Canterbury Mornings

Chris Lynch was joined by Minister for Greater Christchurch Regeneration Megan Woods and MP for Ilam Gerry Brownlee to discuss the new budget. 

MPs are still debating final details of Level Two, just hours before the new restrictions kick in.Parliament is sitting under urgency to pass a Bill allowing authorities to enforce the rules.Act leader David Seymour told Chris Lynch it's a radical law change, that gives police extraordinary powers to search people's homes.He says there is a danger from COVID-19 - people have been watching the TV an we can see what it can do but that doesn't mean the option is either do nothing or become a police state.LISTEN ABOVE

A Canterbury funeral home says overly-strict regulations are blocking natural grieving process.New Zealand begins phasing into Alert Level 2 on Thursday but the 10 person limit at funerals and tangi continues.Lamb and Hayward CEO Stephen Parkyn says it's unfair people can go to the movies or a restaurant - but may have to miss their grandma's funeral.He says people need to grieve and they need to do it in groups, not in isolation.

6500 Kiwi families are struggling after losing loved ones during lockdown.The country starts phasing into Alert Level 2 this Thursday - but the 10 person limit at funerals and tangi hasn't changed.John McKey's wife died during the lockdown after a long struggle with cancer.He told Chris Lynch one of the hardest things was the restrictions on visiting her in care.McKey says he was able to visit her once - but she wasn't able to be close to her beloved children and grandchildren before she died.

Anger more friends and family can't gather to send off their loved ones at Level 2.The country will start phasing into the new Alert Level this Thursday - but the 10 person limit at funerals or tangi hasn't changed.Funeral Directors Association President Gary Taylor told Chris Lynch it's cruel and heartless.He says they're struggling with the inconsistency - with people allowed to go to malls and restaurants where others will be - but not allowed to say goodbye.LISTEN ABOVE

The Canterbury Brain Collective has purchased a site in Langdons Road in Papanui for the proposed $6.3 million BrainTree Centre for Canterbury people living with neurological conditions.Canterbury Brain Collective Director Simon Challies told Chris Lynch the land purchase is a huge milestone for BrainTree which will be the first wellness centre of its kind in the country offering innovative world class therapy and support for those with neurological conditions.Listen above.

Mary Crimp, employment law specialist and Partner at Harmans Lawyers, spoke to Chris Lynch about employee and employer's rights under Alert Level 2. Listen above. 

Christchurch's Mayor says the city is ready for alert level two.Lianne Dalziel says the wheels are in motion so council facilities cam get back up and running quicklyBut she told Chris Lynch there will be precautions in place at playgrounds like Margaret Mahy.Dalziel says people should expect to see physical distancing measures as well.

Mike Yardley joined Chris Lynch to wrap the week that was with The Yardstick.This week Yardley is asking the question - is the spirit of shared sacrifice being robbed and rogered? Listen above.

Minister Megan Woods and MP for Ilam Gerry Brownlee joined Chris Lynch to discuss the move to lockdown level 2 and the Police National Organised Crime Group setting up a team in Christchurch. Listen above.

Police are zoning in on high-end crime networks and gang activity in the South IslandThe National Organised Crime Group is setting up in Christchurch.The move comes after a five week trial of the Police Eagle Helicopter, which had a mixed reaction from residents.Police Assistant Commissioner of Investigations, Serious and Organised Crime Richard Chambers speaks to Chris Lynch about the National Organised Crime group setting up a team in Christchurch to tackle gangs. LISTEN ABOVE

Canterbury Employers Chamber of Commerce CEO Leeann Watson spoke to Chris Lynch about what the cancellation of the New Zealand Agricultural Show in November means for the Christchurch economy.Listen above. 

Christchurch's mayor is still pushing for zero rates increases this year.Council estimates up to 36500 locals will lose their jobs in the next year due to the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 crisis.Mayor Lianne Dalziel told Chris Lynch their analysts are looking at all possible options.She says no rates rises is the preferred option - but they're also looking into easing the burden for those worst affected.

Mike Yardley and Chris Lynch wrap the week that was.Listen above.

Minister for Greater Christchurch Regeneration Megan Woods and Ilam MP Gerry Brownlee joined Chris Lynch for Politics Friday.Listen above.

The importance of good, reliable internet has never been more important. But how have our broadband networks coped with the massive upswing in online activity during the level 4 lockdown?Strategic Communications Manager at Enable Networks Limited Daniel Herd told Chris Lynch that even on the busiest day they were still only using around 50 percent of the networks capacity. Listen above.

The way we are doing business has been forcefully changed, and one Christchurch tech company has developed a solution for three critical areas of concern: contact tracing, communicating staff availability while remote working and contact-less sign in.Virtual In/Out is a website and mobile app from Christchurch based business Spotty Dog Software.App creator and Spotty Dog owner Chris Morison spoke to Chris Lynch about the app and why it's so necessary in a post COVID-19 world. 

A hospitality leader says we're nearing crunch time for looking at supporting hospitality and tourism.Hospitality New Zealand Christchurch president Peter Morrison says the wage subsidy scheme is appreciated.But he told Chris Lynch businesses need to know what's next, when they can open and whether wage support will be extended.Morrison says hospitality and tourism have been the worst affected because some won't be able to open until Level 2 - or even Level 1.

Christchurch Councillor Phil Mauger has released a map on his Facebook page of where he believes a much needed hospital car park could go.He says having witnessed in council the amount of time, effort and money spent on getting 6 lighting towers across the line for cricket it is time to focus on the needs of those who use the hospital.He's released a photo showing land he says is owned by the Canterbury District Health Board - next to the boiler house where there was a carpark before the quakes. “Where this old carpark was is the perfect place.” He says “for crying out loud, something’s got to happen.”Mr Mauger says if a car park was built here it would be close to the hospital entrance and also the A & E entrance. "Being so close provides added security to nurses and the visiting public moving to their cars at night." The hospital's master plan shows laboratories will be built here, but Mr Maugers argues they can still go ahead on the same site. The Ministry of Health is ultimately responsible for any ca

You might think that with not much else to do except work from home, watch Netflix and take a walk around the block, we'd all be getting some great sleep. However that is simply not the case for many.Pharmacist and owner of Unichem Cashel Pharmacy Annabel Turley spoke to Chris about the importance of good sleep and how to get on top of your sleeping habits.Listen above.