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

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

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

A number of people have been injured in Tonga, with hundreds of families evacuated from their homes after Cyclone Gita barrelled across the island nation.

Armed forces have been out since the early hours of the morning, clearing roads in Nuku'alofa and the main route to the hospital.

Power's expected to be out for weeks and many water tanks have been damaged or destroyed.

At least 800 families are sheltering in evacuation centres in the capital - with many other welfare centres unable to be contacted this morning to have numbers confirmed.

Graham Kenna of the Tonga National Emergency Office told Mike Hosking says after 30 years of working in emergency management, he admits he was frightened in his office.

"[We were] on the third floor on one of the strongest buildings in Nuku'alofa, and it was shaking. It was continuously battered by debris from flying rooves and that sort of thing."

Kenna says the damage is widespread.

"Extreme amount of damage. A lot of the older buildings, the heritage buildings in the town have been severely damaged or destroyed."

Tongans are waking up after Cyclone Gita carved a path of destruction across the kingdom.

Residents are reporting damaged homes, power outages, fallen trees and bits of wood and coconut fronds scattered over the land.

Youth programme team leader Ofa Pakalani told Mike Hosking he estimates 75 per cent of the nation will be severely damaged.

"A lot of houses are destroyed, and also the trees and the crops."

LISTEN ABOVE AS OFA PAKALANI SPEAKS WITH MIKE HOSKING

Jacinda Ardern says any decision on New Zealand's long-term military commitment in Iraq won't be taken lightly.

New Zealand has about 110 soldiers working with Australian forces to train Iraqi troops at a base north of Baghdad.

The Prime Minister is expected to come under intense pressure to extend the commitment when she meets with Malcolm Turnbull next month.

Ardern says her Government will consider Australia's position and the ever-changing situation in Iraq.

"This is a hugely complex conflict and it's about looking at what contribution we've made to date but also going forward what's required."

Ardern told Mike Hosking she'll listen to what Turnbull has to say, but our Government will make its own decision on its own terms.

"There's a lot to happen yet, elections in the region for instance, so a lot can change between now and then. But ultimately our decision will be based on what's best for New Zealand."

LISTEN TO JACINDA ARDERN TALK WITH MIKE HOSKING ABOVE

Chris Hipkins believes they'll draw the good guys regardless of the pay packet offered.

The government's proposed law change would allow stronger oversight of chief executives' pay and the conduct of Crown entity board members.

State Services Minister Chris Hipkins told Mike Hosking expert job applicants aren't motivated by the amount of money they receive for their work - and it's time for a change.

"It's very clear that the pay of chief executives in that wider public sector is getting out of step with the public's expectations, and I think the public do know the reasonable amount to pay a chief executive."

The move is being welcomed by the Public Service Association. 

The PSA's National Secretary Glenn Barclay says members want fairness in pay rises across departments.

"Members who do difficult and challenging jobs on the front line of the state sector, have been feeling a bit concerned about the discrepancy between the level of increases they are getting and the level that some of the chief executives are getting."

However, National's urging caution, but isn't too concerned about the Government's changes.

National's state services spokesman Todd McClay says there are excellent people in the public sector, and he doubts they take such jobs for the money.

"But ultimately, when it comes to those who have had the experience to deliver on behalf of tax payers, the Government is out there in the market competing against the private sector."

LISTEN TO CHRIS HIPKINS TALK WITH MIKE HOSKING ABOVE

The media's being urged to take the lead by example, with more coverage of women's sport.

UNESCO says only four-percent of global sports media content covers female athletes and that needs to change.'

Media outlets often blame the lack of coverage on a lack of interest in women's sport.

But UNESCO specialist Tim Francis told Mike Hosking the opposite could equally be true.

"I think it's a bit of a chicken or an egg situation. I think if people were presented with more women's coverage, then they'd be more able to interact with it, engage with it."

 

LISTEN TO TIM FRANCIS TALK WITH MIKE HOSKING ABOVE

Surges of mumps, measles and whooping cough in the last year have seen health officials urge us to get vaccinated.

A world expert, who's touched down in New Zealand, is backing up the calls.

Berkeley University's Professor Arthur Reingold is set to deliver a lecture at Auckland University.

He's long battled to change the minds of anti-vaxxers, but told Mike Hosking that the news is mixed.

"There are places where we're winning the battle, and there are other places where I think there is a great deal of work to do." 

He says that people care about their children, but the problem is there is a lot of misinformation. 

"Education is not the problem. They've come to believe certain things that are not true."

LISTEN TO ARTHUR REINGOLD TALK WITH MIKE HOSKING ABOVE