Larry Williams Drive

The reappointment of Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr has not gone down well with National and ACT. National say the party is appalled, and ACT says it shows the low standards that Labour sets for New Zealand. BusinessDesk managing editor Pattrick Smellie addresses the backlash and points out that Grant Robertson was in a no-win situation when it came to making this reappointment in the current climate. LISTEN ABOVE    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's an increasing amount of employers wanting workplace investigations. One private investigator, Kerry Tattersall, says she's completed more employment investigations in the last month, than she did in the six months prior. Kerry Tattersall, private investigator at Baker Tilly Staples Rodway, explained the kinds of investigations she’s been working with, as well as what may be driving this phenomenon. LISTEN ABOVE   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An idea to get bank profits down without needing an inquiry.Jacinda Ardern is telling banks to consider their social licence to operate, after ANZ announced a record profit of $2.3 billion dollars, and Westpac more than $1 billion. The Government says the Commerce Commission won't be called in to take a look. Simplicity Founder Sam Stubbs says we could try open banking, a system used in other developed nations - where books are opened to a financial provider, allowing easy comparisons. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Addington Raceway is humming as Christchurch punters continue to enjoy the return of Cup Day. It's the first time in two years the venue can hold the annual event without Covid restrictions. Racing industry manager Darrin Williams says despite general admission not being as high as they'd like, it's been an outstanding day. He says it's just great to be able to have punters on course again. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A plea to give overseas bus drivers an easier ride into the country. More than 1800 bus trips were cancelled in the Wellington region last week - largely because of driver shortages. Metlink General Manager, Samantha Gain, says the Government could make helpful changes. She says loosening immigration settings would really help with the current shortage of about 120 drivers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The decision to reappoint Adrian Orr as Reserve Bank Governor is under fire. He's been given another five-years in the role from March, as unanimously recommended by the central bank's board. The Opposition says Adrian Orr didn't act fast enough on inflation - but Finance Minister Grant Robertson has countered stability is needed. Former Reserve Bank senior staffer, Geof Mortlock, says he's appalled about the new term. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier today, Finance Minister Grant Robertson got Adrian Orr reappointed as Reserve Bank Governor for another 5 years. The National Party and ACT have not taken this update well, with National saying that the Reserve Bank should have been subjected to an independent inquiry.  National Party leader Chris Luxon believes an independent inquiry into the Reserve Bank is necessary, as banks have been able to get away with bringing in record profits during a pandemic and current cost of living crisis. Political editor Barry Soper explained why National and ACT have taken such a hard stance on this decision, especially ahead of an election year. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Australia, private health insurer Medibank is dealing with the fallout from being hacked. Yesterday, Medibank were staunchly against paying a ransom to the hackers who had stolen sensitive information from 9.7 million customers. This data includes names, addresses, phone numbers, and dates of birth. Since then, the hackers have issued a threat that they'll release all this sensitive customer data within 24 hours. Australian correspondent Murray Olds explained the position Medibank is stuck in, and the backlash they're facing from the public. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Black Ferns player Liana Mikaele-Tu’u has recently been ruled out of the upcoming Rugby World Cup final against England. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u injured her thumb part way through last weekend's semi-final against France and will have to sit out of Saturday's final match. D'Arcy Waldegrave, host of Sportstalk, joined us to talk about who may replace her on the day, as well as who we can expect to be confirmed for the squad ahead of the official announcement on Thursday. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's being urged to accept responsibility over the tertiary education pay disputes. Those are the disputes that have been leading to strike action. The Tertiary Education Union says the Government's continuing to push that this is an issue between an employer and their union, and nothing to do with them. Their National Secretary, Sandra Grey, says that the Government needs to get involved and step in for the good of the country. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has come under fire for refusing to let migrants on rescue ships disembark into Italy.  The controversial far-right leader has prevented 250 people on two separate rescue ships head into Italy, and humanitarian charities have branded this decision as an illegal one. So far, only children and people with medical issues have been allowed to leave the ships in Sicily, but everyone else is still stranded.  UK correspondent Gavin Grey explained why this is harmful for the migrants in question, especially with supplies running low as possible diseases spreading within the ships. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

That poll out last night should be a shock to no one.  That’s what happens if you ignore voters and just keep pushing through stuff we don’t want, like Three Waters or farmer’s climate tax. They deserve to be on 32 percent. I’d put that as the high-water mark frankly. And yesterday’s announcement is not going to help. It’s supposed to help; it’s supposed to make us like them a whole lot more again. But I don’t think it’s going to work. And I think this is part of the reason Labour is polling so low.  Because they keep making the same mistake over and over again, which is that they think throwing money around solves the problem. They can buy our votes, but then they don’t think about what happens next. Which is that it inevitably causes a problem downstream which makes a greater number of people grumpy.  It works like this: they’ve spent $190 million on giving parents more money to help them pay for early childhood education. Which is great, but it only helps the parents of 10,000 kids. There are 194,000 enrol

Westpac has recently announced that their profits are up by 12 percent, putting their earnings at $1 billion dollars before the years' end. The timing of this coincided with Jacinda Ardern's latest post-cabinet briefing, in which she said that banks had to assess their “social licence to operate” as they make record profits in a cost of living crisis. Westpac NZ CEO Catherine McGrath defends these earnings as Westpac's profit margins have been flat.  Catherine also states that in times of economic crisis, customers are better off if their banks are well capitalised and financially resilient. This allows banks to easily step up and support their customers through hardships. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on The Huddle: Nick Leggett, Chief Executive of Transport NZ and Ali Jones from Red PR joined us to talk about the following topics- and more! Anti-social behaviour in Christchurch is on the rise, as many sets of business owners are experiencing homeless people being aggressive in the streets. How serious is this?  Auckland Ratepayers Alliance aren't happy with Auckland Council's $200,000 million deficit- is this justified? Will selling airport shares be helpful? A new poll has just come out saying that Labour's approval rating has dropped down to 32 percent. Is this the beginning of the end in real time or just a temporary slump? And how can they win the voters back? It was a big weekend for rugby, with the Black Ferns and All Blacks winning their games. Who saw them? Fireworks- they're bad for animals, small children, and the environment. With all these factors against them, should they be banned? LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Australia, private health insurer Medibank has recently been hacked and the personal data of at least 9.7 million current and former customers in hanging in the balance. The hackers have asked for a digital ransom, and while Medibank won't disclose how much it is, they will confirm that they're not paying it. In the meantime, Medibank is encouraging customers to be cautious, as the hackers may release the data or contact them directly. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson explained how Medibank may proceed, as they have their customers and regulations from the Australian Govenmenrt to take into account. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland Council is currently facing a $200,000 dollar deficit, which is worse than previously anticipated. In order to boost their finances, NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan recommends that Auckland Council sell off an asset. Specifically, Fran O'Sullivan recommends that they sell their Auckland Airport shares because it's the easiest way for the Council to make an extra few million right away.  "They've got an asset there worth over $11 billion dollars, a chunk of change from the council earns 18 percent, do the math. That's a reasonable amount of money that could come in. There are people hovering, let's face it, it'll be helpful."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New poll results from yesterday indicate that Labour's approval is going down further, as preliminary polls give the current Government a 32 percent approval rating. Despite these concerning numbers, Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson isn't too worried about the next election. Grant Robertson insisted that Labour's declining ratings aren't the fault of the party, but rather the circumstances they're operating under this year.  Grant Robertson says that the only poll he's concerned with is the 2023 election results and that Covid-19 and inflation are making people doubt the current Labour Government. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wānaka's Cardrona Distillery is aiming to expand their brand further out internationally, after 7 years in business so far.   To commemorate seven years of operation, Cardrona Distillery has released a limited edition whiskey, which has also been aged for 7 years.  Cardrona Distillery founder, Desiree Reid discussed the company's plans for international expansion and how much they can potentially grow the brand overseas. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christchurch businesses are noticing a rise in anti-social behaviour, driven by an increasing number of homeless people and beggars. There are reports of tents being pitched on footpaths and physical abuse. The Central City Business Association wants action and a greater police presence. Chairperson and business owner Annabel Turley says crime and antisocial behaviour is rife. She says there doesn't seem to be a police presence like they were promised after MIQ was stopped, meaning people aren't facing consequences for their bad behaviour. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Predictions the Government's early childhood care package will push up the education cost. The Government's raising the income threshold for childcare subsides from April. Early Childhood Education Office Chief Advisor, Sarah Alexander, says it'll likely have an uneven effect across the country. She says many have held off increasing fees, because of fierce competition and knowing many families can't afford more. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.