Formula one hits Japan this weekend, with Liam Lawson to race for the first time since dropping to the Racing Bulls. 

Lawson's replacement, Yuki Tsunoda, will be racing for oracle this Sunday. 

Sport's Journalist Eric Thompson says Yuki and Lawson have been friends since junior days. 

He says some strain in their friendship is to be expected. 

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On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast Friday 4th April 2025, NZ is finally in the firing line for Donald Trump's tariffs, Sirma Karapeeva Chief Executive of the Meat Industry Association explains how it will impact our exporters.  

Formula One hits Japan this weekend, with Liam Lawson to race for the first time since dropping to the racing bulls, Sports Journalist Eric Crompton shares his take.  

The Government's says it's Health targets seem to be on track, Chairperson of Patient Voices Aotearoa, Malcolm Mulholland shares his thoughts.  

Plus, UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney shares reaction from the UK on Donald Trump's tariffs.  

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The age of globalisation is dead. Trump has withdrawn America.

Now we’re in an age of blocs - nations that agree to trade with each other, nations that have commonality.  

So, who are our friends and who are our friends that we get on with?  

China is our biggest trade friend, but is China our friend? No, they’re not.  

So we are into a period of delicate negotiations and that’s going to cause fewer than perfect trade deals.  

Now what do we do about America?

Some have said that the situation is not too bad - 10% as we speak.  

But our trade with America is $9 billion a year, so 10 per cent is near enough a billion dollars, which is not inconsiderable. So what should we do?

The Trade Minister and Prime Minister say it would be foolish to retaliate. We’re not in the same weight class. 

Maybe we should go the Trump playbook. We all know that Trump likes to go big and then pull back to his bottom line. 

So should we go back and say let’s call it 5%, and then wait to see where the cards lie.  

Who knows. What I do know is that the world is in chaos. Russia, China, Israel, Ukraine.  

And inflation is lurking, and uncertainty has not gone away.  

It’s time for circumspection and recognising that the elephants are dancing, and we are but mice. 

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A rising concern about shoddy builders has prompted the Government to roll out industry reforms.  

The Building and Construction Minister says relatively few examples of high-profile poor workmanship is tarring the image of tradies.  

Chris Penk has announced there'll be more transparency about suspended builders, stronger discipline, and an improved complains process. 

AUT Construction Management Professor John Tookey told Andrew Dickens it’s a step in the right direction. 

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The Government's highlighted an Achilles' heel with a $664 million mental health programme that's missing targets. 

Labour's 2019 'Wellbeing' Budget saw the Access and Choice Programme receive its funding over five years. 

It's aiming to support 325 thousand people per year, but during 2023-24 saw just over 207 thousand.  

Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey told Andrew Dickens utilization is a weak point. 

He says a warm handover to GPs is good for those who need to be seen urgently, but it means there's a workforce being under used. 

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Uncertainty is the word of the day in the US as Donald Trump gears up for his so called "Liberation Day".  

The President will reveal his latest round of tariffs at 9am New Zealand time.  

It's expected to throw away decades of norms around global trade and hit people in their back pockets.  

University of Iowa Economics Professor Anne Villamil told Andrew Dickens there's particular concern around further tariffs on Canada.  

She says 80% of US aluminium imports come from Canada, which is a key manufacturing component.  

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Tesla may benefit when founder Elon Musk leaves his government role.  

There are reports the billionaire will leave his role at the Department of Government Efficiency to take a much smaller role in the administration.  

It comes as auto maker reports a 13 percent drop in vehicle sales in the first three months of the year.  

US Correspondent Mitch McCann told Andrew Dickens rumours of Musk's departure are already having an effect on Tesla's fortunes.  

He says it's sent stocks up five percent.

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The comedian Jimmy Carr is coming back to New Zealand for a nationwide tour the culminates at Auckland's Spark Arena. These are big halls, and he can fill them because he’s that good.  

It’s called 'Jimmy Carr Laughs Funny' and he does. It’s so true, it’s funny.  

And that’s Jimmy’s thing.  

It’s easy to lump comedians like Jimmy, and Ricky Gervais and America’s Bill Maher into a conservative label simply because so much of what they say is politically incorrect.  

But what makes them funny is that it’s just true. They point out the hilarity of our tribal positions - both left and right. 

I’m reading Bill Maher’s book 'What This Comedian Said Will Shock You'. It’s a collection of his best monologues over the year.  

I used to think he was quite right wing when I watched his show, but that was because he was merciless against the Biden administration. Now that Trump is in power he’s equally merciless. I like that.  

I like his pithy observation that conservatives govern without shame and liberals shame without governing. That’s true in America and it’s true here.  

And he says that’s why the world is full of people who want to break shit up.  

I like all these comedians because they bring logic to the fight. Unlike politicians who bring whatever might score them votes, and the media who will say anything that will get them clicks, which will pay the bills.

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On the Early Edition with Full Show Podcast Thursday 3rd April 2025, Minister for mental health Matt Doocey joins Andrew Dickens to talk on major report into mental health. 

A slew of new government changes will hold cowboy builders more responsible for poor quality work, AUT Professor in construction John Tookey, tells Andrew Dickens how it will make a difference.

All eyes are on America as Donald Trump announces the latest number of tarrifs, University of Iowa Economics Professor Anne Villamil, shares the reaction out of America. 

Plus, US Correspondent Mitch Mccann 

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New Zealand Rugby and former kit sponsor Ineos have resolved their financial differences. 

A settlement has been reached after NZR lodged an injunction at the High Court in Wellington, with the figure reportedly in excess of $21 million. 

Ineos get to terminate the deal after three years, rather than the full six. 

Marketing Expert Mike Hutcheson told Andrew Dickens NZ Rugby will likely wind up with a contract with a similar company. 

He says we’re a tiny country at the bottom of the world, and you have to look quite hard to find someone who can afford to sponsor the All Blacks. 

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