Holiday Breakfast

The Bay of Plenty is the place to be today as temperatures reach 26. As for the rest of the country, indoor entertainment might beat out the beach as low temperatures and rain roll in.  MetService's Karl Loots talks to Tim Beveridge.  LISTEN ABOVE.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Italy the number of New Years Eve injuries has reached a 10-year high, at 309 people. In a shocking incident in northern coastal town of Rimini, an Egyptian was shot dead on New Year's Eve by police after he stabbed four people in random street attack. International Correspondent Jo McKenna joins the show.  LISTEN ABOVE.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Major incident has been declared in Manchester as flooding hits the UK, leading to 150 flood warnings nationwide. Keir Starmer has vowed to "rebuild Britain" this year in his New Year message.  "The security of working people, that is the purpose of this government, the goal of our plan for change. And we will   push it forward in 2025," the Prime Minister said.  And migrant cross...

Kiwi icon Al Brown is as talented and innovative as it gets.  He is an entrepreneur, world-leading chef owning some of New Zealand’s greatest restaurant brands, a fisherman and a TV presenter.  But, with 2024 being a tough year for the hospitality sector, Al faced some of his biggest challenges yet.   Al tells Tim Beveridge the palate of the nation has changed “dramatically” in his...

Parliament may have closed down for the summer but that doesn’t mean the work has stopped.  MPs stand in as Duty Minister over the summer period, remaining on call and responsible for any important Government business that occurs.  The man greeting 2025 as Duty Minister is Minister for Biosecurity and Food Safety, Andrew Hoggard.  Andrew tells Tim Beveridge his new year will be busi...

The New Year’s Honours list revealed nine kiwi appointments as Companions of the King’s Service Order and seven awards of the King’s Service Medal.  Becoming a Dame is Julie Chapman, who is behind long-running charity KidsCan.  Julie has been given the honour for services to children and the community, having founded KidsCan in 2005 and providing food, clothing and health support for mor...

The Government will make vaping starting kits available for free to those wanting to quit smoking from next week.  The kits will include a vape device and one month’s supply of nicotine pods each month over a three-month period.  Professor of Public Health at University of Auckland, Chris Bullen tells Tim Beveridge vapes have downsides but are a “really effective tool” in helping smokers...

Animal rights organisation PETA has made allegations of sheep abuse on kiwi farms in an “exposé” into New Zealand’s shearing practices.  PETA accuse farmers of whipping, tackling, cutting and abusing animals and named a range of brands they claim use the wool.  The Ministry for Primary Industries confirmed it had been contacted about the allegations.  PETA UK spokesperson Elisa Alle...

Sydney saw in the New Year with nine tons of fireworks.  The city hosted two fireworks displays, at 9pm and midnight. Australia correspondent Murray Olds tells Tim Beveridge the earlier show allows young families to bail out early.  Meanwhile, Woolworths has buckled and will now sell Australia Day merchandise, in a reversal of its 2024 policy.  The supermarket chain will offer Austr...

Two thirds of respondents in a new US poll believe incoming President Donald Trump won’t be able to trim the federal budget deficit as pledged in his campaign. The deficit sits at $1.8 trillion.  In the same poll, 61% of respondents think China will continue to increase its world power, while just 23% are expecting a year of political cooperation.  US correspondent Richard Arnold tells T...

The Coromandel is one of the country's most resilient regions, overcoming wild weather and its consequences over the past year.  The town is known for its beautiful beaches and scenery, most notably Cathedral Cove which has just reopened to visitors.  Coromandel mayor Len Salt joins Tim Beveridge with the low-down on how the year has been.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener f...

In the space of six months, Hamish Kerr became a world indoor champion and then an Olympic gold medallist, feats that no other New Zealander had ever achieved in high jump. How does Kerr build the team that leads him to success?  The 28-year-old reflects on the Olympics and the past year in his career. LISTEN ABOVE.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The weather hasn't seemed to dampen the spirits of the festival goers in Gisborne, Rhythm and Vines co-founder Hamish Pinkham said.  The festival employs around 1200 staff to ensure the events success and 25,000 festivalgoers will see the year out. Tonight is the final night of the festival, hosting kiwi classic's Dave Dobbyn and Sachi and international acts Luude. LISTEN ABOVE.   S...

When the clock strikes midnight tonight Auckland City's skyline will be illuminated with the iconic fireworks display off the Sky Tower. Sky City Chief Operating Officer Callum Mallet joins the show to talk about what goes into planning the event, the best spots to watch it and how the weather could rain on the parade.  LISTEN ABOVE.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi's are being urged to stay sensible this New Year's Eve as the Police ramp up their presence across the country. "If people behave well, look after their mates, and have a great time, that will be success for us."  Police Assistant Commissioner Mike Johnson talks to Tim Beveridge about how the police are patrolling as midnight rolls in.  LISTEN ABOVE.  See omnystudio.com/listene...

Some bright spots are expected but it is a lacklustre last day of the year for most of the country.  Strong southerlies in many areas, wet in the east and strong south-westerly winds over Northland and Auckland to be expected today.  New years day will weaken come new years day.  LISTEN ABOVE.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

German government has accused maverick mischief maker Elon Musk of seeking to sway February's general elections. The remarks by a German government spokesperson came after Musk declared his support for the far-right Alternative for Germany party.  Musk has pushed himself onto the stage on the basis that Tesla operates a manufacturing plant in the eastern of Germany. More fall out from the Mag...

The UK'S coldest New Year in 12 years is coming their way. Scotland is predicted to see five and a half inches of rain in less than 24 hours and the city has cancelled NYE celebrations.  A huge rise in the number of young Brits visiting Australia on working holiday visas this year is troubling for the National Health Service in the UK. And a huge year ahead for Keir Starmer after a turbu...

Emergency housing and crime rates have been two major issues for Rotorua.  But Mayor Tania Tapsell gives Tim Beveridge the numbers on where those issues sit now for the city.  Named one of the top destinations in the world by Booking.com, Rotorua's tourism is soaring.  From thermal activity and cultural experiences to the more unexpected attractions, Rotorua is a vibrant place to be...

Surprised, and humbled. That’s the reaction of former All Blacks coach Ian Foster after being made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Having spent decades working in rugby, including 12 years with the  All Blacks , Foster’s contribution to the game has earned him inclusion in the New Year’s Honours list. But Foster’s contribution to the sport extends far beyond what he did at the...

National's first year in government has seen everything - phone bans, hikoi's, and harsher rules around law and order.  It has been a big year for Christopher Luxon and he is confronting the challenges he faced.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ASB Classic starts up today in Auckland with 12 million people expected to tune in to watch it.  Kicking it all off is Kiwi and Wimbledon Quarter Finalist Lulu Sun, it has been announced today.  ASB Classic Tournament Director Nicolas Lamperin joins the show.  LISTEN ABOVE.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ASB Classic begins today in Auckland and is expected to reach a global audience of 12 million.  The other millions anticipated are in the form of a $2 million GDP boost.  How are local businesses preparing for this star studded event?  Hospitality NZ CEO Steve Armitage joins the show.  LISTEN ABOVE.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police are under the microscope after potentially misusing a new gang patch ban law when a 12-year-old boy was questioned on Christmas Day for wearing a boxing gym t-shirt, featuring elements of the Black Power logo. Officers confiscated the shirt which had the the Kia Kaha Boxing Club logo with a fist on it and detained the boy.  Kia Kaha boxing club member and the Secretary of Counties Manu...

The annual road toll could be the lowest recorded in 10 years and potentially the lowest per capita in a century.  290 people have died on New Zealand roads so far this year, as of 9pm December 29, equating to about five deaths per 100,000 population. That is down from around seven for most of the last decade. AA Road Safety Spokesperson Dylan Thomsen talks to Tim Beveridge about this milesto...