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A shark expert says there's very little risk of sharks taking on swimmers in New Zealand - as they are in New South Wales.  Four attacks over the past two days have left two people in hospital with critical leg injuries.  Auckland Museum Marine Biology Curator, Clinton Duffy, says they're by bull sharks, which are one of the only species big enough to attack humans.  He says New Zealand's climate is not appropriate.  "The waters would have to warm up an awful lot before bull sharks would make home here." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome news for shareholders from one of our largest companies' change in direction. Fletcher Building is selling its construction arm to French multinational Vinci Construction in a deal worth up to $334 million. The sale is subject to regularity approval, and reflects Fletcher’s move to focus on manufacture and distribution. Mark Lister from Craigs Investment Partners says it'll help the company get back on track - simplifying business and bringing down debt. "They hadn't had a dividend since 2023, so I think they want to get into a position where they can reduce debt levels and start paying dividends again." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2026 election is due to take place this year, but it's still unclear when the big day will take place. Prime Minister Chris Luxon is set to announce a date in the coming days, kicking off the official campaign season to determine the next Government.  Newstalk ZB reporter Azaria Howell says it's likely the election date will be confirmed at the upcoming caucus retreat - but the details are still unclear. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Twenty Sydney beaches have been closed indefinitely, following a third shark attack within 24 hours.  A surfer is in a critical condition with serious leg injuries, after being bitten at North Steyne Beach at Manly in Sydney's north last night. It happened a matter of hours after an 11-year-old surfer had his board bitten by a shark a few kilometres away at Dee Why - and a 13-year-old boy was attacked while swimming on Sunday. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says experts have raised concerns about adverse weather conditions luring in the sharks, putting people at risk. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The rumour mill's been in overdrive after Scott Robertson was stood down as All Blacks coach two years into a four-year contract. Jamie Joseph has emerged as the front-runner to step in, but speculation is still growing over who else could be picked for the role. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave unpacks the rumours further.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some schools are scrambling to fill teaching positions before term one. About 450 teaching and principal roles remain vacant - 12 percent more than this time last year. About 75 percent are in the North Island, with 125 in Auckland. The principal of Auckland's Northcote College, Vicki Barrie, says they’ll likely start the year with gaps in carpentry and Māori studies. "We've got some flexibility within the timetable and the teachers that we've already got, so we're making changes to the timetable to cover it temporarily."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At least 39 people died and at least 170 more were injured following a deadly train collision near Cordoba in southern Spain. Investigations are ongoing into the extent of the damage, with more still to be recovered. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says the train travelling to north to Madrid, partly derailed just over an hour into its journey, hitting an oncoming train.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump has warned eight European countries he'll impose and hike tariffs - unless he can take over Danish autonomous territory, Greenland.  Global leaders have held meetings in a bid to address the trans-Atlantic conflict. Harbour Asset Management expert Shane Solly explained the economic impacts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's growing concerns in the world of air travel, as New Zealand currently lacks a 24/7 backup airport. Ohakea Airbase originally filled that gap, but it hasn't returned to full operation since the Covid-19 pandemic. Board of Airline Representatives NZ executive director Cath O'Brien explained why changes need to be made. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and Child Fund CEO Josie Pagani joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The 2026 election season is starting to get underway, and Prime Minister delivered his State of the Nation speech. What did we make of it? Did we feel inspired?  It's likely we'll find out the election date this week, when do we think it will be?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.