Early Edition with Kate Hawkesby

The Council of Trade Unions says it's heartless that the Workplace Relations and Safety Minister recommended a 1.3% minimum wage increase.   The Government's decided to increase minimum wage by 2% to $23.15 an hour from April.    Inflation is at 4.7%.   Council of Trade Unions Secretary Melissa Ansell-Bridges told Mike Hosking that all New Zealanders have a right to a liveable income.   She says the idea that people on low incomes should work harder, train more, and advance themselves is great, but there'll still be someone doing those jobs.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Airbnb and its rivals are warning their services may need to be suspended if the Government doesn't delay a GST law change. Accommodation providers and ride-share services such as Uber will become liable for ensuring GST is paid through services booked on their websites from April 1. Airbnb, Booking.com, Bookabach, and Bachcare wrote  to Finance Minister Nicola Willis in December requesting an urgent meeting. Former Tourism Industry Aotearoa CEO Chris Roberts told Mike Hosking that the companies haven't had enough time to prepare for the changes. He said that during the election campaign National was going to scrap the idea, but are now keeping it following coalition agreements. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US has decided on their course of action when it comes to retaliating to the drone strike that killed and injured over forty US troops.  Their response is likely to come in the next couple of days, officials saying that they will respond at a time of their choosing.  US Correspondent Mitch McCann told Mike Hosking that while they have a couple of options, it’s likely that they will target the militia directly as opposed to launching a strike against Iran and potentially widening the war.  He said that the militia responsible announced this morning that they will be suspending their operations, though it may be too late to avoid repercussions from the US.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AUKUS is expected to be a topic at today's trans-Tasman meeting.   New Zealand and Australia's Foreign Ministers and Defence Ministers will meet for talks in Melbourne today.   Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum Co-Chair Greg Lowe says it's certainly worth having discussions about the second pillar of AUKUS.   That second pillar involves things like cyber security and AI, rather than military action  He told Mike Hosking that the meeting is happening at an important time.   Lowe says financial troubles following the pandemic have been followed by tough geopolitical circumstances.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Auckland high school has placed CCTV cameras in its bathrooms in a bid to stop vaping.  Green Bay High School students have taken to social media to voice their concerns, saying it's a breach of privacy.  The school has also installed a glass door to a new bathroom.  Auckland University senior law lecturer Nikki Chamberlain told Mike Hosking that children are vulnerable when it comes to privacy.  She says schools are more likely to face scrutiny from courts for their actions because of that.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Banking restrictions are on the chopping block, in the hope to make the lending process smoother.  Laws introduced by the previous government which aimed to prevent loan sharks are set to be scrapped.  Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayley says it had unintended consequences.  CEO of Money Sweetspot Sasha Lockley told Mike Hosking that it made lending too restrictive for both lenders and borrowers.  She says the prescriptive requirements took the human understanding out of lending.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Parnell Business Association wants more to be done to address what it says is a sharp rise in crime and disorderly behaviour, linked to nearby Kainga Ora tenants.  It's written to Housing Minister Chris Bishop and former Prime Minister Sir Bill English who's leading a review into the agency.  General Manager Cheryl Adamson says that in the last 6-8 months they’ve seen an uptick in the number of disruptive tenants in the area.  She told Mike Hosking unlike in the past, the facility doesn’t currently have full-time onsite security to help pinpoint tenants who would cause trouble.  Adamson said that while they do have their own security systems and hired guards, collaboration works best when they can liaise with onsite management.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s potential for a more radical leadership of the Greens in the wake of co-leader James Shaw's resignation.  Shaw's announced he'll step down in March but will remain an MP for the time being to support his Sustainable Environment Bill.  Green Party rules state that a woman and a Māori person must be in leadership roles, but with Marama Davidson covering both criteria, the floor is wide open.  Former MP Catherine Delahunty says some members are looking for a genuinely radical approach from the Greens.  She says we could see a more authentically strong environmental position, which won't be so popular with the business sector, but at the end of the day that's not the Greens job.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I have never really been able to work James Shaw out.  As he quit his leadership yesterday, which made perfect sense, he waxed lyrical about the Green Party, and its achievements, and its place in the political landscape.   Which makes no sense because they are a mess and no longer remotely green, and he stands out like the dogs proverbials as the one remaining environmentalist.  Of course, you wouldn't expect him to bag them, but he speaks with such clarity and conviction about them. He is either a sensational performer, or he actually believes it.  He must know surely, he was the last one standing. The rest are just rabid extremists.  And therefore, the future of the Greens is anything but assured. And without his ballast and experience they open themselves to the ever-increasing reality of heading off down a track of performance art, complete with pro-Palestinianan flags and scarves.  Rod Donald and Jeanete Fitzsimons were at least green.  But your Sue Bradfords muddied the waters with their social enginee

High inflation in certain parts of the economy is dashing hopes of a cut in the OCR.   Reserve Bank Chief Executive Paul Conway says despite overall inflation being at 4.7 percent, non-tradable inflation is still high at 5.9 percent.   New Zealand Initiative Economist Director Oliver Hartwich says that non-tradable inflation is produced in New Zealand.   He told Mike Hosking that the Reserve Bank’s policy to reduce inflation needs to be in sync with government fiscal policy.   Hartwich says high government spending makes it harder for the Reserve Bank to do its job.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parliament is officially back in business, with the first sitting of the year today.  The Government will resume its 100 Day Action Plan, which still includes scrapping the Māori Health Authority, Auckland Fuel Tax, and Three Waters reforms.   Parliament is still under urgency when it comes to the passing of legislation.  Political Editor Jason Walls told Mike Hosking this impacts things like passing the bill that scraps the Productivity Commission, which is slated to happen today.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The annual apple and pear crop is forecast to pip last year's total.  New Zealand Apples & Pears estimates export volume at 21.2 million boxes, a rebound from the 2023 Cyclone Gabrielle-ravaged total.  It's also a return to pre-cyclone levels.  CEO Karen Morrish says there are several factors behind the recovery, including cyclone-damaged crops bouncing back.  She says it's also down to a lot of hard work from growers, coupled with favourable weather.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I am assuming you got as bored as I did over the break with the obsession—or mania, as Shane Jones quite rightly called it— when it came to ACT's idea of having a chat about the way we view and interpret the Treaty.  The problem with David Seymour is he is too logical, especially for nutters and extremists.  He wants to debate, to toss ideas about, to —dare we suggest— act like an adult and have a discussion.  Hone Harawira, I noted, in one of the alarmist gatherings just referred to the others who don't agree with him as bastards. So, you can see what poor old David is up against.  In an adult world, minds can be changed through logic, and detail, and fact, and reason.  In Hone’s world... well, you are a bastard.  The media, I noted, started the new year as they left off: unable to comprehend the fact we’ve changed govts and therefore outlooks, and fully lined up alongside the Kīngitanga and espoused the alarm, outrage, and upset.  Seymour, if you think about it logically, is to be admired. All he is asking

Decades of underinvestment are to blame for Wellington's water crisis, according to infrastructure experts.  Wellington is facing tightening water restrictions as more than 40% of treated water is lost due to leaks and burst pipes in the region.   Infrastructure New Zealand Policy Director Michelle McCormick told Mike Hosking that the whole country is facing water issues, and we need to better prioritise infrastructure spending.  She says the chickens are coming home to roost.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A political commentator says the Prime Minister is continuing to distance himself from ACT's Treaty Principles Bill. The bill featured heavily in ACT Party leader David Seymour's State of the Nation speech over the weekend. Brigitte Morten says the move to make Seymour Associate Justice Minister, reinforces that it's ACT Party, not National Party policy. She says the appointment has some practical aspects too. Morton says it will allow Seymour to talk more directly to officials on the bill, and will mean he gets to introduce the bill to parliament. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The famous Mona Lisa painting has fallen victim to yet another protest attack, with activists hurling pumpkin soup over the 16th century masterpiece. The protestors, who represent a French environmental protection group, took to the painting to raise awareness for the issue of sustainable food. Newstalk ZB Europe correspondent Gavin Grey says the group is calling on food to be more accessible. "Basically, what the want is a food card worth roughly $270 NZD to be given to citizens each month to be used on food." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the first day schools can go back for term 1. The new Government's making compulsory an hour each of reading, writing and maths at primary school. Next term schools will be required to have cellphone policies in place, but it's expected most schools will implement them this term. NZEI president Mark Potter says there's a lot of things competing for children's attention these days. He says teachers have the added battle of making sure they stay engaging for children, which is one of the most important things for them. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand needs a great deal in order to get back on track, printing money and once again becoming an almost first world nation that the rest of the world wants to come and see, travel and enjoy. The Tourism and Hospitality Minister is Matt Doocey and yesterday, he came out saying that nothing is off the table when it comes to helping fund the industry and the vital infrastructure it needs. Nothing? Really? That sounds like a giant blank cheque for the tourism industry to sink their teeth into right? Minister Matt Doocey has been touring the country, meeting with regional tourism operators in the past few weeks and listening to what they want, and their concerns. That’s great… I’m sure this is great news for anyone with a wale watching venture, a bungy jumping business or sight seeing bus for the vineyards of Martinborough. Minister Doocey says he wants to find out how his ministry can support the tourism sector grow and become a big part of the economic success of Aotearoa. Now doesn’t that sound like the

The UK is sending back Ghana's 'crown jewels'.  The long-term loan deal will see the artefacts returned 150 years after they were looted from the court of the Ashanti Empire.  UK Correspondent, Vincent McAviney, told Roman Travers that it consists of 32 pieces from the British and Victoria & Albert Museums.  He says Ghana's chief negotiator is hopeful for a 'new sense of cultural co-operation' after generations of anger.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Other banks might be following ASB in dropping interest rates.   ASB is dropping its rates on its three, four, and five-year home loan terms.   Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold says that last year the Reserve Bank warned interest rates may have to rise.   He told Roman Travers that recent developments have likely flipped that around.    Eckhold says low GDP figures signal further rates drops are likely this year.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.