Category: Radio New Zealand

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Too many laws passing without ‘proper scrutiny’, Geoffrey Palmer says

Source: Radio New Zealand

Sir Geoffrey Palmer giving evidence to Parliament’s Regulations Review Committee in July. (File photo) VNP / Phil Smith

A former Labour Prime Minister says Parliament is passing too many laws without proper scrutiny.

Sir Geoffrey Palmer told Nine to Noon the government was increasingly pushing through legislation under urgency, which allowed it to skip stages such as public consultation and select committees.

But Leader of the House Chris Bishop said just nine Bills have been passed in that way, and there were good reasons for all of them.

Palmer said the normal checks and balances were stripped out when laws were made at pace.

“Urgency has become the default mechanism for dealing with Parliamentary legislation and the standing orders are not followed and you also have extended sittings – and both of those mean the Government’s agenda is completely at the will of the Government,” he said.

Palmer said the Fast-Track Approvals Act 2024 – and its amendment – was a classic example of a trend that “ministers know best” and was “ministerial dictatorship”.

“It was criticised by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment then, Simon Upton, the amendment bill puts the process that was enacted in 2024 on steroids.

“It gets faster and faster. It will be a fast-track to environmental degradation, [more] than it already is.”

Bishop was approached for further comment.

The legislation, which passed under urgency at the end of last year, is back before Parliament with an amendment that the government intended to push through by the end of 2025.

It said the amendment to the Act would increase competition in the supermarket sector.

Despite being open for just over 10 days, it received 2158 submissions, with about 95 percent opposed.

Palmer said legislative checks and balances – which he already considered lacking – were further reduced when legislation was made at pace.

“What is the hurry? Legislation is law-making. You want to get it right. You have to analyse it, you have to do proper research, you don’t bang it through because a minister has an idea.

“It needs to be properly drafted by Parliamentary council. We have had a degradation of our legislative system in New Zealand in recent years.”

Bishop said the government had a big legislative agenda and limited hours in ordinary house time to get it done.

Regarding the use of urgency, he said: “I am reluctant to use urgency to avoid select committees outside of the standard Budget urgency process, and it is only done so when there are good reasons.”

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How can the All Whites secure a FIFA World Cup 2026 win?

Source: Radio New Zealand

All Whites captain Chris Wood pictured ahead of the FIFA World Cup qualifying match against New Caledonia. Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz

New Zealand football great Ivan Vicelich says the All White’s best shot at World Cup glory will come early at next year’s FIFA tournament.

Vicelich whose international career spanned two decades, says it’s crucial New Zealand hits peak form in the opening clash.

New Zealand will take on Iran, the World No. 20 ranked side, on June 16 at the vast Los Angeles Stadium, with a capacity of over 70,000.

“Look, the beauty for us is that we’re at the World Cup. We’ve got top quality players in there who can change a game,” Vicelich said.

“We have to focus on one or two teams and get results the best we can.

“It’s great to see Ryan Thomas back and Sarpreet Singh. As a group the team looks like they’re in sync. There’s the odd goal conceded that’s not a good way to concede – hopefully they can iron that out.”

Drawn into Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and Iran, New Zealand (ranked 86th) will play two games in Canada, and one in the United States.

Their final two group games will be played at BC Place Vancouver, against Egypt on June 22, and Belgium on June 27 – another large stadium with a capacity of around 55,000.

While not the hardest of the 12 pools, all three nations are ranked more than 50 places higher than New Zealand.

Belgium are ranked eighth in the world and qualified for the World Cup by topping their European qualification group.

Ominously, Iran and Egypt also topped their groups in qualifying.

Sarpreet Singh takes a kick against Tunisia in 2024. PHOTOSPORT

Former All Whites defender Ben Sigmund says that with a bit of fine tuning, the opener against Iran is there for the taking.

But he’d urge New Zealand to play a more attacking style.

“Iran is probably our best chance, that’s the one you want to focus on – that’s your focus point,” Sigmund said.

“Egypt you’d probably want to get that draw, but they’re a very good side.”

“We’ve got the players, we’ve got the team. You never know?

“If you can take away those odd one percenters, this team has a really good chance.”

World Cup mania has arrived early, with friends texting Sigmund to find tickets to the All Whites matches.

“I’m getting messages as everyone’s asking me how to get tickets, but it’s not that easy,” he laughed.

TVNZ has secured every All Whites match to be broadcast live and free on TVNZ1 and TVNZ+.

New Zealand’s FIFA World Cup 2026 match schedule:

June 16: Iran vs New Zealand – Los Angeles Stadium

June 22: New Zealand vs Egypt – BC Place Vancouver

June 27: New Zealand vs Belgium – BC Place Vancouver

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‘Immense sadness’: Former Prime Minister Helen Clark’s father dies at the age of 103

Source: Radio New Zealand

Helen Clark’s father, George Clark died at home over the weekend. (File photo) Supplied

Former Prime Minister Helen Clark has paid tribute to her father, George Clark, who has died at the age of 103.

Clark often spoke about the large and positive influence her father, who was a farmer until he retired, had on her politics and her life.

In a Facebook post, she said her dad died peacefully at his home in Waihi beach over the weekend.

She described him as a dedicated family man who always wanted the best for his daughters, supporting them “all the way” – and who had served his communities fo Te Pahu and Waihi Beach.

She said she made the announcement with “immense sadness.”

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RNZ broadcaster Corin Dann wins 2025 Bill Toft Award for journalism

Source: Radio New Zealand

Corin Dann. RNZ

Radio New Zealand senior journalist and broadcaster Corin Dann has won the 2025 Bill Toft Media Award.

Dann was announced as the winner on Thursday for a compilation of reporting, interviews and commentary on political, business and general issues.

The annual Bill Toft Media Award is awarded for the purpose of encouraging excellence in electronic media in New Zealand.

The judges said Dann’s entry displayed deep experience and a wide range of ability in reporting, interviewing and analysis, with rich content and polished presentation.

Swampy Marsh, a member of the judges panel, said the high standard of entries continued to illustrate the depth and quality of broadcasting in New Zealand.

Previous winners include Mike McRoberts and Mitch McCann.

Dann has been host of Morning Report since 2019, and will take on the role of RNZ’s new Business Editor in 2026.

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Wellington region to ditch Snapper public transport cards

Source: Radio New Zealand

SUPPLIED / GWRC

Wellingtonians will soon be able to tag onto public transport with their phones and debit cards.

Greater Wellington Regional Council chair Daran Ponter told RNZ Wellingtonians were “sick of waiting”, and contactless payment on buses and trains will roll out in the first half of next year.

The $1.4 billion National Ticketing Solution (NTS) was first signed off more than 16 years ago, and would allow people to pay for buses, ferries and trains with debit cards and digital payments across the country.

It was recently rolled out in Christchurch.

But the national project was recently delayed, with Wellington’s launch date pushed out from the end of next year to the end of 2027.

Now, the regional council has told RNZ it will roll out contactless payments itself in the first half of next year, at a cost of $5.5 million.

Regional council chair Daran Ponter said the NTS had been a long time coming.

“But Wellingtonians, people in the Wellington region, have been waiting a long time themselves, years if not decades and we have got to a point where we feel it is justified to make this investment.”

Contactless payment on buses and trains will roll out in the first half of next year, the regional council chair says. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

There was not an easy answer to why it had taken so long to get a system like this for the capital, Ponter said.

“We still support the next ticketing system but Wellingtonians are sick of waiting and I quite frankly am sick of telling them to wait. We’ve been at this now for more than 20 years talking about integrated fare ticketing in the Wellington region.”

He noted the NTS would go further than what they were doing.

“That will then allow us to give the full benefits of integrated ticketing like fare capping, changing fares for particular times of the day.”

He could not yet say what month the new technology would be rolled out.

NZTA and Snapper have been approached for comment.

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Qantas announces new services to Gold Coast and Samoa from Auckland

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Australian airline will launch new routes to Samoa and Gold Coast from June. AFP

Qantas has announced two new services out of Auckland, as it intensifies its battle with Air New Zealand.

The Australian airline will launch new routes to Samoa and Gold Coast from June.

The announcement follows new Qantas services to Adelaide and Perth from Auckland taking off in the past few weeks and the unveiling of its new lounge at Auckland International Airport on Monday afternoon.

The additional services and investment come as Qantas further extends its presence in the New Zealand market.

“Auckland is one of our most important international hubs and these announcements show the scale of investment and growth we’re making in New Zealand,” Cam Wallace, CEO of Qantas International & Freight said.

“Combined with our new Auckland lounge soon to open and this weekend’s launch of flights to Perth, we’re giving Kiwi travellers more choice and premium experiences than ever before.” .

Qantas CEO Cam Wallace. Matt Jelonek/Qantas

Both services will operate three times per week and will commence from 16 June, with tickets going on sale today.

Qantas will use Boeing 737 aircraft for the flights, making it the only airline offering business class flights to the Gold Coast from Auckland.

Qantas’ inaugural Auckland to Perth service took off on Sunday, and connects with the airline’s direct flights from Western Australia to London, Paris, Rome and Johannesburg.

The Gold Coast service will depart Auckland at 10:20am, arriving in Gold Coast at 12:00pm. Economy fares will start at $320.

Airfares on its year-round flights to Apia will start at $370. It will be the first time Air New Zealand has faced competition on the route since Samoa Airways ended its service in 2022.

Air New Zealand and Jetstar currently operate services between Auckland and Gold Coast.

Cam Wallace will be speaking to Morning Report on RNZ National on Tuesday morning

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Alice Robinson follows slalom win with another podium finish

Source: Radio New Zealand

Alice Robinson of New Zealand speeds down the course during a World Cup giant slalom race in Italy, 2025. PHOTOSPORT

Queenstown skier Alice Robinson has continued her top form on the World Cup circuit.

Robinson followed up her giant slalom victory at Tremblant in Canada on Sunday with a third place finish on the same course on Monday.

The result marks the 20th World Cup podium of her career and her third in four rounds this season.

The 24-year-old remains top of the giant slalom standings, eight points ahead of Austrian Julia Scheib who won Monday’s race.

Robinson was quickest after the first run but a tiny error on the second run meant she was a second slower than Scheib and finished 0.78 seconds behind the Austrian with Sara Hector of Sweden second.

Robinson leads the giant slalom standings with 292 points, with Scheib in second with 280 points and Croatia’s Zrinka Ljutic in third with 178 points.

The Giant Slalom World Cup Tour will now take a break until 27 December.

Robinson will now turn her attention to World Cup speed events starting with the Downhill and Super G races in St. Moritz, Switzerland, next weekend.

The Olympics are in Italy in February.

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Gorse fire flare-up in North Canterbury contained

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Nate McKinnon

Dozens of firefighters battled a a gorse fire near the Waimakariri River in North Canterbury on Monday.

The fire near Poyntzs Road in Eyrewell was a flare-up from a scrub fire on Sunday.

About 45 firefighters and two helicopters were called to the scene about 5.10am on Monday.

Fire and Emergency said the blaze had been contained and nine fire trucks remained at the fire, which had burned an area roughly 300 metres by 300 metres.

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What to consider before putting a bar tab on your credit card

Source: Radio New Zealand

As common as it is to leave your card on the bar to run a tab it can be a mistake. Unsplash/ Simon Kadula

Leaving your credit card on the bar to run up a tab this summer might be an expensive mistake.

Financial Services Complaints Ltd, an external dispute resolution scheme for some of the country’s financial service providers, said it was common practice but could be a breach of your card provider’s terms and conditions.

In one case it dealt with recently, a couple were in Miami on holiday with friends.

They booked a table at a day club with a minimum spend of $3000.

They handed over their card when they arrived and it was charged when they ordered food and drinks.

“[They] said they ordered a drinks package and some food for their guests, totalling around US$1700 (NZD$2,941).” FSCL said.

They collected their credit card on the way out but did not receive a receipt. They expected the bill to be US$3000 (NZD$5190).

“When they got home and checked their credit card statement, they saw that they had been charged over US$7500 (NZD$12,110).”

FSCL said they asked for a receipt and planned to dispute the charge but did not get a response. They then applied for a chargeback with their card provider.

“The credit card provider initially issued the chargeback. However, they later reversed the chargeback after the day club provided their response and copies of several signed receipts. The card issuer said that these signed receipts, along with the fact that the charges were processed in person with the card present, supported the day club’s view that all the charges, totalling US$7500 (NZD$12,110) were ‘authorised’.”

They complained to FSCL that the signatures on the receipts were not theirs and they had been overcharged by US$4700 (NZD$8,131).

FSCL looked into it and found the credit card providers’ terms and conditions said a consumer would not be liable for unauthorised charges if they complied with the card terms and conditions.

But that included keeping the card in their possession and secure at all times, and not letting anyone else use the card, as well as taking their card back after they made a charge.

“We acknowledged that it may be common practice for some venues, particularly hospitality venues, to ask to hold onto the consumers credit card, and that it may even be required at some venues.

However, allowing anyone else to take possession of your credit card is a risk, and a risk that [this couple] willingly took. By allowing the day club to hold onto their card, [they] compromised the security of the card, and breached the card terms and conditions.

This meant that [they] were liable for the charges even though they claimed they had not authorised them.”

FSCL said the credit card provider had done what it could to help by attempting to charge back the disputed charge.

“However, when the day club provided evidence to support the charge, the credit card provider was required to reverse the chargeback.

“We acknowledged [the couple’s] comments about the validity of the receipts the day club submitted. However, it was not our role to investigate the day club’s actions and assess whether the receipts were valid. We explained that our role was to look at whether the credit card provider had to refund the unauthorised charges. [They] could continue to dispute the charges with the day club directly.”

FSCL ombudsman Susan Taylor said it was a good reminder for credit cardholders.

“With the holiday season upon us, people may be tempted to leave a card behind the bar when hosting parties.

“It might feel normal to let a venue ‘babysit’ your card to keep a tab running, but that convenience can come at a high price,” she said. “If you hand your card over and walk away, you are risking someone using your card and charging items to it without your knowledge.

“Your credit card is effectively a direct line to your money. You’re responsible for all the charges, even those made without your authority, if you’ve breached the terms and conditions,” Ms Taylor said.

“Keeping it in your hands is the simplest way to stop a fun night out from turning into a very expensive one. Remember to get a receipt for the items you’ve bought and check statements promptly so any surprises are picked up early.”

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Matariki 2026 will be held at Takaparawhau in Auckland, hosted by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei

Source: Radio New Zealand

Tu Natanahira/RNZ

Steam from the umu at Takaparawhau rises upward towards the stars, as Kai is lifted from the ground during Matariki 2024.

Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland, is set to host the national Matariki ceremony for 2026.

The hautapu ā-motu will be held at Takaparawhau on July 10 and hosted by mana whenua Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.

They are no strangers to holding hautapu, having previously hosted four of the largest Matariki gatherings in the country.

The site at Takaparau will give attendees a pristine view of Auckland Harbour and the many islands and coastlines dotted through it.

The celebration will be broadcast across Aotearoa New Zealand with a distinct theme – “Matariki herenga waka – For Everyone”.

Professor Rangi Mātāmua at the site set for the 2026 Matariki ceremony, Takaparawhau. Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira

Speaking to RNZ at the planned hautapu site, Professor Rangi Mātāmua – one of the architects of the Matariki public holiday and chief Matariki advisor – said the theme reflected Auckland’s role as a global city.

“If you consider the makeup of the region that Ngāti Whātua encompass, and the Tāmaki region, it is a home for people from across the globe, it’s the biggest Polynesian community, in the world and it also has people here from across the globe, from all different ethnicities and cultures and backgrounds.”

“The phrase ‘Tāmaki Herenga Waka’ means, ‘Tāmaki, a place where people moor their canoes’. We’ve taken that and massaged it a little bit to be’ Matariki herenga waka’.” he said.

Mātāmua said the 2026 celebration would likely be the largest so far.

“There’s not really a template for doing something like this – establishing a national holiday – and I think it has been very successful because of the themes.”

“It’s about reflecting on the past, celebrating the present, looking to the future but it’s underpinned by sharing, being aware of the environment, celebrating who we are and the things that we value.”

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei kaikōrero Kīngi Makoare. Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei kaikōrero Kīngi Makoare told RNZ the format his people use to host hautapu had proven to be a success.

“We’re doing some infrastructure work at the moment on the ground to make sure it’s stable as possible through those winter months so that we’re able to host, utilising other things like technology, big screens.”

“Bringing our own whānau as well as the wider general public that are actually really excited to know more about Matariki and know how they can celebrate it in public and in their own homes is really, really exciting for us.” he said.

Makoare said Matariki served as an opportunity for his people to reconnect with the taiao, or environment – something that can be difficult in the country’s largest city.

“We have a kōrero here, ‘Tāmaki Makaurau kainga ngā ika me ngā wheua katoa’ essentially talking about the abundance that once was here in Tāmaki.”

“With the ongoing intensification and urbanization of Tāmaki Makaurau, that level of abundance has decreased dramatically.”

“Unfortunately, my generation doesn’t know what that abundance looks like. The real focus [is] the reconnection with the taiao, reconnection with ourselves and reconnection with some of those rituals and ceremonies that have been handed down from our tūpuna.” Makoare said.

Speaking at the announcement this evening, Minister for Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith said more New Zealander were engaging with, and enjoying, Matariki ceremonies across the country.

“That task of rebuilding, re-finding, understanding and reimagining in a modern world, an ancient tradition, I think that’s been very interesting.

“Also becoming more and more clear is that linked with the stars, there are many cultures that celebrate this passage of time in different ways and so I think that’s becoming an interesting element to it, that more and more people from around the world have seen what we’re doing here and become quite interested in it.” he said.

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