Don't miss a thing while you're on holiday, with Newstalk ZB Holiday Breakfast. We deliver the best in news, views and opinion to keep Kiwis informed and entert...
Robert Patman: International Relations Expert on Cook Islands seeking separate passport while wanting to retain NZ citizenship
Cook Islands have had a proposal to introduce separate passports for its citizens while retaining New Zealand citizenship rejected. The office of New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters says the Cook Islands can only have its own passport if it gives up NZ citizenship. The Cook Islands operates in free association with New Zealand, conducting its own affairs. But, New Zealand is responsible for its foreign affairs and defence, plus Cook Islanders can live, work and access healthcare here. International Relations Professor Robert Patman tells Tim Beveridge it is not clear how widespread the want for independence is in the Cook Islands. Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown says they need their own passport to “recognise our own people”. Patman says there is a concern that Prime Minister Brown is putting a good relationship with NZ in jeopardy with this initiative. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Steven Hargreaves: Polyfest Trust Chair on Government not delivering enough in promised funding boost
One of New Zealand’s largest performing arts events has been forced to scale back. Polyfest organisers say they were promised a boost in funding from Pacific Peoples Minister Shane Reti, and given assurances the money would come through from Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters. When the time came, the boost was just $5000 – which Polyfest Trust Chair Steven Hargreaves tells Tim Beveridge is not an influential amount for an event that costs $2 million to put on. “It’s an investment in the youth. The Government have talked a lot this year about school attendance, school engagement, achievement, literacy and numeracy. Polyfest can deliver on all of those fronts.” Last year’s event drew 80,000 visitors with 8000 students performing. This year’s event will see a stage dropped to scale back on cost. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Robert Beaglehole: Action for Smokefree Chairperson on illegal tobacco operations and increase in seizures
An illegal tobacco operation has seen $2.5 million worth of assets seized. Police and Customs found 100kg of loose tobacco, 230,000 cigarettes, and 10,000 concealed tea packets at properties in Napier and Gisborne. Four of those involved in the operation are currently before the courts. Action for SmokeFree chairperson Professor Robert Beaglehole tells Tim Beveridge the number of illegal tobacco seizures is increasing. He says people are desperate due to high prices of tobacco through licensed outlets and illegal trade is driven by cheaper prices. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Dr Claire Matthews: Massey University Banking Expert on Westpac's $6.3 million blunder
Westpac has made an expensive blunder – overcharging customers by $6.3 million. 25,000 customers are affected. The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) has launched civil proceedings against the bank and both parties have agreed to resolve the matter. Massey University banking expert Dr Claire Matthews tells Tim Beveridge from a monetary perspective the mistake is not that big for Westpac, though may have a large impact on the customers affected. Matthews says this, along with recent action with Kiwibank and ANZ shows the FMA is being more proactive in its regulatory role. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Enda Brady: Europe correspondent on further investigations into Dominique Pelicot, chaos at Jeremy Clarkson's pub, and Gen Z turning their back on turkeys
Dominique Pelicot, who has been jailed for 20 years for drugging and inviting men to rape his then wife, Gisele Pelicot, is facing further investigation. French police are re-examining a 1991 murder case in Paris amid questions that Pelicot could have been a serial offender for decades. Meanwhile, Jeremy Clarkson says his pub venture is “chaos” with 104 beer glasses stolen in one day. And, Gen-Z are turning their backs on Christmas turkeys. Europe correspondent Enda Brady tells Tim Beveridge that top sellers in the UK this year are nut roasts, mushroom Wellington, and duck. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Don't miss a thing while you're on holiday, with Newstalk ZB Holiday Breakfast. We deliver the best in news, views and opinion to keep Kiwis informed and entertained while you're on the road, at the bach, or relaxing at home.
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