Holiday Breakfast

The war in Ukraine has had the world's attention for most of 2022.

Russia invaded from the east in February, and the war has dragged on all year.

In recent months, Ukraine has taken the ascendancy and is claiming back territory.

Newshub's Europe Correspondent Lisette Reymer was one of the few New Zealand journalists to get into Ukraine and cover the war.

Her coverage helped Newshub win Best News Coverage at the Television Awards.

Lisette Reymer says that being a European correspondent during this point in history is one of those 'pinch yourself' moments, but the role isn't without risks.

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Janet Thompson, chair of alcohol rehabilitation organisation The Retreat weighed in on whether restricting the supply of alcohol can stop problem drinkers.

Janet says that alcoholism is an addiction, and treating it will require external support and positive influences to push someone in the right direction.

"My brother is an insulin-dependent diabetic and no one would say to him- just try to do without your insulin, just try harder. If you're going to take insulin away, replace it with something. And that's the same with an alcoholic. If you're going to take alcohol away from them, you have to replace it with something." 

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Comedian Tom Sainsbury gained national fame five years ago through his daily Snapchat videos.

These included parodies of real people such as Simon Bridges, Paula Bennett, Jacinda Ardern and Judith Collins, and made-up characters like Skeet the Subantarctic Skua, foul-mouthed cat Gingerbread and audience favourite Fiona the wine critic.

He also writes and stars in multiple TV projects, plays, stand-up and featured on TVNZ's Give Us A Clue. 

Tom Sainsbury talked about his creative process here today.

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Ashley Bloomfield is swapping news conferences for lectures in 2023.

The former Director-General of Health has accepted a professorship at Auckland University in the School of Population Health.

He will be the first chair of the university's Public Policy Impact Institute, using his expertise in hopes to improve equity across the country.

Bloomfield says it's an honour to return to the university.

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It seems we're becoming more aware of how much social media is impacting our lives.

Southern Cross has found almost two thirds of people are willing to admit they're spending too much time on their devices.

More than a third think that's affecting our real world relationships.

Chief Medical Officer at Southern Cross Health Insurance Stephen Child says for some people, it's an addiction.

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ASB is urging New Zealanders to prepare for a challenging year ahead.

The bank's latest economic forecast expects the economy will contract 1 percent by the end of next year, driven by falling consumer spending and declining building activity.

It anticipates the Official Cash Rate will peak at 5.5 percent mid next year.

Chief Economist Nick Tuffley says the pressures are going to see consumer spending fall, and overall spending volumes look to drop a little as well.

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Health workers in holiday hotspots are preparing for increased demand as Covid cases steadily climb.

Some Covid-19 models show one in 20 people could catch the virus over the holidays.

Community case numbers have been steadily rising, with nearly 600 people in hospital right now.

NZ College of GPs Medical Director Bryan Betty says hospitals are stretched during holiday periods anyway.

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Sending a letter, taking a train or going to the hospital in the UK may prove challenging, as thousands of workers strike.

Royal Mail workers are downing tools tomorrow over job security and pay, after four days of industrial action in late August and early September.

Rail workers, university staff, teachers, civil servants, ambulance workers and the Royal College of Nursing have all been doing the same this month.

UK Correspondent Rod Liddle says public support is fading.

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France is curbing single-use plastic in fast-food restaurants.

From January 1, people will no longer be able to use disposable containers, plates, cups and tableware when eating in.

It's the latest measure from a 2020 law to combat waste and encourage recycling.

European correspondent Catherine Field says businesses say this has come at the wrong time.

She says they have to change their business model at a time when inflation is biting, and people aren't spending as much.

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Whangarei is one of the fastest-growing tourist districts in the Northland region, and mayor Vince Cocurullo confirms the region has a lot to offer.

The beaches, waterfalls and weather are the obvious draw-cards, but the town centre and art galleries show that the area has a range of attractions to experience. 

Vince Cocurullo, the new mayor of Whangarei, says the Hundertwasser Art Centre gives Whangarei a vibrant arts scene on top of the beaches and summer weather.

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