Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

The water service delivery plans have been submitted by local councils and evaluated, and the total is set to hit over $47 billion. Councils handed over these proposals as part of the Government's Local Water Done Well scheme and the Local Government Minister is hopeful these plans will go on to benefit ratepayers. Minister Simon Watts says these proposals have all been signed off and things are in a good place to get going.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Singapore Government has teamed up with New Zealand-founded start-up The Fractional Directory for a new pilot programme. The project will pair fractional leaders - experienced professionals who work with multiple organisations on a flexible basis - with Singaporean companies. Company CEO Michelle Allbon says this may seem similar to consultant roles, but there's some key differences. "The different between consulting and fractional is that a fractional leader is fully embedded...we've seen this be really, really effective, it's not just giving them advice and throwing their PowerPoint over the wall." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has ordered diplomats to start using the Times New Roman font again, reversing a change made under the previous administration. Rubio's predecessor, Antony Blinken, made the switch to Calibri in 2023, saying it was more accessible for people with visual disabilities - a change Rubio labelled 'wasteful'. Monolith typeface designer Alistair McCready says Calibri's more suited to readers by design, but it depends on the individual.  "There's all sorts of things that go into reading, not just the way you see or how clearly you can see - it's how you interpret letters and shapes." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Consumer NZ says travellers could struggle to get a refund - after revelations two Jetstar baggage scales at Wellington Airport may not have been accurate. Checks after a complaint in September, revealed the portable scales were uneven and below approval standards. Jetstar’s been told to pull them out until they’re re-verified. Consumer NZ Advocacy Head, Jessica Walker, says if Jetstar charged too much, people could be entitled to repayment. "If they can prove that they were overcharged, then that would be ideal. But the fact that Jetstar is saying that people weren't overcharged absolutely makes this trickier."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Few details are known about a possible law to make tourists entering the US provide five years of social media history. It would affect those currently able to visit visa-free, including New Zealanders, Australians and Brits. Officials could request social media information, email addresses, phone numbers, and information about family members. US immigration lawyer Brian Hunt says based on previous policy, we can infer what the US hopes to achieve. "I think they're looking for pretty extreme language when it comes to anti-Semitism - and then they also said they're vetting for anti-American activity."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Health Minister says predictions cancer diagnoses will increase isn't cause for panic.  A new report has found the number's likely to double in the next two decades.  Simeon Brown says much of that will be down to the ageing population and general population growth. He says that should still prompt Government action.  "We have to continue to invest, to ensure that we have more access to cancer treatments, cancer medicines, diagnoses - all of the things that this report has highlighted." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nicola Willis is defending her economic track record in the face of a lobby-group's satirical campaign. The Taxpayers' Union has sent MPs Nicola Willis-branded fudge, claiming she favours treats today and taxes tomorrow. It suggests Willis should cut spending more. Willis says the Government has reduced taxes and delivered significant cost savings - while keeping frontline services. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained why Nicola Willis is keen on making the debate with Ruth Richardson happen. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tourists entering the United States could soon have to provide a five-year social media history. The proposed new requirement would affect those who are currently able to visit visa-free, including from New Zealand and the UK. It'll see officials requesting social media information, email addresses from the last decade, phone numbers, and information about family members. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says many Australians travel to the US every year, and this change will likely slow down tourism further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another leg-side strangle for the Black Caps post-lunch on Day 2 of the second cricket test against the West Indies in Wellington. Daryl Mitchell has joined Devon Conway in giving a little tickle to the keeper trying to glance the ball. The hosts are still on track to power past the Windies' first innings 205 - 220 for five at tea. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deregulation of the hemp industry could let seeds be sold freely around the country. Cabinet's agreed to loosen things up - removing the need for a licence to grow and handle it and just requiring farmers to notify police and MPI. The Government claims it'll generate an extra $40 million for the economy in the first 20 years. Brothers Green co-founder, Brad Lake, says he's hoping they'll be able to sell seeds on their website - and that licensing was the only aspect he can see holding that back. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.