The Weekend Collective

Victoria University's Vice-Chancellor has his own concerns over an infamous free speech panel event.

A selection of public figures and academics were set to debate free speech, but backlash within the university led to the event being postponed.

Vice-Chancellor Nic Smith says it's a 'travesty' that people are no longer willing to listen and draw their own conclusions.

"That's an issue that I've seen across multiple media - we create bubbles where everyone wants to agree with each other and shout in these polarised extremes."

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There's debate over Victoria University's decision to call off a discussion on free speech.

It comes after outrage within the university, with claims the panellists didn't represent a balance of views.

600 people had registered to attend before the university's Vice-Chancellor postponed the event, saying they were going back to the drawing board.

Students' Association president Marcail Parkinson says some speakers would've made students uncomfortable, and have a history of hate speech.

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Te Whatu Ora has been criticised for telling public hospitals to bring the organisation back to budget, they need to make target savings of $105 million by July.

It said several districts have gone over budget in the past three months.

However, health unions have warned the constraints will impact medical care.

Former Te Whatu Ora chair Rob Campbell says we should be trying to improve our health system - not just saving costs.

"Once you get the emphasis on just saving costs, you end up cutting things that should not be cut."

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Leave the baby with a sitter or take them everywhere with you?

US comedian Arj Barker has sparked a furious backlash after asking a woman to take her baby out of his show at the Melbourne Comedy Festival - what do we think?

John Cowan joins the Weekend Collective with his take.

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A couple bought an investment property in the 90's for under $150,000, and sold it in 2024 for $4 million, so how long term should you be thinking when you're buying?

Ashley Church joins the Weekend Collective with his take.

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Today on the Panel Tim Beveridge was joined by Brad Olsen and Pete Wolfkamp to wrap the week that’s been. 

On today’s agenda: 

Reading Cinemas is disappointed by the failed $32 million deal with Wellington Council, and Leo Malloy confronted a gun-toting ‘cowboy’ in a night of Viaduct mayhem. Victoria University has cancelled a free speech event because student protesters were ‘freaked out’, and a mother was kicked out of Arj Barker’s comedy show because her baby was distracting. Do you think it’s fair? 

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Is there a connection between stress and weight gain?

Plus in a time when most of us are tightening the belt, there are ways we can get fit without a gym membership.

Health coach Kent Johns joined the Weekend Collective to discuss.

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With all the cuts to the cut service, how should you deal with layoffs mid-career, and more importantly how can you bounce back?

Employment relations practitioner Max Whitehead joined the show to discuss.

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Former Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr joined Helen Clark at Parliament this week, to warn New Zealand against joining Pillar 2 of the AUKUS defence pact, saying it is "fragrant, methane-wrapped bullsh*t," and funnily enough former opposition leader Don Brash tends to agree. 

Later, Shane Jones who has recently ben speaking about mining and fishing, this week let go with a broadside against the Waitangi Tribunal, saying they have "no business running it's operations as some sort of star chamber delivering pre-emptory summons for ministers."

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Should you help your children choose a career after school, or should you trust them to forge their own path?

Kathryn Berkett joined the Weekend Collective with her thoughts. 

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Is the housing market dead? Or is it just resting? 

What is the best sort of property to invest in for capital growth?

Ed McKnight from OPES Partners joined Tim Beveridge to give his insight.

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Niva Retimanu and Wilhelmina Shrimpton joined Tim Beveridge to wrap this week on the Panel. 

On the agenda tonight: 

Stuff and Warner Bros. Discovery have struck a deal, Stuff taking over the 6pm news bulletin for TV3. 

Shane Jones is planning to loosen consenting restrictions surrounding coal mining. 

New Zealand has been awarded the title of one of the most sexually active countries in the world. 

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Harbour Asset Management's Managing Director Andrew Bascand joined Tim Beveridge on Smart Money this week. 

They discussed how geopolitical events in Gaza including the recent attack made by Iran on Israel affected the sharemarket. 

Plus, digital banking has entered the Australian market. The pair discuss how people's relationship with banks is changing and more and more bank branches closing down. 

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Melatonin has emerged in recent years as one of the most popular sleep supplements, given its reputation for being effective as well as safe.

Nearly two-thirds of adults say they’ve turned to melatonin to help them sleep, according to a 2023 survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

But can you over-rely on sleep supplements? Dr Alex Bartle from SleepWell Clinic joins us to give us his thoughts.

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Today, Israel launched dozens of drones and missiles at Israel, in an attack that may trigger a major escalation between the regional archenemies. The United States has since pledged to back Israel.

Waikato University's International Law professor Alexander Gillespie analyses the escalating situation.

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In a widely anticipated move, Iran has launched an aerial attack into Israel.

The Israel Defence Force estimates Iran launched over 200 different kinds of drones, including killer drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles.

Waikato University Law Professor Al Gillespie says this attack was to be expected, as both sides had been 'goading' each other for the past few months.

"I think the final provocation was the attack on the consulate, it was the bit that tipped them over the edge. And Iran felt they had to respond, because the provocation was too much."

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Apparently 'it takes a village to raise a child'. But in the real world, should you ever tell off other people's kids?

Dougal Sutherland from Umbrella Wellbeing joins the Weekend Collective to give his take.

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The Government is reintroducing 90-day no-cause evictions and making several changes to notice period laws in a move meant to 'encourage landlords back to the rental property market'.

How will this affect the market? Helen O'Sullivan from Global Valocity joins the Weekend Collective to discuss. 

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Today on the Panel Tim Beveridge was joined by Mark Crysell and Brigitte Morton to dig into some of this week's juiciest topics.

On the agenda today:

TVNZ cancelled it's flagship shows whilst Newshub is closing for good.

MPs are finding themselves in a bit of a pay pickle while David Seymour succeeds in getting Pseudoephedrine cold and flu products are back on the shelves this winter.

Trade Me is taking legal action to force Trade Jobs NZ to change its name and colour.

Are you still spending it up on meals out at night amidst the cost of living crisis? Because Auckland restaurant Amano is turning over huge profit margins.

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Is there such a thing as the "optimal weight?" When does dieting become disordered eating? 

Dr John Cameron joins Tim Beveridge with the answers.

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Breakfast cereal giant Sanitarium says consumer habits are changing, as it plans to cut production of muesli, granola, flake, clusters and puff cereals by June 2025.  

So is breakfast as important as its made out to be?  

Registered dietitian with Mission Nutrition Hannah Eriksen joined Tim Beveridge to discuss. 

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Although the recession has put the brakes on average pay rises, the country’s highest-paid CEO has set a new record for remuneration.

Is this fair? Expert Amanda Morrall joins the Weekend Collective to discuss.

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Injuries are common when people first get into running - what can be done to prevent that? 

Plus, when it comes to running, does it matter what part of your foot you land on? And when should you be breathing in your run.

Biomechanist Greg Pain joins Tim Beveridge to discuss. 

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March is Brain Awareness month, so it is a perfect time to stop and think about what you are doing to look after your memory and all-round brain health.

Tim Beveridge is joined by accredited Brainfit Coach and respected communications specialist Jude Walter to give her insight on what the everyday person can do to stay on top of things.

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Research shows muscle strength and bone density diminish over time. 

So as life goes on - how can you stay on top of this? What exercises should you be prioritising? 

Tim Beveridge is joined by Health Coach Kent Johns for tips on how to continue strength training as you age.

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Immigration Minister Erica Stanford makes immediate changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa, by introducing a minimum skills and work experience threshold, as well as introducing an English language requirement for migrants.

Later, marketing professor Bodo Lang talks about about the triggering effects social media has on politics and democracy in this country, and how much political parties are spending on social media advertising.

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There's growing concerns from experts about the impact social media has on the political landscape.

It's been revealed that social media giant Meta has limited the reach of political content on its platforms- inspiring increased worry about censorship.

Massey University marketing professor Bodo Lang says platforms like Instagram and Facebook specialise in short-form content - and he believes those outlets aren't suited for political content.

"We want people to think about these things- and social media isn't the best way to get people to think about these things."

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The Immigration Minister is confident changes to the Accredited Employer Worker Visa will get the balance of skill right.

Changes include an English language requirement for some roles, and a minimum skills threshold.

Erica Stanford says they're focused on attracting and retaining high-skilled migrants where there are shortages, and prioritising New Zealanders in jobs where there aren't shortages.

She says in 2017, about half of migrants were high-skilled, but now that's switched.

"We really had a big switch to low-skilled migrants. And that's not going to improve our productivity, our economy, our GDP- we need to have that switch back."

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According to Core Logic he average property value in New Zealand by its measure is now $934,806, which has only slightly risen by 3.2 percent.

We speak to expert Ashely Church about the current buyers' market, and discuss why we've seen price stability recently, and if this is set to change.

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School Strike for Climate took place on Friday in over 20 different places in New Zealand, with thousands of students showing up to have their say.

However, should we be encouraging political activism at a young age? Sara Chatwin gives her take.

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On the Panel today Tim Beveridge was joined by Shane Te Pou and Matt Heath to discuss the week’s biggest topics. 

School kids are skipping class for climate protests, Gen Z is “impossible” in the workplace, and the Christ Church Cathedral restoration could be mothballed. 

Plus, how comfortable would you be with your kid directing you in a sex scene? Because Liz Hurley seems completely fine with her son telling her how its done while filming her new movie. 

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Property Commentator Ashley Church joined the show, to discuss the concern around major banks making wrong OCR predictions. 

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The University of Auckland was under fire after a picture of a designated study space for Māori and Pasifika students surfaced online.

The University has since claimed they're obligated to respond to the needs of their diverse student population with facilities, spaces and support.

ACT's Parmjeet Parmar has expressed concern over race becoming a big agenda item for more organizations. 

"The discussion is really important in my view. Because we don't want to go backwards, we all have fought hard for the values of inclusivity, and we need to stand by those values."

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When should you let your kids start using social media? Florida governor and former presidential candidate Ron DeSantis is pushing a ban until 14- is this a good idea?

Expert Nathan Wallis joins the Weekend Collective to discuss.

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Is investing in property still as viable as it once was - and how hard is it compared to 10 years ago?

We're joined by the Property Apprentice's Debbie Roberts for her take. Plus, we get a sneak preview of the One Roof Price Report for April.

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This week on the Panel Tim Beveridge was joined by Jo McCarroll and Pete Wolfkamp to wrap this week’s news: 

The University of Auckland is standing by their designated study spaces for Māori and Pasifika students, Sanitarium’s proposing to cut iconic cereal brands like Honey Puffs, and NZ Post plans significant job losses as consumer behaviour changes. 

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Labour leader & now leader of the opposition Chris Hipkins gave his State of the Nation speech in South Auckland today, he joined the Weekend Collective to discuss.

SailGP Lyttelton kicked off in Lyttelton yesterday but was abandoned after a dolphin was sighted on the course. Today, SailGP CEO Russell Coutts delivered an emotional response- Otago University professor Liz Slooten joined the Weekend Collective to discuss.

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A zoologist says Sir Russell Coutts has a simple view of dolphins and boats.

Yesterday's SailGP racing was called off after a Hector's dolphin was spotted on the course.

Sir Russell then said the event is handcuffed by unprecedented layers of bureaucracy and red tape.

He also claimed that dolphins are extremely intelligent and inherently aware of boats around them.

Otago University's professor Liz Slooten says dolphins love to bowride alongside boats, but not at the speed of SailGP boats.

"It's kind of like saying children are inherently aware of cars and trucks, therefore there is never going to be a situation where a child's going to be hit by a truck, the child would just naturally get out of the way."

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Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins has called for a better way to balance our tax system.

Delivering his State of the Nation speech earlier today, Mr Hipkins says now is the time to have the tax debate, despite Labour ruling out both a wealth tax and a capital gains tax last year.

He pledged to spend the next two years releasing discussion documents, to get them best prepared for the next election.

Mr Hipkins says it's something that needs to be taken more seriously, especially when the IMF speaks out.

"The reality is, salary and wage earners are shouldering a disproportionate share of the tax take, and we should be making sure that it's more evenly balanced."

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British pop singer Lily Allen has admitted that while her children 'complete' her, having them 'totally ruined' her career. So John Cowan joins the Weekend Collective to answer the question - can you have it both ways?

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One gets you onto the property ladder faster, but the other yields greater returns. What do you think is the better investment opportunity- a house or an apartment?

Helen O'Sullivan, CEO of Valocity Global, joins the Weekend Collective to discuss. 

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Catherine, the Princess of Wales, has revealed she has been diagnosed with cancer, and the economy slipped into recession as GDP fell 0.1 percent.

Meanwhile, there are concerns for dolphins as SailGP is set to begin in Lyttelton Harbour, and New Zealand's 10th meteorite was discovered by a couple sitting in a Queenstown spa.

Mark Crysell and Brad Olsen, joined the Weekend Collective to discuss.

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New Zealand households have experienced a significant increase in their cost of living over the past four years, led by higher interest rates, transport, food, and housing costs.

Statistics NZ estimate that New Zealand living costs have increased 23% since the end of 2019, almost three times the change consistent with the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s 2% annual inflation target.

Hamish Pepper from Harbour Asset Management explains to Tim Beveridge where consumers are tightening their belt the most.

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He mentioned 'bulldust' academia, promised to rid the public service of 'co-governance', and accused the previous Government of holding 'contempt for democracy'.

Today, Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters gave his state of the Nation Speech, and he joined  the Weekend Collective for an in-depth interview to unpack it all.

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Winston Peters today outlined his plans to turn New Zealand around following his address in Palmerston North.

In his State of the Nation speech this afternoon, the NZ First leader was back in familiar territory, after spending the majority of the first 100-days in Government in ministerial mode.

Peters says he wants Kiwis to understand that the new Government is focused on getting the country lined up properly.

"It'll take some time, but we can turn our present slide, so to speak, in economic and social performance around- and get back to doing what we used to do."

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Winston Peters took a short break from being Deputy Prime Minister this afternoon, donning his New Zealand First leader hat instead.

And no one was safe from his scorn, during his State of the Nation Speech in Palmerston North this afternoon.

ZB political editor Jason Walls broke down Peters' 'combative' speech.

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In honour of St Patrick's Day, psychologist Sara Chatwin joins the Weekend Collective to help parents navigate their children through their first drink.

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What more can the Government do to help landlords and renters? And will the interest deductibility make any difference?

We're joined by Ed Mcknight, resident economist at OPES Partners, who makes the case that the Government should stay out of the market, and let the market do its thing.

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The Green Party have had a hellish week with suspending one of its MPs, Darleen Tana and Golriz pleading guilty to four charges.

The Princess of Wales apologizes for editing the infamous Mother’s Day photograph, Ryan Gosling’s I’m just Ken steals the show at the Oscars- plus, how did New Zealand react when McDonalds could not take any orders on Friday night across the world?

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This week on Politics Central, newly appointed Greens co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick opened up about her new role and the kind of leadership style she aims to bring to the Party.

Later, former Prime Minister Helen Clark talked about the ongoing restructuring of media in New Zealand and how this will affect democracy. 

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One former Prime Minister has expressed her outrage at TVNZ's proposed structural changes and job cuts.

The broadcaster has put a number of shows on the chopping block, with Midday, Tonight, Fair Go and Sunday to be scrapped.

Helen Clark has labelled the proposed cancellations of these current affairs programs 'disgraceful'.

"So why these? And it does lead one to wonder- are they putting up the Washington monument in the hope there'll be a rescue?"

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Chlöe Swarbrick believes her leadership style will compliment that of co-leader Marama Davidson.

The Auckland Central MP won every single vote from party members to take over from James Shaw, after he resigned earlier this year.

Her only competitor for the role was Dunedin-based activist Alex Foulkes, who is not in Parliament.

Ms Swarbrick says one key difference between them is Ms Davidson's ability to connect with communities on an emphatic level.

"Whereas, I think one of my strengths is being willing, ready and able to rattle off a number of statistics and citations to bring that evidence base to the policies that we're advocating and championing and fighting for."

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This week on the Parent Squad, expert Dorothy Waide offers her input on the perfect bedtime routine for kids- and shares her take on co-sleeping.

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This week on the Panel, Peter Wolfkamp and Jo McCarroll discuss the TVNZ job cuts, the coalition Government's first 100 days, a proposed hike to rego fees and the Defence Force's Boeing 757's high-profile maintenance issues.

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The World Health Organisation’s 'World Hearing Day' took place Sunday March 3.

Nearly 900,000 Kiwis experience hearing loss but only about 500,000 of them are aware of it.

Triton Hearing’s Head of Audiology, Lesleigh Smith, joined the Weekend Collective to discuss.

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Data published by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency across the ditch showed some of Australia's biggest companies have had their dirty laundry aired as gender wage gap data from thousands of organisations is made public for the first time.

So how important to you is pay transparency and how exactly do you negotiate a pay increase? We're joined by Hannah McQueen from Enable Me, to give her insight on things.

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The Finance Minister says the Government is "on track with getting New Zealand on track" as it nears the end of its hundred day plan.

Nicola Willis says there are still about half a dozen decisions to make, and a few pieces of legislation that will be introduced before Friday.

The Government is in the crux of decision making around its next budget, that Ms Willis says will address the cost of living pressures and over-spending.

She says she's working on the budget with other ministers every day to figure out priorities moving forward.

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The Government's 100-day outline is coming to an end this coming Friday- but have they achieved everything they wanted? Finance Minister Nicola Willis joins to discuss.

Plus, Luxon was lambasted for using his $52,000 accommodation allowance on his own apartment, but NZ Herald political editor Claire Trevett reveals Premier House needs repairs. 

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A new report investigating the state of Premier House does not state the residence is uninhabitable, but it has raised questions about its suitability as a home for the Prime Minister.

The report catalogues a list of problems, from 30 year old fittings and furnishings, to a lack of insulation and draughty, leaky windows.

NZ Herald political editor Claire Trevett says other former Prime Ministers have claimed Premier House is 'substandard'.

"The trouble with Premier House is the political backlash that a Prime Minister gets if they look at even doing basic maintenance jobs- which means they don't do it."

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After producer Joe was beaten by a 13-year-old in tennis, he expressed concern about how the kid's parents were coaching and pushing her from the side-lines.

So how much is too much when it comes to pushing your kids to succeed in sport? Psychologist Dougal Sutherland joins to discuss.

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Sir John Key has made property predictions for the future, he believes house prices could still 'potentially' double in the next 10 years.

But what does Debbie Roberts from the Property Apprentice have to say about this?

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Gang patches are being banned, Luxon's made a political U-turn over a 52,000 accommodation payment, and Newshub shuts down.

Plus, would you pay $6000 to find love? Theresa Gattung sure thinks the over-40s will fork out. Join Tim, Shane Te Pou, and Simon Wilson as we wrap up the week on The Panel.

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Is it unethical that supermarkets have so much leverage over basic needs unless we sign up to coupon card saving schemes?

Personal finance educator Lisa Dudson joins us to give her insight as to why this is the case.

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Nutritionist Claire Turnbull has just returned from the UK where she experienced a lot of restaurants that are now including the calorie amount in the food on the menu. So we're asking our listeners "do calories influence your food consumption?" 

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This week on Politics Central, University of Otago politics expert Robert Patman reflects on the second anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war and weighs in on what more can be done.

Later, Police Minister Mark Mitchell makes a case for the Government's proposed legislation targeting gang patches. 

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New legislation the Government hopes will curb gang crime could be written in a matter of weeks.

But we'll have to wait until at least the end of the year to see the ban on insignia pass into law.

The legislation also looks to stop criminal gangs from gathering in groups, by giving police the right to issue dispersal notices.

Non-consorting laws will stop specified members from associating or communicating with each other, for up to three years.

Police Minister Mark Mitchell, says in 2013, insignia was banned in schools, hospitals and public buildings, and it's been effective.

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Western leaders have touched down in Kyiv, to meet Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in the two year anniversary of war with Russia.

The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission, estimates more than 10,000 Ukrainian civilians, including 528 children, have died in two years.

Otago University Politics professor Robert Patman, says the conflict seems to have arrived at a stalemate.

Patman says Ukraine has exceeded expectations in its counterattack, by stepping up drone and missile strikes on Russia's infrastructure.

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The Reserve Bank is set to announce the latest OCR result next week- what does that mean for prospective first home buyers? Expert Nick Goodall joins the Weekend Collective to discuss.

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Real Life host and parenting expert John Cowan joins the Weekend Collective to discuss keeping an eye on children and stopping sneaky - and harmful - habits.

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Tonight on The Panel, Tim Beveridge was joined by Mark Crysell and Niva Retimanu to wrap up the week.

Green MP Efeso Collins' unexpected passing shocked the nation, Ginny Andersen accused current Police Minister Mark Mitchell of keeping a tally of deaths from his time overseas, a real estate agent faces a five-year ban for refusing to complete a compulsory course on Māori culture and tikanga, and Grant Robertson retires from politics.

Plus, New Zealand's birth rate declines even further, and an unfortunate typo at a West Auckland 'bus sotp' has locals scratching their heads.

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This week on The Weekend Collective's health hour, Tim Beverage is joined by Dr John Cameron to talk about the importance of self examination.

He discusses what lumps and bumps to look out for when it comes to testicle and breast cancer.

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2023 turned out to be a good year for investment markets.

Chris Di Leva from Harbour Asset Management spoke to Tim Beveridge about what 2024 could hold.

They also discuss how profitable it may be to invest in AI

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Labour has slammed the Government's plans to shake up sex education in schools.

National and New Zealand First have agreed to refocus the curriculum on 'academic achievement and not ideology' as part of their coalition agreement.

Labour's launched a petition to protect the guidelines, saying removing them will discourage conversations around sexuality, consent and gender.

Labour's Education spokesperson Jan Tinetti says we've become privy to an international culture war.

"We need to make sure that our kids are safe, that they're in an inclusive environment. And kids are working through gender diversity, the schools should be a safe place where they're able to do that."

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There's belief the Government will hit their 100 day plan target.

Prime Minister Chris Luxon celebrated what they've done in the first 81 days in today's State of the Nation speech, including abolishing Three Waters, banning cell phones in class and bringing back 90 day trials.

But Herald Deputy Political Editor Thomas Coughlan says some of the remaining 49 points shouldn't be rushed.

"Particularly in the justice sector, the gang patches legislation and the search powers for firearms- that's the stuff you want to get quite right when you're dealing with a fractured sort of relationship between the police and the gangs."

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Christopher Luxon gave his State of the Nation speech in Auckland, setting out his vision for the country and promising to be 'straight up' with Kiwis about the nation's 'fragile' situation. NZ Herald deputy political editor Thomas Coughlan joins to discuss.

Later, National's coalition agreement with New Zealand First makes changes to the sex education curriculum.

It will focus on "academic achievement and not gender ideology, including the removal and replacement of the gender, sexuality, and relationship-based education guidelines” But what does Labour's Spokesperson for Education have to say about this?

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How do you break the rut of reacting badly when your kids drive you nuts? Jenny Hale from the Parenting Place joins the Weekend Collective to give her thoughts.

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CoreLogic’s Pain & Gain Report for the fourth quarter of last year shows about 26 percent of apartment resales have been at a loss.

The median loss on apartments was $36,000.

Are apartments really worth it? And are they better for living, or an investment? Leonie Freeman from the Property Council joins the Weekend Collective to give her thoughts.

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Tonight on the Panel Tim Beveridge was joined by Jo McCarroll and Ganesh Raj to wrap the week. 

Labour’s Three Waters Proposal has been dropped, the new government returning the responsibility to local body councils, but will it work? The maker of Tinder is being sued over ‘addicting’ dating apps that put profits before love, and while many prefer to grab a train or bus to beat the traffic, one Gisborne nurse has found a unique way to beat delays by Kayaking. 

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ACT have had a dramatic increase in their polling since the election in November.

Tim Beverage spoke to ACT leader David Seymour to understand why.

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As War in Ukraine continues to be a stalemate and US funding to the region seems in jeopardy. Tim Beverage speaks to Strategic Analysist Paul Buchanan to discuss the long term implications for the war.

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Have we fallen into the habit of conflating mental health, with having a legitimate mental health disorder? Psychotherapist Kyle Macdonald joined the Health Hub to discuss mental health and whether some of us are using it as a tool to justify ones faults or bad behaviour.

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2024’s minimum wage rise is one of the smallest in recent decades, when compared to the rate of inflation, from April 1st the minimum wage will lift 2% from $22.70 to $23.15 an hour. So do employees deserve more, and if so how should you go about negotiating a pay-rise. 

Max Whitehead joined the Weekend Collective to provide his advice.

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A law professor says New Zealand's deployment of troops to the Red Sea is a good first step.

The Government last week announced six Defence Force personnel would be deployed to support military action against Houthi militants.

Waikato University law professor Alexander Gillespie, says our actions are justified, but we need to be wary of possible escalation.

"One of the risks right now is that it appears that people think they're going up for one reason, when in fact it's something else. So we have to maintain as much as we can in clear, independent foreign policy- and take each step very carefully."

Earlier today, 36 targets in Yemen were hit in a joint US-UK airstrike, a day after the US hit more than 85 targets in Iraq and Syria.

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Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka is confident Waitangi Day commemorations won't turn ugly.

The Government will be welcomed to Waitangi on Tuesday, while opposition parties have been visiting over the course of the weekend.

Some MPs used their visit to hit out some of the Government's policies they deem anti-Māori, with Labour's Kelvin Davis describing the Government as spiders, and a den of lions.

But Mr Potaka says despite the variety of concerns, he's not focused on the negatives.

"What we're really focused on is making sure that we really drive outcomes helping to improve situations around health, education and housing- not only for those Māori in need, but for all New Zealanders in need."

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Developments in the Middle East are growing as the UK and US militaries both launched a third round of joint attacks on the Houthis in Yemen in response to the Iran-aligned group's ongoing attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea.

International Law Professor Al Gillespie, joins the Weekend Collective to discuss how U.S. strikes align with international law. Plus, we ask Al how New Zealand fits into this- should we be doing more in the Middle East or should we stay out of it?

Later, we're joined by The Minister for Māori-Crown Relations Tama Potaka, who gives us an insight into what Waitangi Day means to him, and whether celebrations are as contentious as the media are making them out to be.

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Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has sent a clear message to parents to 'wake up', as an effort to tackle low school attendance.

So why don't kids want to go to school, how can we improve the situations, and is it the parents, teachers, or kids at fault? Expert Nathan Wallis joins the Weekend Collective to discuss.

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Property expert Ashley Church gives his top 5 predictions for where the housing market is heading this year.

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Mark Crysell and Bridgette Morten join the Weekend Collective to chat about the future of the Green Party with James Shaw leaving- and if the compulsory police fitness test is 'too hard' as some ex-police officers are describing.

Plus, are airline safety videos spending too much time on entertainment value as opposed to focusing on safety- and were you one of the 52000 people who rang into ZM for two Taylor Swift tickets?

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The Government recently scrapped plans that would allow 16-year-olds to vote in local elections.

Local Government Minister Simeon Brown says they will not be entertaining the previous Government's voting age bill - calling it a costly distraction.

Minister Brown says local Governments need to focus on fixing their own infrastructure issues rather than pushing this legislation through. 

"There's a lot of activism around this particular issue- I'd just encourage councils who are interested in lowering the voting age to stay focused on delivering their local infrastructure and services for their communities."

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David Seymour says he wants the Treaty of Waitangi made clear for everyone.

The ACT Party leader is hoping to introduce his Treaty Principles Bill by May.

Seymour has given his State of the Nation speech today, and that legislation made up a large part of it.

He says the Treaty has not been clearly defined.

"People say- don't mess with the Treaty. Well I'm sorry, but people have been messing with it for the last 40 years, they're just not democratically elected. And I think it's time we have a discussion about it." 

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This week on Politics Central, David Seymour addressed his State of the Nation Speech and claimed New Zealand has gotten more divided as a nation- where people are unable to discuss ideologies without being shut down immediately.

Later, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown explains why he scrapped the previous Government's bill to lower the voting age to 16 in local elections.

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Florida lawmakers voted to restrict children’s access to social media- should New Zealand follow suit?

Plus, when do you let the training wheels come off as a parent, and is it okay to still be a helicopter parent? Psychologist Dougal Sutherland joins the Weekend Collective to discuss.

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House sales to first-home buyers represented a quarter of all property purchases in 2023, according to CoreLogic, making it a record-setting year for new homeowners.

This drove buying activity up by 25.8 percent. But what will 2024 bring? Debbie Roberts from Property Apprentice joins the Weekend Collective to discuss.

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The political year has barely begun and the Government's problems with Māori are already in sharp focus - and they're not likely to go away. Surf Lifesaving says 500 rescues are stretching resources, and should drinking at sports matches be allowed?

Join Niva Retimanu, Shane Te Pou, and host Tyler Adams as we wrap up the week on The Panel.

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Former MP Golriz Ghahraman resigned last week following allegations of shoplifting, sparking a debate on the mental health of politicians.

Is mental health just a PR tool for getting out of a sticky situation? Commentator Peter Dunne seems to think this is the case for younger MPs.

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What is the benefit of co-ownership? Have you done it? Martin from Real Estate Together joins the Weekend Collective to chat about how this could change the property market.

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This week, Jo McCarroll and Mark Crysell join the Weekend Collective to discuss Golriz Ghahraman, the leaked ministry documents raising issues with the Treaty Principles Bill, and the debate about whether vaping should be banned. 

Plus, is K Road New Zealand's best street? What do we think the country's best street is?

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It’s been a big week in politics, as a host of Labour's policies have been tipped on the scrap heap as the new coalition Government starts passing laws at pace.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis joins the Weekend Collective to share who her politician of the year is, as well as what we can expect from the mini-budget.

Plus, Jason Walls joins the show to discuss the key moments from the year that's been in politics.

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The decision to scrap Wellington's major infrastructure project is coming as no surprise.

In a joint statement, the Government, Wellington City Council and the regional council announced they'd agreed to dissolve the plans, making way for projects including the Basin upgrade and a second Mt Victoria Tunnel.

The Golden Mile plans will remain solely with the city council.

Newstalk ZB Political Editor Jason Walls says the news is predictable.

"The Nats said that this is something they were going to scrap as soon as they got in, and they were going to figure out new ways to do it."

Walls says he hopes the Government will figure something out, and not just pay consultants.

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The Finance Minister says New Zealanders will have a chance to take a good look at how the economy is faring this week.

Nicola Willis will release the new Government's mini-budget on Wednesday.

Treasury will also release its half-yearly set of economic forecasts.

Willis says they want to clearly show people where the challenges are, and how they will respond.

"I want them to know that it's tough, but also that there's hope. Going into Christmas, people should know that we're closing a chapter of economic mismanagement we've had over the past six years."

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