Holiday Breakfast

A group of four women and nine children have secured flights to Australia from Damascus over the weekend, re-sparking conversations about ISIS brides returning to their home countries.  Additionally, associates of a recently disbanded neo-Nazi group were removed from an ANZAC ceremony for booing and heckling the speaker. Despite the group officially disbanding in January due to hate speech laws, Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the individuals are still active.   "They still hang out together with secret handshakes and, you know, code words and whatnot, because they've all got IQs of about room temperature," he told Andrew Dickens.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In an effort to make newborn hearing checks a more comfortable process for babies and parents Christchurch Hospital has developed an innovation to replace cool gels.  "Exhausted mothers after breastfeeding all night would be anxious that we'd wake the baby up when we were screening in the maternity units," Christchurch Hospital's Newborn Hearing Screening Programme co-ordinator Angela Deken told Andrew Dickens. "And so, the kudos really goes to one of the screeners, Pam Spark, who just kept pushing and trying to find solutions." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian comedian Elouise Eftos fights against the culture of self-deprecation with her tongue-in-cheek self-dubbed title of Australia's first attractive comedian. Eftos spoke to Dickens about the discomfort people display when someone is outwardly confident and secure.  "Why is being a confident woman that knows she's funny and attractive and smart, why is that so confronting to people?", she asked. Eftos is performing 'Aphrodite' at the New Zealand Comedy Festival on May 15-16 where she will explore complicated feeling towards the collective man, dating, and sexual liberation. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Todd McClay will sign the free trade deal with India in Delhi today following uncertainty as New Zealand First pulled support and Labour held out until the last minute. Earlier this month some of New Zealand’s top exporters and business associations signed an open letter calling on all political parties to back the agreement.  India New Zealand Business Council deputy chair Tony Martin told Andrew Dickens, "I think deep down, you know, there's a very strong sense from both sides of the political spectrum that this is the right thing for New Zealand to do." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christchurch’s new One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha officially opened this weekend with a sold out match between the Crusaders and Waratahs on Friday night. The All Blacks’ first test at the venue on July 4, and the Warriors’ first NRL match at the stadium in June both quickly sold out, while Robbie Williams and the Foo Fighters are set to perform in late 2026 / early 2027.  Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge says the One New Zealand Stadium is ready to replace Eden Park as New Zealand's national stadium, despite being half the size. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is putting funds towards repairs needed on New Zealand's great bike trails due to storm damage. It is expected that the Hauraki Rail Trail, that's been shut since January, the Waikato River Trail, and a connecting track on the Tasman Great Taste Trail will need approximately $800,000 to fix.  "If you think about the Hauraki Rail Trail, it is absolutely spectacular, but it does mean that it is vulnerable to weather events, so there's a bit of a balance," Tourism Minister Louise Upston told Andrew Dickens. LISTEN ABOVE   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner took place in Washington last night, but was cancelled part way through after a shooter with multiple weapons charged through a security checkpoint. Washington Bureau Chief for the Guardian, David Smith, was present at the dinner.  He told Andrew Dickens, "I heard some shouting and people diving under tables, and that kind of rippled like a wave through the room, and all of us, including me and guests at our table, we dived under." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A nationwide survey by the Combined Building Supplies Co-operative has found that 84% of members have felt moderate to significant impact from fuel price increases.  CEO Carl Taylor said some builders can't even afford to get to their work sites.  "So, clients are obviously starting to look at pausing their projects, pricing becomes harder to lock in, and the confidence drops, and that's when the activity slows," he told Andrew Dickens. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pop-duo Foley has just spent four weeks on the Hot 20 singles chart, peaking at number 1, following their EP release 'Like an Actress'.  The duo is made up of Ash Wallace and Gabriel Everett.  Ash Wallace joined Andrew Dickens to chat defining genre, the New Zealand music community, and aspirations.  "I think it's always hard to narrow your own music down," Wallace said. "You know, you think of all your different influences and tastes, and it's always hard to really pin it down to something." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a Truth Social post Donald Trump announced the successful rescue of a missing crew member of a fighter jet that was shot down over Iran.  Although Iran's military claims the US operation was "completely foiled." Meanwhile, the historic Artemis 2 mission enters it's fifth day. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Far-right political party One Nation, led by Pauline Hanson, has surpassed Labor and the Coalition in Queensland in the latest poll.  "Once upon a time, Pauline Hanson was the fringe lunatic way out on the lunar right, and now, in South Australia, she smashed the conservative vote down there," Australian correspondent Murray Olds said. Olds chats to Andrew Dickens about One Nation's unprecedented rise, and solutions to the fuel crisis. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Endurance swimmer Jono Ridler has completed a 1367km journey, swimming the length of the North Island, in an effort to raise awareness against bottom trawling.  After getting out of the water on Saturday, Ridler led a convoy of people to the steps of Parliament, where multiple ministers waited, and he was presented with a taonga. Ridler spoke to Andrew Dickens about the difficult journey, "a good percentage of the time it was very tough," he said.  "The further we got south, the tougher it got as well with the cold water, jellyfish, and, and long sessions, spending a lot of time in my own head trying to battle through all of that." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's 2034 tourism target is to lift arrivals to 4.78 million, but a report for MBIE shows that this could require up to $3.5 billion in extra infrastructure. Regions like Queenstown are already facing pressure on their infrastructure with Destination Queenstown and Lake Wanaka Tourism CEO Mat Woods saying they are 'bursting at the seams'.  He told Andrew Dickens, "we're having to actually release treated wastewater into the Shotover River, which is far from ideal when you consider a 100% pure sort of image that we like to give our international visitors about New Zealand." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actors Cliff Curtis and Jason Momoa, and director Taika Waititi, have purchased Auckland-based Studio West with the goal to bring more jobs and Polynesian storytelling to the country. "It's still a pretty tough time for the screen industry, but it is some positive news in the middle of all of that," Screen Production and Development Association President, Irene Gardiner said. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump has issued threats to Iran in an R-rated speech as his ultimatum to open the Strait of Hormuz comes to an end.  He has said he will target Iran’s critical infrastructure if the strait is not reopened before Monday. Jeffrey Price, senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Institute, John Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, joined Andrew Dickens to chat about what to expect as this deadline rolls around.   "President Trump is, known to be unpredictable - he's advertised, that his staff has advertised that as a virtue," Price said.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia’s new hate speech laws have hit a speedbump.   Parliament was recalled early to pass reform that would create serious offences for hate in the wake of the Bondi terror attack.   However, the Opposition and the Greens are refusing to accept the laws in their current form.   Australia Correspondent Murray Olds told Andrew Dickens the Opposition is saying the timeline is ridiculous, and that the bill is unsalvageable in its current form.  He says everyone was in favour of fighting antisemitism as hard as they could, but it's now dissolved into a political bunfight.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For many, Six60 is an undeniable part of the New Zealand summer soundscape.   Their classics such as ‘Don’t Forget Your Roots’, ‘The Greatest’, and ‘Please Don’t Go’ are a staple of every backyard barbeque summer get together, and soon a few new songs will be joining the playlists.   Their fifth studio album ‘Right Here Right Now’ is set to be released in February, but two new singles are already available.   Frontman Matiu Walters told Andrew Dickens that hands down, it’s their best music ever.   “Quite often music can get quite tedious and boring if you’re just trying to plough through it all.”  “But the time feels right and we have some stories to tell, and it’s all captured in this new album and this new music.”   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A tourism leader in Kaikoura says they're having their busiest summer season since a major earthquake almost a decade ago.   Visitor numbers reached about 220 thousand in November, up nearly 30 thousand on the year before.  Destination Kaikoura Chair Chris Sturgeon told Andrew Dickens tourism and hospitality players says things are booming.  He says there's a positive feeling throughout the town, and says Kaikoura's beautiful landscape offers tourists a true New Zealand location.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Donald Trump is threatening to deploy troops to Minnesota, with heated clashes on the streets over the presence of ICE.  US Homeland Security says a federal officer has shot a man in the leg in Minneapolis after being attacked with a shovel as he tried to make an arrest.  Protests have erupted in the city since an anti-immigration officer shot a woman dead last week.  US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Andrew Dickens things are very intense.  He says Minneapolis’ Mayor, Jacob Frey, says the city’s being put in an impossible situation.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Online hate speech in New Zealand is becoming more targeted and our system can't keep pace.  Netsafe's latest survey shows since 2018, the proportion of ethnicity-based hate speech has risen from 18% to 36%, becoming the most common reason people are targeted.  Political-based hate has also increased to 25%.  Netsafe Chief Online Safety Officer Sean Lyons told Andrew Dickens regulation is a really important part of dealing with it.  He says that when people clearly understand where the laws sit and there’s a framework to deal with that harmful content, then the platforms can better deal with it.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Calls for the Government to force streaming giants to invest in New Zealand content as local productions struggle.   The Screen Producers' Association says Netflix, Disney, Apple and Amazon should be forced to commission local programmes or pay into a fund from their local revenue   President Irene Gardiner says declining ad revenue means TVNZ and Three have cut local productions by $50 million dollars, and Kiwis are missing out on their own stories.   She told Andrew Dickens that streaming services have completely broken the traditional business model, so they’re looking to them to be part of the solution.  Gardiner says they’re not asking for charity, just fairness and a level playing ground.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions continue to swirl over Scott Robertson’s departure as All Blacks coach.  He's left halfway through his four-year deal after player frustration simmered and boiled over in a scathing internal review late last year.  NZ Rugby Chair David Kirk denies a player revolt forced Robertson out.  But former Chief Executive David Moffett told Andrew Dickens the organisation's a bit of a mess.  He says you're going to get bigger problems if players get to determine who their boss is.  Moffett says told Dickens he’s given up trying to understand the organisation’s strategy or purpose.  He says they currently don't have a chief executive, a coach, and are missing some senior leaders.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fonterra's boss says farmers are used to volatility in prices and payouts.  Its midpoint forecast farmgate milk price for this season now sits at $9 after a string of falls in global dairy prices.  That's more than 10% lower than last season's final payout.  Chief Executive Miles Hurrell told Andrew Dickens most farms are intergenerational, so farmers understand the ups and downs of the commodity cycle.  He says the pace of the northern hemisphere increase in supply may have caught some people out.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another tourism announcement is set to come – another round in the Regional Tourism Boost plan.   The goal is to get international travellers out of the main centres to explore all that New Zealand has to offer.  Round two will focus on the April to June season, when there’s typically fewer travellers and less activity.  Tourism Minister Louise Upston told Andrew Dickens it’s about spreading visitors throughout the country, making sure they stay in different places and sample our amazing food and wine.   It’s part of the $10 million fund they announced last year as part of the overall $70 million major events and tourism boost, she said, to the tune of $3.69 million.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you haven’t heard the name Gianmarco Soresi, you may have seen his clips.  The American stand up comedian is a staple of shortform video platforms, with over two million follows across Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.  He’s become known for his crowd work and his distinctive physicality, clambering over chairs and folding himself up as he performs.  And he’s bringing it to New Zealand, performing two shows at the Sky City Theatre in Auckland tomorrow night.  Soresi’s style leans towards “wholesome boundary-pushing", which he told Andrew Dickens he plans to push as many as he can whilst performing in New Zealand.  “Some of it’s traditional, the edgy, the political, but some of it’s emotional, some of it’s like, oh you, you don’t talk about people’s dads like that.”   These days you’ll see plenty of comedians complaining they can’t joke about anything anymore, but Soresi is among those proving otherwise.  “I honestly think it’s what I talk about,” he told Dickens.  “Even when it’s about edgy things or whatever, it’s usually like me, it’s making fun of myself or using myself as the ruler to examine other things.”   You have to bring your own humanity into it, Soresi explains.   “I find that if you’re honest about how you fit into the world, you find people aren’t necessarily mad, they might disagree with you, but as long as you’re like, taking in your own foibles as you discuss the topic, you can talk about anything you want.”   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An All Blacks bombshell to start the New Year.  The Herald has detailed elements of a 'scathing' internal review into the side's 2025 season, with critical feedback on the coaching, culture, and environment.  Head coach Scott Robertson and his lead assistant Scott Hansen are believed to be at the centre of the critical feedback.  All Blacks player of the year for the 2025 season Ardie Savea is reported to be seriously unhappy.  Former All Black Justin Marshall told Andrew Dickens what we want out of the All Blacks is consistency, and everyone can see that there are too many fluctuations, and the results are reflective of that.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Don Brash says everyone should be concerned about political interference regarding matters at America's central bank.  US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell says he's now embroiled in a criminal investigation because he didn't cut interest rates as much as Donald Trump wanted.  Trump denies involvement but is standing by calls for Powell to be replaced.  RBNZ Governor Anna Breman signed a joint statement in support of Powell, saying he's highly respected, with an unwavering commitment to the public interest.  But Winston Peters rebuked her for it, saying she needs to stay in her New Zealand lane and stick to domestic monetary policy.  But Brash, a former New Zealand Reserve Bank Governor, strongly backs Breman, saying that Peters is in the wrong in this situation.   He told Andrew Dickens it's in everyone's interests for the Federal Reserve to be able to make its own independent decisions, free from interference.  Brash says the US dollar is the backbone of the world economy and the world monetary policy system, and anything that jeopardises that affects everyone.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK will be deciding this week whether or not to allow the construction of a Chinese ‘mega’ embassy in London.   The project has been debated for years, with concerns over the potential security risks it could pose for the UK.  Critics fear the embassy, which would be located close to London’s financial district and crucial data cables, would be used as a base for espionage.   UK Correspondent Rod Liddle told Andrew Dickens he doesn’t think the embassy will get the go ahead in the end.  The argument in favour, he says, is that the UK needs a good relationship with China to get money and investment, but this is a bridge too far.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At least 500 buildings have been destroyed as wildfires continue to tear through Victoria.   Multiple fires have ravaged 404,000 hectares of land – an area more than five times the size of Singapore.   Thousands of properties remain without power, and television and radio services to areas like Bendigo and Castlemaine have been knocked out.   Australian Correspondent Murray Olds told Andrew Dickens it’s unknown how long transmission services will be down, and how big the damage bill will be.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Peters says sticking to the basics has led to NZ First’s position in the polls.  Based on current polling, the party is set for another term in government, one of the first times it will have a consecutive run.   Peters told Andrew Dickens that there’s a whole lot of things going on in New Zealand that New Zealanders do not like, and they’ve sought a voice to express their concerns – NZ First.    He their position has been on the rise in other parties’ internal polls is because they’ve stuck to the basics and the essentials.  Peters says they’re focusing on trying to get the economy turned around while still remembering that the country is comprised of all sorts of workers, all of whom need to have a future in New Zealand.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK is introducing a law making it illegal to create non-consensual intimate images following growing concern over Elon Musk's AI chatbot.  Officials in countless countries are condemning the lack of regulation of sexualised content on the app X, formerly known as Twitter, including depictions of children.  ACT MP Laura McClure, author of the Deepfake Digital Harm and Exploitation Bill, told Andrew Dickens she’s glad to see some action being taken, but the problem is far wider than X and Grok.   She says there’s hundreds of websites that can do this, so the first thing we need to do as a government or society is make this behaviour illegal.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump is risking further inflaming matters in Iran, urging anti-government demonstrators to keep protesting, adding "help is on its way".  The US President has raised the possibility of intervention in Iran, and his national security team meets today to discuss its options.  Thousands are feared dead, as the country's regime violently cracks down on anti-government protests.  US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Andrew Dickens military operations are being considered, including a strike on Iran’s missile programme, or strikes against security services or directly against Iranian leadership.  He says Iran is publicly threatening retaliation for any military action, which the White House has called laughable.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tougher penalties for energy companies caught breaking the rules.   From next year the Electricity Authority will be able to order fines of up to $10 million, or 10% of a company's turnover – up from the current $2 million.  The fines can be issued if companies distort the market or take advantage of customers.  Octopus Energy CEO Margaret Cooney told Andrew Dickens one of the issues with lower fines is that players decide whether or not to comply since they could meet the low-level fine.  She says it's a high value sector, so it’s totally appropriate that fines have increased.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

'Deliberately absurd' is how a Christchurch mountain biker describes his idea to cycle around a McDonald's drive-thru for 24 hours.  21-year-old Matthew Fairbrother clocked up 500 kilometres on the ride on Christmas Day.  Fairbrother told Andrew Dickens it may be a world record of some sort, as he's not aware of anyone doing something similar.  He concedes the idea was a bit pointless, but was to put himself to the test and see what he could achieve when his mind was put to something.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A spotlight on student achievement, with NCEA results now available nationwide.  About 158 thousand Year 11 to 13 students can access their exam results, including Course Endorsements and University Entrance.  PPTA President Chris Abercrombie told Andrew Dickens literacy and numeracy co-requisites are now incredibly important.  He says students can't get NCEA without those, which has changed how schools operate.  Students can also request a review or reconsideration from next month.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another Tory has joined the ranks of Reform UK.  Nadhim Zahawi is the highest profile member of the UK’s Conservative Party to defect, having served as Chancellor of the Exchequer for Liz Truss and as the Party Chair under Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak.   However, UK Correspondent Rod Liddle told Andrew Dickens, there is a caveat.   He says Zahawi was asked to resign from his position as Party Chair due to considerable doubt over his income tax returns.   Liddle says that while Nigel Farage will be pleased there’s another defection, he doesn’t think the Tories will be terribly troubled over their loss.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Morgana O’Reilly is one of New Zealand’s brightest screen talents.   She first broke into the spotlight with the cult hit ‘Housebound’, appeared in the Australian series ‘Wentworth’, and rubbed shoulders with award winners and music royalty in season 3 of ‘The White Lotus’.  The third season of HBO’s award winning series aired last year, and it seems to have changed O’Reilly’s life.  “People are really nice to me now,” she told Andrew Dickens.  “I’m pretty realistic about this industry, y’know, it’s fairly fickle. When you’re the cool kid at school, you’re the cool kid at school, but whether that stays that way, I don’t know.”  It’s opened a few doors for the Kiwi actress, allowing her to get some things without having to audition “over and over and over and over and over and over again.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fears of Russian aggression will see France re-introduce national military service.  Nearly three decades since conscription was scrapped, the plan will see young men and women volunteering for a 10-month military service.   The new “national service” will focus mostly on 18- and 19-year-olds, and will initially be restricted to 3,000 volunteers, which should rise to 50,000 by 2035.   France Correspondent Catherine Field told Andrew Dickens the Government has made it clear the service would only be carried out on French soil, and these will not be soldiers sent off to do duty for NATO and other countries.  She says they’re hoping to perhaps tap into some of the skills young people have that aren’t as common in the armed forces, such as drone operators, counterterrorism surveillance, and even bakers, mechanics, and electricians.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's being urged to reverse a decision to scrap the contract for the Cook Strait's emergency tug.  Transport Minister Chris Bishop last year confirmed the 'MMA Vision' would leave service in February, saying its cost outweighs the risk, and it hasn't been required in most major incidents.   But the Maritime Union's secretary Carl Findlay says with new Interislander ferries still three years away, removing the tug could be gambling with lives.  He told Andrew Dickens for peace of mind and the security of our coast, we really need this vessel.  Findlay says it’s proven itself time and time again, and Bishop could have a very serious situation on his hands if the funding isn’t reinstated.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A big decision for shareholders of homegrown Kiwi tech firm Rakon.  The Auckland-based manufacturer of high-precision microchips and frequency-control components has received a takeover offer from California-based electronics manufacturer Bourns.  Bourns is offering $356 million for the business.  Rakon independent director Chris Swasbrook told Andrew Dickens it's a quiet Kiwi success story – a family business that has scaled globally.  He says Rakon builds a very clever timing technology that keeps everything from satellites to smartphones ticking, and Bourns is an international conglomerate that's looking to expand.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A historic first for Warbirds Over Wanaka this Easter.  One of the world’s most advanced fighter jets, the US Air Force F-22 Raptor, will appear on all three days of the April air show.  It’s the only US-built fighter never sold overseas, and this will be its first visit to New Zealand.  General Manager Ed Taylor told Andrew Dickens the demonstration will showcase the aircraft’s full capabilities, and it'll be unbelievably loud and ground-shaking.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An anti-Iran regime activist says deadly demonstrations there have become a fight for freedom.  Hundreds of people have so far been killed amid a deadly crackdown on anti-Government protestors.  President Donald Trump's warning the US is considering very strong options to intervene, and Iranian leaders are vowing to fight back if attacked.  Anti-regime activist Leila Dadian told Andrew Dickens she hopes this is the end of Iran's Islamic Republic.  She says the Iranian people have just one demand: democracy.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hundreds are feared dead in what started as a cost of living protests in Iran, which spiralled into general protests against the regime. The protests escalated as protesters were killed and the internet was blacked by the Government.  UOA international relations professor and human rights expert Dr Maria Armoudian joined Andrew Dickens to chat about the ongoing situation.   She said, "they don't have a problem arresting, jailing, killing people. And so yes, they are losing their legitimacy in that way as well, but it's also a signal of a weaker and weakened government because a competent and confident government doesn't have to respond this way." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi student Arki Hunter has been accepted into New York's Columbia University in the early admissions round - with only 10-15% of students worldwide being accepted at that stage. Hunter co-founded '12oz', an AI platform tackling NZ's drug and alcohol issues which won her a Crimson Education scholarship and the Deloitte Individual of the Year award.  Hunter plans to major in sociology and political science at Columbia.  She joined Andrew Dickens to chat about her career goals, socially conscious businesses, and the brain drain. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Costs from grocery suppliers to supermarkets increased again in December 2025 by 2.4%pa. Proteins saw the largest increase, and dairy's price increase slowed but still remained above the average.  Although, Brad Olsen says the latest numbers give him hope for better food costs through this year.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Sunday the Government announced a new platform, Open Electricity, to compare power plans. A Beehive press release claims that approximately two million households and 165,000 small business customers will benefit. Energy minister Simon Watts chats to Andrew Dickens about the new platform and a focus on increased transparency for consumers across industries.  "We think the average household's probably going to save about $360 a year," he said.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The United States has had a busy start to the year with mass-protests over the killing of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent, the invasion and takeover of Venezuela, and now, potential plans to become involved in Iran.  US Correspondent Richard Arnold joined Andrew Dickens to chat Minneapolis and Iran. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Bondi terrorist attacks is beginning, examining antisemitism and social cohesion.  Gunmen killed 15 people at a Jewish event at the popular Sydney beach last month.   Australia's Prime Minister has asked former High Court justice Virginia Bell to lead the Commonwealth Inquiry, with a report expected back by year's end.  Australia Correspondent Murray Olds told Andrew Dickens the report will give recommendations regarding law enforcement, border control, immigration, and, very importantly, security and intelligence agencies.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hundreds are protesting in Minneapolis after and Immigrations and Customs or ICE officer shot and killed a woman.   The 37-year-old was protesting against the Trump administration's crack down on immigration in the Minnesota city.   The city’s mayor is calling it reckless, unnecessary, and demanding ICE leave Minneapolis.   But federal officials are backing the agent, claiming the woman attempted to run over the officer.  US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Andrew Dickens the video footage contradicts much of what the federal officials claim.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to California rock, no one does it quite like Counting Crows.  They’ve sold more than 20 million albums, captivating listeners with their soulful sound and roof-raising live performances.  They’ve returned to tour the world 30 years after their global explosion, and they’re kicking it off in 2026 with a March show in Auckland.  Adam Duritz, founding member and frontman, told Andrew Dickens one of the things keeping them going after 30 years is “bloody-minded stubbornness”.   “I dreamed of doing this my entire life,” he said.  “I feel pretty lucky about the situation, and also pretty determined still.”  “I really love it – it's all I ever wanted to do.”   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.