https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/rss NZME Tue, 21 Apr 2026 08:37:14 Z en https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/andrew-dickens-the-big-questions-for-this-critical-election/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/andrew-dickens-the-big-questions-for-this-critical-election/ This is election year, and this is possibly, in my opinion, and many other people's opinion, the most critical general election for New Zealand in a very long time.   Thu, 15 Jan 2026 23:10:50 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/andrew-dickens-the-assault-of-dallas-gurney-is-incomprehensible/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/andrew-dickens-the-assault-of-dallas-gurney-is-incomprehensible/ My former boss and my friend, he used to be my boss at the radio station Classic Hits for a good 10 years, and then he became my boss here at Newstalk ZB, Mister Dallas Gurney has been assaulted at his general store in Whananaki.   Tue, 13 Jan 2026 21:42:39 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/andrew-dickens-dissatisfaction-in-the-public-sector/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/andrew-dickens-dissatisfaction-in-the-public-sector/ The best and worst public sector workplaces have been revealed.   Mon, 12 Jan 2026 21:30:37 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/andrew-dickens-we-are-poorer-for-the-loss-of-sir-tim-shadbolt/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/andrew-dickens-we-are-poorer-for-the-loss-of-sir-tim-shadbolt/ Sir Tim Shadbolt has died after a long illness.   Thu, 08 Jan 2026 22:12:06 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/andrew-dickens-remembering-new-zealands-wars/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/andrew-dickens-remembering-new-zealands-wars/ This weekend, hundreds of people from around the country will descend on a Northland pā to remember one of the most famous battles ever fought on New Zealand soil.   Wed, 07 Jan 2026 22:01:12 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/andrew-dickens-the-government-could-step-in-regarding-manage-my-health-if-it-wanted/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/andrew-dickens-the-government-could-step-in-regarding-manage-my-health-if-it-wanted/ Let's talk about Manage My Health only briefly. Tue, 06 Jan 2026 22:06:22 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/andrew-dickens-new-zealands-on-the-brink-of-pulling-itself-out-of-its-funk/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/andrew-dickens-new-zealands-on-the-brink-of-pulling-itself-out-of-its-funk/ Yesterday I opened with the ongoing problems with Auckland’s motorway system. And I got a grumpy text after it asking for more positivity in a holiday programme, instead of gripes.  Mon, 05 Jan 2026 20:26:19 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/andrew-dickens-its-time-nz-gets-off-the-fence/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/andrew-dickens-its-time-nz-gets-off-the-fence/ So as we heard yesterday, China's President Xi Jinping has vowed to reunify China and Taiwan, in his annual New Year's Eve speech in Beijing.  Thu, 01 Jan 2026 22:58:28 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/andrew-dickens-maybe-wear-flats-next-new-year/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/andrew-dickens-maybe-wear-flats-next-new-year/ From my drive in this morning, the New Year has been a big one.  Wed, 31 Dec 2025 21:33:27 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/andrew-dickens-you-cant-get-rid-of-working-for-families-and-stay-in-government/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/andrew-dickens-you-cant-get-rid-of-working-for-families-and-stay-in-government/ Fascinating read in the Weekend Herald as Liam Dan interviewed the Finance Minister Nicola Willis on Saturday. Sun, 21 Dec 2025 21:17:36 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/tim-beveridge-peace-cant-be-taken-for-granted/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/tim-beveridge-peace-cant-be-taken-for-granted/ I’ve been doing talk radio for a while now and so I took a look back at what I’ve said on past Anzac Days. And I noticed that each year has a slightly different flavour — shaped, I suppose, by the news of the day, our shifting sense of global security, and our place in the world.  Thu, 24 Apr 2025 19:13:16 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/tim-beveridge-the-justice-system-comes-at-a-price/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/tim-beveridge-the-justice-system-comes-at-a-price/ On Saturday, the front cover of the New Zealand Herald led with understandable outrage at the amount of money convicted sex offender Luca Fairgray spent trying to keep his name suppressed. Sun, 20 Apr 2025 19:38:35 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/tim-beveridge-the-legacy-of-joe-biden-and-his-final-address/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/tim-beveridge-the-legacy-of-joe-biden-and-his-final-address/ Well, it’s all over bar the shouting for President Joe Biden, having given his final address where he outlined his record while also sounding a warning of a wealthy oligarchy that is taking shape in America with extreme wealth, power and influence threatening democracy and basic rights and freedoms.  Thu, 16 Jan 2025 19:57:40 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/tim-beveridge-today-we-farewell-lyn-fleming/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/tim-beveridge-today-we-farewell-lyn-fleming/ Today is the day of the funeral for Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming, the police officer who as we all know was tragically killed in the course of duty just two hours into the new year.   Wed, 15 Jan 2025 19:14:08 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/tim-beveridge-could-this-finally-be-a-ceasefire/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/tim-beveridge-could-this-finally-be-a-ceasefire/ It looks like we’re getting closer to an Israel/Hamas ceasefire agreement involving the release of hundreds of Palestinians and some but not all hostages, which, honestly, is a little surprising  Tue, 14 Jan 2025 19:08:36 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/tim-beveridge-my-thoughts-on-the-need-for-rugby-reform/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/tim-beveridge-my-thoughts-on-the-need-for-rugby-reform/ I’m sometimes a bit hesitant to weigh in on issues around sport because I am more of a fair-weather friend these days. Mon, 13 Jan 2025 18:52:20 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/tim-beveridge-the-devastation-in-los-angeles/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/tim-beveridge-the-devastation-in-los-angeles/ The ongoing story about the wildfires in California takes your breath away, doesn't it? Thu, 09 Jan 2025 22:06:31 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/tim-beveridge-they-love-to-hate-the-treaty-principles-bill/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/tim-beveridge-they-love-to-hate-the-treaty-principles-bill/ It was barely a few days ago that I commented on the Treaty Principles Bill and whether we were mature enough to have the debate - whether it was going to be an informed conversation or just a lot of shouting.  Wed, 08 Jan 2025 23:59:08 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/tim-beveridge-the-tragic-downfall-of-rudy-giuliani/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/tim-beveridge-the-tragic-downfall-of-rudy-giuliani/ I saw yesterday that Rudy Giuliani is in the news again, having just been held in contempt of court in a staggering $148 million defamation case after he falsely accused two Georgia election workers of tampering with votes.  Tue, 07 Jan 2025 21:44:29 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/tim-beveridge-elon-musk-vs-keir-starmer/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/tim-beveridge-elon-musk-vs-keir-starmer/ I'm not sure if it's entertaining or a little frightening to watch the weight being thrown around by Elon Musk in the political arena. Not just in the United States, but also right now in the United Kingdom where, in addition to slagging off Keir Starmer, he was looking likely to throw a large amount of money at Nigel Farage's political party Reform UK.  Mon, 06 Jan 2025 21:58:30 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/tim-beveridge-my-thoughts-on-changing-alcohol-labels/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/tim-beveridge-my-thoughts-on-changing-alcohol-labels/ The momentum seems to be building on the need for more in the way of health warnings on alcoholic drinks. This follows mounting evidence that alcohol consumption increases the risk of about seven types of cancer including breast and liver cancer.  Sun, 05 Jan 2025 21:45:10 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/tim-beveridge-my-thoughts-on-liam-paynes-death/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/tim-beveridge-my-thoughts-on-liam-paynes-death/ This is a troubling story about the events that have followed the death of One Direction star Liam Payne. You’ll recall Liam lost his life after falling from the balcony of his hotel room in Buenos Aires in October. Understandably, his friends, family, and his multitude of fans were devastated by his death.   Thu, 02 Jan 2025 20:19:55 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/tim-beveridge-an-all-too-familiar-story/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/tim-beveridge-an-all-too-familiar-story/ What a tragedy unfolded in Nelson yesterday, with the news that Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming has died from her injuries after being rammed by a car in Nelson just hours after the new year began. She was a daughter, a mother, and a wife—someone who had given 38 years of service to her community. Described by Police Commissioner Richard Chambers as a “beautiful soul” and an “outstanding police officer,” this is a devastating piece of news at the start of the new year.  Wed, 01 Jan 2025 20:41:25 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/tim-beveridge-the-great-dimming/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/tim-beveridge-the-great-dimming/ I imagine there’s not many of us who haven’t felt a good dose of gratitude for the fact that we grow up in an age of enlightenment where science and medicine make a massive difference — not only to our lives, but our wellbeing and our life expectancy.   Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:33:14 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/tim-beveridge-this-years-new-years-honours/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/tim-beveridge-this-years-new-years-honours/ So, it’s New Year’s Eve, and the honours for 2025 have been announced. There’s a kind of quirk with the whole hierarchy of the honours, which I’m not sure I’d necessarily change, but it’s worth noting. Mon, 30 Dec 2024 20:45:54 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/tim-beveridge-grant-dalton-deserves-man-of-the-year/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/tim-beveridge-grant-dalton-deserves-man-of-the-year/ Last week I decided I would offer a couple of suggestions as to who might qualify to be either Man or Woman of the year. I wanted to get in before the New Year’s Honours list was released tomorrow morning – New Year’s Eve—so I wouldn’t be in danger of undermining the choices that have been made of those New Zealanders to receive New Years Honours. Sun, 29 Dec 2024 20:48:46 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/tim-beveridge-my-take-on-boxing-day-sales/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/tim-beveridge-my-take-on-boxing-day-sales/ It has been nice to celebrate Christmas and all the positive things that can be said about this this season BUT now we’re on to the next day and ...  the dreaded boxing day sales   Wed, 25 Dec 2024 23:28:42 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/tim-beveridge-whats-the-real-meaning-of-christmas/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/tim-beveridge-whats-the-real-meaning-of-christmas/ Well, it’s just one sleep until the big day. If ever I were to deliver a sermon, this might be it! Mon, 23 Dec 2024 22:55:36 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/tim-beveridge-im-still-not-convinced-that-golriz-takes-responsibility-for-offending/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/tim-beveridge-im-still-not-convinced-that-golriz-takes-responsibility-for-offending/ It’s interesting what a night's sleep can do for your perspective.   Thu, 27 Jun 2024 22:41:36 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/tim-beveridge-we-might-see-a-solution-for-cancer-drug-funding-in-the-coming-weeks/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/holiday-breakfast/opinion/tim-beveridge-we-might-see-a-solution-for-cancer-drug-funding-in-the-coming-weeks/ There's been a plethora of coverage around the budget. And I'll admit to you, it sort of has my head spinning. If you want to hate the budget, you can find plenty of opinions that will back up your view. And if you want to love it, you'll find the same as well. But I think there is one thing where most of us are probably on the same page - and that is the failure of the budget to announce the funding of those 13 cancer drugs which the National Party campaigned on.   Sun, 02 Jun 2024 23:30:10 Z