Kerre Woodham Mornings Podcast

Hong Kong anti-government protesters paralysed parts of the Asian financial hub for a fourth day, with some transport links, schools and many businesses closing, as police warned of a rise in violence to a deadly level.Protesters have torched vehicles and buildings, hurled petrol bombs at police stations and trains, dropped debris from bridges on to traffic below, and vandalised shopping malls and campuses, raising questions about how and when more than five months of unrest can be brought to an end.Nicolas Groffman is a lawyer who writes for the South China Morning Post. He joined Kerre McIvor to give us the latest from Hong Kong.LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to Kerre McIvor's editorial above, as she shares her thoughts on the controversial speech given by NZ First MP Shane Jones outside parliament yesterday, where he labelled farmer protesters "rednecks" and responded to their booing with a waiata.LISTEN TO THE AUDIO ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More people are seeking help for electricity and gas payments because incomes aren't keeping up with rising rents.The number of electricity and gas hardship grants has increased by almost 50 percent since this time last year.National says the coalition is to blame for a higher cost of living, but the Government has hit back, with Minister Carmel Sepuloni says that is a result of people being more comfortable coming forward.CEO of One Big Switch Tim Rudkin told Kerre McIvor says that arguably both sides have valid points. He says that people could save money by switching their energy providers. "Our perspective is why don't you look around rather than incuring the costs." Rudkin says that figures in 2017 found that New Zealanders could save $400 million by switching.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A family focused programme is having great success helping kids manage obesity.More than 70 per cent of Whanau Pakari participant significantly reduced their BMI.Auckland University researcher Dr Yvonne Anderson told Kerre McIvor obesity in children is complex. "We've got lots of factors at play such as food security and juggling childcare, finding time to even cook a healthcare as well."Dr Anderson says New Zealander's need to create a more welcoming environment for children with self esteem issues."Now its about strength based approaches and shifting the judgement which we seem to have ingrained in our society."LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National party leader says its vital for young people to be in work or education so they don't join gangs.New figures reveal the number of patched gang members has increased by 26 percent since 2017.Simon Bridges told Kerre McIvor there are plenty of opportunities for youth to get involved in all across the country.He says unemployed youth create problems in society."More work needs to be done on rehabilitation and reintegration, in a bid to reduce gang numbers."Gangs aren't friendly motorcycle clubs - they peddle violence, misery and drugs."Listen above as Simon Bridges speaks to Kerre McIvor, or watch the video below. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rachel Hunter talks to Kerre McIvor about her new book and travelling for the Tour of Beauty TV show. Listen to the full interview above, or watch the video below! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deputy Principal of Tolaga Bay Area School Sam Hughes joins Kerre McIvor to discuss one of the National Party's believed policies.The party are potentily looking to fine parents over young people who leave school early and do not go into other education or get  job.Hughes says for under-resourced schools like his own, it is a potentially stressful policy."We have the highest rates of unemployment and we have the highest rates of school leavers that leave without qualicitions, so you imagine what that wold do to a whanau that's already under socio-economic stress." Hughes adds that university isn't a logical ooption for his kids, who many, have never even seen a university.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Supermodel turned businesswoman Elle Macpherson says wellness was her biggest passion and sharing her life journey is her biggest joy.The 55-year-old wellness entrepreneur spoke to NZME this morning and will be headlining the first NZ Fashion Week gala tonight."Wellness is my passion and that's where I put my energy, it's also the area I know most about and it's the area that I can really share honestly and authentically," Macpherson told Newstalk ZB's Kerre McIvor."When I was younger, wellness was fitness, today I understand there's more to it than just eating right and exercising. Sharing my journey has been the biggest joy for me because it comes from the heart."The mother of two sons - Flynn, 21, and Aurelius Cy, 16 - also known as "The Body" said she believed the human body was "incredible" and can thrive when given the right environment.Elle Macpherson poses in the NZME foyer. Photo / Jason Oxenham.While in Auckland, Macpherson will also be in a promotional shoot for Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development.She will also experience a haka and traditional Maori welcome near Britomart and visit fashion shops in the district including Kate Sylvester, World and Zambesi, and sample chocolates at Miann.This evening, Macpherson will be the inaugural host for the NZ Fashion Week Gala at SkyCity."New Zealand...holds a special place in my heart," she said."I think it's a fascinating that a country with such a generally relaxed attitude to life and a strong sense of community, also achieves so much on the world stage."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is doubt Donald Trump's future in politics will be decided on his dealings with Ukraine.US Democrats have opened an impeachment inquiry into the US President.Trump has admitted withholding US aid to Ukraine and is accused of pressuring the country to investigate Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, and his son.NBC political analyst Howard Fineman told Kerre McIvor the events are murky and capable of many different interpretations.He says it seems unlikely the American elections will be decided based on the manoeuvrings of a bunch of shady characters in Ukraine.LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The demand for 'healing crystals' around the world is soaring.New York based Kiwi journalist Tess McClure got curious about healing crystals and the question of where they actually came from.Her attempt to answer the question took her to tunnels deep in the earth of Madagascar.McClure discovered many are mined in deadly conditions in Madagascar, one of the world’s poorest countries.And there is little evidence that this billion-dollar industry is cleaning up its act.Tess McClure joined Kerre McIvor to discuss her fascinating journey on finding the dark truth behind healing crystals.LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.