Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Stock markets have rebounded and oil prices have dropped below yesterday's forecast, following recent comments from US President Donald Trump. Trump indicated the war in the Middle East could be over 'very soon', and it's led to ripple effects across sharemarkets all over the world. Matt Goodson from Salt Funds Management says it's unclear if the US can walk away from this conflict or if the Strait of Hormuz will reopen in time. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The former Covid Response Minister, Chris Hipkins, is being questioned over the latest findings from the Royal Commission of Inquiry. The report was released today - finding New Zealand's approach was good overall, but the Government was too slow in some areas, and some restrictions went too far. Chris Hipkins says he thinks it's a fair report, although he doesn't accept every recommendation. "I think the terms of reference were heavily politically loaded. And I actually think the Royal Commission have done a very good job and it's a tribute to the three members who did it of navigating those terms of reference." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A legendary West Coast pub has removed its popular outdoor seating under threat of a $20,000 fine. It was decided the Formerly the Blackball Hilton's tables and chairs fell outside the licensed boundary. Owner Cynthia Robins says they've been there for decades - and never caused a problem.   "They're becoming much more strict with what's within the licenced area. We said - well, until this is resolved, we just can't have the tables there? Well, now I feel like the town doesn't look as inviting because those tables aren't out there with the umbrellas up, they look more friendly." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An aviation commentator says Air New Zealand needs to look at ways to cut costs as the war in the Middle East impacts fuel prices.  The airline's adjusted fares - lifting domestic flights $10 and long-haul flights $90. It's suspended its guidance from less than a fortnight ago, expecting second-half earnings similar to the $59 million first-half loss. Irene King says the airline could slash its spending.  "They really have never addressed the cost side of their business post-Covid - and they really could get stuck in there, their labour costs are astronomical." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Health Minister has raised some concerns after the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Covid-19’s final report was released. The report found that New Zealand's approach was good overall, but the previous Government was too slow in some areas, and some restrictions went too far. Simeon Brown says the data shows that the previous Government kept New Zealand locked down for far too long and spent too much money, and the nation is still facing the consequences.  "The reality here is, the Royal Commission has found that the Ministry of Health, and Ashley Bloomfield provided advice that it could have been lifted earlier - and ultimately, Cabinet decided not to. And those are questions that should be put to Chris Hipkins."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's turning a spotlight on Chris Hipkins over newly released Covid inquiry findings.  The Royal Commission's second phase report's found overall that New Zealand responded well, but highlighted concerns - including the length of Auckland's lockdown.  Health Minister Simeon Brown says it shows the previous Government extended the Auckland lockdown, in spite of official advice saying it was safe to lift. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the Covid period was tough on New Zealand, and it's important the impacts aren't forgotten.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia will deploy a military surveillance ‌aircraft to the Middle East and send missiles to the United Arab Emirates, but the Government's ruled out sending troops. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says this support will help the Gulf countries defend ⁠themselves against attacks from Iran - but he's claimed Australia is 'not a protagonist' in this conflict.  Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Donald Trump reportedly phoned Anthony Albanese earlier today. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates will return to the White Ferns for five games against South Africa, as the defence of the T20 World Cup looms in June. Neither featured in the Zimbabwe series - the first time a New Zealand squad was named without one or the other since 2006. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Progress is being made on a world-leading male contraceptive. The next stage of tests run by New Zealand Clinical Research will give participants multiple doses to see if the oral pill is safe for daily use.   Phase one demonstrated it was tolerable after a single dose.  Lead research physician, doctor Rohit Katial, says they'll also learn how long effects last. "Even though you might stop taking the drug, it might take a bit longer for the sperm levels to come back up, so all of that will be monitored."  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump have spoken for the first time since the US president condemned the UK's response to the Iran conflict. Reports claim the two leaders discussed the situation in the Middle East and military cooperation between the UK and US. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says many details of the call are unknown, but it can't have been pleasant for Starmer. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.