Today on Politics Friday, John MacDonald was joined in studio by Hamish Campbell and Reuben Davidson.
David Seymour thinks the Crown should sell its share in the Christchurch City Airport – is it wise to sell off a profit-making asset?
Eastgate Mall has made headlines for its crime this week, as MP for Christchurch East, will Rueben be asking for more police?
And should we be nervous about the Cook Islands making deals with China?
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:06):
You're listening to the Canterbury Morning's podcast with John McDonald
from News Talk z'b.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
I want to put money on it. Hamish Campbell has
just said to me that he and Ruben Davidson will
be very respectful of each other during politics Friday. But
the record, for the record, I'm not put I'm not
putting on my behalf. I'm not I'm not putting money
on it. Morning to you, Hamish Campbell.
Speaker 3 (00:30):
Good morning, morning John.
Speaker 2 (00:31):
How are you.
Speaker 3 (00:31):
It's good to see five first time.
Speaker 2 (00:34):
I'm not gonna say that. Ruben Davidson nice year as well.
Speaker 4 (00:38):
Nice to see you John.
Speaker 2 (00:39):
And just clarify Hams Campbell from the National Party and
Ruben Davidson from the Labor Party. Hamus you were hanging
out with the boss yesterday.
Speaker 3 (00:46):
Oh yeah, it's good to be over banks Financiero Nuku
Murai for Wang Day.
Speaker 2 (00:50):
I think why wasn't he in why Toney?
Speaker 3 (00:53):
Look, I think kind of the treat he covers the
whole country, not just the North Island, so I think
it's really important that he was down here with Nightahoo.
Of course that's quite a major thing that the treat
he was signed over there as well, so I think
it's a really good thing for the South Island that
he was down here. Was actually a really great day.
Speaker 2 (01:11):
Reuben Davison. I saw one article said that Chris Hopkins
was a ray of sunshine at White Tonguy this week
and he delivered an off the cuff speech as he's
securing his space through until the next election.
Speaker 4 (01:24):
Do you think, Look, I think Chris was a ray
of sunshine at White Hongey and he's doing a great
job of leading the Labor Party and leading the opposition.
And the other point I would make is and Hamish
has talked about the significance of being Ornuku, and I
don't question that for a moment. But the Government porfity
(01:44):
was on the fifth of February, so that was the
day before everybody was at Ornuku, and a number of us,
myself included, were able to be at White Ungey for
not just the porfiity but also for the forums and
conversations and connection that happens there, and then also be
at Ornuku yesterday. Jerry Browne was amongst it. So I
think it's disappointing that the Prime Minister excluded himself and
(02:08):
didn't attend a significant porfoity for for for government and
politicians at Whitehan.
Speaker 2 (02:17):
You had to come down and announce bram Street on Wednesday.
But we'll get to that. Let's less talk about Cristi
of Jairport and this idea of being flooded by David
Seymour today that the government sell it's twenty five percent.
How much wants your responsible to that?
Speaker 3 (02:30):
Look, we're being very clear, we're not.
Speaker 2 (02:34):
I know that, but what's your what's your response to that?
Speaker 3 (02:36):
Look, we're not looking to sell state only enterprises. We
are focused on going for economic growth and.
Speaker 2 (02:42):
This term or full stop look this this term.
Speaker 3 (02:45):
Look, we I think kind of a lot of these
things get boiled down to kind of binary sell assets,
not sell assets. We're saying in the long term things
might change and would take things on a case by
case basis, but we're not looking to sell sell off
state owned enterprises.
Speaker 2 (03:00):
Where at the Crister Airport doesn't state on the enterprise.
Speaker 3 (03:04):
Well, no, that's true, but we do have a share.
We're not looking to sell it. Actually, the airport is
a great asset for the city. A lot of exports
go out of christ Church. If anything, we'd need more
flights so we can have more freight because of course
we want to double exports by twenty thirty and I
think we need to make sure that we've got all
the settings right.
Speaker 2 (03:22):
Is it the government's place to have money you tied
up in an airport?
Speaker 3 (03:27):
Look, I think we need to invest in a whole
wide range of things. And of course the government has
shares and a whole range of things here in christ
which including to Pie and we're not looking to sell
our share in that as well.
Speaker 2 (03:42):
I was going to there was some speculation during the
week that you were or you are.
Speaker 3 (03:47):
That was speculation, but as we said, we're not looking
to sell anything this time.
Speaker 2 (03:52):
Ruben Davidson, it would makes sense we'ren't for the government
free out the money rather than sitting in the airport company?
Is this well?
Speaker 4 (03:58):
I think I think the interesting thing here is it
it's David Seymour calling the shots again. He's basically dictating terms. Yeah, yeah,
so the question may get answer the question, repeat the question.
See honestly the question is to you, Ruben Davidson, Yes, John,
and you have low time limit to answer it. The
(04:19):
question is it makes sense for the government to free
out money rather than have it tied up in an
airport company. Well, I don't think that's the case. I
think that the overwhelming number of New Zealanders don't like
the idea of selling our assets. And when you've got
assets that are returning you know, money back, then one
earth would you sell it to become tenants in your
(04:40):
own country?
Speaker 2 (04:40):
Who doesn't like the idea.
Speaker 4 (04:42):
The majority of New Zealander the idea of selling assets.
Speaker 2 (04:45):
But do the majority of New Zealanders understand or know
what they're on about when it comes to assets?
Speaker 4 (04:50):
Honestly, I think I think you'd have a very hard
time making an argument for selling assets, especially assets like airports.
Hamish has talked about, you know, the amount of freight
that goes through christ Church Airport, the potential to see
continued growth at christ Church Airport. You'd be mad to
sell that asset off for somebody else to get the
returns from that. And I think I think that the
(05:14):
fact that that you know, David Seymour's throwing these ideas
out there and.
Speaker 2 (05:20):
It's just another look at the numbers. I mean I
did the numbers earlier just after night. I worked out
or estimated the government probably gets about five million dollars
a year from its stake in christ to airport chicken feed,
it could get more from from selling its share.
Speaker 4 (05:39):
Well, yes, you'd get more from selling it, and then
you'd get nothing because you wouldn't own it anymore. And
it's also it's the beginning of a process, right, it's
the beginning of a privatization agenda that David Seymour is
pushing on this government, and this government isn't going to
push back. They've said, oh yeah, we'll look at it
at the next election. And if you start with the
airports and then what do you move to health schools?
Speaker 2 (06:01):
Well, the governments already talked about Rhodes and Hamish Campbell
brahmzed through. It was announced on Wednesday. Any any foreign
money likely to be enticed.
Speaker 3 (06:11):
Towards it, we're drawing on a contingency from the last
budget to fund that. I think it's a great, great announcement.
Of course, we had contributed funding last May for the
pre implementation study and kind of some buying some strategic properties.
So I think it's great to see christ which moving.
It's really important. There's over forty five thousand vehicle traffic
(06:32):
down there each day and so it's a key link
between Canterbury and our Port and also it's a great
move for crushes.
Speaker 2 (06:40):
Would you agree that nothing should change in terms of
the speed limit on the road on the High Motorway
from Roliston to christ Church until brahmze Tore it's completed.
Speaker 3 (06:49):
No, look, I think it's sooner rather than later is
probably better. That Southern Motorway is actually a great, great
road of course, that was started off as a Road
of National significance under the previous National government and the
correct labor they finished off stage two. I think it's
a really really good road. We also have, of course
in the Northern Corridor, which is another great road here
(07:12):
in New Zealand that was funded under the Roads of
National Significance, and I think we need to make sure
that we have a lot of these projects going on
in the future.
Speaker 2 (07:20):
Ruben Davidson, I've got faith in you. But it's difficult
to pick holes in the bron Street announcement, is it.
Speaker 4 (07:26):
Well, here's the thing, it's it's the bron Street announcement
is ultimately a win for the local community because that
Brome Street upgrade was there and was funded. National canceled it.
The community rightly was very vocal about the need for
that upgrade grow and so well why cancel it in
the first place.
Speaker 3 (07:45):
And I think we were got to be very careful.
There's certain people that try and make political footballs over
some of these investments, but actually we need to work
together to make sure we get the best outcome for
people in Christes.
Speaker 2 (07:55):
All right, And what it was, say, Ruben, is we're
all about being future focused. Let's talk about Eastgate more.
Some concerns about the criminal activity that goes on around
East Gate, Ruben, what's your what's your impression of it?
Is it as bad as some people are saying.
Speaker 4 (08:13):
Look, there is definitely an issue locally, and I'm not
surprised at all that there are a local businesses and
local building owners who are really concerned about it. But
there are also local residents who are concerned about about
the levels of crime and the unsafe environments that exist
around Eastgate. I think that, I mean, that's that's not
(08:35):
fear for any community. And what we need to see is,
I mean, ultimately, what I'd like to see is that
the Police Minister comes down and takes a look on
the ground at what's happening there and what needs to
be done. To solve it. And I think what we've
seen is you know, there was the promise that there'd
be five hundred new police. We're still all right, we
(08:57):
need police on the ground.
Speaker 2 (08:58):
Hamish my viewers, that can be just as bad around
other malls around town. What's your view.
Speaker 3 (09:04):
Look, it's really unfortunate here of East Skate and the
problems that they're having over there. But I think you're right.
All balls, I think have been a bit of a
target for retail crime. So we have set up a
retail Crime Advisory Group. Of course, beat police, pray.
Speaker 2 (09:20):
The question you're doing, you're doing the same as rob
and you're slipping in the key messages. The question. The
question was do you think things are as bad or
getting close to being as bared around the other malls
regular riculum all for example, I.
Speaker 3 (09:35):
Think any crime crime is bad, and people whether they
work in retail or anything, that's not the question is.
Speaker 2 (09:41):
Do you go to the malls? Do you go to
the malls for you?
Speaker 3 (09:47):
No, I probably don't go to Eskate. Look, every now
and again i'll go to ricktam Well. I'm not a
great great shopper. The thing is, last time I was here,
there was actually two policemen walking through and I think
that's a really really good sign and I think it's
a very good terrent for crime that happens. But everybody
should be able to go to work without the risk
of assault and things like that, which I think is
(10:07):
what's been reported at Est Skate and so yes, so
the more we can do the better.
Speaker 2 (10:11):
I mean, what the people are calling the landlords around
in the vicinity of East Skate, they want more patrols
on the street twenty four seven. Once your view of that, Homers, I.
Speaker 3 (10:23):
Think that's really kind of an operational matter for the police.
Were of course encourage them to have more beat patrols,
but I think they really need to be in conversation
with the local police command to actually make.
Speaker 2 (10:35):
Sure that I don't get this operational thing. It's operational
for you politicians. It's operational when it suits and when
there's a photo opportunity suddenly it's not operational.
Speaker 4 (10:44):
Look, what I think it has happened here is that
there's been an instruction to increase beats in certain areas,
and that has happened. But if there hasn't been an
increase to the number of police on the beat, then
where have they come from? And that's exactly areas like
Eastgate that don't have the boots on the ground police
(11:04):
that are required to make that community feel safe.
Speaker 2 (11:07):
Because there are police. And maybe this might be exaggeration,
but in central City it's crawling with police compared to
what was.
Speaker 4 (11:14):
Well, we've seen a lot of talk of that and
we've seen you know, the government celebrating the fact that
they've increased police in central christ Church, in central Auckland,
but that's been at the expense of communities like land
Wood and like ease Gay.
Speaker 2 (11:26):
Would I totally disagree with hold on the people on
the ground. You say you haven't been in whisky.
Speaker 3 (11:31):
Well, no, that that's true, but it doesn't mean I
don't know what's kind of going on, like have you
say that? Or the thing is we have increased the
number of beat police and we are increasing the number
of police. We have seen a huge decrease in violent crime.
We've seen eighty percent decrease in ram raids. Let's not
forget what's been happening over the last under the last government.
Speaker 2 (11:54):
Hold on key messages, key messages, let's talk about going
on China and Rara Tonga. Now Ruben, you can't deny
that Nanaima Hut is some blame to carry for this
because she dropped the ball when she was Foreign Minister
and the Pacific Islands felt very neglected.
Speaker 4 (12:18):
I probably disagree with that.
Speaker 2 (12:19):
Well, I know you would.
Speaker 4 (12:21):
Well when you said I can't deny, I just did.
I disagree with that. I don't think that's the case
at all. And what I'm hearing is that there's a
lot of concern from Cook Island citizens that there just
hasn't been the consultation that they would expect with the
proposal for how you know, the ramifications that this could have.
Speaker 2 (12:42):
For them, amos kemll How concerned you about this? I
mean heading off to China? This is quite something, eh.
Speaker 3 (12:50):
Look, the Cocons are their own country, so sure, we
have a very close relationship with them, and of course
over the last since probably about twenty twenty one, we've
contributed over one hundred and fifty million dollars of aid
to the Cocons. The Pacific is a very important region.
We want our neighbors to do well. But at the
(13:10):
end of the day, they are their own their own
country and can make choices.
Speaker 2 (13:14):
So you're so you're purely comfortable with it.
Speaker 3 (13:17):
I think that probably really is a question for the
Foreign Minister and the Prime minister. There is international relations.
I think we need to make sure that there's transparency
of what's what's going on. The closer ties we have
to our Pacific area is the better.
Speaker 2 (13:33):
Okay, let's finish off, and I appreciate you've got to
be careful international diplomacy here, and we don't want to
blow something up on twenty seven past ten on a
Friday morning when we're already thinking about, you know, the
weekend and operating on skeleton staff. So let's finish up
with the unmployment rates. So the unemployment rate for fifteen
to nineteen year olds has came out on Wednesday. It's
(13:54):
reached twenty three percent, the highest and more than a decade,
with this age group of county for more than half
of all job losses last year. Rubin, I've got a
question for you, and same question for you Homish. How
do you help these kids to get into work, but
also in the meantime, how do you keep them motivated?
Speaker 4 (14:14):
Yeah, look, that's a great question, and I think there
are lots of ways that that can happen. What we've
seen is unemployment climbing and climbing and climbing, and the
response from government has been to put sanctions on beneficiaries. Well,
what you actually need to do is create jobs and opportunities.
Speaker 2 (14:32):
Yeah, that's one of those things. So the question is
how do you keep these young people motivated and not
give up?
Speaker 4 (14:39):
Absolutely, So that's about making sure that people have access
to fantastic education, and that can be at high school,
that can also be at tertiary level. That can also
be through trades training, through apprenticeships, through things like jobs
for nature. So recognizing that people need opportunities, they need jobs,
and they want them. But if you keep I mean,
(15:01):
we've seen thirteen thousand less construction jobs. We're seeing jobs
literally dis appearing under this government, opportunities disappearing under this government,
and the kinds of support that young people need to
find a career and a pathway and things that they
are passionate about are simply not being provided. And that's
(15:22):
why we're seeing these huge levels of unemployment across the board,
but particularly for young people.
Speaker 2 (15:27):
So how much how do you how do you keep
these young people motivated rather than turning to thinking I
sign up for the DOLE and then when I know
where that leads.
Speaker 3 (15:35):
Yeah, and look, and I think I actually agree with
some things that Reuben said. I think we do need
to make sure we have hope and actually have a
good education system and actually have jobs available for them
to do. So that part, I think we both actually agree.
But we've seen that some of these kids coming out
with school without really having a proper education. We've seen
school a tendency attendance really low. Over the last couple
(15:58):
of years, we have increased the number of school attendants.
We're making sure there's structured literacy and strut the question
don't know, I don't want that noise you made previously
when you're.
Speaker 2 (16:08):
Coming after it. No, I just I just intervened.
Speaker 1 (16:11):
That, right.
Speaker 3 (16:12):
Sorry, But the thing is, what we've seen is we've
seen unemployment right, continuing to rise over the last three years.
It is actually a symptom of economic mismanagement. We've seen
inflation out of control. We've seen interest rates going out
of control. And the course now now the way you
have those down, we have focused on going for growth.
That is what you've heard time and time again this
(16:34):
year that we want to.
Speaker 2 (16:36):
Make sure that that's what we need to do to
give We hear that, but you imagine being a seventeen
year old at home time and time again told oh no,
not successful, not successful. Hearing a representative of the government
saying we're going for growth is going to be of
no help or assistance to them.
Speaker 3 (16:57):
Look, by making things easier, like lower with interest rates lower,
that's the cafes have more ability to kind of borrow
some money to grow, to invest in their business, which
means that they need more staff, which means that seventeen
year old is going to have those opportunities to have
employment and to grow this sky.
Speaker 2 (17:13):
Here's the question I've got you for both of you
start with your home much just to wind it up,
do you think we have become Do you think we've
got worse at giving young people a go, giving them
a chance, trying them out, not worrying too much about
what qualifications or experience they've got.
Speaker 3 (17:29):
Look, I think we need to have flexibility in the
employment market so that actually employers can and will take
a risk on some of these people. And that is
why actually the ninety day trials has actually been a
good thing. So you can take a punt on someone
try and give them a shot, because we do need
to make sure that we give our children opportunities. And
that's why we need and here in christ which actually
(17:50):
the employment unemployment rate is a lot lower than a
lot of places in the country. And you look at
some of the things that are going on in this
country and the city, look at the high tech jobs,
look at some of the great startups, and we've got
to make sure we go for growth and encouragees to grow.
Speaker 2 (18:05):
So you don't think we've got worse at giving people
a chance.
Speaker 3 (18:07):
Well, look, I think we probably have. But I think
it's time to turn around and have a positive mindset
for the country.
Speaker 2 (18:13):
Well again, you can't. Is that what you tell a
seventeen year old positive one?
Speaker 3 (18:18):
I think there's a lot of opportunities being opened up
here in christ Church. I think we've seen a lot
of companies taking on staff here in christ Church, and
I think that's what we need to encourage.
Speaker 2 (18:27):
Reuben Davidson, and we got worse at giving people a chance.
Speaker 4 (18:31):
I think we should never talk about employing young people
as taking a risk. I think in New Zealand, employing
young people that's about bringing the future.
Speaker 2 (18:40):
And well, yes, you said, but from an employe's perspective,
it is a risk because in some ways it is
easier to take on someone who has some experience.
Speaker 4 (18:49):
I think that when central government. Where central government plays
a key role here is in creating pathways and programs
at high school level and beyond high school, around trades training,
around apprenticeships, around supporting people into tertiary study, around jobs
for nature, so that central government and business can work
(19:10):
together on providing pathways for our young people. And it
should never be seen as a risk. It should be
seen as a partnership between business and central government, with
young people coming through finding meaningful employment where they can
be part of their community and contribute.
Speaker 2 (19:28):
There is your an argument for compulsory volunteering work, for example,
with someone of a certain age who's unemployed fifteen to
nineteen years old.
Speaker 4 (19:37):
I think you have to be careful about forcing people
to do things because I think the outcome there is
probably not going to be like if you force someone
who doesn't want to work in a conservation role to
trek up a hill.
Speaker 2 (19:49):
And I'm talking about working in a business anywhere, free labor,
free experience.
Speaker 4 (19:55):
Yeah, I think you're setting people, the individuals taking part,
and the business is up to fail if you start
compelling people to do work in that kind of way.
I think it's much more about identifying young people these
days have a really clear idea of where they see
themselves in the world and the kind of New Zealand
that they want to be part of. I think it's
(20:16):
about ensuring that they can be supported to get into
those industries. Haymous talks about tech. Christ Church's placed to
be the tech hub of New Zealand. Young people need
to be supported into that sector where every kind of
job and role exists.
Speaker 2 (20:31):
All right, Ruben Davis, so nice to see you. Now.
Speaker 4 (20:33):
I've got to give a quick shout out head online.
South Shore nominated for best Choicest Suburb in New Zealand.
We need every vote we can get, so just google
south Shore choicest suburbs least on the show, John, I
promise and an Island will try next to year.
Speaker 2 (20:53):
Haymus Campbell, great to see it.
Speaker 3 (20:54):
Great to see you. Exciting weekend ahead of course, We've
got sparks from the park, a lot of things happening
here on christ all sorts stuff.
Speaker 2 (21:00):
Have a good weekend, whatever you were.
Speaker 1 (21:02):
Doing for More from Canterbory Mornings with John McDonald. Listen
live to news talks It'd be Christchurch from nine am weekdays,
or follow the podcast on iHeartRadio
You're listening to the Canterbury Morning's podcast with John McDonald
from News Talk z'b.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
I want to put money on it. Hamish Campbell has
just said to me that he and Ruben Davidson will
be very respectful of each other during politics Friday. But
the record, for the record, I'm not put I'm not
putting on my behalf. I'm not I'm not putting money
on it. Morning to you, Hamish Campbell.
Speaker 3 (00:30):
Good morning, morning John.
Speaker 2 (00:31):
How are you.
Speaker 3 (00:31):
It's good to see five first time.
Speaker 2 (00:34):
I'm not gonna say that. Ruben Davidson nice year as well.
Speaker 4 (00:38):
Nice to see you John.
Speaker 2 (00:39):
And just clarify Hams Campbell from the National Party and
Ruben Davidson from the Labor Party. Hamus you were hanging
out with the boss yesterday.
Speaker 3 (00:46):
Oh yeah, it's good to be over banks Financiero Nuku
Murai for Wang Day.
Speaker 2 (00:50):
I think why wasn't he in why Toney?
Speaker 3 (00:53):
Look, I think kind of the treat he covers the
whole country, not just the North Island, so I think
it's really important that he was down here with Nightahoo.
Of course that's quite a major thing that the treat
he was signed over there as well, so I think
it's a really good thing for the South Island that
he was down here. Was actually a really great day.
Speaker 2 (01:11):
Reuben Davison. I saw one article said that Chris Hopkins
was a ray of sunshine at White Tonguy this week
and he delivered an off the cuff speech as he's
securing his space through until the next election.
Speaker 4 (01:24):
Do you think, Look, I think Chris was a ray
of sunshine at White Hongey and he's doing a great
job of leading the Labor Party and leading the opposition.
And the other point I would make is and Hamish
has talked about the significance of being Ornuku, and I
don't question that for a moment. But the Government porfity
(01:44):
was on the fifth of February, so that was the
day before everybody was at Ornuku, and a number of us,
myself included, were able to be at White Ungey for
not just the porfiity but also for the forums and
conversations and connection that happens there, and then also be
at Ornuku yesterday. Jerry Browne was amongst it. So I
think it's disappointing that the Prime Minister excluded himself and
(02:08):
didn't attend a significant porfoity for for for government and
politicians at Whitehan.
Speaker 2 (02:17):
You had to come down and announce bram Street on Wednesday.
But we'll get to that. Let's less talk about Cristi
of Jairport and this idea of being flooded by David
Seymour today that the government sell it's twenty five percent.
How much wants your responsible to that?
Speaker 3 (02:30):
Look, we're being very clear, we're not.
Speaker 2 (02:34):
I know that, but what's your what's your response to that?
Speaker 3 (02:36):
Look, we're not looking to sell state only enterprises. We
are focused on going for economic growth and.
Speaker 2 (02:42):
This term or full stop look this this term.
Speaker 3 (02:45):
Look, we I think kind of a lot of these
things get boiled down to kind of binary sell assets,
not sell assets. We're saying in the long term things
might change and would take things on a case by
case basis, but we're not looking to sell sell off
state owned enterprises.
Speaker 2 (03:00):
Where at the Crister Airport doesn't state on the enterprise.
Speaker 3 (03:04):
Well, no, that's true, but we do have a share.
We're not looking to sell it. Actually, the airport is
a great asset for the city. A lot of exports
go out of christ Church. If anything, we'd need more
flights so we can have more freight because of course
we want to double exports by twenty thirty and I
think we need to make sure that we've got all
the settings right.
Speaker 2 (03:22):
Is it the government's place to have money you tied
up in an airport?
Speaker 3 (03:27):
Look, I think we need to invest in a whole
wide range of things. And of course the government has
shares and a whole range of things here in christ
which including to Pie and we're not looking to sell
our share in that as well.
Speaker 2 (03:42):
I was going to there was some speculation during the
week that you were or you are.
Speaker 3 (03:47):
That was speculation, but as we said, we're not looking
to sell anything this time.
Speaker 2 (03:52):
Ruben Davidson, it would makes sense we'ren't for the government
free out the money rather than sitting in the airport company?
Is this well?
Speaker 4 (03:58):
I think I think the interesting thing here is it
it's David Seymour calling the shots again. He's basically dictating terms. Yeah, yeah,
so the question may get answer the question, repeat the question.
See honestly the question is to you, Ruben Davidson, Yes, John,
and you have low time limit to answer it. The
(04:19):
question is it makes sense for the government to free
out money rather than have it tied up in an
airport company. Well, I don't think that's the case. I
think that the overwhelming number of New Zealanders don't like
the idea of selling our assets. And when you've got
assets that are returning you know, money back, then one
earth would you sell it to become tenants in your
(04:40):
own country?
Speaker 2 (04:40):
Who doesn't like the idea.
Speaker 4 (04:42):
The majority of New Zealander the idea of selling assets.
Speaker 2 (04:45):
But do the majority of New Zealanders understand or know
what they're on about when it comes to assets?
Speaker 4 (04:50):
Honestly, I think I think you'd have a very hard
time making an argument for selling assets, especially assets like airports.
Hamish has talked about, you know, the amount of freight
that goes through christ Church Airport, the potential to see
continued growth at christ Church Airport. You'd be mad to
sell that asset off for somebody else to get the
returns from that. And I think I think that the
(05:14):
fact that that you know, David Seymour's throwing these ideas
out there and.
Speaker 2 (05:20):
It's just another look at the numbers. I mean I
did the numbers earlier just after night. I worked out
or estimated the government probably gets about five million dollars
a year from its stake in christ to airport chicken feed,
it could get more from from selling its share.
Speaker 4 (05:39):
Well, yes, you'd get more from selling it, and then
you'd get nothing because you wouldn't own it anymore. And
it's also it's the beginning of a process, right, it's
the beginning of a privatization agenda that David Seymour is
pushing on this government, and this government isn't going to
push back. They've said, oh yeah, we'll look at it
at the next election. And if you start with the
airports and then what do you move to health schools?
Speaker 2 (06:01):
Well, the governments already talked about Rhodes and Hamish Campbell
brahmzed through. It was announced on Wednesday. Any any foreign
money likely to be enticed.
Speaker 3 (06:11):
Towards it, we're drawing on a contingency from the last
budget to fund that. I think it's a great, great announcement.
Of course, we had contributed funding last May for the
pre implementation study and kind of some buying some strategic properties.
So I think it's great to see christ which moving.
It's really important. There's over forty five thousand vehicle traffic
(06:32):
down there each day and so it's a key link
between Canterbury and our Port and also it's a great
move for crushes.
Speaker 2 (06:40):
Would you agree that nothing should change in terms of
the speed limit on the road on the High Motorway
from Roliston to christ Church until brahmze Tore it's completed.
Speaker 3 (06:49):
No, look, I think it's sooner rather than later is
probably better. That Southern Motorway is actually a great, great
road of course, that was started off as a Road
of National significance under the previous National government and the
correct labor they finished off stage two. I think it's
a really really good road. We also have, of course
in the Northern Corridor, which is another great road here
(07:12):
in New Zealand that was funded under the Roads of
National Significance, and I think we need to make sure
that we have a lot of these projects going on
in the future.
Speaker 2 (07:20):
Ruben Davidson, I've got faith in you. But it's difficult
to pick holes in the bron Street announcement, is it.
Speaker 4 (07:26):
Well, here's the thing, it's it's the bron Street announcement
is ultimately a win for the local community because that
Brome Street upgrade was there and was funded. National canceled it.
The community rightly was very vocal about the need for
that upgrade grow and so well why cancel it in
the first place.
Speaker 3 (07:45):
And I think we were got to be very careful.
There's certain people that try and make political footballs over
some of these investments, but actually we need to work
together to make sure we get the best outcome for
people in Christes.
Speaker 2 (07:55):
All right, And what it was, say, Ruben, is we're
all about being future focused. Let's talk about Eastgate more.
Some concerns about the criminal activity that goes on around
East Gate, Ruben, what's your what's your impression of it?
Is it as bad as some people are saying.
Speaker 4 (08:13):
Look, there is definitely an issue locally, and I'm not
surprised at all that there are a local businesses and
local building owners who are really concerned about it. But
there are also local residents who are concerned about about
the levels of crime and the unsafe environments that exist
around Eastgate. I think that, I mean, that's that's not
(08:35):
fear for any community. And what we need to see is,
I mean, ultimately, what I'd like to see is that
the Police Minister comes down and takes a look on
the ground at what's happening there and what needs to
be done. To solve it. And I think what we've
seen is you know, there was the promise that there'd
be five hundred new police. We're still all right, we
(08:57):
need police on the ground.
Speaker 2 (08:58):
Hamish my viewers, that can be just as bad around
other malls around town. What's your view.
Speaker 3 (09:04):
Look, it's really unfortunate here of East Skate and the
problems that they're having over there. But I think you're right.
All balls, I think have been a bit of a
target for retail crime. So we have set up a
retail Crime Advisory Group. Of course, beat police, pray.
Speaker 2 (09:20):
The question you're doing, you're doing the same as rob
and you're slipping in the key messages. The question. The
question was do you think things are as bad or
getting close to being as bared around the other malls
regular riculum all for example, I.
Speaker 3 (09:35):
Think any crime crime is bad, and people whether they
work in retail or anything, that's not the question is.
Speaker 2 (09:41):
Do you go to the malls? Do you go to
the malls for you?
Speaker 3 (09:47):
No, I probably don't go to Eskate. Look, every now
and again i'll go to ricktam Well. I'm not a
great great shopper. The thing is, last time I was here,
there was actually two policemen walking through and I think
that's a really really good sign and I think it's
a very good terrent for crime that happens. But everybody
should be able to go to work without the risk
of assault and things like that, which I think is
(10:07):
what's been reported at Est Skate and so yes, so
the more we can do the better.
Speaker 2 (10:11):
I mean, what the people are calling the landlords around
in the vicinity of East Skate, they want more patrols
on the street twenty four seven. Once your view of that, Homers, I.
Speaker 3 (10:23):
Think that's really kind of an operational matter for the police.
Were of course encourage them to have more beat patrols,
but I think they really need to be in conversation
with the local police command to actually make.
Speaker 2 (10:35):
Sure that I don't get this operational thing. It's operational
for you politicians. It's operational when it suits and when
there's a photo opportunity suddenly it's not operational.
Speaker 4 (10:44):
Look, what I think it has happened here is that
there's been an instruction to increase beats in certain areas,
and that has happened. But if there hasn't been an
increase to the number of police on the beat, then
where have they come from? And that's exactly areas like
Eastgate that don't have the boots on the ground police
(11:04):
that are required to make that community feel safe.
Speaker 2 (11:07):
Because there are police. And maybe this might be exaggeration,
but in central City it's crawling with police compared to
what was.
Speaker 4 (11:14):
Well, we've seen a lot of talk of that and
we've seen you know, the government celebrating the fact that
they've increased police in central christ Church, in central Auckland,
but that's been at the expense of communities like land
Wood and like ease Gay.
Speaker 2 (11:26):
Would I totally disagree with hold on the people on
the ground. You say you haven't been in whisky.
Speaker 3 (11:31):
Well, no, that that's true, but it doesn't mean I
don't know what's kind of going on, like have you
say that? Or the thing is we have increased the
number of beat police and we are increasing the number
of police. We have seen a huge decrease in violent crime.
We've seen eighty percent decrease in ram raids. Let's not
forget what's been happening over the last under the last government.
Speaker 2 (11:54):
Hold on key messages, key messages, let's talk about going
on China and Rara Tonga. Now Ruben, you can't deny
that Nanaima Hut is some blame to carry for this
because she dropped the ball when she was Foreign Minister
and the Pacific Islands felt very neglected.
Speaker 4 (12:18):
I probably disagree with that.
Speaker 2 (12:19):
Well, I know you would.
Speaker 4 (12:21):
Well when you said I can't deny, I just did.
I disagree with that. I don't think that's the case
at all. And what I'm hearing is that there's a
lot of concern from Cook Island citizens that there just
hasn't been the consultation that they would expect with the
proposal for how you know, the ramifications that this could have.
Speaker 2 (12:42):
For them, amos kemll How concerned you about this? I
mean heading off to China? This is quite something, eh.
Speaker 3 (12:50):
Look, the Cocons are their own country, so sure, we
have a very close relationship with them, and of course
over the last since probably about twenty twenty one, we've
contributed over one hundred and fifty million dollars of aid
to the Cocons. The Pacific is a very important region.
We want our neighbors to do well. But at the
(13:10):
end of the day, they are their own their own
country and can make choices.
Speaker 2 (13:14):
So you're so you're purely comfortable with it.
Speaker 3 (13:17):
I think that probably really is a question for the
Foreign Minister and the Prime minister. There is international relations.
I think we need to make sure that there's transparency
of what's what's going on. The closer ties we have
to our Pacific area is the better.
Speaker 2 (13:33):
Okay, let's finish off, and I appreciate you've got to
be careful international diplomacy here, and we don't want to
blow something up on twenty seven past ten on a
Friday morning when we're already thinking about, you know, the
weekend and operating on skeleton staff. So let's finish up
with the unmployment rates. So the unemployment rate for fifteen
to nineteen year olds has came out on Wednesday. It's
(13:54):
reached twenty three percent, the highest and more than a decade,
with this age group of county for more than half
of all job losses last year. Rubin, I've got a
question for you, and same question for you Homish. How
do you help these kids to get into work, but
also in the meantime, how do you keep them motivated?
Speaker 4 (14:14):
Yeah, look, that's a great question, and I think there
are lots of ways that that can happen. What we've
seen is unemployment climbing and climbing and climbing, and the
response from government has been to put sanctions on beneficiaries. Well,
what you actually need to do is create jobs and opportunities.
Speaker 2 (14:32):
Yeah, that's one of those things. So the question is
how do you keep these young people motivated and not
give up?
Speaker 4 (14:39):
Absolutely, So that's about making sure that people have access
to fantastic education, and that can be at high school,
that can also be at tertiary level. That can also
be through trades training, through apprenticeships, through things like jobs
for nature. So recognizing that people need opportunities, they need jobs,
and they want them. But if you keep I mean,
(15:01):
we've seen thirteen thousand less construction jobs. We're seeing jobs
literally dis appearing under this government, opportunities disappearing under this government,
and the kinds of support that young people need to
find a career and a pathway and things that they
are passionate about are simply not being provided. And that's
(15:22):
why we're seeing these huge levels of unemployment across the board,
but particularly for young people.
Speaker 2 (15:27):
So how much how do you how do you keep
these young people motivated rather than turning to thinking I
sign up for the DOLE and then when I know
where that leads.
Speaker 3 (15:35):
Yeah, and look, and I think I actually agree with
some things that Reuben said. I think we do need
to make sure we have hope and actually have a
good education system and actually have jobs available for them
to do. So that part, I think we both actually agree.
But we've seen that some of these kids coming out
with school without really having a proper education. We've seen
school a tendency attendance really low. Over the last couple
(15:58):
of years, we have increased the number of school attendants.
We're making sure there's structured literacy and strut the question
don't know, I don't want that noise you made previously
when you're.
Speaker 2 (16:08):
Coming after it. No, I just I just intervened.
Speaker 1 (16:11):
That, right.
Speaker 3 (16:12):
Sorry, But the thing is, what we've seen is we've
seen unemployment right, continuing to rise over the last three years.
It is actually a symptom of economic mismanagement. We've seen
inflation out of control. We've seen interest rates going out
of control. And the course now now the way you
have those down, we have focused on going for growth.
That is what you've heard time and time again this
(16:34):
year that we want to.
Speaker 2 (16:36):
Make sure that that's what we need to do to
give We hear that, but you imagine being a seventeen
year old at home time and time again told oh no,
not successful, not successful. Hearing a representative of the government
saying we're going for growth is going to be of
no help or assistance to them.
Speaker 3 (16:57):
Look, by making things easier, like lower with interest rates lower,
that's the cafes have more ability to kind of borrow
some money to grow, to invest in their business, which
means that they need more staff, which means that seventeen
year old is going to have those opportunities to have
employment and to grow this sky.
Speaker 2 (17:13):
Here's the question I've got you for both of you
start with your home much just to wind it up,
do you think we have become Do you think we've
got worse at giving young people a go, giving them
a chance, trying them out, not worrying too much about
what qualifications or experience they've got.
Speaker 3 (17:29):
Look, I think we need to have flexibility in the
employment market so that actually employers can and will take
a risk on some of these people. And that is
why actually the ninety day trials has actually been a
good thing. So you can take a punt on someone
try and give them a shot, because we do need
to make sure that we give our children opportunities. And
that's why we need and here in christ which actually
(17:50):
the employment unemployment rate is a lot lower than a
lot of places in the country. And you look at
some of the things that are going on in this
country and the city, look at the high tech jobs,
look at some of the great startups, and we've got
to make sure we go for growth and encouragees to grow.
Speaker 2 (18:05):
So you don't think we've got worse at giving people
a chance.
Speaker 3 (18:07):
Well, look, I think we probably have. But I think
it's time to turn around and have a positive mindset
for the country.
Speaker 2 (18:13):
Well again, you can't. Is that what you tell a
seventeen year old positive one?
Speaker 3 (18:18):
I think there's a lot of opportunities being opened up
here in christ Church. I think we've seen a lot
of companies taking on staff here in christ Church, and
I think that's what we need to encourage.
Speaker 2 (18:27):
Reuben Davidson, and we got worse at giving people a chance.
Speaker 4 (18:31):
I think we should never talk about employing young people
as taking a risk. I think in New Zealand, employing
young people that's about bringing the future.
Speaker 2 (18:40):
And well, yes, you said, but from an employe's perspective,
it is a risk because in some ways it is
easier to take on someone who has some experience.
Speaker 4 (18:49):
I think that when central government. Where central government plays
a key role here is in creating pathways and programs
at high school level and beyond high school, around trades training,
around apprenticeships, around supporting people into tertiary study, around jobs
for nature, so that central government and business can work
(19:10):
together on providing pathways for our young people. And it
should never be seen as a risk. It should be
seen as a partnership between business and central government, with
young people coming through finding meaningful employment where they can
be part of their community and contribute.
Speaker 2 (19:28):
There is your an argument for compulsory volunteering work, for example,
with someone of a certain age who's unemployed fifteen to
nineteen years old.
Speaker 4 (19:37):
I think you have to be careful about forcing people
to do things because I think the outcome there is
probably not going to be like if you force someone
who doesn't want to work in a conservation role to
trek up a hill.
Speaker 2 (19:49):
And I'm talking about working in a business anywhere, free labor,
free experience.
Speaker 4 (19:55):
Yeah, I think you're setting people, the individuals taking part,
and the business is up to fail if you start
compelling people to do work in that kind of way.
I think it's much more about identifying young people these
days have a really clear idea of where they see
themselves in the world and the kind of New Zealand
that they want to be part of. I think it's
(20:16):
about ensuring that they can be supported to get into
those industries. Haymous talks about tech. Christ Church's placed to
be the tech hub of New Zealand. Young people need
to be supported into that sector where every kind of
job and role exists.
Speaker 2 (20:31):
All right, Ruben Davis, so nice to see you. Now.
Speaker 4 (20:33):
I've got to give a quick shout out head online.
South Shore nominated for best Choicest Suburb in New Zealand.
We need every vote we can get, so just google
south Shore choicest suburbs least on the show, John, I
promise and an Island will try next to year.
Speaker 2 (20:53):
Haymus Campbell, great to see it.
Speaker 3 (20:54):
Great to see you. Exciting weekend ahead of course, We've
got sparks from the park, a lot of things happening
here on christ all sorts stuff.
Speaker 2 (21:00):
Have a good weekend, whatever you were.
Speaker 1 (21:02):
Doing for More from Canterbory Mornings with John McDonald. Listen
live to news talks It'd be Christchurch from nine am weekdays,
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