Larry Williams Drive

I wouldn't be surprised if Education Minister Erica Stanford actually ends up scrapping NCEA level one. Because she's already concerned enough to order a review - and the review has come back slamming it, so she's got all the ammo she needs to pull the trigger if she wants to. And I hope she does, because it has become apparent, especially in the last three years, that NCEA is a massively flawed system. And I don't think this is just a level one problem, I think there's problems across all three levels. What's going on is that schools have had a gutsful and they're dropping it - fast. This year, only 87 percent of schools offered NCEA level one, next year only 75 percent will offer it.  You can see this massive drop- and the problem is that the ones predominantly dropping it are the ones in the highest socio-economic areas. That is a problem, because if it carries on like this, what we’re gonna end up with is rich kids and kids living in nice suburbs and going to to high decile schools coming out with de

Former Prime Minister John Key has fondly remembered Nikki Kaye as a brave warrior. The former National deputy leader and Auckland Central MP has died aged 44 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Kaye served as an MP from 2008 until 2020 - the only National MP to win the electorate. In her valedictory, Kaye recalled Prime Minister Key swearing and telling her she wasn't going anywhere, when she was diagnosed in 2016.  Key says Kaye fought valiantly - and he recalled reminding Kaye her great motivation was helping people and told her she'd beat it. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Politicians from all parties are coming together to pay tribute to Nikki Kaye. The former National deputy leader and Auckland Central MP has died, aged 44. Kaye served as an MP from 2008 until 2020 - taking leave from the House in 2016 for breast cancer treatment.  John Key, Helen Clarke, Jacinda Ardern and Chloe Swarbrick are among those who have shared tributes, and  Prime Minister Chris Luxon says she was held in great respects across the political divide.  Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper also says she was a hard worker - and will be remembered fondly. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's new social media ban for under-16s is being met with backlash from various MPs and critics alike.  Opposition leader Peter Dutton has voiced disapproval with the idea and prospective voters have wondered how these restrictions will be implemented. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says people have also suggested the Government direct their attention to sugar taxes and regulating gambling instead. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new face will bat at three for England in the first cricket test against the Black Caps, starting Thursday in Christchurch. Warwickshire batter Jacob Bethell will debut at the spot, with Ollie Pope keeping wicket and batting at six in the absence of the injured Jordan Cox. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Education Minister agrees NCEA level one doesn't work in its current form. The Education Review Office has called for a rethink of the qualification- after a review revealed it's not a fair or reliable measure of knowledge and skills. Minister Erica Stanford says she's going to take the findings of this review on board to re-evaluate the standards. "At the moment, it's trying to be a level up into level two and it's also trying to be a school leavers' - and in the end, it's neither of those things. So it's not working as it is." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Britain, Storm Bert is lashing the region - bringing snow, wind, flooding and heavy rain. Homes, schools and businesses were destroyed as a month's worth of rain hit England and Wales. UK correspondent Kay Oliver says the storm has been responsible for four deaths - including a 75-year-old dog walker. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Air New Zealand isn't going into the 2025 financial year with rosy expectations.  The airline expects its first-half pre-tax profit to be in a range of $120 million to $160m, down from $185m in the previous comparable half year. Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly unpacked the mood of investors. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington City Council’s 'highest-ever' investment in water infrastructure will see less than 1km of pipes replaced this year, Wellington Water claims. After a summer of leaks and taps running dry, the Council promised to increase spending on water infrastructure to address the damage. Wellington City Councillor Ben McNulty says it's up to Wellington Water to determine where that money goes. "The decision to do less than a kilometre sits very much operationally in their hands." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, David Farrar of Kiwiblog and Curia and Child Fund's Josie Pagani joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! TJ Perenara raised a few eyebrows following his controversial haka at last week's All Blacks match. Was this appropriate to do before the game?  It's been a full year since the new Government was sworn in. What do we think so far? What have been their biggest wins - and losses? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 25 November 2024, former Black Fern and Silver Fern Louisa Wall comes out in support of TJ Perenara and his political haka against Italy. GPs say they can't get patients on hospital waiting lists, but hospital doctors say they're not gaming the system, they're simply being realistic about the number of patients they can treat. Heather asks Finance Minister Nicola Willis whether she's given up on getting back to surplus in 2027/28. Plus, the Huddle reviews the Government's first year in office. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's hoped a new police station in Auckland's CBD will make people feel safe and make it easier for police to attend crime. The Federal Street facility will have 51 beat officers and staff, including prosecutors and firearms safety authority personnel.   Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this development will help make the city centre safer. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister's foreshadowing an update on whether the Government's books are still on track for surplus in 2027-2028.  Nicola Willis will deliver the half yearly economic and fiscal update in about three weeks.  She says that will illustrate the latest forecasts for a surplus - and seemed to caution against unrealistic expectations. "I've always been clear - I'm not going to chase a surplus at all costs. Forecasts move up and down. What I've committed to New Zealanders is that we will make sensible, prudent fiscal decisions to get the books back in balance over time." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government says it's chosen a strategically good location for its new Auckland CBD police station. The Federal Street facility should be completed mid-2025, and will have 51 beat officers.  The College Hill station will continue its operations - and the old Vincent Street premises are still up for sale.   Police Minister Mark Mitchell says centralised police stations in the past were great. "I think the Federal Street option is just such a good option - it's centralised, our beat officers are covering the entire CBD, the feedback and anecdotal feedback has been just fantastic." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Increased restrictions for HRT menopause treatment, as Pharmac finds ways shore up supply of oestradiol patches. It's changing its main funded brand to Estradiol TDP Mylan from supplier Viatris from next July. In order to ensure supply, it'll be the only funded brand available by December 2025. Menodoctor Clinical Director, Linda Dear, says those who can't use the Mylan brand will have other options. "Most women who get on with other, non-Mylan brands will get on with gel fine - but it means they'll have to start probably thinking about that transition." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Patients referred for hospital treatment aren't even making it onto waiting lists. RNZ's obtained part of a letter to a GP from an orthopaedic clinic that confirms some referrals are being knocked back. It says the decision's forced on them by a lack of resources to let them see all referred patients within the limits of Ministry of Health waiting time targets. Association of Salaried Medical Specialists executive director Sarah Dalton says she thinks they're trying to inject some realism into the situation. "I think the point they're making is that if they put someone on a waiting list like that at this time, that person is never going to make their way up."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's belief from some that the All Blacks' support for Hīkoi mō te Tiriti is a call for unity. As halfback TJ Perenara led the pre-test haka yesterday - he referenced the movement opposing the Treaty Principles Bill. Former Black Fern and Labour MP Louisa Wall says the tradition has evolved over time. She says it's a team decision who leads - and Perenara wouldn't have been acting alone. "He obviously talked to his teammates and coach about what the purpose and intent was behind the haka, so that's their choice, surely." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A review has been ordered to investigate bullying across Australian schools in a bid to stamp out the issue. The study will be funded by the Australian Government and results will be reported back to education ministers to develop a measured response. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says bullying has remained a persistent issue in Australia for decades. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks' final match of the season against Italy raised a few eyebrows - over more than just the team's performance.  Departing veteran TJ Perenara voiced support for Hīkoi mō te Tiriti, as he led his final haka. ZB Wellington sports reader Adam Cooper unpacked the controversy further.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Helen Clark foundation is calling on the Government to address New Zealand's growing obesity stats and improve access to healthy foods. The think tank's newly-released report revealed that one in eight Kiwi kids and one-third of adults live with obesity - the third-highest rate in the OECD. Health advocate and activist Dave Letele says it's important to invest in educational programs to teach families how to improve their help - but companies need to be regulated too. "These companies, these sugar companies, these fast-food companies - the most profitable places are all in the poorest areas. I think they should be made to invest in these communities." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.