Early Edition with Kate Hawkesby

Finland's gun policy is under scrutiny after a school shooting north of Helsinki. A 12-year-old boy has been detained after the shooting that left one dead and two others, all aged 12, seriously wounded. Finland's education minister says that once the government has a complete picture, they're considering if further measures are needed to protect schools. Europe correspondent Gavin Grey told Mike Hosking that it's believed the gun used was licensed to a close relative. He says in Finland, anyone over 18 can own a gun after passing checks, but a child over 15 can have licences to use other people's firearms. The 12-year-old thought to be responsible is in the care of social services. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ripple effect of Covid era policy choices are being highlighted as the country's meat industry takes a hit. Silver Fern Farms is reporting a $24 million plus loss for the 2023 financial year compared to it's $189 million profit the previous year. Meat Industry Association Head of Strategy Jason Krupp told Mike Hosking that it's very much an industry issue. He says we're seeing the effects of policy choices in Covid play out in our international markets, hitting us on prices. Krupp says other impacts include high domestic inflation and a weak Chinese market. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The attack at Wairarapa Hospital is being seen as an example of the increasing violence being seen around the country's Emergency Departments. A visitor was struck with a machete on Saturday night, suffering a fractured skull. An incident team's reviewing what happened as a 62-year-old faces charges. Association of Salaried Medical Specialists Executive Director Sarah Dalton told Mike Hosking that it's a real problem. She says it's usually more verbal violence than physical, but members are saying physical violence is on the increase. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why use one plane when two will do?  The Australian Energy Minister has defended the use of two separate Royal Australian Airforce jets to fly himself and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to a clean energy announcement in NSW.  The announcement involved detailing a $1 billion programme to support solar panels, Albanese calling it one of the most significant announcements made during his term.  Australian Correspondent Donna Demaio told Mike Hosking the Air Force made the decision that the airport they were flying into was not strong enough for one large jet, and as such, had to take two.  She said the opposition has called it a scandal and is alleging that the PM and Minister were using taxpayer dollars to live the highlife.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK is taking harsher measures to hold social media giants to account.  Media regulator ‘OFCOM’, the Office of Communications, plans to issue orders to social media firms that will unlock a child’s account if it’s suspected it played a role in their death or suicide.  Failure to comply could see the company fined up to 10% of its global revenue.   Social Media Commentator Vaughn Davis told Mike Hosking that there’s no doubt that social media plays a role in bullying and suicide, but it’s mostly the location that’s changing, not the behaviour.  Davis said that while firms like to be seen as though they’re working collaboratively to solve the issue, when it comes to digging into the data and using it to understand and prevent suicide, they’re not as interested.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a view that the Government's latest action plan is much more ambitious than the 100 Day Plan.   The Government's laid out its check list, to be completed before June 30th.   The plan features promises like restoring three strikes, creating an attendance plan, and implementing tax relief.   Political Commentator Brigitte Morten told Mike Hosking that they will have to dig deeper to achieve this one.   She says while the 100 Day Plan was a lot of repealing, the next step will involve making actual change.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are fears nothing has been done to prevent another Loafers Lodge tragedy.  An investigation into boarding house facilities was initiated after last year's fire killed five people.  It's found only half the 37 buildings inspected had adequate smoke detectors.  Wellington City Missioner Murray Edridge told Mike Hosking that more needs to be done.  He says they're just waiting for this to happen again but isn't hopeful anything will change.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National's promise to keep tax cuts is being criticised.   Finance Minister Nicola Willis has delivered the Budget Policy Statement and reaffirmed the party's commitment to tax relief.   Willis says she's been humbled by how much recent forecasts have deteriorated.   Labour Party Finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds told Mike Hosking that instead of focusing on the previous Government, Willis should focus on the cards in front of her.   She says when the half year fiscal update was worse than expected, she should have revisited them.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Challenging behaviours in New Zealand classrooms are at critical levels.  Over the last 20 years student behaviour has been among the worst in the OECD but new research shows it's worsened over the past two.  Education Review Office research has found a quarter of principals have seen students physically harm others and steal property at least every day.  Education Hub Founder Nina Hood told Mike Hosking that it's important to draw schools' attention to behaviour.  She says it's up to individual schools to create clear expectations, consistent rules, put structures in place, and uphold them.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new trial to treat depression has been given the green light in New Zealand.  Ketamine has been used as a treatment around the world in recent years, the drug showing short-term benefits.  Otago University is running the trial, combining liquid, slower-release ketamine with psychotherapy in an effort to achieve long term results.   The trial is eight weeks long, half the group receiving both ketamine and psychotherapy and the other half only receiving the drug.  Senior Lecturer Dr Ben Beaglehole told Mike Hosking that this is a treatment, not a cure.  He said that depression is a long term problem with factors that they won't be able to reverse with medication or short-term psychotherapy, but they’re looking to see if the short-term benefits of the drug can be prolonged.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government will today unveil its economic plan for how its priorities will be delivered in the Budget Policy Statement.   Finance Minister Nicola Willis will give the speech at one this afternoon.  ASB’s Chief Economist Nick Tuffley told Mike Hosking that it’s a bit too early for them to have the hard and fast numbers, and today is more about setting our expectations.  We’re also likely to get a sense of how inflation is tracking in regard to the budget, though Treasury likely hasn’t finished their economic forecasts completely.   He said that it’s a pretty tough balancing act the Government has to walk with this budget.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A search and rescue effort continues after a bridge collapse in Baltimore.   A fully laden container ship rammed into one of the supports and the bridge crumpled into the water below.  Those on board the ship had time to raise the alarm and the bridge was closed.  At least six people remain unaccounted for.  Those missing are believed to be construction workers who were working on potholes on the bridge at the time.  US correspondent Mitch McCann told Mike Hosking that it could have a huge economic impact on the state.  He says it's one of the biggest ports in the US, specialising in shipping motor vehicles and farming equipment and bringing in over US $1 billion last year.  US President Joe Biden says around 850,000 ships go through the port a year and 15,000 jobs depend on it.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An expert says allegations of Chinese cyber-attacks in New Zealand have been at a lower level than our allies.   Spy agency the GCSB has tied targeting of our Parliamentary entities in August 2021 to Chinese state-sponsored group APT40.   China's ambassador to New Zealand has labelled the accusations groundless and irresponsible.  International Relations Expert Geoffrey Miller told Mike Hosking that the UK and US accusations are on a different level.   He says the UK alleged China had gotten the information of 14 million voters.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Millions of Australians are looking for a second job as the cost of living continues to bite.  A survey by comparison website Finder has found that 32% of respondents, totalling approximately 6.7 million people, felt financially pressured to work more than one job.  Australian Correspondent Lesley Yeomans told Mike Hosking that there are jobs available in cafes and retail stores, but it's unknown whether this will bring down the unemployment rate.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi’s eating habits seem to be changing.  New research from Mondelez shows that almost half of Gen Z prefer snacking over dinner, and 40% skip breakfast in favour of a snack.  On average 27% of people skip breakfast, 13% lower than the results in the study.  Nutritionist Nikki Hart told Mike Hosking that we’re definitely seeing a change in behaviour, and it’s not necessarily a good one.  She thinks that Covid changed how younger generations approached eating, as staying up later and online classes allow more opportunities to snack.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Salvation Army is welcoming the Government's childcare policy but has some concerns.   The Family Boost policy will see parents and caregivers able to claim back up to 25% of childcare costs from July, with a $75 a week limit.    Salvation Army Social Policy Director Ian Hutson says there seems to be some bureaucracy, with parents having to show three months of invoices to get the rebate.   He told Mike Hosking he's also wondering if it will help the poorest of parents.   Hutson says while $75 seems a lot, it won't be enough to cover some people's growing costs.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Overwhelmed and under-resourced.  An independent review has found major failings in the emergency management response to Cyclone Gabrielle.  It finds the system not fit for purpose and "set up good people to fail", during the February 14 disaster.  Central Hawke's Bay District Mayor Alex Walker told Mike Hosking that local emergency management teams were under-resourced.  She says they needed big and fast mobilisation.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two people have been left dead and three injured after a 100-person brawl in Gisborne on Saturday night.  The victims were stabbed at a 21st birthday party. One person is due to appear in court as a homicide enquiry continues.  Gisborne Councilor Colin Alder tells Mike Hosking it was an tragic event fueled by alcohol and possible drugs. Alder says there continues to be a strong police presence in the community.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Princess of Wales and her husband, Prince William, have been “enormously touched” by the messages of support received since she announced her cancer diagnosis.   Europe correspondent Gavin Grey tells Mike Hosking that the video announcement was written and approved by Kate Middelton herself and sparked a wave of apologies from those who published conspiracy theories around Kate’s absence from the public eye.  Meanwhile, Irish politician and higher education minister, Simon Harris is poised to take on the role of Ireland’s youngest prime minister as the leadership contest concluded with him emerging as the sole candidate.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SailGP was brought to a halt on Saturday after dolphin sightings in Lyttleton Harbour. Chief Executive of SailGP, Sir Russell Coutts slammed officials for their “extreme” dolphin policy.  Andrew Alderson speaks to Mike Hosking about the policy and considers the future of the race in New Zealand.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.