An ACC lawyer believes the crown entities new plan to improve costs completely misses what the Accident Compensation Act is about.

Its new plan's been released after a critical report that found its deficit would balloon to $26 billion by 2030.

It focuses on getting people back to work quicker and increasing the number of clients who have their own case manager as a single point of contact.

ACC lawyer and researcher Warren Forster told Andrew Dickens the act required all parties involved in an injury to get together to make a plan, which isn't happening.

He says ACC's plan has failed to address its statutory obligations that led to the cost blowout.

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Travel costs are keeping inflation higher for longer than the Reserve Bank would probably like.

Stats NZ is providing its latest CPI update at 10.45.

Three months ago, the annual inflation rate was 3% - at the very top end of the Reserve Bank's target range.

Economists expect it now to be between 2.9 and 3.1%.

Economist Cameron Bagrie told Andrew Dickens inflation is looking to be a little bit sticky towards the top end of the target zone.

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Mt Maunganui's community is stepping up to help families and first responders a day after a landslide drove through a campground and hot pools.

The Herald understands from a source involved in rescue efforts that there could be up to nine people unaccounted for.

Hundreds of emergency responders have been at the base of Mauao since from just after 9.30 yesterday morning.

Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale told Andrew Dickens volunteers and locals have been very generous during what is a tough time.

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So yesterday the Otago Daily Times ran an article about the thoughts of Grant Kitto, a former Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières) worker.

Grant Kitto argues that showcasing the USAF F-22 Raptor at Warbirds Over Wānaka effectively legitimises US military power and the weapons systems that have been used in conflicts where civilians were killed.

The Raptor is made by Lockheed Martin and back in 2015 incident, a US Air Force gun ship —also built by Lockheed Martin— attacked a Doctors Without Borders hospital, killing 42 people, including 14 staff members.

He also worries the huge emissions from the planes.

A local councillor echoed his concerns and said that the current global environment was not good for a display of US military power. And he said because this is kit in current use, it makes a difference compared to the older planes.

What a load of tosh.

Firstly I guess the giveaway is the name of the event: Warbirds. This is a celebration of war machines, but more so the ingenuity of the people who built the amazing planes.

And I wonder where all the dissent was back in the day when American F16s visited, the Australian F-111s. How about the Soviet-era MIGs, which at the time were the height of weapons of mass destruction? What about the Vulcan bombers that have killed thousands? Or even the mighty Spitfire?

Do these guys also have a problem with shooting at the Olympics, or Archery? The javelin is based on spear work.

I understand the concern but the thing I’d say is maybe it’s better to understand the weapon rather than ban it. And maybe it’s not the planes or the guns that do the killing, it’s the people controlling it.

And the F22 Raptor is a mid bogglingly good piece of kit.

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A long runway for an economic recovery is thought to be the main reason for a November election.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's set November 7th as election day – the latest election since 2008.

Early voting will open on October 26, with final results due in early November.

Political Commentator Liam Hehir told Andrew Dickens that the Government’s hoping that if they have as much time as possible, people will start to feel more confident regarding the economy.

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US President Donald Trump's delivered his two cents on the state of Europe, as tariff threats over the Greenland issue loom.

Trump's spoken at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, confirming he still wants to buy and control the Danish territory, but won't use force.

He's already threatened increasing tariffs on eight European countries if he doesn't get a deal.

University of Iowa Economics Professor Anne Villamil told Andrew Dickens the threat of a tariff war is extremely concerning, as it could do a lot of economic damage to the world.

She says everybody involved loses, which is why it’s not something we should be doing.

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On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast Thursday 22nd of January 2025, Donald Trump's made a speech to the World Economic Forum saying he won't use excessive force to acquire Greenland, but he will push ahead with Tariffs, University of Iowa Economics Professor Anne Villamil explains the impact this will have on the US.

Confidence seems to be returning to the construction sector, with jobs ads for construction increasing 3.4% from November to December, Certified Builders CEO Malcolm Fleming shares his thoughts.

Christopher Luxon's announced the date of the election will be the 7th of November and he's ruled out National working with the Greens, Te Pāti Māori and Labour Political Commentator Liam Heir shares his thoughts.

Plus, US Correspondent has the latest on Donald Trump's speech in Davos and wild weather in the US.

Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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