Early Edition with Kate Hawkesby

On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast Tuesday 11th of March 2025, The Prime Minister's announced he's taking a large delegation to India, India NZ Business Council Chair Bharat Chawla tells Andrew Dickens what to expect.   Canada's new Prime Minister has vowed to win the trade war with the United States, Washington Bureau Chief for the Guardian David Smith shares what the reaction has been.  Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is slipping in the latest polls on preferred Prime Minister, Marketing expert Michael Lee tells Andrew how he can improve.   Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio shares the latest on the clean-up following tropical cyclone Alfred.   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.

The United States' reaction to Canada's next Prime Minister's being described as fairly muted. Mark Carney's taking over from Justin Trudeau as leader of the Liberal Party.   It comes as tensions with the US are fragmenting - with President Donald Trump igniting a trade war and suggesting Canada could be absorbed into the US.  The Guardian's Washington Bureau Chief David Smith told Andrew Dickens we haven't heard much from Trump or other officials about Carney's win.   He says there actually hasn't been a great deal of political reaction so far - which indicates where relations are and how Canada's not seen as a huge priority in Washington.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was a massive blow for the Black Caps, narrowly missing the Champions Trophy.  India claimed the win by four wickets, chasing 252 to beat New Zealand.  Andrew Alderson joined Andrew Dickens to dig into the clash and wrap the weekend’s sporting events.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's being described as "ancient" infrastructure legislation is in for a shake-up.  The Government's pitching changes to the Public Works Act to speed up acquiring land for major projects, including premium payments to private landowners.  The Environment Court will no longer hear objections, but instead relevant authorities like the Minister for Land Information.  Infrastructure New Zealand Policy Director Michelle McCormick told Andrew Dickens removing the Environment Court is a big improvement.  She says we all know how over-loaded the court is.  McCormick says it's good to take a fresh look at how the process could be improved, to ensure we're getting the infrastructure we need faster.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A renewed push for an Auckland bed tax, after a strong summer for its hotels.  They experienced a five-million-dollar boost, largely due to SailGP and country musician Luke Combs' Eden Park concerts in January.  CBRE Hotels and Leisure says an extra eight-thousand hotel rooms were booked over the four days.  Heart of the City Chief Executive, Viv Beck told Andrew Dickens she supports a bed tax, as a way to fund these events which bring people to Auckland.  She says it's thought that could contribute to the America's Cup - but time is of the essence, to get it across the line. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast Monday 10th of March 2025, the Government's proposing changes to the Public Works Act to speed up how it acquires land, Infrastructure NZ Policy Director Michelle McCormick explains the difference it will make to our infrastructure pipeline.    Heart of the City is calling for more big events in Auckland, CEO Viv Beck tells Andrew Dickens about the benefits of large events on the cities businesses.   Andrew Alderson shares the latest on the Blackcaps taking on India in the ICC Champions trophy.   UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey gives an update on train services between London and Paris slowly resuming to normal after an unexploded World War Two bomb was found near Gare du Nord station in Paris.   Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We ended last week with some hopeful noises from the health sector.   Minister Simeon Brown was praised by academics and commentators for his increased funding for nurse practitioners, advanced training for nurses and increased training for doctors who come from overseas.   He also announced an increase in the numbers of doctors we train here.   Then, on Friday he announced the health plan which sees Lester Levy replaced by a board.   Five targets were announced, all focusing on speedier healthcare and outcomes.   And to chew through the waiting lists, the minister talked about utilising private facilities.   At this point I think it’s important to think about where we are.   Labour tried to reduce the DHBs from over twenty to four and the Māori health authority.   Even though the right wing had been complaining about the inefficiency of too many boards for years, when a left-wing government does it it’s branded as a socialist central government takeover.   After $

There's a belief Air New Zealand should turn its focus back on serving domestic customers as it looks for a new CEO.  Greg Foran has resigned after five years in the job, but he's staying on in the role until October.  He says the airline was set up well to continue its growth and innovation.  Aviation Commentator Irene King told Andrew Dickens they’ve got to be really focused on the domestic market.  She says customers are unhappy, and they perceive they’re not getting value for money.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Phil Goff has paid the price for stepping out of his lane and commenting on US President Donald Trump.  The comments questioning Trump's understanding of war history yesterday has cost the High Commissioner to the UK his job.  Otago University's international relations expert James Headley told Andrew Dickens in other circumstances, a diplomat wouldn't be fired after making such comments.  But he says our Government is aware that Trump is very sensitive to criticism.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast Friday 7th of March 2025, Air New Zealand Boss Greg Foran is calling it quits, Aviation Commentator Irene King tells Andrew Dickens what's expected to happen to the airline from here.   Australia's bracing for tropical Cyclone Alfred to hit, Australian Correspondent Donna Demaio shares the latest.   Winston Peters has sacked The High Commissioner to London Phil Goff, Head of Politics at Otago University James Headley shares his thoughts.   Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.      See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australians are bracing for Cyclone Alfred, as its first effects are felt.  The slow-moving storm is expected to reach the coast of Southeast Queensland and northeastern New South Wales tonight or early tomorrow morning.  Queensland's energy supplier is reporting more than 20-thousand customers are without power, of which more than 17 thousand were on the Gold Coast.  Australian Correspondent Donna Demaio told Andrew Dickens 12 metre waves have been seen, and a couple of people have been taken to hospital, having been knocked over in the surf. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s with all these sackings and surprise resignations this week...  Phil Goff yesterday, Adrian Orr the day before.     Richard Prebble did a runner from the gravy train of the Waitangi Tribunal   Greg Foran Calls it a day at Air New Zealand after 5 years...  One of these guys had change forced on them, the other three just packed up and left with varying degrees of notice.   Some are angry. some are relieved.   And they all have one thing in common   They’re over 60.   You don’t screw with successful over 60s, which they all are.  They have discovered a superpower. They don’t give a flying fig.   They’re financially settled. They know their own mind. They can afford to stand on their principles,    Phil Goff won't mind being held to account for what he said because he believes it.    He may be regretful that his entertaining job in London has gone but he'll just come back to the farm in Clevedon and start making some real money in

There's delight at the Government's moves to improve access to primary care.  It's announced the annual training places for nurse practitioners in primary care will double next year from 60 to 120.  Health Minister Simeon Brown also announced the Government will support advanced education for up to 120 registered primary care nurses.  Auckland University professor Warwick Bagg told Andrew Dickens Brown's efforts will make a huge difference to the sector.  He says Brown's supported new locally trained doctors, and is making use of doctors here or arriving in New Zealand, helping them become GPs.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An independent economist says there'll be lasting questions about Adrian Orr's legacy as Reserve Bank Governor.  His shock exit, announced yesterday, is halfway through his second five-year tenure.  It also comes as the Reserve Bank is in the process of agreeing its funding increase for the next five years.   Cameron Bagrie told Andrew Dickens everyone will have their own thoughts on the bank's recent choices.  He believes they over-engineered the economic recovery and downturn.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Canada could be seeing some potential relief from US tariffs.  Prime Minister Justin Trudeau slammed the 25% import levies as a "very dumb thing to do", as Ottawa announced it will impose tariffs of its own.  Trudeau is reportedly set for showdown talks with Donald Trump later today about the issue.  But US correspondent Mitch McCann told Andrew Dickens Trump's commerce secretary has hinted some sectors could be left unscathed.  He says it's been reported the auto sector could be tariff-free later today, with many cars and car parts transferring between Mexico, Canada, and the US.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So, Adrian Orr is gone in a month. And he’ll probably breathe a sigh of relief.  He’s been at the centre of public scrutiny ever since he got the job as NZ Super Fund CEO back in 2007.  During his tenure as Reserve Bank Governor, he was damned no matter what he did because with every move there were victims who felt punished in the pocketbook.   So, everyone has an opinion of Adrian Orr, and most are not that complimentary. Who needs that? He’s 63 and wealthy and I’m sure keen to return to anonymity.   So, was he as bad as many say? At the Super Fund he was generally hailed as a good operator who increased our savings. But he was also vilified for taking a million-dollar salary - a sum that was well below equivalent private positions.   Was he stupid? No. He’s got an impressive CV. There’ve been stints in Paris at the OECD then back here with the National Bank, the Reserve Bank, Westpac, and the Reserve Bank again, before landing the CEO job for the super fund in 2007 and then Reserve

A return to growth in New Zealand's housing market.  Corelogic's Home Value Index saw property values rise by 0.3 percent in February -- the strongest increase in more than a year.  That follows a cumulative negative 4.1 percent decline from March to September last year.  Chief Property Economist, Kelvin Davidson says [told Andrew Dickens] he thinks the housing market's returned to a more stable phase, post-pandemic.  He says with wage growth coming through, there's a path to reasonably stable house prices ahead. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast Thursday 6th of March 2025, Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr has resigned out of the blue - Independent Economist Cameron Bagrie tells Andrew Dickens who he thinks will be next in line for the top job.     We might have some signs of life in the property market, CoreLogic Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson shares the latest numbers in the CoreLogic Home Value Index.  The Government's announced it’s increasing the number of training places for nurse practitioners specialising in primary care to 120 a year, Professor Warwick Bagg from the University of Auckland tells Andrew how much of a difference it will make.   US Correspondent Mitch Mccann shares the latest on what came out of US President Donald Trump's congress speech and the trade war.   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

There are fresh developments in the Government's Cook Strait ferry headache.  Hyundai is back in the running to land a deal after the coalition canned its original contract in 2023, blaming ballooning costs.  Documents show the Government's set aside $300 million to cover that broken deal, which must be paid regardless of whether a new deal is struck.  Rail and Maritime Transport Union General Secretary Todd Valster told Andrew Dickens the Government rushed to cancel the original deal.  He reckons the amount of money lost is far higher, saying the $300 million doesn’t recognise costs of procurement – with estimations up to a billion dollars could have been spent.  Although, he says, it's good to see Rail Minister Winston Peters has made a trip to Korea to speak with the ship builders.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ukraine's President is ready to sign the US deal for a ceasefire only hours after America's decision to pause military aid to the war torn nation.  Volodymyr Zelenskyy says his fiery meeting with Donald Trump at the White House was "regrettable".  He's ready to work with Trump to sign a minerals deal and reach a peace deal.  Former chief of staff to Marco Rubio —who is now the US Secretary of State— Matt Terrill told Andrew Dickens reaching a peace deal was a huge part of Trump's campaign.  He says this administration is standing by the deal because they believe in its economic and security guarantees.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.