US state of Idaho has been forced to quit her job, after coming under attack from Conservatives trying to ban books from the shelves.
The prohibited list includes more than 400 titles - many young adult books with LGBTQ characters.
And these books aren’t even in the library’s collection yet.
Kimber Glidden, the director of Boundary County library, joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We all come in different shapes and sizes but often have a lot of doubt over how we look, and researchers say we may be passing some of those same insecurities on to our children.
The use of dieting control has been reported in children from as young as the age of five, with at least 23 percent of young participants in a Florida study revealing they had been teased about their weight. Here for more on this is Sian Mclean - a Psychology lecturer at La Trobe University in Melbourne.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s Daffodil Day today - a moment to remember that every day 71 New Zealanders are diagnosed with cancer.
Yesterday we spoke with Cancer Society CEO Lucy Elwood about how cancer patients are facing financial strain from cost of living increases.
Someone who understands the realities of adjusting your life when dealing with a cancer diagnosis is David Downs, CEO of NZ Story.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There's always two sides of the story and we embrace that. Today we'll be hitting an issue from both sides of the argument.
Today we're talking Government support for students.
Cold flats and two minute noodles have become synonymous with the uni experience. An enquiry into student wellbeing recently recommended fees free courses and a universal student allowance.
Even student loans in the US are being wiped. But one former university associate dean does not believe the taxpayer should be footing any more of the bill - as it won’t benefit us all.
Join us as we talk to NZ Initiative Fellow and former Associate, Dean Michael Johnston - and President of New Zealand’s Union of Students’ Association, Andrew Lessells.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Two people have been charged for distributing what's been described as "objectionable publication". Reports are that the pair are Hannah Spierer and Kelvyn Alp from Counterspin Media.
Disinformation researcher Byron Clark joins us with his take on the events.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Heck of a weekend of sport coming up! There's the ABs, the Black Ferns, Ranfurly Shield, Warriors, and US tennis open!
Our fantastic sports reporter John Day is in to discuss it all.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Former All Black and firefighter Steve Devine was left seething after an interview with FENZ National Commander Russell Wood - enough to ring into Today FM
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
FENZ National Commander Russell Wood says the way to get through this is through facilitated bargaining with the Employment Relations Authority
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
'We are absolutely open to continuing Korero about what we can do to resolve the issues we've got over negotiations and they (FENZ) have just refused to talk to us.'
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listen to Today FM’s full interview with Dominic Abelen before he tragically died on the front lines in Ukraine.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The New Zealander who was killed in Ukraine on the frontline was Dominic Abelen.
To his whanau and his friends, we send our deepest condolences.
I talked to Dominic while I was in Ukraine.
He wanted other New Zealanders to know why he felt it was vital we give our support to Ukraine.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We thought we'd give Tova the day off Debate Club because it was her birthday! So Duncan took on Carly to find out if some people deserve to be cancelled... or not!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ukrainians have been commemorating Independence Day, while also marking 6 months to the day since Russia’s invasion of their homeland.
The grim anniversary comes as New Zealand grapples with the news that a Kiwi soldier has been killed on the frontline.
Joining us now is Yevhenia Kravchuk, an MP for Ukraine’s Servant of the People’s Party.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Those old plastic containers at the back of your cupboard may soon become a relic, as Tupperware has announced it is leaving New Zealand.
For 47 out of the 49 years it has been in the country it has been based on a face to face party plan model. Now the party is over. Gone are the days of gathering at a friend's house to pour over a sea of bright coloured containers.
Joining us now is Tupperware New Zealand Spokesperson Jackie Vandam
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Daffodil Day’s back tomorrow, and organisers are pleased to be back on the streets collecting following two years of disruption due to the pandemic.
Every dollar raised for Daffodil Day goes towards cancer care for patients and their whānau, and the need has become more pressing thanks to inflation and spiraling costs.
Here to discuss is the Cancer Society’s CEO Lucy Elwood.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We’re off to Los Angeles now to speak with our favourite reporter covering the Hollywood beat - the fabulous Carol Ramos!
We talk to her about the latest Game of Thrones off-shoot, a Sex and the City sequel, and a Kardashian in trouble...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero, our panel segment here on Tova. On Thursdays we enjoy the company of Auckland history professor Caroline Daley, and the Spinoff’s editor-at -large Toby Manhire.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today we're looking at the issue of cruise ships - do we welcome them or wish them away?
The first cruise ship to arrive in New Zealand since the pandemic began, docked in Auckland just over a week ago.
It was welcomed by the Mayor, but one academic has argued these floating-resorts do not deserve our love.
You'll hear from Auckland University’s Tim Welch - who believes they’re terrible for the environment and our health - and from CEO of New Zealand’s Cruise Association Kevin O’Sullivan - here to celebrate the tourism and economic boost they bring.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
More than 130 staff are being cut from Ruapehu’s ski field. Turoa has shut down as a lack of snow and visitors plays havoc on its financial viability.
Local business owners say it has been difficult for a while.
Joining us now is the co-owner of Ruapehu Mountain Motel and Lodge Leigh Berry.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Government has announced it will force the two big supermarkets to sell groceries to competitors for fair, set prices and terms if they do not do it themselves.
The duopoly is now required to open up its wholesale operations to dairies and small grocers, giving them a leg up to offer lower prices. But Retail NZ is skeptical that the move will do anything… Joining us now is CEO Greg Harford.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A tragedy for their family, their friends and the wider defence force whānau and unit in Ukraine.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today FM sends our thoughts and aroha to the family of the soldier killed in eastern Ukraine.
After careful consideration, and having spoken to a person supporting his family, we have decided to name him.
He was Dominic Abelen. I knew him as Tolkien.
It’s understood he was in the Burnham-based Royal NZ Infantry Regiment’s 2/1 Battalion.
We got to know each other a little bit while I was in Ukraine.
We messaged a lot and spoke once.
Even in that brief time, it was clear he was brave and honest and determined and caring.
He talked to me about the need to try to help Ukraine keep its land and push Russia back. That it was a clear fight for good versus evil.
He said he had the skills to help and that it was better to share those skills and input than having to send more poorly trained civilians to dangerous situations.
He told me he had been in Ukraine for three months.
We hope he can return home to his family soon.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"I haven't spoken to all of the family but the person I'm talking to, they're taking it hard."
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Former NZ soldier, humanitarian and business leader Tenby Powell has been working with our fallen soldier’s family to bring their boy home.
He has been helping evacuate Ukrainians from frontline towns and cities.
An emotional Tenby Powell spoke with Tova O'Brien on Wednesday night, after being one of many New Zealanders the Today FM host met in Ukraine.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Speaker of the House Trevor Mallard is leaving the building… off to Dublin as New Zealand’s Ambassador to Ireland!
Adrian Rurawhe is the anointed one to take over the role as Parliament’s speaker - he joins us now... and gets pretty candid!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
18 year old tennis superstar Coco Gauff is the first player to be named for the women’s draw of the ASB Classic in Auckland next year.
The tournament is set to return after a three year hiatus plagued by COVID, which means some changes including a new tournament director... Nicolas Lamperin, who joins us this morning!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has demanded his predecessor Scott Morrison apologise to Australians over his five secret ministerial portfolios - as he declared the matter "isn't something that can just be dismissed".
Scott Morrison argued the appointments were made during "extraordinary times", and he believed it was necessary to have "what were effectively emergency powers to exercise in extreme situations".
Here for more on this is John Warhurst an Emeritus Professor of Politics and International Relations at Australia National University.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's Pae Korero - our panel show here on Tova. On Wednesdays we have our powerbrokers - Labour Minister Kiritapu Allan and National’s 3IC Chris Bishop!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As New Zealand’s hospitality struggles to rebuild after the ravages of COVID, a new report shows the industry needs to up its game if it wants to build back better.
The Voices from the Frontline report highlights how poor pay and conditions are, adding to acute labour shortages in the sector
Around 400 hospo workers were interviewed, with a majority saying they received no training on the job, and nearly half suggesting they’d suffered harassment in the workplace.
To get an employers’ perspective we’re joined now by the Chief Executive of the Restaurant Association, Marisa Bidois.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
News that New Zealand-born singer Margaret Urlich died of cancer after privately living with the illness for two years left her many fans shocked and devastated
For her close friends they described being "numb with grief".
57 year old Margaret Urlich sang alongside Annie Crummer, Debbie Harwood, Dianne Swann and Kim Willoughby in spectacularly popular popular Kiwi group When the Cat’s Away
Margaret’s dear friend and bandmate Debbie Harwood joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As New Zealand’s hospitality struggles to rebuild after the ravages of COVID, a new report shows the industry needs to up its game if it wants to build back better.
The Voices from the Frontline report highlights how poor pay and conditions are, adding to acute labour shortages in the sector
Around 400 hospo workers were interviewed, with a majority saying they received no training on the job, and nearly half suggesting they’d suffered harassment in the workplace.
Here to discuss is one of the authors of the report David Williamson, a Senior Lecturer in Hospitality Management at AUT.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Debate Club today we reflected on Dr Gaurav Sharma, expelled from the Labour party, and looking like he'll represent his electorate as an independent MP... or maybe just quit altogether and force a by election.
But what is better for the public at large? Duncan and Tova will argue the pros and cons!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Last week when Tova went to Ukraine to interview President Volodymyr Zylenskyy, she went to check out a few of the towns and cities around the capital Kyiv, and heard some very sobering stories.
Here's some from her trip to Nikolaev.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Korean community is in shock after learning that the mother of the two children, whose bodies were found in a suitcase almost two weeks ago, is thought to be a Korean-born New Zealander who’s been back in South Korea since 2018
Diane Lee, the co-president of the Korea-NZ Cultural Association joins me this morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
National leader Christopher Luxon is not ruling out working with Brian Tamaki’s new political party.
As protestors descended on Parliament grounds on Tuesday, Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki announced his new political party - Freedoms New Zealand.
Tova O’Brien asked Luxon on Wednesday morning if he would ever work with Tamaki if he got the 'five percent with that hodgepodge of fringe parties'.
"It is just far too early for me to speculate about any coalition arrangements or any agreements," Luxon replied.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Gaurav Sharma has been banished to the opposition backbenches.
Yesterday’s expulsion means he will remain an independent MP until the next election - if he chooses to stay on.
Today FM contacted Sharma last night who said he will make an announcement on his future in the coming days.
Labour will now appoint what is known as a "Buddy MP" to the Hamilton West electorate if constituents don’t wish to visit Sharma.
Martin Gallagher used to hold the Hamilton West seat for Labour, and the former MP joins us now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The worst of the wet weather is now out of the way for Nelson, but the effects will remain for a long time, and according to new research from Corelogic the cost of these incidents is set to rise further.
River flooding is already costing us $100 million dollars a year and is expected to increase by 17 percent by 2050.
Nick Goodall, the Head of Research at Corelogic is with us this morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The United States has warned Russia may be preparing to target civilian and government buildings this week to mark the six month anniversary of its invasion of Ukraine.
It’s advising American citizens to leave the country ahead of the Wednesday anniversary - the same day as Ukrainian independence day.
Nick Harper joins me from Washington.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When Nick Kingstone and his seven year old daughter Ava saw the devastating effects of the floods on their community in Nelson, they knew they wanted to do their bit to help.
So they baked a cake and a dozen cookies and delivered them to those working on the clean up in their neighbourhood!
Nick and Ava Kingstone join us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Volunteers make up 85 percent of firefighters across New Zealand and cover 93 percent of the countries land mass.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Round 2 of the parliament protests are set to kick off today (albeit on a much smaller scale), but should the convoys even be allowed near the Beehive?
Tova and Duncan will present the pros and cons!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A new social media app promising a more ‘authentic’ experience is receiving a roaring response with young people.
BeReal sends users one notification a day - giving them two minutes to post a picture of what they are doing right in that very moment.
It’s having a huge surge in popularity but will it last? Victoria University senior lecturer in Media Studies Michael Daubs joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Since the flooding started in Nelson, Scott May’s property has been hit with three slips.
One stretched across his lawn and deck, leaving a trail of mud right outside his door.
Nelson resident and flood victim, Scott May joins us this morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Labour MPs will soon be deciding to expel Gaurav Sharma from the party at their caucus meeting.
The wayward MP continues to drip feed information and throw dirt... though none of it’s really appearing to stick.
And parliament too is bracing for impact - anti-government protesters from all over the country are converging for hold a ‘people’s court’ for crimes against Kiwis.
Our Political Editor, Newsroom’s Jo Moir joins me now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The so-called ‘freedom’ protests brought central Wellington businesses to a grinding halt six months ago… even forcing some to close down completely
And with a potential resurgence today, many of those affected last time are growing nervous.
Backbencher Gastropub owner Alistair Boyce joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Students are being told ‘every school day is a big day’...the tagline of a new Government marketing campaign aimed at bolstering attendance.
Attendance has been slipping since 2015, exacerbated by COVID-19, with education officials at a loss as to how to bring it back up.
The government’s announced some packages of support, but it’s yet to make any difference.
President Secondary Principals' Association Vaughan Couillault joins us now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The state of emergency is set to remain in place in Nelson for another week as the region recovers from devastating floods.
Some of those who were evacuated have finally been able to return to their houses.
Vonda Blue, who’s 97 years young, is back home after having to flee and spend three nights sheltering with her niece.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our Tuesday panel here on Tova. Today you'll hear radio host and podcaster, the extraordinary PJ Harding - and NZ editor of The Conversation, the ever opinionated Finlay Macdonald.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
FACT Aotearoa describes itself as ‘a grass-roots activist group made up of volunteers from all professions’ committed to countering ‘harmful’ conspiracy theories.
In February FACT wrote an open letter to organisers, attendees, and supporters of the Wellington Parliamentary protests to ‘dissociate from all calls to arrest and detain politicians’ and others. FACT spokesperson Stephen Judd joins us to discuss the latest as we look ahead to more protests at parliament.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Most of the bad weather has passed for the South Island, but now the clean up has begun for those in Nelson.
A community meeting was held where desperate residents who had been evacuated, or whose homes had been affected, made pleas to Civil Defence and politicians for help.
Nelson mayor Rachel Reese was there and she joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Up to a thousand people are expected to converge at Parliament on Tuesday for a protest led by Destiny Church founder Brian Tamaki, with the Freedoms and Rights Coalition set to hold a people's court, outside Parliament.
Tamaki told the New Zealand Herald he did not want violence saying he’s 'got good people who are doing good security'.
But what is behind the planned protests? Rally leader Brian Tamaki spoke to Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today is surely the day that the Labour Party caucus gives Sharma the boot. Expelling him from the party
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Massey University's assistant professor in political theory, Grant Duncan joined Tova O'Brien to discuss.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sometimes on Debate Club, one of the participants will have to argue against a principle they truly believe in.
And today... it happened to Tova!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As quoted in Jurassic Park… “life finds a way”.
A multi-million dollar project is underway to try and resurrect an entire species from the dead.
Australia’s Tasmanian Tiger died out in the 1930s, but a team across the ditch has linked up with experts in the US to de-extinct it.
Professor Andrew Pask from Melbourne University School of Biosciences is leading the initiative and he joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Emergency Management Minister Kieran McAnulty is in Marlborough today to see first-hand what's been described as 'eye-watering' damage to the region
Communities in Rai Valley and Canvastown remain cut off, roads are closed, and farms are flooded.
Richard McNamara is Marlborough's Civil Defence management controller and he joins us with the latest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
COVID and the weather may have delayed the opening of Costco’s $100 million megastore in West Auckland, but interest in the members-only retailer continues to mount on social media.
The warehouse style store allows shoppers to buy all kinds of consumer goods - from diamond rings to cooked chickens - at lower prices.
In theory, buying in bulk should help reduce the bills, as long as we follow a few golden rules. Here to discuss is senior lecturer in retailing, Megan Phillip.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The protesters say they will hold a people’s court on Parliament’s steps for “crimes against Kiwis”.
Though it’s unclear exactly what they’re protesting, given many of the issues raised by protesters at the occupation six months ago are no longer relevant
Disinformation researcher Byron Clark joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero, and on Mondays it’s our former MPs.
Former Green MP Sue Bradford is joined today by former United Future leader Peter Dunne, and we'll look at Ukrainian special visas, and a new round of protesting.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After spending close to two decades behind bars for a crime he did not commit, Alan Hall has filed a claim for compensation.
He spent 37 years fighting to prove his innocence, after being convicted for the 1985 murder of Arthur Easton.
If the compensation claim is successful, it could be the biggest payout in New Zealand history.
Investigator Tim McKinnel who led the campaign to prove Alan’s innocence joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A global review of problem gambling has revealed most people with serious addictions will never access treatment services.
The report collates data from Government surveys across the globe and shows about one in every 400 adults has sought help.
But that only accounts for 0.2 percent of adults who struggle with gambling.
Auckland University of Technology Associate Professor in Psychology and Neuroscience Dr Simone Rodda co-authored the review and joins us to discuss the findings!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
February the 24th is the day Russia invaded Ukraine.
For Anna Zaichenko it’s also the day her mother died of a heart attack.
A week later her grandmother died.
Then, her brother George was killed on the frontline by Russian forces
Yet when she tried to get his only daughter Olga to New Zealand their application for the Ukraine Special Visa, was refused.
Before I went to Ukraine I met Anna at her home in Howick.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wood spoke to Tova O'Brien on Monday morning and admitted his department may be rejecting special Ukraine visas, without merit.
Currently, only immediate family members can be sponsored not extended, unless there are extenuating factors.
Wood told O'Brien he will be speaking to staff to clarify the policy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
George - Anna’s brother, Olga’s dad - had retired from the military, and planned to settle, but when the capital was attacked he took Olga to safety and re-enlisted.
He was in the last vehicle in a convoy when a missile hit and he was killed.
Olga still struggles to believe it happened.
I visited Olga in her small Kyiv apartment.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Former negotiator Lance Burdett shares views on how to prevent the upcoming Wellington protest from devolving into chaos like last time
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Each week our producer Jeremy is given the task of putting a news item to the sound of music. And it hasn't escaped his attention that the PM never seems to want to be on our show...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our show is proudly sponsored by a great Kiwisaver called Generate, but what sort of debate would be generated if Kiwisaver was mandatory? Maybe more of your income should even go into it?
Let's see what Duncan and Tova have to say!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kathleen Zellner is one of America’s leading private attorneys.
In her three decades long career she has righted more wrongful prosecutions than any other lawyer.
She's successfully exonerated 19 innocent people, and won over $90 million US in post conviction relief.
Her sight’s now set on clearing her 20th name.
Steven Avery has been the subject of the hit Netflix docuseries Making a Murderer.
He was convicted for the 2005 murder of photographer Teresa Halbach, but Zellner believes she has the evidence to prove he didn’t do it.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's been a heck of a last 72 hours for the Labour party - accusations of bullying and lying, MPs getting stood down, denials... and it all points back to one Dr Gaurav Sharma.
Political journalist for Newsroom, Emma Hatton, joins us with the latest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
An unfathomable discovery in South Auckland last week... two residents opened up suitcases purchased as part of a storage unit auction to find the bodies of two children inside.
Police are keeping details close at this stage, but have confirmed the children have relatives in New Zealand, and it's possible their families are not aware they died several years ago.
Interpol is also involved.
Manurewa Ward Councillor Daniel Newman joins us now with the latest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As hundreds of people were evacuated from their homes when the wild weather slammed Nelson, a small group of people in the CBD found themselves exposed to the elements with nowhere to go.
The designated Civil Defence centre was too far out of town for the small homeless community there, and as the rain set in community leaders sprung to action.
City Councillor and mayoral candidate Matt Lawrey was one of those involved in transporting the group of around five to a church for shelter - and last night that number grew as the word got out.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel! Since it's Friday we’re joined by The Spinoff’s bulletin editor Anna Rawhiti-Connell, and columnist Shane Te Pou.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The war in Ukraine has forced the transformation of places and people.
Before the Russian invasion on February 24th, Mykyta Zavilinkskyi was a commercial photographer and photojournalist - now he’s a combat medic, helping save lives on the frontline.
We met Mykita in Kyiv and began by asking what life’s been like since that fateful day in February.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This morning we’re looking at an issue from two different perspectives - Reserve Bank housing predictions!
The central bank announced yesterday it’s predicting house prices could fall up to 20% from their peak.
So we’ll talk to housing commentator Ashley Church, who thinks that’s rubbish, but first Reserve Bank Chief Economist Paul Conway joins us!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nearly 2,000 professional firefighters will walk off the job for the first time in New Zealand’s history today between 11am and midday, citing a crisis in the sector with poor pay and working conditions.
The strike action includes all career fire stations, training centres and 111 fire communications centres.
The NZ Professional firefighters union president Joe Stanley joins us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Incredibly distressing news out of Manurewa - with police confirming two bodies found inside a suitcase belong to primary-aged children who may have been dead for several years.
The suitcase was bought as part of a storage facility auction, and residents of Moncrieff Avenue unwittingly took it home.
It’s hard to grapple with what they would have been like... discovering the suitcase contents. Harder still to imagine what the family of the children are going through.
No arrests have been made, but interpol is involved suggesting the suspects have left the country.
Child Matters CEO Jane Searle joins us to talk through the sad story.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Each week our Today FM sports guru John Day looks at what's coming up in sport this weekend. Black Ferns, All Blacks, Black Caps, boxing, NPC... it's all on!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr Sharma has taken specific aim at Minister Kieran McAnulty accusing him of bullying, McAnulty told Today FM's Tova, that he rejects the claims.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rogue Labour MP Guarav Sharma has slammed the Prime Minister, calling her a liar, in a scathing interview with Tova O'Brien.
He is accusing Jacinda Ardern, and her office, of covering up bullying allegations.
The suspended MP told Tova that she should be investigated.
Jacinda Ardern's office says a caucus meeting will be held on Tuesday, about his expulsion.
"What else does it add up to," Sharma said when asked by Tova if Ardern was a liar.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's Tova's first Debate Club back after her trip to Ukraine, so she took Duncan on in a debate about how safe a place Aotearoa is to live in... after being in a war zone?
Surely this one should be an easy win for her? Right?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A new documentary hitting cinemas today is lifting the veil on West Coast commune Gloriavale.
It follows the lives of two ousted members, John Ready and Virginia Courage, plaintiffs in court proceedings accusing the community leaders of human rights and employment breaches.
The gritty watch is a rare snapshot into the psychological barriers that are preventing many of the 600 members inside from leaving.
Co-director Fergus Grady joins us with more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This is possibly our sunniest segment of the week, maybe because our next correspondent is Los Angeles based. It is our wonderful entertaiment reporter Carol Ramos, and she's got the latest developments on Elvis, The Oscars righting a wrong, and Johnny Depp.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for our panel segment Pae Korero, and on Thursdays we welcome Associate Professor in History at The University of Auckland, Caroline Daley... and The Spinoff’s editor at large, Toby Manhire.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
COVID-19 forced companies to flex and introduce flexible working conditions, equipping staff to get the job done from home. Post lockdown a lot of people are still enjoying the freedom of choosing when they work, how they work and where they work from.
But concerns are growing over the unintended consequences of flexible working, a biggie being the inability to switch off.
Today we speak to Josie Shelley, founder of Humancode - a company aimed at coaching employers to adapt to new ways of work - and psychologist Dr Dougal Sutherland on the pressures that working from home can add.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
I met him in Mycolaiv, in the south of Ukraine, where he was delivering food parcels to Ukrainian civilians who had lost their homes, jobs, and loved ones.
Owen has hooked into a network of missionaries, The Great Commission Society, led by British evangelist Tony Anthony. I spoke to them both at a church not far from the frontlines.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When the FBI found nearly a dozen sets of classified documents at former US President Donald Trump’s unsecured Mar-a-Lago home, Trump initially suggested the agents had planted the evidence.
Trump aides then went on to claim the former President had a standing order to declassify documents that left the Oval Office for his residence.
Ambassador John Bolton was the United States National Security Advisor under President Trump until September 2019, and would almost certainly know if that order existed.
"I don't think there is any such order," Bolton told Tova O'Brien on Thursday morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Speaking to Tova O'Brien the former ABs captain shared his support for coach Ian Foster and skipper Sam Cane in their respective roles.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Speaking to Today FM's Tova O'Brien, Hart said the new blood brought in to assist Foster has convinced him the All Blacks are on the right path.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Peeni Henare told Tova O'Brien he hasn't received a request for any special forces in any of his meetings with Zelensky and Ukrainian Defence Minister Reznikov.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As we look back at Tova's interview with Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelensky and her trip to the war torn nation, she gives us a wrap up on her thoughts now she's seen it all first hand.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listening to the sit down interview with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky were two former New Zealand Defence Ministers who both have a deep interest and understanding of the impact of war continuing in Ukraine... We welcome Wayne Mapp and Ron Mark to the show.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's Pae Korero - the powerbroker edition! Talking to us about Tova's trip to Ukraine is Labour Minister Kiritapu Allen, and National’s 3IC Chris Bishop.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s a particular type of Kiwi who’s willing to put their life on the line to help defend and support a country and its people, half a world away.
They all have different reasons, different motivations.
We spoke to four New Zealanders risking everything on the frontlines of Ukraine’s fight against the Russian invasion. One of those was former Tauranga mayor, businessman and former soldier, Tenby Powell.
Why has he risked everything to help out on the other side of the world? Because, he says, ‘Ukraine is worth fighting for’.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Since the start of the war New Zealand has provided around $31 million in aid to Ukraine in a range of different ways.
There’s been the $7.5 million for weapons and ammunition, $8 million in humanitarian aid, and $13.1 million in non-lethal military support.
But the question remains - should New Zealand be doing more? The Ukrainian President certainly thinks so - so too all the Kiwis we spoke to on the ground in Ukraine.
Professor of Politics and Director of International Studies at the University of Otago Robert Patman joins us with his thoughts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jenny Beesley isn’t afraid to die for Ukraine.
The Kiwi is Chief Combat Medic with the Number One International Company, a unit of international volunteers and Ukrainians.
She can’t put her finger on exactly why former defence personnel are drawn to this war. But, like her, a lot are.
I caught up with Jenny on our final day in Kyiv, and asked her what it's like performing her duties on the frontlines, with all the stresses and pressures of a very active war.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hamilton West MP Gaurav Sharma, who raised allegations of bullying in Parliament, has become the first Labour MP to be suspended since Chris Carter back in 2010.
The Prime Minister says Sharma’s repeated breach of caucus rules in the past 5 days prompted the unanimous decision.
Sharma’s status will be reviewed in December when and if, as the PM put it, “trust in Gaurav is able to be restored”.
Here for more on this is former Labour Party President Sir Bob Harvey.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
I’m just a few hours back in the country from interviewing the Ukrainian President and travelling the country to see firsthand the destruction this war has caused.
We have always campaigned on this show to do more to support Ukraine - this trip has strengthened our resolve.
When our Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, was invited to travel to Kyiv during her whirlwind European tour she declined the offer in favour of a phone call, blaming a scheduling conflict.
In my opinion, that was a mistake.
Over our 6 days on the ground in Ukraine, cameraman Simon Morrow and I talked to Ukrainians all over the country, to New Zealanders helping with the humanitarian efforts and Kiwis laying their lives on the line to fight for Ukraine.
Here is a small insight into our trip.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The U.S. Justice Department says it won’t release details about the warrant that was issued to search the home of former President Donald Trump.
Earlier this month FBI agents removed a number of boxes from Trump’s home in Mar-a-Lago that reportedly contained classified and top secret documents. The former President described it as a politically-motivated raid.
For more we’re joined by our U.S. correspondent in New York, Will Denselow.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The much-anticipated interview of Volodymyr Zelensky has finally aired in full on Today FM.
Breakfast host Tova O’Brien made a 50-hour trek for the meeting with the Ukrainian President in Kyiv, the only New Zealander to speak with him face-to-face since the war began.
He did not disappoint. From candid answers about his personal health and the difficulty he faces maintaining contact with his children, to a chill warning of a potential nuclear disaster and confirmation they need more support from countries like New Zealand.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern continues to refuse requests from Today FM to discuss Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's pleas for more support from New Zealand.
Ardern turned down the opportunity to visit Zelensky during her European tour last month but an open invitation remains.
Speaking to Today FM, National Party leader Christopher Luxon revealed he would have accepted the invitation and done all he could to make a meeting happen.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
I think there's still a chapter or two left to write in what's become known as the Sharma drama.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is the Government going light on sex offenders?
That’s what the ACT Party is accusing them of.
Over the past five years, the number of child sex offenders doing time at home has increased by 75 percent, according to the party.
396 child sex offenders are now being electronically monitored at home - that’s up from 226 in 2017.
ACT Party leader David Seymour says the party obtained the information after making a written parliamentary question to the Corrections Minister, from ACT's corrections spokesperson Tony Severin.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"It helps to train a new group of soldiers, people who don't have military training, who will now be trained by the New Zealanders."
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There's been some talk recently about bullying culture, how you define it, and where it's worst. Are boy's schools rife with it?
Listen to Duncan and Rachel's debate on it!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Supporters of former US President Donald Trump have come to his defence - gathering outside the FBI’s office in Phoenix over what they claim was an unlawful search at his Mar-a-lago resort.
The FBI have seized eleven sets of classified documents that Trump took with him when he left the White House.
Richard Painter is the former White House ethics lawyer under the George W. Bush administration, and he joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Wellington occupation of Parliament in February drew disaffected New Zealanders from all parts of the country.
While their reasons for rallying varied wildly, the steady flow of disinformation that drove them was easily accessible to all - in online forums everywhere.
A new Stuff Circuit documentary investigates how the protest was used by some, not just to peddle falsehoods, but to seek more sinister objectives.
To discuss this, we have Stuff Circuit investigative journalist Paula Penfold.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The All Blacks headed to Johannesburg, bruised, battered & with a coach unsure of whether he will have a job by this time next week.
But the performance shown at Ellis Park yesterday was the polar opposite to what we have become accustomed to over recent months. It was hearty, destructive and dominant from the kick off to the final whistle.
But is it all a little too late for coach Ian Foster?
Brendon Nel is a South African rugby journalist, and he gives us his take on the situation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel here on Tova. On Monday's it's our Former MPs. They’re insightful, they’re wise, and they’re with us this morning!
He was once a National minister and Attorney General - Chris Finlayson - and she was once a Green MP - Sue Bradford.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Salman Rushdie’s agent has said the author's "road to recovery" will be long after a knife attack on Friday left him with severe injuries.
Rushdie is still in a critical condition but his son has tweeted that "his usual feisty and defiant sense of humour remains intact".
We talk to USA correspondent Jagruti Dave with the latest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hospitality venues are feeling the pinch of the sluggish return of international visitors.
Over the weekend a job fair was held in Auckland with some restaurant owners hoping to hire at least a dozen staff.
It was an incredibly tough run for the industry through COVID, with many people emerging from the lengthy lockdowns to find their favourite haunts shut down for good.
Mike Egan is the Restaurant Association president, and also owns a bar in Wellington… so we’re checking in to see how it's all going.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s our largest city, and our economic powerhouse - so whoever the mayor is, it's important for us all.
One Auckland mayoral candidate is making an unexpected rise up the ranks.
The latest poll shows support for businessman Wayne Brown – sitting just behind the frontrunner Efeso Collins.
Brown’s website describes him as ‘The Fixer’... find out what his five core policies are as he speaks with Rachel Smalley!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dawn Dadswell and her husband Wayne David Auld have been a couple for over 25 years, and they have two children – but their time together as a family is running out.
Wayne, who is 50, has been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. He needs a drug called Keytruda – but it’s not funded in New Zealand.
In the OECD there are only two countries who don’t fund Keytruda – Slovakia and New Zealand. Yet lung cancer remains our biggest cancer killer - this week 34 people will die from it.
Keytruda has been sitting on Pharmac’s waiting list for some years, and there may be a change in 8 months... but that will be too late for Wayne and another 1000 kiwis who will die from lung cancer in that time.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What does the All Blacks coach have to do to hang on to his role?
Former All Blacks coach Laurie Mains is unconvinced that players' opinions should be taken into account when it comes to deciding Ian Foster's future.
Some of the players seem to be standing by Foster posting pictures of themselves with him - implying they have his back.
NZR's chief executive Mark Robinson hasn't endorsed Foster in the role for the next test against Argentina in less than a fortnight, prompting captain Sam Cane to offer insight and opinion on Foster to the NZR board or anyone else.
But Mains told Today FM's Rachel Smalley that he's not sure that's a good idea.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
OPINION: How long does it take you to make a decision about whether or not to buy something?
You’ve got all the information in front of you. You know it’s a good product. It works. You need it. And you’ve got the money to buy it. So how long will it take?
What if I said that every week that passes where you don’t make a decision, 26 New Zealanders will die? What then? Do you think you could focus or add some urgency to that decision?
I’m pretty sure you could.
Why is it, then, that the same level of urgency doesn’t apply to Government – and in particular, to Pharmac, our drug-buying agency?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The civilian killings at Bucha have become a symbol of brutality of the war in Ukraine.
They were carried out as Russia launched a failed effort to capture the capital after it invaded the country in February.
Reflecting on that massacre, as we near six months of the war, here's our World News Editor Kate Gregan.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Each week our Producer Jeremy is given the task of putting together a song from something that's been in the news, and this week he landed on the fact that Air New Zealand will be trimming back around 1.5% of their flights over the next few months...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's been a crazy last couple of years due to countries closing their borders, and putting travel restrictions in place. But remember when it wasn't like that? Is the world ready to go back to a time when the doors were flung open, and people could come and go in a much easier way?
And are Duncan and Rachel ready to debate that moot?!?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Zealand’s own Shihad are returning for some very special shows - touring their latest album Old Gods this September across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.
Tickets are on sale now - for complete tour and ticket information, visit livenation.co.nz
The band began playing live in 1988 (that’s 32 years ago!), and they’ve now released 12 studio albums, exactly half of which have gone to number one on the album charts… Meaning that they are the Kiwi act with the most number one albums of all time!
Jon Toogood is their frontman and an old god of Kiwi rock himself!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The countdown is on for Ian Foster and the All Blacks as they face this weekend's crucial rematch against South Africa.
Foster’s banking on some changes that have been made to the team… but will it be enough?
Newshub sports reporter Ollie Ritchie is in Johannesburg and joins us this morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero, our panel here on Tova. To round off the week we have two passionate news junkies with us - Political commentator Shane Te Pou along with Anna Rawhiti-Connell, The Spinoff’s bulletin editor.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The way we are fined for driving offences may be about to get an overhaul.
Ministry of Transport has provided advice to Transport Minister Michael Wood on ‘a package of proposals’ which could see a change in penalties and fines for motorists.
But the head of a driver education network says the key to making our roads safer is by improving the skills of our drivers. and the resources to do so are still not being prioritised.
Wendy Robertson is the National Coordinator for Driving Change and she joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The death of architect Sir Miles Warren is prompting a flood of tributes.
He’s described as one of our greatest architects, and he’s been behind a series of striking buildings since the 1950s - including the Christchurch Town Hall and the Michael Fowler Centre in Wellington.
Sir Miles Warren was 93.
We’re joined now by Jeremy Hansen, editor of the 2014 book ‘Modern’ which looks at New Zealand homes from the 1930s to the 1970s.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It hasn’t been a good NRL season so far for the Warriors….but it’s been a while, to be fair, since they have had a good season.
They haven’t made the playoffs since 2018, and as the losses this season keep stacking up, they are tracking towards their second-worst season ever.
Cameron George is the club’s CEO, and he joins us for a reflective chat where he's looking forward to better times!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Zealand’s diplomatic ties with Ukraine have stepped up this week with the appointment of a new ambassador.
Vasyl Myroschnychenko has arrived from Australia, where he’s has been serving as Ukraine’s most senior regional diplomat. He will now act as ambassador to both Australia and New Zealand.
Vasyl Myroschnychenko joins me now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There are calls to raise the age of criminal responsibility in New Zealand from 10 to 14.
At the moment 10 year olds can be prosecuted for the most serious of crimes, and Amnesty International says the minimum age needs to lift to 14.
Lisa Wood is Amnesty’s campaigns director in New Zealand, and she joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tova joined Rachel Smalley live from Ukraine to elaborate further on her time with Volodymyr Zelensky, what Ukraine is like and more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tova joined Rachel Smalley live from Ukraine to share her experience so far, what it was like meeting the Ukrainian President and more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tens of thousands of people have been killed, millions have fled their homes, entire cities have been reduced to rubble and both sides are digging in
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Love them, or hate them, dogs are everywhere. They're in many homes around the country, and some dog owners think there's nothing wrong with their woofer running free.
Time for Rachel and Duncan to debate!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As Christchurch sprawls towards the neighbouring districts of Selwyn and Waimakariri, there is a growing conversation about whether it should become a Supercity.
Recent data from Statistics New Zealand predicts that Christchurch's population will hit 640,000 within two decades.
And with new projects like the multi-use arena ‘Te Kaha’, and road networks set to connect the outer parts of Christchurch to the CBD, many believe ratepayers who live outside the current city should be contributing financially to its growth.
Today we’ll hear from Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce CEO Leann Watson, and Papanui Ward Councillor Mike Davidson.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Time now for the latest from Hollywood with the one and only Carol Ramos - our LA based entertainment reporter.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A couple of weeks ago Kylie Jenner got in her private plane and took a 17 minute trip to go from one town to another. The same distance that it would have taken 40 minutes to drive to. The celebrity was promptly blasted on Twitter for having no regard for climate change. Many commentators wrote pieces about the trip, but one that stood out was from anthropologist at Indiana University Richard Wilk. He joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Air New Zealand have announced today that they will reduce their flight schedule over the next six months, partly due to overwhelming staff illness.
The airline will operate with 1.5 per cent fewer seats than originally planned, meaning around 100,000 ticket holders out of 11 million bookings could have their flight cancelled.
Both Air New Zealand's domestic and international schedule will operate at 90% of the pre-pandemic capacity for the next six months.
We spoke to former CEO of Aviation NZ, Irene King, and got her take on what this all means.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Secondary school students are getting a bit of a helping hand from the Government this year for those all important NCEA merit and excellence endorsements. Students will now only require 46 credits instead of the 50 previously required, and University entrance has changed too - with 14 credits required in each of 2 approved subjects and 12 credits in a third approved subject.
For more on this we are joined by the Associate Minister for Education Jan Tinetti.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel here on Tova.
On Thursdays we enjoy the company of two sharp minds - Auckland history professor Caroline Daley and The Spinoff’s editor-at-large Toby Manhire.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In an effort to get a foothold in the property market, families are increasingly combining funds. Mum, Dad, the adults kids, the grandkids… get them all in there under one roof!
Parents can provide the equity and credit history in many cases, and the children are earning the income to service the loan.
Mortgage adviser Stuart Wills from Mortgage Managers has been fielding inquiries from a number of extended families, and he talks us through the idea.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How is New Zealand tracking in terms of pest eradication?
Not least because we have that lofty goal of being Predator Free by 2050.
New research has been released by the University of Auckland and Manaaki Whenua - or Land Research - looking at our history of eradicating pests from islands.
The study’s author is James Russell from the University of Auckland's school of biological sciences, and he joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"I sincerely hope today's boarders have a very different experience. If not, we're unleashing very broken young men into society."
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Let’s talk about vaping. Particularly how we’re regulating vaping here in New Zealand.
In Australia, you need a prescription to obtain an e-cigarette. Vapes are very much seen as a smoking cessation device.
It’s not a perfect system, you can still access vapes online. But Australia is aware it's an issue.
CEO of the Australian Council on Smoking and Health, Maurice Swanson, said these vape devices are being designed, marketed and sold to kids online.
"I know you’ve tightened up those laws recently," said Swanson.
"But what you’ve seen in NZ is an increase in smoking following a very solid and continuous downward trend in smoking."
So, what are we doing here? Vaping is highly accessible and marketed to young people throughout the country.
Associate Health Minister Ayesha Verrall said vaping should be being used as a "tool" to support quitting smoking cigarettes.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Senior Political reporter Andrea Vance told Rachel Smalley as long as it's an isolated, it shouldn't have any major impact on National in the upcoming election.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the wake of the Sam Uffindell saga, we wondered if it was better for politicians should be squeaky clean, or to have lead a less sheltered life.
Rachel is in for Tova, and she took on Duncan in a debate for the ages!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Actress and singer Olivia Newton-John’s death is having a profound impact on her fans.
Perhaps it was the 73 year old’s ability to resonate with everyday people despite her fame.
Our next guest knew her better than most - Timothy Ewbank wrote a biography about her, and he joins us with some fascinating insights.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's one of the coldest weeks of the year, and that'll be making it just a bit tougher for families in need.
The Salvation Army and Countdown are looking to offer some support through an online foodbank.
We're joined by Tessa Reardon, the business partnership manager with the Salvation Army, to discuss the venture.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's Pae Korero, which translates into "The Panel" in case you were wondering. Today's the powerbroker edition, as we welcome in Labour Minister Ginny Andersen and National’s 3IC Chris Bishop.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Many of us have had a flight cancelled or delayed, leaving us stranded at an airport somewhere in New Zealand or the world for hours.
However in some circumstances you may be able to get a refund. Here for more on this is Consumer NZ CEO Jon Duffy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Zealand and the US have shaken hands on a deal aimed at bolstering emergency management capabilities.
The memorandum of cooperation means best practices of past disasters can be shared.
Minister for Emergency Management Kieran McAnulty joins us now to discuss the ramifications.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What’s behind the FBI raid on Donald Trump’s Mar-a-lago home in Florida?
It centres around 15 boxes of documents that were allegedly taken from the White House at the end of Trump’s presidency.
Jill Wine-Banks was General Counsel of the Army to President Jimmy Carter…and was one of the prosecutors on the Watergate scandal. She joins us with the latest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The new Firearms Prohibition Bill was passed by the Government last night.
The new law helps to reduce firearm related crime by targeting possession, use, or carriage of firearms by people whose actions and behaviours demonstrate risk.
Police Minister Chris Hipkins joins us with all the details.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This is a really concerning story – there’s been a dramatic drop in routine childhood immunisations.
Immunisation coverage at six months of age has fallen in Aotearoa from a high of around 80% in early 2020 to 67% by June of this year.
It’s part of a global trend – UNICEF and the World Health Organisation have also waded in on the global issue.
Auckland University Pediatrics Researcher Anna Howe has been analysing some of the data, and is here to break it down for us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The National Party has just held their annual conference where leader Christopher Luxon announced how he would get the youth unemployed into work.
Also, in the 1 News/Kantar poll this week, for the first time, National found itself in a position to form a Government with ACT.
It's a fairly good week if you're National.
But then serious and significant allegations started to bubble up about Sam Uffindell, the Tauranga MP, causing him to be stood down by Luxon.
Luxon told Smalley on Wednesday morning that the further allegations that emerged on Tuesday evening were "very serious and concerning."
A former female flatmate of Uffindell made allegations about his behaviour, on RNZ.
Uffindell said in a statement there was a falling out with flatmates, but rejects any accusations of bullying or intimidatory behaviour.
"I moved very quickly last night to make sure that we get an independent investigation," said Luxon.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
OPINION: Where there's smoke there can be fire. When the smoke rings keep coming -- that indicates the emergence of a pattern of behaviour, however long ago.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rachel Smalley is in for Tova this week, and it's time for her to take on Duncan Garner!
After some tourists were found to have swam in sacred waters near Rotorua this week, are there some places where they should be banned from entering?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero, our panel on Tova. Today we're joined by radio host and podcater PJ Harding, and NZ editor of The Conversation, Finlay MacDonald.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Do you give money to charity? And if so, do you ever search internally as to why?
A researcher at Otago University is delving into the reasons why people give, and where they are most likely to donate to.
Professor Stephen Knowles joins us now to tell us more about the ‘warm glow’ phenomenon.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There's always two sides of the story, and we like to hit it from both sides of the argument.
Today we're talking about national’s new policy, designed to reward young jobseekers for getting off welfare.
If you’re under 25, have been on a benefit for at least three months, and you are employed for a year, you’ll receive a $1000 bonus.
To check out both sides we're joined by youth advocate AJ Hendry, and National’s Social Development spokesperson Louise Upston.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Four-time gold medalist cyclist Aaron Gate will lead out the New Zealand team as they celebrate this country's most successful Commonwealth Games ever.
He joined us to talk through the highlights of Birmingham 2022!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
At age 18, Paul Wood was swept up in a world of drugs and violence. The experience saw him serving 11 years for murder at New Zealand’s toughest jail - Paremoremo. As challenging and difficult that time was, Wood describes it as a period that forced him to completely reevaluate his life. After completing a PHD in psychology, he now teaches and mentors many corporate clients in leadership. He sees Sam Uffindell’s recent revelation as an example of how we need to be able forgive people for the mistakes made when they are young.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For months (in fact years now) we’ve been using hand sanitizers, masking up, and socially distancing.
However, in the middle of all of that germ dodging, could we have overlooked the biggest germ carrier? You know it... it’s your phone.
You can get UV sanitizers for your phone, and they even come with an aromatherapy function too, but what do we need to know about the device that seldom leaves our side?
Dr Stephen Archer is a microbiologist with the answers to this rather grim question...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A One News/Kantar poll has revealed the Labour Party has dropped two points in popularity, although Jacinda Ardern is still the preferred PM.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The party's newest MP, Sam Uffindell, admits he was asked to leave Kings College in year 11, for his role in assaulting a younger student.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
While New Zealand licks its wounds after the All Blacks’ weekend defeat, it made for a pretty extraordinary 80 minutes if you were South African.
There have only ever been three test matches in Mbombela, this was the first time the All Blacks have played there - and it was in front of 42,000 fans!
South African journalist Brenden Nel was in the crowd, and joins us to talk us through what it was like to be there.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
232 athletes, 48 medals and counting… it’s shaping up to be one of our most successful Commonwealth Games so far!
With all of the highs, undoubtedly there will have been lows for those whose sporting campaigns did not go to plan this year.
54-year-old Chef de Mission Nigel Avery is right behind the team in Birmingham, and he's tasked with maintaining athlete wellbeing.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Te Puia, Rotorua’s top cultural venue, has promised it will no longer allow tourists to swim in thermal waters regarded by local Iwi as sacred.
They've admitted some visitors - including overseasTV presenters - took the plunge at The Blueys, a pool considered taonga by Tuhourangi-Ngāti Wahiao.
There’s been significant fall out on social media, with tribal descendants expressing their anger.
Te Puia’s CEO is Tim Cossar, and he joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero, our panel show! On Mondays it's our Statespeople - our former MPs.
He was once a National minister and Attorney General, it’s Chris Finlayson. She was once a Green MP - Sue Bradford.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Grocery giant Foodstuffs is sharing its data on what it costs to buy goods in a bid to explain what is driving increasing prices at the checkout.
An Infometrics report, commissioned by Foodstuffs, says supplier cost increases have increased to 7.9 percent per annum in July - up from 7.1 percent in June.
Fruit and Vege are key drivers with the supplier cost increasing 16 percent last month.
Butchery and Seafood is also up - quite a lot actually – more than 9 percent over the last year.
Brad Olsen is principal economist at Infometrics, and he talks us through the reasons.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rachel Smalley was in for Tova today, so she definitely got a headstart in her first Debate Club.
Can Duncan argue the NZ Rugby should keep Ian Foster on? It gets closer than you'd think!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The term 'out of sight, out of mind' is no excuse for a group of volunteer divers with a mission to clean up our seas.
Ghost Diving NZ spends hours below the surface around Wellington's coastline, clearing away tonnes of litter from the seabeds.
The group has been running clean-ups since 2015, 'decrittering' the rubbish before piling it up for collection by the city council.
Speaking to Rachel Smalley on Tova, Ghost Diving NZ founder Rob Wilson said they are currently trying to estimate the amount of rubbish they have cleared since the group began.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"There are many improvements they can make in the personnel, they still have people playing out of position all over the pitch."
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New National Party President Sylvia Wood is taking a 'there's no I in team' approach with winning the 2023 election her top priority.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We know what long-term unemployment can trigger. A loss of confidence, a loss of purpose, a loss of aspiration.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Zealand doesn’t have a great track record when it comes to LGBTQI+ representation in sports.
So far there have been no openly gay All Blacks - the true giant of New Zealand sport and a worldwide brand that represents this country on the global scene.
That’s not to say there are not or haven’t been any gay All Blacks, but perhaps none who have felt comfortable enough or able to open up about their sexuality.
On Friday, Carly Flynn spoke to NZR's culture, diversity and inclusion manager Judy O'Brien about what they are doing to improve inclusion in rugby.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health outcomes for rural communities may be poorer than previously thought.
Researchers from Otago and Waikato Universities have been tasked with redefining 'rural' in a health context and found there have been 30 different definitions over the past two decades.
It means there is no clear data on the inequities between city and rural dwellers… potentially leading to inaccurate information and bad advice for those in those communities.
Speaking to Carly Flynn on Tova, Otago Associate Professor Garry Nixon explained how they categorise rural health.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Armed with good form and a relaxed attitude, Hamish Kerr soared away through his final yesterday to become the first Kiwi male high jumper to win Commonwealth Games gold.
The Christchurch-based Kerr ended up in a head-to-head battle with Australian Brandon Starc, the 2018 gold medal winner - and when he finally clinched the win he said he was ‘stoked’.
And we were too.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cruise ships... they bring a lot of tourists to New Zealand, and we'll see more of them now the NZ borders become more and more open.
So let's hear Tova and Duncan debate if we should get more in our waters... or less?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
And now to the wonderful world of celebrity and all the glamour, glory and quirkiness therein - our delightful entertainment reporter Carol Ramos has been living and breathing the potpourri of silly, weird and awkward in Hollywood this week!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Zealand doesn’t have a great track record when it comes to LGBTQI+ representation in sport.
Earlier this week our first ever gay Black Cap, Heath Davis, spoke publicly about his sexuality and experience as a gay athlete, and so far there have been no openly gay All Blacks.
That’s not to say there are not or haven’t been any, but perhaps none who felt comfortable enough or able to open up about their sexuality.
Proud 2 Play is an organisation working to increase LGBTQI+ engagement in sport, and spokesperson Craig Watson joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel here on Tova! On Thursdays we enjoy the company of Auckland History professor Caroline Daley, and The Spinoff’s Editor-at-large Toby Manhire.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Judoka Moira Koster is one of our newest medalists, taking out bronze overnight - a sensational comeback after six years off the international mat.
She wraps up the event for us, and gives us an insight into coming back to competitive Judo after having a child!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta is due to meet China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Cambodia this afternoon, as Beijing undertakes military exercises near Taiwan.
It’s Mahuta’s first face to face get together with Wang, and takes place amid mounting tension between China and the United States following US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan. Joining us now to discuss is a man who knows all about international relations, Robert Patman from Otago University.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s been revealed that the US Defence department wiped the texts of key army and department of justice officials relating to events surrounding the January 6th insurrection
And while the secret service claims they only found this out in December of last year, sources have told CNN they actually knew seven months earlier in May.
Joining us for more on this is Norman Ornstein, Emeritus scholar at the American Enterprise Institute.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Tuesday you might have heard our interview with the co-author of a major report investigating the government’s plans to abolish the children’s commissioner, saying the move could cause harm to children and young people.
The role’s being replaced by a board, it's monitoring and investigating functions are being folded into other government agencies, and motives are being questioned.
Social Development Minister Carmel Sepuloni joins us to talk through developments.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Unemployment has defied all economist and bank predictions, and nudged up slightly last quarter from 3.2% to 3.3 - a measly 0.1 percentage point jump from the record low we’ve been sitting at this year.
That just speaks volumes as to how tight the labour market is right now. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen joins us with more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The US state of Kansas has voted decisively to uphold women's right to abortion access - a major victory for pro-choice campaigners.
The referendum in the conservative state was the first test of public support for the issue, following the US Supreme Court's decision to strike down the federal abortion protections.
US correspondent Ira Spitzer joins us with the latest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Just like it says on the box, we catch up with Today FM's Sports Editor, the fantastic Nigel Yalden, who wraps up all the action from Birmingham.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nurses of University of Auckland Association social representative Tess Connolly joined Tova to share the perspective of nursing students, whether NZ is currently in a health 'crisis' and more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Season two of What You Don't Know About launches this week. And Carly's first guest is China Girl, a humble kiwi model who experienced a short but intense romance with the one and only David Bowie. Follow the podcast below.
https://linktr.ee/whatyoudontknowabout
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It might seem obvious to most of us that when you put cleanser on to wash your face, you rinse it off before you moisturise.
But when Kiwi duo, Two Dudes Skincare, road-tested their products they found some men needed a bit more help with the basics… and that by getting men more into skincare routines there are wider well-being gains to be had too.
One of the two dudes, Tomas Tappin, joined Tova O'Brien on Thursday morning to discuss how their business concept came about.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion: Every government has them.
Those moments become emblematic of their Achilles heel.
Policies or episodes that remind us politicians, and governments are sometimes just a bit crap.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Earlier this week we revealed just 166 people have applied for visas under the government’s new immigration reset green list in its first month
We also revealed the government’s estimate for how many should have applied - 3500
Those numbers again - it should have been 3500, we’ve had 166
And it looks like this might be in large part down to the fact businesses here can’t get through the quagmire of red tape the government’s insisting they need to get accredited and get the staff
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Of course we don't want to see our youths ending up in jail, but when they break the law, how far do you take the phrase "the punishment fits the crime"?
Join Tova and Duncan as they debate a topic that got quite heated at times!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Former Black Cap Heath Davis has spoken for the first time about being gay.
In Scratched, the Spinoff’s documentary series about lost sporting legends, Davis talks about how lonely he felt keeping his sexuality secret.
Back In 1995 Ian Roberts became the first openly gay rugby league player the world has seen. He joins us now from Australia!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our next story is one about ‘giving back’ on an epic scale.
A young cancer survivor who is so grateful for the care she received at Auckland’s Starship Hospital has just raised $670,000 to show her gratitude.
Many people will have 25-year-oldRuby Seeto’s tea towels in their kitchen. She's released one design a year since she was 11, with the help of linen store Wallace Cotton, with all proceeds going to Starship.
Her 14th edition is released today, and Ruby joins us now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's Pae Korero - the powerbroker edition. Listen to the latest in politics and more with Labour Minister Kiritapu Allen and National’s 3IC Chris Bishop!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A drama filled final ended in a bronze medal triumph for the NZ’s women’s fours, our first lawn bowls medal at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
After trailing in the early stages, the Kiwis came from behind to beat Fiji 17-6. Selina Goddard is a member of the team and talks us through the drama.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Law firm Franks Ogilvie has released a legal opinion of the Three Waters reforms saying claims made by the government are false, misleading, and deceptive.
The firm was asked to explore whether the ministers responsible have broken the law by claiming councils will co-own the new water entities.
Franks Ogilvie lawyer and principal Brigitte Morton joins us to break it all down.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The standoff is over at Hawke’s Bay regional prison, but a full review is now underway into how six inmates were able to get on to the roof and stay there for nearly 24 hours.
No one was injured, and the worst damage was a few broken windows.
A negotiating team had been brought in to try coax the young men down.
Joining us is President of the Corrections Association Floyd du Plessis, who was also part of the response team.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
WeChat deals, an imperial robe, ministerial witnesses…
The National and Labour Party’s donation practices are under the microscope in a high court trial in Auckland, and it’s been riveting stuff!
Author and senior public policy expert Max Rashbrooke has been following the trial and breaks it down for us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Government’s cost of living payment was supposed to go to 2.1million people but it’s landed in about 800,000 fewer bank accounts
That said, as we revealed here on Today FM, it’s also been given to a whole lot people who shouldn’t have received it including migrants living overseas who haven’t been here for years
The Revenue Minister is guesstimating how many people received the payment who shouldn’t have, and justifying a $7.4 million dollar accounting write off
We ask a few high charities in need of such funds how they feel about the situation. Let's hear from Adele Gautier from The Breast Cancer Foundation, Mike King from I Am Hope, and Lou James of Pinc and Steel.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"If Russia’s war crimes and the massacre of civilians isn’t reason enough to send the strongest diplomatic message we’ve got in our arsenal, I don’t know what is."
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Money changes everything, and that’s why National’s calling for the Auditor General to investigate the hastily prepared and seemingly magnificently botched Cost of Living Payment.
It was estimated 2.1million Kiwis would get the free cash - so far it’s gone to 800,000 fewer people than planned but it is - as we revealed here on Today FM - going to migrants offshore who shouldn’t be getting it.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After a 21 year manhunt and months of top secret planning the US President gave the kill order that launched a deadly drone strike in Kabul killing one of the architects of 9/11 - Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the early 1990s, Gordon Moller jotted down a design on a sketchpad during a flight, which would change Auckland’s skyline forever.
The architect had been in the US looking at the grandest of builds, gathering inspiration for Sky City’s inner-city casino, restaurant and hotel complex.
But the answer was in his hands all along.
Moller recalls looking down at his pencil, and realising the tower he had in mind should look something like that.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is it one of the most polarising instruments on the planet? They make a racket for sure, they're not an early morning type instrument, but are they so bad that they should be banned?
Listen to Duncan and Tova as they play out the pros and cons!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Te Tuhi is one of Auckland’s prominent art galleries, and there’s something particularly cool about its cafe.
It’s providing on the job training to people with intellectual disabilities. It’s thought to be the first of its kind in New Zealand.
We're joined by Dr Katrina Phillips - a senior lecturer in psychology at the University of Auckland, where her students are helping design the training programme for the cafe.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Government’s defending the fact it’s giving migrants living offshore the cost of living payment, saying it’s not many people... though it can’t say how much it’s spending on people who are ineligible for the free helicopter cash designed for Kiwis living in New Zealand.
Newsroom’s Political Editor Jo Moir joins us with the latest in politics.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What may seem like a tiny change in doctors’ scripts could make a world of difference for people suffering from long-Covid.
The Ministry of Health has quietly added a diagnosis code to the system. It means people with long-Covid can finally have that formally recognised when they visit a GP.
It also means New Zealand can begin to log exactly how many people have the condition… but advocates are taking that with a grain of salt .
We’re joined now by Jenene Crossan, one of many who has experienced the condition (she no longer does) who is now an advocate for others.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero, our panel show here on Tova! Tuesday's the day for our politically smart provocateurs - Today FM commentator Josie Pagani, and the NZ editor of The Conversation, Finlay Macdonald.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
He became a member of the Young Nats at 16, an MP at 32, National Party leader at 42, and left Parliament at 45.
Simon Bridges has lived and breathed politics longer than the average bear but he’s drawn a line under that life - he’s about to take up a new role running Auckland Business Chamber and podcasting.
His new podcast is called ‘Generally Famous’, and he joins us to talk about it!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Imagine being 17 years old, you're from South Auckland, you're at your first Commonwealth Games... and you've won GOLD.
What the heck?
That's what's happened for Kiwi swimmer Josh Wilmer, who joins us live from Birmingham Airport!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Ministry of Education is yet to announce how it will run this year's NCEA exams, but many secondary school principals are calling for a full return to the good old fashioned pen and paper rather than online assessments.
Joining us now is the Principal of Macleans College in Auckland, Steve Hargreaves!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The government’s plan to get rid of the role of Children’s Commissioner could cause harm to children and young people according to a major report examining the changes.
A bill abolishing the role, replacing it with a board, and folding its monitoring and investigating functions into other government agencies, has been widely condemned.
This report backs up that criticism with weighty public policy evidence.
It says the government’s proposed independent monitor of Oranga Tamariki is clearly not independent - it’s too close to the minister for it not to be influenced by politics and that means abuse could be swept under the carpet.
Public policy analyst David King is one of the report’s authors and he joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Five months ago, an electrical company on the Kapiti Coast decided it was time to try something different to attract staff.
‘CSME’ had no applications in the highly competitive market, so it began advertising a four-day working week.
10-hour days, but Friday’s off? Soon the small business was inundated with interest… and so far it's been a roaring success!
20 businesses in New Zealand are now piloting a four-day working week… when CSME co-owner Kay Morgon heard our interview about that, she got in touch!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There's probably plenty of parochial Kiwis out there that would love to go their own way from the respective northern or southern countreparts.
But does that mean they should? Tova and Duncan present the pros and cons!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It may be early in the week, but Team Tova is ready for a drink...
Which is not to say we haven’t loved-ish our month of sobriety!
But today we will be toasting to the $1.17 million raised by this year’s Dry July for three worthy cancer charities - Look Good Feel Better, the Prostate Cancer Foundation, and PINC & Steel NZ.
And we’ll be celebrating the $10,000 dollars raised through our own fundraising… big shout out to our boss Dallas Gurney who, in his infinite generosity, coughed up $5k after agreeing to match our donations.
Our charities have been amazing… joining us now is General Manager of Look Good Feel Better - Claire O'Higgins.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A just-released report warns that a comfortable retirement is slipping out of reach for New Zealand’s ageing population.
The paper says avenues to residential care are becoming more limited, just as an increasing number of people need it.
It says declining home ownership rates are an issue, given that selling a house is a common pathway to financing a spot in a rest home.
And it notes there is a shrinking supply of rental housing which meet the needs of older people.
Jeremy Nicolls is the Aged Care Matters spokesperson and CEO of Arvida, which runs retirement villages and aged care facilities.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The 1st of August is significant because it’s the first day of the four day working week pilot here in New Zealand.
A bunch of New Zealand businesses across a whole range of industries - including manufacturing, marketing, construction - are trialing whether a four day week can work for them.
It follows similar trials all over the world led by 4 Day Week Global.
The co-founders of which join us now - Charlotte Lockhart and Andrew Barnes.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today FM has revealed migrants both here and even those who have left New Zealand are being told by Inland Revenue to expect the cost of living payment.
The payment designed to help struggling kiwis here to get by.
Nilesh Rajput left New Zealand eight years ago and somehow still finds himself eligible…
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Despite all the botchery around the cost of living payment, the sentiment is solid - help struggling Kiwis in New Zealand during a cost of living crisis
The earning threshold is 70,000 dollars or less, and it gets you 350 dollars over three payments starting now.
But given how tough things are out there social advocates say it isn’t enough.
Joining us Hāpai Te Hauora Māori Public Health is Emmaline Pickering Martin.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero, and today we talk to our spicy statespeople! Former National Minister and Attorney General Chris Finlayson, and former Green MP Sue Bradford.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has ordered a mandatory and immediate evacuation of his civilians in the Eastern region of Donetsk.
Russian forces now control a large part of the area, and are continuing with their advance.
Amidst the siege Ukrainians have been resilient, determined to continue with life where they can - a victory of sorts against the Russian bombardment
Oleksandr Merezhko is the Chair of Ukraine’s Foreign Affairs Committee and he joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As if your parking wasn’t steep enough, Aucklanders are facing yet another parking bill if plans to charge for public park and ride facilities go ahead.
It’s one of several recommendations being considered a part of Auckland Transport’s new parking strategy.
Our next guest wants the proposal axed - we talk to Manurewa and Papakura ward councillor Daniel Newman.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
32 New Zealanders have been indefinitely banned from entering Russia, with the country accusing the journalists, business leaders and defence officials of being ‘Russophobic’.
Russia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry claims those on the list have been pushing an agenda since New Zealand slapped sanctions on Russia in response to the Ukraine war.
It includes Auckland mayor Phil Goff, Christchurch mayor Lianne Dalziel, council members, university professors, and our very own Today FM political commentator, Josie Pagani...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In just over a month the Conservative Party will finally select a new leader, and it’ll come down to a choice between either Foreign Secretary Liz Truss or former chancellor Rishi Sunak. At the moment it seems the smart money is on Truss.
Here to tell us how the leadership race is shaping up is our BBC Correspondent Charlotte Gallagher.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10 seconds - it can be no time at all for most of us. But for athletes it can be life changing.
And for triathlete Hayden Wilde, a 10 second penalty ended up being the difference between a gold and a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Wilde was handed the penalty for unclipping his helmet before he’d parked his bike in the transition from the cycle to run leg. He now has 30 days to appeal that decision. Hayden Wilde joins us now from Birmingham.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3500 highly skilled migrants should be successfully applying to move here each month. We’ve had 166 and only nine of them were nurses.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dunne says the Government's Cost of Living Payment scheme is good in principle but has been executed poorly.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Government’s announced a bunch of things to try to attract and recruit healthcare workers, including using the iconic Kiwi soap opera, Shortland Street.
The pick of the bunch of initiatives - a $10,000 payment to help migrant nurses cover the costs of retraining and registering here.
Though the Government still refuses to budge on adding nurses to the priority immigration green list.
But Professor Jenny Carryer, the Executive Director of the College of Nurses - is more focused on training nurses here.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Taxpayers worked hard for it and now we are learning that it is being sprayed around the world in an unintentional lottery, it's not right."
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion: The PM doesn’t even have a clue about the scale of the problem. She’s not even bothered to look at the data
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Sunday night Today FM revealed yet another botch-up with the Government’s Cost of Living Payment designed to help struggling Kiwis.
It’s not just going to Kiwis here and even ex-pats overseas, but migrants who have left the country - they’re not even in NZ - they’re also being told they’re eligible.
We’re talking about people who came here on a working holiday and have left - gone back to France, India, Australia wherever - the IRD has told them they’re getting NZD$350 worth of free money from the Government.
Frenchman Benoit Berton, who lived in New Zealand on a working holiday visa and left the country 13 months ago, was told he was eligible to receive the Cost of Living Payment from our Government.
It’s mystifying and potentially very expensive. Neither the IRD nor the Beehive could answer any of our questions last night - they didn’t seem to have a clue what was going on.
Revenue Minister David Parker joined Tova on Monday morning to try to provide some clarity around the situation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After spending a year in NZ and since closing his kiwi bank account, a French citizen received an email from Inland Revenue offering him the Cost of Living Payment.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Each week our producer Jeremy is given the task of putting an item of news to music.
And this week... as they say in Highlander... there can be only one!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Some parents are big fans of extending out school holidays and taking the family away for an extended vacation, or maybe even a mini OE?
But is it the best thing to do?
Tova and Duncan argue the pros and cons so you can decide!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our intrepid explorer is winging his way back from Berlin, so what better place to deliver a weekly highlight package from... than an airport in India?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our 1000th All Black, Carl Hayman, pulled on the jersey for the first time against Samoa in 2001. He went on to wear the Silver Fern for 45 tests, then played in Europe until he retired in 2015
But it took years to understand the impact all those matches had on his brain.
He’d been enduring headaches, depression, fits of anger, frustration.
Last year he was diagnosed with early onset dementia, and probably CTE - a fatal brain disease associated with repeated traumatic brain injuries.
Carl Hayman is one of the more than a hundred former players taking action against World Rugby for failing to protect them.
Carl and his partner Kiko Matthews join us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A world-acclaimed architect is heading to Napier to revive a traditional Maori construction technique.
Professor Anthony Hoete has returned from a successful career in London, with a team to rebuild a historic Bay of Plenty wharenui that was destroyed in the Napier earthquake.
Working with timber is not new for Professor Hoete, who hopes he can expand this use nationwide!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s Birmingham’s moment to shine - the opening ceremony of the 2022 Commonwealth Games has just got underway!
Let’s not delay and head there right away - We’re joined by Newshub presenter and journalist Mike McRoberts!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There’s real concern about how the Road to Zero campaign is tracking.
While the latest monitoring report shows crash deaths were down 11 percent from 2021 compared to 2018 …this year has seen a jump in road fatalities in 2022.
To discuss this we're joined by Automobile Association road safety spokesperson Dylan Thomsen.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We spoke with Newshub’s Mike McRoberts earlier in the show from the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony - the sporting action begins tonight!
Let’s chat now with Today FM’s sport editor Nigel Yalden about what we can expect from the games and the sporting world at large over the weekend.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Time for our panel segment - Pae Korero! And today we've got political commentator Shane Te Pou, and Anna Rawhiti-Connell from The Spinoff.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Frustration over yet another brazen attack by smash and grab bandits saw members of the public step in to stop a robbery at a high end Auckland watch store this week.
The offenders, who took an axe to the ‘About Time’ storefront, did however manage to escape - albeit, empty handed.
It was the second time in just a few weeks the shop had been hit.
The ‘Jewellers & Watchmakers of New Zealand’ group are ‘extremely concerned’ at what they say is ‘endless cases of lawlessness’ aimed at their industry members.
We're joined by the co-owner of About Time, Rebecca Alexander.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With the major shakeup of smoking laws and crackdown on cigarettes underway, we’ve been looking at the issue of vaping - particularly youth vaping - and why our government has allowed it to get so out of control.
Last year Australia went all in - banning vaping. You need a prescription at a pharmacy to legally purchase the products.
Maurice Swanson is the CEO of the Australian Council on Smoking and Health, and he talks us thourgh what it all means.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mayor of the victorious Napier, Kirsten Wise is incredibly proud of her city's victory.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Police are investigating whether there is an offshore link to the threats that caused 13 schools across the country to either lockdown or evacuate yesterday.
Earlier this week a similar series of bomb hoaxes disrupted a number of North Island schools.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Yesterday on our show former All Blacks head Coach Steve Hansen let rip at New Zealand Rugby.
It sent NZ Rugby into a bit of a spiral, an internal email from its comms boss leaked to Stuff told staff sometimes the most powerful thing to do is say nothing, that the narrative of ‘NZR refusing to comment’ is QUOTE “sometimes just the ‘least-worst’ option because it offers no fuel.”
Unsurprising then that NZR CEO Mark Robinson refused an interview with us, and that's part of the reason why a former CEO believes Robinson should walk.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the past few years we've had more than one reason to shut down the border to our fair country, but does that mean we should? Or is it just Government overreaction?
Tova and Duncan take a side... and debate!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Spiritual leader, advisor to millions (including her friend Oprah), political activist, former presidential candidate, and multi New York Times best selling author
There are plenty of ways to describe Marianne Williamson.
Her teachings have become a phenomenon centred around the concept that Divine love is the core and essence of every human mind.
And now she's coming to New Zealand for a one off show on Tuesday night at the Sky City Theatre, and we are so lucky to have her with us!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Even reading studies about vaping and smoking in preparation for this... I started craving a vape
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Time to turn our attention to music, movies and all things Hollywood.
And there's none better to do that than the fabulous Carol Ramos - our entertainment reporter who joins us now from sunny Los Angeles!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel - and on Thursdays we bring you wordsmiths, opinion mongers and great dinner party companions!
Please welcome University of Auckland History professor Caroline Daley, and The Spinoff’s Editor-At-Large Toby Manhire.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For the first time EVER, Trade Me are reporting that the national median rent has fallen for two consecutive months. Is there some relief for renters in this day of massive living costs? We talk to Trade Me Property sales director Gavin Lloyd about what's going on.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As many of our listeners will know, we have been relentlessly pushing for changes to the immigration green list to have nurses added to the fast-track for immediate residency
And when the Government finally announced the green list rules and eligibility yesterday it snuck in a small, unexpected, not at all foreshadowed, surprise change... which means some nurses already working here only have to wait one year not the full two to apply for residency.
The change benefits a lot of the nurses we’ve been interviewing, who were planning to leave the country cause they couldn’t wait the two years.
Including our next guest, an aged care nurse who we've spoken to before.
Plus you'll hear from Erica Stanford - National's Spokesperson for Immigration.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
TVNZ’s head of news Paul Yurisich, who hired Kamahl Santamaria, has been forced to resign.
It follows the forced resignation of Santamaria himself in May, after allegations of inappropriate behaviour directed at multiple women. He’d been on the job just three weeks in New Zealand when complaints were made .
A review into TVNZ’s hiring of the broadcaster from Al Jazeera found it's recruitment process for presenters doesn’t really exist.
Editor of The Spinoff, and good friend of Today FM, Duncan Grieve joins us to discuss the ramifications.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The shot putter told Tova he 'is definitely not coming here to get second' and backs himself to bring home the gold medal.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Director-General of Health wraps up his time in the role on Friday.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The former All Blacks coach comes out swinging in an extraordinary interview with Tova
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Commonwealth Games is creeping ever closer, with the opening ceremony on Friday morning our time, and the action underway Friday night.
Many of our athletes are debuting at the games, including our next guest who’s in the sport of beach volleyball. Listen to our chat with Brad Fuller!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Back in the day people smoked cigarettes in the office, on planes, in cars, EVERYWHERE...
Should vaping be the same? It's not currently, but is there some merit there?
Let's hear Tova and Duncan scrap it out!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Napping... Isn’t it glorious?!
Not that long ago we interviewed a senior lecturer at the Sleep/Wake research centre who said napping - and filling up your 7 to 9 hour “sleep quota” - is a good thing.
But now new research published in Hypertension, an American Heart Association journal, has revealed people who regularly nap have a greater chance of developing high blood pressure and having strokes.
Michael Grandner, the director of the Behavioural Sleep Medicine Clinic from Tucson in Arizona, joins us with findings.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We are in the thick of the grand final in the World Cup of New Zealand Cities, and we’ll be featuring both finalists in special ways over that time
It’s an East Coast face-off - Napier versus Gisbone.
Today we cross to Tairawhiti, and we meet a farmer near Gisborne who's helping with a new and special initiative which introduces city kids to rural life through virtual classes. Joining us is farmer and former teacher Marie Burke, and what she doesn't know about Gizzy isn't worth knowing!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's Pae Korero, our panel here on Tova. Every Wednesday we have our powerbrokers - please welcome Labour Minister Kiritapu Allan and National’s 3IC Chris Bishop.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sorry property owners, there's more bad news for you...
Data just out from Core Logic shows the housing market is continuing to slow, and prices are continuing to fall.
And there’s no respite on the horizon... in fact it’s possible property values could ultimately drop by 15% by the middle of next year.
CoreLogic’s chief property economist Kelvin Davidson joins us with the all the numbers.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Heavy rain warnings remain in place in Dunedin and people are being advised to take care when travelling, with wild weather overnight creating hazardous conditions in some parts of the region.
About 35 households in North Dunedin near the Water of Leith and Lindsay Creek were evacuated but residents have since been advised they can return home, and patients from the Otago Community Hospice were also forced to move but are reportedly ‘all fine’ this morning.
Dunedin Mayor Aaron Hawkins joins us with the latest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After staying quiet on Donald Trump’s lack of action over the capitol riots during the course of the Jan 6 hearings, US President Joe Biden has broken his silence... and didn't hold back.
It comes on the eve of Trump’s return to Washington DC for the first time since January 20th last year - he’s there to attend an American First summit.
We’re joined now by Senior fellow in governance studies at the Brookings Institution - also a CNN legal analyst and the co-founder of the States United Democracy Center - Norm Eisen.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
'We got that wrong, we should have captioned it and made it really clear to people.'
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How a conversation with a journalist opened my eyes to how bad the mis/disinformation epidemic really is
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A Professor of Epidemiology compared future modelling on the Govts smoke-free bill with and without the interventions and saw 'massive health gains'.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This morning on Debate Club...things didn't go quite as planned. We wanted to pit Duncan vs Tova in a Shaw vs Swarbrick battle... but something else happened instead!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
COVID-19 continues to expose much about our lives that we, as a society, have taken very much for granted.
For example, the disproportionate loss of the elderly to the pandemic has focused attention on the role of grandparents. Now a new study has looked at the mental health impact of a grandparent’s death, and found the loss of a grandmother in particular is “an underappreciated, persistent risk factor” in depression for children (and their mothers).
We talk to Emily Smith-Greenaway, Associate Professor of Sociology and Spatial Sciences from University of Southern California, for more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As Ashley Bloomfield gets ready to leave office, he's given some insight into the advice given around mask mandates in schools.
Newsroom political editor Jo Moir spoke with the departing Director-General of Health, and she joins me now to talk about that and the latest from The Green party.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Alix Popham was one of Wales’ central figures in their 2003 Rugby World Cup heroics - guiding them to the quarter finals, where they lost to eventual champions England.
Now at the age of 42 he can’t remember it. He was diagnosed with early onset dementia in 2020. Popham, along with more than 150 former stars including New Zealand’s Carl Hayman, has launched legal action against World Rugby for the brain injuries that they sustained during their careers.
Alix joins us this now to tell his story.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero, our panel here on Tova.
Today it’s terrific Tuesday, and we're joined by radio host and podcaster PJ Harding, and NZ editor of The Conversation, Finlay Macdonald.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We like to look at issues from different perspectives, and today we look at Netsafe’s new code of conduct.
The not-for-profit says it will make platforms more accountable for the content they publish. Social media giants Meta, Google, TikTok, Amazon and Twitter have all voluntarily signed up, but user-advocate groups have described the new rules as ‘vague’ and lacking bite.
For their takes on the debate, we’ll talk to Netsafe’s CEO Brent Cary and InternetNZ’s CEO Andrew Cushen
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Foot and Mouth is the doomsday threat to New Zealand, said the Biosecurity Minister.
Cattle will be culled, 100,000 farming jobs could be lost, trade halted, our economy would be whacked.
With the disease now spreading to Kiwi holiday favourite Bali, the Government’s stepping up its border response - banning people from bringing in personal supplies of meat from Indonesia.
Biosecurity Minister Damien O’Connor is with to discuss the ramifications.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In late 2019 Bronwyn Hutchinson felt forced to leave her children to fly to Mexico for a life saving medical treatment.
She’d suffered a relapse of multiple sclerosis, and the critical treatment she needed isn’t available here in New Zealand
Bronwyn is calling on Health New Zealand to make the treatment - Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant - an option here. A petition is being delivered to parliament today.
Bronwyn Hutchinson joins us with all the details.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Google software engineer who claimed the company’s Artificial Intelligence language model for building chatbots is a sentient being with a soul has just been sacked.
Blake Lemoine had been on paid leave since June after publishing transcripts of his conversations with the Language Model for Dialogue Applications or LaMDA.
He and the AI discussed its soul, its fear of dying, emotions and its biases - sparking fears we’re heading into a dystopian sci-fi reality.
Lemoine’s theories have been disputed by Google and many AI scientists, but Lemoine - who became friends with LaMDA - maintains it’s a sweet child and it’s still learning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Each week, our producer Jeremy is given the task of finding a news item and putting it to music.
He thought that Justin Marshall's fracas with All Black Akira Ioane was worth an extra look.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Suzanne Paul has now launched an online product demonstration shopping channel, 'Pitch Me', to help businesses get back on their feet after COVID disruptions.
Speaking on Tova, Paul says her 50 years of experience in infomercials and selling products was what inspired her to launch 'Pitch Me'.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s not so much Russia or COVID that caused inflation but central banks and the extraordinary stimulus they helped create.
That’s according to a former Reserve Bank Governor who’s co-authored an excoriating review of the role Central Banks played in our current inflationary crisis.
Graeme Wheeler was governor from 2012 to 2017 and alongside the NZ Initiative’s Bryce Wilkinson, he’s called out central banks, including our reserve bank, for getting too cocky, not sticking to their knitting and mismanaging monetary policy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion: The conundrum facing the Green Party right now is one of the great quandaries of MMP. Is it better to be at the table with the power brokers or hustle hard from the sidelines?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Russians had promised to not impact exports coming from the Black Sea port - they say they were targeting military infrastructure
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today was a ding dong battle... two of our bosses have turned off email notifications on their smart phones, saying it's a great way to provide work/life balance.
Is it the way to go, or not? Tova and Duncan step up to the plate to convince you!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero, and Mondays is when we talk to our statespeople.
We're joined as we are every Monday by former National Minister and Attorney General Chris Finlayson, and of course former Green MP Sue Bradford, who can give us her take on the trouble in her old party!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We've nearly done it! Through birthdays, rugby matches, dinners with mates... it's only a week until the end of Dry July.
We know where the money is going... to three incredible cancer charities - Look Good Feel Better NZ, the Prostate Cancer Foundation and PINC and Steel NZ.
Now we're so thrilled to welcome a Dry July spokesperson, Ash Oliver!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After 8 long years of renovation, Hastings Municipal Hall is about to reopen its doors with a gala event that will see hundreds of revelers return to a venue that’s long been the heart of the local community.
The Hastings District Council has been appealing to those who had danced at the hall from 1950 when it opened, to 2014 when it closed for refurbishment.
84 year old farmer David Petersen got in touch with a charming story about how a night at the hall changed his life forever.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The All Blacks’ series loss to Ireland caused a butterfly effect of drama.
After a tumultuous week, the All Blacks have made a raft of changes to their coaching setup... but have kept Ian Foster.
Crusaders assistant Jason Ryan has been brought on board, with John Plumtree and Brad Mooar axed.
But the question everyone wants to know is if they can turn this around.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Farmers are only just recovering from the Mycoplasma Bovis outbreak, but now another threat is looming.
Foot and Mouth disease is devastating to livestock - it makes the animals sick, spreads without any physical contact, and the only way to eradicate it is by euthanisation.
It hasn’t made it to New Zealand yet, and the risk is still considered low... however officials are keeping an eye out as viral fragments are detected in meat just across the ditch.
Federated Farmers national vice-president and biosecurity spokesperson Wayne Langford joins us with the latest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Green Party is starting the week with only one leader, and in a state of existential dilemma.
At the weekend’s party conference, James Shaw was unable to secure the 75% of delegate votes to hold onto the leadership. He’s now weighing up whether or not to renominate - he has a week to decide, and so do any other candidates considering a tilt.
Shaw’s faced criticism from some in the party for being too close to Labour, and not doing enough for the climate
Former Green MP and Far North District Councillor David Clendon joins us to discuss.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Even when I was not able to go home at night because I was being followed around and my future felt uncertain, in various ways I had it much better than many," Farrow says.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Parents worried the younger generations are spending too much time on social media, and not enough time reading books, may not need to worry so much.
Whitcoulls has released its annual top 100 list, and this year there are 49 percent more votes than usual, thanks in large part to Tik Tok.
Novels which featured on the site’s hashtag ‘booktok’ did notably well, including some that Whitcoulls had never heard of until recently.
Whitcoulls Book Manager Joan Mackenzie, spoke to Tova on Monday morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Monkeypox cases are on the rise with the virus now being declared a public health emergency by the World Health Organisation.
There are cases in 75 countries including New Zealand and there have been five deaths so far since the outbreak started.
Speaking on Tova, Associate Professor of Epidemiology at Canterbury University, Arindam Basu, shares more on why health officials are concerned.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When the hopeless Kris Faafoi stepped aside and Michael Wood took over the Immigration portfolio I was filled with hope that he would see the light, listen to the public and health sector and add nurses to the fast-track immigration list for residency.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
He's still sunning himself in Berlin, but he can't help keep an eye and an ear out on the news around the world! Mark brings us his wrap of the week's big (and just plain weird) news stories!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We USUALLY hit the big issues here on Tova, but sometimes the not so big ones seem just as important.
When you're watching a non-English movie, what's better? Over dubs in English or subtitles?
Listen to Tova and Duncan, then decide for yourself!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
One of the joys of Friday is contemplating a big weekend of sports ahead, and here to guide us through is Today FM’s Sports Editor extraordinaire Nigel Yalden.
We'll talk through the latest with the All Blacks, Kiwi golfers, and ask can the Warriors get another win for us?!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our friends at Look Good Feel Better have been so generous to us this Dry July, providing us with the most wonderful raffle hamper to give away to one of our donors.
It’s just in their nature - helping people! The charity helps cancer patients at all stages of their journey feel their best.
We’re joined by Kate Baillie, a Look Good Feel Better facilitator based in Palmerston North.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero, our panel here on Tova.
Today we're joined by The Spinoff’s Bulletin Editor Anna Rawhiti-Connell, and political commentator Matthew Hooton.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Air NZ says it’ll take days to clear the backlog after yesterday’s wild weather caused massive disruption to services.
At least 130 flights were cancelled - the majority from Wellington airport.
Elsewhere, businesses are in clean up mode after gale force winds and driving rain tore through and left a trail of destruction.
Gillian Giles is the manager of Normablue Cafe in Lower Hutt, and tells us about when they lost their roof!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tova went with her sister to pick her nephew up from Armageddon recently - the comicon and pop culture convention, where the costumes are so good!
So get ready Tauranga, it’s heading to you - with plenty of stars in attendance..
And we are so lucky to be joined by Joe Zieja, who voices Bumblebee in Transformers War for Cybertron Trilogy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
While the series loss to Ireland may have seemed messed up, the subsequent fallout has revealed a level of chaos and division around the All Black camp rarely seen in the past.
Now, the Otago Daily Times is reporting that captain Sam Cane may be dropped today, the squad for South Africa is still to be named, and All Black management are yet to front and talk directly to the public .
We’re joined now by legendary rugby commentator with a career spanning decades, John McBeth.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Since it was legalised last year, 143 people have used the End of Life Choice Act.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today FM is a solutions-based station, and there’s nothing we love more than talking to people who think outside the box.
Tauranga-based community service Good Neighbour fits the bill.
It collects leftover food from cafés and supermarkets which is still edible, despite no longer being sellable, and gets it to those who need it most.
It also runs community gardens, teaching volunteers how to grow their own produce.
Speaking on Tova, Cam Hill from Good Neighbour says the company began in 2012 and has grown a lot since first starting.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Megan Woods told Tova building more permanent transitional housing is a 'key priority and focus' for Labour.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Unable to help permanently house people in transitional housing, wait times blowing out, and people still sleeping in their cars seeking help.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There were a lot of shocking numbers and percentages that came out of the 2,700 letters nurses wrote to the minister of health on Wednesday.
It was truly shocking and genuinely very upsetting reading through the letters nurses have sent. Their experiences, their words.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on Debate Club we threw it out there that Kiwis could get cheaper flights on our national carrier.
Or maybe Air New Zealand should be able to charge what they like to whoever they want?!?
Over to Tova and Duncan!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Fight for Life starts tonight, raising money for mental health charity I Am Hope.
While former All Black Keven Mealamu sadly had to pull out due to a heart condition, there are still six amazing fights to watch - including a bunch of our MediaWorks radio whanau who are getting in the ring.
Mai Morning Crew host Tegan Yorwarth among them - she’s going up against rugby and league star Honey Hireme-Smiler.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thursday is when we get to talk in depth about the world of entertainment with our hugely knowledgeable LA based reporter, Carol Ramos.
What Hollywood gossip will she bring us today?!?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel on Tova.
Today we are blessed to have two big brains - from the University of Auckland History professor Caroline Daley, and political commentator Shane Te Pou.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The countdown to the Commonwealth Games is underway, with 233 Kiwi athletes taking part.
Yesterday we spoke to the oldest athlete representing New Zealand, Sue Curran, who's 75 years old! We wish her very well with the lawn bowls.
Today we’re joined by the youngest athlete representing New Zealand, Maggie Squire. She's an exceptional diving talent, and she’s just 16 years old!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After days of speculation about his future, it appears Ian Foster will hold onto his job as All Blacks head coach for now
But he will be getting some help... Today FM sources believe Joe Schmidt will step into an assistant coaching role, and that that will be announced today.
Joining us here to break it all down is publisher for The Bounce that you can find on Substack - Dylan Cleaver.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
And then there were two. The Conservative Party leadership contest has narrowed to former chancellor Rishi Sunak and foreign secretary Liz Truss.
Penny Mourdant was knocked out in the final round of MP voting. The two final candidates will now be voted on by a set of party members next month with a new Prime Minister announced in September. Joining us to provide some insight is the Sun’s new Westminster editor Jonathan Reilly.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It is one of the most beautiful countries on the planet - a jewel in our pacific crown!
But like so many other Pacific Island nations, Niue has a captive audience with the Chinese government.
Fresh from a fractious Pacific Islands Forum - that saw multiple nations absent - Niue’s premier is now visiting our Prime Minister here in New Zealand .
We are honoured to welcome him to the show, Premier Dalton Tagelagi of Niue!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The owner of the St James Theatre in Auckland says this week’s theft of copper fittings and a 94-year old statue was the third break in there in just a few months.
The theatre’s owner is worried that the building, which needs more funding to complete a long term restoration, will continue to be targeted by thieves while its future remains unresolved.
Owner Steve Bielby joins us with the latest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How do we feel about posthumous reproduction? Having a baby after death by retrieving reproductive material post-mortem.
Speaking on Tova, Otago University law and ethics researcher Jeanne Snelling says the current guidelines are "really focused" on a situation where someone has gone through an IVF procedure, has sperm banked, and then dies later on either as a result of "cancer or perhaps through some catastrophic event".
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
High-value migrants will now need to make a significant cash injection into local companies.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Government’s being warned it may have just thrown away billions of dollars of international investment by scrapping the lucrative investor plus visa categories and replacing them with a new investor migrant visa.
The Economic Development Minister’s goal is to attract wealthy migrants who want to directly invest in Kiwi companies, rather than just investing in shares, to get residency.
The old visas required a NZ$3 million or NZ$10 million investment, now it will be NZ$5 million direct into Kiwi companies or NZ$15 million for passive investments like equities on the NZ stock exchange.
Tova asked Economic Development Minister Stuart Nash on Thursday morning "if it ain't broke, why fix it?"
"Because it was broke," said Nash.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Back in the day it wasn't unusual to see tobacco sponsorship, smoking billboards, and see television adds peddling cigarettes.
All that has obviously changed now, but should alcohol be treated any differently?
Let's hand it hand it over to Tova and Duncan!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Almost every day for the last two and half years the Prime Minister’s implored us to follow the COVID rules - "for the greater good" she said, "for the team of five million" she entreated!
Her latest directive? The importance of masks to curtail transmission when our hospitals are on the brink.
But then... the Prime Minister defies her own mask mandate. Not only failing to wear a mask in a public venue as the law requires but to make matters worse she broke the rules in parliament, surrounded by teenage aspiring MPs.
National’s Deputy Leader Nicola Willis joins us to discuss... does she side with Ardern over this though?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A new restaurant is opening in Auckland, with the goal of providing the worst customer service imaginable.
Karen’s Diner already runs several successful joints in Australia, where people willingly pay to be berated and disrespected by the staff.
We’re joined now by Aden Levin, ‘Head Karen’ from Viral Ventures, who are behind the new restaurant.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's Pae Korero, our panel here on Tova.
As we do every Wednesday, we get our two current ministers - Labour Minister Kiritapu Allan and National’s 3IC Chris Bishop!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
No one ever really believed it possible - temperatures of more than 40 degrees in the UK.
The UK’s top meteorologist says he never thought he’d see it in his lifetime.
But it’s happening and the consequences are far reaching. Trains services and flights have been cancelled, commuters are being advised to stay at home if possible, the London Fire Brigade’s declared a major incident as they struggle to deal with a huge surge in fires.
Joining us to discuss further is UK Met Office meteorologist and forecaster Alex Burkill.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Taranaki will soon be home to the biggest playground in the Southern Hemisphere.
‘Destination Play’ will cover 22-thousand square metres at New Plymouth’s waterfront - including water features, fitness facilities, climbing platforms, and Maori educational tools.
It will also have access to the rock pools at Kawaroa Reef.
Here to tell us more is Taranaki Foundation CEO Josh Hickford!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Earlier today we heard from Dr Huhana Hickey, who claims she was left waiting for over 12 hours for an ambulance, then ended up having to wheel herself to hospital as the paramedics couldn't take her electric wheelchair.
Joining us with his response is Acting Deputy Chief Executive of St John Ambulance Operations, Stuart Cockburn.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A woman in a wheelchair with COVID-19 symptoms and a multiple sclerosis flare-up had to take matters into her own hands, after a frustratingly long wait for an ambulance.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The President of the Funeral Directors' Association urges people to be grateful they are still able to provide a service to honour loved ones.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With COVID cases and deaths rising no one really seems to have any clue anymore about the restrictions or rationale. Nothing makes a lot of sense.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Psychologist Mary Trump - who’s helped us understand the mind of the former US President through her books - says he will turn on everybody if he’s indicted for his part in the Capitol Hill riots.
On Wednesday morning, Mary Trump told Tova she believes there are "a couple of reasons" why Donald Trump was radio-silent for 187 minutes while his supporters stormed the Capitol.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lawn Bowls extraordinaire Sue Curran is blind in one eye and limited sight in the other, competing with a sighted director to guide her around the green.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A lot of workplaces have undergone major upheaval in the last couple of years, and many of them have disposed of the "traditional office" for more of an open area.
Check out Duncan and Tova as they argue the pros and cons!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dry July may seem like a novelty to many, but aside from the fundraising the serious business of encouraging people to take a break from alcohol is also at the centre of this campaign.
And we need it Aotearoa! Some of the stats behind the way we drink make for grim reading.
Otago University’s just released a survey which shows New Zealand suicides have a higher alcohol involvement that the rest of the world - 26% of suicide deaths involve acute alcohol use compared to the World Health Organization global estimate of 19%
Professor Doug Sellman, the director of the National Addiction Centre, has been tracking the country’s consumption for more than 2 decades. He joins us with more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Graeme Gunthorp was holding his 1 year old, when he went to the door at his Grey Lynn home around 5pm last night to see what the loud bang was outside.
When a second gunshot rang out he immediately retreated inside, where his wife was getting their 3 year old child ready for bed.
It’s the kind of nightmare no one wants to experience, and it happened in a normally quiet residential area in central Auckland.
The shooter is in a critical condition after being shot by police.
His neighbour - Graeme Gunthorp joins me now
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our wonderful panel here on Tova.
Our Tuesday peeps are primed to go - radio host and podcaster PJ Harding, and NZ editor of The Conversation, Finlay Macdonald.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
More news on the royals, no doubt causing further behind-closed-doors frustration for The Queen.
A new book about Meghan and Harry has hit the bookstores, and it’s a look inside just how quickly the Californian interloper fell out with her UK in-laws.
It comes hot on the heels of the speculative scandal we reported yesterday about the Prince Andrew photo... which some say could rock the monarchy.
Royal reporter Gareth Barlow joins us from London!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Red Bull Holden driver in studio as he looks forward to the New Zealand round of the championship later this year.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion: It’s a busy recess week, said the Finance Minister, we’re all out of town later, have lots on, Grant Robertson continued when he was asked why the Government had called everyone in, last minute, on a Sunday to announce an extension to road transport subsidies.
Nothing to do with the fact that the following day inflation was going to rise to new record highs.
Just a busy old recess, we got the paperwork done, seemed like as good a time as any said Robertson of his big press conference held in the theatrette with just a couple of hours notice on a Sunday.
Not at all worried people were going to choke on their early lunch of frozen spinach salad - fresh spinach being $5 a bag - when they received the news on Monday that the cost of living crisis just got that much worse.
Well, I suppose, it was lucky timing then for the Government.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The President of Renters United Geordie Rogers shares his thoughts on whether or not rent controls should be implemented.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The President of the Property Investors Federation Andrew King on whether or not rent controls should be implemented.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Record inflation figures have confirmed what we’ve all known to be true every time we go to the supermarket, petrol pump, pay our rent, mortgage... everything.
7.3 percent - the highest its been since 1990.
It may be the peak, it’s hoped it will start nudging south, but it’s still a looong way off the reserve bank’s comfort range of 1-3 percent inflation which means we’ve still got a looong period of pain to endure yet.
Government called a hastily organised press conference on Sunday to extend the current transport and petrol subsidies until January next year… but is it enough?Finance Minister Grant Robertson told Tova O'Brien on Tuesday morning that the Government are continuing to look at long-term measures to further address the cost of living crisis.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A sports reporter from The Press in Christchurch thinks changes will be made within the coaching staff but Foster will keep the top job.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Phew! Some much welcome reprieve from the Government!
An extension of the fuel tax cut, road user charge reductions, and half priced public transport until January next year.
It was kind of inevitable - the end of the year was going to be killer when all the subsidies lifted and the cost of living helicopter cash dried up.
Transport Minister (and Immigration Minister) Michael Wood joins us to talk that, and the Government's not so favourite topic... migrant nurses!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Winston Peters - a hugely divisive figure in New Zealand politics. Is it time for him to hang up his hat... or at age 77, reinject himself with newfound vigour?!?!
Find out how Tova and Duncan argue this one.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“John Key was exhausted. He’d escaped Auckland, retreating to the family’s holiday home in Hawaii for the summer break. As the sun dipped below the Pacific Ocean horizon, Key turned to wife Bronagh and said: ‘I’m certain it’s my last year.’”
That’s how Blue Blood begins - a book by Andrea Vance about the crisis in the National party
It is, of course, also how the crisis in the National Party began.
Between that Maui moment in 2015 and now - National has had seven leaders
Journalist, now author, Andrea Vance joins me now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Team Tova (like many others!) is closing in on three weeks of Dry July, to support people with cancer and their loved ones.
It’s made easy when there are such wonderful charities who benefit. We’ve spoken to two of them already; Look Good Feel Better NZ, and the Prostate Cancer Foundation.
Today we’re getting to know the final beneficiary - who are PINC & Steel? We talk to their founder Lou James.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero, our panel on Tova. On Mondays we bring our former statespeople to the table!
He did a BA in Latin, she did her MA in Chinese...
He was once a National Minister and Attorney General... it’s Chris Finlayson.
And she was once a Green MP - Sue Bradford!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Saturday night was a disaster for the All Blacks.
Outscored, outworked, and outplayed by an outstanding Irish team, led by captain Johnny Sexton.
While we’re still licking our wounds and will be a while longer yet, in Ireland the party’s still going.
Chief Rugby Correspondent for the Irish Independent Rúaidhrí O'Connor tells us more!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is there nothing man’s best friend can’t do? Sniffer dogs are now being put to work in the medical field.
A sixth puppy is training to join the K9 Medical Detection Dogs, who can sniff out certain types of cancer with an almost 100% success rate so far.
Here to tell us more is K9MD founder Pauline Blomfield!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
AA's Principal Policy Advisor Terry Collins and Green Party Spokesperson for transport Julie-Anne Genter share their thoughts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
AA's Principal Policy Advisor Terry Collins and Green Party Spokesperson for transport Julie-Anne Genter share their thoughts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Blue Blood is "squarely focussed on National’s crisis in opposition but it offers a cautionary tale to any and all political parties," writes Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A former BBC photographer named Mark Harrison claims he has an “embarrassing” picture of Prince Andrew that would be a “big deal” for the Royal family if it went public.
The picture was taken of Andrew on the night of his disastrous interview discussing his friend and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
BBC journalist Edward O’Driscoll told Tova on Monday morning that Harrison claims only a few people have seen the photograph, adding that the prince "insisted" that the image never be made public.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Speculation around the future of Foster as head coach has grown after a first home series loss in nearly 30 years.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark may be away on holiday for a couple of weeks, but he obviously can't be too busy... he's put together The Week That Was for us!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Each week Producer Jeremy is given the task of looking at current event, and finding something newsworthy to put to music.
Some would argue that this week he didn't follow the brief...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It appears that Kiwi passion for rugby is not what is was, but does that mean that union is no longer our national sport?
Listen as Tova and Duncan take opposite sides of the debate!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi has tendered his resignation after populist coalition partner Five Star withdrew its support in a confidence vote.
The former head of the European Central Bank has led a unity government since February 2021.
In a statement, he said the pact of trust that had sustained the unity government had gone.
However, the president refused to accept his resignation.
We're joined by columnist Francesco Galietti with the latest from Rome.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The nation’s on tenterhooks... the world has stood still, all time is suspended as the All Blacks brace for the decider against the Irish. We’re talking the international rugby and more with our fantastic sports reporter John Day.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We’ve been spotlighting the plight of nurses as the staffing pool dries up due to a perfect storm including lower pay, stretched working conditions, and more attractive offers offshore... and for migrant nurses in particular no pathway to residency after the government made a mess of the immigration reset.
Not only are we not attracting them - we’re now repelling the ones that are here.
We’re joined now by a nursing student, who made the huge decision to shift his life here to study and work in healthcare, but has now reached the end of his tether.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero, our panel here on Tova. Today we have political commentator Shane Te Pou (who has a penchant for Bruce Springsteen & John Rowles) along with Anna Rawhiti, the Spinoff’s Bulletin editor, who’s openly admitted her attention span has been shattered by increasing Twitter use!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s a wrap and as Pacific Island Forums goes this was a whopper.
The China/US tug of war in our region has never been so pronounce - high profile absentees and a US Vice President beaming in.
Newsroom National Affairs Editor Sam Sachdeva joins us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With many people only offering up the most polished version of themselves online, it can feel difficult to truly know someone by their social media presence.
However a group of US computer scientists, psychologists, and statisticians aren’t so sure.
The World Well-Being Project has analysed status updates from 75000 volunteers, and is using them with uncanny accuracy to predict age, gender, and even personality traits.
It now hopes to use that same data to analyse the general happiness of entire states or regions, with the goal of eventually using social media to influence wellbeing policy.
World Well-Being Project principal investigator Andrew Schwartz talks us through all this from New York.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Free rapid antigen tests, masks, and antiviral medicines are being made more available and accessible.
We’re staring down a second wave of omicron, which is shaping up to be worse than the first, and it’s hurting our seniors.
So some experts wanted to see the government go further with restrictions
Microbiologist Dr Siouxsie Wiles joins us with her thoughts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Thursday Tova O'Brien and Duncan Garner debated whether annual leave should be taken in the year it's accrued, but you get an extra week - those are the rules in the United Kingdom.
Rather than be rolled over and taken in a big old chunk - our listeners agreed more with Garner, arguing that we should have to take it all within the year, like the UK.
We thought we better get an expert in before proposing any law changes.
Charlotte Parkhill, Partner at Dentons Kensington Swan on the employment team, told Tova on Friday morning that she "doesn't love the idea" of changing to a new system as described above.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jerrie-Lee Ngareta Hill a mother of five, she has three degrees, she’s an author, an actress, a model and is now competing in the Ms Woman of the Universe NZ.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s a wrap - and as Pacific Island Forums go... this was a whopper.
The China/US tug of war in our region has never been so pronounced, high profile absentees and a US Vice President beaming in, somewhere around 180 journalists descended on Suva in Fiji.
Newsroom National Affairs Editor Sam Sachdeva was one of them, telling Tova on Friday morning that "peace, love and harmony" was not the only focus of the political forum this year.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A legal analyst and columnist at Politico Magazine thinks the former US President could face other charges around the Jan. 6 capitol riots.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kiwis LOVE stockpiling their leave... building up paid days off so that they can go on holiday for a month for example. But this is not the case in all countries. Which way is the best to go? Tova and Duncan will go head to head!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We speak to incredible people every day on our show, people that change the country and the world, help us think, and challenge us.
But some of our loyal listeners struggle to hang on their every word while juggling childcare.
Problem? Solution!
While we’re not advocating TV babysitters, there is a new programme on TVNZ 2 from 6:30-8:30am that has just launched that will help parents keep their kids entertained so they can listen to us.
Toi Time has pitched itself as New Zealand’s version of The Wiggles, and we are joined by two of the new stars Taylor Rogers and Errol Anderson.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel... and on Thursdays we tap into major brainpower! Joining us are University of Auckland History Professor Caroline Daley, and The Spinoff’s Editor-at-large Toby Manhire.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Join Tova as she talks to Carol Ramos about The Emmys, George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and Paul Rudd!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Zealand’s trying to entice the best and brightest to plug calamitous workforce shortages like we have in nursing
But we’re competing with countries like Australia offering far more welcoming immigration policies and pay.
Migrant nurses here have told us they feel undervalued, and treated like second class citizens because of botched immigration settings.
And according to the Prime Minister, if they can’t put up with the two-year residency wait in New Zealand, they just don’t want it enough.
Immigration advisor Katy Armstrong joins us with the latest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Having a phobia can be debilitating, but new technology is allowing people to come face-to-face with their fears without actually being anywhere near them.
An Otago University trial is experimenting with the use of virtual reality to give people exposure to their phobias - namely, spiders, flying, needles, heights and dogs.
The 129 people who took part saw on average a 75 percent reduction of their symptoms over just six weeks.
Associate Professor Cameron Lacey joins us to discuss!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Some parents of the victims of the Uvalde school massacre are livid that video surveillance capturing the attack was leaked to the media.
The Austin-American Statesman and ABC-affiliate KVUE posted the entire 82 minutes of the mass shooting that left 19 children and two teachers dead. Toni Waterman is our US correspondent, and she joins us from Texas.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"If you unleash an army of bots it can do a tremendous amount of damage," Paul Spain said.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
I hope Jacinda Ardern’s having a good time in Fiji and I hope Grant Robertson’s feeling better from COVID and has managed some downtime in iso because that dynamic duo is going to return to parliament after the school holiday recess to a tidal wave of trouble.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Wednesday, Police Minister Chris Hipkins and Justice Minister Kiri Allan announced new measures to help to crack down on gang violence.
Spokesperson for the Waikato chapter of the Mongrel Mob, Louise Hutchinson, tells Tova the whole thing was a 'PR stunt by the ministers'.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Kiwi golfer told Tova the course puts him in good stead for the tournament.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kiritapu Allan says the first tranche of reforms has been designed based on evidence and what the police are saying they need.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A woman has been killed in a west Auckland shooting overnight - the latest in a string of firearms incidents.
It happened on Newington Road in Henderson, and despite police making an arrest and telling the public there is no further risk, people are sure to be on edge.
The ring of gunshots is still echoing in the ears of the Supercity - On Friday a house in Flat Bush was peppered with bullets, and a weekend earlier the same story in Mangere.
West Auckland Councillor Linda Cooper joins us with the latest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Should it be easier to fire people? Or is it too easy, and employers have all the power?
Find out what Tova and Duncan have to argue today!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's Pae Korero, and on Wicked Wednesday we have the powerbroker edition - Labour Minister Kiritapu Allan and National’s 3IC Chris Bishop.
And Kiri has a wee bit of a scoop for us!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A young electrician in Queenstown is sparking an uprising among aspiring tradie ladies.
Brooke Thompson - known by her 15000 followers as sparkygirlnz - has just joined the three percent of qualified female electricians in the country.
Through her apprenticeship she worked on more than just her certification - using her popular social media platforms to inspire other women and men in the trades and beyond.
She joins us now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The National Leader labelled PM Ardern's comment about international nurses not being fast-tracked to residency as 'ridiculous'.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
'We are so desperate for nurses, to have them in the country, in the job, for even a couple of years - we’ll take it.'
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chair of Health NZ Rob Campbell told Tova the people on the front line in health services are finding it very tough at the moment.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
'Most rentals are not affordable for seniors on National superannuation and that is getting worse for them.'
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tova and Duncan are set to debate that Speights is the best beer in NZ... or that it's not! Find out who had to take the positive road, and who took the negative.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero, and we've got our Tuesday panel here on Tova.
We're joined by radio host and podcaster PJ Harding, and the NZ editor of The Conversation, Finlay Macdonald.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jacinda Ardern says moving to the red traffic light setting wouldn’t make much of a difference to our surging case numbers, but said that people’s actions at a personal level can help - masking, isolating and vaccination.
Jo Moir, Newsroom's political editor joins us with the latest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hastings has launched a nationwide search to find people who danced at the local Municipal Building Assembly Hall between 1950 (when the place opened) and 2014 (when it closed for renovations).
Those who come forward are being invited to share their memories, and potentially win tickets to a special event celebrating the relaunch of a building that holds a special place for the local community.
Here to tell us more is Megan Peacock-Coyle, Manager of Toitoi - Hawke’s Bay Arts and Events centre.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We’ve farewelled Mark Dye today - he’s off to Berlin for the next few weeks!
But he had a hell of a time trying to secure travel, and his flight path is far from straightforward.
He’s not alone! Demand is still creeping back post-lockdown, flights are being cancelled as staff catch Covid, and Air New Zealand is warning of three-hour waits to their call centre.
Vicky Kenny, founder of International Working Holidays, saw the writing on the wall when we spoke to her back in May - and she joins us now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"I’ve been sharing my views on the government’s daft decision not to include nurses on the immigration priority residency list.
Let’s strip it back to the voices that really matter in all this. The voices the government is choosing to ignore. The voices from within the crisis stricken health care sector."
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
'Make It 16' co-director Cate Tipler argues yes, while political commentator Liam Hehir argues no.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oranga Tamariki, the Police, Education, Social Development, health, Justice, Corrections, Housing - you name it - they’ve been ordered to slink out of their silos.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tova ponders the question on many Kiwi's lips in recent times, will Jacinda Ardern stay on and compete in the 2023 election, or will she quit while ahead?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A US management consulting firm has predicted the Asia-Pacific region of more than 20,000 pilots by 2029.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Salient Magazine revealed the planned vote of no confidence against Shaw at the party’s annual conference.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Controversy surrounds the Pacific Islands Forum as Kiribati, Nauru and the Marshall Islands have all pulled out of the International meeting.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Luxon doesn't need to do media rounds saying that journalists are obsessed with him or too focused on his party because after 5 years National MP's are finally in line.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Japanese Police have admitted there were security flaws on the day the country’s former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was assassinated while campaigning on the election trail.
Despite the murder, elections went ahead on Sunday (NZT) and Abe’s party has increased its majority in the upper house.
The country is still in mourning and is preparing for his funeral which will be held on Monday and Tuesday (NZT) followed by a private memorial service.
President of the Foreign Policy institute in Japan, Kuni Miyake, worked with Abe and his wife, being friends with him for many years.
Miyake tells Tova the assassination was one of the 'biggest shocks' he's ever had in his life.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duncan Garner is back for the debate club this week, we can't keep him away, so this morning Tova and Duncan debate if living in Australia right now is better than living in New Zealand.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sri Lankan citizens have been suffering without food and gas for over six months, while the cost of living has risen exponentially since the beginning of 2022.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s an age-old saying…"dance like nobody’s watching" did you know there’s a place in Auckland where you can test that out.
‘Dark Dance’ meets up a couple of times a week to cut shapes, a spin-off of the global movement No Lights No Lycra.
No light sources are allowed - it’s pitch black - allowing people to leave their inhibitions at the door.
Organiser Darcy Peacock joined Tova to explain the concept.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Politicians have been forced to change political donation laws after almost all parties found themselves in trouble over allegations of donation fraud.
The changes will make it harder for donors to make big anonymous donations.
Researchers at Victoria University in Wellington have been trying to find out what motivates political donors, they’ve talked to a group who’ve made donations of NZ$30k plus to different parties.
Joining Tova to discuss the research is one of the researchers behind the study, author and public policy expert Max Rashbooke.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Mondays, Pae Kōrero is our statespeople panel featuring former MPs.
He was once a National Minister and Attorney General Chris Finlayson and she was once a Green MP Sue Bradford.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Prime Minister is in Fiji Tuesday for the Pacific Islands Forum and it is a powder keg.
China’s influence in the region, its deal with the Solomons, and climate change are all priority agenda items but Jacinda Ardern arrives to a summit at stake
The withdrawal of one island nation has dealt an enormous blow to the regional group.
Newsroom political reporter Sam Sachdeva is preparing to travel to Fiji to cover the talks and joined Tova on the news Kiribati is pulling out of the forum.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s tough out there, we’ve talked about it a lot on Tova and we’re all seeing it first hand at the check-out, at the pump and when the power bill arrives.
It means support services for people living in poverty are seeing a whole new raft of people in need, including those who have never considered themselves in that category before.
Auckland City Missioner Helen Robinson joined Tova to discuss how in-demand the Mission's services are.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As they are in New Zealand, COVID cases are climbing across the ditch in Australia
With Anthony Albanese’s government making a big push for antiviral medication to be more available.
Sydney correspondent Sam Emery joined Tova to discuss.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Team Tova is a week and a half into Dry July and they've raised just over NZ$1000 for cancer.
Over the course of Dry July, the team is talking to charities they're helping support.
This week, they speak with Prostate Cancer Foundation CEO Peter Dickens, who says prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What happened this week? The Warriors won! The onion industry had a rebrand, and Joe Biden got a bit confused... find out what happened in a four minute highlights package.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Each week Producer Jeremy is given the task of checking out what's in the news, and finding something that's worthy of being put to music.
And there's only one news story out there for him this week - Boris Johnson resigning!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Imagine on a wet weekend... you're in bed with a good book!
Is it an actual book... or is it an e-reader?
Duncan and Tova debate which is best!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We've talked a lot about the nursing crisis over the past few weeks, as the chorus grows to add the profession to the residency green list.
You need not look further than our next guest to see the consequences of the Government's inaction.
A nurse, who works in an aged care facility taking care of our elderly, is looking to leave - and Australia or Canada could get her invaluable skills.
Despite being a healthcare worker here for a decade, and upskilling to become a nurse in Aotearoa, she still doesn't qualify for a fast-tracked visa… she has to wait two more years.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero, our panel here on Tova, and for Friday we've got political commentator Shane Te Pou, and the Spinoff’s Bulletin editor Anna Rawhiti-Connell.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today is a world first - It’s International Paramedics Day. It's a day to celebrate some of the heroes working to keep us alive.
CEO of St Johns Ambulance Peter Bradley joins us to talk this and more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Prime Minister is wrapping up her Aussie jaunt with a meeting with her Aussie counterpart.
As is her way, she’s dampening expectations about any major policy gains, but as we’ve learnt from our Prime Minister that’s a tactic she employs to make any gains look greater.
We're very pleased to welcome Political Editor of Channel Ten in Australia, Peter van Onselen.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chances are you probably know someone with Covid-19 right now.
Cases are back to over ten thousand a day, and the latest modelling shows we are due for a spike as we tackle new variants.
University of Canterbury Professor Michael Plank says we could see twenty thousand a day in a week's time, and he joins us with the latest!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
He’s back! That’s right, our Today FM sports guru extraordinaire John Day is out of COVID isolation to deliver us his weekly wrap on everything that’s going on.
We talk through the ABs, Warriors, tennis and more!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wellington Mayor Andy Foster is having another crack - announcing his campaign for reelection.
But he faces an uphill battle... the community’s struggling with skyrocketing rents, old water pipes, high rates, the aftermath of the protests at parliament, and congestion problems throughout the CBD.
He joins us to reveal why he's doing it.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today was the day... Boris Johnson finally resigned as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
We crossed to the UK for his departure speech, and talked to Jonathan Reilly (Political Correspondent for The Sun), Justine Greening (Former Conservative Cabinet Minister), and Sir Bob Neill (Conservative MP).
She's a big day!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A public health specialist believes it is a deliberate attempt to disrupt progress towards the 'smoke-free 2025' goal.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today is a world first. It’s international paramedics day.
A day to celebrate some of the heroes working to keep us alive.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The gender pay gap has come to attention this week at New Zealand Cricket - with our national women's team now getting paid the same match fees as their male counterparts... but as far as retainer contracts go the men are still a long way ahead.
Tova and Duncan will debate the pros and cons!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After twelve people were hospitalised with fentanyl overdoses last week, it sparked a greater conversation about whether or not drugs should be decriminalised and treated as a health issue rather than criminal.
For a long time drug reform campaigners have placed Portugal on a pedestal as the country that got it done.
22 years ago they decriminalised all drugs, including heroin which had a devastating grip on the country.
We're joined by the Dean of Decriminalisatin - the architect of Portugal’s drug policy.. Portugal National Drug Coordinator Dr João Goulão.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our LA based reporter Carol Ramos has her finger on the pulse when it comes to Hollywood, and we’re thrilled she’s joining us today!
She's talking celebrity exes, Johnny Depp, Demi Moore, and James Cameron.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s getting harder and harder for the Government to hide in the Beehive and pretend not to hear the crescendo of calls to add nurses to the immigration priority green list...
ProCare, the health co-operative, is the latest to call on the Immigration Minister to fix the muck up.
Their CEO Bindi Norwell joins us with more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero, and on Thursdays we have University of Auckland History professor Caroline Daley, and The Spinoff’s Toby Manhire.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The supermarkets are on notice and it could benefit your back pocket!
Commerce Minister David Clark has announced that a new grocery commissioner will be appointed to keep our supermarkets in check - and it’ll have the power to fine them or take them to court .
Ernie Newman is the former director of the NZ grocery manufacturers association, and he joins us to discuss.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Police and Muslim leaders met in Tauranga last night after a mosque in the city was burgled.
Traditional men’s clothing was stolen, which has raised concerns from some in the community that they could be used to infiltrate the Eid Festival this weekend.
A car was also set alight just outside the mosque on the same night as the burglary.
National coordinator for the Islamic women’s council Aliya Danzeisenn joins us with the latest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We’re used to geothermal activity in Rotorua... mud sploshes, geisers, sulphurous belches...
But it’s a usually a bit more contained than the new crack that appeared yesterday on a traffic island.
It’s called a fumarole and it caused quite a scene! Peter Brownbridge, the city's geothermal inspector was straight on the case - and he joins us with more!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It was the biggest news story in the world today, and we wanted to make sure we kept you up with the latest. See how the drama unfolded as we crossed to the UK for the latest!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How do you feel about your hard-earned money going towards Hollywood blockbuster films?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Netsafe CEO Brent Carey joins Tova with a word of warning for social media users.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's been one of the aged old arguments - do men feel the common cold worse than their female counterparts?
Duncan and Tova presents the pros and cons!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Opposition leader has had lift off - Christopher Luxon’s travelling to Singapore, Dublin, and London, to unashamedly (as he puts it) “nick and steal” policy ideas.
So filling in for him is National Party deputy leader Nicola Willis.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When Maxim Sapozhnikov found out he was one of around 5000 people worldwide caught up in the latest surge of Monkeypox he didn’t hide away.
Instead the founder of Milan fashion company F2Max used his social media platforms, which amass close to 200-thousand followers, to educate.
Europe is on high alert for the disease with cases tripling there in the past two weeks alone. We ask Maxim what it's been like to have Monkeypox.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's Pae Korero, and it’s so great to be able to welcome our Wednesday crew - Labour Minister Kiritapu Allan and National’s 3IC Chris Bishop.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We’re six days into Plastic Free July, and today we’re looking at two sides of plastic bottles, and whether they should stay or go.
100,000 people have signed a Greenpeace petition calling on the government to ban single use plastic bottles, while the government phases out other single use plastics by 2025... but not bottles.
To talk about this, we talk to Greenpeace Plastics campaigner Juressa Lee, and Eric Crampton, Chief Economist at the New Zealand Initiative.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Zealand is on the map with a world first breakthrough for rheumatic fever.
New data from the University of Otago has revealed that household overcrowding is a major risk factor for acute rheumatic fever and streptococcal infections of the skin.
The lead researcher is none other than a man who has kept us informed on COVID for the past two years - Professor Michael Baker.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Two of British PM Boris Johnson's colleagues resigned suddenly overnight, and fired parting shots regarding having little faith in their leader.
What does this mean for Johnson now? We talk to UK correspondent Charlotte Gallagher.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chief executive of the NZ Cricket Players Association Heath Mills explained why a large pay gap still exists
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We’ve been desperately trying to get to the bottom of the Government’s rationale for refusing to include nurses on the priority immigration green list.
Trying to understand why it wouldn’t do everything it can to attract nurses here during a nursing shortage.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s being hailed as the most important agreement in cricket…
A ground-breaking landmark new deal that will mean New Zealand professional women and men’s cricketers "will receive the same pay for the same work on the same day," according to a press release from New Zealand Cricket.
On Wednesday morning, White Ferns Captain Sophie Devine told Tova that it's a "massive outcome for everyone involved" and that she believes the deal will be as good as it sounds.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Here’s a fact you probably didn’t want to know over breakfast - a loophole in the law means a person can get away with pooing in public, as long as they don’t think they’re being watched.
The Responsible Campers Association (RCA) is calling for that to be changed, with freedom campers overwhelmingly catching the blame for the defecation situation.
The group wants two additional clauses added - that people must do their business 50 metres away from a waterway, and they must bury it.
On Wednesday morning, RCA spokesperson Bob Osborne told Tova that the law relates to a lack of substantial public toilet facilities.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Speaking on Tova, CNN's Adrienne Broaddus described the scene shortly after the shooting occurred - when the gunman was still unknown and on the run.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There's a few roads around the country now where the speed limit is 110 km/h, but should NZ just bite the bullet and make 110 the legal speed limit?
Tova and Duncan debate the pros and cons...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Still wondering what to get that special someone who’s got absolutely everything?
How about a vampire-slaying kit once owned by a British aristocrat?
A 19th century box kit fitting that description has just just sold at auction in London for $25,000 - it’s really quite incredible - a stake, holy water, Bible... just a few of the precious antiquities in the bespoke case.
Here to tell us more is the man who sold it, Charles Hanson from Hanson’s Auctioneers.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for our panel, Pae Korero! Our two guests today are radio host and podcaster PJ Harding, and the NZ editor of The Conversation, Finlay Macdonald.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After years starved of tourism, Fiji is well and truly open for business again.
Despite only being open to New Zealand, Australia, and US markets, visitor levels are close to surpassing those of pre-pandemic times.
But it comes with complications - delays to shipping lines mean some essential goods can’t keep up with the tourist numbers.
Joining us is managing operator of Rosie Holidays, and owner of two resorts on the pacific islands, Tony Whitton.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rain and strong winds are forecast for northern and central parts of New Zealand in the next couple days as the sub-tropical weather system that’s caused massive flooding in NSW makes its way here.
And while weather conditions in NSW are starting to ease, flood affected areas remain on high alert.
In the Hawkesbury region, about an hour out of Sydney which has the highest flood exposure in NSW, evacuation plans remain in full swing.
Hawkesbury City Council deputy mayor Barry Calvert is with us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After a shooter opened fire on a July 4th Independence Day parade, 6 people lay dead and many more injured.
We crossed to the scene just hours after the attack.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The suspect in the Copenhagen mall shooting was known to have mental health issues, according to Danish police.
That's the latest information after three people were killed and several others injured in the attack on Monday (NZT).
Former Danish politician and athlete Joachim Olsen was on his way to the gym at the mall when he saw people streaming out, shouting to run for their lives.
Olsen told Tova on Tuesday morning that police officers arrived "in great numbers, very, very fast."
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We heard from a surgeon this morning about the fallout of the staffing crisis in healthcare - it’s not just bad, it’s deeply sad and this could affect any one of us or those we love at any time.
Dr Rowan French told Tova on Tuesday morning that hospital operating theatres can be cut in half during periods like the school holidays, dropping the capacity dramatically even further than the already stressed system.
Surgeons have joined the urgent calls of Health NZ, the nurse's organisation, aged care and community health to have nurses added to the Immigration fast-track residency green list.
Dr French said we need to open up as many avenues for nurses as possible, and struggles to understand the "frustrating" immigration decisions being made at the top.
One man who can do something about this - put it all to bed - help in this very meaningful way to address the staffing crisis in our health system is Immigration Minister Michael Wood. He joined Tova on Tuesday morning to answer the call about what's holding up the process of fast-tracking nurse residencies.
Wood told Tova that a two-year residency program is attractive enough for nurses looking to come to New Zealand.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Surgeons have added their voices to the roaring chorus of healthcare workers desperately demanding help to address the staffing crisis in the system.
Hospitals are at or above 100 percent capacity and delays to elective surgeries mean deferred patients are now ending up in emergency departments with preventable complications.
The New Zealand Association of General Surgeons (NZAGS) has sent an open letter to the Health Minister.
NZAGS President Dr Rowan French told Tova on Tuesday morning that things have to be "pretty bad" to take the kind of action they are currently, stating it's "not done lightly."
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
501 deportee advocate Filipa Payne and Shayne Forrester who was detained on Christmas Island where his cancer went undiagnosed. He was later deported to New Zealand as a 501.
Forrester told Tova on Tuesday morning that he now "has five cancers" which would have been preventable had he been "given a chance" to see a specialist, which was not available on Christmas Island.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Speaking on Tova, Chief Scientist at the Berkeley SETI Research Centre, Dan Werthimer, says they are trying to answer the question: 'Are we alone?'
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tova O'Brien spoke to the non-profit organisation Look Good Feel Better.
Look Good Feel Better offers a range of programmes for people at all stages of cancer treatment including skincare routines, how to fill in sparse eyebrows, or how to put on a wig.
The organisation's general manager Clare O’Higgins says their programme is all about dealing with 'today'.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today we found out that Tova is a massive fan of grabbing a pen or seven from the stationery supplies in the office. So she debated whether or not it's stealing with her old mate, Duncan Garner!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Legendary rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers will be playing two massive stadium shows early next year.
They’ll perform in Auckland at Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday January 21 - before heading South to Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium on Thursday January 26.
The tour marks the return of guitarist John Frusciante to the group, as they perform their career-spanning hits alongside tracks from their acclaimed new album - Unlimited Love.
And joining us to talk everything about the shows… he’s been on The Rock radio station for over 15 years - Bryce Casey!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero, and on Mondays we speak to our former states people! Former National Minister and Attorney General Chris Finlayson, and former Green MP Sue Bradford.
Today they're talking about health... and a lot of food products?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Zealand’s feta industry is at risk of crumbling... as local cheese makers are ordered to change the name of their product.
They have nine years to come up with a new name, under the free trade agreement negotiated between New Zealand and the European Union.
It has been given geographical protection, meaning only feta which actually comes from Greece can use the name.
Daniel Shields from the Specialist Cheesemakers Association joins us with the latest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nothing goes together quite like beef and onions.
But the industries are at odds over the success of the European Union Free Trade Agreement announced last week.
Today we’re speaking to the Meat Association who says the deal is poor quality and restrains how much they can export to Europe, and we’re also joined by Onions New Zealand, who are applauding the elimination of tariffs.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We are beyond thrilled to have Today FM Sports Editor Nigel Yalden beaming in from our Hamilton studio. He'll talk to us about the All Blacks, the Warriors, Sir Lewis Hamilton, and the NBA.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion: I want Health NZ to be a rip-snorting success. We should all want health NZ to be a rip-snorting success because it is in all of our interests.
We want our parents, our children, our loved ones, and ourselves to be healthy and be able to access the healthcare we need.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Russia has stepped up its attacks in the east of Ukraine - claiming its forces have completely taken the city of Lysychansk, which would mean the entire region of Luhansk could come under Russian control.
Houses in villages are reportedly being systemically blitzed one after the other with surviving residents forced underground into basements.
The toll of the war is hitting Ukraine financially - President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed it’s costing Ukraine $5 billion a month.
But as we know the resilience of the Ukrainian people is strong.
The leader of Ukraine’s Holos party, Kira Rudik, told Tova on Monday morning that the Ukrainian spirit is "very high".
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
40 unions and charities have joined together to call for immediate changes to gender and ethnic pay gaps from the Government.
An open letter to the Prime Minister is asking for businesses with more than fifty employees to be mandated to report the pay gaps in their companies.
Co-founder of Mindthegapnz Dellwyn Stuart told Tova on Monday morning that a woman on a medium wage of about $26 an hour could receive as high as $36 more per week.
More to come.
Listen to the full interview between Dellwyn Stuart and Tova above.
You can also download the full breakdown on the Tova podcast, and listen on the go. Check it out on the rova app or wherever you get your podcasts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This Debate Club went an interesting way, because both Duncan and Tova thought that R Kelly's back catalogue should go in the bin due to his convictions for sex crimes.
Take a listen to their reasons why!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
She’s released a new album and now she’s coming to a city near you!
She has some of the best pipes on her in the entire country - maybe even the world
Hollie Smith is coming to a city near you, kicking off her tour tonight in Hawke’s Bay. She joins us to chat through the tour and her new album.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A watershed moment in our history... our health sector completely overhauled, with all 20 DHBs replaced by Health NZ and the Maori Health Authority.
There is so much at stake here - we’ve all heard the stories about the dire state of health in New Zealand right now.
But our next guest gives some hope - Rob Campbell, the Chair of Health NZ.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Each week our producer Jeremy has to look back on the important issues, and put one of them to music.
OK - may this week's wasn't that important. Take a listen!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Time for Mark's look back on the last 7 days... including Duncan Garner checking out a certain website for the first time, the PMs wardrobe issues, and a low key fire in South Auckland (that was actually really huge).
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for pae korero our panel here on Tova - it’s Fab and forensic Friday with political commentator Shane Te Pou along with a first time Pae Korero guest Anna Rawhiti-Connell, the Spinoff’s Bulletin editor - stoked to have you with u
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Not sure what your work place looks like at the moment, but ours here at Today FM has been ravaged by COVID and winter illness.
The government has tweaked COVID rules to address a spike in COVID cases and growing re-infections.
People experiencing symptoms more than 29 days after having COVID advised to isolate and test - it used to be only after 90 days.
University of Otago epidemiologist Michael Baker is with us to discuss.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Imagine having to fork out of your own hard earned savings to demolish your own house because it’s become uninsurable due to coastal erosion - all this when you haven’t even finished paying off the mortgage?
That’s the fate facing homeowner Jo Poland who lives close to the beach at the seaside settlement of Port Waikato where the shoreline’s been eroded about 50 metres in the last 16 years.
Jo lives on Ocean View Rd, just a few houses down from three homes recently labelled uninhabitable.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Speaking on Tova, Trade Minister Damien O’Connor said this deal has not messed things up for farmers.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is TikTok a surveillance tool for the Chinese Communist Party?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"We feel we need a strong, independent public media now more than ever."
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Health Minister is staunchly defending the government's decision not to add nurses to the immigration priority list.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The biggest reforms to the country's health system are now live.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For people that don't have a lot of it, plenty of money may solve a lot of issues... but will it make you happy?
Duncan and Tova are here to debate the issue!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero, our panel, and on Thursdays our brilliant, bold, brainiacs are here! We're talking to University of Auckland History professor Caroline Daley, and The Spinoff’s Editor-at-large Toby Manhire.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
At least four people have died after a train bound for Chicago derailed after hitting a dump truck in the middle of Missouri in the USA.
275 passengers were onboard with many of their carriages ending up sideways on the tracks.
For Dax McDonald and his sister Samantha, it was their first time on a train and they were in a carriage that came off the tracks.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Government is finally attempting to address mental health and suicide risks faced by our defence force veterans
A framework has been launched promising a new focus on the issue.
Veterans Affairs Minister Meka Whaitiri talks through the sad statistics with us, and what is being done to improve the situation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
They're coming home! That’s right the Warriors are back playing on home soil this Sunday for the first time in two and a half years. Mount Smart is sold out, and if there ever was a time to get their season back on track it's now. Joining us is hooker Wayde Egan.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's Thursday, and we have our fabulous Los Angeles entertainment reporter joining us - our Hollywood insider, welcome Carol Ramos!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Prime Minister has made history - the first New Zealand leader to attend and speak at a NATO leaders’ summit.
In her speech Ardern said Russia’s invasion was not just a war against Ukraine, “it’s a war of Russia versus all those who hold a basic sense of humanity”
On China, she said it was clear the country was becoming more assertive and a response was needed.
Robert Patman is a Professor of Politics and Director of International Studies at Otago University, and he shares his thoughts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Small business wages grew 5.3 percent year on year last month - the fastest growth since Xero started its small business index in 2017.
But small businesses are under the pump - pressure to keep sales climbing and confidence is at woeful lows.
Xero Managing director Craig Hudson us to talk through the issue.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Radio people do some strange things for the greater good, often putting themselves through adversity in the name of a good cause. That adversity often involves round the clock broadcasts with no sleep!
Our good friends at George Breakfast - General Lee and Tammy Davis - are embarking on just that. A marathon 28 hour marathon DJ set!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It just got even harder for first-home buyers with deposits of less than 20 percent to get a mortgage.
Westpac has become the third major bank to limit mortgages following a pause of low deposit lending by ASB and ANZ too.
They put it on the Reserve Bank restricting LVRs - Loan to Value Ratios - which mean only 10 percent of a bank’s lending can go to borrowers with a deposit of less than 20 percent.
Financial advisor and founder of The Money Men, Josh Farry, broke down the details of the issue with Tova on Thursday morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Prime Minister used her three-minute speech to the NATO leaders summit to firmly align New Zealand with the West - calling out China and effectively saying the war against Ukraine, is a war against all of us.
She also said Russia was targeting New Zealand as part of a “mis - and disinformation campaign”.
While the Prime Minister’s away, Grant Robertson has his day - the acting PM spoke to Tova on Thursday morning about Ardern's address to NATO and plenty more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Despite the widespread destruction and thousands dead or injured, help is hard to come by in earthquake-stricken Afghanistan.
Aid agencies are trickling back into the country following Wednesday’s shake - many left during the Taliban takeover - but supplies haven’t even reached some of the remote villages yet.
Save the Children is there - and country director Chris Nyamandi joins us from the affected area of Paktika.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's time for our panel Pae Korero. Today we welcome our Wednesday peeps - Labour Minister Kiritapu Allan, and National’s 3IC Chris Bishop.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Under staffed, underpaid, and overworked - those are the words that will probably be on the windows at your local fire station.
For months firefighters have been pleading for help, and now they are at breaking point.
They say yesterday’s mega fire in Penrose could have been far worse, and the damage far more extensive, if it had happened on a weekend due to poor staffing.
Joining us is one of the men who helped put out that Penrose fire, also NZ firefighters union Auckland Secretary, Martin Campbell.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Drug Foundation has set up pop-up drug-testing clinics in Wairarapa and Wellington, after a powerful synthetic opioid was discovered there.
There’s growing debate over whether it’s time to decriminalise drugs in New Zealand, with 12 people in hospital after accidentally overdosing on fentanyl.
They thought they had purchased cocaine - and despite there being legal drug testing agencies here, it appears they had not come forward to check.
A new Drug Foundation shows 68 percent of people support decriminalisation, to unlock better education, treatment, and health-based approaches.
We talk to Drug Foundation CEO Sarah Helm.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A new study due to be released explores youth homelessness and the efficacy of Housing First - a programme which houses people and provides wraparound support without forcing people to meet criteria like sobriety.
The full details are embargoed until tomorrow, but we’re grateful to have lead researcher Dr Brodie Fraser from the University of Otago with us to give us some context for the research.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Eight years after Coromandel cat Pipi went missing owner Lisa Grove received a call she had all but lost hope for.
The grey shorthair, who disappeared after being relocated away from Whiritoa, had returned to her hometown.
We’ll never know what Pipi endured on his long journey, but he did apparently spend the last eight weeks of it locked in a shed, and is looking a bit rough around the edges.
We talk to Lisa about how Pipi is doing now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Carly Flynn spoke on behalf of team Invercargill, while Rachel Smalley spoke on behalf of team Christchurch.
Tova and Mark then shared which city they think is the best.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Ministry of Justice latest annual victim survey found LGBTQIA+ people are five times more likely to be sexually assaulted than the general population.
As well as that, only eight percent of sexual assaults are reported to police, in general.
Speaking on Tova, Executive director of Auckland Pride Max Tweedie said these numbers paint a distressing picture.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Where do we draw the line at politicians being disingenuous, hypocritical even... when it comes to personal views versus political expediency?
And given they’re capable of disingenuity and hypocrisy, how do we know when they’re telling the truth, they’ve evolved their ideas or they’re changing their position out of political self-interest?
Let’s take a look at three case studies. Christopher Luxon, Nanaia Mahuta and Efeso Collins.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s been a terrible week for women in the United States and it’s being felt the world over as the Supreme Court decision on Roe v Wade makes way for abortion bans across the US.
Even though it’s unusual to wade into other countries’ domestic affairs, all political parties here have condemned the ruling.
National’s leader is the exception, though he did ask one of his MPs, Simon O’Connor, to take down a post celebrating the news, which read "today is a good day" surrounded by pink love hearts.
Christopher Luxon joined Tova to discuss the Supreme Court ruling, fentanyl and Europe.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
50 migrants have died in a semi-truck in San Antonio after crossing the border, hoping for a better life. 16 more are in hospital.
Sweltering heat waves, no air and no water - locked in the back of a truck.
It’s the most deadly people-smuggling incident of its kind in US history.
Republican candidate for Texas’ 20th congressional district, Kyle Sinclair, joined Tova on Wednesday morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
He’s behind one of the world’s most ambitious building projects - a floating city designed to counter rising sea levels and a lack of space. Now, the first home is almost complete - set to be liveable by 2024.
Having been dismissed when he first proposed building cities on water, Dutch architect Koen Olthuis has teamed up with the Maldives Government and is proving his detractors wrong.
We're joined by Koen Olthuis, founder of Waterstudio.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Prime Minister has landed in Spain for the NATO leaders summit and she comes bearing gifts - $4.5 million for its trust fund for Ukraine! That’s the kitty which buys non-lethal aid like medical and other supplies.
Our Political Editor Jo Moir from Newsroom joins us with more!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Surprise (not surprise...)! Labour MP for Rongotai Paul Eagle is running to be Wellington’s next mayor!
He’s not off to the best start with the Council investigating whether one of his billboards breaches electoral rules.
Eagle’s plans have been one parliament’s worst kept secrets following months of speculation, but instead of leaving parliament right away, Eagle will hold his seat until the local election and only if he wins will he step aside and force a by election.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero, and it’s tremendous Tuesday!
Our duo today work from home in different parts of the country, writing, podcasting, pondering… Radio host and podcaster PJ Harding, and NZ editor of The Conversation, Finlay Macdonald.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Commonwealth Games in Birmingham are one month away - the opportunity to get a coveted gold medal, drawing closer.
For the Silver Ferns it will be all about redemption following a disappointing 2018 campaign that saw them miss the final for the first time since Netball was included in the 1998 games.
Looking to guide the team to a very different outcome this time round is legendary coach Dame Noeline Taurua.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Over the next few weeks we’re asking you to tell us which place in NZ deserves to win the World Cup of Cities, and without a doubt housing affordability will be a deciding factor.
The latest data from OneRoof shows one place ahead of the pack
Among New Zealand’s main centres, Christchurch has the most suburbs with an average property value of less than $1 million
Joining me to discuss is Christchurch real estate agent Gill Knight.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New South Wales is in lockdown - for bees! No bees can be moved, worked, or tampered within the entire Australian state after the detection of deadly parasite - the varroa mite
New Zealand already has the pest so it’s not expected to raise alarm bells here, but for Australia - which is the only major honey producing nation in the world that doesn’t have varroa - this is serious. It could cost the agri sector $70 million a year in losses.
Surveillance and eradication cordons are in place - all hives within ten metres of two detection sites have been destroyed.
Joining us is Danny Lefeuvre, Acting CEO of the Australian Honey Bee Industry Council.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Tuesday morning, Tova O'Brien and Duncan Garner faced off once again on the Debate Club segment.
This segment is all about winning, and getting the listeners to side with the stronger argument.
The moot for this week was - you should tell someone when they have BO.
Tova argued for, and Duncan argued against.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion: Well, colour me impressed.
I never really thought meaningful electoral law reform that wasn’t beneficial to politicians was possible given those same self-serving politicians would have to vote for it.
So Kiritapu Allan’s first big play in her new gig as Justice Minister to address the absolute farce that is the law governing political donations was bold, nowhere near as bold as it could have been but bold nonetheless. Well played.
It’s nice to be surprised by politicians.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ukraine has been pleading with New Zealand for more support for two months. On Monday, the Prime Minister set off for NATO.
Not wanting to show up empty-handed, the Government’s given an additional $4.5 million for non-lethal aid.
Our continued support is welcome but it’s still not a per capita patch on contributions made by our Five Eyes partners.
Jacinda Ardern is addressing the NATO leaders summit in Spain - no Kiwi PM has ever done that.
Former US Ambassador to NATO and special representative for Ukraine negotiations under President Trump, Kurt Volker, joined Tova on Tuesday morning to break down the significant event.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We’ve heard the stories from the health frontline…
Double shifts, short-staffed wards, exhausted, under-resourced, surgeries deferred, aged care residents being shifted, hospitals over capacity… We know the health system is in crisis.
Still baffling to almost everyone apart from the Labour government is why we haven’t added nurses to the fast-track residency green list.
Not a panacea, but an enormous help to ease the staffing crisis according to anyone in the know.
The former Immigration Minister just quit - probably would’ve, or at least should’ve, been sacked - if he hadn’t... He was immovable on this... Much hope is being held for the new Immigration Minister, Michael Wood.
Wood joined Tova on Tuesday morning to discuss Ukraine visas, nurse visas, fair pay, Gloriavale, road toll and more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's coming up 12 years since the City of Sails merged all their councils into one! Did it work? Has it done any good?
Find out what Duncan and Tova have to say!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s Pae Korero, and on Mondays we speak to our former MPs - Former National Minister and Attorney General Chris Finlayson, and former Green MP Sue Bradford.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A dozen people have been hospitalised over the weekend due to suspected fentanyl overdoses, all in the Wairarapa region.
The drug information website High Alert says the 12 people displayed the same symptoms as an opioid overdose after consuming white powder sold as cocaine and methamphetamine.
Wendy Allison, Managing Director of Know Your Stuff NZ joins us to chat through the ramifications.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s an rivalry as old as time itself - business versus unions
The Fair Pay Agreement bill is winding its way through parliament - it would mean minimum pay and conditions collectively set for entire industries or occupations.
Only 10 percent of a workforce would have to want it to go to the bargaining table, and if employers and employees can’t agree it’s kicked up to the Employment Relations Authority to sort.
Today we speak to the Council of Trade Unions president Richard Wagstaff, and Business NZ CEO Kirk Hope.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today is a good day.
Those were the words of National Party MP Simon O’Connor. And he wasn’t talking about Matariki, or that most of us had a great weekend despite it being winter. He was talking about the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v Wade in the United States. National Leader Christopher Luxon then had to ask him to take the post down in the first bit of inner party conflict in a while.
Here to break down what happened we are joined by National’s former press secretary Ben Thomas.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Many states have already banned abortion with trigger laws implemented immediately
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It proved controversial with the team this morning - should prisoners get to vote in our elections or not? Duncan and Tova were given a side, and debated the pros and cons!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There was a bit of unexpected tension in the air on the show this week, and Producer Jeremy wanted to examine it more... to music!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tauranga has a new MP, Tova falls asleep at 7:30 on a Saturday night, Chris Luxon talks "transparency", and Donald Trump says "but look at the size of the crowd!" (who rioted at The Capitol on January 6)...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s one of our all time favourite times of the week! Welcome a superstar of Hollywood news... Smart, sassy, insightful... and in the middle of a schmoozy lunch! It's our entertainment reporter Carol Ramos.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel here on Tova.
Today we welcome University of Auckland History professor Caroline Daley, and The Spinoff’s Editor-at-large Toby Manhire.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Travel agents have been preparing for a surge of enquiries this week, after the Government finally dropped the requirement to present a negative pre-departure test before returning to New Zealand.
And it seems Kiwis have been setting their sights on the GC - look out Gold Coast here we come!
Mick Stephens owns the The Breakers Apartments in Surfers Paradise, and he’s been part of an Australian tourism delegation who just visited New Zealand to meet with travel partners for the first time in more than two years.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There’s been a long-held rivalry between Millennials and Baby Boomers over who's had it the toughest when it comes to getting on the housing market.
Now Infometrics has an answer! Right now it is the worst it has been for first home buyers in 65 years.
The economic consultancy firm says those currently looking for a home loan would have to dedicate a larger proportion of their income, on average, than any year since 1957.
Chief Forecaster Gareth Kiernan joins us with the latest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Zealand’s economy is losing $2.3 billion dollars every year as a result of lost production due to physical activity according to a Deloitte report. $530 million is how much it costs our health system every year.
Half of our adults aren’t hitting activity targets, and it’s vastly more alarming for of our children and teenagers - 93% aren’t active enough
The WHO guidelines say kids should be doing an hour a day, and for adults just 20 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise a day - 150 minutes a week
One man whose life is about changing lives with exercise is motivator in chief, Brown Buttabean and Today FM host, Dave Letele.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New data on New Zealand’s housing market shows more than half of all suburbs are declining in value.
CoreLogic says 486 suburbs have dropped over the past three months - almost double the number that fell in the preceding three-month period.
Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson joins us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Zealanders are bursting with knowledge about the constellation behind our newest public holiday Matariki, many of us without even knowing it.
If you look up at the night sky, you probably recognise some of the nine-star cluster, but you may know them under different names.
Most people recognise Orion and Taurus, but Stardome Astronomy Educator Olive Karena-Lockyer joined Tova on Thursday morning, to talk about Matariki in more detail.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Allred is a leading figure on the frontline of feminism in the United States - it’s her work, it’s her life, it’s her identity - and she has achieved enormous change for women
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Warning this story talks about abuse.
Malcolm Richards was taken to Lake Alice psychiatric hospital by his mother in 1975, now he's fighting for compensation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pakistani journalist Kaswar Klasra joined Tova for the very latest out of Afghanistan.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Temperatures are the coldest they’ve been all year and none more so than Omarama in Otago.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today's Debate Club didn't go quite to plan! Listen to Tova and Duncan to find out why...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We talk a lot about the gender pay gap, how men earn more than women for doing the same jobs… If we closed the gap women would be looking at a 9% pay bump - imagine that!
But what about the golden years - when it all really hits home? Kiwisaver equity?
A new study shows women could be $318,000 worse off than men by retirement.
Here to give us her thoughts is the CEO of Kiwi Wealth Rhiannon McKinnon.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
While it may be our first time collectively celebrating Matariki this Friday, many have been doing it for decades.
And what better way to bring people together than with music!
Singer songwriter Maisey Rika has reached the NZ Official Top 40 for all five of her albums, which she performs in both Te Reo and English.
And in 2020, she created an album - Ngā Mata o te Ariki Tāwhirimātea - which was based on the Matariki stars.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our powerbroker panel on Wednesdays here on Tova.
Today we're joined by National’s 3IC Chris Bishop, and the new minister outside of Cabinet - Labour's member for Wairarapa Kieran McAnulty standing in for Kiritapu Allen.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Naked, burnt and only nine years old.
50 years ago a child known as the ‘Napalm Girl’ was on the front page of every major newspaper in the world. She was fleeing the village of Trang Bang in Vietnam.
The actual title of the Pulitzer prize winning photograph is ‘The Terror of War’.
And it is just that - laying bare the sheer horror.. the child victims.
Kim Phuc was the little girl in that photograph and she joins me now - 50 years on…
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Matariki public holiday on Friday means this is one of our last four-day work weeks of the year.
But what if it didn’t have to be?
On Wednesday morning, founder of 4 Day Week Global Andrew Barnes and economist Brad Olsen brought Two Sides of the discussion to the table on the work-life concept.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Matariki public holiday on Friday means this is one of our last four-day work weeks of the year.
But what if it didn’t have to be?
On Wednesday morning, founder of 4 Day Week Global Andrew Barnes and economist Brad Olsen brought Two Sides of the discussion to the table on the work-life concept.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Labour’s new Police Minister is signalling a gang offensive to quiet National’s accusations the government’s soft on crime.
Chris Hipkins told Tova on Tuesday that he’s looking at extra tools, support and law changes to help police - it could mean pinching National’s Firearms Protection Orders with warrantless searches, more asset seizures and changes to police pursuits policy.
The leader of the opposition Christopher Luxon made comment on the story with Tova on Wednesday morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If it wasn’t bad enough for nurses with a staffing crisis, winter sickness inundation and sub-par pay and conditions, now the Health Minister has piled on, big time.
Not only is Andrew Little steadfast that there is no crisis in health, despite nurses and healthcare workers repeatedly telling us otherwise… He’s also had an almighty go at the NZ Nurses Organisation, the union representing the overwhelming majority of our nurses.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tova chats to the creator of the latest online puzzle where you can compete against your friends in a Worldle-like battle.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Assemble plasterboard taskforce! The Government appears to have finally recognised what the industry and country have been telling it for months - we have a plasterboard supply crisis.
In an attempt to do something about it, the Government has brought together a group of industry experts to investigate.
The goal is to ultimately provide a fix... Possibly regulatory change...
General manager of new business at Hawkins and Downer Peter McCawe joined Tova to touch on just how bad the gib shortage is.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As two former political editors, Duncan and Tova should be pretty up with the play when it comes to Parliament being in the capital.
So who's going to argue that the capital should be moved?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Disruptions to global supply chains triggered by the pandemic have hit NZ’s freight and supply chain system hard - it’s a whopping great driver of inflation so a large part of the reason we’re paying so much for goods and services
New Zealand tends to feel the impacts of higher freight rates much more than other countries given its geographical distance from major markets… 99% of our country’s imports and exports end up travelling via global shipping routes to reach us.
We’re joined by global shipping giant DHL’s NZ Managing Director Mark Foy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's the week of New Zealand's first official Matariki celebrations, and we wanted to find out more about how it's relevant to Kiwis today.
We spoke to the deputy chair of Ngati Whatua-Orakei Trust, Ngarimu Blair.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our adoption laws are up for review for the first time in 66 years.
The Ministry of Justice has set out new options for reform that it says would put children rights and their best interests at the heart of the new system.
Feedback is open until August... to get some sense of what’s on the table we’re joined by Wendy Hawke the executive director of inter-country adoption New Zealand.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our Tuesday panel here on Tova.
She’s funny, warm, and smart - Radio host and podcaster PJ Harding.. and he’s spiky and funny (sometimes) too plus he’s the NZ editor of The Conversation, Finlay Macdonald.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Trade Minister is heading off on a global charm offensive - Australia, Canada, the UK - and the current jewel in the New Zealand trade crown, Europe
Europe is worth 9billion dollars to us in exports - we give them wine, fruit and meat and in return we get cars, aircraft and pharmaceuticals
Locking in a deal with Europe is more important now than ever with the whole world so topsy turvy - especially China.. The Prime Minister will be along for parts of the ride with Trade Minister Damien O’Connor who joins me now, morena minister
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Parents who send their toddlers to early childhood education expect them to be safe.
But shortages within the sector are becoming so bad it’s leaving some teachers fearful for the children they are looking after.
Many are taking to private Facebook pages, venting their concerns over the child to adult ratio, which in New Zealand is 1:5 on average.
We’re joined by a teacher who wants to remain anonymous.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In a clear sign that the West is galvanising in the face of Russia’s war in Ukraine, and China’s growing influence here, for the first time ever a NZ Prime Minister has been invited to attend and speak at a NATO leaders’ summit
It’s wheels up for the PM on Sunday - the summit in Spain coinciding with a wider Europe trade trip.
Our Political Editor Newsroom’s Jo Moir joins us with the latest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We love our “fush and chups” here in New Zealand, and while we think we are culinary leaders in this field... there is one area we’ve been well and truly pipped on.
Zohaib Hussain from Zero Fish Bar in Cardiff has just broken the world record for fish and chip wrapping - Smashing out five wrapped portions in just 40.13 seconds!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Next week Jacinda Ardern will attend and speak at the NATO Leaders’ Summit. The first New Zealand leader to do so.
In a suite of enormous international moments for our Prime Minister this year, this is the motherload.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Earlier on Tuesday morning, Tova spoke to an early childhood teacher who warns children’s lives are at risk due to chronic understaffing and low mandated teacher-to-child ratios.
Now, the country’s only public health specialist for the sector says he has never seen early childhood education (ECE) in this much trouble, even comparing the poor quality care to child abuse.
Mike Bedford joined Tova to discuss the issue.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
He’s the new fix-it minister... minister of everything… Including the new minister of Police.
Chris Hipkins has been parachuted in to clean up the almighty mess made by his sacked predecessor Poto Williams.
On Tuesday morning, Hipkins joined Tova to discuss the new role, and most importantly, how is he going to tackle the gang problem going forward?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Adding further tragedy to horror in Blenheim yesterday - a second fatal road crash less than 48 hours after seven people were killed when their van collided with a truck.
It puts our road toll into stark relief - and also calls into question the government’s road to zero campaign - it wants no road deaths by 2050.
185 people have died on our roads already this year, 27 more than last year.
AA’s principal policy advisor Terry Collins spoke to Tova on this on Tuesday morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Interesting that Tova and Duncan both used to work in TV... and now they have to debate if it's dead, or dying, or alive and kicking!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Crusaders weren’t the only Kiwis lighting it up in our sports world this weekend.
Hayden Paddon cruised to yet another win at his home Rally in South Canterbury to record his third straight title. This week he’ll fly to Italy to compete in Rally de Alba, but before that he joins us!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
116 days ago Russia invaded Ukraine.
The head of NATO is now warning the war could last years, and that further military support is needed, while the UK is urging the world to give further support.
Though it appears New Zealand has, it’s been more than two months since we finally capitulated and provided money for military aid in Ukraine - but not a cent more since
Oleksandr Merezhko is the head of the Ukrainian parliament’s international affairs committee, and has been responsible for liaising with foreign governments since the war began.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Software As A Service or ‘SaaS’, is something you may never have heard of… yet last year it earned New Zealand $2.6 billion dollars in export sales.
Kiwi digital and software companies like Xero, Fisher and Paykel HealthCare, and travel specialists Serko have shown how good Kiwi businesses are at identifying "niche" problems with a potentially massive global base of customers.
And their success is so significant some commentators now believe the Saas sector could eventually rival industries like tourism and agriculture. Here to discuss is Bruce Jarvis, Head of SaaS for the Digital Industry Transformation Plan - a govt/industry collaboration to grow the tech sector.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Crusaders reign supreme with yet another Super Rugby title win at the weekend.
The emphatic 21-7 victory over the Blues in front of a sell out crowd at Eden Park was never really in doubt from the first whistle.
Joining us to dissect the demolition is sports reporter for the Press in Christchurch Rob van Royen.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - and on Mondays it's our former MPs! Today you'll hear from Former National Minister and Attorney General Chris Finlayson, and former Green MP Sue Bradford.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Christchurch City Council is set to start charging residents for excessive water usage.
Property owners in Christchurch and Banks Peninsula will be charged $1.35 for every one thousand litres over the daily limit of 700 litres - that equates to about 100 toilet flushes.
The new charge aims to reduce extreme demand on the city’s water supply but it’s created division - five councillors want the charge scrapped completely saying, leave it for Three Waters to sort.
Joining us is the council’s head of Three Waters Helen Beaumont.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Does a plant-based diet trump eating meat routinely?
Google revealed last week that New Zealand ranks 4th in the world in online searches about veganism.
The NZ Vegan society says somewhere between 6% to 10% of the population now embraces vegetarianism or veganism.
On Two Sides, Tova looked at vegetarian/vegan vs. carnivores.
She spoke to chef Tom Riley - the co-founder of vegan foodbox delivery service 'Green Dinner Table', and former Federated Farmers Meat and Fibre chair, Miles Anderson.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The almighty clash at Eden Park wasn’t the only gladiatorial combat on display on Saturday night.
While vastly more of the country was captivated by the Crusaders skewering of the Blues, a political skewering was also taking place in Tauranga.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s just too horrific. Seven family members were killed, including a baby, in a horror road crash in Picton.
The collision between a van and a refrigerated goods truck was the deadliest road crash the South Island had seen in the past two decades.
Emergency services described the scene as ‘absolute carnage’. Marlborough Mayor John Leggett joined Tova on Monday morning to talk about the tragedy and what needs to be done to prevent further accidents like this ever happening again.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kiwi charity KidsCan has seen a spike in applications for help, with more than two thousand children on its waitlist.
Teachers from schools supported by KidsCan say cost of living increases are driving families to breaking point.
The charity is launching an urgent appeal this morning to help feed children as winter hits.
KidsCan CEO Julie Chapman spoke to Tova on Monday morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For the first time since July last year, the number of people on the public housing waiting list has decreased.
The number of households and children in emergency motels has fallen slightly too.
But, there’s very little to celebrate - 4,401 children are still living in motels.
Including newborn babies...
Last week we heard from one motelier about how bad the conditions can get...
"I pay for 24-hour security, I've got cleaning staff that have to scrub human faeces off the walls, meth fumes of ceilings, dismantle meth labs, pull out cannabis plantations… things like that."
And despite the number of households going down, we’re actually spending more money on emergency housing grants - baffling.
Social Development Minister Carmel Sepuloni spoke to Tova on Monday morning about the issue that seems to be getting worse and worse.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Christchurch City Council is set to start charging residents for excessive water usage.
Property owners in Christchurch and Banks Peninsula will be charged $1.35 for every one thousand litres over the daily limit of 700 litres - that equates to about 100 toilet flushes.
The new charge aims to reduce extreme demand on the city’s water supply but it’s created a division.
Five councillors want the charge scrapped completely, saying 'leave it for Three Waters to suss'.
The council’s head of Three Waters, Helen Beaumont, spoke to Tova on Monday morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Earlier this week, Tova and Duncan debated whether or not people can be born evil.
Tova even went down a rabbit hole reading up about it!
What makes some people ruthless? Is being a psychopath or a narcissist entirely negative? Could it also be a way to get ahead in life? Can we be born evil?
Daniel Jones from the University of Nevada has co-authored a study on it - he’s an Associate Professor of Social Psychology and he joins us now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Happiness is a good book…. But it’s been tough out there for small businesses and bookstores are no exception.
Terrible news this week that Vic Books will shut its Pipitea store just across the road from the Beehive - an institution destroyed in large part because of the disruption caused by the protests at parliament capping off two years of COVID woes
Joining is the store’s general manager Jessica Godfrey.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's Blues vs Crusaders for Super Rugby glory this weekend, but just how good are the Crusaders? Are they the greatest Kiwi rugby team of all time? Tova and Duncan will debate it for you!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's neck and neck in the race to become Auckland's next mayor. Some are surprised with how well Leo Molloy is going - but not him!
He joins us with more!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel here on Tova - and our Friday firebrands are current affairs commentator Josie Pagani, and political commentator Shane Te Pou.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A clash of the rugby titans at Eden Park this weekend - when the Blues take on the Crusaders for Super Rugby glory!
For the past five years the Crusaders have held the Super Rugby trophy - admittedly two of those years were disrupted by Covid, but still!
The odds are on the Blues with their home advantage, but rugby fans are betting in favour of the Crusaders..
Blues blindside flanker and recently selected All Black, Akira Ioane joins us to talk!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's been an interesting week for sure - McDonalds has left Russia, there was a cabinet reshuffle, and Lloyd Burr would do WHAT to feijoas?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Each week Producer Jeremy is given the task of keeping an eye on the news, and putting a big story to music.
Does Gwyneth's Candle count as news? Kind of...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In just one more sleep, Tauranga will have a new MP.
And it will be one of the three people who joined Tova for a candidate debate on Friday morning. The leading candidates in the Tauranga by-election - desperate to win the seat vacated by Simon Bridges.
National’s Sam Uffindell, Labour’s Jan Tinetti and ACT’s Cameron Luxton - or as they’re collectively known, SamJanCam.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Zealand’s economy is shrinking, with Gross Domestic Product yesterday falling by 0.2 percent in the three months to March.
Technically, we’re halfway to a recession.
It can be tempting to want to take drastic steps to bump your savings up, panic sell your shares or at least safeguard the money you have… with the financially illiterate left scratching their heads.
Joining Tova on Friday morning to sharesies some tips is the co-founder of investor platform Sharesies, Leighton Roberts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
An urgent investigation is underway at Middlemore Hospital after a patient died having been told to leave the emergency department because of long wait times.
When the woman returned a few hours later due to a life-threatening emergency, she was already on the decline and died at 5pm yesterday.
Just a week ago Middlemore Hospital's acting chief executive Dr Pete Watson spoke to Today FM's Wilhelmina Shrimpton, giving assurances that those in need of critical care would receive it.
Health Minister Andrew Little acknowledged in a statement yesterday “The health system has been under serious pressure from years of neglect and underinvestment.” Here to tell us what he’s seeing in the system is National’s health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Zealand has laid a tentative footstep on the road to recession… the dreaded R-word starts with a single quarter in decline - tick.
Despite most economists - and indeed the Reserve Bank - predicting 0 to 1 percent GDP growth - it fell yesterday by 0.2 percent.
The government’s laying the blame squarely on global factors - the war in Ukraine, supply chain demands and soaring inflation.
Tova on Friday morning wanted to get that one out of the way early on so Finance Minister Grant Robertson didn't have to repeat it throughout the interview.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We’ve been profiling some of the Queen’s Birthday Honours recipients… there’s dozens of them, each with their own powerful story.
Today we are getting to know a woman whose Honour will be bittersweet.
We're talking to Sonya Rockhouse - who faces the painful reminder of what she lost in Pike River - her 21-year-old son, Ben - every time she speaks out for justice.
But she’s continued to be a driving force in campaigning for better workplace health and safety since the 2010 explosion.
Sonya, alongside Anna Osborne - who lost her husband in the blast - have been named Officers of the Order of Merit.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Here on Tova we love entertainment news that gives a real insider's view into Hollywood. That’s why we have one of the best entertainment reporters in the business who joins us directly from LA every Thursday - Carol Ramos!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The S&P500 in the US has slid into a bear market and crypto is tanking. Our own market has been down around 20% since the beginning of the year, and could end up in the same territory. Is a recession nigh? Is it time to do... something? Here to distil and dissect further is senior economics reporter and founder of The Kākā, Bernard Hickey.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero, our panel here on Tova .
Today we're joined by Auckland History professor Caroline Daley, and a first time caller - The Spinoff’s Editor-at-large Toby Manhire.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We’ve talked a lot on this show about Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong - since Labour was elected in Australia she has travelled her guts out around the Pacific.
Really showing up our own Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta - who’s been notable for her near complete lack of travel especially during such a critical time in the Pacific with China’s growing influence
Penny Wong’s latest stop? New Zealand
The foreign ministers meet today, with plenty to discuss. For a sneak peak we’re joined by Australian foreign minister Senator Penny Wong.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The first GDP figures of the year will be released later this morning. These are from January to March - so right when Omicron really whacked us. The share market and house prices continue to fall too.
What does that mean for us? Principal Economist at Infometrics Brad Olsen is here with the latest!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Auckland’s cutest environmental team is barking up the right trees in the battle against kauri dieback.
A trio of three pooches - Pip, Mawhai, and newest addition Marty - can sniff out the tree fungus which has riddled the Waitakere Ranges - the first dogs in the world to achieve that.
Biosecurity advisor Kerryn Johnson has been helping the dogs get into shape, and she joins us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion: Our new Immigration minister Michael Wood is a kind of unassuming guy.
I always found him quite standoffish when I was in the press gallery. I couldn’t tell if he was a bit cautious with journalists or if he just didn’t like me much - both of which I’ve often found with real party people, died in the wool, ideological MPs.
And Wood is one of those. He’s a Labour guy through and through.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Do we want to see booze back in dairies and convenience stores?
That’s a question being pondered and debated in a government review.
We wanted to ponder and debate it too - so today’s Two Sides does just that.
Liquor rules were tightened a decade ago, meaning other than specialised bottle shops, only grocery suppliers with a floor space over 1000 square feet could sell alcohol - so supermarkets, arguably giving them an unfair advantage over smaller retailers.
Addiction harm advocates don’t want rules to relax. On Thursday morning Tova spoke to both Night ‘n’ Day managing director Matthew Lane, in favour of selling booze in dairies - and executive director of Alcohol Healthwatch Dr Nicki Jackson, who strongly opposes the review.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We promised you one of the best-known celebrities on the planet on Thursday morning with Tova…
Our special guest has 26 BILLION views on youtube and 36 BILLION streams on Spotify.
Even in an age where people don’t really buy albums anymore… he’s sold over 150 million records worldwide - meaning he’s sold more than the likes of Bruce Springsteen, U2, and Billy Joel.
Today FM can now reveal that next February he’s heading our way for not TWO… but now FOUR shows! That’s right - we’re getting double the Ed Sheeran.
The international music superstar joined Tova on Thursday morning to talk about his upcoming live shows and to fill us in on what he's been up to in his personal life, such as having a baby.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It could be the biggest breakthrough in US gun reform in decades… A cross-party group of senators has agreed on a framework for new gun safety laws including tougher checks for buyers under 21 and cracking down on illegal gun purchases.
It follows the horrific attack in Uvalde Texas just over three weeks ago, and a decade after a young man shot and killed 26 people, including 20 children, at Sandy Hook elementary school.
Michele Gay’s 7-year-old daughter Josephine was one of those killed in the shooting. Michele went on to co-found Safe and Sound Schools, an advocacy group dedicated to crisis prevention in schools.
After Sandy Hook everyone said “never again”, but it has happened again. And again… Michele told Tova on Thursday morning what it was like when the news started to unfold about Uvalde, Texas.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The city’s now looking to charge its moteliers a set fee to deal with the fallout but critics say that would institutionalise emergency housing and make it permanent.
Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick spoke to Tova about this on Thursday morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is it nature, or nurture? Are some people just born evil, or is it all learned behaviour?
Duncan or Tova? Take a listen and find out!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Attention all asthma sufferers or family and friends of - This is huge news…
New research from New Zealand has revealed that digital technologies like text services and ‘smart inhalers’ can halve the risk of asthma attacks, .
A comprehensive review covering around 15000 patients shows technology can boost medication taking by 15% - a statistic they could be a lifesaver.
Here to discuss is the woman who led the review, Dr Amy Chan from the University of Auckland’s School of Pharmacy.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ten cases of elder abuse or neglect come across Age Concern’s desks every day - and it’s thought to be just the tip of the iceberg.
Many older people are keeping it to themselves, out of fear of losing their only social support network if they speak out.
That means preventing this behaviour in New Zealand comes down, in large part, to their loved ones.
Today is Elder Abuse Awareness Day and people are being urged to ‘trust their gut’ if they suspect something is off.
Age Concern CEO Karen Billings-Jensen joins us with some sobering information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's Pae Korero and it’s so great to be able to welcome our Wednesday crew back - (newly promoted) Labour Minister Kiritapu Allan, and National’s 3IC Chris Bishop.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s en vogue to jump on board the mock Mallard with malice mobile but I am nothing if not untrendy.
So this is my ode to our departing Speaker who I have enormous respect for as a person and politician.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Back in March New Zealand opened its arms to 4000 Ukranians, should they choose to flee the war and come here.
But a new report is confirming the same concerns we’ve heard from Ukrainian Kiwis on our own show - that the special visa is so limited that some family members are being left behind.
World Vision says only 666 visas have been approved and less than 160 people have actually arrived here.
Head of advocacy and justice Rebekah Armstrong joins us with more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There are always two sides to the story and we want to hear them both. On Wednesday morning, we talked about Auckland’s Queen Street and whether or not it should be pedestrianised.
It is being partially converted but Auckland Central MP Chlöe Swarbrick has launched a petition calling for all cars gone - foot traffic only.
On the opposing side, mayoral candidate and Heart of the City CEO Viv Beck also joined Tova.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Like much of his career and the man himself - there’s been nothing subtle about Trevor Mallard’s departure from parliament.
Former Speaker of the House, Trevor Mallard, resigned his position alongside now-former Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi.
Now, throw Winston Peters into the mix who’s taking legal action against Mallard and is alleging a cover-up.
Peters says he intends to challenge Speaker of the House, Trevor Mallard, over the decision to have Peters trespassed from Parliament grounds for two years.
But things are set to settle... Parliament’s new speaker Adrian Rurawhe is just a bit more chill...
Adrian Rurawhe joined Tova on Wednesday morning to face some questions as he heads into the hot seat as speaker of the house.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A damning review into ACC has been released..
The report was commissioned after it was revealed last year that staff had shared details of claims on a private Snapchat group.
The 12 call centre workers identified were new to ACC, and mostly under the age of 30, with some not receiving any privacy training.
The review points to how emotionally draining and confronting managing client demands can be, and says the onus is on ACC to ensure there are safe ways for staff to decompress.
A second breach found one sensitive claim had also been viewed more than 300 times by 92 staff - sparking
The review calls ACC's privacy policies "reactive rather than proactive".
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today was a full on Debate Club - not only were Tova and Duncan going head to head over the issue of religion, but Patrick Gower joined us to play adjudicator!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It was less a minor reshuffle... more of a major renovation. The Prime Minister may have only technically moved out one minister yesterday, but she significantly reshaped the government.
The Speaker gone, the Police Minister sacked, the Immigration/Justice/Broadcasting Minister quit completely, no more Covid Chippy - then all the other myriad dominos that fell around them.
Our Political Editor, Newsroom’s Jo Moir, broke the news Kris Faafoi was goneburger, and she joins us with the latest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hong Kong’s top cop insists the city is not becoming a police state, despite his officers enforcing a ban on the once-permitted commemorations to mark Beijing’s deadly Tiananmen Square Massacre.
Since the 2019/20 Hong Kong protests, draconian national security laws imposed by China on the semi-autonomous city have had a chilling impact on political freedoms and human rights.
When A City Rises is a documentary which tells the story of Hong Kong’s fight for democracy from the frontlines. It follows a student, a teenage couple and a young father of two - and its sessions sold out at the NZ International Film Fest last year.
We speak to Han Yuen - one of the film’s directors.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our Tuesday panel here on Tova.
Today we have radio host and podcaster PJ Harding, and NZ editor of The Conversation, Finlay Macdonald.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Every Queen's Birthday a list is released of local heroes who you might not have heard of yet.
The Honours list always includes some big names, but often dozens more who are quietly chipping away in their own communities.
This week we continue our pursuit to learn more about these people - today a lawyer who has dedicated more than 50 years to fighting institutional racism.
Oliver Sutherland has been working to bring about a fairer justice system for Maori and Pasifika people in Nelson since the 1970s.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this show, with some unusual hours being kept amongst our time, we understand how important it is to sleep when you can.
But how much is enough? We talk to Karyn O’Keeffe, Senior Lecturer at the Sleep/Wake Research Centre at Massey University.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Yesterday when we talked to Louise Hutchinson, a spokesperson for the Waikato Chapter of the Mongrel Mob, about whether gangs should be banned from wearing patches.
We received a lot of feedback about that interview and about the Mongrel Mob in the Waikato, including one listener who told us how his law-abiding mother had been threatened and intimidated by local gang members.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Wednesday morning at 6am, The All Whites take on Costa Rica for a place in the next FIFA World Cup. Our sports guru Glen Larmer looks at their chances.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Until she was asked by our Political Editor, Newsroom’s Jo Moir, if it was dishonest for her office to have described the reshuffle as ‘minor’
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Six new caps have been picked in the first All Blacks squad for the first test series of the year against Ireland.
But that also means there are a few notable names that haven’t made the team too. The man who made all those decisions, head coach Ian Foster, joined Tova on Tuesday morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tova O'Brien didn’t think she would ever be interviewing her dear friend and former boss Paddy Gower… but here we are.
Paddy joined Tova in the studio on Tuesday morning to talk about probably his most personally profound piece of work yet.
Patrick Gower: On Booze premieres tonight (Tuesday 14th June) at 8:30pm, followed by a live Newshub panel discussion the following night at 8:30pm on Three.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Waikato Chapter of the Mongrel Mob is promising to seek a judicial review of National’s new gang laws if they’re enacted.
On Monday, the mob’s spokeswoman Louise Hutchinson said a ban on patches and gathering was a ban on freedoms and rights... And she insisted patches are NOT earned through violence and crime as National suggests.
Waikato Detective Superintendent Graham Pitkethley spoke to Tova on Tuesday morning to discuss the Police's experience with the Mongrel Mob in the Waikato.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trevor Mallard, gone. Kris Faafoi, gone. Poto Williams, gone. Covid Chris Hipkins, gone to fix Police.
If this was a minor reshuffle, Jacinda Ardern’s been eating that same special cake that made Alice in Wonderland big, seeing things all out of proportion.
Christopher Luxon called it - that the Police Minister had to go.. he could barely contain his glee yesterday when asked to comment on her demotion.
Luxon joined Tova for his reaction on Tuesday morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The writing was on the wall. Police Minister Poto Williams had to go.
Everyone could see it apart from Poto Williams herself - months of ram raids, drive-by shootings, rising gang tensions and a growing concern from communities... The Prime Minister admitted Williams was a distraction.
Chris Hipkins is now the new police minister - who knew he had a degree in criminology?!
Police Association President Chris Cahill spoke to Tova on Tuesday morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This one is interesting. Is Lotto just a bit of fun, or is it exploiting the poor? Listen to the arguments and help decide the winner!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In an upset victory the Central Pulse took out the ANZ netball premiership win yesterday, thumping the Northern Stars for a 56- 37 win.
This makes Central Pulse the first team to win three premier titles since the competition began in 2017.
Someone who helped get the team there is Pulse coach Yvette McCausland-Durie who joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kylie Head was just 33 years old when she had a stroke.
Medical professionals did not initially connect the dots for the young, fit, European woman, since she doesn’t tick the usual boxes of those affected.
She eventually did get the diagnosis, and she joins us to talk through what her experience navigating the system was like.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel - and on Mondays we turn to our wise heads, our former politicians!
We are joined by former Green MP Sue Bradford and Chris Finlayson, former National MP & former Attorney General.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Every Queen's Birthday a list is released of local heroes who you might not have heard of yet.
The Honours list always includes some big names, but often dozens more who are quietly chipping away in their own communities.
This week we continue our pursuit to learn more about these people, so today we’re heading south to meet Ann Robbie.
Ann’s work to restore and record-keep old war memorials has taken her deep into the depths of Southland bush, discovering more than 400 lost plaques, trophies and honours boards.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Kapiti Coast is bracing for more heavy rains and thunderstorms in the next hours following what was a sleepless night for many across the country thanks to severe weather. Joining us now is Wellington’s Civil Defence Regional Manager Jeremy Holmes.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Justin Bieber shocked fans over the weekend when he announced he was taking a break from performing due to having a rare condition called Ramsay Hunt syndrome.
The neurological disorder, which is caused by the same virus responsible for chickenpox and shingles, has left the pop star with a partially paralysed face.
New Zealander Fiona Wells was diagnosed with the virus six weeks ago and she joins us to talk us through what it’s like.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Each week our produce Jeremy looks back at the news, and puts something that catches his eye to music.
This week Tova may have put herself on the political map with a piece of policy to help nurses!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Interestingly... there's no love lost during Debate Club! What pros and cons will Duncan and Tova have to present day?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In 2016 Rachael Denhollander became the first of 300 women - including numerous Olympic medalists - to come forward as survivors of Larry Nassar’s abuse.
Nassar was the US Gymnastics team doctor - part of their staff for nearly three decades.
By speaking out Rachel helped trigger a complete overhaul in USA Gymnastics.
Nassar was convicted of his crimes in 2018 and was sentenced to 175 years in prison. More than 90 claimants have now said former FBI agents mishandled their complaints and they have called for compensation of over $1 billion US dollars.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Queen, mid winter swims, hitchhiking mayors, and The Warriors... all this in more as we look back on the last seven days!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Government wants to make it easier for Maori to switch electoral roles at any time even on polling day - they currently have to wait five to six years to make the change according to census results.
But in an unusual twist given Labour holds a super majority, National could - and probably will - block the bill
Any changes to electoral law require 75% of parliament’s support.
National says the bill in its current form will allow the voting system to be quote “gamed”.
Here to tell us more is Māori Development Minister Willie Jackson.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel here on Tova - and today a no-nonsense duo who don’t mince words!
It's current affairs commentator Josie Pagani, and political commentator Shane Te Pou.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Every Queen's Birthday a list is released of local heroes who you might not have heard of yet.
The Honours list always includes some big names, but often dozens more who are quietly chipping away in their own communities.
Over the next few weeks we’re getting to know some of those people and today it is Margaret McKibbin, who has given six decades of her time to Scouts.
She’s held various roles over the years, mostly leading Cubs and Kea groups after establishing 15 of them in the Napier area.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A deep dive into the country's stroke care is revealing some shocking inconsistencies for our most vulnerable communities.
Kiwis who are not Pakeha are 44 percent less likely to be physically independent a year after a stroke - and Maori are 75 percent more likely to die within that time frame.
Most received follow-up care in a couple of weeks but others were left waiting five months, and resorted to paying for disability living aids themselves.
Joining us is research programme lead from Otago University, Professor Anna Ranta,.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wellington’s picking up the pieces from yesterday’s tornado - and boy are there a lot of pieces
Our next guest has some particularly big and frankly frightening bits to deal with
A Norfolk pine impaled his business - stabbing through the roof and narrowly missing a very nice looking Ferrari race car!
Tim O’Connor, who owns Waikanae’s auto parts workshop ACS Ltd, tells us his story.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Monday morning, Tova and two guests looked at National’s big crackdown on gangs.
Christopher Luxon laid out the party’s plans to introduce Aussie-style gang laws banning patches everywhere, even on social media and making it illegal for gangs to gather.
Tova spoke to two different perspectives - Mark Mitchell, National's Police spokesman, and Louise Hutchinson - who represented the Waikato Chapter of the Mongrel Mob.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nearly two thousand firefighters will strike today calling for safer working conditions and better pay.
They say they’re facing a staffing crisis, with some stations having to close as a result.
The Professional Firefighters’ Union has stated that "all ranks of firefighters are low paid" and "officers are devalued and disrespected".
The union's national secretary, Wattie Watson, spoke with Tova on this on Monday morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kris Faafoi’s rationale for failing to include nurses on the priority green list for fast-tracked residency is looking increasingly spurious
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Covid is still running amok in our schools - a disruptive force taking out both students and teaches and as winter blankets us, it’s set to get worse
Doctors and scientists have been urging the government to make mask wearing in schools mandatory again
And a leaked email to Newsroom last month revealed that even employees at the Ministry of Health - including the CEO - asked Covid response Minister Chris Hipkins to reintroduce the policy
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the wake of COVID-19, a recent Business NZ survey shows confidence across several sectors plunging.
It found 70 percent of manufacturers surveyed were feeling negative about the future
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Prime Minister is happily ensconced in Australia, having flown there last night - her first visit to our cuzzies in over two years - last time remember was the day we reported our first covid case - so touch wood
She’s the first foreign visitor to meet the new Aussie PM Anthony Albanese on his home turf and he’s planning to make an occasion of it
It’s looking increasingly likely Albanese will soften Australia’s 501 deportation policy which has been a real point of conflict in our relationship
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We like to look at things from different perspectives here at Today FM - today it's a city divided over a stadium.
The cost of Christchurch’s new multi-use arena has blown out to 683 million dollars - 150 million more than budgeted.
The new price tag - thanks largely to supply chain disruptions - leaves three options...
- Commit the extra cash and the stadium’s open in 2026
- Scale it back with fewer seats and an open roof - saving money but drawing out the design process
- And the final option… hit pause and hope prices come back down
We’re speaking to two Christchurch City councilors with different views on how to solve the stadium saga.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Every Queen's Birthday a list is released of local heroes who you might not have heard of yet.
The Honours list always includes some big names, but often dozens more who are quietly chipping away in their own communities.
We’ve been learning more about some of these local gems this week, and today we are joined by a man who has helped to relieve neck and back pain worldwide.
Brian Mulligan is the inventor of the ‘Mulligan Concept’ - a physiotherapy technique which helps ease joint stiffness and discomfort, and has been adopted globally. Brian’s regarded as one of the most influential people in orthopedic physiotherapy in the world
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Journalist Carol Ramos reports live in LA to give the latest and juiciest 'Showbiz' news.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our resident fact checker Tom Day is back! On Tuesday, President of the New Zealand Nurses Organisation Anne Daniels said nurses could earn up to $130 an hour in Australia - the Health Minister asked us to fact-check that.
So we did!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Well... sounds like some of you agree, and some of you don't! Luxon and his lads and lasses - are they ready to take over? Tova and Duncan bring us the pros and cons.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
They are possibly the best thing on the internet…
7.3 million TikTok followers suggests the world agrees - that’s twice Kim Kardashian’s followers.
They’re old... They’re gay... They’re too fab for words… They are the ‘Old Gays’ and their videos dancing to bangers just bring enormous joy.
If you haven’t met them yet - prepare to lose hours of your day.
Big stars want to cameo in their vids, their fans include Drew Barrymore, Jessica Alba, Rihanna… Tova… to name a few.
Robert Reeves, Jessay Martin, Bill Lyons and Mick Peterson are collectively the Old Gays and they beamed in from sunny California to Today FM on Thursday morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brent Millard is a businessman and competitive shooter, and joined Tova on Thursday morning to talk about this recent burglary, and if it raised any concerns for him.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s Pae Korero - planet-sized brains edition - Auckland history professor, Caroline Daley, and The Spinoff’s founder and publisher, Duncan Grieve, joined Tova for Thursday's panel.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Ports of Auckland has scrapped its automation project two years after it was supposed to be finished - it means $65 million dollars worth of investment goes down the drain.
Auckland mayor Phil Goff has called for a review of the decision - saying it’s of deep concern to the council, which owns the port.
CEO of the Ports Roger Gray spoke to Tova early on Thursday morning about the issue.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
19 years. That’s how long Alan Hall spent behind bars for a crime he, the crown, and now the supreme court says he didn’t commit.
19 years needlessly spent locked up.
37 years spent fighting to prove his innocence since he was convicted for the 1985 murder of Arthur Easton, a conviction that was finally quashed yesterday.
Alan Hall joined Tova in studio on Thursday morning, joined by brother Geoff Hall and investigator Tim McKinnel who’s led a campaign to prove Alan’s innocence.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Every Queen's Birthday a list is released of local heroes who you might not have heard of yet.
The honours list always includes some big names, but often dozens more who are quietly chipping away in their own communities.
Over the next few weeks, Tova is getting to know some of those people, and on Wednesday, Tova was joined by Down Syndrome International President - Bridget Snedden.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Garen Wintemute, the director of the Violence Prevention Program at the University of California at Davis, joined Tova on Wednesday morning to talk about America's gun violence.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Police are in the process of contacting people who have had their personal details stolen from the former Auckland Central Station!
Four people have been charged to date with burglary after stolen property was recovered, including firearms licensing information which contained people’s personal details.
Officers only discovered they had been robbed after finding the documents during an unrelated search in May.
Commercial law associate professor from Auckland University, Gehan Gunasekara, joins us with the latest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There’s a new head coach at the helm of the White Ferns, and they'll be hoping he can lead them to success following a disappointing World Cup campaign.
Ben Sawyer had been the Australian women’s fast bowling coach since 2018, before that he coached Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred, and was the head coach of the Sydney Sixers WBBL team.
He's ready to go - and he joins us now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It was a controversial topic for you to follow throughout the morning, and it didn't get easier when Duncan and Tova each took a side to debate?
Who will win today?
(*insert poor joke about how it probably won't be The Warriors)
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on Debate Club... let's be fair... it was a good old fashioned stitch up.
Find out which of Duncan and Tova had to argue that "You can always trust the Government". HINT - that was the much harder side of the argument.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our Tuesday panel here on Tova.
Today we're joined by radio host and podcaster magnifique PJ Harding, and NZ editor of The Conversation, the génial Finlay Macdonald.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Should he stay or should he go? British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is right now facing a vote of confidence in his leadership.
Conservative MPs have cast their secret ballots to determine Johnson’s fate - and he needs the support of 180 MPs to survive.
If Johnson stares this down his leadership is safe from another coup for 12 months - if not, he'll have to resign.
BBC Correspondent Charlotte Gallagher joins us to talk through the drama.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee - it's brought the public of the UK together over the weekend.
Following four days of partying that included military trooping, a star studded concert and a mega parade, the Queen’s message describing a ‘renewed sense of togetherness’ seemed wholly apt.
But as the bunting comes down the question is now being asked what happens next for the British monarchy? Joining us to discuss is ITV’s Royal Editor Chris Ship.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What’s in a name? A lot - based on how heated the debate can get over whether or not we should officially change our country’s name from New Zealand to Aotearoa.
We're going to be looking at this issue from a couple of different perspectives.
For the Maori Party it’s Aotearoa all the way - it’s launched a petition for an official name change and wants other place names restored to te reo too.
So we’ll hear from historian Paul Moon about why he thinks we should stick with New Zealand, but first it's Te Pati Maori Co-leader Debbie Ngarewa Packer.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bert Potter, the notorious founder of the free love commune Centrepoint, died a decade ago... but his voice is being heard once again thanks to an in depth investigation that’s been a long time in the making.
The Commune is a gritty, exhaustive, 12 episode podcast series produced by senior Stuff journalists Adam Dudding and Eugene Bingham.
As well as interviewing former residents from Centrepoint, they’ve reviewed hours of recordings made by the commune’s guru.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health minister, Andrew Little, joined Tova to talk about New Zealand's strained health system.
"Since we've been in Government, we've already increased nurses' pay by 20 percent," Little said.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Manning has led the country’s Funeral Disaster Response team for close to four decades.
He joined Tova on Tuesday morning to talk about his career.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Each week our producer Jeremy gives a musical twist to something that's happened in the news.
Okay, so Tova saying "Celebrity Treasure Whisper" instead of "Celebrity Whisper" might not be the biggest news story of the week... but it needed to be addressed!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today for Debate Club, Tova and Duncan discussed the pros and cons of Ashley Bloomfield being "Sir Ashley Bloomfield". Keep in mind that they might not necessarily agree with their arguments.. and see who does best!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel here on Tova. Today we're joined by two seasoned panellists .. this is not their first rodeo! Welcome to current affairs commentator Josie Pagani, and political commentator Shane Te Pou.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Celebrations are well underway for the Queen’s platinum jubilee.
Crowds in their tens of thousands lined the streets outside Buckingham Palace to welcome the parade.
Her majesty was seen beaming on the balcony along with senior working royals - so no Harry, Meghan or Andrew - but it was Prince Louis who stole the show.
We’re thrilled to be joined by royal commentator Dickie Arbiter who also worked for the Queen at Buckingham Palace for over a decade. Plus catch the latest with Charlotte Gallagher from the BBC.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Steven Kreiger, a family law attorney in Virginia, joined Tova to discuss the case.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
ACC injury prevention team leader, James Whitaker, joined Tova to talk about the injuries that occur over these long weekends, and how they range from pretty bad to really horrible.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A dozen people thought to be gang members were arrested for suspected gun activity in Pakuranga last night.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The government is looking at current legislation awarding organisations charitable status.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Associate Professor Christina Wee joined Tova to break down the research.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Some people find craft beer a wee bit too hippity hoppity for their liking.. but what will Tova and Duncan think? Or more importantly - what will they argue?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A sugar tax is on the tip of advocate tongues again today in light of a new study - but not everyone’s biting.
A review of international research commissioned by the World Health Organisation, suggests countries which have adopted a sugary beverage tax have seen a 15 percent drop in sales.
Join us as we speak to Emily Fuller from the NZ Beverages Council, and Dental Association spokesperson Rob Beaglehole,
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s crunch time in Northland as the first official harvest of peanuts wraps up.
It’s all part of a one year study to test the feasibility of growing the nuts in New Zealand - until now all our peanuts have been grown overseas!
So how’s it all gone? Here to tell us is the funder of the project and the founder of Pic’s Peanut Butter, Bruce Picot known himself as “Pic”.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pharmac is being forced to address health inequities that it perpetuates, to open up and be more transparent, and to actually communicate and speak to people with rare diseases when deciding what medicines to buy for them.
For people like our next guest, it’s too little too late.
Brent Walker has spinal muscular atrophy and has been wheelchair bound since he was three. He says access to the drug Spinraza would change his life, but he can’t wait any longer… he’s moving to Australia.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New research has revealed that children starting primary school at the same time as their friends is beneficial for them, their whānau and the school.
However 94 percent of schools still say they plan to keep the status quo of children starting on their fifth birthday.
Here to tell us a bit more about the review is Head of the Education Evaluation Centre for the ERO, Ruth Shinoda.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We are days away from the Platinum Jubilee celebrations for the Queen... the final touches and flourishes being added and finessed.
And here in New Zealand, we’ve heard from some of you that the Royals hold a special place in your heart too…
Barbara Larsen is one - in a big way! Barbara’s a royal memorabilia collector from New Plymouth who has more than 15,000 books on the Royals...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson should show some leadership, do right by his party, his MPs, the UK and graciously bow out, Writes Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel here on Tova. Today we're joined by the effervescent Caroline Daley - a professor of history at the University of Auckland, and the irrepressible Finn Hogan, Digital Editor at Newshub Nation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What is behind New Zealand's flight shortage?
President of the NZ Airline Pilot’s Association, Captain Andrew Ridling joined Tova O'Brien to discuss the shortage of flights.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Former Dilworth music teacher Leonard Cave was found guilty of sexually abusing his students across four decades at the school - and at St Paul’s collegiate in Hamilton.
Cave is believed to be one of at least 30 abusers who has been accused of historical sexual offending at Dilworth - a school which prides itself on providing high-end education to boys from broken homes. Joining us is a survivor of sexual abuse at the school, Neil Harding.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Carol Ramos joined Tova to discuss the outcome of the verdict.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It all comes down to what the seven-person jury believes and it has reached a decision.
Entertainment correspondent Carol Ramos joined Tova to discuss the latest on the case before the decision is revealed.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The winner who out pudding-ed those 4999 other bakers was Jemma Melvin from Southport, and she joined Tova to talk about her sweet victory.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When the Queen passes away, should her son OR her grandson be the next King? Would Charles abdicate? Should he let his son take over?
And what do Tova and Duncan have to say?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Former All Black and mental health advocate Sir John Kirwan is embarking on a nationwide roadie in an all out effort to help tackle the mental health crisis hurting our young New Zealanders
Sir John will hold eight community events from Auckland to Invercargill, to raise funds and awareness for Mitey – a charity initiative which teaches positive mental health principles in schools.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We like to look at issues from different perspectives here at Today FM - and today it's a topic that generates very strong feelings on both sides..
Three Waters - the Government’s reform of management of drinking water, wastewater and stormwater in Aotearoa.
The proposal will shift the 67 council-owned and operated ‘three waters services’ into four new publicly-owned regional entities by 2024.
Today we talk to the Mayor for Porirua Anita Baker who’s welcoming Three Waters, and Groundswell spokesperson Lee Smith who opposes it.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today is the 1st of June, and we are now in the month of Matariki! This year is a real cause for celebration in Aotearoa, as the first public holiday marking Matariki will be on Friday 24 June 2022.
To make sure we’re up to play with just what this star laden lunar calendar milestone means, we’ve invited in the expert to give us a Matariki 101 explainer. Tenā koe, Dr Rangi Matamua!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel here on Tova.
Today we're joined by National’s Chris Bishop, and a newcomer to our midweek panel, Labour's member for Wairarapa Kieran McAnulty (standing in for Kiritapu Allen who we wish a speedy recovery from COVID).
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thomas Turcich's journey took him across six continents, even reaching Antarctica.
He joined Tova to talk about his adventures, and why he decided to take on this mammoth trek.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Patient Voice Aotearoa Chair, Malcolm Mulholland, joined Tova to talk about the Government's upcoming response to this report.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Faithful Pilgrim's son and former Gloriavale member, Zion, joined Tova on Wednesday morning.
Zion's father resigned in 2020 as principal of the Gloriavale school for failing to protect children in his care, and spoke about what this further resignation means to him and to the broader community.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A leaked Al Jazeera email calls for staff "come together and talk about working in a safe environment"
Former TVNZ Head of News Bill Ralston joined Tova O'Brien to discuss the situation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The PM's on again and off again meeting with the US President has finally happened.
Newsroom's Political Editor and Political commentator for Today FM Jo Moir was one of the journalists present in the Oval Office and joined Tova to discuss.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This one was pretty controversial this morning, you had plenty of thoughts on the topic of Politician salaries - but what would Tova and Duncan make of it all?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Russian forces are continuing to push further into Severodonetsk - Ukraine’s most eastern city.
One of the region’s Governors says the bombardment of the industrial centre is so intense, they’ve given up counting casualties
For the Kremlin, taking control of the eastern Donbas region is its priority.
A delegation of Kiwi MPs led by Speaker Trevor Mallard have travelled to Europe and met with Ukrainian MPs, including Yevhenia Kravchuk who joins us with the latest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The proof will be in the overpriced pudding for the Government’s supermarket reforms, but it’s hoped by going further than the Commerce Commission recommended on wholesale access to competitors, we might finally get some competition in the grocery sector.
Australia used to be like us - paying through the nose in a supermarket duopoly - now saving thousands in grocery bills.. So is there hope for us?
Professor Gary Mortimer from Queensland University of Technology is a leading expert on Australia’s retail and grocery industry, and he joins us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Queen’s platinum jubilee - 70 years on the throne! She's the first and only monarch to ever reach that milestone.
But what are the plans for the Royal Family, and why has knitting increased 2000% in the UK?!?!?
Joining us is royal reporter Gareth Barlow.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s been over a week since election night in Australia, and there is now finally a clear winner!
Labor hit the magical number of 76 seats last night to hold a majority government.
And it was a wild day in Australian for the other team too - with former Defence Minister Peter Dutton taking over from Scott Morrison as liberal leader.
The National leader Barnaby Joyce was dumped as leader too following the coalition’s dismal election result.
Joining us to break it all down Emeritus Professor of Politics at Australia’s National University - John Warhurst.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Prime Minister’s business delegation has peeled off back to NZ, a couple of her key officials have been hit by COVID, and now her plane is in need of repairs... but Jacinda Ardern is still bashing her way to the White House despite being beset by obstacles!
Newsroom Political Editor for Today FM Jo Moir joins us from Washington DC.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Are you struggling to get a flight out of New Zealand to go on holiday or to work? Well according to Auckland based company International Working Holidays, you’re not alone. Their founder Vicky Kenny joins us!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today's Pae Kōrero panel is made up of hosts Tova O'Brien and Mark Dye who are joined by radio host and podcaster PJ Harding and NZ editor of The Conversation, Finlay Macdonald.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After a couple of weeks of breathing space, Opposition Leader Christopher Luxon joined Tova to talk about these polling results.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opinion: Great for brand-Ardern, great for brand-NZ but history tells us it won’t necessarily be great for Labour
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Prime Minister’s meeting with the US President has hit yet another snag..
The Chief Executive of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade - who’s travelling in the delegation - has tested positive for COVID, and Jacinda Ardern’s Chief Press Secretary has also come down with symptoms.
Newsroom Political Editor for Today FM Jo Moir is on the plane with the PM.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Climate experts are predicting a slow start to the ski season, but Queenstown’s ‘Mr Ski’ is ‘‘sure we’ll be fine’’ — despite the warm and dry conditions we’ve been experiencing.
Here to explain more is "Mr Ski" himself, NZSki CEO Paul Anderson.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Zealand is taking its mission to combat climate change all the way to space.
Rocket Lab is preparing for the launch of Methane SAT this year - a partially Government-funded endeavour which will monitor emissions across the globe.
Joining us now is programme manager Leigh Foster.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We like to look at issues from different perspectives - and now we're looking at cat control and who should be responsible for the eradication of feral cats.
Currently that’s not clear - but more broadly is it time to legislate to contain all cats?
Today we talk to Anne Batley-Burton from the NZ Cat Foundation, and Kea Conservation Trust chairperson Tamsin Orr-Walker.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for our panel segment Pae Korero. On Mondays we turn to our former politicians - former Green MP Sue Bradford, and Chris Finlayson, former National MP & former Attorney General.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Last night was one to remember for mental health advocate Jazz Thornton - She was crowned as this year's winner of Dancing With The Stars alongside her partner Brad Coleman.
They join us in the studio to reflect on their big win.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Newsroom co-editor and former TV3 head of news and current affairs Mark Jennings told Tova O’Brien the way Santamaria's story is being covered sounds like the newsroom is at odds slightly with management. O’Brien asked Jennings if he was surprised or if that was just the healthy demarcation between a newsroom and the bosses: "No, it is a surprise,” Jennings said.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Johnson asked the judge to drop the suppression order against his name so that he could tell his story, and he joined Tova to talk about his decision to come forward.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today FM can reveal that concerns about Santamaria had been raised during his time at Al Jazeera.
Today FM host Tova O’Brien spoke to one source who worked at the network who confirmed Santamaria had been the subject of complaints from women colleagues.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
About 10 percent of all New Zealanders fall victim to this form of scamming.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's Pae Kōrero, Jacinda Ardern edition, with LA's actress, author and producer, Kimberley Crossman, and Labour MP for Wairarapa, Kieran McAnulty.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tova spoke to Gun Control NZ co-founder, Philippa Yasbek, who says while 2021 may have been the worst year in terms of the number of offences, it certainly wasn't the worst year in terms of the number of people who lost their lives.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tova spoke to pro-gun advocate turned ACT MP, Nicole McKee, who says the reforms have not worked and were never going to.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kawerau Mayor, Malcolm Campbell, lost his butchery of over 47 years to a ram raid last year, and gave Tova his opinion on whether this package is enough.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The widow of a teacher killed in the Texas school shooting, has died.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jacinda Ardern has been given the green light to meet with US President Joe Biden
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Valais Blacknose sheep, described often as 'the cutest sheep in the world'.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"It's a matter of just really lining up the schedule of the Foreign Minister for the Solomons and myself"
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
19 primary school children and two of their teachers went to school in Uvalde, Texas. They didn’t come home.
Devastated parents waited in shock, desperate to learn whether their children had been killed by an 18-year-old gunman who barricaded himself in their kids’ classroom.
America has been unable to meaningfully reform guns and in fact, in Texas less than a year ago, gun laws were loosed - enabling people to carry handguns without a licence or training.
The law was so controversial it was opposed by many of the chiefs of police in Texas.
President of the Texas Police Chiefs Association and the Chief of Police for North Richland Hills Police Department in Dallas, Jimmy Perdue, spoke to Tova on Thursday morning(NZT).
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Newsroom Political Editor Jo Moir is travelling with the Prime Minister and joined Tova to discuss the latest from Washington DC.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today FM understands that Police Minister Poto Williams is due to announce a package this morning specifically designed to help retailers guard against ram raids.
Exactly what the support will look like is unclear, though Dairy and Business Owners Chair Sunny Kaushal says the situation needs urgent addressing.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There are calls for schools to be more inclusive of all genders and ethnicities when it comes to uniform regulations.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the cover of the Listener this week there is a headline saying "The War On Men - Isn't it time it stopped?".
Well... you can imagine THAT might make for a heck of a great Debate Club! Listen as Duncan and Tova go head to head.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Former Wellington Mayor Dame Fran Wilde is always up for a challenge, and boy has she got one on her hands with her brand new role!
She’ll be leading the board charged with delivering the fraught Auckland Light Rail project from the Auckland CBD to the airport… AKA (according to the National and ACT parties) Kiwibuild 2.0.
She joins us now to discuss!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Prime Minister has landed in the United States amid growing tensions between the US and China, after President Joe Biden said the US would intervene with military to defend Taiwan if China invaded.
Newsroom Political Editor for Today FM Jo Moir is travelling with Jacinda Ardern, apparently on her bus!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Prime Minister has just met with the UN Secretary general and spoke at the US Chamber of commerce in her first - delayed - but jam packed day in the United States
Still no word on whether she’s locked in that coveted meeting with the US President at the White House...
But while we wait, we’re joined by the executive director of the NZUS council Jordan Small.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
You wouldn’t read about it.
In a Portland, Oregon courtroom, a jury is deliberating the verdict of 71-year-old Nancy Crampton-Brophy, accused of murdering her husband in 2018.
But it could be the romance novelist’s toughest sell yet, considering she literally penned a handbook - a fictional essay titled ‘How to Murder Your Husband’.
She wrote that a murderer must be “organised, ruthless and very clever”.
Journalist Zane Sparling from The Oregonian has been covering the nearly month-long trial and joins us to discuss!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The country’s new central health agency, Health NZ, has announced its launching a review into the national breast cancer screening programme to assess whether or not it's fit for purpose.
It follows accusations from the Breast Cancer Foundation that the Government has ‘let down’ New Zealand women, by failing to target funding in last week’s Budget to clear a backlog of 50,000 women waiting for a mammogram.
We're joined by the interim Health NZ chief executive Fepulea’i Margie Apa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on Pae Kōrero it's the powerbroker edition - National’s 3IC Chris Bishop and Labour Minster Kiritapu Allen join the Wednesday Panel.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Gunshots were ringing out through Tāmaki Makauau last night - with seven incidents reported throughout the Supercity.
Alf Flipiana Manukau Ward councillor joins us to talk through concerns about rising gang violence.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
I'm at a payphone trying to call home where have they all gone? And what is the future of these glass boxes?
It’s the end of an era for pay phones in New Zealand - Spark is culling its herd of phone booths - getting rid of those that are rarely used. 90 percent of them are used for only around 3 minutes a day.
But here lies an opportunity… small glass boxes, dotted around our towns and cities, in need of a new purpose.
Spark product director Tessa Tierney joins us to discuss!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today FM can reveal that Worksafe has completed an un-notified visit to Gloriavale to assess health and safety requirements.
This after an Employment Court ruling revealed child labour, exploitation, violence, indoctrination, manipulation, bullying, withholding food and threats at the West Coast Christian commune.
Worksafe says its inspectors assessed activities in the community including the oil processing and Value Protein plants.
Value Protein is Gloriavale’s trading company which Silver Fern Farms just cut ties with too.
Workplace Minister & Transport Minister Michael Wood joined Tova on Wednesday morning to discuss the surprise Gloriavale inspection and also Light Rail.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There's a new digital "card" being launched in NZ soon that will allow Kiwis to deal efficiently with the age old ‘splitting the bill’ conundrum.
Dosh is an app enabling instant payment to and from anyone, 24/7, via mobile number or QR code - and it will be the first of its kind here in NZ.
With us is one of Dosh’s co-founders, James McEniery.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There’s been dramatic falls in the crypto currency market over the past few weeks, and while rises and falls are a feature of the crypto world, the latest round of volatility has left some investors scratching their heads.
Inflation and rising interest rates may in part be responsible for a huge sell off of crypto lately, some commentators say it’s simply a loss of confidence in an asset that derives all its value from people believing it has a particular worth.
Here to make some sense of this all for us is CEO of Easy Crypto Janine Grainger.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Homeowners brace! Interest rates are in for another rise with the official cash rate set for a bump tomorrow.
Most economists are picking it could hit 2 percent, which would be the highest level since 2016.
Joining us to break down what it all means is ANZ’s chief economist Sharon Zollner.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the current climate, it's a sensitive issue... there's a Kiwi apple producer who is sending exports to Russia.
Is that okay, or not? Tova and Duncan discuss the pros and cons!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listen to National’s Deputy Leader Nicola Willis, as she gives us her take on Ukraine, the Australian Elections, and all things Winston!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
23 year old Warriors star Chanel Harris-Tavita is bowing out - announcing he’s leaving the NRL by the end of the year.
Harris-Tavita says he’s taking a break, not for mental health reasons, but because he’s lost his love for the sport.. He says he felt he’s been lying to everyone about what he wants to do.
Joining us is someone who knows full well the highs and lows of playing league at the top level - Vodafone Warriors legend and a current ambassador for the team, Monty Betham.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"It was quite weird and at first, I felt a little naked or something".
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Tuesday's Pae Kōrero panel: Radio host superstar PJ Harding and NZ editor of The Conversation Finlay Macdonald.
The topics for today are…
- The Australian election
- The Prime Minister shoots off to the US
- Comedians and 'cancel culture'
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
They’re set to be trialed in Auckland to find drivers using their phones or not wearing seat belts while on the road. Looking at the one side of the story is Waka Kotahi’s Director of Land Transport, Kane Patena.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
They’re set to be trialed in Auckland to find drivers using their phones or not wearing seat belts while on the road. Looking at one side of the story is National’s spokesperson for transport Simeon Brown.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
30 Kiwi troops are headed to the United Kingdom to train Ukrainian soldiers.
The latest tranche of Ukrainian support was announced yesterday as the Prime Minister prepared to set off - belatedly - on her big US tour.
We wanted to talk to the Prime Minister, the Defence Minister or the Foreign Minister but they all refused.
Instead, former Foreign Minister Winston Peters joined Tova on Tuesday morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"It was too rainy and it was cold in April 2021 and the harvest was also reduced by 50 Percent".
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Zealand’s longest running soap Shortland St turns 30 this week and there’s no shortage of plot twists in line for Wednesday’s special anniversary episode!
Joining us are two of Ferndale’s finest - current cast members, Ngahuia Piripi, Dr Esther Samuels and Rebekah Randell, Nurse Dawn Robinson.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Israel, Switzerland and Austria are the latest countries to confirm cases of monkeypox, with the virus now in 15 countries including Australia since it was first detected in Europe less than three weeks ago.
It is endemic in West Africa, but is not typically known to spread easily - especially among people who haven’t travelled to Africa - leaving scientists across the globe baffled.
The risk to the wider public is considered low, but the World Health Organisation warns more suspected cases are being investigated, without naming those countries involved.
Otago University vice-chancellor and infectious disease expert David Murdoch joins us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Prime Minister’s bags are packed, she’s out of iso, and she’s gearing up to fly to the United States!
Newsroom Political Editor for Today Jo Moir is already in LA part of the advance guard press pack travelling with Jacinda Ardern.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Manchester City’s won the English Premier League, but not before plenty of drama during the final round of the season … joining us is Today FM sports guru Glen Larmer.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
ScoMo the Bulldozer has demolished his party, and there are valuable lessons for New Zealand politicians to scrounge from the rubble.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It looks like more Kiwis are heading to the Land Down Under for a better life... is this a good thing or not? Duncan and Tova will debate the pros and cons!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s the kind of spectacle that makes for a great Netflix series!
Super wealthy football wife Rebekah Vardy is suing fellow footballer's wife Colleen Rooney for defamation, after Rooney allegedly exposed Vardy on social media as the source of “private” information leaked to the tabloid press.
The case is being called the ‘Wagatha Christie’ trial thanks to Rooney’s use of a self-styled ‘sting operation’ to flush out her former friend’. London based BBC correspondent Charlotte Gallagher talks us through the case.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Amanda Knox was 20 years old when she travelled to Italy in 2007 to study abroad.
But just over a month later the trip of a lifetime became an unmitigated nightmare. Knox’s roommate Meredith Kercher was stabbed to death.
Knox and her boyfriend were charged with Meredith’s murder in what would become the celebrity trial of the decade.
Amanda was on the front page of tabloid newspapers who’d determined her guilt before the trial had even begun.
She was convicted - twice - Amanda then acquitted and found innocent due to a lack of evidence.
She’s now an activist for others wrongfully convicted and she joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The self-proclaimed bulldozer has been bulldozed! Scott Morrison is out, and Australia has a new Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese.
It’s an exceptional shift in Australian politics, and an emphatic indictment of Morrison’s leadership - leadership which will forever be immortalised by a final lasting and fitting image of him tackling a small child.
We're joined by one of the biggest brains in Australian politics, Chief Political Reporter for ABC’s 7.30 current affairs show, Laura Tingle.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hundreds of mourners are expected to pay tribute at a tangi this week for Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei kaumatua and former leader of the Bastion Point occupation, Joe Hawke, who died on Sunday aged 82
Hawke, who also served as a two term Labour MP, will be remembered for bringing national attention to Māori land rights in a way that had never been seen before. We're joined by Joe’s niece and Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust board member Precious Clarke.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on our panel - Pae Korero - we turn to our former politicians! Chris Finlayson, former National MP & former Attorney General, and former Green MP Sue Bradford.
Today we're looking at the Australian Election results, the passing of Joe Hawke, and Jacinda Ardern's trip to the US.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aged Care Worker Marianne Bishop says workers fought for years to get the original pay settlement put in place, which was negotiated by all three unions back in 2017.
Thousands of aged care and support workers are set to rally across the country today in protest for better pay.
They are calling for the original pay settlement to be put back in place that was negotiated in 2017.. So far the government’s only offered a extra 70 cents an hour.
Joining us is one of those workers rallying, Marianne Bishop who works at a rest home in Wellington.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Yesterday we met some of the so called ‘squeezed middle’ - our delightful panel...
Jeremy Long - a builder from the Wairarapa,
Dave McKissock - Southland small business owner
Kate Medlicott - School Principal from Hastings
We asked each of them what they wanted from Budget 2022. So did they get what they’d hoped for?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How was The Budget?
Who's going to win the Australian election?
Cheese costs how much?
And what does Patrick Gower have to say about emissions?
Find out as Mark looks back at the last 7 days!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Opposition’s been leading the attacks on the Government for failing to do anything for the so-called squeezed middle.
Now that Labour has, will this quiet the pummeling? National’s Finance Spokesperson Nicola Willis gives us her thoughts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Okay okay.. we get it... there was a budget.
But what's in it for you? Anything at all?
Find out here, as Tova and Mark (and some of our listeners!) break it all down.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Imagine being the person that argues that you shouldn't have fun at work... is it Duncan or Tova? Have a listen and find out!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Each week our Producer Jeremy is given the task of watching the news, and picking an event that can be put to music.
This week he wanted to "rap" up Grant's Budget...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel here on Tova!
Today for our special budget panel we're joined by Kids Can CEO Julie Chapman who works with children in poverty, and Retail NZ CEO Greg Harford who knows a thing or two about how we spend our cash.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The record health spend in this year’s Budget - $13.2 billion over four years - shows that the Government wants to make a real investment in health.
But look under the hood, and the $191 million for Pharmac for the next two years has devastated people in desperate need of life saving drugs .
Critically ill patients and their families feel forgotten by an uncaring government.
Patient Voice Aotearoa Chair Dr Malcolm Mulholland joins us to explain.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's Budget Boxing Day after Finance Minister Grant Robertson unveiled New Zealand’s biggest 2022 Budget on Thursday, with new net spending of $5.9 billion for the year.
Today FM's Emma Hatton reported on Thursday that it's the largest-ever budget, which includes just over $11-billion dollars over four years for the new health reforms.
One billion will also go toward cost-of-living initiatives including temporary weekly payments for some eligible New Zealanders and the continuation of fuel excise and road user cuts, as well as half-price public transport.
$300 million will go into a new Equity Index to replace the school decile funding system, and a similar amount will go into rail investments.
Coronial services, a new small business fund, and changes to first home buyer grants are also included.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
‘Helicopter cash’ is this budget’s buzz phrase.
The Finance Minister Grant Robertson was hovering over us, and raining cash down from on high. How well was it targeted and is it enough?
Infometrics principal economist Brad Olsen gives us some answers.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After three decades leading Auckland’s Chamber of Commerce, Michael Barnett is standing down.
He’s grown the chamber from small beginnings to a huge enterprise - he’s canny and caring, making him adored and respected by those who work with him
Today FM can now also officially confirm that former National Leader Simon Bridges is taking over the role.
Chamber Chief Executive Michael Barnett told Tova the news in an exclusive interview on Friday morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The boldest and brightest innovators are on showcase this week - celebrating NZ Tech Week.
The event unpacks a raft of ways we can use technology across all aspects of our lives - VR headsets to enhance workouts, artificial intelligence in healthcare, hybrid working situations, and more.
Tech NZ executive director Alison Mackie is here to walk us through the week.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s just two days until the Aussie election and it’s full noise!
Labor leader Anthony Albanese has revealed a new savings plan, and the Prime Minister Scott Morrison has tackled a small child. Literally.
Today FM reporter and Australian broadcasting legend Craig Norenbergs joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Finance Minister is preparing to unveil a significant Māori health spend in this years Budget and not just cashing up the Maori Health Authority. It’s expected to be in excess of a billion dollars.
Labour’s Maori caucus is chalking it up as a win, so what does former Mana Party leader Hone Harawira think?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
White Ferns wicketkeeper Katey Martin has hung up her gloves after a legendary 19 year career - the longest serving modern day NZ cricketer.
She made her debut in the international game back in 2003, going on to make 199 appearances since then.
We’re thrilled to be joined by Katey now, to congratulate her on an amazing career.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There’s been lots of talk about middle income earners being forgotten in this Budget - the oft-mentioned ‘squeezed middle’.
So who is this ‘squeezed middle’? And what are they really hoping for out of Budget 2022?
We’re now joined by a middle NZ panel - a builder, a teacher and small business owner!
From the Wairarapa builder Jeremy Long
From Hastings, Ebbett Park Primary School Principal Kate Medlicott
And from Southland small business owner, Dave Mckissock
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Let’s boost off to the future now - 2050 to be exact… a time where some dizzying tech changes are predicted.
If the latest futurology reportis to be believed, business owners could hand over their workloads to digital clones while they focus on other things.
But with the rise of machines imminent, the paper warns it is time to make sure we have a grasp on smart technology before it outsmarts us.
Let’s boost off to the future now - 2050 to be exact… a time where some dizzying tech changes are predicted.
We're joined by Jesper Petersen, a man with a big brain who can help us out!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week we've been asking for things you would like to see in today's Budget announcement - and we've loved some of your ideas. So we passed them on to someone who may be able to do something about it!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tova vs Duncan... the pros and cons or motorbikes on the road... or is it? Take a listen!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What does it mean to be happy? And is there too much pressure to constantly present and project happiness?
Earlier this week we came across a fascinating article by Massachusetts psychologist Maggie Mulqueen talking about the suicides of young athletes in the United States, and how society and the pursuit of happiness is contributing
Maggie Mulqueen joins us to talk through happiness!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A cold snap is setting in, and it’s not just us humans susceptible to getting sick.
Vets are warning that the highly-transmissible ‘canine cough’ is doing the rounds - especially in Auckland.
Here to explain how to protect our pooches is Veterinary Council advisor Seton Butler.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Happy Budget Day!!
The Finance Minister says today’s Budget is focused on health and climate, but there has been a lot of hoopla about the need to better address the cost of living.
Housing is a pinch point for renters and homeowners - whether you’re a low or middle-income earner, on a benefit, or in dire straits. There is so much more the government can be doing
Housing Minister Megan Woods is here for her debut on out show, hopefully with a whole lot of big ideas!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duncan and Tova go head to head over farming in New Zealand. Who's arguing for, and who's arguing against? And do they believe their own argument?!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A major crisis is unfolding in Sri Lanka - the country has very nearly run out of fuel.
The Prime Minister’s pleaded for $117 million dollars of foreign currency over the next few days to help pay for the country's imports.
We're joined by Charitha Herath, an MP for the country's National List party.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Former Defence Minister Ron Mark has been in Ukraine helping deliver humanitarian aid, and getting people who have been displaced by the war out into neighbouring countries..
We caught up with him just as he was boarding to fly to Bucharest to speak with Romanian MPs about the crisis.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With just one day to go until the Budget is unveiled, families of those living with eating disorders are hoping it will end what for some is a year-long wait for treatment.
Yesterday $100 million was earmarked for specialist mental health and addiction services, aimed at bringing down those waits by bulking up capacity until early intervention strategies kick in.
Gen Mora uses her lived experience to help other families navigate a system not currently stacked up in their favour - and she joins us now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We are just weeks away from the Queen’s platinum jubilee, and celebrations are already in full swing.
Her Majesty stunned crowds at Windsor Castle this weekend, as she arrived unaided to a theatrical production of her life. This after missing the state opening of parliament.
Prince Charles and Camilla have just touched down in Canada, kicking off a royal tour to celebrate the Queen’s seven decades on the throne.
Travelling with them is ITV News Royal Editor Chris Ship, who joins us with the latest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A surge in domestic travel has been a windfall for locals renting out properties as holiday accommodation.
Bachcare reports rental returns were up 14% for 2021, and a 39% increase on pre-pandemic levels. It's also seeing more people booking last minute for long weekends and enjoying those spontaneous getaways when they can. Bachcare’s marketing manager Tara Toman has more on the trends.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The US is hearing from two top Pentagon officials about evidence of UFOs.
It's the first time the US has held an open congressional hearing on the topic in more than 50 years, but it may have prompted more questions than answers. Nick Harper in Washington has been following it, and joins us with the latest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New analysis reveals just a dozen Facebook accounts pushed the bulk of disinformation which riled up the Parliamentary protestors to breaking point.
Victoria University has taken a snapshot into social media activity at the time, and researchers warn the three-week standoff has caused a ‘tectonic shift’ in the disinformation landscape.
Author Kate Hannah joins us to discuss this more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nine pre-Budget announcements are the equivalent of a dozen red roses dropped along the path to the polling booth - is it working?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There are just three days until the Australian election and crikey... it looks set to go to the wire!
Labor Leader Anthony Albanese has the lead in the polls over Prime Minister Scott Morrison that could give the country it's first left wing government in nearly a decade.
Joining us for an insight into what might happen on Saturday, we are joined by Emeritus professor at Australia’s national university’s school of politics John Warhurst.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Emissions Reduction plan unveiled this week aims to set the direction for climate change action in New Zealand for the next 15 years. Key to the plan is the need to get more people into electric vehicles, and to have better public transport options available.
But there were some glaring emission omissions - the proposed congestion tax and ongoing public transport subsidies. So will we see those in tomorrow's budget? To discuss further is Jon Reeves from the Public Transport Users Association.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Budget is shaping up to be all about health.
The context of course is a global pandemic. Wait times for GP appointments in Dunedin have been as long as eight weeks, a nursing crisis, a mental health crisis, workforce strikes and a complete overhaul of our health system - ditching DHBs in favour of Health NZ and the Māori Health Authority.
Health Minister Andrew Little spoke to Tova on Wednesday morning about the barrage of challenges facing the health sector as more information comes to light heading into Thursday's budget release.
Both Little and Tova O'Brien butt heads over the mental health announcements made on Tuesday to expand Mana Ake into Northland, Counties Manukau, BoP, Lakes and West Coast schools.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wait times for GP appointments in Dunedin have been as long as eight weeks for some patients. That pressure is being felt across the country and can have serious repercussions.
Here to tell us more is Marie Bennett from Age Concern Otago - she’s the elder abuse response team leader.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Finance Minister made it rain yesterday, with billions allocated in the emissions reduction plan - it was in itself a budget of sorts but this Thursday the actual budget.
And it seems some of the climate policies have been held over
Newsroom’s political editor for Today FM Jo Moir joins me to chat the latest in politics.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our top sailors in Team New Zealand are taking on a new challenge - attempting to break a world record on dry ground.
The team has launched a new 14-metre land yacht named ‘Horonuku’, which it hopes will be fast enough to crack the wind-powered speed attempt.
The vessel is in the trusty hands of pilot Glenn Ashby until he makes the formal record attempt in August. He joins us now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
That is the question - but the moot today was that "Vegans Are Better".
Who gets to argue the pros, and who gets the cons? Duncan or Tova?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After more than a week off, the defamation trial brought by actor Johnny Depp against his ex-wife Amber Heard resumed Monday.
We get the latest from our entertainment reporter Carol Ramos.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The first Emissions Reduction Plans has been released, outlining what needs to happen to suck an extra 11.5 megatons of CO2 out of the air over the next three years.
$2.9 billion in funding has been divvied up from the Climate Emergency Response Fund across all sectors from transport to agriculture to construction.
However as groups sift through, reaction is mixed. We talk to National's deputy leader and Finance Spokeswoman Nicola Willis about this, and other issues!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cycling NZ prioritised ‘Medals over wellbeing’ and is in a desperate need for culture change - according to a report in response to the death of Olivia Podmore.
It’s the second inquiry into Cycling NZ in just four years - according to Olivia’s mother her death was preventable according to her mother.
High Performance Sport CEO Raelene Castle discusses the findings.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If you’re in the market for a house, the signs are that now could be a good time to buy. Real estate agents are seeing fewer people turning up for open homes and auctions, and there’s been fewer sales across the country in recent weeks.
But tighter lending criteria and increasing interest rates coupled with inflation continue to mean there’s plenty of challenges for buyers. Financial advisor and co-founder The Money Men Josh Farry is here to give a snapshot of who’s buying and what’s selling - plus we'll hear from first home buyer Darryn Els.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Pae Kōrero panel discus the Emissions Reduction Plan and Thursday's upcoming budget announcement
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As a country, we can’t allow organisations to hide behind independent reports without accountability.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How Pernilla Sjoholm became a victim of such a horrible con and featuring in a Netflix special.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The first Emissions Reduction Plans has been released, outlining what needs to happen to suck an extra 11.5 megatonnes of CO2 out of the air over the next three years.
$2.9 billion dollars in funding has been divvied up from the Climate Emergency Response Fund, across all sectors from transport to agriculture to construction.
Despite farmers not paying a cent into the fund, they’re getting a whopping $340 million back for research.
However, as groups sift through it, the reaction is mixed… some questioning a lack of detail.
Climate Minister James Shaw joined Tova on Tuesday morning to discuss the plan.
O"Brien asked the Climate Minister which industry concerns him most.
"Well, it won't come as a surprise to you to know that we've still got a lot of work to do in the agricultural sector," said Shaw.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Unsurprisingly the Russian President Vladimir Putin is outraged.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A mammoth 348-page blueprint has been released, with basically every industry given an ultimatum.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The health workforce is down 10,000 pairs of hands today - after an eleventh hour bid to find a solution before the planned strike action failed.
The District Health Board’s Friday offer has been described by the Public Service Association as a ‘complete bungle’ and a ‘kick in the guts’.
Today staff across more than 70 professions, including lab techs, alcohol and drug counsellors and dental assistants, will prove their point by working ONLY to the hours set out in their contracts.
We're joined by PSA organiser Will Matthews.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Incredible scenes in the United States over the weekend, as tens of thousands of protesters marched in opposition to the planned scrapping of Roe versus Wade.
In Republican states, the battle to keep abortion clinics operating is becoming harder by the day. In Oklahoma the governor has just signed off one of the strictest anti-abortion rules in the state.
We're joined by Andrea Gallegos, the executive administrator for the Tulsa Women’s Clinic - one of just four clinics still open in Oklahoma.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel segment. On Mondays we talk to our statespeople - Chris Finlayson, former National MP & former Attorney General and Sue Bradford - former Green MP.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Happy budget week!
The finance minister unveils his Budget on Thursday, and in the lead up we’ll be talking to a range of experts to get their take on what Grant Robertson should and shouldn’t prioritise.
With me now is the mother of the Mother of all Budgets - former finance minister Ruth Richardson.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The emissions reduction plan is to be revealed today by the government - how will we plan to meet our net-zero emissions by 2050?
Reductions in transport, energy and industry are expected to be the priority for this first budget period to 2025.
But will it be enough? Executive Director of Greenpeace Aotearoa Russel Norman joins us, followed by a take from Andrew Hoggard, the President of Federated Farmers.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10,000 health workers are in the midst of a 24-hour strike.
Social workers are among those who are feeling frustrated with the latest offer from DHB’s, and are refusing to do any more hours than are set out in their contracts.
Andy Colwell works in a mental health crisis team in Auckland and joins us to talk about what it’s like to go above and beyond every single day.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
No one’s blaming the PM for getting COVID - I wish her well, but I’m not convinced she took the right approach here...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jess Irvine has been a high-profile economics and finance journalist for some of Australia’s biggest newspapers she’s covered 18 budgets, but when it came to her own finances she was hopeless.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As Fuel prices creep their way back up to over NZ$3 dollars in many places we look at the two sides of the argument about whether the fuel tax should be extended or not.
Managing Director of Waitomo Group, Jimmy Ormsby joins Tova to discuss.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As Fuel prices creep their way back up to over NZ$3 dollars in many places we look at the two sides of the argument about whether the fuel tax should be extended or not.
Convenor of the Campaign for Better Transport Jodi Johnston joins Tova to discuss.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Olivia Podmore was just 24 when she tragically died in August last year.
A star on the cycling track, Olivia, or as she was known to her family and friends, Liv, would compete at the highest level representing New Zealand in the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2018 Commonwealth games.
Cycling New Zealand launched an independent inquiry following Olivia’s death and those findings are due to be publicly released at 2:00pm on Monday.
To tell her story and what more needs to be done to support young athletes, Liv's mother Nienke Middleton spoke to Tova on Monday morning.
Middleton believes that if the initial findings in a report done in 2018 were implemented correctly across Cycling NZ, Olivia would never have taken her own life.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Acting Chief Censor Rupert Ablett-Hampson says it has chilling similarities to that of the Christchurch Mosque shooter.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Each week, Producer Jeremy looks back at something that made the news and puts it to music.
But all he did this week was make us kind of hungry...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today Duncan and Tova will go head to head on kids sports - should they be keeping score or just getting out there for the fun of it?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There’s been a fascinating find in the North Pacific Ocean, as conservationists grapple with how to deal with the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
The collection of floating rubbish is thought to cover more than a million square kilometres, more than three times the size of France… but something surprising has been discovered.
Entire ecosystems have established themselves there, complicating the push to trawl out the microplastics in nets.
Biologist Rebecca Helm from North Carolina led the study and joins us to chat through what's going on.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Astronomers have looked to the furthest depths of space to unravel the secrets of the universe… but now we’re learning more about one of the most terrifying phenomena in our own milky way.
The first pictures are emerging of a huge black hole, known as Sagittarius A… very on-brand with Friday 13th.
It’s a blurry image, which almost resembles a glowing doughnut, and it’s about 60 million kilometres wide.
Join us as we talk black holes with the head of the physics department at the University of Auckland, Jan Eldridge.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The government has made a mess of its immigration reforms - neglecting to include nurses and midwives on its green list for fast tracked residency.
Yesterday we spoke to NZ Nurses Organisation head Anne Daniels who told us nurses hadn’t been consulted..
The Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi came on the show immediately after her and said categorically that nurses had been consulted... then that they’d maybe hadn't been!
To try get clarity on this we’re going back to Anne Daniels.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Check out Mark's look back at the Week That Was.
And find out what Tova said about Duncan Garner!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Covid-19 deaths, cases, and hospitalizations are back on the rise. It comes as the government tosses up options for the roll out of a second booster vaccine.
And you, the listener, have been in touch tell us you’ve had the virus multiple times.
Here to help us understand what’s going on is University of Auckland microbiologist Dr Siouxsie Wiles.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Overnight the official confirmation came through that one of our best ever Black Caps, Brendon McCullum, will be taking over coaching the England test cricket team.
We hear from his former team mate (and Today FM cricket commentator) Jacob Oram for his reaction.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The heat is on the government to fix its immigration reforms and include nurses and midwives in the professions eligible for fast-tracked residency.
And since we raised this issue on our show and revealed Immigration NZ hadn’t even consulted the sector, the chorus has grown louder. We're joined by Chief Executive of Family Planning, Jackie Edmond.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today is the day that the superstitious fear… it’s Friday 13th.
Just like walking under a ladder, breaking a mirror or crossing paths with a black cat, many believe the day brings bad luck.
Even the most logical of people can hold superstitious quirks… and here to explain why is the chair of the New Zealand Skeptics, Craig Shearer
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week New Zealand hit one million confirmed Covid cases since 2020, and while most have pulled through okay, others are still struggling months or even years later.
It's the condition known as 'long-Covid', which can come with a range of symptoms, including fatigue, confusion, chest pain, and loss of taste or smell, to name only a few.
The focus on 'elimination' has put the country slightly behind the eight ball when it comes to addressing what looks set to be an issue which far outlives the pandemic.
We're joined by Jenene Crossan, who caught the virus early on and is one of many who has experienced the condition.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Data from Otago University shows new cases of HIV have dropped to their lowest rates since the 1990s. So today, we’re looking at the rationale behind restricting blood donations from gay men.
The NZ Blood service describes it as a 'deferral' period, which means men cannot donate blood for three months after having sex with other men, essentially a ban for most.
To get two sides of this discussion, activist and founder of End Conversion Therapy NZ Shaneel Lal and Associate professor Peter Saxton who is also a fellow of the AIDS foundation spoke to Tova on Friday morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The notoriously secretive North Korea has officially announced it’s first Covid outbreak - the entire country has gone into lockdown.
It’s has been a fortress since the pandemic began - even more than usual - which makes reporting on it very difficult, but it didn’t stop our next guest breaking the story of the outbreak before it was confirmed by state media.
NK News journalist Chad O’Carroll joins us with the situation in North Korea.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today Duncan and Tova go head to head over the pros and cons of their defining decade.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The storm which swept the North Island in late March has cost at least $79 million in insurance claims - most of claims being in Auckland.
The Insurance Council CEO Tim Grafton joins us to discuss.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We love good news stories here at Today FM, and this will warm your heart.
Down for Love is a new TVNZ series which follows Kiwis with Down Syndrome on their quest to find love - it is a beautiful, must watch show
Our next guest is one of the stars of the series - Libby Hunsdale. She also played the lead role in the film Poppy which has received critical acclaim worldwide.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Zealand’s border is set to open completely to the world from July 31 - two months earlier than planned
It coincides with a major government immigration reset including a ‘green list’ of jobs where people can be fast tracked to residency to fill critical skills gaps in as little
Weirdly nursing is not on that list - a very critical skill which we are very short of. nurses still have to wait two years to apply for residency
Joining us is president of the NZ Nurses Organisation, Anne Daniels.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s just one week until the Finance Minister delivers Budget 2022 - Grant Robertson is delivered a taster to an audience at the Wellington Chamber of Commerce
Newsroom journalist Emma Hatton joined us from that business breakfast.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When the Taliban regained control over Afghanistan a year ago they promised change.
One of the most recent is a decree from the Ministry of the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice criminalising a woman’s clothing
Women must now wear hijab - head to toe preferable. If she doesn’t her ‘male guardian’ will be sent to jail.
Joining us to discuss this and more is former Afghanistan broadcaster who now lives here in New Zealand, Muzhgan Samarqandi.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We like to hit an issue from different perspectives - today we're looking at water rights.
The government’s Three Waters reforms have polarised opinion. The intention to include the protection of Māori rights in the process has certainly been contentious.
That’s what struck journalist Aaron Smale when he wrote an article for the website Newsroom, suggesting that Pakeha farmers had long enjoyed water rights with virtually no constraints just the benefits.
So we’ll talk with Aaron Smale, and then to Federated Farmers water quality spokesman Chris Allan.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This next story is shocking… a five year old boy makes a chance discovery of methamphetamine in an emergency motel unit
Stuff reports that the kid thought it was sherbet but his mother, who’s a recovering addict knew exactly what it was - and the previous tenants stash nearly risked her decade long recovery
It renews concerns about emergency motels and what controls need to be in place to ensure children aren’t exposed to drugs or other dangers
Rotorua has had ongoing issues with emergency motels - District councillor and now mayoral candidate Tania Tapsell joins us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Department of Internal Affairs is investigating whether to strip Gloriavale of it's charitable status, after a conclusive Employment Court ruling against the Christian community.
Today FM understands the government is also considering legislative changes after Gloriavale was found to be exploiting child labour - using violence and starvation as punishment .
To explain some of the potential implications for employment law - and for Gloriavale - is Partner at Dentons Kensington Swan, Charlotte Parkhill.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In an attempt to attract the best and brightest and keep the country’s lights on in the face of an inevitable brain drain the government has announced major immigration reforms
Workers who fill critical gaps have been delivered an almighty incentive to choose New Zealand over other countries - they can go straight to residency
But nurses and midwives - who represent some of the most critical gaps in our health workforce have been relegated to the b-list - they still have to live and work in New Zealand for two years before residency’s an option
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today marks Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Day, an invisible illness sparked by a raft of other viruses and infections which leaves a quarter of those who have it housebound.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today we were talking first jobs, and the fact that some kids have often earned some pretty poor money for menial tasks.
Duncan Garner comes in to debate with Tova the pros and cons of young people working.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This morning we heard from Daniel Pilgrim, who successfully took his former community Gloriavale to the employment court
The ruling paints a grim picture of coercive work conditions at the West Coast Christian commune - child labour, indoctrination, beatings, threats, solitary confinement, and withheld food.
Barrister Brian Henry was representing the successful plaintiffs - He joins me us with the latest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There's always two sides of the story and we embrace that. Today we'll be hitting an issue from both sides of the argument.
We're talking about the new congestion charges reported to hit the Auckland CBD from as soon as 2025.
Join us as we talk to Auckland Deputy Mayor Bill Cashmore about the ins and outs of that proposal, plus owner of Auckland CBD’s Roma Blooms florists, Shobhana Ranchhodji.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The grocery sector has been spiralling since last month's Commerce Commission report - which slammed the 22 billion dollar uneven playing field.
While Consumer Affairs Minister David Clark says he 'wants customers to get fair prices', industry watchdog Consumer New Zealand is jump-starting that - launching a petition calling for action right now.
It says new competitors need to be given a fair chance if there's any hope of breaking the duopoly, which collectively pockets more than a million dollars in excess profits every day... as many families struggle to put food on the table.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Criticising Air NZ in the media is the kind of talk that sparks public outcry in this country. Never one to shy away from unfettered honesty is broadcaster Paul Henry..
He’s gone to town in an excoriating review of the national airline - and he joins us live from London.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
He’s simply the best…. Jimmy Barnes is the heart and soul of Australian rock and roll.
With Cold Chisel, Jimmy topped the charts in Australia more than any other artist.
His solo career has also been stratospheric, and he’s a hugely successful author.
Jimmy’s celebrating the 30th anniversary of his celebrated album Soul Deep with the release of Soul Deep 30, plus a brand new tour.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Geoffrey Thomas is the founder of the website AirlineRatings.com.
He’s written extensively about Air NZ and knows it inside out.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
An Employment Court ruling has found in favour of three former members of the commune all put to work from six years old.
The work conditions were laborious, often dangerous, required physical exertion over extended periods to turn a profit that went to Gloriavale.
Gloriavale tried to argue it wasn’t work, they weren’t employees. The court didn’t have a bar of it.
Daniel Pilgrim was working 60-70-hour weeks at the age of 15 and put to work at the age of six.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today Tova takes on Duncan Garner discussing the pros and cons of smart phones. And it gets heated!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The effects of climate change are being felt by Australian wine growers, who have already started to change their practices in the face of intense temperatures and lack of rainfall.
The grapes can end up ripening early which in turn affects the taste of the final product. So what will that do to the average Aussie chardonnay? And is climate change affecting our wine growers? Here to discuss is CEO Wine New Zealand Philip Gregan.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Early vote counting in the Philippines is shaping up for an emphatic result... Ferdinand Marcos Jr (son of the ousted dictator of the same name) has more than double the votes of his closest rival Leni Robredo.
Reports are already coming in of alarming irregularities - malfunctioning voting machines, registration omissions and tampered ballots.
To help us understand what it all means Franco Luna, a reporter with the Philstar News, joins us now from Manila.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Finance minister Grant Robertson has signalled there’ll be more support for business owners who are dealing with ram raiders - but the government’s still working out what.
Newsroom political editor for Today FM Jo Moir joins us to talk about this, and a few other parliamentary issues!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
An invisible problem is plaguing the lives of one in ten adult females, and the health system is not making it easy for them.
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue from inside the womb grows in other places in the body - an extremely painful condition which in many cases requires surgical removal.
But the Medical Research Institute says on average people need to see five doctors before they’re believed, and have to wait an average 8.7 years after the first symptoms arise to be formally diagnosed.
Joining us is Endometriosis NZ CEO Tanya Cooke.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Vaping has been propped up as the country’s ticket to meeting it's Smokefree 2025 goal. The hugely popular e-cigarettes are said to be up to 95% less harmful than tobacco, and a good step towards kicking the habit.
The problem is there’s a new generation of vapers coming through who were never addicted to cigarettes in the first place, and despite being a great alternative to smokes, researchers are still unsure about some of the long-term implications of e-cigarettes
Today we talked to Smokefree campaigners ASH, and Secondary Principals’ Association president Vaughan Couillault.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our International Correspondent Ira Spitzer joins us from San Francisco to talk Abortion Law Reform and other US based issues.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Now more than ever our politicians should lay down their politicking and do what’s right."
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sportable, a UK company, has developed a rugby ball with internal sensors that precisely tracks its position and rotation.
In the future, this could enable match officials to check whether a ball’s been passed forward.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Endometriosis causes tissue from inside the womb to grow in other places in the body
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Pae Kōrero panel discuss the National's budget direction and employment burnout
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Let's give it three months, see how they've actually performed"
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Schools are worried they will be losing funding because absenteeism is growing at an alarming rate.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Doctors have reluctantly decided she will not attend the state opening of parliament
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Imagine being born resistant to contracting COVID-19 and never having to worry about spreading the virus...
Researchers are starting to see a group of people emerging who could fit this description, and it is these “never COVID” types who may hold clues for treating everyone else.
Here to discuss is Professor John Christodoulou, Chair of Genomic Medicine at the the University of Melbourne.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Commerce Commission’s March report into the grocery sector said Foodstuffs and Woolworths have been making profits at the expense of consumers, small food retailers and manufacturers. But its recommendations fell well short of a proper shakeup.
Business consultant and former executive director of the Grocery Manufacturers Association Ernie Newman wrote to the Commission about regulating the industry - and we get his take on the situation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A staggering new figure has emerged from the World Health Organisation in recent days - 15 million deaths worldwide due to Covid-19. That’s three times the initial estimate, and 810 of those deaths have been in New Zealand.
People are now able to hold funerals but for so many, that wasn’t possible because of lockdowns and restrictions.
Now new concerns are emerging that some of those grieving families are unsure whether it is appropriate to hold a funeral because of the stigma around the virus
The Funeral Directors’ Association says families are also left without their support networks in attendance because of the apprehension.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ten thousand allied health workers are set to strike across the country today following a breakdown in pay talks between them and the DHBs.
We're talking to the President of the PSA Will Matthews, and Steve Grant, who's a Sterile Sciences Technician.
Find out how much more a KFC supervisor can earn compared to a trained medical professional.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The PM in isolation, petrol prices, the pre-budget law and order announcement, and petrol prices
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duncan Garner takes on Tova O'Brien in Monday's Debate Club
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The government has announced new law and order funding with a goal of adding 1800 new Police officers
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Frustrated and a bit battered from the ongoing attacks that it’s soft on crime, the government has announced a half-billion-dollar crime package to be rolled out over four years.
Gangs, guns and rehabilitation are covered but no targeted funding for ram raids despite the clear and urgent need.
Police Minister Poto Williams spoke to Tova early on Monday morning.
The Police Minister says the government will be able to deliver 1,800 new police officers six months ahead of schedule. Tova O'Brien asked the minister what the original deadline for that promise was.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The ACT Party has released their alternative Budget ahead of the government’s real budget next Thursday
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The pressure mounting on young social media users appears to be coming to a head recently, with suggestions a spate of ram-raids is being egged on by online trends.
Some experts suggest those involved are seeking notoriety on apps like TikTok, where damning footage of some of the incidents has been posted.
We’re joined by 17-year-old South Auckland student Avantika Lata, who can talk us through what life as a kid is like now that many have their online presence front of mind.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark is still away, so Duncan Garner's still here to play!
Check it out as Duncan and Tova discuss the pros and cons of Friday work drinks.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s the secret deal that shook the Asia-Pacific region and the world - not only shook it but blindsided it .
China signing a security pact with the Solomon Islands which gives the Chinese mega-military an in to potentially set up a base in the Pacific.
The failure to see the deal coming or prevent it, prompted the Australian Labour Party to call it “the worst Australian foreign policy blunder in the Pacific since the end of World War Two”.
If that’s the case - New Zealand would share the blame, it was our government’s failing too
We're joined by Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Johnny Depp’s actress ex-wife Amber Heard has told a court in Virginia that she was physically and sexually assaulted on multiple occasions by her former husband, typically when he was drunk or high on drugs.
Heard was clearly emotional as she described the abuse she says she experienced at the hands of the famous actor, a very different story to the one painted through much of this case, by Depp’s legal team.
We're joined by entertainment correspondent Carol Ramos with the latest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Have a listen as Tova is joined by Today FM Sports Expert John Day, as we take a look at the weekend ahead!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A portrait of a New Zealander by a New Zealand born artist has won one of Australia’s most prestigious art honours.
Claus Stangl took out the packing room prize - a sub-category of the Archibald Prize - for his portrait of director extraordinaire Taika Waititi!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Senior Stuff journalist Alison Mau has been investigating this story and has spoken directly to a number of current and former students. She says a general theme to emerge is they were expected to ‘harden up’ and also the sense their tutors were out of touch with how the industry was actually operating culturally.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Simon Bridges left parliament throwing a few left right hooks and hugs in his valedictory speech
His Tauranga electorate is now up for grabs, and National’s candidate Sam Uffindell was announced last weekend. Sam’s the head of Financial Crime at Rabobank, and he owns a small agribusiness
We’ve been trying to talk to him to no avail, prompting his ACT Party opponent to say QUOTE “Refusing to do interviews and thinking you can coast through on the Party’s brand shows arrogance and the electorate deserves better. “
So it is on.. Sam Uffindell IS with us now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Consumer Institute has had more than a hundred complaints in the last year about supermarkets, ranging from overcharging to a lack of specials and frustration over higher prices on basic foodstuffs.
Only a month ago the Commerce Commission reported that the $22 billion dollar grocery sector was not working well for New Zealanders and now the cost of living crisis is directly affecting the government’s fortunes in opinion polls.
Consumer Institute CEO Jon Duffy joined Tova on Friday morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The new coroner has signalled that the role of digital platforms will be scrutinised as part of the Christchurch terror attacks inquiry.
She’ll consider whether the gunman’s online activity before he arrived in New Zealand played a ‘material role in his radicalisation’.
Aliya Danzeisen is the National Coordinator of the Islamic Women’s Council, and she says the decision is a landmark moment for accountability of social media. She joins us to talk through the latest.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's been a humdinger battle - Garner vs O'Brien... and going into today it's 3-1 what Duncan.
What will they do with the pros and cons of a fuel tax?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Auckland’s city centre may be small, but it's a big economic contributor - generating $23.2 billion dollars to Auckland’s GDP last year.
That’s 19 percent of the city's overall GDP. But the pandemic has taken a toll on Auckland’s inner city business community, and here to discuss what that means for the country’s overall economic health and a plan to kick start the sector is Auckland Mayor Phil Goff.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for our panel segment Pae Korero. Today we're joined by current affairs commentator Josie Pagani, and New Zealand Herald columnist Matthew Hooton.
We'll be talking the parliamentary trespass melodrama, Simon Bridges, and removing GST from healthy food.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Three political polls have now aligned - predicting that the Maori Party could hold the balance of power at the next election.
But the party has made it clear it won’t work with parties that aren’t working towards a treaty-centric Aotearoa
We're joined by Te Pati Maori co-leader Rawiri Waititi.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Russia's "military operation" in Ukraine rumbles on, with no real progress being made towards a conclusion. We'll talk about that, and more, with our international correspondent Will Denselow.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A closer eye than usual is being kept on Mount Ruapehu as a cloud of steam looms above.
A big eruption is still considered unlikely, but the volcanic alert level is sitting at two - the highest possible warning level before it blows.
Currently a 2 kilometre exclusion zone is in place - just brushing the edge of the Turoa Ski Area - and the Department of Conservation tells us it would only move to four, encompassing most of the ski areas, IF an eruption occurred.
There are some positives to all of this - it has prompted a quick move to get organised for a worst-case-scenario, from all groups involved.
Joining us is Tom Wilson, he’s a Professor of Disaster Risk at Canterbury University.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for part two in the saga of Winston Peters being banned from parliament.
Yesterday, part one: the fury, the folly and the fallout - Winston Peters talked to us about being trespassed from parliament for just walking around and his plans to take legal action against the quote ‘dictatorial’ speaker... Then hung up!
Today, Part 2: The Vindication
Trevor Mallard forced to rescind five of the seven trespass notices issued - all against former MPs including Winston Peters...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Divorce rates fell to their lowest annual number last year in nearly more than four decades.
Why?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Anja Zoellner is a teacher, phd student, social football player, who once rode horses for New Zealand but her entire life changed after a concussion last May
A year on and she’s only just this week been given ACC approval for the mental injuries that it caused.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The former National Party leader breaks down his 14-year career in politics.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The left-arm spinner - one of only three players in Test cricket history to take all 10 wickets in an innings is donating all proceeds to Starship Foundation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In 1996 a string of brutal incidents prompted allegations the then national government was soft on crime - a raft of law changes followed
With the current spike in gang tensions, we’re going to hear from the Waitaki mayor Gary Kircher, and Jarrod Gilbert from the University of Canterbury.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Researchers have analysed tumours in 12,000 of UK cancer patients, revealing for the first time the patterns that represent a significant step towards the personalisation of treatment - and early diagnosis
These ‘patterns’ will potentially provide doctors with a means by which to match medications specific to the causes of different cancers.
Joining us to discuss this huge project and its enormous implications the study’s lead author, Andrea Degasperi from the Early Cancer Institute at the University of Cambridge
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today FM understands that other political parties wanted Trevor Mallard to consider exempting protesters from trespass notices if they weren’t violent or inciting violence including Winston Peters
But Mallard refused, only allowing debate on whether former MPs should be exempted! No one could get behind that because it would look like special treatment.
No one - except the ACT party that is.. and its deputy Brooke Van Velden joins me now,
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Met Gala Ball 2022 was a blur of dazzling gowns, beaded corseted, padded hips and extravagant trains as guests went to town on the theme of Gilded Glamour. So who owned the red carpet?
We have the best commentator on all things stylish .. former contributing editor for American Vogue, Kathryn Neale, joins us now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's an issue that's been in the news over the last couple of days - should women get more leave than men because of menstruation?
It's an awkward one for Duncan and Tova to argue for and against!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Half a century of women’s reproductive rights is set to be overturned by the US Supreme Court - a draft ruling leaked to news site Politico outlines the planned overturning of Roe v Wade which legalised abortion in the United States
A woman’s right to have an abortion through the first trimester of pregnancy was protected nationally in 1973, following the supreme court’s landmark 7-2 ruling
Here to talk about how this revelation has unfolded is Guardian correspondent Moira Donegan.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
US President Joe Biden says a woman’s right to have an abortion is “fundamental” after reports the Supreme Court is preparing to overturn the federal abortion law. A decision from America's highest court could see an almost 50-year nationwide law that permits abortions struck down.
The President has urged Democrat voters to elect more pro-abortion officials in this year’s Midterm elections. Nick Harper is live outside the Supreme Court in Washington DC.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's our panel show Pae Korero!
Welcome to our regular Wednesday panelists. Labour MP for the East Coast Kiritapu Allan, plus National MP Chris Bishop.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Boris Johnson has become the first Western leader to directly address the Ukraine Parliamen,t and his impassioned speech prompted members of the house to wave Union Jack banners as he pledged the UK would continue to supply weapons, funding and humanitarian aid.
Lesia Vasylenko is a Ukrainian Member of Parliament, with the opposition Holos Party. She catches us up on the situation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s nearly a year since the horrific attack in a Dunedin supermarket..
Four members of the public were stabbed in Countdown by Luke Lambert.. fortunately, no lives were lost.
Lambert has just been sentenced to 13 years in prison for his crimes.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s a brave person that tells Winston Peters he’s not allowed at parliament - the man who’s spent more time there than any other living politician
But that’s precisely what Speaker Trevor Mallard has done - banning Peters for two years, slapping him with a trespass notice for visiting anti-mandate protesters
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With Mark still away, Duncan Garner steps into the breach once again. He'll discuss with Tova the pros and cons of opening the borders... or leaving them closed to the world!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for our panel - Pae Korero!
Today we're joined by radio host and rural radiant PJ Harding and NZ editor of The Conversation Finlay Macdonald.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There's always two sides of the story and we embrace that.
Today we're talking ‘high-value’ tourists vs ‘low-value’ tourists… after officials indicated the reopening of the borders would shift a focus to those who are willing to come here and spend up the most.
It has left some providers for the so-called ‘low-value’ ones - the backpackers and the freedom campers - confused over how they fit into the picture.
We’ll talk to high-end Queenstown hotel owner Kevin Carlin, and Dan Alpe - the CEO of Jucy home of the familiar bright green road-tripping rentals.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If you’re looking for a puppy there’s a good chance you have a breed in mind… maybe a family-oriented golden retriever, a mischievous beagle!
But new research is suggesting close to none of the breeds have hard-wired personality traits.
The US-led study goes as far as to say dogs that we’ve come to know as aggressive - like Pitbulls - may not always deserve their bad reputation.
Researcher Elinor Karlsson joins us from Massachussetts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With galloping inflation it comes as no surprise that many of us are having problems paying off our debts.
New data from credit monitoring agency Centrix released to Today FM reveals that more of us have bad credit - the average credit score for people dropped by three points in April alone.
Centrix managing director Keith McLaughlin tells us what that means.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Children who have offended (between the ages of 10 and 13 years) are at increased risk of long-term offending and a range of adverse outcomes.”
That’s the unequivocal finding from a 3 year report about child offending that’s just been published - and the authors say policy makers need to make ’early intervention’ a priority with these children.
So what does early intervention look like? Stephen Boxer from the Graeme Dingle Foundation has worked with youth offenders and has helped transform the lives of many rangatahi as young as eight years old.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lydia Ko - golf prodigy and comeback queen - can now perhaps add ‘menstrual trailblazer’ to her lengthy list of achievements!
Ko left a sports interviewer lost for words when explaining the need for mid-round physical therapy during the LPGA Championship.
Here to discuss the power of Ko’s statement is clinical psychologist Karen Nimmo who specialises in high performance psychology, and has worked a lot with elite athletes.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nick Fitzgerald is the Head of the Rotorua Motel Association, he doesn’t have any emergency housing tenants in his place, but as the head of the association is in contact with those in the area who do.
Tourism is returning to New Zealand after two years of closed borders and no tourists needing our motels.
But as Today FM revealed 741 motels are being used as emergency motels. So what happens now?
..
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Imagine this - Election 2023... National take out victory, and Christopher Luxon is our new PM.
Would Jacinda Ardern survive? And who would replace her?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Matt King says the Labour Government has acted illegally and is deceptive.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"It's the combination of what's going in inside those motels, coupled with rising crime, that makes the tourism proposition on Rotorua much weaker than it ever has been."
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel segment! On Mondays we turn to our former politicians - we are warmly welcoming former National MP and former Attorney General, Chris Finlayson, plus former Green MP Sue Bradford.
Plus we'll talk women's sport, millennial's in the workforce, and youth crime.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We’re still reeling from the current pandemic and scientists are worried the next big virus is one that’s already on our radar - laying dormant in one of our animal species.
The good news is that there is now a way to program computers to map out where the potential threats may lie - and their likelihood of spilling over into humans.
Colin Carlson is a biologist at Washington’s Georgetown University who is a force in this space - and is producing a shortlist of viruses with the most potential to jump the species barrier.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark Dye is still away, so how did the battle over sports go between Duncan Garner and Tova?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Business NZ is warning that a brain drain is already underway at a time when businesses can least afford to lose young talented staff.
And evidence that junior workers are indeed a high flight risk is captured in new research showing millennials - aged 24-34 - are more likely to feel unhappy in their work than any other age group.
Skills Consulting Group surveyed 1800 people about their attitudes to work - Wellbeing General Manager Jane Kennelly joins us to discuss the results.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The borders re-opening means Air New Zealand is back in business. So what's with the high airfares?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nina is a first-generation migrant from the Philippines whose family all shared a single room when they arrived here. She found it difficult to access information when it came to financial literacy, but has taken it upon herself to learn. She says she still struggles… especially as her culture means she feels responsible to support her whole family, not just herself.
A financial literacy campaign launches today, aimed at the 80 percent of women who rank their own skills as moderate, low or very low.
The Financial Services Council’s push, ‘It All Starts with Action’, invites all people and businesses to work together to improve the financial confidence and wellbeing of wahine.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After the end of Election 2023, the political careers of Jacinda Ardern and/or Christopher Luxon maybe over.
Join Tova as she looks at potential replacements for National leader Luxon.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A Covid-19 test hailed as a ‘lab in a bottle’ is being thrown into the New Zealand testing mix.
The self-testing kits, known as ‘LAMPs’, return a result in 30 minutes with a similar accuracy to a PCR test, measuring the ‘RNA’ - that is, the acid in the cells which carries the virus.
They will be put on trial at Auckland Airport for starters, initially limited to 30 staff for three months, but could eventually expand for use in hospitals and aged-care sectors.
The president of the Institute of Medical Laboratory Science, Terry Taylor joins us to explain exactly how these work.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Pae Korero - our panel - and today we have radio host (and rural goddess!!!) PJ Harding, and political commentator and columnist Shane Te Pou.
We'll talk the spate of crimes involving young kids, NZ's fortress mentality, and streets names that may not be so appropriate anymore.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Climate Change Minister James Shaw says the release of new sea level rise data underlines the importance of the work the Government is doing to build a low emission, climate resilient future for Aotearoa.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our sea levels are set to rise by 30 centimetres in the next ten to thirty years if we don’t do something about it according to scientists from New Zealand’s sea rise programme.
It’s twice as fast as first thought in some places and could mean once in a century floods hit us once a year and wiping out some of our coastal areas
Joining us to discuss the findings, one of its co-producers of Dr Judy Lawrence from the climate change research institute.
Judy is a Senior Research Fellow at the Climate Change Research Institute.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After more than two years, New Zealand is finally shedding its fortress status. The borders opened at midnight and tourists from non-visa waiver countries like the UK, US, Canada and much of Europe can now bungy, shotover, ski and hike their way around the country once again.
But Tourism Minister Stuart Nash may be facing the problem of not having anywhere for these tourists to stay, as 741 motels in New Zealand are currently being used for emergency housing, which cost the taxpayer $109 million in the December quarter of 2021.
Nash joined Tova live on Today FM from Auckland Airport early Monday morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The National Party has announced its candidate in the Tauranga by election and as revealed by Today FM - it was a white man chosen from a group of four white male candidates to replace one of just three Maori MPs in National’s caucus, Simon Bridges
We wanted to talk to Sam Uffindel so you could get to know him but he refused!
The ACT Party was more than happy to step into the breach - we’re joined by ACT’s candidate in Tauranga Cameron Luxton
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Each week our Producer Jeremy is given the task of finding a news item that can be put to music.
He couldn't help but notice that Tova had a slightly heightened interest in the whereabouts of Minister Of Immigration Kris Faafoi.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Since Mark Dye is away with Covid-19, Tova decided to take on her now colleague (and former boss!) - Duncan Garner!
They look at the pros and cons of compulsory voting. It's a humdinger!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Women’s sports are taking centre stage in New Zealand over the next year.
We’ve just had the cricket world cup, we have the rugby world cup later this year, and the football world cup next year.
But coverage of women’s sports across the globe is far outweighed by the boys
One bar in Oregon in the USA has decided to do something about it. We're joined by the owner of The Sports Bra in Portland, Jenny Nguyen.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Friday equals end of week... equals nearly the weekend which must mean sporty things will be happening.
Here to tell us exactly what should be distracting us in this sphere is Today FM’s sports editor extraordinaire John Day.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We’re going back to the issue of very young offenders - someone who’s working directly with Māori and Pacifica youth and has been for 18 years is Hadleigh Pouesi - youth worker with the Zeal Trust.
We ask him for his thoughts on the youths who are committing burglaries and ram raids.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The image of children - a 12 year old, 11, 10 and seven years old - caught by Police clutching stolen toys after breaking into a Hamilton mall at night is visceral and disturbing - we’re left thinking of ourselves at those ages, our own children, children we know wondering how on earth we got to this point
We're joined by Hamilton City Police Area Commander Andrea McBeth to discuss.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Christchurch City Council has finally agreed to free Bromley residents from a putrid stench which has wafted through the suburb for years.
Many of those affected by the organics processing plant there presented to council yesterday, some through tears, explaining how the foul smell had lost them business, irritated their eyes, permeated their clothes and even ruined their social lives.
An in-principle decision has been made to relocate the plant, and the next ten months will be spent finding the right site, with a shortlist due next February.
We're joined by is Don Gould, an affected resident who spoke at the committee meeting yesterday.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Over one month ago the government announced a special visa policy to reunite Ukrainians with their immediate family here in New Zealand. It said it would benefit around 4000 people.
But as Today FM revealed earlier this week just 380 visas have been approved.
Tatayana Zagrebelko applied to bring her cousin and nephew over from Ukraine after they were forced to flee their home in Ukraine
We cross to Lviv in Ukraine, where Tatayana’s cousin Elena Sychova is with us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The surge in ram raids is a scourge for business owners, shopkeepers, and communities, and Police say it’s only a matter of time before someone is killed
Children as young as 11 are in the stolen cars being ploughed into shop windows.
Labour MP Kiri Allan has said the issue was a problem in her electorate, specifically in the town of Kawerau
We're talking to the Kawerau Mayor Malcolm Campbell.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We’re heading to the Philippines, to hear from a New Zealand resident there who is yearning to come home.
The only problem is, Gail Alfonzo’s 12-year-old daughter is being barred from entering.
She has autism - which has led Immigration New Zealand to decline her application to enter on the grounds that she is not of an acceptable health standard and may cost the healthcare system too much.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A health system breakdown appears to be piling up at the bottom of the country, with many heartbreaking ‘too late’ diagnoses stories in Southland, and even more questions being raised of the state of its District Health Board.
Southland Charity Hospital is the brainchild of the late Blair Vining and his wife Melissa - before he died of bowel cancer in 2019.
He used his final moments working to protect others from the ‘postcode lottery’ system, and the facility is just half a million dollars away from its funding goal.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for our panel segment, Pae Korero. Today we're joined by University of Auckland historian Caroline Daley and the NZ editor of The Conversation, Finlay Macdonald.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From Shanghai comes a story that feels more at home in a George Orwell novel.
The Chinese city of 26 million people remains in lockdown, residents who test positive in the zero-COVID environment are whisked away to government-run quarantine facilities - and it’s no jet park hotel.
Jane Polubotko is originally from Ukraine but has lived in Shanghai for nine years, she and her boyfriend were forced into what she calls her ‘COVID centre imprisoning’ last month.
Polubotko told Tova on Friday morning what it has been like in Shanghai since the lockdown.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The image of children - a 12-year-old, 11, 10 and seven years old - caught by Police clutching stolen toys after breaking into a Hamilton mall at night is visceral and disturbing.
We’re left thinking of ourselves at those ages, our own children, children we know wondering how on earth we got to this point?
Hamilton City Police Area Commander Andrea McBeth spoke to Tova on Friday morning about how a child as young as seven can get caught up in a crime like this.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What "John" saw in prison were young people who were not deterred by a sentence, because they’d lost any sense that life could be better.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nigel Latta - clinical psychologist and author - joined Tova O'Brien on Friday.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It takes a village to raise a child and these kids need some serious village attention.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Over one month ago the government announced a special visa policy to reunite Ukrainians with their immediate family here in New Zealand. It said it would benefit around 4000 people.
But as Today FM revealed earlier this week, just 380 visas have been approved.
Tatayana Zagrebelko applied to bring her cousin and nephew over from Ukraine after they were forced to flee their home in Kharkiv. She spoke to Tova on Thursday morning.
O'Brien asked Zagrebelko what immigration New Zealand had said to her.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Costcos iconic 'hot-dog' will be coming to the store when they open later this year
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Maybe he should have taken Sir John Key's advice?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There's always two sides of the story and we embrace that.
Today we're talking native forests versus exotic ones like Pine - and whether the science actually stacks up for natives as the best carbon offsetting solution.
Recently the Ministry for Primary Industries took submissions on whether the planting of permanent exotic forests should be limited.
We’ll talk to Mark Belton from Permanent Forests NZ, and Lucy Stewart, who's a senior scientist for Toha - a company focused on developing incentives for planting natives.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the wake of Elon Musk's buy out of social media platform Twitter, many are wondering if that opens the door for Donald Trump to jump back on!
Tova and Mark discuss the pros... and cons!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
American wholesaler Costco is due to open its first NZ store in August which could see some competitive cost cutting between the big supermarket retailers. Costco is famous for selling just everything except firearms and pets.
Meanwhile In Britain discount supermarket chains are battling for market share, slashing prices on basic foodstuffs in an effort to hang on to customers.
So how likely is it we might see more cheap supermarket chains moving into New Zealand? With us to discuss is business journalist and editor of The Kaka Bernard Hickey
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's Pae Korero - our daily panel! And because it’s Wednesday we have with us Labour MP for the East Coast also Minister of Conservation, and Emergency Management Kiritapu Allan and National MP and spokesperson for the Covid-19 Response, Housing and Infrastructure Chris Bishop.
We'll be talking ram raids, taxes, and Trump on Twitter!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Children with heart issues in an isolated pacific nation have been given a fighting chance, as a first of its kind hospital opens in Fiji today.
The $25 million facility in Suva means the families of children with congenital heart disease - the number one birth defect worldwide - will no longer have to fork out hundreds of thousands of dollars going overseas to get life-saving treatment.
To explain more is the director of the new Children’s Hospital, Dr Krupali Rathod Tappoo.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tova shares her thoughts on Christopher Luxon - was he put up for the National leadership just a little too soon?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has delayed the execution of 52 year old Melissa Lucio amid growing doubts about whether she fatally beat her toddler.
Lucio was set for lethal injection on April 27 for the murder of her 2 year old daughter in 2007, but new evidence presented by her legal team has suggested the child may have accidentally fallen to her death.
Under police interrogation, Lucio repeatedly denied harming her daughter, raising the suggestion her confession was coerced.
Joining us to discuss the defence of ‘coercion’ is the co director for the Centre of Wrongful Convictions at the Northwestern School of Law, Laura Nirider.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A series of daring and dangerous Auckland ram raids are leaving many shop owners considering how to increase security to protect themselves against ‘thrill seeking’ thieves.
One security expert has warned that once victimised, retailers are at a higher risk of being immediately targeted again.
To discuss the problem is business owner James Delmont from Dollar Dealers - who’s had a number of his shops raided.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The ACT Party believes the government is planting the seed for more taxes. Revenue Minister David Parker has announced an investigation into the tax paid by the wealthiest New Zealanders.
ACT leader David Seymour is not impressed.
Tova O'Brien spoke to Seymour early on Wednesday morning, prior to the interview with David Parker later the same morning.
O'Brien asked what the problem is with, at least, finding out if the richest New Zealanders are paying what they’re supposed to be paying in taxes.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Housing is terrible in our country unless you’re rich, according to the Human Rights Commission, which has just released commentary telling us Māori, Pasifika and renters are suffering in cold and overcrowded houses.
Tova O'Brien spoke to Chief Human Rights Commissioner Paul Hunt on Tuesday night.
O'Brien asked Hunt if Human Rights Commission has failed on this fundamental human right of housing.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Kiwi rich list is about to receive a visit from the taxman. The government has issued an edict to its officials to investigate how much the country’s wealthiest pay in tax, conceding that no one, including the minister or IRD, has any real idea.
The Revenue Minister is also proposing a new law that would enshrine principles like fairness into the tax system.
Revenue Minister David Parker denies it's about laying the foundation for a wealth tax or capital gains tax which is precisely what the opposition is accusing him of.
Tova O'Brien on Wednesday morning asked Parker if Labour want a wealth tax and if fundamentally it believes a wealth tax and/or a capital gains tax would make New Zealand a fairer place.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This was a tricky one - the moot was "All trucks should be removed from our roads". Tova and Mark presented their arguments, and a lot of listeners didn't like what they had to say!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A growing concern about the number of young rugby players ending up with concussions is behind a University of Canterbury project aimed at designing headgear to offer effective protection on the field.
In 2019, there were almost 3000 ACC claims for rugby players with concussion, more than half which came from players aged between 10 and 19. Neurologist Roz Hill has been an independent concussion expert for NZ Rugby, and we find out the latest from her.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Celebrations will be continuing for supporters of French President Emmanuel Macron.
But despite his historic win - the first French president to be re-elected in 20 years - his margin narrowed… bringing the extreme right very close to power
We are joined live by a member of Macron’s party and MP in the European Parliament - Veronique Trillet-Lenoir.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There's a lot of mixed information out there at the moment about the pandemic, and to be fair it does keep on changing.
So we asked our Fact Checker to check the latest data on masks, and find out what we should be wearing and why.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today we’re looking at two sides of workplace safety at our ports..
There is clearly something very wrong in the industry following the second death in just a week - last week 26 year old Atiroa Tauiti was killed after a fall at Ports of Auckland, yesterday another man died lifting coal at Lyttelton Port.
Today we speak to Workplace Safety Minister Michael Wood, and National secretary of the Maritime Union, Craig Harrison.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thousands of public servants earning over $100000 have been given pay rises despite a pay freeze .
Last year the government extended pay restrictions, which said there were to be no increases for those earning over 100k until 2024.
So we asked Public Service Minister Chris Hipkins what was going on.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tanya Khrustalyova says she has appealed to the government for the past two weeks to extend the Ukraine visa scheme to more Ukrainians.
The government called it the country’s largest humanitarian visa policy, but Today FM can reveal that of the 4000 Ukrainian special visas made available by the government just 380 have been approved.
That’s despite 748 Ukrainians here applying to sponsor family and bring them to NZ.
Ukrainians have been appealing to the government to make the scheme more accessible.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Emmanuel Macron has become the first French president to be re-elected in 20 years!
International correspondent Ross Cullen joins us to describe the implications of this win.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If you haven't heard exactly what this new deal is between one of the smallest and largest countries in the world is all about - let Tova talk you through it!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pae Korero is our daily panel - and we’re doing a special statespeople edition
And after having what felt like every beehive door slammed in our face on the China/Solomons deal - we were refused interviews by the acting prime minister, the foreign minister, the defence minister, the Pacific Peoples’ minister - we thought we’d get two former National party ministers for the panel.
Joining us today are former Attorney General Chris Finlayson and former Defence Minister Wayne Mapp.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Welcome to the future - our next interview feels like a leap in time… sea gliders!
Is it a boat? Is it a plane? Whisking you up like an America’s Cup yacht, they can get you from Wellington to Christchurch in an hour on a pocket of air above the ocean.
25 of the electric gliders are coming here after a $700 million deal - but despite the price tag the flights will cost YOU next to nothing.
Shah Aslam is the CEO of Ocean Flyer the new business bringing these boat planes here.
[ ‘is it a boat, or is it a plane?’.. You’re listening to Shah Aslam, CEO of Ocean Flyer, the newly formed kiwi business bringing us flying boats to rival domestic airlines
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Much has been said of the resilience of the Ukrainian people since the war began 56 days ago.
Through his work, photographer Mark Neville aims to reflect us in the people and culture of Ukraine.
To remind people what’s at stake, he’s sending his book ‘Stop Tanks with Books’ to politicians and diplomats around the world.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A charity that supports former veterans is urging its 6000-strong Facebook membership to proceed with Anzac commemorations as usual, despite some social media feedback signaling there could be protests on the day.
No Duff trustee Aaron Wood joins us to explain more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For workers in dairies, liquor stores, and shops, the fear of a car crashing through the window followed by robbery seems all too real.
Ram-raids are becoming far too common in Auckland.. making it a battleground for the race for the city’s mayor too - candidate Leo Molloy has released his plan to combat the raids, almost exclusively being carried out by young people.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Public servants get an unfair rap. Bundled into a collective they become an easy political punching bag.
Catch cries of ‘a bloated public service’, an overpaid public service, they’re the officials that get blamed when things go wrong in government and one of the easiest hits for opposition to demand cuts of.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It feels near impossible to do a supermarket shop these days, and not feel stung at the checkout
With Mark in Byron Bay over the weekend, we wanted to see how prices compared there versus here - and to up the stakes Tova roped in her mum in London to do the same shop at her local Tesco.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There was a noticeable push this Anzac Day to honour a new wave of young veterans - many of whom feel forgotten due to inequities in support services.
The Royal NZ Returned and Services’ Association says Defence Force personnel who served through traumatic events like the White Island eruption and the Christchurch earthquakes are locked out of Veterans Affairs support.
It means if they leave the job - some after living through horrific events - they have to go through ACC just like everyone else, if they need extra mental health or medical care.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Tuesday morning Tova O'Brien and opposition leader Christopher Luxon discussed pay equity between high earning millionaires in NZ versus low earning public servants who have pay freezes on their wages.
A public service pay freeze is in place until 2024 - O'Brien asked Luxon if he would commit to lifting it after the election if he won.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Every Friday Mark Dye takes a comical look back on... The Week That Was!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tova panel, Pae Kōrero ends the week with uber entertainer Jason Gunn and actress and presenter Kim Crossman.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When you’re staying at a hotel or motel, seeing security cameras outside around the property would hardly raise an eyebrow. But would you feel the same if you were renting a private, short term holiday home?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Harper Finn won breakthrough artist of the year at last year’s Aotearoa Music Awards and his new EP has broken through personal barriers to share with his fans, his life, experiences and adventures. Tova caught up with him for the latest on his musical journey.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Masks on planes - should there still be a requirement for you to wear one? Aerosol chemist from the University of Auckland Joel Rindenlaub and Leonard Marcus, a public health lecturer at Harvard University join Tova to discuss.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark and Tova present their arguments!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A lot of people are blaming our Finance Minister for the cost of their grocery bills and other skyrocketing living costs.
On Thursday, inflation was announced to have reached a 30 year high of 6.9 percent.
Grant Robertson joined Tova to discuss this amongst other issues surrounding the cost of living crisis on Friday morning.
Tova O'Brien asked the finance minister if he had been a bit too loose with the taxpayer credit card.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kaoss Price was unarmed when he was shot dead by Police on Saturday night in New Plymouth. After ramming a police car, he got out and attempted to carjack a number of vehicles, then he was killed.
But the major question remains unanswered, was it justified?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ten-thousand health workers are taking unusual strike action next month, working exactly to the conditions outlined in their agreements.
The demonstration means they won’t do any work that’s not set out in their contracts - which speaks volumes about how much extra work they do.
The contact tracers, lab technicians and mental health supporters, to name just a few, will also walk off the job for 24 hours on the 16th of May.
Nichola is a worker in the mental health sector and feels the staff shortage all too acutely.
She joined Tova on Thursday morning to paint a picture of the conditions in her industry right now.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s official - the shocking secret deal between China and the Solomon Islands has been signed and it’s sent our region, not to mention the United States, into an almighty tailspin.
It’s the first-ever security agreement of its type between a country in the Pacific and China - and with the superpower’s military and naval might intensifying, fears are growing about what it means for the security and peace of the Pacific.
Manasseh Sogavare, Prime Minister of the Solomons, has defended the agreement - saying there's nothing sinister going on.
Jon Fraenkel is a Professor in Comparative Politics at Victoria University and joined Tova on Thursday morning to discuss the deal and if it could possibly threaten peace in the region, contrary to Sogavare's comments.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our PM has made her first overseas trip since Covid-19 hit us - but should she have gone overseas more over the last two years or not?
Mark and Tova present their arguments!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Maritime Union is calling for an industry wide inquiry after the death at the Ports of Auckland yesterday, the fourth since 2017… it says the things putting port staff at risk are ‘fixable’
We're joined by the union’s national secretary Craig Harrison.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A toxic relationship can happen to anyone - that is one of the few certainties evident in the defamation case unfolding in a Virginia courtroom involving movie star Johnny Depp and his ex-wife Amber Heard. The trial’s based on Depp’s claim that Heard defamed him by implying that he abused her in a 2018 column. Here to explain more is entertainment reporter Carol Ramos...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's Pae Korero and it’s Wednesday, so we’re welcoming our regular mid-week panelists - Labour MP for the East Coast also Minister of Conservation, and Emergency Management Kiritapu Allan and National MP and spokesperson for the Covid-19 Response, Housing and Infrastructure Chris Bishop.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Earlier this month a man who sent hundreds of abusive messages to his ex-partner was sentenced to two years in prison when he appeared in a Levin court. In total he faced 26 charges of breaching a protection order made against him. The case is one of a growing number involving cyberstalking - we discuss what this means with clinical psychologist Dr Alison Towns.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After the workplace death of an Auckland port worker yesterday, Tova looked into some of the stats around fatalities at work.
Find out just how bad the numbers are.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Wednesday morning we announced Jonah Lomu in the number 16 spot of Greatest kiwis of All Time.
To celebrate Jonah’s legacy and tell us about the impact he has had, his wife Nadene Lomu joined Tova on Wednesday morning.
Many listeners today will have seen Jonah the rugby player but they won’t necessarily know Jonah the man. Nadene told Today FM this morning more about what he was like.
"It's now difficult for me to talk, but I'll do the best I can," she said.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Port worker and 26-yeard-old new father Atiroa Tuaiti was tragically killed in a fall yesterday and was the fourth death at the Ports of Auckland since 2017. It’s only been a year since an independent review found systemic problems with health and safety at the Ports
The Ports refused an interview with us this morning, Wallace Investments who employed the man refused an interview and Mayor Phil Goff refused an interview, remembering that the council runs the ports. Tova O'Brien says that this is "Poor from" from all of the above to not front today.
Though Workplace Safety Minister, Michael Wood, joined the show on Wednesday morning.
O'Brien asked the minister what he could tell us about the incident that occurred yesterday afternoon.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our Producer Jeremy takes his interesting musical look at an issue from the last week - Chris Hipkins "interesting" Covid-19 press conference.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The moot today is another controversial one - the pros and cons of police being routinely armed.
Will you agree with Tova or Mark?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Data from the latest annual South Island snowline survey is providing scientists with more irrefutable evidence that Aotearoa’s magnificent glaciers are in icy retreat - A warming climate has stripped the Southern Alps of a third of their ice.
Niwa Principal Scientist Dr Andrew Lorrey is one of the authors of the survey, and he shares his thoughts with us.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On our panel today we'll be speaking to radio host PJ Harding and NZ editor of The Conversation Finlay Macdonald about the issues of today.
Should we be monitoring our super churches more carefully, are Easter trading rules archaic, and should we ban Pokie machines?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It was the first weekend of orange for hospitality, and it went reasonably well for many restaurants, cafes, and bars. But patrons were still affected by the Easter Trading laws.
We talk to Mike Egan - the National President of the Restaurant Association and owner of Wellington’s Monsoon Poon Restaurant.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
One month into the new radio station, and Tova looks back on the last 4 weeks.
Have we delivered what we hoped we would?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Arise mega-church has launched an investigation into itself after allegations of emotional abuse, manipulation and failure to report further allegations of sexual assault by church members.
Over the weekend, members of the congregation remained tight-lipped.
Earlier on Tuesday morning, Tova spoke to former Arise youth leader Samuel Forty just after 7am.
New Zealand journalist and documentary maker based out of Los Angeles, David Farrier, broke the story and has been doggedly investigating megachurches like Arise.
Farrier joined Tova on Tuesday morning to discuss the story and investigation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
National Party Leader joined Tova on Tuesday morning following an interview with a former youth leader at Arise church and was asked about mega-church tax status in New Zealand.
In reference to the allegations circulating around Arise church and the interview between a former youth leader at the Church and Tova earlier on Tuesday morning, Tova O'Brien asked Luxon if there is a role for the government in auditing these mega-churches that pay no tax.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Zealand’s largest church Arise has been accused of emotional abuse, overworking and manipulating its unpaid interns and not reporting sexual assaults of its members.
Arise Church’s founding pastor John Cameron has resigned from the board and stepped aside from some duties but is still leading the church.
Joining Tova on Tuesday morning was a former youth leader at the church who was there for a decade, Samuel Forty.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Food prices have leapt 7.6 per cent in the last year, fruit and veg is by 18% - the highest increases in a decade
It underlines how tough it is for all working families and for those living close to the breadline, the need to source affordable food is more urgent than ever. Emmaline Pickering Martin is an Advisor at Hāpai Te Hauora Māori Public Health & Policy among many other things!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson may have copped a fine for breaching lockdown rules - but the fallout from Downing St’s Partygate is far from over.
Justice minister David Wolfson has announced his resignation, saying Boris Johnson’s actions were “inconsistent with the rule of law”. We’re joined again by BBC Correspondent Charlotte Gallagher.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For years the debate has raged - who has the better chocolate? Whittakers or Cadbury? And why?
Tova and Mark will take one side of the argument each - find out who's more convincing!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When more than 1500 people in Queenstown and Central Lakes were vaccinated with a dud vaccine that had been stored incorrectly, it took Southern DHB three months to contact the people who weren’t as immunised as they thought they were.
We spoke to one women, a business owner and mother, who was going about life with her vaccine pass thinking she was double jabbed - and then heard from National’s health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Yeah... we know this is supposed to happen on a Friday.
But it's pretty much Friday, isn't it?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
William P. Barr is the former US attorney general, serving two presidents, George H.W. Bush and Donald Trump… ‘One Damn Thing After Another, Memoirs of an Attorney General’ details his time in the job.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Minister for COVID Chris Hipkins joined Tova on Thursday morning after a stumble over mask rules during a presser on Wednesday afternoon.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Weapons, weapons, weapons - that’s been the call from Ukraine’s Foreign Minister
On Monday, cabinet finally caved to public pressure, sending NZ$7.5 million dollars of weapons to Ukraine through the UK.
But the Defence Force then revealed the offer had been on the cabinet table for a month
In an exclusive New Zealand interview, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told Tova O'Brien that help from New Zealand is appreciated, but they need more to repel Russian forces.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A lot of Kiwis love the though of a 4 day work week, and we've even got 3 in a row coming up!
But what are the pros and cons of a 3 day weekend... every weekend? Tova and Mark present their arguments!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There are always two sides to every story and we like to hear them both!
Today we're talking about the dairy industry and whether or not the government’s new border exemption for 1500 dairy, meat and forestry workers will fill the void dairy desperately needs.
Dairy NZ CEO Tim Mackle says the dairy industry is crying out for support and the offer from the government isn’t cutting it. The Minister for Agriculture Damien O’Connor says the support is fair.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A punch made without warning or while the recipient is distracted, allowing no time for preparation or defence.
It used to be called “A King Hit”... now it’s rightly termed a “Coward Punch”.
After MMA fighter Fau Vake was killed in May last year, the man that “Coward Punched” him - Daniel Havili - has been sentenced to just 2 years and 9 months in prison for charges of manslaughter and assault with intent to injure.
Ant Niterl, has done all sorts of things over the years - produced for radio, starred in TV Hunting shows, managed social media and press for the Chiefs Super Rugby team, and a presenter on Sky TV.
But he’s also been the victim of a coward punch.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our regular Wednesday panelists join us this morning, Labour MP Kiritapu Allan and National MP Chris Bishop.
They'll discuss the traffic light restrictions, inflation, tax cuts, and the latest polls.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The government’s self-congratulatory back patting over Police Operation Tauwhiro - its gang gun seizure programme - has been shot down after revelations it’s actually confiscated fewer guns than Police would normally seize.
We wanted to talk to the Police Minister about this but Poto Williams refused, National’s Police Spokesman Mark Mitchell was happy to take her spot.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We've heard whispers that some people are fans of Feijoas replacing Kiwifruit as our national fruit.
Fair? Or sacrilege? Tova and Mark will give you the pros and cons!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ram raids involving kids as young as eleven, machete wielding dairy robberies, and gang crime…. It feels like crime is on the rise in Auckland - and all over New Zealand for that matter - but the statistics don’t always back it up.
Today we spoke to Relieving Area Commander for Auckland Central Police Inspector Grae Anderson for his thoughts.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nurse pay negotiations have been protracted and difficult, with a number of parties involved.
After years of delays, they were supposed to be recognised with backpay dating back to 2019. But that’s not happening now. So, the New Zealand Nurses Organisation has launched a legal review into the pay equity settlement process - we talk to their CEO Paul Goulter.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There's always two sides of the story and we embrace that - hitting an issue from both sides of the argument.
Today we're talking Plunket’s diminishing services, with Parenting Education Programme ‘PEPE’ the latest to be cut due to funding shortfalls. The classes, covering kids up to five years old, have offered a community to those navigating parenthood across the country since 2004.
So you'll hear two different takes - one from Plunket CEO Amanda Malu, and we’re joined by a mother who used and loved this service, Georgia Boud.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Joining us for today’s Pae Korero are radio host PJ Harding, and Duncan Grieve from The Spinoff.
Issues on the table today - The NZ government's announcement to send troops and money to Europe, Plunket funding cuts, and the return of Australians tourists.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Zealand has finally upped its contribution and support for Ukraine after sustained public pressure and desperate pleas from Ukraine - the upshot? $7.5 million will be spent on lethal military aid, plus 50 Defence personnel and an Airforce Hercules to help with transportation.
But 47 days into the Russian invasion, how long did the Government take to act on military recommendations?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oklahoma has passed a bill that would impose a near-total ban on abortions in the state.
The bill would criminalise performing an abortion in almost all cases, except where it could "save the life of a pregnant woman in a medical emergency". Medical professionals convicted face fines of up to $140,000 and 10 years in prison.
It comes as the U.S. Supreme Court weighs a case that could overturn abortion rights across the U.S. later this year.
New York-based Guardian columnist Moira Donegan joined Tova on Tuesday morning to discuss just how widely supported the bill to make abortion a felony crime.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Zealand has finally upped its contribution and support for Ukraine after sustained public pressure and desperate pleas from the war-torn country.
7.5 million dollars will be spent on lethal military aid, we’re sending 50 Defence personnel, and our C-130H(NZ) Hercules to help with transportation.
Joining Tova on Tuesday morning was Rear Admiral James Gilmour, Commander of the Joint Forces to discuss when the Defence Force first proposed to the government to send lethal aid to Ukraine.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Opposition Leader Christopher Luxon has been far more hawkish than the Prime Minister in terms of how he would have run our response to the war. Luxon joined Tova on Tuesday
Tova O'Brien asked the opposition leader since the proposal to send lethal aid had been on the cabinet table for 47 days, did those delays cost lives?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Reconstruction and recovery efforts continue in Tonga with millions of dollars still pouring into the kingdom following January’s violent underwater eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Haʻapai volcano.
For scientists, trying to understand what caused that massive blast and what it may mean in terms of future risk, could take years of research.
Leading the charge is Auckland University Volcanologist Shane Cronin, the first expert who’s been able to see first-hand the effects of the eruption.
Joining Tova on Tuesday morning, Cronin explained what his mission in Tonga currently is.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today we had a moot submitted to us by a listener... and both Tova and Mark thought the answer to the question should be "YES!".
So who's going to have argue against it...?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We may be patting ourselves on the back for reducing smoking in Aotearoa, but the huge uptick of underage Kiwis who are vaping suggests we may have just replaced one addictive habit with another.
Here to discuss the scope of the problem and what needs to be done about it is investigative reporter and creator of The Core podcast is Wilhemina Shrimpton, and Dr George Laking, Co Director of the Cancer Society.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kiwi hard rock band Devilskin have had their Facebook page taken over by hackers. Remember this happened to our Producer Tom, and also to our fellow today FM hosts Polly Gillespie and Wilhelmina Shrimpton.
We talk to Nic Martin, the drummer from Devilskin, and also get some advice from Gorilla Tech CEO Paul Spain.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Plunket will end its parent education programme at the end of June due to a lack of funding.
The programme’s been running since 2004 and as any parents who have taken part can testify, it’s an invaluable tool to support parents and caregivers.
Louise Upston is National’s spokesperson for Social Development and is behind the party’s first 1000 days for children package. Upston joined Tova on Monday morning to discuss the programme's closure.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A decision on whether or not a fourth vaccine dose for COVID-19 will be rolled out is expected to be made before the start of winter.
Experts are divided over whether most of us will need one - or whether they should be reserved for our most vulnerable.
Dr Nikki Turner advises the government and medical profession on vaccines and joined Tova on Monday morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The war in Ukraine is six weeks in and no closer to a resolution. Thousands of civilians have died, major cities are in ruins and millions have fled the country.
Despite all of this, New Zealand is yet to donate the few lethal weapons that it has to help Ukraine.
The deputy head of Ukraine’s parliament Yevhenia Kravchuk joined Tova on Monday morning to react to this.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wall wouldn't have worked on many of the bills that she did if she was in cabinet
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Considering the hit the hospo has taken in recent times , should they be allowed to open across Easter? Tova and Mark look at the pros and cons!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today we're joined by former MPs Sue Bradford and Chris Finlayson, discussing topics such as weapons for Ukraine, sanctions for Russia, and the uptake of Te Reo.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Each week our Producer Jeremy is given the task to keep an eye on the news, and put one of the big issues to music - this week he's getting emotional about the departing Director General of Health.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Join Mark as he takes his own look back at issues from the last 7 days - including Ashley Bloomfield, the Grammys, and Winston Peters.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today we were joined by a covid stricken Mayor(!) as he discussed his region looking expectantly toward the return of tourists as covid restrictions ease.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today Tova and Mark will present the pros and cons about toll roads being user pays - how would that work and would it benefit the country?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The crisis in Shanghai is shaping up to be more than just a public health challenge, it’s also a political test of the Chinese government’s zero covid strategy.
Since March 1, Shanghai - China’s commercial powerhouse - has recorded more than 70,000 Covid cases, sparking nervousness over potential economic fallout.
Here to discuss is senior journalist and editor of online business journal Te Kaka, Bernard Hickey
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aotearoa will remain in red until at least Thursday next week, continuing to put a strain on businesses that have already done it difficult for the last two years. But hope is on the way with Australian travellers allowed in next week. Joining us to discuss what it could all mean for him and his industry is Trent Yeo the CEO of Ziptrek Eco Tours in Queenstown - whose business is still down 80 percent on pre pandemic levels.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Over $1.5 million dollars worth of meningitis vaccines have gone to waste, meaning 16,000 people could be at risk across the country.
Pete Rowlands lost his son to meningitis in 2003 and feared the worst when his daughter got it in 2018, but she survived.
Tarsha Boniface’s daughter Chloe was at University in 2018 before she caught the virus.
Both of them join us to share their stories.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today Tova wanted to look at some of her experiences with the departing Director General of Heath - Dr Ashley Bloomfield.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Shanghai’s 26 million residents are in lockdown and China’s strict zero covid policy (yes it’s still trying to eliminate the virus) is causing immense disruption, with some parents have been separated from their covid positive children
Anna Chitty is the CEO of Starcom, a creative agency, and she lives in Shanghai.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Whether it's a dodgy email link requesting your credit card details or your Facebook’s been hacked, more and more of us are being targeted by online scammers.
And luring people with the promise of making money or finding a partner are the most popular hoaxes.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chef Sid Sahrawat and his wife Chand are two of Auckland’s highest profile restaurant owners, renowned for running multiple fine dining establishments. In January they represented New Zealand at an international expo showcasing the country’s best talent. But nearly two years of being unable to plan how to keep their businesses open and at a viable capacity has left them exhausted and questioning the way forward.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Check out our discussion with Annabel Lee Mather (journalist and producer of The Hui), and political commentator Ben Thomas.
We'll work through issues with Covid fatigue among top health officials, Te Pati Māori's suggestion to earlier superannuation, and reflect on the stepping down of Ashley Bloomfield.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If you were a child of the 80’s or 90’s, chances are the teacher read you one of Joy Cowley’s books. Or three of them. Or ten of them. This prolific children’s author had to make our Today FM list of Greatest Kiwis of All Time.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Covid has taken an enormous toll on our hospitals.
Staff stretched to the limits with many having to do overtime to make up for the staffing shortages. Middlemore Hospital had five covid wards at the peak of the omicron outbreak, but is now down to two.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Javelin anti-tank missiles have become a symbol of Ukrainian resistance - New Zealand has javelins in its arsenal, cabinet considered sending them but decided against it
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Maria Mezentseva, head of Ukraine’s delegation to the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly, joined Tova on Friday morning
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Maori kaumatua are dying 7 and half years earlier than pakeha
Seven and a half years less time with their families, their grandchildren, putting their feet up, seeing the world or the country, seven and a half years less to live
To address that inequity Maori Party co-leader Rawiri Waititi wants the super age dropped from 65 to 57 for Maori.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s day 43 of the war in Ukraine. The distressing stories are only getting more distressing. Thousands of civilians have been killed including more than 150 children.. bodies are being left along the streets, civilians raped, executed. Joining us now from Ukraine, the deputy leader of Holos party Inna Sovsun.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The shock resignation of the Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield got a fair bit more attention than the resignation of two other senior public health leaders who've also quit - the Director of Public Health Caroline McElnay and Deputy Director Niki Stefano-Giannis
Dr Bloomfield talked about the stresses and pressures of the job… burnout is rife in health - so are we doing enough to take good care of those taking care of us?
To answer that question, Health Minister Andrew Little.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It used to happen decades ago, but imagine a world where police, nurses, teachers, and others have their wages reflected on those of our politicians.
Tova and Mark debate the pros and cons.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Prof Robert Patman (Director of International Studies at the University of Otago) says New Zealand needs to join its allies in sending lethal aid to Ukraine.
The Defence Minister Peeni Henare pushed for New Zealand to join its allies and supply lethal military aid to Ukraine but he was knocked back by the Prime Minister and Cabinet
National has also been urging the government to supply weapons to Ukraine - like all our Five Eyes partners have been.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With everything that's going on in Ukraine right now, why are our leaders so unwilling to label the Russian president a War Criminal?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With the Australian border already for us to travel across the ditch, flights are booking out until the end of this month - and costing a lot!
Joining us to explain why the numbers are off the charts we welcome the CEO of Destination Gold Coast Patricia O’Callaghan
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There's always two sides of the story and we embrace that.
Today we're talking about the Auckland Showgrounds being potentially being converted into a film studio. We heard Today FM reporter Emma Stanford give us the background earlier, and here to discuss the pros and cons is Brent Spillane managing director of Xpo Exhibitions and Grant Baker from Film Auckland.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The borders are reopening and winter is fast-approaching, and it’s not just covid and the flu at New Zealand’s doorstep. Many illnesses which have been less prevalent over the past few years could come back, and with a vengeance.
Joining us to discuss today is immunologist and allergist Dr Maia Brewerton.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today we welcome to our regular Wednesday panelists Labour MP for the East Coast also Minister of Conservation, and Emergency Management Kiritapu Allan and National MP and spokesperson for the Covid-19 Response, Housing and Infrastructure Chris Bishop
We'll talk about the proportion of Maori in prisons, and sending lethal aid to Ukraine.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our industry is broken” that’s the message Takapuna’s The Grange restaurant owner Mark Wilson has told government ministers in a desperate SOS but instead of the help they need - he received a reply offering no support instead sending him a bunch of mental health helplines to share around his industry.
Mark started a Facebook page in February 2022 to support colleagues in the business - it now has around 3700 followers.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There’s always more than one side to every story and we embrace that. Everyday we hit an issue, from both sides of the argument.
Tova had an interesting visit to Kaipara’s Baylys Beach - stunning... but a lot of traffic on NZ’s longest driving on it.
We talked with Kaipara District Councillor David Wills and Dean Aspinall, the president of the Rodney Off Road Club.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The proportion of Māori in our prisons is on the rise and actually peaking at 54 percent - it’s more than three times the Māori makeup in the general population - 16.5 percent.
Matching the prison population to the general population was Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis’s promise.
But instead, it’s getting worse.
The minister, also responsible for Crown Māori relations and Oranga Tamariki spoke to Tova about this on Wednesday morning.
Tova O'Brien asked Davis "why is the entrenched racism in our justice system getting worse under your watch?"
"Racism across the system is there, and across society, as Chester said," Davis told Today FM on Wednesday morning.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Revealed on Tova on Tuesday morning the percentage of Māori in prison has topped 54 percent, the worst yet since Labour came into power, promising to address the racism and inequities in our justice system
In 2018 Chester Borrows was the man the government charged with leading the overhaul in the justice system.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Support for the Auckland Showgrounds to remain an events and exhibition venue has seen a groundswell.
A petition has been launched to keep the space open to the public, as a private film studio is proposing to take over the lease.
Senior Journalist Emma Standford joins Tova to discuss the issue.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today, as a lot of the country start to head back into the office due to covid restrictions being loosened, Tova and Mark are going head to head over people working in the office or at home.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It must be a really strange experience seeing part of your life turned into one of the biggest Netflix series of the last year, but that's exactly what's happened to our next guest!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There is a massively disproportionate amount of Maori in our prisons, Tova examines whether racism could be partly responsible.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The nursing shortage is having a major impact on rest homes across the country. Close to 400 aged care beds have been closed with over 100 of those in Southland and Otago.
Joining us to discuss the impact this is having on some of our most vulnerable is CEO of NZ Aged care association Simon Wallace
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Elaine’s story of being a rental retiree may become very common in the future. It’s estimated that by 2053 almost half of over-65s will be renting in this country. Already, around one in four people between 50 and 65 don’t own the home they live in, based on data from the 2018 census. Dr Claire Dale from the Retirement Policy and Research Centre has been tracking the decline in homeownership and she believes it’s a concerning trend
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The images of the horrific violence in the Ukrainian city of Bucha has provoked shock and immense upset around the world. As Russian forces have been pushed back bodies of innocent civilians have been left in the streets.
It’s been called genocide by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, the world has reacted in anger in calling them war crimes including New Zealand.
We're joined by Ukraine’s youngest ever MP, Sviatoslav Yurash.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has revealed emissions have risen by 83 percent of net growth in Asia and the pacific since 2010. That’s despite multiple pledges from the Minister for Climate Change James Shaw, but the situation is continuing to deteriorate.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today Tova looked at the amount of people who are being put into motels and other emergency housing, and asked "What are the Government doing about it?"
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As New Zealand's borders gradually begin to open up, we discuss the pros and cons of focusing on travelers who will be spending a lot of money when they get here.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Do you want to be a good partner? You may be in a relationship or looking to be, and a new book by clinical psychologist Karen Nimmo aims to help you be just that - emphasis on you.
The book is particularly timely during a pandemic when break ups and divorces have spiked!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There's always two sides of the story and we embrace that. This morning, we'll be hitting an issue, from both sides of the argument.
At 11:59pm tonight, vaccine passes will be scrapped for the majority of businesses, though they can still use them if they wish to do so. Whilst it might be a cause for celebration for some, for others it is leaving them worried.
Today we're talking... about vaccine passes and have someone who is immunocompromised and a restaurant manager on to discuss this issue.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today we're joined by radio host PJ Harding and Newsroom Pro Jonathan Milne, as we discuss safe drinking water and home ownership.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Reacting to the stall in a change to the red light setting from the government, Tova's follow up discussion with Dr Ashley Bloomfiled and opposition leader Christopher Luxon's comments is political commentator Shane Te Pou and current affairs commentator Josie Pagani.
Joining Tova during 'Pae Kōrero', host Tova O'Brien asked the panel whether the conservatism of the decision to stay in red is warranted.
"I just think people are breaking the rules anyway," said Pagani. "I think that's part of the problem and we've just got to accept reality - there will be another variant, we can't go on forever kind of being scared of the dark and I think that's the issue the people have."
Pagani went on to illustrate how the rules come across as "random" regarding mask rules in restaurants and inconsistencies of wearing them to the table, taking them off then putting them bacon again.
O'Brien asked Te Pou if he sees an inconsistency in the rules around hospitality. He said he must "live in a different world," and that businesses and bars in town were "humming."
He said people were being compliant and that "the cautious approach is needed."
Though, Te Pou agreed that there's needs to be a pathway out of this and "that needs to be explained."
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listening to the Director-General of Health on Tova on Tuesday morning was Leader of the Opposition, Christopher Luxon who joined the show shortly after to react to the discussion between Bloomfield and O'Brien.
O'Brien asked Luxon if this extension of red is a "panicked, knee-jerk reaction to the health crisis the government’s pretending doesn’t exist?'
Luxon responded by saying he agrees with that. He says "I don't really understand why we are persisting with the traffic light system in general. I think we need [a] much [more] simplified set of rules, you know, wear a mask, isolation period, mandates for health workers - we get that. But, let's keep it simple and move forward on that base."
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"It’s starting to feel a bit random and arbitrary," writes Tova O'Brien
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Last week, Tova spoke to UNICEF global spokesman James Elder about the work the organisation is doing in Ukraine to help affected children.
This week, one of New Zealand's best known former All Blacks and UNICEF ambassadors, Dan Carter, is stepping up to provide much-needed care for children in the Pacific.
He’s doing it with what’s likely to be a record-breaking 24-hour 'Kick-a-thon'
Tova O'Brien asked Carter on Monday morning why he had chosen to put the hard yards into this particular initiative.
"It's all to raise money to help provide clean water to kids in the Pacific," Carter told Today FM.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
'Understaffed' and 'overworked' - The constant calls from nurses that are only getting louder.
Many are burnt out, with more people leaving the profession every day.
President of the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) Anne Daniels joined Tova to talk about how things have managed to get to where they are now in the nursing industry.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Minister Willie Jackson lost both his mother and his uncle last week.
The deaths of Dame Temuranga June Jackson and Dr Moana Jackson have left a chasm, but to say their influence and legacies are profound and lasting is an understatement.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The XE COVID variant is spreading around the world and is believed to be ten percent more transmissible than BA2.
With COVID cases on the decline, many experts are trying to work out when New Zealand’s next peak will be.
Joining Tova on Monday morning to break it down was the University of Otago’s infectious diseases physician Kurt Krause.
When asked if New Zealand might see a new wave of the virus after the peak of Omicron, Krause said when you look around the world, "every country has, sort of a different curve and everyone's watching New Zealand's curve and comparing it to what we're seeing overseas and what we've been seeing here."
"If you look at the UK for example, they had a resurgence due to BA2, and some of our experts have been predicting that New Zealand is set up to have a similar resurgence".
Krause said he's not entirely certain that will happen here, because the prevalence of BA2 is already "very high".
He says early on in our Omicron peak we were much higher in BA1, "but then "quite rapidly, BA2 became quite prominent".
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today Tova and Mark go head to head on debating the merits of something that very probably affects most of us... breakfast!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our resident sports fanatic (and also reporter) helps out Mark, Carly, and Tova by looking at the sporting weekend ahead.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As Mark looks back on the last 7 days, you're about to hear a fantastic hip hop collaboration between Minister of Finance Grant Robertson and our very own Tova...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bernie’s son Michael died in the mine, and he says the pike river accident is a national disgrace.
However not all the families agree on the best way forward. Bernie puts the blame on the government for being unwilling to go further into the mine.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There's always two sides of the story and we embrace that.
Today we're talking about whether boomers have had it easier than millennials
To discuss, we have parliament’s oldest and youngest MPs - National’s Ian Mckelvie and the Green’s Chloe Swarbrick
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Last night was a very special night for one of Today FM’s own - Dave Letele.
AKA The Brown Buttabean has saved countless lives by running his own fitness organisation and foodbank. A strong advocate for supporting families, Dave has worked tirelessly to help others get back on track.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today we're joined by two former MPs as we discuss cost of living increases, benefit increases, emergency housing, and more protests at parliament.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A major wave of government policies come into effect today as they try to address the cost of living crisis. One of those policies is to increase the student allowance by $25 per week. But Victoria University of Wellington Students Association president Ralph Zambrano says it’s not nearly enough.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The government’s proudly introducing changes today increasing the minimum wage, working for families and super… But, as more and more people struggle to put food on the table and pay rockets rents, we ask, is it enough?
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern joined Tova on Friday morning to answer this question and more.
Tova O'Brien mentioned that the living wage is going up to $23.65 in September - $2.45 more than the new minimum wage. O'Brien asked why the government doesn't match that number.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Not often that we have a really serious Debate Club topic, but today was definitely one of those days!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jeff believes knowing what people get paid is good for employees who are discriminated against, but also says the gender pay won’t be solved by this in a hurry.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We crossed to the UK this morning to talk with Charlotte Gallagher about drama around Prince Phillip’s memorial service, and twenty fines that will be issued as part of the police inquiry into Downing Street parties that broke Covid rules.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Kremlin has played down hopes of any kind of resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. 4 million people have fled the country amid constant attacks. But some people have to stay put to keep the country going. Joining us is one of those, Oleksiy Riabchyn is an advisor to Naftogaz - is the country's biggest oil and gas company.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today we're joined by Efeso Collins, Auckland Councillor and mayoral candidate, and Kirk Hope, CEO of BusinessNZ
We're talking Air NZ, Vaccine mandates, and pay transparency.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Worksafe has issued guidance which says outside of the sectors mandated by the government - health and borders - few workplaces will now be able to justify vaccine mandates.
To help us understand what this means, we're joined by Charlotte Parkhill Partner at Dentons Kensington Swan in the employment team.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our international correspondent this morning joined us from Kampala, Uganda, to discuss a new crisis unfolding in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ross Taylor is undoubtedly one of New Zealand cricket's greats. Most runs for New Zealand with 18,074... Most catches for New Zealand with 346... Most centuries for New Zealand with 40 and this weekend he wraps up his career as a Blackcap.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Air New Zealand is embarking on one of the biggest capital raises in New Zealand history - a 2.2 billion dollar re-capitalisation project.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"This is a really important investment for New Zealanders," the minister said Thursday morning
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today Tova and Mark went head to head on the moot "Should Casinos Be Banned?".
Who came out on top? Judge Carly found it very hard to pick!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With the news today that Team New Zealand will be defending the America's Cup offshore, Auckland Mayor Phil Goff reflects on what has been lost to the Supercity.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Labour MP Louisa Wall has resigned from Parliament, ending a 14 year career. Tova looks at what her loss may mean for the Labour party.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After years of delay, Transmission Gully is finally set to formally open. Peak travel times could fall by as much as 15 minutes for some commuters. and one of those is Brent Walton who is one of the few to have driven along the gully already.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There's always two sides of the story and we embrace that - from both sides of the argument.
Today, we hear about fair trade agreements with businesses and the unions
You'll hear Annie Newman, Assistant national secretary at E Tū, and Alan McDonald, Head of Advocacy and Strategy at the Employers Manufacturers Association.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our Pae Korero this morning was with Labour MP Kiritapu Allan and National MP Chris Bishop. Join us as we discuss everything from the America’s Cup to the rising cost of living.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Growers nationwide have been through the mill and feel let down by the Government's management of Covid - leading to huge uncertainty in the sector. We spoke to John Murphy for his thoughts on the issues.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With the official news coming through this morning that Team New Zealand were going to defend the America's Cup in Spain we spoke to Albert Castellanos Maduell (Secretary of Enterprise and Competitiveness) from Barcelona.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tova O'Brien speaks to Emirates Team NZ CEO Grant Dalton, following the announcement that Barcelona will host the 2024 America's Cup competition
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Fairer Future Collaboration modelled different households receiving benefits and found they are simply not liveable for almost all families and beneficiaries, spokesperson Max Harris joined Tova to explain.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tova's panellists were international radio host PJ Harding and Chief Executive at Heart of the City & Auckland mayoral candidate Viv Beck
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's been four and a half years guys. You can't keep blaming National for problems with health, mental health, justice, the economy, housing, poverty, infrastructure, education, transport and, well, everything...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Former NZ First Minister Shane Jones joined Tova to discuss the future of New Zealand First and what might happen with the Tauranga by-election.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today the team debated "The Americas Cup should stay in New Zealand" Tova was for, Mark against. Who do you think won the argument?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is it more important to preserve old buildings than build new houses? That's the issue discussed with Heritage Devonport spokesperson Margot McRae and on the other side of the argument Manukau and Papakura ward councillor Daniel Newman.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
UNICEF global spokesperson James Elder spoke to Tova live from Lviv, Ukraine about the urgent programmes for children they are prioritising and the 'Blue Dot' centres they are establishing. Contribute at unicef.nz/ukraine
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Zealand’s last hopes of success in the sailing GP were dashed by a costly accident in yesterday’s final in San Francisco. Now fans are turning their attention to Thursday’s America’s cup announcement with unconfirmed reports out of Spain that it could be held in Barcelona.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Act Party is being accused of vote grabbing and race baiting with its latest move against Māori co-governance. National Māori Authority Chair, Matthew Tukaki and Act leader David Seymour join Tova to discuss.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Zealand has a long and sorry history of poll slumping political parties grasping at dog-whistle racism to try to regain popularity. It’s shameful, it’s ugly, it’s not us and - perhaps the argument that might better resonate with poll obsessed politicians - it just doesn’t work anymore...
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today the team debated "It’s time for the government to make all public transport free" Tova was for, Mark against. Who do you think won the argument?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Carmel Sepuloni, Minister of Social Development joined Tova to discuss the minimum wage increases happening this week and the impact of the increasing cost of living.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bryce Casey from Today FM’s sister station The Rock joined Tova to talk about the death of Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Managing director of Axis Sports medicine Doctor Mark Fulcher joined Tova to talk about head injuries in rugby.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lawyer Linda Clark at partner at Dentons Kensington Swan and restaurant owner Auckland mayoral hopeful Leo Molloy joined Tova as panelists for Pae Kōrero.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As we look back over the first week of the show, we couldn't believe what came out of the mouth of National leader Chris Luxon!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The war in Ukraine has led to the fastest growing refugee crisis since World War 2. World leaders are in Brussels for a crucial NATO summit to align their responses to Russia’s invasion. But for Ukrainians being bombed out of their homes - that urgent help still isn’t urgent enough.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Epidemiologist Michael Baker joined Tova to tackle the questions listeners of the show wanted answers to.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Behrouz Boochani was forcibly detained by Australian on Manus Island for six years and talks to Tova about what this will mean for the 450 refugees who will be able to settle in New Zealand over the coming years.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
GP and public health advocate Dr Lance O’Sullivan, our very own Today FM doctor, joined Tova to discuss Māori COVID numbers.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Each day Tova O'Brien and Mark Dye are given a topic by the moderator and co-host Carly Flynn, then, roughly 30 minutes before they have to debate for or against.
Today's topic - Should NZ become a republic when the Queen's reign ends? Who do you think won?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With assaults on the rise, the pressure on the government to do something about it is too.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Imagine you’re at work someone pulls a rifle on you, you’re staring down the barrel thinking this it... On another day someone else hurls their blood at you saying they have hepatitis b - these are just two of the assaults experienced by a Police sergeant.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The tennis world was shaken yesterday, blindsided by the news that world number one Ash Barty’s retiring at just 25. Joining us to discuss the announcement and the toll professional sport can take on an athlete we are joined by tennis commentator Dave Worsley.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The FBI is warning the US energy sector about the potential for cyber attacks on critical infrastructure and they could be on the rise here too, with over 100 state sponsored attacks on organisations of national significance in the past year. So how close are we to a major cyber attack?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tova gives us her take on the slow easing of covid restrictions, and what that means for New Zealanders.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A lot of people were hoping for better news from the Government as the covid restriction levels eased - including our next guest, Aryan Soin who runs Auckland's Sapphire Nightclub.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's not getting easier for first home buyers so we get some first hand experience from listener Jasmine, and chat to Elliot Lord from Stewart and Lord mortgage brokers
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today we're joined by Auckland Chamber of Commerce’s Michael Barnett and Māori health reform advocate Lance Norman, as they discuss issues such as
the changes to Covid restrictions, home isolation, the need for free dental care, and the cost of living.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Covid’s dealt a blow to any Government attempt to expand access to free dental care.
Dr Assil Russell runs the dental charity Revive a Smile and knows firsthand how dire the need to access dental care can be.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says the plan was to always loosen mandate rules once they saw a consistent decline in COVID cases.
The government revealed on Wednesday, that vaccine passes will be axed, QR codes scrapped, and limits on outdoor gatherings lifted in a sign that light is at the end of the pandemic tunnel.
Speaking on Today FM's Tova, Ardern says it was about playing the waiting game before making any significant changes.
"We always said we wanted to wait until we were over this first peak and really on the decline until we made changes to things like passes and mandates.
"The modelling we have suggests that will be around the 4th or 5th of April so that's the date we have set."
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After the March 15 terrorist attack people said never again. On the election campaign, the Prime Minister pledged to change hate speech laws - she was at Al Noor Mosque and it was a direct response to a speech made by the mosque's Imam Gamal Fouda
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A Ukrainian national has shared horrific details of the current situation in his homeland.
Speaking on Tova, Dmytro Tkachuk recounted his journey fleeing his family home to capital city Kyiv.
Tkachuk and his family were forced to leave their family home in Bucha after Russian forces moved closer to taking control of his city.
"We were at home when we realised one of the shells from either side, could accidentally hit our house and we could all die," he told Tova O'Brien.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Anthony Phillips talks to Tova about the surprise in violent crimes in our cities.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"I am not a fan of politicians dictating what they will and will not talk about."
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oliver Carroll is the Moscow correspondent for The Independent. He has lived and reported on the post-Soviet space for more than a decade.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The green party has campaigned for an increase in the refugee intake from Ukraine.
More than 3.3 million have fled creating a humanitarian crisis in Europe. here to tell us more is Greens' spokesperson for immigration Golriz Gharahman.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Stories of Ukrainians forced from their homes has the world - and New Zealand asking - what can we do to help?
The government's made it easier for Ukrainian families to re-unify but so far no movement on resettling Ukrainian refugees here - we're waiting on instruction for the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rob Fyfe is a New Zealand businessman and a former chief executive officer (CEO) of New Zealand national airline Air New
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Peter Beck is a New Zealand engineer, and founder and CEO/CTO of aerospace manufacturer and smallsat launch service provider Rocket Lab.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the interest of giving our audience the facts straight up we've gone to the extreme of hiring our very own fact-checker. We're protecting his whereabouts ... let's just say he's somewhere in greater Auckland.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.