/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/rss ¾ÅÒ»ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ Sat, 05 Jul 2025 00:53:18 Z en /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/politics-friday-with-vanessa-weenink-and-reuben-davidson-student-loan-repayments-uber-taxes-acc/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/politics-friday-with-vanessa-weenink-and-reuben-davidson-student-loan-repayments-uber-taxes-acc/ Today on Politics Friday, John MacDonald was joined by National’s Vanessa Weenink and Labour’s Reuben Davidson to break down the biggest issues of the week.  They discussed student loan repayments – is there something that can be done to bring overseas loan holders back to New Zealand?  Global companies like Uber are paying minimal tax over here – are we being ripped off?  And ACC is planning to be more scrupulous when paying claims due to pressure from the Government to run a tighter ship. How will this play out?  LISTEN ABOVE  Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:42:13 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/phil-mauger-christchurch-mayor-on-the-shuttle-bus-study-after-hours-services-rolleston-intersection/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/phil-mauger-christchurch-mayor-on-the-shuttle-bus-study-after-hours-services-rolleston-intersection/ Questions over Christchurch City Council planning to spend $200 thousand on a shuttle bus study.  Environment Canterbury wants to stop the proposed resurrection of a free inner-city shuttle, saying 1800 bus movements each weekday is enough.  A 2023 law change means ECan will get the final say.  Mayor Phil Mauger admits he voted for the costly study.  But he told John MacDonald ECan didn't mention anything until it was included in the annual plan.  He says there's no use spending the money if it doesn't get the green light, so council should re-think the idea.  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 03 Jul 2025 00:27:45 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/graham-gouldman-10cc-singer-and-base-player-on-the-bands-career-nz-tour/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/graham-gouldman-10cc-singer-and-base-player-on-the-bands-career-nz-tour/ Having sold more than 30 million albums worldwide, legendary English rock band 10CC is celebrating their anniversary in style, their world tour bringing them to New Zealand’s shores.  They’ll be hitting up Christchurch on the 10th of July, performing at the Isaac Theatre Royal.  Co-lead singer and base player Graham Gouldman joined John MacDonald for a chat about life in the band, as well as reflecting on his growing appreciation for the songs.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 02 Jul 2025 01:14:46 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/politics-friday-with-vanessa-weenink-and-megan-woods-takutai-tarsh-kemp-virtual-gps-moana-pasifika-funding/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/politics-friday-with-vanessa-weenink-and-megan-woods-takutai-tarsh-kemp-virtual-gps-moana-pasifika-funding/ Today on Politics Friday, John MacDonald was joined by National’s Vanessa Weenink and Labour’s Megan Woods to delve into the biggest stories of the week.  Parliament's pressed pause to remember Te Pāti Māori MP Takutai Tarsh Kemp after she died yesterday as a result of kidney disease – what will happen going forward?  Doctors are unhappy with the Government’s new virtual GP service, are they right to be?  And what are their thoughts on taxpayer money potentially going to Moana Pasifika, with Whanau Ora’s funding of the association that owns them?  LISTEN ABOVE  Fri, 27 Jun 2025 01:32:46 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/chris-hipkins-labour-leader-on-the-conflict-in-the-middle-east-kids-bringing-weapons-to-school/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/chris-hipkins-labour-leader-on-the-conflict-in-the-middle-east-kids-bringing-weapons-to-school/ The Opposition Leader has laid out his view of what's needed for peace in the Middle East.  A wavering ceasefire remains between Israel and Iran after scolding from the US President, although both claim breaches by the other.  Donald Trump claims his country's strikes this week destroyed Iran's nuclear programme, but early US intelligence indicates it's only set it back by months.  Chris Hipkins told John MacDonald diplomacy is needed from everyone.  He says bombing isn't the answer to ending a nuclear arms race, and anyone believing that should think again.  When it comes to the rising number of children bringing weapons to school, Hipkins says the issue didn’t come up when Labour was in Government.  Figures show 526 students were stood down, suspended, or excluded for using or having a weapon at school last year – up 80% on 2018.  Hipkins told MacDonald his party gave schools the power to search kids' bags, but it's not a realistic way to deal with this problem.  He says it's time to get the Ministry of Education, Police, and schools to think of proactive solutions.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 25 Jun 2025 01:12:37 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/phil-mauger-christchurch-mayor-on-housing-intensification-central-government-being-able-to-override-council-plans-christchurch-council-update/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/phil-mauger-christchurch-mayor-on-housing-intensification-central-government-being-able-to-override-council-plans-christchurch-council-update/ Christchurch’s Mayor is back with John MacDonald to discuss the biggest stories from the week that was.  The Government is giving the Housing Minister the power to overrule local councils, and Phil Mauger has some strong opinions on the topic.  Housing intensification is still on the docket, but he’s made it clear they’ll be pushing back against it all the way.  And why are there so many leafblowers out and about? Is that a good use of taxpayer money?  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 19 Jun 2025 01:08:43 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/politics-friday-with-matt-doocey-and-duncan-webb-nzs-relationship-with-the-us-privacy-vs-safety-and-tourism-nzs-new-marketing-campaign/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/politics-friday-with-matt-doocey-and-duncan-webb-nzs-relationship-with-the-us-privacy-vs-safety-and-tourism-nzs-new-marketing-campaign/ Matt Doocey and Duncan Webb joined John MacDonald in studio for Politics Friday. They discussed Helen Clark’s recent comments around New Zealand’s relationship with the United States – do they agree?   On the topic of privacy versus safety, when it comes to mental illness, is keeping people safe a higher priority than keeping someone’s health private?  And Tourism New Zealand’s new 100% Pure marketing campaign has been launched, and Duncan Webb is not a fan.  LISTEN ABOVE  Fri, 13 Jun 2025 00:30:44 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/chris-hipkins-labour-leader-on-te-pati-m%C4%81ori-housing-intensification-sewage/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/chris-hipkins-labour-leader-on-te-pati-m%C4%81ori-housing-intensification-sewage/ Labour's leader says Te Pati Māori should focus on the issues most New Zealanders care about.   Parliament last week voted to hand down the harshest suspensions in history to three MPs over a haka performed during the Treaty Principles Bill vote.    Labour's Willie Jackson and Adrian Rurawhe argued the punishments were too harsh, but also suggested the Party could compromise or say sorry.   Chris Hipkins told John MacDonald housing, health, and education are the main things Māori around the country raise with him.  He says that Te Pati Māori made their point around the haka, but he thinks people want to see them get back to debating the big issues now.   LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 10 Jun 2025 23:59:04 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/politics-friday-with-matt-doocey-and-tracey-mclellan-high-schools-te-pati-m%C4%81ori-and-natural-gas/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/politics-friday-with-matt-doocey-and-tracey-mclellan-high-schools-te-pati-m%C4%81ori-and-natural-gas/ John was joined by Matt Doocey and Tracey McLellan this week for Politics Friday. They discussed the situation with Shirley Boys High School, who have spent $800,000 to move their school away from the modern learning model. Is it fair that schools have to foot the bill for this? The decision has been made around punishment for Te Pati Māori, does this affect Labour's view of working with them in future, and is there really gas to be found in New Zealand?  LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 05 Jun 2025 23:32:56 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/phil-mauger-christchurch-mayor-on-capping-rates-increases-the-potential-for-passenger-rail-in-canterbury-selling-lichfield-street-car-park/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/phil-mauger-christchurch-mayor-on-capping-rates-increases-the-potential-for-passenger-rail-in-canterbury-selling-lichfield-street-car-park/ Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger joined John MacDonald this morning for their regular catch up.  In the wake of Raf Manji’s comments about capping rate increases, how does the Mayor feel about its achievability?   ECAN is making a case for a passenger rail in Canterbury – is it a good move? And is selling off Lichfield Street car park a wise decision?  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 04 Jun 2025 23:58:09 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/leeann-watson-business-canterbury-ceo-on-signs-of-recovery-in-the-region-worksafe-changes/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/leeann-watson-business-canterbury-ceo-on-signs-of-recovery-in-the-region-worksafe-changes/ Leeann Watson, CEO of Business Canterbury, joined John MacDonald to give a quarterly update.  Are we seeing signs of recovery in Canterbury? What would a commuter train mean for the city business scene?  And will the Government’s new approach to WorkSafe make a difference for local businesses and how they operate?  LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 03 Jun 2025 01:10:36 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/politics-friday-duncan-webb-and-hamish-campbell-talk-truancy-students-rma-proposals/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/politics-friday-duncan-webb-and-hamish-campbell-talk-truancy-students-rma-proposals/ Today on Politics Friday John MacDonald was joined by National’s Hamish Campbell and Labour’s Duncan Webb to discuss some of the biggest stories of the week.  The Government will soon be issuing fines to parents of repeatedly absent students – will this work? Is it a new idea?  Campbell almost manages to explain the RMA changes in one sentence, but what do they mean for New Zealanders?  And is there a place for more dairy cows in Canterbury, along with a passenger rail?  LISTEN ABOVE  Fri, 30 May 2025 00:57:21 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/james-meager-minister-for-the-south-island-on-his-portfolio-budget-for-canterbury-hipkins-comments/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/james-meager-minister-for-the-south-island-on-his-portfolio-budget-for-canterbury-hipkins-comments/ James Meager is responding to Chris Hipkins’ comments about the Minister for the South Island role.  The Labour Leader called the position a “PR job”, saying there would be no need for Meager’s role if the Government was actually prioritising the South Island.  Hipkins says Meager's not doing anything because he has no budget or decision-making ability, and this is just a way of telling the South Island it hasn't been forgotten.  Meager has hit back, saying it speaks volumes that Hipkins thinks the only way to achieve something is having a big bureaucracy and budget.  He says it’s disappointing to hear that kind of comment, and he’d rather hear something more positive about the aspirations of the South Island, which is why he’s there.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 28 May 2025 00:58:55 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/chris-hipkins-labour-leader-on-winston-peters-ruling-out-labour-kiwisaver-changes-minister-for-the-south-island/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/chris-hipkins-labour-leader-on-winston-peters-ruling-out-labour-kiwisaver-changes-minister-for-the-south-island/ Labour's yet to rule potential coalition partners in or out.  New Zealand First leader Winston Peters is refusing to work with Chris Hipkins next election, but has not entirely ruled Labour out.  On social media, Peters posted a Government of Labour, the Greens, and Te Pati Māori would be a "circus" and a "radical woke show".  Hipkins told John MacDonald that they actually ruled out working with Peters before the last election, and he’s said since that that’s unlikely to change.  However, he says potential coalition decisions will be made closer to the election, based on principles and the party’s compatibility, rather than the petty personality vendettas that seem to be occupying Peters’ time.   The Labour Leader is also calling the role of the Minister for the South Island a "PR job."  Rangitata MP James Meager picked up the new portfolio in January, alongside Hunting and Fishing, Youth, and Associate Transport.  The Prime Minister says he will be a critical voice for the South Island.  But Hipkins told MacDonald there would be no need for Meager's role if the Government was actually prioritising the South Island.  He says Meager's not doing anything because he has no budget or decision-making ability, and this is just a way of telling the South Island it hasn't been forgotten.  LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 27 May 2025 23:31:00 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/politics-friday-with-megan-woods-and-matt-doocey-kiwisaver-means-testing-what-the-budget-means-for-canterbury/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/politics-friday-with-megan-woods-and-matt-doocey-kiwisaver-means-testing-what-the-budget-means-for-canterbury/ Today Megan Woods and Matt Doocey joined John MacDonald following the release of the budget. They discussed the key aspects of it including changes to KiwiSaver, will there be an announcement on the retirement as it sound like Matt is hinting towards? Should parents really support 18 and 19 year olds if they aren't working? And what is in the budget for Canterbury? LISTEN ABOVE.  Fri, 23 May 2025 02:06:31 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/phil-mauger-christchurch-mayor-on-the-speed-limit-around-te-kaha-stadium-after-hours-care-taking-home-shopping-trolleys/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/phil-mauger-christchurch-mayor-on-the-speed-limit-around-te-kaha-stadium-after-hours-care-taking-home-shopping-trolleys/ There's consultation on speed limits around Christchurch's Te Kaha stadium - once again. New Government rules are forcing the City Council to ask for public feedback for a second time.  A 30 kilometre-an-hour limit was approved for multiple surrounding streets but can no longer be implemented because of the changes.   Mayor Phil Mauger told Canterbury mornings although this feels like over-consulting, this needs to be right to ensure public safety.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 21 May 2025 23:40:06 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/mike-blackburn-construction-analyst-on-the-current-situation-in-canterbury-market-update-major-work-in-the-region/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/mike-blackburn-construction-analyst-on-the-current-situation-in-canterbury-market-update-major-work-in-the-region/ Construction is booming in Canterbury – but what is the market doing?  Construction Analyst Mike Blackburn joined John MacDonald to delve into the current situation in the region, the areas that are seeing major work, and if they’re seeing an over-supply of multi-unit dwellings.   LISTEN ABOVE  Fri, 16 May 2025 00:53:27 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/chris-hipkins-labour-leader-on-pay-equity-school-attendance-familyboost/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/chris-hipkins-labour-leader-on-pay-equity-school-attendance-familyboost/ The Opposition Leader's welcoming Government investment into school attendance.  $140 million from this year's Budget will go towards a new system and better data monitoring.  Labour leader Chris Hipkins wanted truancy officers reintroduced two years ago when he was PM.  Hipkins told John MacDonald it's clear disbanding the previous truancy service in 2012 was the wrong decision.  He says it’s a good step in the right direction, and gives credit where credit is due.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 14 May 2025 00:20:56 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/politics-friday-with-megan-woods-and-vanessa-weenink-pay-equity-mmp-state-of-emergency-in-banks-peninsula/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/politics-friday-with-megan-woods-and-vanessa-weenink-pay-equity-mmp-state-of-emergency-in-banks-peninsula/ John MacDonald was joined this morning by Megan Woods and Vanessa Weenink, to delve into some of the biggest issues of the week.  It’s been a big week for Weenink, who holds the electorate seat for Banks Peninsula – she gave an update on the State of Emergency in the area, and her thoughts on the response.  Pay equity was the big topic of the week – it's been revealed National Party members were told about the plan last week – how did Weenink feel at the time?   And David Parker believes it’s time for MMP to go – does his stance hold merit?  LISTEN ABOVE  Fri, 09 May 2025 00:51:22 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/phil-mauger-christchurch-mayor-on-the-state-of-emergency-in-banks-peninsula-water-quality/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/phil-mauger-christchurch-mayor-on-the-state-of-emergency-in-banks-peninsula-water-quality/ Banks Peninsula's State of Emergency remains in effect, with warning of more severe weather on its way for much of the country.  The emergency was declared a week ago during record rain and flooding.  Orange warnings have now been issued for more heavy rain for several parts of both islands, heading from south to north over the next two days.  Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger told Canterbury Mornings the State of Emergency will be reviewed again at 4pm.  He says they worry rain tomorrow may impact existing slips and could make things a bit messy.  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 08 May 2025 00:31:24 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/chris-hipkins-labour-leader-talks-emergency-housing-budget-2025-increased-oranga-tamariki-reports/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/chris-hipkins-labour-leader-talks-emergency-housing-budget-2025-increased-oranga-tamariki-reports/ The Labour Leader is pushing back against criticism of emergency housing motels amid an increase in reports of concern to Oranga Tamariki. It estimates its seen a 45% increase in reports in the year to April, and data shows that as of March 31st, there were 1,391 children overdue to be given a social worker.  Chris Hipkins is rebuking the idea the situation is a legacy of the previous Labour Government, telling John MacDonald that economic circumstances often result in a rise in negative statistics, as families are under a lot of financial pressure.  He accepts this kind of thing builds over time, but an increase of this magnitude cannot solely be blamed on the previous government, and the current government has played a role. "If we've got more kids living on the streets and living in cars because they've booted everyone out of emergency accommodation and they're being referred to Oranga Tamariki as a result of that, which the government was told would happen, with their emergency accommodation policy, then yes, that is the government's responsibility." Motels were one of the Labour Party's emergency housing solutions, and Hipkins admits that it's not optimal, but it's better than having people living in cars or under bridges. LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 29 Apr 2025 23:17:56 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/politics-friday-with-vanessa-weenink-and-tracey-mclellan-treaty-principles-bill-ferry-economy/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/politics-friday-with-vanessa-weenink-and-tracey-mclellan-treaty-principles-bill-ferry-economy/ There's a lack of enthusiasm for a ferry service between Wellington and Lyttelton.  According to Local Democracy Reporting, Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon believes the Government should consider reinstating the service, which ran from 1895 to 1976.  National Party's Vanessa Weenink told John MacDonald the idea is harking back to the old days.  She says she’s unsure what the business case would be, and is unsure if it would work out.  Labour's Tracey McLellan says it's a romanticised idea.  She told MacDonald she can’t see this one working, and it’s still taking three years to get the Cook Strait Ferries sorted.   LISTEN ABOVE  Fri, 11 Apr 2025 00:39:37 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/phil-mauger-christchurch-mayor-on-the-erebus-memorial-new-build-precautions-and-bird-poop-problems/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/phil-mauger-christchurch-mayor-on-the-erebus-memorial-new-build-precautions-and-bird-poop-problems/ John MacDonald was joined today by Mayor Phil Mauger.  They discussed the potential for Christchurch to be home to the delayed Erebus Disaster memorial – is Christchurch an appropriate home?   The central city has been overrun by birds and their droppings, does the Council have a plan to deal with the mess? And what measures will the council take regarding the new build’s in the city’s east, given the recent findings that houses may sink in some areas? LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 09 Apr 2025 23:40:06 Z