Midweek - NZME compromises, podcast self-destructs, email angst
A new compromise candidate emerges to lead NZME - along with some undisclosed outsourcing. Also: 1News scoop about Erica Stanford's emails draws fire from talk radio, a politics podcast podcast's sudden self-destruction - and NZ climbs media freedom ladder by default.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RNZ News
44 minutes ago
- RNZ News
We haven't sold out: council to clarify seabed mine stance
Councillor Bonita Bigham says she's been accused of selling out to the seabed miners, and a public statement is needed. Photo: LDR / Te Korimako o Taranaki Taranaki Regional Council is going public against accusations it has sold out to would-be seabed miners Trans-Tasman Resources. The Australian company has a permit to mine the seabed off Pātea for an initial 20 years, seeking to extract iron, titanium and vanadium. But Trans-Tasman Resources (TTR) can't begin mining until it gets discharge consents to pump 45 million tonnes of unwanted sediment a year into the ocean. Iwi and community opponents of seabed mining spoke to councillors meeting on Tuesday morning, urging them to stand with their communities against the proposed mine. But the regional council wants to hang on to any influence it might have in the government's new Fast-track process - and fears taking a public stand might block it from decision-making. Councillor Bonita Bigham said Taranaki Regional Council (TRC) needed to state clearly what it's trying to achieve by staying neutral for now. "I've been… attacked on social media [and] in private for not having a position," the Māori constituency councillor said. "I've been accused of being a sell-out and having been bought out by TTR… I think this is a real risk to our reputation as an organisation." Bigham said those in the room - including opponents - understood the reason for neutrality. "But we've got 100,000 people out there who don't understand why we aren't saying something." As previously published by Local Democracy Reporting, TRC has three likely ways to have a say on the fate of Trans-Tasman's application under the Fast-track Approvals Act The council will help pick one of the four (or more) panel members that will approve or deny the seabed mining. And TRC staff are almost certain they'll be a relevant local authority and be one of the few groups allowed to formally comment on Trans-Tasman's application - and on any consent conditions. Councillor Susan Hughes KC advised elected members to be cautious even in their private lives. "It's just a useful thing to remind ourselves that it's not helpful if we're expressing opinions we think are informal at a social gathering or something like that - it has the potential for coming back to bite us." She advised councillors keep the discussion between themselves "so we don't risk undermining the effectiveness that we might otherwise wish to bring to bear on behalf of the regional council." Council chair Craig Williamson said individuals could have personal discussions to help form their views, but agreed the council would issue a press release to make its position clear. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
RNZ News
an hour ago
- RNZ News
Masterton airport runway falls short of gaining safety credential
Runway End Safety Areas provide a longer area for aircraft to decelerate in the event of a runway excursion. Photo: Supplied Despite a multimillion dollar upgrade to Masterton's airport, the runway has failed to achieve safety standards required by most passenger aircraft. In a report to council, chief executive Kym Fell said aircraft with more than 30 seats could not operate from Hood Aerodrome because the current proposal for a 90-metre Runway End Safety Area (RESA) did not meet the threshold set by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Duane Emeny, the chief executive of Air Chathams which had expressed interest in establishing a regional airlink with Masterton, said it was a disappointing that the airport had not gained RESA certification. The RESA, situated where the runway finishes, was expected to be a distance of 240m or greater where practicable - a rule the CAA enforced. When a 240m length could not be done, the aerodrome operator must provide evidence supporting the next most practicable RESA length. Fell said the CAA had outlined areas requiring "further refinement" in the council's runway proposal, including "more robust analysis, clearer presentation of alternatives and mitigations, and updated technical and financial data aligned with current regulatory standards". "While their feedback offers guidance for any future submission, it's important to note that further investment in the RESA proposal may not be prudent," he said. "The threshold for approval is high, the costs significant, and there is no guarantee of success." He said smaller aircraft services with 30 seats or fewer could continue to operate. Emeny said Air Chathams was open to considering a change to its Saab fleet whereby the aircraft would be reduced from 34 to 30 seats. "Despite losing four revenue seats per flight, there would be some improved operational efficiencies of making this change along with the opportunity to provide scheduled air services into Masterton," Emeny said. "Air Chathams will review the options and continue to engage with the Wairarapa community and the regulator on a potential way forward." Meanwhile, the council was continuing to explore other commercial opportunities such as developing hangars at Hood Aerodrome. Fell said this work was part of a broader strategy to "unlock commercial opportunities and better activate this strategic regional asset". He said initial assessments indicated that expanding hangar capacity could attract and retain a diverse range of users - including private aircraft owners, recreational flyers, small commercial operators, and aviation service providers. "Improved hangar infrastructure would support long-term leasing and ground rental income, while generating broader economic benefits such as increased fuel sales, maintenance activity, and aviation tourism. "This would contribute to a more vibrant and operationally active aerodrome, reinforcing Hood's role as a gateway and economic contributor to the Wairarapa." LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
RNZ News
an hour ago
- RNZ News
The Panel with Sue Bradford and Tim Wilson Part 1
Tonight on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Sue Bradford and Tim Wilson. They discuss the shifting sta'te of affairs in the middle east, whether or not David Seymour absued his office with online harrasment of opponents of the Regulatory Standards Bill and if trespass notices given to victims of stalking are worth the paper theyre written on. To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
