Holiday Breakfast

An Auckland Councillor says residents need to lighten up, amid complaints of street vendors at the famous Franklin Road Christmas Lights.

People selling balloons, Christmas lights and food have been accused of ruining the fun by residents.

But councillor Mike Lee says it's not the council's job to move people along.

He told Tim Dower, they're simply trying to make some extra money for their family this Christmas.

Lee says it's a testament to the success of the event.

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Artificial Intelligence has found what business leaders struggle with most.

Canterbury-based company Pivot and Pace, used artificial intelligence to trawl though data from 75 New Zealand businesses.

Partner, Greg Allnutt told Tim Dower staff capacity is a major worry.

He says it's easy to know what to do, but it's different to actually prioritise time and capability, to solve it.

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The Colorado Supreme Court has ruled Donald Trump is not an eligible presidential candidate in the state, wiping his name from the ballot for its primary elections. 

That's due to his involvement with the attempted Capitol insurrection in January 2021. 

TVNZ US Correspondent Logan Church told Tim Dower that Colorado is not a state Donald Trump needs, or one that he's captured in the past. 

But it sets a dangerous precedent and he won't want more states to follow its lead. 

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The El Nino weather pattern is expected to bring more than just hot weather this summer, with experts warning worsened effects of hay-fever are likely. 

The dry heat will see more airborne pollen and allergens. 

Asthma Foundation CEO Letitia Harding told Tim Dower that those who experience hay-fever and asthma should take necessary precautions. 

She is reminding sufferers to have medication handy, and those with asthma not to forget their inhalers. 

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Travellers are being urged not to avoid King Country on their holiday road trips, with the mayor reminding people it's more than just a winter destination. 

Ruapehu mayor Weston Kirton says the district has plenty of enjoyable summertime activities. 

He told Tim Dower that he recommends a guided rail cart experience, where visitors travel along 142 kilometres of rail track on modified golf carts. 

He says it's the perfect way to experience the volcanic plateau. 

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Landlords are one of the winners from the Government's mini-Budget. 

Finance Minister Nicola Willis has unveiled $7.5 billion worth of cuts and savings, which she calls a down payment on tax cut plans. 

She has also confirmed the Brightline test will be brought back to two years, effective from July next year. 

Willis told Tim Dower that the current ten-year time frame isn't right and hasn't helped our housing challenges. 

She says we need landlords delivering housing services, and they don't want to make that an unattractive option. 

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The Italian Government is celebrating as the European Union has agreed to investigate reforming laws to manage migration. 

The country's right-wing government campaigned on slashing the number of migrants entering the country.  

Many arrive from North Africa by boat, crossing the Mediterranean Sea. 

Newstalk ZB Italian Correspondent Jo McKenna says that while some have called the plan cruel, new regulations will help manage migratory flows. 

She says more than 150,000 migrants entered Italy just this year. 

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UK inflation plunged in November to 3.9%, its lowest rate in more than two years. 

It was at 4.6% in October. 

UK Correspondent Rod Liddle says it puts Britain in a better position than many other countries in the European Union. 

He told Tim Dower that it's also a major bonus for the Government. 

Liddle says improving how much money people have in their pockets remains virtually the last hope for the Conservatives to win the next election. 

World shares have risen to their highest levels since March 2022. 

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The former Finance Minister says we need less hyperbole from his successor and more about what she plans to do. 

Finance Minister Nicola Willis has accused Labour of economic and fiscal vandalism on the back of Treasury's half-yearly economic and fiscal update. 

The butt of much of her criticism is Labour's Finance spokesperson Grant Robertson. 

He told Tim Dower that international ratings agencies have consistently reported in recent years that our economy has been well run in difficult circumstances. 

Robertson says Willis has no evidence for her claims, and it's time she tells us what she's going to do instead of baseless attacks on him. 

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Oil prices are once again a concern as the conflict in the Middle East continues.

The United States has announced a multi-national force to protect tankers travelling through the Red Sea.  

US Correspondent Richard Arnold says about 12% of world trade goes through this route.  

He says many tankers are being forced to take a longer route to avoid being targeted.  

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