Holiday Breakfast

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...

Weather ahead across the country:  Monday: A front moves across central and northern New Zealand, bringing showers.  Thunderstorms and hail are possible for the upper South Island, and central and eastern parts of the North Island.   Showery southwesterlies for Auckland. A cool southerly spreads up eastern parts of the South Island and onto the lower North Island. Place to be, West...

One of the most decorated Olympians of all time with 28 medals, Michael Phelps is speaking out on his struggles with anxiety and depression.  The Olympian said there needs to be more emotional support for athletes.  In other US news, outgoing President Joe Biden is reflecting on his term and declaring any regrets.  US Correspondent joins the show to discuss this and more.  LIST...

Tauranga has been one of the fastest growing cities in the country over the last 20 years.  Tauranga's population has doubled in the past two decades and it is expected to see another 50,000 over 30 years.   Mayor Mahé Drysdale grew up in the area and tells Tim Beveridge how the natural beauty will also bring in an influx of visitors over the summer.  From cricket at the Bay Ov...

It has been a big year for women's rugby.  When looking at the Black Fern's results, it was largely a year to forget for the team.  The Black Fern's were beaten by Ireland and Canada for the first time, but they got their mojo back when they beat France 39 to 14. Player Georgia Ponsonby reflects on the teams performance and what's to come in a World Cup year.  LISTEN ABOVE. &nb...

The international fine wine market appears to be anything but fine as prices are dropping significantly.  It is suspected that demand from China has dried up, which is hurting the market.  Are fine wine New Zealand producers feeling the pinch too?  New Zealand Winegrowers Chief Executive Philip Gregan joins the show.  LISTEN ABOVE.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy...

For those brave enough to bear boxing day sales yesterday, it was bargains aplenty. For some it is the biggest day of the calendar for retailers nationwide.   Retail NZ Chief Executive Carolyn Young said she expects sales to be up from last year.  Young joins the show to discuss where Boxing Day sales sit nowadays and how people are spending this year.  LISTEN ABOVE.  See...

The Auckland outdoor pool affectionately   coined 'Brownie's pool' has found a new meaning after the facility was given a red pin by safe swim.  The warning means the water could contain faecal matter, and it comes just days after the opening.  Waitematā local board chair Genevieve Sage joins the show to discuss what this means for the Karanga Plaza swimming pool.  LISTEN ABOVE...