Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

An internal investigation has been launched by Spain's football federation after Luis Rubiales activated their sexual violence protocol.

The federation president was suspended by FIFA after kissing forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips after Spain's Women's World Cup win.

UK correspondent Gavin Grey says Luis Rubiales' actions have inspired protests and backlash- and the federation is taking this investigation quite seriously.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, current affairs commentator Josie Pagani and Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more!

National's Chris Luxon still won't say whether or not he'll collaborate with NZ First and Winston Peters- and claimed he wasn't thinking about the party at all in an earlier interview. Why hasn't Luxon completely ruled the party out yet?

Chris Hipkins raised a few eyebrows after going after National, ACT and NZ First in an earlier speech, leading to other parties accusing him of trying to stoke fear and divide voters. Is this a last-ditch attempt to get ahead following Labour's ongoing descent in the polls?

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One expert is warning about the dangers of a Trump comeback following his recent arrest.

The former president was lined up for a mugshot in Georgia after he surrendered on charges that he illegally schemed to overturn election results.

NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan says strategic shifts implemented during his administration influence current policy- and New Zealand needs to be alert to geopolitical changes.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research has found rising corporate profits have contributed to over half of current domestic inflation.

This information conflicts with earlier reports that increased wages and supply costs were the bigger driving forces behind inflation.

Council of Trade Unions economist Craig Renney says research shows that corporate profits have been boosting inflation all over the world- not just New Zealand.

"That's because companies can change prices far more quickly than workers can change their wage arrangements."

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister says spending cuts announced today are responsible savings, as they balance delivering services New Zealanders need.

Finance Minister Grant Robertson has unveiled a push to slash contractors, trim back programmes and limit future budget allowances.

He forecasts they'll save almost $4 billion dollars over the next four years.

Robertson says Government spending has gone up significantly over the last six years because of Covid-19.

"We've had to deal with a massive global economic shock, and we've had to protect and support New Zealanders through that. I think that spending was needed, I think most political parties wanted us to spend that."

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new social media trend is helping consumers justify any purchase- no matter how big or impulsive.

#GirlMaths originated on ZM's Fletch, Vaughan and Hayley, when the trio justified the purchase of an expensive dress as 'basically free' if it got worn at least four times.

RMIT University researcher Janneke Blijlevens has expressed concern about this phenomenon, and claims the trend has 'dangerous' aspects.

"What we know from other opportunities out there where we can use #GirlMaths - for example, buy now, pay later - it actually does get people into trouble. They're not thinking about the consequences."

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National's police spokesperson says the Government's approach to crime is putting the public at risk.

New information reveals nearly 50 people are on EM bail for 'homicide and related offences', alongside a further 70 accused of kidnapping and abduction.

This comes as a leaked report shows people are taking advantage of the limitations of ankle bracelets and wrapping them with tinfoil to re-offend.

Mark Mitchell says Labour's goal of reducing prison populations and repealing of the 'three strikes law' has lead to an increase of criminals on EM bail.

"What you've had now is a follow-on of a 370 percent increase of people on electronic bail, a 140 percent increase of police opposition to bail being ignored, a 33 percent increase in violent crime, a 41 percent increase in victimisation- and a 500 percent increase in ram raids and aggravated robberies."

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors to own a precious piece of New Zealand art.

Bill Hammond's Melting Moments I goes under the hammer tonight for the first time- and it's expected to get about $2.5 million. 

It was painted during Hammond's three-year green and gold period.

Webb's Director of Art Charles Ninow says a lot of interest is expected tonight.

"These works are really sought after- there are hardly any of them, even though they are so iconic. Most people haven't even seen one in the flesh before, I've only seen a handful. It's a very, very exciting painting."

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has told public service organisations to cut spending.

Finance Minister Grant Robertson has announced a push to slash spending on contractors and consultants, trim programmes and limit future budget allowances.

Robertson says it'll save almost $4 billion over the next four years.

New Zealand Initiative executive director Oliver Hartwich says the Government's trying to make the books look a bit better before their pre-election fiscal and economic update.

"It's too little and too late, because just shaving 1 or 2 percent off spending is nothing in the grand scheme of things."

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finance Minister Grant Robertson's unveiled a push to slash contractors, trim back programmes and limit future budget allowances.

Almost $4 billion is forecast in savings over the next four years, with a keen eye on limiting contractors and tacking back under-spends.

ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this doesn't paint a good picture of the state of the Government's books.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.