Afternoon Edition: 22 August 2024

The Afternoon Edition of News Fix for 22 August 2024, straight from the Newstalk ZB newsroom - bringing you everything you need to know in news, politics, business, entertainment and sport.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:04):
Good afternoon. I'm Raylen Ramsay. This is your afternoon news
fix for Thursday, the twenty second of August. A sunny
outlook from local government to New Zealand. Despite damning words
from the beehive on council spending, the Prime Ministers used
their conference to announce performance benchmarking and a back to
basics focus for council investment. His hardline speech drew gasps

(00:27):
and groans, but today the government's announced a helping hand
for councils on infrastructure, asking for proposals for long term
regional partnerships. L g n Z president Sam Broughton says
the relationship is good.

Speaker 2 (00:41):
Being able to say what you think is an important piece.

Speaker 3 (00:43):
But actually these regional deals sound like to me they're
coming to our party. We've put it out all the
things that we would like to see that the government's
gone on board.

Speaker 1 (00:50):
Shane Jones says it's a shame New Zealand First's power
price Transparency pledge didn't make it into the coalition deal.
The Associate Energy Minister is pushing for urgent action on
steep power generator profits as big industry users struggled with bills.
Shane Jones yesterday suggested severe action, referencing Prime Minister Helen

(01:12):
Clark breaking telecom in half over similar concerns. The Minister
says the wholesale energy market rules and settings aren't fit
for purpose. We can't govern the country entirely for the
sher market.

Speaker 3 (01:23):
We've got to think about the New Zealanders who are
being tossed on the scrap heap.

Speaker 1 (01:27):
Volcanic ash from Fakarti White Island disrupted flights at Todonga
and the Rutua airports this morning, although services have now resumed.
The alert level was raised to three on August nine,
and G and S Science last week said a new
vent had been found on the island. Canterbury University volcanology
professor Ben Kennedy says volcanic ash and gas has been

(01:50):
blowing out to sea in recent weeks.

Speaker 2 (01:52):
The main difference today is that the wind has swung
around and now some of these ash particles in this
gas is now going over mainland.

Speaker 1 (02:02):
New Zealand calls for more government investment into early childhood teaching.
RO research has showed more than two thirds of parents
had a child with language difficulties before starting school. Last year.
Jamie Cunningham has more.

Speaker 3 (02:17):
The Education Institute believes this highlights the need for a
qualified workforce and better teacher to child ratios. It says
the government hasn't signaled anything positive for people who want
decision centered on children's interests. Education Minister Erica Stanfords today
announced a new online curriculum resource to help ECE teachers

(02:37):
strengthen planning, assessment and.

Speaker 1 (02:39):
Practice Krmala Harris's running mate, Governor Tim Walls, has accepted
his vice presidential nomination. It's the third day of the
Democratic National Convention. Notable Democrats have been pledging support for
Harrison Walls, including Bill Clinton, Nazi Pelosi, and Pete Booter Jeedge.
After accepting the nomination, Walls spoke about his small town

(03:00):
outbringing that guides his campaign.

Speaker 3 (03:03):
They may not think like you do, but they're your
neighbors and you look out for them and they look
out for you.

Speaker 1 (03:11):
Everybody belonged to sport Now New Zealand Rugby is impressed.
A coaching issue within the All Blacks has been addressed decisively,
with assistant coach Leon McDonald leaving the role after not
gelling with head coach Scott robertson the Silver Ferns will
feature two debutantes against England in next month's Tiny Jamison

(03:31):
Trophy Series Midcarter to clar O'Brien and defender Paris Mason
and Kiwi middle distance run of my Ramsden has chattered
a thirty seven year old athletics record, lowering the New
Zealand outdoor mile recorded to meet in Sweden by almost
six seconds. I'm Raylen Ramsey. That is your latest news fix.

(03:52):
We'll be back with the next update tomorrow morning from
the news Talk ZB newsroom