Early Edition on Newstalk ZB

Archives New Zealand's shutting down its digital archiving programme. 

It's part of an initiative to digitise historically significant images and documents. 

But the agency says it's been unable to secure further funding, and it will have to cut at least three jobs. 

Historian Paul Moon told Mike Hosking that this is important work and should remain. 

He says the Governm...

A potential power outage is looming in the chilly air. 

Many parts of the country have seen temperatures dropping below zero with an early season cold snap. 

Electricity grid operator Transpower's warning households to limit power use between 7 and 9 Friday morning where possible.  

It suggests turning off lights and heaters and delaying use of appliances.  

Contact Ener...

Another pro-Palestine encampment was cleared by Police, resulting in the arrest of 33 protestors. 

Hundreds of police stormed the grounds at Washington’s George Washington University early this morning, using pepper spray to clear the encampment. 

This came just hours before city officials were due to appear before Congress to justify their actions, or lack thereof, regarding the protest. 

...

Air New Zealand's reliability has fallen, and it's trailing Jetstar in figures for last month as it grapples with engine problems. 

Only 77% of its domestic flights arrived within 15 minutes of scheduled times last month, down from 88% in January. 

Jetstar reported no domestic cancellations last month and almost 79% of flights were on time. 

Aviation Commentator Irene King told Mike H...

A Wellington City Councillor says the fight isn't over to remove the heritage listing from derelict buildings. 

RMA Minister Chris Bishop has signed off on the council's housing recommendations, unlocking the potential for up-zoning across the city. 

But an amendment to de-list 10 buildings to allow for demolition wasn't approved due to legal constraints. 

Councillor Ben McNulty told ...

A public health academic says David Seymour's claims he can reduce funding for the school lunch programme while delivering the same results is a big call to make.  

The Associate Health Minister's unveiled a slimmed down version of the programme he says will save $107 million a year.  

He says they'll reduce costs by bulk buying and serving simple items.  

But Health Coalition Aotearo...

Israeli tanks have now entered Rafah, taking control of the border. 

Yesterday saw Hamas agree to a ceasefire proposal, but Israel believes the terms do not go far enough and as such, are continuing their mission. 

Despite this, a delegation is being sent to negotiate, trying to reach an agreement.  

Former Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem Fleur Hassan-Nahoum told Mike Hosking the ceasefire ...

There are lessons to be learned from the Auditor-General's review of last year's election.  

The report's found the final check of the official election results was done within a few hours on the day it was announced.  

The rushed assessment failed to identify multiple errors. 

It also recommends improvements to controls, quality assurance, recruitment, training, and risk management

More coal's being burned to keep up with energy demand. 

The Gas Industry Company has revealed there was a 12.5% reduction in gas production last year. 

It's also found nearly 30% less gas was produced in the first three months of this year than projected. 

Energy Minister Simeon Brown says it's because the last Government's disincentivised gas production. 

He told Mike ...

An Australian pilot operating in international waters was forced to take evasive action. 

A Chinese military jet detonated flares close to the Navy helicopter as it flew above the Yellow Sea near South Korea. 

The Defence Department has described the actions of the Chinese Air Force plane as “unsafe and unprofessional”. 

Australian Correspondent Donna Demaio told Mike Hosking that the...

The OECD is pointing to an economic hangover in our economy in its biennial report. 

It's advising the Government to gradually get the books back into surplus, with economic growth still sluggish and productivity waning. 

The OECD also supports cutting government spending but warns of unintended consequences from doing so. 

Independent economist Cameron Bagrie told Mike Hosking that t...

The Government's throwing $1.9 billion at Corrections with a pledge to restore law and order.  

It will add more than 800 extra beds at Waikeria Prison and recruit 685 more frontline Corrections staff.  

Criminal defence lawyer John Munro says more beds will result in more people in prison.  

He told Mike Hosking that we need to be careful we don't end up following in the footsteps of...

The Government has made its first move in its Local Water Done Well reforms – the replacement for Three Waters. 

A deal has been brokered with Auckland Council which will allow Watercare to borrow 1.9 billion over the next ten years for long-term infrastructure. The deal will stop the proposed 25.8 percent water rates increase this year, bringing it down to 7.2 percent. 

W...

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is facing down his critics after another set of poor election results.  

Europe correspondent Gavin Grey tells Mike Hosking the infighting has begun within Sunak’s party following local council, Mayoral and Police Commissioner elections as well as on by-election all delivering huge losses for conservatives. 

And, security is being tightened in Sweden ahead of the Eurov...

The Warriors have suffered their third defeat in a row, falling 14-8 to the Newcastle Knights. 

The men’s and women’s New Zealand sevens-teams have completed back-to-back victories to finish the world series regular season. The series-leading women defeated Australia 31-21 to win the Singapore leg, while the men pipped Ireland 17-14 to move into third in the standings. Both sides advance to a finale in Madrid.

Auckland Council is launching a new campaign to drive down dog attacks. 

Research reveals around 2700 related injuries each year, with just under 300 of those to babies and children under 14 years old.  

The campaign will include radio advertising, street posters and community papers promoting ways people can keep themselves safe around dogs. 

Auckland Council’s Animal Management Mana...

UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney brings us the latest on the UK local elections and from London’s fatal sword attack.  

McAviney told Mike Hosking “If things are really bad for the Prime Minister, it could see a mutiny on his back benches.”  

McAviney said Rishi Sunak is expected to lose around half of their councillors in England and Wales.  

McAviney says the only thing that might ...

Is it time to review the attitudes of MPs inside parliament? 

Political commentator Brigette Morten told Mike Hosking that in a week with MP pay rises and James Shaw’s exit - it has become all about her outburst.  

“It looks like there’s been a pattern of behaviour,” Morten said. 

House Speaker Gerry Brownlee said there’s a justice process, during which Genter can make representations...

Are kiwis uninterested in New Zealand Fashion? 

New Zealand Fashion Week has been cancelled this August and has decided to shift into a two-yearly schedule. 

Owner Feroz Ali says there weren't enough designers to commit to the weeklong event because they're focused on the survival of their businesses. 

Retail NZ Chief Executive Carolyn Young told Mike Hosking that it's not that people...