Early Edition with Kate Hawkesby

Horses and people are still hospitalised after a number of animals belonging to the Household Cavalry ran through the streets of London.  Four of the seven horses threw off their riders after being spooked by a loud noise yesterday.  UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney told Andrew Dickens that they were right by Buckingham Palace, running through some of the busiest streets in the city.  He said that it frightened a lot of people, one horse crashing into a cyclist, another into a taxi, and a third into a double decker bus.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some of New Zealand's biggest tech names have sent a letter to the Government as millions of public funding is set to expire in the cloud software sector.  The letter sent to Tech Minister Judith Collins includes executives from Xero, Datacom, and Gallagher.  Serko Chief Marketing Officer Nick Whitehead says they want "engagement' not just to talk "funding".  He told Francesca Rudkin that they want to understand what the Government’s plans are for the sector going forward, so they don’t lose all the work put into growing the community.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The economic value of cruise-ships is on full-display as the season draws to a close.  They've brought in 350,000 visitors, with an estimated value of $540 million.  Newmarket Business Association Chief Executive Mark Knoff-Thomas told Francesca Rudkin they've seen a 30% rise in international visitor spending this season.  But the bounce-back may be short-lived, a 20% decline in port visits is projected for next season as rising costs bite the market.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A barrister says the High Court's decision to overturn the Waitangi Tribunal summons of the Children's Minister was a good and clear decision.   It ruled Karen Chhour could not be compelled to appear before the Tribunal over her plans to repeal part of the Oranga Tamariki Act.  Treaty activist and lawyer Annette Sykes has lodged an appeal.   Marie Dyhrberg KC told Francesca Rudkin it doesn't set a precedent, as there's already a law.   She says the judge said had the evidence not been available in other forms, he would not have quashed the summons.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At least five are dead only hours after the passing of the UK’s controversial migrant deportation bill.  Approximately 100 migrants were rescued while crossing the English Channel, placed abroad a French Navy ship to be taken to the port of Boulogne.  The approved bill aims to deter situations like this, deporting illegal immigrants to Rwanda as a deterrent to those seeking asylum.  UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Mike Hosking that so far, some 52,000 people have been earmarked for deportation, Rwanda looking to take in only a few hundred.  He said that if the deterrent works, this will be good for the UK, however, there is a backlog and time is running out for Rishi Sunak.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are calls for harsher punishments for repeat distracted driving.  New Ipsos research commissioned by AMI found 55% of drivers admit to driving distracted, with 21% admitting to driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.  The top distractions were mobile phones, other drivers, other passengers, and daydreaming.  Road safety advocate Greg Murphy told Mike Hosking that fines have gone up for distracted driving, but it's still not enough to deter people.  He says it's one of those things where a stiff penalty would prevent them from doing it again, but we don't have that.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A health recruiter is giving assurances that practices are in place to help migrant doctors.  An Otago University study has found international doctors are struggling with cultural integration and New Zealand is at risk of losing them unless practices improve.   Accent Health Recruiter Prudence Thomson told Mike Hosking that she's been recruiting for 25 years, and migrating is always a challenge.  She says if a good orientation and induction are in place —which the Medical Council has in writing— people adapt pretty well.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chinese business travellers are first priority Auckland tourism for a first-of-its-kind alliance.  Since travel resumed last year, 6% of the 210,000 Chinese tourists were here for business.  Tātaki Auckland Unlimited and Auckland Airport will work with China Southern Airlines to market their daily non-stop flights from their main hub in Guangzhou to business travellers.  Auckland Unlimited Destination Director, Annie Dundas, told Mike Hosking that this is the first collaboration they've had with a Chinese airline.  She says we hosted five thousand people from Amway China last year, and this is the kind of business they're looking for.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are fears health worker strikes could become common place as conditions worsen.  Two and a half thousand resident doctors will strike next month over pay and conditions.  Former Health New Zealand chairman Rob Campbell told Mike Hosking that it could be the first of many more health worker strikes.  He said workers are feeling increasingly disaffected and unheard.  Campbell said that the agency needs to do better to prevent the strikes, it’s not good management for the issue to be hashed out in public.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An American comedian is defending his decision to kick a breast-feeding mother out of his Melbourne comedy show.  Flight of the Concords star Arj Barker asked breastfeeding mother Trish Faranda to leave his Melbourne show on Saturday, claiming her baby was disrupting his performance.  Faranda says it was humiliating to be publicly called out.  Australia correspondent Donna Demaio told Mike Hosking that Barker "feels bad for any upset involved", but says he was thinking of the hundreds of other ticketholders hoping to hear his show.  He says it was a 15-plus show, and the 700 others in attendance needed to be able to enjoy the event.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Women's Refuge says it will be a waiting game as to whether Three Strikes legislation is effective.  The Government is preparing to reintroduce mandatory prison sentences for violent and sexual criminals committing a third offence, this time only applying to sentences above 24 months.   Women's Refuge Chief Executive Ang Jury told Mike Hosking that in some instances incarceration is the one way to ensure safety.  But she says they need to be getting help while they're in there to change their behaviour, and that's what's missing from this equation.   Jury says there was no indication it worked last time, but something needs to be done.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A British lawmaker who allegedly used campaign funds to pay off people who were holding him hostage said Sunday that he wouldn't seek reelection after the governing Conservative Party found his behaviour fell below the standard expected of members of Parliament. Mark Menzies' downfall is the latest in a series of scandals to hit the Conservatives, undermining support for a party that has been in power for the past 14 years as it prepares for a general election later this year. The Times of London recently reported that Menzies called a 78-year-old aide at 3 a.m. in December asking for funds to pay off “bad people” who had locked him in an apartment and were demanding money for his release. Menzies' office manager ultimately paid 6,500 pounds ($8,100) from her personal bank account, which was reimbursed from funds donated by political backers, the newspaper said. Menzies, who denies the allegations, has represented the seat of Fylde in northwest England since 2010. “Due to the pressures on myself and my elderl

The Government’s cutting more red tape in housing. They’ve announced changes to ease lending criteria for home and other loans, including reforming financial services and updating the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act. The time it takes to process loans will lessen and mortgages will be easier to access. NZ Banking Association chief executive Roger Beaumont joined Mike Hosking. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Caps have responded in style, as Mark Chapman inspired New Zealand to a series-levelling seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in Rawalpindi. Just 24 hours after being bowled out for 90 to lose by seven wickets at the same venue, a heavily depleted Black Caps side flipped the script on their hosts, and chased down their target of 179 runs with ease. That chase was anchored by an unbeaten 87 from Chapman, who continued his love affair with Pakistan after being named man-of-the-series in New Zealand’s 2-2 draw just over a year ago. Arriving at the crease at 53/2, Chapman scored a 29-ball half-century, and added a 117-run partnership with Dean Foxcroft (31 off 29) to all but get the Black Caps home. New Zealand’s win was made all the more impressive by the fact the squad was depleted even further, as neither Ben Lister nor Josh Clarkson travelled to the ground after being struck by illness. As captain Michael Bracewell won the toss and opted to field first, the stand-in skipper would have been forgiven fo

An expert says Ukraine needs more than just funding for weapons to get ahead in the war. The US House of Representatives has voted 311 to 112, in favour of a US $61 billion aid package for Ukraine. Taiwan and Israel will also receive foreign aid packages, totalling almost US $95 billion in aid for all three countries. Senior Fellow at Defense Priorities in Washington, D.C. Gil Barndollar told Mike Hosking the funding will help with refilling artillery. But he says it's not just about weapons. “The other big piece is manpower and that’s a little bit of a black box because we don’t know the true numbers of Ukrainian and Russian casualties — especially Ukrainian.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Supercar Sprints are kicking off in Taupo this weekend.  The event is expected to bring up to 70,000 attendees, giving a significant boost to the city and surrounding region.  Mayor David Trewavas told Mike Hosking that the town is absolutely buzzing.   He said they had the parade through the CBD last night, and thousands of fans came out to see the cars.  Taupo has a three-year contract to keep the race in the city Trewavas confirmed, and although Taupo isn’t quite large enough to handle to influx on their own, it’s become a major regional event.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prince William has made his first return to royal duties since Kate's cancer diagnosis went public.  Last month the Princess of Wales revealed she's been receiving treatment amid wild internet speculation.  The family has been away from the public eye but the Prince has returned to show support for a homeless food shelter.  UK correspondent Vincent McAviney told Mike Hosking the public have been showing him and the Princess support.  He says someone gave the Prince a 'get well soon' card and told him to look after Kate, which he replied he would.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The turn of the economy could make it tricky for those on JobSeekers to find employment.   New Social Development figures reveal just under 188,000 people are on JobSeeker, up almost 20,000 people from last year.   Employment specialist Jennifer Mills told Mike Hosking that she's sure many on the benefit are ready to work.  She says the new work check-in arrangement may sharpen the focus for those who are job ready, but the question is whether those jobs exist in this market.  Mills says margins are squeezed, profits are down, and businesses are shedding staff.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Experts are forecasting more financial pressure for households, continuing into late next year.  The Infometrics data expects the annual GDP to dip into the negatives mid 2024, meaning slower growth than had previously been expected.  Infometrics Chief Forecaster Gareth Kiernan told Mike Hosking that with higher interest rates more properties are on the market with no buyers out.   He says households are showing the signs of all the interest rate rises over the past few years.   Kiernan says it'll be another 12 months before the worst of the downturn is behind us.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seven jurors have officially been selected for Donald Trump’s ‘hush money’ trial, leaving eleven more still to come.  Despite the trouble they’re facing, US Correspondent Mitch McCann told Mike Hosking that it is moving faster than people expected.  He said it could have taken up to 22 weeks to select all 18 jurors, and they already have seven.  The issue is finding people who don’t have bias for or against Trump, with 96 potential jurors entering court, 50 of which walked out within ten minutes, unable to be impartial.  Manhattan, McCann said, is in some ways a democrat city as they always vote blue, so he’ll have to “find a few red needles in a blue haystack” as they said in the New York Times.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.