Early Edition with Kate Hawkesby

Liam Lawson will get his first taste of Formula One as a fulltime Red Bull driver when practice begins this afternoon for the season-opening Melbourne Grand Prix.  His only previous experience at the circuit came via a lap in a V8 Supercar last year.  Motorsport Commentator James Allen told Andrew Dickens that there’s no question Lawson’s got talent.   He says he wouldn’t judge him too much on how he performs on the Melbourne track though, as it has some very strange characteristics and doesn’t really reflect anything of the season ahead.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Push back on the Act Party's attempts to get Auckland University to scrap its compulsory ‘Waipapa Taumata Rau’ course.  The near $6 thousand paper covers the Treaty of Waitangi and traditional Māori tikanga for first year students.  Act says international learners shouldn't be forced into a course irrelevant to their studies and future careers.  University Students Association President Gabriel Boyd told Andrew Dickens it teaches essential skills to help new students and isn't unfairly priced.  He says it's in-line with course costs for international learners, which they're aware of before they come.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump is threatening to slap 200% tariffs on European alcohol.  The EU is planning to impose tariffs on American bourbon next month, in retaliation to steel and aluminium levies.  A spokesperson for the bloc says they're preparing to discuss the situation with the US.  Europe correspondent Vincent McAviney told Andrew Dickens spirits, wine, and champagne would all be affected.  He says it would be absolutely drastic to their prices, which are both big EU exports but also in high demand in the US.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The jury's still out on how much foreign capital the Government's Infrastructure Investment Summit will pull in.   More than 100 offshore entities are attending the two-day event in Auckland.   There's already talk of public-private partnerships for prisons and roads, after day one.   Newstalk ZB Political Editor Jason Walls, who's there, told Andrew Dickens multiple investors have expressed how keen they are to invest in our assets.   He says for example; Italian companies have told media of their interest in the Northern Expressway extension. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast Friday 14th of March 2025, Newstalk ZB Political Editor Jason Walls tells Andrew Dickens what came out of the Government's Investment Summit. The Formula one Grand Prix kicks off in Melbourne this weekend where Kiwi race car driver, Liam Lawson will be racing for RedBull, Motorsport Commentator James Allen tells Andrew how he expects it to go. The Act Party is calling for Auckland University to scrap a compulsory traditional Maori knowledge course for international students. Europe Correspondent Vincent McAviney tells Andrew the latest on Trump's envoy meeting with Russia is in Moscow for talks on a ceasefire deal. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So, Barbara Edmonds is in front of the investment conference today, representing the Labour Party who may or may not be in charge of the Treasury benches in the future.  The conference will be waiting to see if Labour is on the infrastructure bus. If they will support the projects the National-led government are into, and if they’re on board with foreign investment in our infrastructure plans   It’s actually the critical address of the weekend. Yesterday we heard that the big concern is the pipeline of work.   Overseas investors don’t want to set up shop in New Zealand for a project only to find we back out, leaving them with a big investment and nowhere to go.   To be fair, National has done it with the cancellation of big projects like the ferries.   Labour also did it with a moratorium on road development. It’s time for a bipartisan accord on what we need to do, but that will be hard to find as our parties have used infrastructure as a way to differentiate between themselves.

There are hopes proposed changes to the Foreign Investment Fund will boost our own productivity.  The changes will allow new migrants to be taxed on a realisation basis for interests not easily disposable and acquired before coming to New Zealand.  Revenue Minister Simon Watts says the legislation for this will likely be introduced in August.  Phase One Ventures chief executive Mahesh Muralidhar told Andrew Dickens there are also opportunities to transfer skills from migrants to our entrepreneurs.  He says it allows for more Kiwis to start investing and playing a global game, which is the main thing we need to do to be more productive.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Public trust and confidence in New Zealand Police is recovering.  The latest Crime and Victims Survey shows its risen to 69% – a 2% rise in the year to October 2024.  More than 80% of Kiwis believe officers conduct themselves professionally.  Former Police Negotiator Lance Burdett told Andrew Dickens it's good news, and follows changes to the organisation's leadership.  He says new Police Commissioner Richard Chambers has front-line experience and is making alternations that have a flow-on effect to officers.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Expectations we'll have a strong showing of investment opportunities for our venture-hungry guests.   More than 100 offshore firms are making an appearance at the Government's Infrastructure Investment Summit in Auckland over the next two days.    Auckland Business Chamber Chief Executive Simon Bridges told Andrew Dickens expects to see the opening up of public-private partnerships in areas like health, justice and the Māori economy.  He says investors want the sizzle and the vision, but that's ultimately what they're coming to see - and we need their capital.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was a big deal for Rod Duke to go public with his concerns about his country yesterday.   The Managing Director of Briscoe’s was announcing his company’s full year result.   His company did well. Holding on to it’s revenue in a difficult year.   Rod and his team have been praised for their performance over a number of years. They’re smart operators who can wring blood out of a stone.  But it’s not part of the job description to pass comment on the government of the day. But he did.   Which is symptomatic of today's climate.   We’re sick of the doldrums and we want a captain to lead out out of the quicksand.   So, Rod as a Corporate Leader said the government needs to get it’s arse into gear and do something.   He said it’s been a year since the last lot so there’s been more than enough time to get proactive.   He believes the closer we get to an election the more pro-active the government will get but he’d like more action now.   But when asked what, he sai

On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast Thursday 13th of March 2025, the Government's big investment summit kicks off today in Auckland, Auckland Business Chamber CEO Simon Bridges tells Andrew Dickens what to expect.  The latest survey from the Police shows 31% of people still don't trust the cops, Former Police Negotiator Lance Burdett shares his thoughts.  The Government's proposing tax changes to make things easier for foreign investors starting businesses in New Zealand.  US Correspondent Mitch Mccann shares the latest on the trade war between Canada and the US.  Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.      See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Changes to Qantas’ loyalty scheme are taking off today.  They’re raiding the competition, with other airlines’ frequent flyers of gold status or higher able to get Qantas Gold by earning just 100 credits – a discount of 600 credits.  Air New Zealand also updated its Airpoints system in 2024, increasing flexibility for its flyers.   Aviation Commentator Irene King told Andrew Dickens that this move from Qantas is hugely tactical.  She says it’s about cash flow and getting more engagement from high spending, high value customers.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some changes to the Government's procurement rule book are being welcomed.  Currently, there are 71 rules a business must follow to be awarded a government contract, but the Finance Minister is bringing that down to 47.   It's also introducing a new economic benefit test which will consider the wider benefit to New Zealand when awarding contracts to Kiwi firms.  Wellington Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Simon Arcus told Andrew Dickens this should've been happening from the start.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An arrest has been made in the case of the fiery North Sea collision, which saw two large ships —one at anchor— erupt in balls of flame.  English Police have announced the arrest of a 59-year-old man, understood to be the captain of the cargo ship, and charged him with suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter.  UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Andrew Dickens the charge is due to the fact that one man is still missing, presumed dead.  He says it’s also due to the fact that conditions were good at the time of the collision, so people can’t understand how the crash could’ve occurred.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Changes to Qantas' loyalty scheme start today, Aviation Commentator Irene King explains what it means for competition in the sector.   Major school lunch provider Libelle has been placed into liquidation creating uncertainty for the school lunches programme, Kaitao Intermediate Principal tells Andrew Dickens the programmes had issues from the beginning.  UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey shares the latest on one crew member still missing and one of the ships still alight following the collision between a cargo vessel and an oil tanker in the North Sea.   Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.     LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another push for the Government to cut its losses with its revamped school lunches.  The Libelle Group - which is contracted to deliver about 125-thousand meals each day - is in liquidation.   The responsibility will now fall solely on Compass Group -- but Minister in Charge David Seymour says that won't impact lunch deliveries.  Rotorua's Kaitao Intermediate School Principal, Phil Palfrey told Andrew Dickens he has little faith it won't create further issues.  He wishes the Government could return to the original programme -- and believes the country can afford to do so. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As with all things lately we’re looking for any little clue that the old normal is coming back. But I don’t think it is.   ASB lowered its house price inflation forecast for this year.   Its Chief Economist Nick Tuffley reckons the pick up in sales has been sluggish and there is a lot of stock on the market.   They believe prices will fall through the first half of this year, therefore, the bank has more than halved its house price growth forecast for 2025 to just 3.4% from 9%.   That’s more in line with inflation than for a long time.   In other words, buying a house at the moment is no longer the path to automatic capital gain.   Faced with that house owners are more likely to stay put.   Back in the old normal, churn was the name of the game. You’d buy and sell often to climb up through the property ladder.   In today’s climate you’re more likely to stay in any house you own because a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.  Stability and security is the

New Zealand is looking to build stronger ties with India.  The Prime Minister is heading to New Delhi and Mumbai on Saturday with a contingent of ministers and business leaders.  Prioritising a deal with the fast-growing economic giant was a coalition condition with NZ First.  India New Zealand Business Council Chair Bharat Chawla told Andrew Dickens he has confidence in this trip.  He says it's a perfect opportunity as a lot of work has been done over the last 24 months to make it happen.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's thought the Prime Minister's communication style doesn't sit well with Kiwis.  The latest Taxpayers’ Union-Curia Poll shows Chris Hipkins has leap-frogged Chris Luxon as preferred PM.  Labour's also ahead on 34.1%, with National trailing on 33.6%.  National's support has risen, but support for coalition partners Act and New Zealand First have both dropped.  Auckland University marketing expert, Michael Lee told Andrew Dickens Luxon's question side-stepping on Andrew Bayley's sacking was a good example of what he needs to improve.  He says there are ways of answering that show he doesn't want to respond in a way which could get himself or someone else in trouble, later on.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re awash with polls.   The Taxpayers' Union-Curia poll and research from Horizon.   It all says we’re not happy with the country right now. Therefore, we’re not happy with the Government.    And no kidding - things have not been good for a while now.   No matter who was in power a correction was needed.   We swamped the nation with cash at the start of the pandemic. Unnecessarily we can now say with hindsight, and then we paid the price.   So, the Government is going to be on the backfoot, no matter who they are.   I actually think the surprising thing is how the coalition’s support is holding up.   Sure, Luxon has his problems. Sure, Seymour and Peters say the most triggering things knowing that there’s a bunch of people who love it.   But are the opposition making any sense at all and acting like they’d do better?   Chris Hipkins over the weekend played cagey with his party's positions,   When asked about the capital gains tax, he prevaricated a