Canterbury Mornings

Chris Lynch spoke to Jan Rivers, who made a submission to the select committee considering changes to abortion law, voicing her opposition to the suggestion that the wording in the legislation should be changed to say "pregnant person" instead of "pregnant woman". LISTEN ABOVE

The founder of the Gumboot Fund says its success is what ultimately drained it of money.The mental health campaign, launched in April, raised $1.3 million to provide free counselling for under 19 year olds.While the fund was allocating around $120,000 a month for the first five months, it boomed at $920,000 for September.Mike King told Chris Lynch their wait time was a week, while other services were six to 26 weeks.He says doctors began referring their patients to the gumboot fund which resulted in the surge in demand.  Since the funds have dried up King says he has heard from counsellors saying they are concerned about their vulnerable patients. Another fundraiser will happen again next April.

New direct flights between Christchurch and Los Angeles have been announced.American Airlines - in partnership with Qantas - will operate the new service three times a week from October next year.American Airlines, Managing Director of Asia Pacific Sales, Shane Hodges told Chris Lynch the demand in the US is just huge for New Zealand and they had a lot of demand from people asking for a service direct into the South Island.He says they think this is the start of a very long relationship with the city.LISTEN ABOVE

Chris Lynch was joined by Minister for Greater Christchurch Regeneration Megan Woods and Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey for this week's edition of Politics Friday. They discussed the government's announcement to create a standalone Crown entity to regulate drinking water in New Zealand, working with farmers to reduce farming emissions and the vote to put the End of Life Choice Bill to a referendum. 

Mike Yardley joined Chris Lynch for the Yardstick where they wrap the week that was. This week they covered the government's announcement of an independent water regulator for the country and the tragic case in Christchurch where a man was killed in a crash involving driver fleeing police. 

The Local Government Minister says a new regulator of New Zealand's drinking water will set the standard.A standalone Crown entity has been announced to ensure all households and communities have access to safe, clean drinking water.Nanaia Mahuta told Chris Lynch it will provide a central oversight of how services are delivered.The law is expected to be passed next year.LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW ABOVE

Farmers and the Government will work shoulder-to-shoulder, in what's being touted as huge action on climate change.They'll develop tools to measure and price emissions at farm level by 2025.If there's not enough action by 2022, the sector could be brought into the Emissions Trading Scheme at processor level.National Leader Simon Bridges supports the move to work with farmers to develop a framework to reduce emissions. However he told Chris Lynch there needs to be science based, actual mitigation options available to farmers that are economic. Otherwise all you are doing is culling the herd and lowering food production which just makes New Zealand poorer and means we can't have better health, education and infrastructure.   

Federated Farmers Mid-Canterbury President says methane has never been the issue in reducing emissions.​David Clark told Chris Lynch today's announcement is good news for farmers.​​But he says the Government's still got its focus wrong. ​Clark says if the government is actually concerned about climate change, it would turn its focus to alternative energy sources for the human race that don't involve carbon and fossil fuels.​

A Human Rights Lawyer says science supports the argument to not pursue young driversIt's believed five teenagers were in a car that fled police in Christchurch yesterday.Their vehicle crashed into another, killing an innocent motorist.Barrister Deborah Manning told Chris Lynch police need to stop pursuing for minor offences.She says police can use CCTV cameras and road spikes to apprehend young drivers. 

The Children's Commissioner is once again urging police to give up pursuits if young people are behind the wheel.It's believed five teenagers were in a car being pursued by police in Christchurch yesterday.Their vehicle crashed into another, killing an innocent motorist.Judge Andrew Becroft told Chris Lynch many young offenders seem to enjoy the thrill of the chase. He says offenders want Police to chase them so they can photograph the action and gain instant fame amongst friends.

Chris and Mike Yardley wrap the week that was including the announcement that MediaWorks is selling off the TV side of its business and Lianne Dalziel in for a third term as Christchurch Mayor.

Chris was joined by Christchurch East MP Poto Williams and Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey for this weeks edition of Politics Friday.Up for discussion today was the news that Mediaworks is selling off the TV side of its business, the counter-terrorism legislation put forward by Justice Minister Andrew Little, plus the lack of progress on a carpark for Christchurch public hospital and the stadium.  

Chris was joined down at the Canterbury Home Show by Ruby from Romer with the top five places to grab a drink with friends this weekend. 

MediaWorks has announced it's selling its TV channels.The broadcaster is also offering the option of selling it's Auckland headquarters - with television studios and offices.TV veteran and media commentator Bill Ralston told Chris Lynch it would be a shame if they don't find a buyer."You would be writing off an asset, even though it doesn't make a lot of money, with the reason being previous owners have spent such a large amount of money buying it." LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW ABOVE

The proposed counter-terrorism bill is gathering more support, with former United Future leader Peter Dunne saying it's a step in the right direction.The Justice Minister has introduced a new Bill which will monitor the activities of Kiwis returning from war zones, such as former ISIS fighter Mark Taylor.Peter Dunne told Chris Lynch, the likes of the 'bumbling jihadi' have a right to come home, the gap we need to fill is what we do with him once he gets home and this bill tries to do that.He says we can't stop them from coming back but on the other hand we are uncomfortable about what they might do when they come back so having some sort of monitoring or watch list is appropriate.   

Christchurch City Council's freshly imported CEO has made engaging with Maori culture a personal goal.Dawn Baxendale left her role as Birmingham City Council CEO in the UK to take up the role previously held by Dr Karleen Edwards.She told Chris Lynch, on top of her work priorities, she's learning Te Reo and local iwi traditions.Baxendale says she wants to respect and understand all of New Zealand culture.LISTEN ABOVE

A concrete investigator says it's putting its own neck on the line by blowing the whistle on defective concrete in a large number of New Zealand buildings.Concrete Structure Investigations carries out ultra sonic testing for engineers, who are concerned a building is showing signs of stress.It claims out of the 1200 buildings they've looked at the vast majority showed "cause for concern".Co-director Jane Roach-Gray told Chris Lynch the company can't identify the buildings because they could be sued under contracts with the engineers.She says they have informed MBIE and the Structural Engineering Society.Jane Roach-Gray says she would personally feel uncomfortable entering fifty of those buildings. LISTEN ABOVE

Film maker Gerard Smyth spoke to Chris Lynch about the latest episode from Frank Film that looks into the eugenics movement and the unlucky New Zealanders caught up in it. 

Christchurch's mayor elect is feeling positive facing the term ahead.Lianne Dalziel scored a decisive victory in the local elections with a 16 thousand vote lead over closest competitor, businessman Darryll Park.She told Chris Lynch there was a real sense of people wanting to get work done in yesterday's informal councillor get-together.Dalziel says she's getting positive feedback on Dawn Baxendale as CEO two days in.She says Baxendale is very clear that her role is to deliver on the new council's strategic direction.

Chris Lynch and Mike Yardley discuss the week that was. Covering the final days of the local body election campaign, the sharp rise in attacks on police and whether extinction rebellion taking over Wellington streets has won them support.