/on-air/holiday-breakfast/rss 九一星空无限 Don't miss a thing while you're on holiday, with 九一星空无限talk ZB Holiday Breakfast. Listen for the best in news, views and opinion to keep Kiwis informed and e Fri, 31 Jan 2025 04:48:47 Z en /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/sir-peter-beck-rocket-lab-founder-on-the-strength-of-the-company-his-career-history/ /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/sir-peter-beck-rocket-lab-founder-on-the-strength-of-the-company-his-career-history/ Rocket Lab founder Sir Peter Beck is trying not to compare himself too much to his mega-wealthy rivals.  Jeff Bezos' Blue Origins has successfully launched its first rocket into orbit overnight, while Elon Musk's SpaceX has been launching a pair of landers towards the moon.  Rocket Lab, meanwhile, has been launching a second Varda Pioneer Spacecraft into orbit.  Beck told Tim Beveridge he's never had the capital of his two main competitors, owned by the two wealthiest people on the planet, and he probably never will.  He says the lack of money has forced Rocket Lab to innovate, which has become its strength.  In other space developments, India has docked two spacecraft for the first time, while stranded NASA astronaut Suni Williams has made her first spacewalk on the ISS.  She and her colleague Butch Wilmore aren't expected back on Earth until late March at the earliest.  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 16 Jan 2025 21:11:19 Z /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/gerry-brownlee-speaker-of-the-house-reflects-on-the-behaviour-in-parliament-in-2024/ /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/gerry-brownlee-speaker-of-the-house-reflects-on-the-behaviour-in-parliament-in-2024/ Have the standards in New Zealand’s Parliament been slipping?  Between constant interruptions and heckling, name calling, and a haka towards the end of last year, 2024 was filled with events that drew concern about the behaviour of our MPs.  Speaker of the House, Gerry Brownlee, told Tim Beveridge that since there is now a party of reasonable size that wants to make cultural expressions that recognise their voters, they need to ask how that fits in.  He says there’s a lot of tension surrounding it, and they’re looking at ways in which they might formalise some aspects so that there isn’t the element of surprise or ambush.  Brownlee says that in the end, New Zealand has a very safe Parliament, and people shouldn’t lose sight of that.  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 16 Jan 2025 20:57:18 Z /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/nat-fortier-sailgp-global-director-of-communications-ahead-of-the-auckland-regatta/ /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/nat-fortier-sailgp-global-director-of-communications-ahead-of-the-auckland-regatta/ There’s multiple debuts happening at this weekend’s SailGP regatta.   Not only is it Auckland’s hosting debut, but it’s also the first time the new high-speed titanium T-Foils will be seen in action, having been trialled for the last two years.   Nat Fortier, SailGP’s Global Director of Communications, told Tim Beveridge that the last speed record was under 100kph an hour, but now they’re seeing the boats hit just over 100kph.  She says they’re all hoping they’ll see that kind of speed out on the water this weekend.  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 16 Jan 2025 20:27:32 Z /on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/tim-beveridge-the-legacy-of-joe-biden-and-his-final-address/ /on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/tim-beveridge-the-legacy-of-joe-biden-and-his-final-address/ Well, it’s all over bar the shouting for President Joe Biden, having given his final address where he outlined his record while also sounding a warning of a wealthy oligarchy that is taking shape in America with extreme wealth, power and influence threatening democracy and basic rights and freedoms.  It was a speech that, given the state of American politics, wasn’t going to win anyone new over. Still, it was his chance to present his record and final thoughts as president.  He will, of course, have been pleased to finish his presidency on a positive note with the deal for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas (regardless of how it goes).  But, of course, from the sidelines is Donald Trump, who claims it was his overarching threat that "all hell would break loose" that influenced the outcome. Who knows? Though I would have thought all hell had already broken loose over a year ago.  But back to Biden.  To be honest, from my point of view, my preference for who occupies the position of President of the United States isn’t about domestic records or political promises. Those issues are clearly more significant to the American voter. For me and countless others, questions about the way we conduct ourselves in politics and respect for democracy matters most, given the USA’s position and power in the world.    Yes, I can understand why people voted for Trump when it comes to the economy and promises made. But when it comes to respect for democratic values, I’d give Trump a 0 out of 10 and Biden more like an 8 or 9.  For many – one of Biden’s negatives is that he will be remembered for saying he would never pardon his son Hunter Biden, only to perform a comprehensive 180. You can understand why he did it, given how he was pressured into withdrawing his candidacy. But he also would have seen an incoming president escaping all consequences for his actions on January 6, not to mention being a convicted felon and thought - am I really gonna hang my son out to dry on my principles? I would have done the same thing.  But what we have now heading to the White House is a guy who still doesn’t accept the result of the election four years ago. In a way it’s a shame Trump hadn’t won back then because now we’d be saying goodbye to him and hopefully welcoming fresher faces from both parties. Perhaps then they might compete on policy rather than appealing to people’s basic instincts or bigotries.    And that’s the problem we have seen with American politics over the past eight years - partisan politics getting more and more extreme.    In fact, it’s so bad that I reckon if the religious right finally witnessed the second coming of Jesus and he told them he was a Democrat, they’d probably all convert to atheism, such is their loathing for the other side (“that Jesus is such a snowflake!” they’d say).  So for now, fingers crossed that Trump’s unpredictable ways might somehow become a weapon for resolving global conflicts. Because, well, here we are.  And for a final thought on Biden’s legacy – unfortunately, we’re left with the sense that if he had let go of his vanity a couple of years ago and realised it was time to pass the baton, we might be in a very different place.    Much like Kenny Rogers’ The Gambler – “You’ve got to know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em, know when to walk away, and know when to run” – Biden missed his moment. Instead, we got a last-minute Hail Mary that, well, didn’t work out the way many had hoped.  Thu, 16 Jan 2025 19:57:40 Z /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/thomas-harre-fire-and-emergency-new-zealand-responder-on-the-wildfires-in-california/ /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/thomas-harre-fire-and-emergency-new-zealand-responder-on-the-wildfires-in-california/ Winds have briefly eased in LA but the battle continues for firefighters trying to contain deadly wildfires.   Whole neighbourhoods have burned to the ground and many evacuated families don't know when they can return home.   Meanwhile, local authorities warn the gusts could pick up again next week.   Fire and Emergency New Zealand's Thomas Harre has worked in California.   He told Tim Beveridge the environment's very complex in terms of its terrain, fuel types, and vegetation types, as well as the number of communities affected.   Harre says that makes it very difficult to extinguish, especially combined with the current weather conditions.  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 16 Jan 2025 19:50:01 Z /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/hordur-thordarson-metservice-forecaster-on-the-forecast-for-aucklands-weekend-of-events/ /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/hordur-thordarson-metservice-forecaster-on-the-forecast-for-aucklands-weekend-of-events/ The forecast isn't looking too bad for what's arguably Auckland's biggest events weekend of the summer.  Thousands are expected to descend on Eden Park over the next two nights, to see country music star Luke Combs.  The city's also placing host to Sail GP over the next two days and Auckland FC is taking on Melbourne FC at Mount Smart Stadium tomorrow night.  MetService forecaster Hordur Thordarson told Tim Beveridge it should be a mostly settled weekend for most parts of the country, including Auckland.  He says there'll be an easterly flow, reasonably warm temperatures and the odd shower, but lots of fine spells as well.  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 16 Jan 2025 19:39:17 Z /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/brad-olsen-infometrics-principle-economist-on-banks-cutting-their-home-loan-rates/ /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/brad-olsen-infometrics-principle-economist-on-banks-cutting-their-home-loan-rates/ The banks are at it again.  ASB is slashing its rates this morning following a move by Westpac yesterday afternoon.  Many borrowers have been moving to floating or short-term fixed rates, anticipating further OCR cuts.  But latest forecasts show bank economists now expect the Reserve Bank to start hiking the OCR again next year.  Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen told Tim Beveridge the latest changes to advertised rates are driven more by bank competition, than by the Reserve Bank.  He's expecting a lot of competitive pressure between the banks this year as they jockey for market position.  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 16 Jan 2025 19:28:51 Z /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/erica-stanford-education-minister-on-only-70-of-students-passing-ncea-level-1/ /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/erica-stanford-education-minister-on-only-70-of-students-passing-ncea-level-1/ There's determination from the Education Minister to continue focusing on literacy and numeracy in schools.  New data shows 70% of Level 1 students passed NCEA last year, down from 82% the previous year.  It's partly due to the new 20-credit foundational literacy and numeracy requirement.  Erica Stanford told Tim Beveridge there was a cohort of students who were getting enough credits but couldn't pass the requirements throughout the year.  She says it's why more investment was announced to target young people in 169 schools in term four.  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 16 Jan 2025 18:56:35 Z /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/chloee-swarbrick-green-party-co-leader-reflects-on-the-scandals-tragedy-and-more-from-2024/ /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/chloee-swarbrick-green-party-co-leader-reflects-on-the-scandals-tragedy-and-more-from-2024/ The Green Party had a rough time in 2024, dealing with their fair share of scandals and tragedies.   From Darleen Tana’s dramatic exit and Golriz Ghahraman’s shoplifting scandal, to the death of Efeso Collins and Marama Davidson’s cancer diagnosis.   Co-Leader Chlöe Swarbrick told Tim Beveridge that it’s been tough.  “I do spend a lot of time reflecting on the actions that I take, and whether I’m the best person to be doing this job,” she said.  “I can tell you that I feel confident that we’ve done the best that we possibly could with those circumstances, with our values being the guiding star.”  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 15 Jan 2025 20:46:16 Z /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/chris-cahill-police-association-president-on-lyn-flemings-funeral-the-public-support/ /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/chris-cahill-police-association-president-on-lyn-flemings-funeral-the-public-support/ Police officer Lyn Fleming's life will be remembered at a full police funeral today in Nelson.   She died after she was run over while carrying out patrols in the city on New Year's Day.   The funeral will be held at the Trafalgar Centre and livestreamed on the Police website and Facebook page.   Police Association President Chris Cahill says there are unique features to a police funeral, including the police flag draped over the coffin, the police guard, and the performance of a haka.  He told Tim Beveridge that the public support from across New Zealand have been felt both in Nelson, but also in stations across the country.  Cahill says the support is always welcomed, even if it's come from incredibly tragic circumstances.   LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 15 Jan 2025 20:24:09 Z /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/mark-cameron-act-defence-spokesperson-on-the-need-to-increase-new-zealands-defence-spend/ /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/mark-cameron-act-defence-spokesperson-on-the-need-to-increase-new-zealands-defence-spend/ The ACT Party argues the re-election of Donald Trump is another reason for New Zealand to ramp up its Defence spend.   It's proposing an investment of at least 2% of GDP, with the current spend sitting at 0.9%.  ACT's defence spokesperson Mark Cameron says the world is becoming a less safe and predictable place, and New Zealand needs to pull its weight in traditional alliances.   He told Tim Beveridge that its incumbent on our crown to spend a bit more on investing in the men and women who wear our national colours every day to protect our national interests.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 15 Jan 2025 19:45:54 Z /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/rinki-murphy-endocrinologist-on-the-recommendations-regarding-the-diagnosis-of-obesity/ /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/rinki-murphy-endocrinologist-on-the-recommendations-regarding-the-diagnosis-of-obesity/ An overhaul of how obesity is diagnosed could be on the way.  The Global Commission on Clinical Obesity has made recommendations that diagnosis is focused on measures of total body fat, not just BMI.  The paper says current practices rely too heavily on body-mass indexes.  Endocrinologist Rinki Murphy told Tim Beveridge it won't mean people can just diagnose obesity by standing in front of the mirror.  She says it becomes unhealthy when fat goes into organs, and it's not able to be seen by the bare eye.   The Global Commission on Clinical Obesity also recommends recognising two categories of obesity.  Clinical obesity would be used for cases where excess body fat is negatively affecting body functions, while pre-obesity is where a patient has excess fat but it's not having consequences yet.  Murphy says BMI will still need to be used for population data.  She says it's required for monitoring, while the two categories can be used on an individual level.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 15 Jan 2025 19:29:30 Z /on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/tim-beveridge-today-we-farewell-lyn-fleming/ /on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/tim-beveridge-today-we-farewell-lyn-fleming/ Today is the day of the funeral for Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming, the police officer who as we all know was tragically killed in the course of duty just two hours into the new year.   Back then, after we heard that awful news, I commented that we would likely see a massive outpouring of grief and community solidarity – not just in the Nelson community, but throughout New Zealand.  Many will feel that the actions leading to her death are just one example —or, should I say, symptomatic— of the problems we’ve got in society. Too many people behave without regard for the consequences: for themselves, their victims, or anyone else their actions might affect. It’s a pretty obvious point, because let’s face it, how much would crime be reduced if perpetrators stopped to think about the impact of their actions?  But before I continue, I think it’s worth pausing to acknowledge again what a huge loss this has been to the Nelson community. From Lyn’s immediate family and friends to her wider family within the police, netball, and indeed the entire Nelson community that she served, her absence is deeply felt.  However, I believe there is one thing to come out of this tragedy that, ironically, gives cause for hope or some optimism. And that is what we will likely witness today: a huge number of people coming together to share their love, to support Lyn’s family, and to grieve the loss of someone who was such an integral part of their community.  Often, from what we hear or read in the media and in the political realm, it seems like we’re always at loggerheads with one another. But on a simple human level, we are also connected and have so much in common with each other as New Zealanders and human beings, regardless of race, politics, and religion.  And I think that today is going to be a demonstration of that.    So, what I hope is that when we see the news coverage of this farewell, and when we reflect on this tragedy, we are also reminded of the fact that, as the cliché goes, there is so much more that connects us than divides us.    Maybe as human beings we’re not all that bad. Maybe we just need to give ourselves more chances to connect with each other rather than finding excuses to bicker, insult, and alienate.    Now, I’m not saying it’s all Kumbaya or the Age of Aquarius. Because, we're always going to have differing opinions, philosophies and political views etc. But I just think that in the midst of all that, it doesn’t hurt to stop for a moment and appreciate the humanity we share.    We are part of a community that’s wider and more generous than we often think, and today is a chance to remind ourselves of that.  Wed, 15 Jan 2025 19:14:08 Z /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/brad-olsen-infometrics-principle-economist-on-rising-employment-confidence-index/ /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/brad-olsen-infometrics-principle-economist-on-rising-employment-confidence-index/ Another sign of hope on the horizon for jobseekers.  The latest quarterly Westpac-McDermott Miller Employment Confidence Index has risen for the first time in over two years, off the back of a three-and-a-half-year low.  Public sector workers are more pessimistic than private sector workers about their earning prospects.  But there's growing confidence, across the board, about the availability of jobs.  Infometrics’ Brad Olsen told Tim Beveridge that it’s another sign that we’re maybe starting to reach the end of the really difficult periods people are facing.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 15 Jan 2025 19:05:14 Z /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/paul-wood-foreign-affairs-correspondent-on-the-ceasefire-reached-between-israel-and-hamas/ /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/paul-wood-foreign-affairs-correspondent-on-the-ceasefire-reached-between-israel-and-hamas/ Celebrations in the streets of Israel and Gaza, with reports of ceasefire being reached.  More than 46-thousand people have been killed in the region and nearly two million people have been displaced since the conflict began in October.  BBC reports the first phase of the deal will see a six-week ceasefire and 33 of the hostages held by Hamas exchanged for hundreds Palestinian prisoners.  Foreign Affairs Correspondent Paul Wood told Tim Beveridge it's essentially the same deal that's been offered since May.  He says both sides are to blame to some extent for extending the deal, but it was largely Israel's Prime Minister prioritising destroying Hamas over getting the hostages home.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 15 Jan 2025 19:00:11 Z /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/brad-olsen-infometrics-principle-economist-on-the-increased-optimism-from-businesses/ /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/brad-olsen-infometrics-principle-economist-on-the-increased-optimism-from-businesses/ Businesses are feeling optimistic they could be in for a better 2025.   The latest Quarterly Survey of Business Opinion from the Institute of Economic Research reveals a net 9% of firms are expecting general economic conditions to improve.   This is a jump from a net 4% feeling downbeat three months prior.  Infometrics’ Brad Olsen told Tim Beveridge that it’s definitely a good sign, however at the same time, around 26% of businesses said they had less business activity in the December quarter.  He says this could indicate the recession continued through until the end of the year.  Olsen says there’s quite a clear feeling that while last year was tough, there are better things to come.  LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 14 Jan 2025 20:56:31 Z /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/ziggy-alberts-australian-singer-songwriter-on-his-success-and-upcoming-album-new-love/ /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/ziggy-alberts-australian-singer-songwriter-on-his-success-and-upcoming-album-new-love/ Ziggy Alberts is as dedicated to song-writing as they come.  The Australian musician picked up the guitar when he was 17, releasing his first EP the following year in 2012.   He’s best known for his studio album ‘Laps Around the Sun’, which peaked at number 2 on the ARIA charts.   Alberts told Tim Beveridge that when it comes to creating his music, the first step is relative insanity, the second is all the voices in his head.  “[Songs are] so mysterious to me,” he revealed.  “Writing a story that is actually cohesive or comprehendible, that part I’m quite particular about, but I guess that the inspiration of songs, whether it be playing the guitar or a melody, they’re so spontaneous.”  “They’re such a mystery to me, and have been my whole career.”   Alberts recently released a new single, ‘Where Does The Love Go?’ - the debut of his next album, ‘New Love’, which releases February.  ‘Where Does The Love Go?’ discusses self-love and awareness, caring for ourselves so that we can care for each other.  “I read a lot of Buddhism, and it talks a lot about being responsible for that... not seeing the Buddha outside you, and you’ve gotta be, you’ve gotta be the Buddha,” Albert explained.  “I think we have to be the change we want to see in the world.”  “It’s so hard to be that kind of loving embodiment of, you know, conducting yourself and communicating in a way that is useful and hopefully breaks down barriers,” he said.  “I think that’s the challenge of humanity, really.”   LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 14 Jan 2025 20:36:19 Z /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/simon-eccleshall-doctors-without-borders-head-of-programmes-on-the-need-for-aid-and-a-ceasefire-in-gaza/ /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/simon-eccleshall-doctors-without-borders-head-of-programmes-on-the-need-for-aid-and-a-ceasefire-in-gaza/ A humanitarian worker says a ceasefire in Gaza is desperately needed, with negotiations reaching the final stages.  The conflict has killed more than 46-thousand people in the region since the wars began with the Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7.  CNN reports the agreement would see a phased release of Israeli hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.  Doctors Without Borders Head of Programmes Simon Eccleshall told Tim Beveridge it'd mean aid can reach those who desperately need it.  He says before the crisis 500 trucks and supplies flowed into the area every day, but now there's a fraction of that.  LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 14 Jan 2025 19:37:29 Z /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/brooke-van-velden-internal-affairs-minister-on-the-changes-barring-under-18s-from-purchasing-all-lotto-products/ /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/brooke-van-velden-internal-affairs-minister-on-the-changes-barring-under-18s-from-purchasing-all-lotto-products/ It's thought consistency is key as the Government moves to ban all under 18s from buying all Lotto products.  Currently, only Instant Kiwi products have an age limit.  Internal Affairs Minister Brooke Van Velden says neither Lotto nor retailers want to sell its products to children, but it's a legally grey area right now.  She told Tim Beveridge she expects little resistance to the change.  Van Velden says Lotto estimates just 0.2% of all tickets are bought by kids.  LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 14 Jan 2025 19:19:34 Z /on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/tim-beveridge-could-this-finally-be-a-ceasefire/ /on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/tim-beveridge-could-this-finally-be-a-ceasefire/ It looks like we’re getting closer to an Israel/Hamas ceasefire agreement involving the release of hundreds of Palestinians and some but not all hostages, which, honestly, is a little surprising  Goodness knows it’s overdue, given the tragic fallout from Hamas’ murderous attack on October 7, 2023.  But I’m sceptical about the potential for any lasting peace with the word being that this particular ceasefire will be for 6 weeks. It’s a far cry from a “truce” or “peace deal”.  And that’s because Hamas will never give up its fight, given its intense hatred of Jews and the Jewish state. That hatred is on full display in its rhetoric, with ongoing promises to rid the world of Israel and the Jewish people.  We’ve heard that sentiment echoed time and time again, at protests around the world with chants of the either mindless or deliberately genocidal slogan: “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free”.  So, I just don’t trust that Hamas won’t want to have another crack at it — no matter how long they have to bide their time.  While I could be tempted to say, given the tragedy, that it’s unhelpful to pick sides, I can definitively say I am NOT on the side of Hamas.  Regardless of any assurances they might pretend to offer, we must recognize that their ultimate goal is the destruction of Israel. And they will not stop.  Recently, there was a debate at the Oxford Union, proposing the shameless motion: “This House Believes Israel is an apartheid state responsible for genocide.”  Just the fact that the debate was framed in such a ridiculous way shows how far Oxford has slipped with its standards. The audience was packed with Hamas sympathisers, while only a handful of Jewish students were brave enough to turn up.    Amid the jeering, Mosab Hassan Yousef, the son of a senior Hamas founder and leader who defected to Israel’s side, asked the audience to indicate, by a show of hands, how many of them would have reported prior knowledge of the October 7 atrocities to Israel.  Not even a quarter of the crowd raised their hands. In the so-called civilised halls of Oxford. No matter the atrocities of that day and the death toll in Gaza, they still wouldn’t have acted to stop it. If that is the attitude within Oxford– albeit with audience stacked with Hamas sympathisers, what chance is there that Hamas leadership has changed its mind? None, I’d say.  We can leave any further discussion of Oxford for another time, while still seeing the problems that Britain is struggling with. But it also demonstrates that, even in the context of a so-called peaceful debate, there is so much entrenched hatred against Israel that you end up with a sickening response, exposing people’s true colours.  I’d even go so far as to say that Hamas hates Israel more than it loves its own people, preferring to use them as human shields.  So no, I don’t believe the prospects of a successful ceasefire that won’t eventually lead to Hamas launching another attack, in the way they did on October the 7th    When protesters chant “Free Palestine,” I’d say they’re close—but they’re missing a couple of crucial words. What they should be chanting is: “Free Palestine—from Hamas”.  Because until that happens, there will be no hope of peace in the Middle East.  Tue, 14 Jan 2025 19:08:36 Z /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/char-miller-pomona-college-professor-of-environmental-analysis-on-the-wildfires-raging-in-la/ /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/char-miller-pomona-college-professor-of-environmental-analysis-on-the-wildfires-raging-in-la/ LA officials say the destruction caused by the deadly wildfires is "massive", "unimaginable" and unprecedented.  Firefighters are a long way off containing the largest Palisades blaze, with 86% of it thought to be burning out of control.  The death toll remains at 24, while another 23 people are still missing.  Char Miller —a Professor of Environmental Analysis at LA's Pomona College— told Tim Beveridge the firestorm has been unrelenting.  He says while they're used to fires in California, this one is different, and it feels like they're constantly under siege.  LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 14 Jan 2025 18:59:32 Z /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/chris-abercrombie-ppta-president-on-the-ncea-exam-results-releasing-today/ /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/chris-abercrombie-ppta-president-on-the-ncea-exam-results-releasing-today/ It's likely to be an anxious morning for 160-thousand secondary school students, who soon receive their NCEA exam results.  NZQA will upload the outcomes online, with students able to check if they've passed and if they've received Course and Certificate Endorsements or University Entrance.   PPTA President Chris Abercrombie told Tim Beveridge for those disappointed with their results, it's not the end of the world.  He says one bad result won't shape someone's entire future, and there are always options available.  NZQA doesn’t reveal the exact time results will be released, but it's usually early in the day.  LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 14 Jan 2025 18:45:59 Z /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/richard-arnold-us-correspondent-on-the-intensifying-emergency-response-to-the-california-wildfires/ /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/richard-arnold-us-correspondent-on-the-intensifying-emergency-response-to-the-california-wildfires/ Intense winds are once again fanning the flames of the LA wildfires.  九一星空无限talk ZB's California correspondent Richard Arnold told Tim Beveridge it comes as officials are ramping up the emergency response.  He says there's an "army" of about 15 thousand firefighters on the frontline and he's never seen anything quite like it.  Arnold says it’s hard to stop embers from spreading in the blustery conditions.   LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 14 Jan 2025 18:30:38 Z /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/catherine-field-europe-correspondent-on-ryanairs-request-to-enforce-a-two-drink-maximum-before-flights/ /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/catherine-field-europe-correspondent-on-ryanairs-request-to-enforce-a-two-drink-maximum-before-flights/ There’s a push to limit the amount of alcohol international passengers can drink before flights.  Budget airline Ryanair is asking European aviation authorities to enforce a two drink maximum.  Europe correspondent Catherine Field says passengers are limited in the amount of duty-free alcohol they can buy.  The airline argues that should apply to bars too.  Ryanair says changing the rules would create a safer experience for passengers, with improvements to behaviour.  LISTEN ABOVE  Mon, 13 Jan 2025 21:04:37 Z /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/david-seymour-act-leader-on-the-treaty-principles-bill/ /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/david-seymour-act-leader-on-the-treaty-principles-bill/ David Seymour’s controversial Treaty Principles Bill has faced a fair bit of opposition since its introduction.  The ACT Leader says it comes from two main camps, and in his opinion, it reinforces the need for a debate around the Treaty of Waitangi and its application.  He told Tim Beveridge that the debate has shifted to the point where it’s not about race or the Treaty, but rather about whether New Zealand is a society that gives respect and dignity to each person, or whether it’s some “backwards-looking tribal place” where people have to say their race before their ideas are heard.   Seymour believes the presentation of the bill by the media is “pretty hopeless”.  He says there was one interview on TV1 where they gave more time to the protestors that interrupted his interview, than they did him.  “It’s pretty difficult not to despair with the standards of media coverage.”  LISTEN ABOVE  Mon, 13 Jan 2025 20:23:04 Z /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/ladan-hashemi-lead-author-on-the-report-into-the-prevalence-of-childhood-trauma-in-new-zealand/ /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/ladan-hashemi-lead-author-on-the-report-into-the-prevalence-of-childhood-trauma-in-new-zealand/ Almost all Kiwi children experience significant trauma before the age of 10.  That's the finding of new Auckland University research, published in the European Journal of Public Health.  The study's also found children who experienced at least one traumatic event were twice as likely to be obese by the age of eight.  Lead author Ladan Hashemi told Tim Beveridge that they were looking to see if children had been exposed to things such as domestic violence, mental health issues, and alcohol misuse, which have a high prevalence in New Zealand.  She says that when all of the categories are combined, the prevalence of trauma is quite high and unsurprising.  LISTEN ABOVE  Mon, 13 Jan 2025 19:28:19 Z /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/max-gnojczak-food-envy-head-chef-on-the-marmite-and-chip-sandwich-coming-17th-on-the-worst-foods-list/ /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/max-gnojczak-food-envy-head-chef-on-the-marmite-and-chip-sandwich-coming-17th-on-the-worst-foods-list/ A Kiwi classic has been scorned.  The Marmite and chip sandwich has been named the 17th worst food in the world in Taste Atlas’ annual ranking.   Although the sandwich only scored a 2.3, the top three spots were claimed by Sweden’s Blodpalt, Spain’s Bocadillo de Sardinas, and Calskrove, also from Sweden.   Food Envy Head Chef and critic Max Gnojczak told Tim Beveridge that he was kind of confused by some of the choices, as they looked pretty decent to him.   LISTEN ABOVE  Mon, 13 Jan 2025 19:08:36 Z /on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/tim-beveridge-my-thoughts-on-the-need-for-rugby-reform/ /on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/tim-beveridge-my-thoughts-on-the-need-for-rugby-reform/ I’m sometimes a bit hesitant to weigh in on issues around sport because I am more of a fair-weather friend these days. Paul Lewis’s report in the New Zealand Herald about rugby sevens’ troubles was a shock. Financial issues are at the heart of it, and World Rugby seems unable to make sevens profitable. Stories of extravagance at the top don’t help, especially with rugby competing against other sports for attention and money. While players are obviously selected on performance, you have to wonder if the same standard applies to management. I’m no expert on the international game but as someone who was once a passionate rugby fan, it did make me reflect on whether there needs to be a shift in attitude here in New Zealand. Now I’m not about to have a go at coaches or the players and I’m persisting with my hope to see the Scott Robertson era excite us in 2025. But I just get a sense that the game here is managed, in this professional era, with a lingering old-fashioned attitude to accessibility. This makes our teams and players seem more remote than ever. Just look at some of the offerings that are available to sports fans from other sports that are now competing for our attention – and money. I’m a recent convert to following F1. That’s mainly because of the access that Netflix has had in filming its ‘Drive to Survive’ series. It’s let us into the dramas and the lives of people who are participating in an incredibly high-stakes game – and yet we still see them letting it all hang out with what they think, the rivalries, the bitchiness, and all while seeing that these are incredibly talented folk try to squeeze every last degree of performance out of their teams and vehicles. Whereas by contrast sometimes it feels like New Zealand rugby is so carefully stage-managed that it is becoming more and more remote from rugby fans and supporters. Possibly why the NZRU’s nickname behind the scenes with sports journalists is “the Kremlin”. Surely the reason that rugby became our national religion for decades was because we all felt like we owned the game. We felt connected to our local clubs, school teams, provincial teams, and, of course, the All Blacks. Not now. Somewhere that’s got a little lost. I have to remind you that I’m just saying this as more of a fair-weather fan of rugby – but I didn’t use to be. There was a time when the outcome of an All Black match would dictate whether it was a good or bad day. One of my brags as a singer was having sung the anthem for the All Blacks seven times (they won them all by the way...). I just get the feeling that something has to change. Because, as I said, there is a lot competing for our attention. Mon, 13 Jan 2025 18:52:20 Z /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/michael-gordon-westpac-senior-economist-on-the-increasing-number-of-filled-jobs/ /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/michael-gordon-westpac-senior-economist-on-the-increasing-number-of-filled-jobs/ The economy may be starting to turn a corner, but it could be a slow turn.  Stats NZ figures show the number of filled jobs increased 0.3% in November – the first monthly increase in eight months.  Service sector jobs increased, but the number of primary sector and goods industries jobs declined.  Westpac Senior Economist Michael Gordon told Tim Beveridge he still expects unemployment to surpass 5% this year.  He says it does tend to lag a bit, so there's still some GDP weakness to be reflected.  LISTEN ABOVE  Mon, 13 Jan 2025 18:43:33 Z /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/reid-butler-nine-news-us-correspondent-on-the-strong-wind-forecast-impacting-the-la-wildfires/ /on-air/holiday-breakfast/audio/reid-butler-nine-news-us-correspondent-on-the-strong-wind-forecast-impacting-the-la-wildfires/ There are fears fire crews will see setbacks in the efforts to contain the LA wildfires, with strong winds forecast in the hours ahead.  Thousands of firefighters are battling the Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst fires, which have now burnt through an area larger than Hamilton.  At least 24 people have died and dozens are missing, with the death toll expected to rise.  Nine 九一星空无限 correspondent Reid Butler told Tim Beveridge fire crews have made significant gains, but that could easily be undone by the winds.  He says it'll be especially bad if the helicopters can't fly, as existing fires could spread and new fires could start.  LISTEN ABOVE  Mon, 13 Jan 2025 18:39:05 Z