Morning Edition: 09 March 2026

The Morning Edition of News Fix for 09 March 2026, straight from the Newstalk ZB newsroom - bringing you everything you need to know in news, politics, business, entertainment and sport.

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:03):
Good morning. I'm never ready, Manu, and this is your
morning news fix for Monday, ninth of March. In this update,
a suggestion people should fuel up as they go, with
conflict in the Middle East pushing petrol prices higher. Fighting
in the region has led to oil reaching more than
ninety US dollars a barrel, as key shipping routes close

(00:24):
and oil production in the gelfers cut Cutter's Energy minister
warned prices could continue to rise if the fighting goes on.
AA's fuel spokesperson Terry Collins says it would be wise
to visit a gas station sooner rather than later, and
retailers are warning they may need to hike prices if
the conflict ranges on in the Middle East. Retailings and

(00:46):
CEO Carolyn Young says businesses will face increased freight and
fuel prices. She says the conflicts of major concern for
retailers given a tough trading environment over the last few years.
Christopher Luxen's role as Prime Minister might shield him from
any leadership challenges. Luxon was quick to dispel resignation rumors

(01:06):
after National fell to its lowest rating in four years.
Last week's Taxpayer's Union. Curier poll had the party on
just twenty eight point four percent to Labour's thirty four
point four Victoria University Associate Professor of Politics Lara Greeves
says if this trend continues, the party may reconsider who's
at the help. But Luxon is a prime minister, and

(01:28):
she says, we've only seen one prime minister get rolled
in the NNP era, and that was Jim Bolger in
the nineteen nineties, with Jenny Shipley taking the leadership. Changes
to the way first year GP trainees are employed are
set to make it easier for new doctors to choose
a career in general practice. Health New Zealand will directly
employ all first year trainees not already in private practice,

(01:51):
with applications opening today for next year. Currently, doctors septer
switch to being employed by the College of GPS, which
can effect leave entitlements and benefits and has put some
people off. The College will continue to lead the training program.
Health Minister Simeon Brown says, if we want more people
to see a GP when they need one, it needs

(02:13):
to be simpler and more attractive for doctors to train
in general practice. Households could be paying considerably more by
staying with the same insurer. Data from insurance comparison platform
Quashed suggests shopping around can save households up to a
third of their insurance costs. Some insurers quoted almost twice
as much as others for comprehensive insurance cover for a

(02:36):
twenty twenty Toyota Corolla in Auckland. A number of New
Wellington locations of interest have been identified linked to a
measles case in an overseas traveler. They include several train
trips on February twenty third and twenty fourth, a parliament
tour on February twenty sixth, and a cable car trip
the same day. The relevant times are available on health

(02:57):
ENS's website. In Sport Dominate New Zealand. In the T
twenty World Cup cricket final, engine issues have forced Liam
Lawson into thirteenth to start the Formula One season. At
the Australian Grand Prix, George Russell won the race. A
goal from all White Ben Wayne has helped third tier
club Port Vale knockout Premier League side Sunderland one Nill

(03:19):
to advance to Football's FA Cup quarterfinals for the first
time since nineteen fifty four. Round one is complete in
Leagues NRL, with the Rabbitos beating the Dolphins forty to thirty.
I'm never ready, Manu, and then your latest news fix.
We'll be back with the next update at midday from
the news Talk zb news roup.