The Prime Minister's baby is due any moment but still no word yet. Winston Peters is filling on Jacinda Ardern's duties in Parliament as she can no longer fly. The Prime Minister's partner, Clarke Gayford, today posted a picture of Ms Ardern, reading documents as they wait for the baby. The Security Intelligence Service has launched an internal investigation over concerns about biased and unprofessional dealings between staff and controversial security firm Thompson and Clark. It comes as the State Services Commissioner Peter hughes widens his inquiry into the use of the company across Government agencies. Specialist in public law at the Univeristy of Auckland, Dr Edward Willis, explains the legal issues around a private investigation firm lobbying within the SIS. Auckland Transport's 10-year budget has been signed off, allocatin $10 billion in capital expenditure and another $6.5 billion in running costs. Roads will be improved across the city, there will be more public transport, particularly buses, but less money for ferries, cycleways and park & rides. The panelists discuss the budget plan and also a report by NBR about the audit into the alleged mismanagement of contracts at Auckland Council. Queenstown Lakes is the most expensive area to rent, Trade Me's latest rental price survey says.Average rent is $790 a week, $240 more per week than in Auckland. The Price index also shows a big jump in rent in Hawke's Bay too. We ask the panelists if this is sustainable. A listener has a solution for the current pay disputes going on - lower house prices. The listener suggests if mortgages didn't eat up son much of people's wages, then pay rates would not need to increase and believes it would have positive knock-in effects for other social issues. The panelists discuss whether he's got a point.
20 Jun 2018
