Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has recently dismissed his defence minister, claiming it was time for 'new approaches.'

Oleksii Reznikov had led the ministry since before Russia's full-scale 2022 invasion, and will be replaced by Rustem Umerov.

UK correspondent Gavin Grey says Reznikov spearheaded key changes in Ukrain's defence ministry and laid the groundwork for future NATO partnerships.

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Rotorua Principals are becoming increasingly concerned about fights occurring at a CBD bus stop.

Police presence has been increased in the area at the request of Mayor Tania Tapsell, but despite this, children still say they feel unsafe.

Rotorua Intermediate School Principal Garry de Thierry told Heather du Plessis-Allan that he saw seven security people and a policeman at the bus stop earlier this afternoon.

He said he’s confused, angry, and disappointed that they have gotten to this stage.

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A retail crime unit introduced in the Western Bay of Plenty is receiving praise.

Police put the unit in place after the area had five thousand retail crimes last year.

In just three weeks it's managed to grab 53 offenders and lay more than 400 charges. 

Papamoa Plaza Mall Manager Anne Murphy told Heather du Plessis-Allan that retailers are delighted.

She says while they aren't relaxing yet, they are thrilled it's had an effect so quickly.

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A Wellington City Councillor says there'll be some disappointment from developers and mana whenua about the now ditched Shelly Bay development.

The land's been sold to Sir Peter Jackson and his wife Dame Fran Walsh, who intend to return it to its natural state.

Many protested the development while others backed it, saying the city needs more housing.

Councillor Nikau Wi Neera told Heather du Plessis Allan that they're still liaising with the office of the new owners about future plans.

He says they've indicated it'll have a more recreational focus than the proposed residential focus, but it's a chance to explore other opportunities for the space.

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The Grocery Commissioner says suppliers being treated better will help drive down prices at the supermarket.

Under new measures coming into force later this month, grocery stores could get slapped with a fine up to three million dollars for unfairly treating local suppliers.

Pierre van Heerden told Heather du Plessis Allan that it'll be good for consumers too, because a healthy supplier base means better range and products, which then encourages more competition. 

He says more competition between supermarkets and between suppliers will have a downward pressure on prices.

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ACT Leader David Seymour's taken issue with comments made by Maori Development Minister Willie Jackson, calling them divisive and ineffective.

In his final speech of the parliamentary term yesterday, Jackson said Maori have a different set of rights because they're recognised as the indigenous people of the country. 

Seymour told Heather du Plessis-Allan that it's the first time he's heard a Labour MP explicitly say the Treaty of Waitangi means some people have different rights than others.

He claims that's not true and not supported by the Treaty, which he argues says we all have the same rights and duties.

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Election 2023 is set to be one of the most important in recent memory.  

To cut through the spin – join Newstalk ZB’s The Front Bench to get to the heart of the issues that matter most. 

Heather du Plessis-Allan, Barry Soper, Phil O’Reilly and Richard Hills thrash out the big political issues in the lead up to Election 2023. There's no holding back, no topic off limits, and no rules in this rapid-fire, highly opinionated political discussion.  

Phil O’Reilly brings his vast business experience and acumen to the table as former Chief Executive of BusinessNZ, as well as being uniquely placed as someone at the leading edge of the global debate in his work as Paris-based Chair of Business at OECD. 

With climate change and local government being hot topics for Election 2023, Auckland councillor Richard Hills, who has led Auckland’s Climate Plan as well as been Chair of the Planning, Environment & Parks Committee, will provide insight into the inner workings of policy makers.

And of course, you’ll get the best analysis from Newstalk ZB’s Heather du Plessis Allan and Barry Soper.  

Whether it’s cost of living, education, curbing the rise of crime or how to get the teens off vaping, The Front Bench will examine the issues that Kiwis are talking about ahead of voting day.  

Listen live every Monday at 4pm on Newstalk ZB and subscribe to the podcast on iHeartRadio. 

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The mother of suspended Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales has been hospitalised after an extended hunger strike.

Ángeles Béjar locked herself in a church in her hometown of Motril, in southern Spain to protest her son's treatment after he was suspended for forcibly kissing Jennifer Hermoso. 

UK correspondent Enda Brady says Ángeles Béjar had locked herself in the church for 60 hours, living on water and electrolyte drinks, before a concerned priest alerted emergency services.

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Tonight on The Huddle, Projects Director at Still Sam Johnson and Ali Jones from Red PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more!

Do we mind that National is using a 'climate dividend to fund their proposed tax cuts? Other parties have voiced their disapproval- will voters mind? Or are they only focused on the tax cuts?

An attack ad targeting National's Chris Luxon was accidently launched early- before getting taken down. How dirty can we expect the campaign to get? What did we think of this?

A survey found the majority of parents are stressed and dealing with anxiety and wish they could have more guidance. Should we fund parenting classes, like we fund antenatal classes? 

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Following global inflation peaking at the end of 2022, US interest rates had descended by November of that year.

However, these interest rates have been spiking up again, to the confusion of economists.

Fisher Funds senior portfolio manager Sam Dickie says the US managed to escape a recession- and that's making the Federal Reserve evaluate future hikes.

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