Larry Williams Drive

A disability advocate wheeled herself to hospital after waiting 12 hours for an ambulance - because she was told they couldn't take wheelchairs.Advocate and lawyer Dr Huhana Hickey, who advises a number of regional health boards, told Andrew Dickens she alerted the Ministry of Health of the issue years ago.She says they advised in 2019 a way was needed to get wheelchair users to the hospital during the pandemic - and nobody did it.St John's Stuart Cockburn apologised for the delay, but says ambulances are designed for stretchers and can't safely stow wheelchairs.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newstalk ZB Chief Political Reporter Jason Walls joined Andrew Dickens to discuss the update from the Government about their Covid-19 deaths reportage, as well as the announcement councils will be receiving a payment in order to implement the Three Waters reform.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newstalk ZB Sport reporter Kate Wells joined Andrew Dickens to discuss a potential move for newly-minted Open Championship winner Cameron Smith to the Saudi-backed LIV golf league, with a number of other top players reportedly eyeing a move.The Black Caps have defeated Ireland in the opening match of their T20 series and of course, more chat surrounds the All Blacks and particularly, Ian Fosters job as head coach.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwis are being told to consider putting off their travel to the Cook Islands this week due to extreme weather.The Rarotongan beach resort says they've been calling the 300 guests that are set to arrive this week, to let them know the island won't be fully operational.General Manager of that resort is Bob Taylor and he joined Andrew Dickens from the Cook Islands.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So inflation is at a 3 decade high and the Reserve Bank is scrambling to kill demand by raising interest rates.We've all heard that it's the fault of the Government for spraying around money during the lockdowns.  This is money that was either borrowed or created by the Reserve Bank through money printing.Money we then spent willy nilly because there was nothing else to do.  I've lost track of the number of people who said "buy property, buy anything, money's never been cheaper".And with the demand and a supply chain crisis caused by the virus and the war and a broken system we had a perfect petri dish for inflation to grow.  And it did.And now every time we hear that inflation has risen, Nicola Willis comes out and slams the Labour Government saying that if it restrained it's spending we wouldn't be in this position.Now all that is true to a point except that it is ignoring two thirds of the rest of economy.So the Australia Institute, which is an independent think tank across the Tasman, has found a fascinat

A senior economist says even if inflation's peaked, that is little consolation for stretched households.Stats NZ figures show inflation has hit 7.3 percent in a three-decade high.Grant Robertson says economists think inflation may have reached its upper limit.But Westpac senior economist Satish Ranchod told Newstalk ZB's Drive that doesn't mean financial pressures will ease.He says a drop from rising seven percent still won't release pressure on household budgets. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inflation has hit 7.3 percent, the highest in 32 years.It's driven mostly by rising rents and construction costs.Some good news though, yesterday the government announced an extension to the fuel tax cuts and half price public transport, until next year.Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Grant Robertson joined Andrew Dickens.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A pointy and magical hat is being thrown into the ring for Christchurch's mayoralty.The Wizard, real name Ian Brackenbury Channell, is running for the Garden City's top job - aged 89.He told Andrew Dickens he's making no grand election pledges.“Basically, they have to judge me by what I’ve done and not by what I promise.”LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warnings of pain when petrol tax cuts end.The 25-cent reduction, alongside slashed road user charges and half priced public transport fares, have been extended until the end of January.Stats NZ data shows inflation to June sat at 7.3 percent.Waitomo Fuel's chief operating officer says when the Government stops fuel relief - suppliers and customers will need ample warning.Simon Parham told Andrew Dickens there was no heads up when the cuts first came in, which is hard on suppliers.He says fuel companies are storage constrained - and don't have the infrastructure to pump out a months worth of fuel in one or two days.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters is hitting back at claims made in a new book about the National Party.Blue Blood, by former Stuff and TVNZ political reporter Andrea Vance, catalogues the transition from the Key years to the turmoil of the Party's time in Opposition.The book claims that in 2017 coalition negotiations, Peters was offered Deputy Prime Ministership in the 11th hour of negotiations.But, in a statement, Peters says the offer was on the table on the first day day Labour and NZ First sat down to discuss terms.Newstalk ZB Chief Political Reporter joined Andrew Dickens to discuss.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There was a letter to the editor this weekend to my local newspaper.  Rob was incensed about a reorganisation of an intersection which will mean the loss of a right turning lane to make way for a cycle lane that even the cyclists don't want.Rob finished his letter proclaiming his hate for the Council and how this might be the spur for him to leave the country.I hear that a lot these days.  Time to leave the countryThere's a lot of very dour news.  Inflation at 7.3 percent which means it was really near 8 if you add the Government's tax cuts and public transport subsidies.Crisis after crisis.  Staffing, Health services, Housing.Let's go somewhere better.But is elsewhere really better?  We hear today rents are out of control in Sydney. They've  jumped jump 19 percent since pandemic began.  It's a landlord's market and the supply is minimal.And then over the weekend we got a message from Helen's German family.Helen was an exchange student for a year just out of Bonn and we regularly keep in touch.Martin was very

Newstalk ZB Weekend Sport host Jason Pine joined Andrew Dickens to debrief the All Blacks series loss to Ireland in Wellington as well as Cameron Smith's historic first golf major victory at The Open.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Green Party is urging rent controls and more support after a survey found two thirds of university students regularly struggle to buy food and other necessities.The People's Inquiry into Student Wellbeing is a self-selecting survey of more than 4500 students, commissioned by the Green Party, the national student associations union (NZUSA) and the Māori (Te Mana Ākonga), Pacific (Tauira Pasifika) and disabled students (National Disabled Students' Association) associations.It found:On average, students living in a shared flat put 54 per cent of their income towards rent.About two thirds regularly did not have enough money to buy food, clothing, pay bills, get health care, or other basics. Disabled, Māori or Pasifika students were most likely to be in that position.58 per cent of students felt supported by their education provider's response to Covid-19.69 per cent reported poorer mental wellbeing during the pandemic and said it negatively impacted their studies.Two thirds reported being unable to pay for tr

The crucial part of the campaign has started with Television interviews and appearances occurring. Italy looks to be in trouble again with it's Prime Minister Mario Draghi resigning but PresidentSergio Mattarella not accepting the resignation. UK Correspondent Gavin Grey joined Andrew Dickens to discuss these issues. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A surprise intervention by US Vice-President Kamala Harris, the China-Solomon Island's security pact, and the Sri Lanka President fleeing to Singapore. Asian business correspondent Peter Lewis joined Andrew Dickens to discuss the Pacific Island's forum and other business news. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Solving job shortages might not be as easy as it seems. Bringing immigrants into the country means government will have to invest more into infrastructure but training up kiwis might not be as easy either. Business commentator Rod Oram joined Andrew Dickens  to discuss empty jobs and how to fill them. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's harder to figure out who comes out worse after Leo Molloy's performance on late night TV and Wayne Brown's public complaint about it.Mr Brown's surprise at the earthy nature of Mr Molloy’s character, particularly when he's playing up for the cameras, suggests he's a ‘wowser’.After all we've seen plenty of politicians playing up on late night telly to show they're not buttoned up bores.  Simon Bridges has a long history and who can forget Kieran McAnulty dropping a c-bomb on 7 days. And McAnulty has been recently promoted to a minister outside of cabinet.Meanwhile, suggesting that Mr Molloy needs professional help is just a massive step too far.On the other hand Mr Molloy's claim that this was comedy is a bit rich.  This was an attempt at outrage humour. Guy Williams does it all the time and many people seen no laughs in it.Now outrage humour only works if it's actually outrageous. But Mr Molloy's behaviour last night was not outrageous.  It was just Leo being Leo.  We know that side of him but what we do

Coverage of women's sport is increasing but parity is still a while away, NZ women's sports coverage is at 20% of all sport and global its at four. All Blacks and Ireland are taking to Sky Stadium this weekend for their last match and tension is in the air. Sports Broadcasters Elliott Smith and Andrew Alderson join Andrew Dickens for the Sports Huddle. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Christchurch Cathedral restoration project is planned to be finished by the end of 2027.Inside clear up of the cathedral done by a robot digger has finished ahead of schedule. Project Director Keith Paterson joined  Andrew Dickens to discuss the progress thus far. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WARNING: This interview discusses suicide. Helplines can be found at the bottom of the pageCurrently New Zealand does not have any alcohol related interventions in our national suicide prevention strategy.International evidence suggests that taking action of alcohol, reducing alcohol availability and  strengthening alcohol regulations results in a reduced suicide rate for a population.University of Otago Study Author and Lecturer Dr Rose Crossin joins Andrew dickens to discussher research on alcohol. LISTEN ABOVEWHERE TO GET HELP:If it is an emergency and you or someone else is at risk, call 111.For counselling and supportLifeline: Call 0800 543 354 or text 4357 (HELP)Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)Need to talk? Call or text 1737Depression helpline: Call 0800 111 757 or text 4202For children and young peopleYouthline: Call 0800 376 633 or text 234What's Up: Call 0800 942 8787 (11am to 11pm) or webchat (11am to 10.30pm)The Lowdown: Text 5626 or webchatFor help with specific issuesAlco