https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/rss NZME Tue, 05 May 2026 11:51:57 Z en https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-dont-ignore-the-singapore-pms-fuel-warning/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-dont-ignore-the-singapore-pms-fuel-warning/ If you woke up this morning hoping things had somehow sorted themselves out in the Strait of Hormuz, sorry to disappoint.  It’s still the cluster it was yesterday. In fact, worse, actually. With hostilities ramping up overnight.  Which will probably have Singapore's Prime Minister saying “told you so” to anyone who poo-pooed the comments he made after meeting with Christopher Luxon yesterday, that he doesn’t see things getting any better on the fuel front for another six months. Maybe longer.  Which tells me one thing: we need to do more to prepare for that here. In my mind, there is one thing The Government should be doing. Which I'll get to.   So, Christopher Luxon has been in Singapore with the finance minister and the trade minister and a delegation of business leaders for the signing of a new trade deal. But, in light of what’s happening in the middle east, they also confirmed the fuel for food deal that’s been tacked on to the trade agreement.  They came up with that after the war in Iran started impacting oil prices. Which pretty much says we’ll keep sending food products to Singapore, even when things get ropey - as they are at the moment.  And, in exchange for that, Singapore will keep sending us refined fuel.  It was after doing the paperwork and signing on the dotted line when Lawrence Wong, the prime minister of Singapore, said he sees shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz extending into next year.  He says infrastructure in the Middle East has been destroyed and shipping operators will want to know they’re not going to be attacked before they send their crews through.  Not to mention the insurance issues shipping companies must be dealing with in that part of the world.  Quite rightly, Lawrence Wong says that won’t happen overnight, and he thinks the disruptions to fuel shipments will continue for at least another six months. Potentially longer.   Which means one thing: higher prices are here to stay.  And, as we’ve found out over the last few weeks, it’s not just fuel that’s affected. There’s fertiliser. There’s plastics. Medicines.  Which is why I think Christopher Luxon and Finance Minister Nicola Willis need to spend the time on the flight home from Singapore drafting a recommendation to cabinet to ramp things up.  Because they need to listen to what Singapore's PM is saying and act on it.  And, in my mind, that has to be relief for major diesel users.  Yes, I know diesel prices have been down again. But, if we’ve learned anything from the past couple of months, it’s that when oil prices go up, diesel users are impacted way more than petrol users.  And that’s why we need to listen to what Singapore's Prime Minister is saying and prepare for another six months or more of this.  And we should be getting ourselves ready to subsidise major diesel users.   I’m talking here about manufacturers and distributors of essential food products.  It wouldn’t have to kick in straight away. The Government could say that, as soon as diesel prices go higher than petrol, subsidies will kick-in for the big food producers and trucking companies.  Because the price of diesel affects all of us. The higher the price of diesel, the more we’ll end up paying at the supermarket.  And, if the government is serious about trying to keep some sort of lid on the cost of living, this is the way to do it.  If the Prime Minister of Singapore, where we get 30 percent of our refined fuel from, thinks this is going to go on for another six months, we need to be ready for when the price of diesel goes through the roof again.  LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 05 May 2026 00:20:57 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-the-bit-about-acts-immigration-policy-i-dont-buy/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-the-bit-about-acts-immigration-policy-i-dont-buy/ ACT Leader David Seymour seems to be going all Winston Peters on it, with his party’s new immigration policy.  There’s stuff in it I think is ok. But there’s one part I don’t think is okay. This ridiculous idea of banning immigrants from getting any sort of benefit until they’ve been here for at least five years. I’ll tell you why shortly.  But essentially, ACT doesn’t want immigrants getting any sort of free ride.  It wants people here on temporary work visas to pay for the privilege of being here - charging them $6-a-day to help pay for infrastructure.   That’s another crazy part of this policy. Federated Farmers is already saying it would just put people off coming here. Which is true. If someone has got a choice of where they go to work, they won’t go somewhere where $42 disappears from their pay each week. As well as the tax they’d already be paying.  David Seymour also wants us to get tougher on deporting immigrants who commit serious crimes. Which I don’t have a problem with.   And, he wants people coming here to be better at English - with a higher standard of English required before they’re allowed in. I don’t see any problems with that.   ACT also wants to set-up a specialised enforcement unit targeting overstayers, which has the Green Party all excited. I heard its immigration spokesperson saying it sounds like ACT wants to set up a New Zealand version of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency in the United States, or ICE, as it’s known.  I think others are saying too that we already have a unit targeting overstayers. So I'm indifferent on that part of David Seymour's plan.   But, as I say, the aspect of this policy that I have a real problem with, is banning immigrants from getting any sort of benefit until they’ve been here for at least five years.  You imagine someone moving to New Zealand, things going ok for the first two-or-three years but, then, they lose their job or get crook.  They can’t afford to travel back to their home country, so what are we going to do?  Do we say “Oh sorry mate, get back to us in two or three years - that’s when you’ll be entitled to the unemployment benefit or the sickness benefit or whatever.”  What happens to that person? They end up on the street probably. And is that what we want?     Someone’s life spiraling out of control, all for the sake of kicking immigrants off this so-called benefit gravy train some people seem to think people who come here from other countries are on.  No thanks. And what’s more, we’d deny them a benefit, but they’d still be entitled to ACC. It doesn’t stack up.  LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 04 May 2026 00:21:00 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/all-sport-breakfast-canterbury/audio/geoff-youngman-culverden-golf-club-president-discusses-the-club-this-weekends-open/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/all-sport-breakfast-canterbury/audio/geoff-youngman-culverden-golf-club-president-discusses-the-club-this-weekends-open/ Approximately an hour north of Christchurch, the Culverden Golf Club is the heart of the district – run completely by volunteers.   Ahead of the club’s Open Tournament this weekend, Lesley Murdoch caught up with President Geoff Youngman for a chat, with thanks to the Elmwood Trading Company.  LISTEN ABOVE   Sat, 02 May 2026 03:56:22 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/all-sport-breakfast-canterbury/audio/caden-shields-kiwi-runner-on-coming-first-in-the-ballarat-marathon-in-victoria-australia/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/all-sport-breakfast-canterbury/audio/caden-shields-kiwi-runner-on-coming-first-in-the-ballarat-marathon-in-victoria-australia/ A Christchurch physiotherapist flew the New Zealand flag in Victoria last weekend.  Caden Shields came first place in the Ballarat Marathon, with a final time of 2.18.19.  He joined Lesley Murdoch for a chat about the race and his history in the sport.  LISTEN ABOVE   Sat, 02 May 2026 03:38:22 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/politics-friday-with-matt-doocey-and-duncan-webb-on-school-lunches-red-zone-building-and-coalition-in-fighting/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/politics-friday-with-matt-doocey-and-duncan-webb-on-school-lunches-red-zone-building-and-coalition-in-fighting/ National's Matt Doocey and Labour's Duncan Webb joined John MacDonald for Politics Friday this week.  They covered some of the biggest topics from the week from Coalition dramas, the medias behaviour in Parliament, and if the Residential Red Zone should be built on again. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 30 Apr 2026 22:46:39 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-hipkins-needs-to-deliver-on-pension-talk/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-hipkins-needs-to-deliver-on-pension-talk/ Is it a flip flop? Is it a sign of things to come? Or is it just something Labour leader Chris Hipkins said off the top of his head when he was asked about it yesterday? Means testing the NZ Super pension. Because, back in 2023 - when he was Prime Minister - Hipkins completely ruled out the idea of means testing the pension. Now, though, he’s saying he’s open to the idea. And thank goodness he is. Because we can’t go on the way we are - dishing out the pension to anyone and everyone, whether they need it or not. I will never see the pension as an entitlement. As some sort of reward for reaching the retirement age. And it seems Hipkins is finally coming around to that way of thinking too. Now he says he wouldn’t want to see means testing across-the-board and he doesn’t want to change the retirement age. His thinking there is that some people just can’t physically keep working beyond 65. And I get that. He says, generally speaking, they tend to be people who have been in lower-paid jobs and they are the people who should be getting the NZ Super pension. But he says questions have to be asked whether someone who is still working full-time and being paid a six-figure salary should be entitled to the pension. And my answer to that is no. It always has been. Tell that to some people, though, who think the pension is unlike any other benefit and everyone should get it. No questions asked. No questions, such as: are you working or are you retired? Basic questions such as: if you didn’t get the pension, would you be out on the street? Here’s another one: do you need the pension to buy groceries or do you want it to buy beers at the pub with your mates? We don’t ask those questions. But Chris Hipkins is saying that he’s open to the idea. Which is somewhat surprising for a Labour leader. Especially, a Labour leader who, so far, has unveiled next to no pre-election policies or promises. He claims he’s holding off because he wants to wait until the Budget in a few weeks time. So he knows how much is in the Government books for him to play with. But you don’t need to wait for that detail to know we’re in a mess with our pension commitments and something has to be done about it. It is also a bit rich of Hipkins to be talking about means testing the pension on one hand but, on  the other hand, wanting to give anyone and everyone free doctor’s visits. Whether they need it or not. That’s just about the only policy he has released - the capital gains tax to pay for you and I to go to the doctor three times a year free of charge, whether we can afford it or not. Nevertheless, despite the contradiction, it’s brilliant to hear some commonsense coming through. The argument some people put up against means testing, is that people who still work after 65 pay secondary tax on their pension. The inference there is that they don’t get the full amount, so what’s the problem? But that doesn’t sway me. Because we have an ageing problem - meaning our NZ Super bill is only going to go in one direction. That’s why we can’t keep paying it out to people just because they’ve made it to 65. And, rather than just talk about it, Chris Hipkins and all our other politicians need to have the fortitude to do something about it. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 30 Apr 2026 22:05:30 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-how-can-the-pm-trust-this-guy/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-how-can-the-pm-trust-this-guy/ Winston Peters has gone too far this time.  Last week, Christopher Luxon and Nicola Willis were telling us not to trust him.  They‘ll be saying it even louder now. After the NZ First leader released emails to the media which show how the Prime Minister was talked out of expressing “explicit public support” for the war in Iran.  And I'm in no doubt that peters has betrayed Luxon's trust.  The two of them, apparently, had what are being reported as “crisis talks” last night. With a spokesperson for the prime minister saying the NZ First leader has put politics ahead of national interest.  Which, of course, he has. And, if I was Christopher Luxon, I'd be ropeable.  Because that’s what he’s done. He’s put politics ahead of national interest. And i would have thought, after all the huffing and puffing about cool heads being needed when it comes to foreign affairs, that he wouldn’t have released these emails.  It’s this claiming credit thing that he just can’t resist. Like that time when Christopher Luxon went on social media and said he’d done a trade deal with Southeast Asian nations.  And Peters responded with that one-word tweet saying “we”. As in “we” did the deal, not “you”.  But releasing these emails about the Iran war is next level.  Because it shows a very clear difference of opinion within the government. With the prime minister thinking the attacks by the U.S. And Israel were and are a good thing - but saying something different publicly.  Which happens all the time in governments. But you don’t go telling the world about it. Which is exactly what Winston Peters has done.  Just as an aside, even though I think Winston Peters is in the wrong here, it does show how out of his depth the prime minister was when this all blew up.  As the released emails show, he was all gung-ho and wanted the government to show “explicit public support” for the war when it started.  But, as we saw publicly during those first few days (which is backed up these emails), it was Winston who was all calm the farm and don’t panic.  That’s what he was saying to media on the Sunday after the attacks started.  It seems to me that one of the things Winston is going to campaign on in this year’s election is “experience”.  Because last week he criticised the prime minister for putting his leadership to the test with that confidence vote. It was clear that he thought Luxon was naive doing that - because it only invites another confidence vote next time a bad poll comes out.  Now, by releasing these emails, he’s pointing to Luxon's naievity on the foreign affairs front.  Which is true. Christopher Luxon is way out of his depth when it comes to foreign affairs and international diplomacy.  But you don’t go showing to that to the world the way Winston Peters has.  LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:26:28 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-im-with-winston-on-the-trains/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-im-with-winston-on-the-trains/ There’s that saying that you should never waste a good crisis.  And, according to Winston Peters, the trucking companies are taking that advice and using the current fuel crisis as an opportunity to get what they’ve always wanted.  Which is a rule change to let them carry more weight on their trucks.  The Government’s looking at allowing that as part of its response to the fuel situation, saying it would mean the truckies using less diesel.  But Winston Peters say he’s not on board with that, and we should be making greater use of rail. And I agree with him.  In fact, I've long held the view that it’s crazy the number of trucks we have on our roads and that we should be transporting more stuff on trains.  It’s crazy we have so many trucks because our roads, generally, are pretty tinpot, aren’t they?   Tinpot roads are not designed to cope with those heavy trucks. Let alone heavier trucks if these changes go through.  Which is exactly the point the NZ First leader is making today about increasing the weight limits for trucks so they can carry more on each trip.  Winston Peters says: “these weight limits are put there for good reasons, because of potholes and bridge strength and what have you."   And what makes this even crazier, when you think about it, is the government is also talking about pressing pause on fuel tax increases next year.  So, on one hand, it wants to let trucks carry more weight - which would undoubtedly mean more damage to the roads - and it wants to stop the fuel tax increase which would mean less money to fix the roads.  How does that stack up? Answer: It doesn’t.     What’s more, Winston Peters is accusing the freight industry of using the fuel crisis to get what it wants.  He’s saying today: "this isn't the first time the trucking industry's tried this on."  I can’t verify this for sure, but I'll take Winston on his word when he says that trains are two-and-a-half times more fuel efficient than trucks.  He’s also saying today, as the Minister for rail, that there are thousands of wagons available.  So is he on to something? I think he is. And I think we need to see rail as a solution not just to any fuel shortage we might have to deal with in the short term - but long-term, as well.  On an ongoing permanent basis, less trucks and more trains.  LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:20:12 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/chris-hipkins-on-parliaments-drinking-culture-labour-supporting-the-india-fta-and-the-pm-cancelling-regular-media-appearances/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/chris-hipkins-on-parliaments-drinking-culture-labour-supporting-the-india-fta-and-the-pm-cancelling-regular-media-appearances/ Labour leader Chris Hipkins says Christopher Luxon is running away from scrutiny after he cancelled his regular weekly interview on TVNZ's Breakfast programme. "The reality is that's part of the job. You're going to be subjected to scrutiny, you're going to be asked tough questions." Speaking on Canterbury Mornings, Hipkins was asked by John MacDonald whether he held the same view when former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern cancelled her weekly interviews with Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking in 2021. "I thought she should have continued to do it, but ultimately that was her choice. I made a different choice, and that was to keep doing those interviews." When Hipkins became Prime Minister in 2023, he reinstated the weekly prime ministerial interview on the Mike Hosking Breakfast. They also discussed Labour’s support for the India free trade agreement, his views on drinking culture in parliament, and his reaction to a parent being taken to court by the government over their child’s chronic absence from school. LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 28 Apr 2026 23:44:18 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-a-super-start-for-our-super-stadium/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-a-super-start-for-our-super-stadium/ Anyone who didn’t feel excited for and proud of Christchurch over the long weekend might need to check if they’ve still got a pulse.  Because what a ripper.   And anyone who thinks our brand new One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha isn’t going to be Christchurch's greatest asset then, maybe, they were at home all weekend and didn’t see what was going on.   Thousands of visitors in town for the Super Rugby Super Round. Numbers thrown around say 14,000 people visited - 4,000 of them from Australia.  ChristchurchNZ had estimated it would pump $6 million into the economy. But it’s now saying that it will probably be more than that.  I’m in no doubt about that. I see the church pub alone sold 50 kegs of beer on Friday night. We did some numbers over dinner last night and worked out that that would have been at least $50,000 in beer sales.  At one pub. On one night. That doesn’t count the beer sold on Saturday and sunday.  Naturally, Crusaders boss Colin Mansbridge is pushing for Christchurch to host the Super Round again. I think he’s got a multi-year deal in his sights.  And, crucially, Super Rugby Chief Executive Jack Mesley isn’t ruling it out.  Although, he’s hardly going to poo-poo it when he’s here and everyone’s on a high because of how well it went.  But he did say before jumping on the plane back to Sydney that Christchurch definitely has a head start over other New Zealand cities.  Which we do. Tell that to the Mayor of Dunedin, though, who is saying this morning that they’re going to be looking into the viability of hosting the Super Round in Dunners.    One ting that occurred to me at the weekend, was who needs Russell Coutts and Sail GP now we’ve got this brilliant stadium facility?  Which is why I think it is going to be Christchurch's single greatest asset. If it isn’t already.  I know that Friday night, especially, was a milestone. It was the end of a very long wait. It was another one of those symbolic and emotional moments when we realise just how far we have come as a city.   And I know not every Crusaders game at One New Zealand Stadium is necessarily going to attract 25,000 people.  And I know that not everyone is a rugby fan.  But you can’t deny the good the Super Round did for our city over the weekend, and the good the stadium is going to continue doing.  Just imagine what it’s going to be like next month when Six60 headlines the first big concert at the stadium. Which is sold out.  You imagine what it’s going to be like when the Warriors play here in June. Again, another sell-out.  And imagine what it’s going to be like in July when the All Blacks play France under the roof. That match is well on its way to being sold out too.  So the weekend was just the start. And what a brilliant start it was too.  LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:25:24 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/smash-palace-bar-owner-greg-may-on-the-new-stadium/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/smash-palace-bar-owner-greg-may-on-the-new-stadium/ Ahead of the first fully ticketed event at One New Zealand Stadium, John MacDonald caught up with Greg May, owner of central city bar, Smash Palace. LISTEN ABOVE Fri, 24 Apr 2026 04:47:39 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/venues-%C5%8Dtautahi-ceo-takes-john-macdonald-on-a-tour-of-one-new-zealand-stadium/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/venues-%C5%8Dtautahi-ceo-takes-john-macdonald-on-a-tour-of-one-new-zealand-stadium/ Ahead of the first fully ticketed event at One New Zealand Stadium, Venues Ōtautahi CEO took John MacDonald on a tour of One New Zealand Stadium. LISTEN ABOVE Fri, 24 Apr 2026 04:32:04 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-why-the-new-stadium-means-so-much-to-us/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-why-the-new-stadium-means-so-much-to-us/ Make no mistake, today is a massive day for Christchurch.   Normally, you’d say the official opening - when the ‘hoi-polloi’ gather to cut ribbons and make speeches - is massive.  But today’s the day. Because today, the stadium becomes ours.  And I’m with Mayor Phil Mauger who is saying that it has been worth every penny.  It’s a spend that not everyone has been and will be happy about. But as the mayor is also saying today, he doesn't think people realise yet the benefits it’s going to bring the city.  Primarily, he’s talking about the economic benefits. And who can argue with the benefits from this weekend alone?  25,000 people at the stadium tonight. Tens of thousands more tomorrow and Sunday.  And, as ChristchurchNZ boss Ali Adams is saying today, the stadium will bring people here who will leave with a changed view of the city and some of them will come back. Not just for another visit - but to study, work and invest here.  But it’s also the social benefits that the stadium is going to bring us.       It’s a bit of a cliche - but, isn’t it amazing, how things change over time?  I can still vividly remember going to the old AMI stadium at Lancaster Park with my mate, Adam, taking our two first-borns to see the Crusaders play under the lights.  My daughter and my mate Adam's son were preschoolers and we had it all organised with enough snacks to keep them happy and enough clothes to keep them warm and all of that.  Sometimes, of course, half a game would be enough for the wee ones, and we’d shoot off home at half time.  I can still see the photo. My little girl in her black and red poncho and black and red beanie.  Fast forward to today and it’s the kids arranging to take me to the big opening game.  Buying me a ticket for Christmas, telling me the social plan beforehand and afterwards. Which I suspect will see me heading home to bed long before they’re ready to call it a night.  And just like Lancaster Park or Jade stadium or AMI stadium (whatever you want to call it), I know that our new stadium is going to be the place where future generations of Cantabrians fall in love with the thrill of rowdy togetherness.  Because this isn’t just a massive pile of concrete and steel in the centre of town. This is going to be the place where we will celebrate the wins. Together.   Where we’ll accept the losses. Together.   Where we’ll be moved by the artists and performers who will come to Christchurch from all over the world. We’ll do all of that together.   And if you’re going to any of the super round matches this weekend - or whenever you end up going - I guarantee that’s one of the first things you will feel.   I know that because, even at the crusaders training run last week, the overwhelming thing that got me as I walked through those shiny new doors was “here we all are again”.  15 years later - here we all are again.   And that’s why I am absolutely fizzing today. LISTEN ABOVE Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:47:21 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/dan-carter-on-playing-for-the-crusaders-during-the-earthquakes/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/dan-carter-on-playing-for-the-crusaders-during-the-earthquakes/ Ahead of the Super Round weekend in Christchurch, John MacDonald caught up with former All Black and Crusaders legend, Dan Carter. They discuss Dan's time as a Crusader during the earthquakes, what he reckons of the new One NZ stadium, and the 'Every Drop Challenge' that Dan is hosting at half time on Super Round Sunday. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 23 Apr 2026 23:35:50 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/gerry-brownlee-on-christchurchs-journey-from-the-earthquakes-to-one-new-zealand-stadium/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/gerry-brownlee-on-christchurchs-journey-from-the-earthquakes-to-one-new-zealand-stadium/ With One NZ Stadium finally opening its doors ahead of the Super Rugby Super Round, John MacDonald caught up with current Speaker of the House and former Christchurch Regeneration Minister, Gerry Brownlee. They discussed his role in getting the stadium off the ground by convincing cabinet of its importance for Cantabrians, and if he thinks the stadium has matched his expectations from over a decade ago. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 23 Apr 2026 01:19:01 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/environment-canterbury-chair-dr-deon-swiggs-on-the-event-direct-metro-shuttle-buses-for-the-super-round/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/environment-canterbury-chair-dr-deon-swiggs-on-the-event-direct-metro-shuttle-buses-for-the-super-round/ With the Super Round days away, planning to get to the new One New Zealand Stadium will be a necessity for the over 25,000 fans who will be coming to the first event. Environment Canterbury Chair Dr Deon Swiggs' joined John MacDonald to discuss the "Event Direct" initiative, providing shuttle buses to and from pickup points across the city. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:38:07 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-nationals-nothing-to-see-here-doesnt-cut-it/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-nationals-nothing-to-see-here-doesnt-cut-it/ A dog’s breakfast. That’s the only way I can describe the National Party’s handling of the speculation over Christopher Luxon’s leadership. Because “nothing to see here” never works. What’s more, I just don’t believe what they’re saying. Luxon called the confidence vote yesterday and came out of the caucus meeting saying he had the backing of his MPs and that was that. He wouldn’t answer any questions from reporters after he read out his statement. But he did take the opportunity to fire a broadside at them, saying he was disappointed with the recent media coverage and wouldn’t be engaging in “speculation and rumour”. But, as the likes of Thomas Coughlan from the NZ Herald have been quick to point out, this wasn’t made up by reporters. What was reported was what was actually happening. National MPs talking out of school. Telling the media what they really think of Luxon. Not that we should be surprised by this misguided attack on the media. Because the reason this has been such a dog’s breakfast, is that the party and its leader have been in complete denial. Especially, since last Friday.That was when the NZ Herald first reported on party whip Stuart Smith having no luck reaching his leader to tell him that some of his MPs weren’t happy with his performance. And it got really weird yesterday when Smith himself - who had told One News on Monday night that he was definitely going to be at yesterday’s caucus meeting providing the storm in Wellington didn’t muck up his travel plans - was a no-show. He said on Monday night he’d been trying to fly to Wellington but had been delayed by the weather. But he did intend to get to the capital on Tuesday morning. Then next morning, he announced in a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s office that he wouldn’t be attending because he had a “longstanding personal appointment”. I’m sorry. But that’s just nonsense. Because, if you’re the party whip, it’s your job to be at caucus meetings and you don’t go making longstanding personal appointments that clash with the caucus schedule. What’s more, this is the guy who was saying on Monday night he’d be there. Then he wasn’t. Because of this longstanding appointment. This is the sort of Keystone Cops stuff that might be acceptable from an opposition party, but not from a party in government. A party in government that has never been shy of picking holes in Jacinda Ardern’s promise that her government was going to be the most open and transparent government in the history of governments. It wasn’t, of course. But how rich of National to criticise Labour and be just as smoke and mirrors on it. Because, for me, this isn’t just about the National Party. This is about the government. It’s not just about a party leader. It’s about the Prime Minister. That’s why “nothing to see here” doesn’t cut it. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:23:19 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/selwyn-mayor-lydia-gliddon-on-settling-in-with-the-chains-super-cities-and-shared-services/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/selwyn-mayor-lydia-gliddon-on-settling-in-with-the-chains-super-cities-and-shared-services/ Selwyn Mayor Lydia Gliddon joined John MacDonald in the studio for the first of their regular catchups. They discussed some of the biggest issues for Selwyn ratepayers, including the potential cutting of council jobs to keep rates down, what she thinks of the 'Super-city' debate and if she thinks the Christchurch City Council missed a trick by not asking Selwyn to foot some of the bill for One NZ Stadium. LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 21 Apr 2026 03:02:40 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/one-nz-stadiums-turf-expert-dr-richard-gibbs-on-the-new-grass-and-the-lack-of-horses/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/one-nz-stadiums-turf-expert-dr-richard-gibbs-on-the-new-grass-and-the-lack-of-horses/ Excitement is brewing across Christchurch as One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha will finally open its doors on Friday. Christchurch City Council Senior Project Manager Dr Richard Gibbs joined Canterbury Mornings and discussed the part he has played in producing the world-class turf at One NZ Stadium, and his thoughts on the lack of horses that won't be moving with the Crusaders to their new home. LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 21 Apr 2026 02:48:44 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-shanes-butter-chicken-is-giving-me-indigestion/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-shanes-butter-chicken-is-giving-me-indigestion/ I can’t think of one negative impact people moving here from overseas have had on my life.  Not one.  I can tell you plenty of good things. But not anything negative.  Which is why I'll never understand why immigrants get such a bad rap. It’s an easy excuse, though. Not happy about something? Blame the immigrants.  And it’s NZ First’s Shane Jones is talking the nonsense he is. Warning us of a “Butter chicken tsunami” of new immigrants if New Zealand goes ahead with this free trade agreement with India.  NZ First is opposed to the agreement, because it says it doesn’t cap the number of students who could come here from India.  Which is an argument that has already been put to bed because there are no limitations on the number of international students who can come here from any country.   Tell that to Shane Jones, though.   But I'm with the Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, who has hit back.  He was asked about it at the media conference after yesterday’s cabinet meeting.  Initially, he was a bit wishy-washy. But then he let rip. Saying New Zealand is a better place because of immigration.  Without immigration, a lot of things would struggle to keep going.  People moving here fill labour shortages.   Think of the nursing staff in the hospitals. Think of all those construction workers i see walking to work first thing in the morning.  Think of all the people who have migrated here to work on our dairy farms.    People move here to invest, as well.  Think of the people from overseas who have started businesses or bought existing businesses.  Think of the wealthy immigrants who have taken advantage of the golden visa scheme who are investing big money here.  These are genuine benefits.  Not to mention the benefit we all get from the extra diversity. Every time I go through town, I love the fact that I see the same mix of people I've seen in other cities around the world.  Some people, though, seem to think that’s a bad thing. These are generally the ones who will celebrate St Patrick's day - but won’t want a bar of Diwali.  But where are you on this one?  LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 21 Apr 2026 02:42:17 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-the-greens-solar-plan-doesnt-stack-up/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-the-greens-solar-plan-doesnt-stack-up/ The Green Party wants us to electrify everything, saying the current fuel crisis is a good reason to produce as much of our own energy as possible.  Which, by the way, is kind of ironic don’t you think? The Greens wanting us to produce our own energy, but not wanting us to drill for oil and gas?  Nevertheless, that’s what co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick said in the party’s State of the Planet speech yesterday.  She wants to kick things off with solar panels. And one of the Greens’ policies in this year’s election will be cheap government loans for solar panels and batteries.  Which I think is one of those ideas that sound good but, when you think about it for more than five minutes, the cracks start to appear.   Nevertheless, Chlöe Swarbrick says cheap government loans would cut the upfront cost barrier that stops people going solar.  And she says it could cut household power bills by $1,000-a-year.  Which all sounds fine. But would it be enough to make me go solar? Probably not.  Because the thing i can’t get past with solar, is the upfront cost and the mystery that surrounds the so-called financial benefits.  You will have seen and heard the stories I'm sure about people paying all the money to get solar panels on the roof at home and not seeing their power bills get any cheaper.  There are also the conflicting reports about the merits of selling solar energy back into the national grid. Whether the payback is worth it.  Until that murkiness no longer exists, I don’t see myself rushing to go solar anytime soon.  As for this idea of cheap government loans for solar panels and batteries, here’s the issue I have with it.  Yes, it would take away the upfront cost. But debt is debt. Irrespective of how low the interest rate is.  And, while the greens claim you might end up with cheaper power bills, you’d still have this debt to service.  So your monthly power bill might be cheaper, but you’d still have to service the loan from the government.  According to the energy efficiency and conservation authority, a small-to-medium solar set-up will cost somewhere between $8,500 and $11,500.  That’s just for the panels. The batteries, on top of that, can range from $5,000 to $15,000.  So let’s go with the median prices and say that your panels will cost you around about $10,000 and the battery around about $10,000, as well. So, $20,000 all up.   In the scheme of things, that isn’t all that much. But, according to the energy efficiency and conservation authority, it takes on average seven-to-10 years for solar to pay for itself.  For the money saved on power to pay back the upfront cost of installing solar.  And that’s where this policy from the greens doesn’t stack up. Because if it’s going to cost $20,000 upfront and they say people are going to save $1,000 a year on their power bills, then it’s going to be 20 years before their solar set-up pays for itself.  And that, for me, is enough to say thanks, but no thanks.  LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 20 Apr 2026 01:38:16 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/all-sport-breakfast-canterbury/audio/lyndon-murray-waitikiri-golf-club-general-manager-on-his-new-role/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/all-sport-breakfast-canterbury/audio/lyndon-murray-waitikiri-golf-club-general-manager-on-his-new-role/ Waitikiri Golf Club has a new General Manager.  A man of many talents, Lyndon Murray joined Lesley Murdoch for a chat about his role, in association with the Elmwood Trading Company.  LISTEN ABOVE  Sat, 18 Apr 2026 03:23:14 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/all-sport-breakfast-canterbury/audio/gerry-brownlee-speaker-of-the-house-on-the-origins-of-the-apollo-projects-stadium/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/all-sport-breakfast-canterbury/audio/gerry-brownlee-speaker-of-the-house-on-the-origins-of-the-apollo-projects-stadium/ The curtain has come down on Christchurch’s “temporary” stadium, the Apollo Projects Stadium.  Lesley Murdoch revisits the how, why, and the when – the stadium’s origins in the immediate aftermath of the 2011 earthquake.   To do so, she was joined by the Earthquake Minister of the time and current Speaker of the House, Gerry Brownlee.  LISTEN ABOVE  Sat, 18 Apr 2026 03:18:28 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/crusaders-run-out-at-one-nz-stadium-for-the-first-time/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/crusaders-run-out-at-one-nz-stadium-for-the-first-time/ Over nine-thousand punters turned up for the Crusaders open training session at One New Zealand Stadium on Thursday evening. John MacDonald also went along and spoke with a few fans at the final test event before next week's Super Round.  LISTEN ABOVE Fri, 17 Apr 2026 01:47:43 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-luxons-leadership-is-more-than-just-a-party-matter/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-luxons-leadership-is-more-than-just-a-party-matter/ After hearing Chris Bishop on Newstalk ZB this morning, there are two things about the National Party and its leader that I am in no doubt about. I am in absolutely no doubt that Christopher Luxon has to stand down before he’s pushed. I’m also in no doubt that, if that happens, National will be toast in this year’s election. But, when you weigh it up, there’s no way this speculation and doubt about the prime minister of our country can continue. And that’s the key point here. We’re not just talking about a party leader. We’re talking about the prime minister.And how can we take a government seriously when its own MPs don’t take their leader seriously? NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan is reporting today that Christopher Luxon is expected to face the most difficult two weeks of his leadership when Parliament returns next week. He’s reporting that Luxon is up to his old trick of covering his ears and not listening to what people are saying.With National’s Kaikoura MP Stuart Smith, who is also National’s party whip, unable to reach Luxon in the week before Easter to tell him about ructions in the National Party caucus. Being the party whip, Stuart Smith is obliged to tell the party leader if drums are beating and MPs aren’t happy with their leader. But he couldn’t reach Luxon. Or, more to the point, Luxon didn’t want to hear from him. Because, as Thomas Coughlan is reporting, if the two had spoken, it would have likely led to a caucus meeting, which could have led to a change in leader. So Christopher Luxon was avoiding Stuart Smith to stop a certain chain of events from happening.Which Chris Bishop kind-of denied when he spoke to Mike Hosking, but he was a million miles away from being anything close to convincing. Bishop is due to front again with Jack Tame on TV this weekend. His boss will be hoping for a more ringing endorsement than this morning’s failed attempt. LISTEN ABOVE Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:37:48 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/politics-friday-with-matt-doocey-and-tracey-mclellan-luxons-leadership-wofs-and-the-crusaders-horses/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/politics-friday-with-matt-doocey-and-tracey-mclellan-luxons-leadership-wofs-and-the-crusaders-horses/ National's Matt Doocey and Labour's Tracey McLellan joined John MacDonald for Politics Friday this week.  They covered some of the biggest topics from the week from Christopher Luxon's leadership, the new warrant of fitness changes coming this year, and their thoughts on The Crusaders losing the pre-match horses at One NZ Stadium. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 16 Apr 2026 22:38:59 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-dont-swallow-the-arguments-against-this-water-upgrade/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-dont-swallow-the-arguments-against-this-water-upgrade/ I’ve never had a problem with the chlorine that’s been in Christchurch's water.  Which is why I'm not at all upset at the news that it’s going to be in the water forever.  What’s happened, is city councillors have been told that - even if they spent $1.5 billion on infrastructure upgrades over the next 20 years - the chlorine would most likely still be needed.  That’s because of all the hoops that have to be jumped through to get a chlorine exemption.  On top of that, rates would have to go up to pay for ongoing maintenance.   Nevertheless, i think the council needs to bite the bullet and spend the money. Because, for me, this isn’t just about chlorine.  But what i see potentially happening, is councillors using the chlorine bit as an out. As an excuse for not spending money on infrastructure upgrades. When that is the last thing, they should be doing.  City Councillor Yani Johanson seems to be on the same page as me. He reckons that, despite the $1.5 billion price tag, it’s still worth looking into and he wants the public to have a say.  But Mayor Phil Mauger says it would be nothing other than a waste of money.  He says: “it’s all very well saying you can throw a shedload of money at every contractor in the country, digging up every road that we’ve got. But it’s not worth it.”  Phil’s got some alternative ideas, which I'll get to.  But what he’s advocating for is a continuation of what pretty much every local body politician in this country has done and continues to do. Kicking cans down the road. They’re experts at it.  Whereas, what Christchurch should be doing is seeing this as a critical piece of infrastructure spending that is needed in New Zealand's second-largest city.  Especially when you consider the alternatives ideas floating around.  Instead of the big spend-up on new pipes, Phil Mauger reckons it would be better for the council to do things like buying filtration systems for people to have at home and setting-up chlorine-free water stations around town.    Picture that. The council sending out filtration kits in the mail - the way it sent out those portable toilets after the earthquakes.  And the council running water station around town where people could go to get chlorine-free water. Really?  People bang on about the city needing to look less like a disaster zone. What do you think the council distributing filtering systems and running water pick-up points would look like?  And, all the while, crossing its finger and hoping that the underground infrastructure doesn't pack a sad.  It makes no sense.    LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 16 Apr 2026 00:57:16 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-no-one-wants-to-pay-more-tax-but/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-no-one-wants-to-pay-more-tax-but/ Do we need more taxes?  There are two ways we can look at it. Does The Government need more tax revenue? Yes, I think it does. Which is why those tax cuts after the last election have backfired so badly.  And do we want to pay more tax? When push comes to shove, probably not. But that’s human nature, isn’t it?  But, if we look beyond human nature - beyond gut reactions to the tax question - maybe, one day, enough people will accept that we’re just going to have to pay more tax. Like it or not.  Which is exactly what a tax lobby group is saying today.   Tax Justice Aotearoa is saying New Zealand needs a capital gains tax, an inheritance tax and a wealth tax. For several reasons.  First of all, the fuel crisis and climate change. They say the government needs more revenue to cope with these kinds of things.  The other reason it wants a capital gains tax, an inheritance tax and a wealth tax is to shift the tax burden. To get high income earners paying more tax and to get low-income earners paying less.  Tax Justice Aotearoa also says our deficits are the problem. And the problem isn’t going to be fixed until we all start paying more tax.  It says deficits limit what we can do about the fuel crisis. As The Government has said, the $50-a-week tax credits for low-to-middle income earners are as much as it can afford.  And deficits mean The Government is limited in what it can do in response to climate change.  Example: no payouts for people who have to pack up and move because of things like sea level rise.  Former Council of Trade Unions Economist Bill Rosenberg is a member of this lobby group and he says: “It’s becoming obvious governments cannot continue to function properly and do the things that people expect of them without more revenue, so it is inevitable we have to debate these things.”  And I agree with him.  But, of course, show me a politician brave enough to stand up and advocate for you and I paying more tax, and they’ll be someone with the shortest political career in history.  Because who is going to vote for that?  Maybe we will, when we realise the inevitability of it.  Yes, it’s easy to bang on about not wanting to pay more taxes because governments waste money, anyway.  But do we want the “smell of an oily rag” set-up we have at the moment?  Or, do we want a country that can afford to deal with things like oil shocks and the climate crisis?  Tax Justice Aotearoa says if that’s what we want, then the government is going to need more revenue. And i agree. Even though I don’t like the idea of paying more tax.  LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:47:01 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/chris-hipkins-on-vaccine-advice-india-fta-and-funding-for-gangs/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/chris-hipkins-on-vaccine-advice-india-fta-and-funding-for-gangs/ Labour leader Chris Hipkins says ministers did not receive key advice about myocarditis risks for 12 to 17-year‑olds during the COVID response.  Speaking on Canterbury Mornings, Hipkins was questioned by John MacDonald about the findings from the Royal Commission into COVID‑19, which said expert advice on vaccine mandates for teenagers was delayed in being provided to ministers.   Hipkins said the advice, produced by a technical advisory group, was never passed on to responsible ministers at all.  “The particular report that came from the technical advisory group was never shared with ministers."   They also covered Labours concerns regarding the India free trade agreement, and what he thinks about National MP Rima Nakhle's bill to stop the public funding going to gangs.    LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:32:42 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-states-of-emergency-are-woke-give-me-strength/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-states-of-emergency-are-woke-give-me-strength/ Two questions: what does “woke” mean to you? And are states of emergency “woke”?  The reason I'm asking is that the Mayor of Wairoa thinks they are. Which I think is a load of old nonsense.  Unlike other mayors in other North Island areas - who declared states of emergency in anticipation of Cyclone Vaianu at the weekend - Craig Little didn’t. Because he thought it was all a bit over the top and not necessary.  He went further yesterday, saying that he thinks they’ve become “woke”.  He says: “we’re becoming woke as a country when it comes to states of emergency”.  That’s what he says. And I say: nonsense.  The Prime Minister thinks the same. Hitting back, saying he’s happy to be labelled woke if it means keeping people safe.  Christopher Luxon says: “I'll happily wear a woke label this time if it means we didn't lose anyone's lives.”  He says: “This was a significant event with 10 local states of emergency actioned, and in a number of regions there were road closures, power outages and flooding."  And Christopher Luxon is right. States of emergency aren’t woke and this mayor is just another one of these people who has no idea what woke actually means. Put simply - and this is my definition - woke means being aware of how things impact people.  The more official definition - courtesy of the Oxford English Dictionary - says woke means "alert to racial or social discrimination and injustice".  What that has to do with states of emergency, I’ll never know.  Well, I do know actually. It’s got nothing to do with states of emergency.  And the Mayor of Wairoa is just another one of these people who think calling someone or something “woke” is a way of having a go at them.  But, whether we like it or not, it’s a word that’s been hijacked to the point where some people have no idea what it means, but are happy to bandy it around left, right and centre.  Nevertheless, are states of emergency “woke”? Last October, when we had those huge winds in canterbury and a state of emergency was declared, one Christchurch business owner got in touch with me, very unhappy about it. Saying they thought it was overkill.   Their takings were down 50 percent, and they were criticising the decision to include Christchurch city in the state of emergency. Because the city wasn’t as badly affected as other parts of the region.  I disagreed with them. Because we had no idea how bad it was going to get, so it made sense to be cautious.  Because - and this is what i say to anyone who thinks we go a bit O.T.T with states of emergency these days - what would you rather have? Be prepared just in case? Or find out too late and deal with the consequences.  Which is why i think this mayor up north not only has no idea what woke means - he’s also wrong thinking states of emergency have become a woke over-reaction. LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 14 Apr 2026 01:03:30 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-luxon-needs-to-do-some-elbowing-for-fuel-supplies-too/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-luxon-needs-to-do-some-elbowing-for-fuel-supplies-too/ After what happened at the weekend, I think Christopher Luxon needs to take a leaf out of Anthony Albanese's book, jump on a plane and head over to South Korea to make sure we don’t run out of fuel.  With negotiations between the U.S. and Iran falling over, President Donald Trump has announced that he’s now in charge of the Strait of Hormuz, with the U.S. Navy blockading the vital trade route.  He’s also talking about stopping any ships that have paid any sort of toll to Iran to sneak through.  Which says to me one thing: this fuel crisis isn’t going to be over anytime soon, and we now need to start doing a little bit more than calming the farm.  Which is where Anthony Albanese comes into it. He’s going to make his second trip in a week to Asia to shore up fuel supplies.  This week he’s off to Brunei and Malaysia. Last week he was in Singapore, where he signed a new agreement - which means Singapore has promised to keep sending fuel to Australia.  The other part of that agreement is that Australia has promised to keep sending gas to Singapore. Which is where Anthony Albanese has more to put on the bargaining table than Christopher Luxon does.  Albanese has been telling countries he’ll give them gas if they give him petrol and diesel.  Christopher Luxon might be thinking he doesn’t need to rush. Because he’s due to travel to Singapore next month, where he’s going to be signing the agreement with Singapore to keep fuel supplies flowing.  Which is fine. But what about South Korea, where we get about half of our fuel from?  That’s why, at the very least, Christopher Luxon should be on a flight to Seoul as soon as he can.  Because one of the things he is extremely good at is getting on with world leaders. He loves nothing more than working a room.  So let’s get him doing what he does best. Because this fuel crisis isn’t going to be over any time soon.  LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 13 Apr 2026 00:35:23 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/all-sport-breakfast-canterbury/audio/colin-slade-former-all-black-on-the-group-running-the-christchurch-marathon-to-raise-money-for-charity/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/all-sport-breakfast-canterbury/audio/colin-slade-former-all-black-on-the-group-running-the-christchurch-marathon-to-raise-money-for-charity/ Former All Black Colin Slade, along with a group of his mates, are running the Christchurch Marathon for charity.  Aptly named the Fendalton Flyers, the group are running with the aim of raising $100 thousand for Full Bellies, a charity that provides school lunches for kids that fall outside the Government’s criteria.  Slade joined Lesley Murdoch to chat about their efforts.  LISTEN ABOVE  Sat, 11 Apr 2026 03:55:15 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/all-sport-breakfast-canterbury/audio/andrew-sloane-golf-correspondent-live-from-the-augusta-masters/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/all-sport-breakfast-canterbury/audio/andrew-sloane-golf-correspondent-live-from-the-augusta-masters/ The quality is rising to the top at the Masters, with defending champion Rory McIlroy leading outright.  The Northern Irishman has a whopping six-shot lead at the halfway mark, the biggest ever advantage at 36-holes.  Andrew Sloane joined Lesley Murdoch live from the Masters to give an update on the tournament, with Thanks to the Elmwood Trading Company.  LISTEN ABOVE  Sat, 11 Apr 2026 03:25:27 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-is-this-the-answer-to-the-cathedral-question/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-is-this-the-answer-to-the-cathedral-question/ Finally, someone has come up with an idea for the Anglican Cathedral in Christchurch that makes a load of sense.  It doesn’t involve running to the Government cap-in-hand. And it doesn’t involve asking ratepayers to fork out more money.  Sound too good to be true? I know - if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.  But I think this is an exception. And a brilliant exception, at that.  So, what’s happened, is business leader Humphry Rolleston has told the Christchurch City Council that what it should do, is sell its Enable broadband company to pay for the cathedral and get the square back to life again.  Not only that - it could also pay for other heritage projects around town that are in desperate need of money.  Before you go thinking that I've done some sort of U-turn and become a cheerleader for the cathedral, I haven’t. But I think we just have to accept that about $100 million has been poured into it, and so we’re stuck with it. It would be criminal to pull the thing down.  Even though I think that the cathedral doesn’t have the same level of community support that it used to have. Even though I don’t buy into this notion that the cathedral was and, could again be, a tourist attraction.  I still feel the same. But, despite all that, we have to decide if we want to be stuck with it in its current state forever or whether we want to look for a practical way forward.  And this is a practical way forward.   So the back-of-an-envelope numbers say that the council could sell the broadband company for somewhere around $1 billion.   Which, Humphry Rolleston says, could be used to set up a trust, and the interest earned on that money could be used to pay for the cathedral and other heritage projects.  These are the other three, as well as The Cathedral, that are short of cash. The Arts Centre, Canterbury Museum and the old Provincial Chambers.  A few more numbers for you.  Humphry Rolleston says the fund could be operating by Christmas - that’s assuming that the council could sell its broadband company that soon - and could generate about $42 million a year.  Which is around about the amount the Cathedral project needs.   Humphry Rolleston says: “I think this is an elegant and simple financial solution that will enable us to restore the buildings without calling on direct rate-paying support.”  Amen to that. Pun intended.  And the reason why I think this is such a good idea, again, comes down to numbers.  In the last financial year, the Enable broadband company paid out a $25 million dividend to the council. And that is expected to increase to $35 million a year in 2028.   That’s a 3.5 percent return on our money. Which is chickenfeed.  Now, you consider what the return might be to the city if the cathedral, especially, was fixed up and the square able to be returned to its former glory?   More than $25-to-$35 million. And you imagine all of that happening without more ratepayer money going into it.  It is an absolute no-brainer, as far as I'm concerned. LISTEN ABOVE Fri, 10 Apr 2026 00:18:50 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/politics-friday-reuben-davidson-and-hamish-campbell-on-the-cathedral-apollo-projects-stadium-and-the-bromley-stench/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/politics-friday-reuben-davidson-and-hamish-campbell-on-the-cathedral-apollo-projects-stadium-and-the-bromley-stench/ National's Hamish Campbell and Labour's Reuben Davidson joined John MacDonald for Politics Friday this week.  They covered some of the biggest topics from the week from Iran, the idea from Humphry Rolleston to sell off Enable to fund the rebuild of the Cathedral, and how to solve the wastewater problem in Bromley. LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 09 Apr 2026 23:00:41 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-whats-the-chance-of-this-ceasefire-lasting/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-whats-the-chance-of-this-ceasefire-lasting/ Anyone who thinks the ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran is going to last the full two weeks is dreaming.  How many reasons can I give you? Because there are plenty.  First up, there are these conflicting reports coming through this regarding the Strait of Hormuz. The stretch of water that is the reason why diesel users in this country are paying more for fuel than petrol users. Why Air New Zealand and Jetstar are cancelling the flights. The reason for all sorts of economic carnage.  The stretch of water that's pretty much been closed since the US and Israel started bombing Iran.    We’ve got Iran saying that this crucial shipping route is closed because of Israel's large-scale attacks on Lebanon overnight. But we’ve also got the white house saying that’s fake news.  Iran is also warning that any ships going through the strait without permission will be destroyed.  So that’s enough on its own to tell you that this isn’t going to last five minutes.  Israel is another reason why this ceasefire isn’t going to last.  Without warning, Israel dropped 160 bombs on 100 targets within 10 minutes. The heaviest bombardment on Lebanon since the war began.  That’s because it sees its campaign to destroy Hezbollah - the Shiite militia backed by Iran - as some sort of side issue. Which Iran thinks is a load of nonsense and there are concerns that this could be enough for it to pull out of the ceasefire.  Which I think is looking increasingly likely now that U.S President Donald Trump appears to have sided with Israel on this one.  Trump initially didn’t comment one way or the other on Israel's claim - but he is now saying that Israel's attacks on Lebanon are “a separate skirmish” and not part of the ceasefire deal.  What’s more, with Iran apparently holding on tight to the Strait of Hormuz - how kindly do you think trump is going to take to that?  This is the guy who said on social media a few days ago: “open the f-in’ strait, you crazy bastards, or you'll be living in hell”.  And let’s remember why Trump did what he did yesterday, agreeing to this very precarious ceasefire.  He gave in, not because it would mean victory for the United States - which he is claiming of course - Trump gave in yesterday because of the Strait of Hormuz.  This ceasefire is nothing to do with regime change and nothing to do with keeping the world safe from any nuclear ambitions Iran might have.  This ceasefire is about oil and trade and money and the markets. And the heat Donald Trump was feeling about the impact his war is having on the global economy.  And, if that oil doesn’t start flowing through the Strait of Hormuz again anytime soon then, you can bet your bottom dollar that trump will be ripping up that ceasefire agreement.  That’s if Iran doesn’t rip it up first.  LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 09 Apr 2026 00:28:52 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/phil-mauger-christchurch-mayor-on-apollo-projects-stadium-new-brightons-redevelopment-and-the-outgoing-council-ceo/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/phil-mauger-christchurch-mayor-on-apollo-projects-stadium-new-brightons-redevelopment-and-the-outgoing-council-ceo/ The Mayor of Christchurch thinks the site of soon to be retired Apollo Projects Stadium should be sold on when it's returned to the council's ownership.  Phil Mauger told Canterbury Mornings he believes the land is best suited for housing, stressing that any redevelopment should respect the site’s past.  "The common-sense use is for housing. Not massive intensive housing, just normal intensification. It'll need a bit of a green area in the middle, it needs to be done properly."  They also discussed the departure of outgoing CEO Mary Richardson, the New Brighton Mall redevelopment, and if Christchurch roads need more cheaper cycleways.  LISTEN ABOVE   Wed, 08 Apr 2026 23:41:16 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-ditching-fuel-tax-increases-would-be-shortsighted/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-ditching-fuel-tax-increases-would-be-shortsighted/ After pretty much telling us to calm the farm over the fuel situation, I can’t believe the government is getting all antsy about its fuel tax increase - due to kick-in at the start of next year.  Yesterday, when Finance Minister Nicola Willis gave her regular fuel update, she said it is “very unlikely” that the Government will go ahead with the 12 percent-per-litre increase in January.  Why’s that? Because the Government doesn’t think people can afford it. Due to the increased costs caused by the war in Iran.  But I don’t think the country can afford not to increase the taxes.   Because, as the finance minister said herself yesterday, no increase in the fuel tax is going to mean less money for road maintenance and road construction.  Anyone who thinks this would be a good idea obviously has a very short memory.  Because it was only two months when the automobile association released the findings of its most recent research survey of motorists, which found that more than half of us think our roads are rubbish.  Fifty-four percent of people surveyed by the AA said they were frustrated by the state of our roads.  South Canterbury was one of the areas where people were most unhappy. More than 60 percent of people there said they thought the roads were in cruddy condition.  And, at the time, aa spokesperson Dylan Thomsen said his organisation had been pushing for better maintenance of roads for years.  Two months ago, he said: “We are very pleased that there has been a big increase in funding and focus on maintenance with initiatives like the government’s pothole fund. Hopefully we’ve turned a corner and we'll see aa members happier with their roads in future surveys.”  That’s not going to happen if the government does do what Nicola Willis was talking about yesterday and does press pause on fuel tax increases.  As Chris Bishop has said previously about fuel taxes. He says they “go into the roads, maintenance, public transport, the new projects we want to build, the new public transport projects we want to build, all of those things have to be paid for.”  Adding that the Government “doesn't have an unlimited credit card”.  So the Government, if it’s totally honest, obviously thinks that increasing fuel taxes is a no-brainer. Which it is. So why is it saying now that it’s probably not going to?  Because it doesn’t think it would be fair and reasonable to make us pay more for fuel when we are already, because of what’s going on in the Middle East.      I get that. But it’s just politics. Because, if you think beyond the here and now and think about the state of our roads, then you too will, hopefully, see that this move - over time - would be a major step backwards.  LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:44:41 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-not-everyone-can-get-fuel-relief-but-these-people-should/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-not-everyone-can-get-fuel-relief-but-these-people-should/ I hope the employment relations authority whips Health NZ into shape and tells it to stop taking the mickey out of home care workers who are really struggling with the price of fuel at the moment.  Unions representing in-home care workers are taking action against Health NZ, saying these 23,000 people are out of pocket because of rising fuel costs and are simply being exploited.  Because not only do home care workers have to pay for insurance, registration and maintenance of their own vehicles to do their critical work, they’re also having to pay more to get around and do their work with no support.    Generally, these people earn little more than the minimum wage. Which, as of tomorrow, will be $23.95 an hour for an adult. I say, “as of tomorrow”, because it’s increasing tomorrow to $23.95 - at the moment it’s $23.50. So it’s going up by 45 cents tomorrow.  So these in-home care workers are earning somewhere around $24 an hour. Miriam Patterson is one of them - she’s a community care and support worker in Timaru.  She sees up to 20 patients a day and drives about 900 kilometres each week. If you can she’s one of the lucky ones. It’s because she drives a hybrid vehicle.  Nevertheless, her fuel bill has gone up since the war in Iran began. Which she has to pay herself on top of everything else she has to pay for with no compensation from Health NZ. Insurance, rego, maintenance. The lot.  Quite rightly, the Government is being very careful not to do anything that will unnecessarily add to the inflation problem.  That’s why we’re not seeing here what they’re doing in Australia - where Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced yesterday that the fuel excise tax is being halved for three months.  But I can’t see how compensating these care workers for their increased fuel bills would be inflationary.  As the union representing them is saying, these are essential workers who are having to find money to pay for the cost of doing their jobs.  Money, as they say, that is coming out of their food budgets.   And, unlike other service providers, they can’t just increase their prices to cover those costs. So they’re at the mercy of Health NZ which, in my mind, is taking them for granted, ripping them off, and needs to brought into line.  Because this isn’t just about the care workers. It’s also about the people they care for.   And I think it’s shameful that these critical workers are being treated this way.  LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 30 Mar 2026 23:42:34 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-is-the-pm-missing-his-moment/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-is-the-pm-missing-his-moment/ I bumped into a mate at the supermarket yesterday and one of the first things he said to me was, “Where’s Christopher Luxon?”.  And I knew straight away what he was getting at.  He was echoing the sentiment of political commentators over the weekend who were asking why the Prime Minister isn’t front and centre of the government’s response to the fuel situation.  Not that Nicola Willis seems to be complaining. She appears to be relishing the opportunity to be the government’s mouthpiece.  Which is rather unusual given what we’ve become used to in recent years. Particularly since Covid - but we saw it before then too.  Jacinda Ardern is the most obvious comparison. But John Key, as well. On the day of the big quake, he called an urgent cabinet meeting, then he was straight on a plane to Christchurch.  Jacinda Ardern was the same after the mosque attacks. She was front and centre when the White Island tragedy happened, and, as we know, she was the face of her government’s Covid response.  These commentators who were talking about Christopher Luxon over the weekend were making the inevitable comparison to Jacinda Ardern.  And it’s something I've been thinking about too.  This fuel situation is Christopher Luxon's opportunity to shine. But, apart from photos on social media of him on the blower to other world leaders talking fuel, that’s about it.  The rest of the time it’s either Nicola Willis on her own or Nicola Willis with the Prime Minister at her side.  And I don’t think it’s doing him any favours at all.  Take Friday, for example. The Prime Minister was in Christchurch for the official opening of the new One New Zealand Stadium - while he let Nicola Willis front the government’s fuel update.  As one commentator put it: “It is difficult to imagine his predecessors - Ardern, Key or Helen Clark - surrendering such a platform at such a time.”  Nicola Willis is doing a very good job in front of the fuel response. But, in my mind, she’s doing a job the Prime Minister should be doing.  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 29 Mar 2026 23:16:47 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/all-sport-breakfast-canterbury/audio/amelia-garvey-kiwi-pro-golfer-on-her-year-so-far-plans-for-the-future/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/all-sport-breakfast-canterbury/audio/amelia-garvey-kiwi-pro-golfer-on-her-year-so-far-plans-for-the-future/ Professional golfer Amelia Garvey has enjoyed a solid start to her year over in Australia with a couple of top 10 finishes.  Garvey is about to head back to the US with some lofty goals in mind. She’s looking to rise up in the world rankings, going from 140 to within the top 70.  She spoke with Lesley about her start to the year and her plans for the next few months, including trying to get home a bit more often.  LISTEN ABOVE  Sat, 28 Mar 2026 02:56:33 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-is-this-the-end-of-hipkins-election-chances/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-is-this-the-end-of-hipkins-election-chances/ I think Chris Hipkins’ time could be up.  He said to me last week that he’d had better weeks, after his ex-wife made those claims about him on social media.  But, if he thought things were on the improve this week, that’s probably all come crashing down again this morning with the Herald reporting that he knew more about the Covid vaccine risks than he has let on.  And I think this could be the end of his push to be the next prime minister.  You‘ll remember when the second covid inquiry report came out recently, one of the more startling things it revealed was that Chris Hipkins and Jacinda Ardern’s Government hadn’t been told about the risks of a second covid vaccine for teenagers.  The report said health officials hadn’t told ministers that 12-to-17-year-olds shouldn't really have been getting two doses of the vaccine. Because of the risk of myocarditis - which is inflammation of the heart muscle.  That was an absolute shocker of a revelation.  And that was the version of the story Chris Hipkins stuck to when he was asked about it. Which deflected attention to the likes of former health boss Sir Ashley Bloomfield and whether he should be taken to task for not sharing that vital information with the Government.  Now, though, we’re finding out in a report by the Herald this morning, that a 2022 cabinet paper in Hipkins’ name does include the advice.  Hipkins has declined requests for interviews but has said in a statement that the then-government “had to make tough decisions under extraordinary pressure and a rapidly changing environment”.  As the Herald reports, Hipkins has declined a request for an interview and, in that statement I mentioned, did not directly address the issue of that advice re: teenagers not being made public.  Instead, as well as going on about the government having to make decisions when it was under the pump, he says: “the royal commission found that the government made numerous efforts to communicate safety issues, including the risk of myocarditis.”  I mean, do me a favour Chris.  If you’ve ever wondered what covering your backside sounds like, that’s it right there.  Correction. If you’ve ever wondered what someone failing miserably at covering their backside sounds like, that’s it right there. What’s more, tell that Chris to the parents and caregivers of the 30,000 young people who had to have the second dose as part of the vaccine mandates.  Tell that to the young people themselves, Chris.  Now, unless Hipkins can prove otherwise, I think this revelation today blows any chance of voters trusting him again out of the water.  It’s not like he’s Jacinda Ardern or Grant Robertson who have moved on to other things. Chris Hipkins hasn’t moved on and wants to be Prime Minister.  He wants to be Prime Minister and he’s been caught out.   LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 26 Mar 2026 23:35:00 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/politics-friday-reuben-davidson-and-stuart-smith-on-hipkins-fuel-and-the-new-stadium/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/politics-friday-reuben-davidson-and-stuart-smith-on-hipkins-fuel-and-the-new-stadium/ Labour's Reuben Davidson and National's Stuart Smith joined John MacDonald for Politics Friday this week.  The covered the biggest news of the week, including the revelation that Chris Hipkins had been advised on Covid vaccines for teens, the Governments fuel relief package, and the Parliamentary warning around importing liquid natural gas.  LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 26 Mar 2026 23:30:37 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/were-really-pleased-stadium-constructor-ceo-on-the-completion-of-one-new-zealand-stadium/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/were-really-pleased-stadium-constructor-ceo-on-the-completion-of-one-new-zealand-stadium/ The head of the construction company who built the new One New Zealand Stadium is pleased the stadium has been delivered to the city ahead of time and on budget.  Mark Baker, CEO of Australian firm BESIX Watpac, is in Christchurch for the ribbon cutting ceremony at the new stadium and joined John MacDonald for a chat during his short visit in Christchurch.  "it's been a while in the post COVID era where we're able to say that we've delivered ahead of time, and pleasingly we have." LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 26 Mar 2026 22:32:25 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-the-red-sea-precedent-nz-cant-ignore/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-the-red-sea-precedent-nz-cant-ignore/ MPs are debating whether New Zealand should get involved in securing and opening up the Strait of Hormuz to shipping again. Labour is arguing that the Government was too quick off the mark signing an international statement which expressed New Zealand's readiness to do its bit.  Labour says New Zealand needs to be weary of getting involved because of the way the U.S. might go about things.  But I think New Zealand has no choice but to get involved in securing and opening up the Strait of Hormuz to shipping again. For two reasons. Back in 2024, we sent six defence personnel to help out behind the scenes with U.S. and British airstrikes on bases used by Houthi Militia. The Government decided to support America and Britain with their strikes on the Houthi Militia - which is supported by Iran- because they’d been attacking ships in the red sea in retaliation for Israel's attacks on Gaza. Our government said at the time that it wanted to do its bit to ensure maritime security for trade purposes, because the Houthi’s attacks were having an impact on world trade. 10 percent of New Zealand’s exports and about 20 percent of the stuff we import travels through the red sea between here, the UK, Europe and North Africa. At the time, prime minister Christopher Luxon said: “Houthi attacks against commercial and naval shipping are illegal, unacceptable and profoundly destabilising. “This deployment, as part of an international coalition, is a continuation of New Zealand’s long history of defending freedom of navigation both in the Middle East and closer to home.” And foreign affairs minister Winston Peters said: “these efforts support international security and the free flow of trade on which New Zealanders rely.” At the time, I was weary of New Zealand getting involved in the red sea. For two reasons. One reason was that we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into and how long we might be involved and what else might be expected of us. The other reason I was weary ofit;was what sort of precedent it might set.  And now, the chickens are coming home to roost on that part of it - with the precedent bit. Because, whether we like it or not, there is no wayNewZealandcan‘thelpget theStrait ofHormuzup and running again. We have to take part. Because, if it was good enough for us to defend trade routes back in 2024, the case is just as strong now. If anything, the argument for getting involved in defending the oil shipping route is stronger than defending the red sea. The other reason why I think there’s no way we can’t do our bit, is that we are so dependent on the Strait of Hormuz that it would be lame-as for us to just sit on the sidelines and watch other countries do the heavy lifting LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 25 Mar 2026 23:45:44 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/phil-mauger-christchurch-mayor-on-fuel-impacts-the-councils-satisfaction-survey-and-the-opening-of-one-nz-stadium/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/phil-mauger-christchurch-mayor-on-fuel-impacts-the-councils-satisfaction-survey-and-the-opening-of-one-nz-stadium/ The Mayor of Christchurch isn't too worried about the impact of fuel prices on the council at the moment but is keeping a close eye on things.  Phil Mauger told Canterbury Mornings that costs will be affected by the Middle East conflict, but a lot of the council's infrastructure runs on electricity.  "A lot of our fleet is electric, the boilers in the building are changed over to electric, we've got solar on our galleries"  "It's not critical yet, but we're certainly looking at it and keeping a very good eye on it."  They also discussed the Crusaders Express train taking fans to rugby games to the new stadium from Rangiora and Rolleston, the councils satisfaction survey, and if there are any updates from his 3am idea to fix Cathedral Square.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 25 Mar 2026 21:20:08 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-targeted-approach-to-fuel-prices-misses-the-mark/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-targeted-approach-to-fuel-prices-misses-the-mark/ There are two ways you could look at the Government's fuel relief package. On one hand, you could say it shouldn't have bothered at all. On the other, you could say it should have bothered, but not the way it's doing it. Either way, it's got it wrong in my book. But, despite what I might think, about 150,000 families with kids on low to middle incomes are going to be getting $50 a week in tax credits to help them deal with increased fuel costs due to the Iran war. But these 150,000 families are families that the Government has no idea whether they actually need this support or not. It's just assuming they do. For example, what about those families that bike everywhere? What about the families who homeschool the kids? They don't need to drive far in the mornings and afternoons, do they? What about families who can't even afford to run a car? Why should they get another $50 a week to pay for fuel that they don't even buy? And then we get to those who aren't getting anything. Nothing in the package announced yesterday for beneficiaries, no relief for retired people, nothing for students. And most importantly, there is no help for the sectors and the industries that rely on diesel to supply us with food and other essentials. Which, if the Government was going to do anything, that's where it should be focused on. The Government should be thinking about the wider consequences of higher fuel prices, however long they continue. And, instead of paying a few bucks to people on the lower pay grades, what it should be doing is providing support or interventions for the likes of food manufacturers, the transport industry, the logistics people, all of those. Because all of those groups are paying higher fuel prices, paying way more for the diesel, but they don't suck them up like your average motorist does. They pass them on. And all it's going to mean is your low and middle income families will be compensated for, apparently, spending more on fuel - but they'll be paying more for the bread and the fruit and the veggies. Which is why I've come to the conclusion that, if this is the best approach the Government can come up with, it shouldn't be bothering at all. LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 24 Mar 2026 23:18:57 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-govt-should-be-talking-about-more-than-just-fuel-supplies/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-govt-should-be-talking-about-more-than-just-fuel-supplies/ Even though the New Zealand government is making the fuel situation sound a bit more urgent than it had been up until now, sounding slightly a bit more antsy than it was, I bet it still isn't enough to satisfy the head of the International Energy Agency. Fatih Birol is blasting governments around the world, not just ours, for not being as upfront as they should be about the economic carnage from the Iran war. The International Energy Agency essentially works with countries around the world in the energy sector and, when there are supply disruptions like we have at the moment, gives advice on solutions. It's also in charge of deciding whether to dip into energy reserves to keep supplies going. Fatih Birol is saying today that the fuel crisis is worse than the combined impacts of the three biggest energy shocks in modern history. And he says that we would be better prepared if we fully understood the magnitude of the economic impacts.  He doesn't think we are because he says our politicians are sugarcoating the situation and says he's had to come out and say what he's saying today because he doesn't think people fully understand the economic consequences of Iran shutting down the Strait of Hormuz.  And he's laying the blame at the feet of politicians who he says should be making people aware that this isn't going to end when the war ends. Politicians should be making people aware that there are going to be consequences for some time to come. He says households need to be better informed about the magnitude of the challenge we are facing.  “I think they'd be better prepared if they understood what we are facing and what we are dealing with.” Tell that to politicians though, eh? Especially politicians like the ones here who want to get elected later on this year. I get it that the last thing government politicians, especially, want in an election year is to say that things are going to be pear-shaped for some time yet.  Because voters don't want to hear that. But I think in the medium to long term, I reckon the Government would have far more credibility if it did do what the head of the International Energy Agency wants it to do and be as upfront as humanly possible. Because you think about it, all we're hearing from the Government is how much fuel supplies we've got. We're not hearing anything from the Government about what this is going to mean beyond that. If our politicians had the guts, they'd be telling us right now. LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 23 Mar 2026 23:41:10 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-the-fairest-way-for-businesses-to-recoup-fuel-costs/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/opinion/john-macdonald-the-fairest-way-for-businesses-to-recoup-fuel-costs/ This fuel situation is starting to feel like herding cats.  You’ve got the government, on one hand, going on about seven weeks supply. Don’t panic, keep calm and carry on.  The government is also talking about this rescue package for low-to-middle income earners.   Then you’ve got the hoarders filling up drums and jerry cans with petrol and diesel. I met one on the weekend.  He was doing the drums and the cans but he was also using the fuel tank in his boat for storage. He was a tradie and said all the farming mates he was out with are doing the same.   And now we’ve got businesses deciding to take their own course of action, and some are either putting their prices up or adding fuel surcharges.  One in Christchurch has just announced that, unless customers go to them, they’re going to have to pay an extra $5 while the fuel prices remain high because of the situation in the middle east.  It’s even offering free finance options for people with a community services card.  Didi, the rideshare outfit similar to Uber which operates in Auckland and Wellington, is also introducing a fuel surcharge from Wednesday. Charging passengers 5 cents per kilometre.  Which raises the question: is this reasonable, given we’re all in this boat together?  My view is that a specific surcharge is much more reasonable than a random increase in prices.  There’s a pie shop in the nelson area that has just announced that the prices of its pies are going up 50 cents.  The owner of the shop says the increase is happening immediately, and she’s doing it because the fuel prices have increased her costs by 20 percent.  She says she has no option.  The thing is, though, how do customers know her costs have gone up 20 percent? How does the bakery owner know that charging 50 cents more for a pie is what’s needed to cover that increase?  And more to the point, when this is all over and the fuel prices are down again, are the pies going to be 50 cents cheaper? I bet they won’t be.  Which is why I think a temporary surcharge is a fairer way of doing it.  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 22 Mar 2026 23:26:45 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/all-sport-breakfast-canterbury/audio/hillary-oconnor-kiwi-golfer-on-her-appointment-as-the-first-female-head-professional-at-russley-golf-club/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/christchurch/all-sport-breakfast-canterbury/audio/hillary-oconnor-kiwi-golfer-on-her-appointment-as-the-first-female-head-professional-at-russley-golf-club/ Hillary O’Connor has made her mark on the history books.  She’s the first woman to become a head professional at the Russley Golf Club, and the only one in the country.  O’Connor joined Lesley Murdoch for a chat about the appointment, delving into what she hopes to bring to the club in the next 12 months.   In association with the Elmwood Trading Company.  LISTEN ABOVE  Sat, 21 Mar 2026 02:47:27 Z