A retired lieutenant can't see how a boost in defence funding will fill missing skills and trades. 

New Zealand's injecting $12 billion into defence over four years – $9 billion of which is new spending.  

It includes enhancing our strike capabilities, replacing the Boeing 757 fleet, and upgrading our javelin anti-tank missiles. 

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Hayden Ricketts told Andrew Dickens the navy, army, and air force already have more vehicles than they can staff. 

He says a commitment to spend more money on gear is great but without more personnel, the plan will fall apart. 

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A former police officer is backing the force's approach to dealing with mental health cases.  

Police are in the middle of four stage process to pull back from attending mental health call outs.  

The Mental Health Foundation has created a petition calling on them to reverse course. 

It says first phase, which started in November, has already caused damage in the sector. 

Former Police Officer Lance Burdett told Andrew Dickens there are some situations where Police aren't the right answer.  

He says some people don't want to see a police officer in uniform when they are having a crisis. 

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On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast Tuesday 8th April 2025, The Government's announced a massive 12 billion dollar investment in defence over the next four years Retired Lieutenant Colonel Hayden Ricketts tells Andrew Dickens how it will make a difference. 

Former Politicians and health advocates are rallying against New Zealand's lobbying regulations, calling for more transparency, Boyd Swinburn tells Andrew Dickens what went on at the campaign launch.

The Mental Health Foundation's launched a petition calling on Police to stop the plan to scale back attendance at mental health callouts, Former Police Officer and mental health advocate Lance Burdett shares his thoughts. 

Plus, Peter Dutton has dropped a major policy promise ahead of the election, Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio shares the latest. 

Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.          

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A desire to level the playing field, when it comes to lobbying. 

Health Coalition Aotearoa's pushing for stronger regulations alongside the Helen Clark Foundation and Transparency International. 

They want a public register of lobbyist meetings, a cooling-off period to prevent ex-ministers immediately becoming lobbyists, and a lower limit forcing someone to disclose political donations. 

Co-Chair, Boyd Swinburn says told Andrew Dickens those with vested interests are getting a bigger say on public policy, than groups pushing for positive social outcomes. 

He says nothing wrong with balanced lobbying -- which gives policy for public good, not private good. 

 

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The news that New Zealand is going to spend 12 billion dollars on defence is not news to welcome, and yet it is welcome news. 

In an unsettled world, defence is essential. And the equation for a credible defence is spending 2 percent of GDP. 

So now within 8 years we’ll get to that target - it’s a doubling.  

The question is why we are only just doing this now.

If we’d spent that for the past 30 years we would not be facing so dramatic a spend today. 

But we didn’t. Fat and complacent in a mistaken belief that we were safe and sound, and if something went wrong our friends would come and save us. 

For as long as I’ve been in the news business, Australia and the States have warned that coat tailing did not cut it and that we had to do our bit. So fair play to Judith Collins, she’s finally accepting the responsibility that we’ve always needed. 

But it comes at a difficult time. 

Firstly, the world has become more dangerous so time is of the essence. And secondly, we’re broke. 

It comes at a time when barely reported mass redundancies are happening in defence to meet government spending targets.  

And yet they’ve also announced this new plan. They fire with one hand and employ with another. 

But you can argue that both are necessary because we’ve sat on our hands for so long. And we’ve spent irresponsibly. 

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Liam Lawson was beaten by his Red Bull replacement Yuki Tsunoda on the opening lap of the Japanese Grand Prix. 

He finished 17th, while Tsunoda finished 12th. 

His former Red Bull team-mate, Max Verstappen, won from pole position. 

Sports Contributor Andrew Alderson joins the show to discuss the race, Auckland FC continuing their unbeaten run, Women's 7s title win, and the Blues first win over the Hurricanes. 

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Fallout from US President Donald Trump's tariffs announced over the weekend has continued to be felt around the world. 

The stock market's S&P fell 10.5%, but New Zealand only fell 0.5%. 

Experts are warning tariffs could push prices up for consumers, and protesters have taken to the streets in their thousands as a result. 

Washington Bureau Chief for the Guardian David Smith talks to Mike Hosking about the aftermath. 

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The Government wants to change the laws surrounding free speech in New Zealand. 

As part of the Quarter two action plan, legislation will be introduced to require freedom of expression in our university's. 

What impact will the new law have on students and learning? 

Former Victoria University Dean & NZ Initiative Research Fellow Michael Johnston talks to Andrew Dickens about the change. 

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On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast Monday 7th April 2025, Washington Bureau Chief for the Guardian David Smith shares the latest on reaction out of the US following Donald Trump's tariffs.

The Government wants to shake up free speech laws in universities, Former Victoria University Dean and NZ Initiative research fellow Dr Michael Johnston tells Andrew Dickens what this means.

Andrew Alderson shares the latest from sport over the weekend.

Plus UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey shares the latest on UK car giant Jaguar Land Rover announcing a pause all shipments to the US, following the announcement on tarrifs.

Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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A noticeably frail Pope Francis has made a surprise appearance at Vatican City. 

The 88-year-old was in a wheelchair and wearing a nasal cannula for oxygen, when greeting onlookers in St Peter's Square. 

It's his first official public appearance since he was released from hospital, after a life-threatening bout of double pneumonia. 

International Correspondent, Gavin Grey says told Andrew Dickens the Pope ignored doctor's orders. 

He says Pope Francis was told to take several weeks off duties, upon release from hospital after a five-week stay. 

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