A report suggests the average Kiwi continues to be left behind despite our economic success.

The Salvation Army's annual State of the Nation report is out this morning and paints a bleak picture of those in poverty.

It says after years of steady demand, the number of families wanting food parcels has jumped 12 percent, the biggest leap since the 2008 Global Financial Crisis.

It's not all bad - between 2013 and 2017, the New Zealand economy grew by 14 per cent, the number of jobs grew 15 per cent and per-capita GDP grew 13 per cent in inflation-adjusted terms.

However average weekly incomes, in inflation-adjusted terms, grew by 6 per cent over this time. There were no substantial change in child poverty rates, and youth unemployment remained around 20 per cent.

Report co-author Alan Johnson told Mike Hosking on balance there’s a lot of good stuff happening, but not everyone is benefiting.

“Progress is never steady. Some things go well, some things go wrong. I guess that’s what happens in a society such as ours.”

He said he would rate New Zealand seven out of 10 as a country to live in.  

- with content from NZ Herald

LISTEN TO ALAN JOHNSTON TALK WITH MIKE HOSKING ABOVE

Praise for Bill English from his former boss as his 27-year political career comes to an end.

He'll resign as leader of the party and as an MP at the end of the month.

The Southlander first came into Parliament way back in 1990.

Former Prime Minister Jim Bolger was the National leader then, and he told Mike Hosking he immediately saw English’s potential.

"I saw Bill as a person who had a considerable contribution to make, had the intellect, I think had the steadiness and the overall capacity to be a very successful Minister. And of course he was and he's moved on through to become leader."

Bolger gave English an under-secretary role during his first three years on the job.

The former PM believes that English's replacement should be picked on capability alone.

Bolger says there's no need for the party to put forward a younger face.

"You pick the best person without question. Every time there's a shift, there's a talk of a generational change, and that's inevitable because you are moving on to the next generation of leadership."

LISTEN TO JIM BOLGER TALK WITH MIKE HOSKING ABOVE

Steven Joyce is unsure whether he'll run for leader of the National party.

The senior MP told Mike Hosking he's mulling over his options.

"I'm considering running for the leadership, but hopefully as you know I'm not particularly driven by personal ambition in this game."

 

He also stressed that Bill English was not pushed out by the party. 

Labour Minister Stuart Nash says that he finds Judith Collins is a polarising figure, and that he does not think the next National Prime Minister is in parliament.

Joyce and Nash also talked about Valentine's Day and what they've done for their wives. 

LISTEN TO STEVEN JOYCE AND STUART NASH TALK WITH MIKE HOSKING ABOVE

Where does someone go, after spending 27 years as an MP?

Bill English will be out of a job in two weeks, but he doesn't want to retire at 56.

SEQE Recruitment's Mark Ashcroft told Mike Hosking he's likely to have offers from large Kiwi companies that work closely with the Government.

"I just think he's someone who's a very good systems thinker. He really gets how all the pieces fit together. The policies they put in place in some areas have been really pioneering."

He also says offers will likely roll in from abroad.

"Pioneering policy hasn't gone unnoticed internationally, and governments actually spend a lot of money on consultancy from experts. I think over time Bill might get quite a few calls saying 'come and have a look at this' or 'come and help us out with this'."

LISTEN TO MARK ASHCROFT TALK WITH MIKE HOSKING ABOVE

Professor of Construction Management at AUT John Tookey told Mike Hosking he hopes today will be the end of the uncertainty about Fletcher Building.

"It's not good for anyone, least of all Fletchers, it's not good for the industry because obviously the upset it causes and the number of sub contractors who were totally dependant of this type of work."

LISTEN TO JOHN TOOKEY TALK WITH MIKE HOSKING ABOVE

The spectre of concussion is back and rearing its ugly head

This time, Hurricanes prop Reggie Goodes is giving up the game at only 26 years old.

He suffered three concussions in his career - and the latest kept on the sidelines since February last year.

And he reckons the risk of permanent brain damage is simply too high.

So is this simply something that is going to become more common?

Medical Director at the NZRU Ian Murphy told Mike Hosking that things are better now that players are willing to speak up about the issue.

“We’re certainly mindful of this issue and have been for a while.”

He says that the NZRU has a database around concussions and other injuries.

LISTEN TO IAN MURPHY TALK WITH MIKE HOSKING ABOVE

It's Valentine's Day, which means roses, chocolates and romantic dinners are all in store for many of you today.

But for those of you out there who have completely forgotten - don't worry, we're here to help.

Founder of dating website Two's Company Sasha Madarasz told Mike Hosking there are a few things you can do last minute to make up for it.

From fish and chips picnic at home to rekindling your youth with fun activities like roller skating, there are several ways you can turn forgetfulness on its head.

LISTEN TO SASHA MADARASZ'S TIPS ABOVE

A report suggests the average Kiwi continues to be left behind despite our economic success.

The Salvation Army's annual State of the Nation report is out this morning and paints a bleak picture of those in poverty.

It says after years of steady demand, the number of families wanting food parcels has jumped 12 percent, the biggest leap since the 2008 Global Financial Crisis.

It's not all bad - between 2013 and 2017, the New Zealand economy grew by 14 per cent, the number of jobs grew 15 per cent and per-capita GDP grew 13 per cent in inflation-adjusted terms.

However average weekly incomes, in inflation-adjusted terms, grew by 6 per cent over this time. There were no substantial change in child poverty rates, and youth unemployment remained around 20 per cent.

Report co-author Alan Johnson told Mike Hosking on balance there’s a lot of good stuff happening, but not everyone is benefiting.

“Progress is never steady. Some things go well, some things go wrong. I guess that’s what happens in a society such as ours.”

He said he would rate New Zealand seven out of 10 as a country to live in.  

- with content from NZ Herald

LISTEN TO ALAN JOHNSTON TALK WITH MIKE HOSKING ABOVE

Praise for Bill English from his former boss as his 27-year political career comes to an end.

He'll resign as leader of the party and as an MP at the end of the month.

The Southlander first came into Parliament way back in 1990.

Former Prime Minister Jim Bolger was the National leader then, and he told Mike Hosking he immediately saw English’s potential.

"I saw Bill as a person who had a considerable contribution to make, had the intellect, I think had the steadiness and the overall capacity to be a very successful Minister. And of course he was and he's moved on through to become leader."

Bolger gave English an under-secretary role during his first three years on the job.

The former PM believes that English's replacement should be picked on capability alone.

Bolger says there's no need for the party to put forward a younger face.

"You pick the best person without question. Every time there's a shift, there's a talk of a generational change, and that's inevitable because you are moving on to the next generation of leadership."

LISTEN TO JIM BOLGER TALK WITH MIKE HOSKING ABOVE

Professor of Construction Management at AUT John Tookey told Mike Hosking he hopes today will be the end of the uncertainty about Fletcher Building.

"It's not good for anyone, least of all Fletchers, it's not good for the industry because obviously the upset it causes and the number of sub contractors who were totally dependant of this type of work."

LISTEN TO JOHN TOOKEY TALK WITH MIKE HOSKING ABOVE