John Key faces further questions
Audio, Radio New Zealand
The prime minister, John Key, has faced further questions about allegations of an Israeli spy ring operating in Christchurch at the time of the February earthquake.
The prime minister, John Key, has faced further questions about allegations of an Israeli spy ring operating in Christchurch at the time of the February earthquake.
The Government seems likely to face higher costs as it looks to strengthen the country's infrastructure in the wake of the Canterbury earthquakes.
The Earthquake Commission is expected to face tough questioning when its handling of the Canterbury Earthquakes is reviewed early next year.
Scientists from GNS Science have faced tough criticism at the Royal Commission into the Canterbury earthquakes, being accused of funneling resources into the wrong areas and giving vague advice on earthquake risks.
As part of the future of Christchurch it is expected a third of all Catholic and almost half of all Presbyterian churches damaged in Christchurch's February earthquake might not be rebuilt.
The chairman of the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Commission, Murray Sherwin, joins us for the morning in our Wellington studio.
As businesses in Christchurch start to think about what, if any, help they can expect from the government following Tuesday's devastating earthquake, some small businesses around the city are starting to reopen.
Many Christchurch trades people are refusing to carry out quake repairs unless the homeowner agrees to pay the bill, saying it takes too long to get the money out of the Earthquake Commission. Some contractors say they still haven't been paid for jobs done after the quake in September and the amount of debt some businesses are carrying are putting them in jeopardy.
The Catholic basilica in Christchurch was further damaged in Monday's earthquake making its demolition all but inevitable.
The thousands of Christchurch residents expected to be forced into temporary Government-supplied accommodation by earthquake damage will be required to pay rent.
Homeowners in Christchurch have told earthquake authorities they face heavy losses under the Government's property payout scheme.
Households in Christchurch are being warned many face a long wait before essential services are restored following last week's earthquake.
The Christchurch City Council has faced tough questioning at the Royal Commission into the Canterbury earthquakes over its role in ensuring buildings are earthquake strengthened.
Since the earthquake in February the university has faced spiralling insurance costs and a decline in student enrolments. Now 24 staff have agreed to voluntary redundancy effective next year and the vice chancellor, Rod Carr, says despite that, it's largely business as usual.
After more major earthquakes in Christchurch this week, Bishop Victoria Matthews fears her clergy, and the people, are facing 'exaustion of the spirit'. She says it's important to keep alive hope, and thanksgiving for all that we still have - even in the face of loss and crisis.
Gary Luff's home was destroyed in February earthquake in Christchurch and he faced scenes of devastation in his work with the fire service. He and his partner struggled to find somewhere to stay in the aftermath and ended up living on a borrowed boat. They've enjoyed the surprise lifestyle change so much they're thinking of making it permanent - but it hasn't all been plain sailing.
A review of the week's headline news including the unfolding environmental disaster in the Bay of Plenty, the Earthquake Commission expected to face tough questioning on its handling of the Canterbury earthquakes, the finance minister says more belt tightening on the way, Labour refusing to accept the Prime Minister's explanation of his Standard and Poors comments, the Greens sceptical of claims that insurgents caught by the SAS in Afghanistan have not been tortured, the only All Black team to win the Rugby World Cup gathers for the first time in 24 years and business confidence plunges.
Questions to Ministers 1. CRAIG FOSS to the Minister of Finance: What challenges does the Government face in putting together Budget 2011? 2. Dr RUSSEL NORMAN to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his pre-Budget statement "The key sector which is not saving right now is the Government"; if so, what steps has he taken to increase government revenue? 3. Dr RUSSEL NORMAN to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his statement "…we can use this time to transform the economy to make us stronger…"; if so, does this transformation involve an economy that uses fewer natural resources and produces less pollution? 4. Hon PHIL GOFF to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his statements on KiwiSaver? 5. NICKY WAGNER to the Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery: What reports has he received on progress made to provide winter heating for residents affected by the Canterbury earthquakes? 6. Hon ANNETTE KING to the Prime Minister: What advice did he receive from the most recent food bank he visited about the current cost of living? 7. JACQUI DEAN to the Minister for the Environment: What practical initiatives is the Government taking in preparation for Rugby World Cup 2011 to protect the environment and New Zealand's important clean green brand? 8. Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE to the Minister of Finance: What was the annual rate of GDP growth for the year ended December 2010 projected in Budget 2010, and what was the actual rate of growth for that period according to Statistics New Zealand? 9. AARON GILMORE to the Minister of Education: What recent decisions have been made regarding schooling in Christchurch? 10. SUE MORONEY to the Minister of Education: When was construction completed on the new early childhood education centre at Weymouth Primary School and why is the centre empty? 11. COLIN KING to the Minister of Agriculture: What steps has the Government recently taken to support innovation in the Manuka honey industry? 12. CARMEL SEPULONI to the Minister of Justice: Does he stand by his statement "This Government is committed to ensuring that everyone…has access to justice"?