Early Edition with Kate Hawkesby

The Government is being advised to invest in immigration data gathering as record levels of arrivals and departures continue.   In February more than 253,000 migrants arrived and about 122,000 left, putting net migration at almost 131,000.  Business NZ Chief Executive Kirk Hope told Mike Hosking that where they come from isn't a problem as long as skills meet labour market needs.   He says this is one the of the big data gaps the Government needs to look at, to find out exactly which people and skills are coming in versus who is leaving.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump's 'hush money' trial has begun, and it’s the first time a US president has faced a criminal trial.   He's charged with falsifying business records, accused of trying to cover up a $130-thousand hush-money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 election.  Trump has pleaded not guilty and denied the affair.   LA's KNX news presenter Charles Feldman told Mike Hosking that Trump's already using it as a pulpit for his presidential campaign.   He says that at rallies Trump talks about how he feels this trial —and others— are politically persecuting him.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iran has launched more than 200 drone missiles on Israel.  Neighbouring nations are calling for restraint, while Jordan, the US and UK military are intercepting attacks.  International Relations and Strategic Analyst Paul Buchanan says the strikes are a direct violation of an agreement between the nations.   Buchanan tells Mike Hosking hard liners want Israel to retaliate but the United States has told Israel they will not support offensive operations against Iran.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Five victims have now been identified as among those killed in a stabbing spree at a Sydney shopping centre, which left six dead.  Australia correspondent Donna Demaio tells Mike Hosking 11 people remain in hospital. Many stories are emerging of near misses with the attacker, and of people who tried to protect others. Sydney lifeguard Andy Reid raced to give CPR to some victims.   The attacker’s family have released a statement revealing the killer battled with mental health issues.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand golfer Ryan Fox has slumped out of contention at the US Masters, currently tied for 20th position.  Meanwhile, the Warriors made a lucky comeback in a dramatic golden-point draw against Manly. The Sea Eagles lead 22-20 with three seconds left on the clock, when a post-siren penalty denied Manly the victory.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Minister of Trade Todd McClay visits China hoping to promote New Zealand business and exports.   Executive Director of the NZ China Council Alistair Crozier tells Mike Hosking the two countries are very adept at having difficult discussions in the open. NZ exports to China are double what is exported to the US or Australia, and prospects are bright for continued growth.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand is committing to working more closely with the United States.   The countries have agreed to work more closely with each other and common allies like Australia, in areas like defence and intelligence.   New Zealand's joining the US in financially supporting two initiatives in the Pacific to the tune of $16.4 million.   Massey University defence expert John Battersby told Mike Hosking that we're now in a more uncertain Pacific region and things are changing.   He says the one thing we don't want is a contest in our front patch between China and the US.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Minister for Space has been working on our space image over in the US.  Judith Collins spoke yesterday morning at the Space Symposium as New Zealand’s first Space Minister, putting us on the global stage.  She told Mike Hosking that Rocket Lab has done an incredible job at putting New Zealand on the American space map with the work Peter Beck has done with NASA.  In 2019 a survey was done on the NZ space sector, valuing it at $1.9 billion, but Collins thinks that by now it should be three or more times larger than that.  She said that this is a sector with enormous growth and an extraordinary level of competency.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s concerns the Government's tenancy changes won't affect rent prices.  A Bill being introduced to Parliament will bring back 90-day no-cause terminations for periodic tenancies.  Labour removed them last term.  Housing Minister Chris Bishop believes it'll push down rents.  Aspire Property Management managing director Mike Atkinson told Mike Hosking that the Government skipped the removal of deductibility, which would've had more of an impact right now.  He says landlords haven't been talking about 90-day notices and believes it wasn't needed at the moment.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US state of Arizona is close to joining Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas in imposing a strict abortion ban.   Arizona's conservative Supreme Court has decided an abortion law —first introduced 160 years ago— is now enforceable.  US correspondent Mitch McCann told Mike Hosking that abortions are currently legal until 15 weeks of pregnancy.   But he says this 1864 law —created before Arizona was even a proper state— would make abortions illegal except if the mother's life is in danger.  McCann says it could be enforceable within two months, with Joe Biden calling the law cruel and extreme.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ikea seems to be looking "big picture" as it enters the New Zealand market.  The Swedish furniture giant is looking for a "people and culture manager", ahead of its opening at Auckland's Sylvia Park in late 2025.  The successful manager will first be tasked with recruiting 400 people.  First Retail Group managing director Chris Wilkinson told Mike Hosking that like other big retailers coming here, Ikea is playing the long game.  He says they know things will be different in the future, and they're craving global expansion.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health advocates say enforcement officers are needed to clamp down on the illegal vape trade.  Reports suggest that the sale of vaping products that don't meet regulation is widespread.  Asthma Foundation Chief Executive Letitia Harding told Mike Hosking that retailers selling illegal vaping products need more than a slap on the wrist.  She says penalties like fines could help stamp out the dodgy market.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The mainstream media industry is shrinking, and television is leading the way out.   Newshub has confirmed its closing on July 5th, while TVNZ is cutting four of major programmes.   Media and Communications Minister Melissa Lee says the global market is facing the same difficulties.  She's written a cabinet paper on the media sector but hasn't disclosed any details.   Former TVNZ news boss and TV3 political editor Bill Ralston told Mike Hosking that the Government could step in and do something about it.  He says Melissa Lee has no idea of what she's doing really and is basically saying her hands are tied.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

European football fans may be seeing increased security at this week’s Champions League games.  A pro-IS media channel has published several images calling for attacks at the stadiums hosting the quarterfinals.  UEFA said it was aware of the threats, but the London, Madrid, and Paris games would go ahead as planned, and Ministers in Spain and France have confirmed enhanced security measures.  UK and Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey told Mike Hosking that while the outlet who posted the images isn’t officially linked to the Islamic State group, it is thought that they liaise with them.  He said that security has been upped across the board, and the London Metropolitan Police Commissioner is confident they have a robust policing plan in place.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Official Cash Rate is likely to remain unchanged for at least the next few months.  Most economists expect the Reserve bank to keep the Official Cash Rate unchanged at 5.5% when it comes up for review at 2pm.  It's remained unchanged since May last year.  Jarden Investment Strategist John Carran says it's 50-50 whether the Reserve Bank cuts the OCR in August or November.  The primary focus is on inflation, he said, so that is where they’re looking for the OCR rate.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rideshare company Ola is hitting the brakes in New Zealand.  The Uber rival told Auckland customers they won't be able to book future rides from Friday but can still access their app until it shuts down next month.  But First Union is worried the loss will give Ola's main rival Uber more control of the gig economy.  Strategic project coordinator Anita Rosentreter told Mike Hosking that Ola played a key crossover role for those drivers.  She says drivers would go to Ola when they couldn't get work at Uber and it also created competition between the platforms to offer them incentives.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Peters has pulled no punches over the need for a two-state solution in Gaza.  The Foreign Affairs Minister has reiterated his calls for an immediate ceasefire at the UN General Assembly in New York.  He says the two-state solution is the only blueprint for peace, but Israel's seizing of Palestinian territory imperils that.  Otago University international relations professor Robert Patman told Mike Hosking that's probably the general feeling among the international community.  He says just because Israel is illegally taking territory doesn't mean that can't happen, and Israel has to consider its legal obligations.   Meanwhile, Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu says a date has been set for Israel to invade Rafah.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A looming financial issue is being highlighted as the country works towards its next emissions budget. The Climate Commission is recommending greenhouse gas is limited by 134-million tonnes between 2036 and 2040.  But Victoria University Adjunct Professor Adrian Macey told Mike Hosking that there's still a massive issue if we are going to meet our Paris pledge.   He says a government between now and 2030 is going to have to find about $20-25 billion to buy carbon credits.  Macey doesn't see any government being able to feasibly do this.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An education expert says the Government's plan to improve students' learning has been successful overseas.  Christopher Luxon's unveiled nine Government targets for delivery by 2030.  They include increasing student attendance and getting more students to the expected curriculum level.   New Zealand Initiative Education Research Fellow Michael Johnstone told Mike Hosking that getting them to turn up will be a challenge but overall, it's a sound plan.   He says focusing on things like the science of learning and structured literacy have worked well in places like England.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has brought in immediate changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa.   There will now be an English language requirement for low skilled jobs, while fast-tracking will be removed for construction and the franchisee category will be disestablished.  Owner and Principal Consultant at Into NZ Katy Armstrong tells Mike Hosking the Government was left with no choice but to make the changes as the high trust model did not work.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.