Politics Central Newstalk ZB

Ahead of the 2024 Budget, Defence Minister Judith Collins has confirmed the NZDF will receive a $571 million budget increase.

$163 million will boost personnel pay - and the money will also be used to upgrade the military's NH90 helicopter fleet, replace dated military vehicles and improve maritime detection systems.

Former Defence Minister Dr Wayne Mapp says this move was a long time coming.

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Auckland residents say they're feeling blindsided by new 24/7 parking charges.

Cost challenges and better use of road space are some of Auckland Transport's reasons for this change.

Heart of the City CEO Viv Beck believes this is gong to disadvantage Auckland's economy.

She says night time life is a third of the city's spend, so parking needs to be accessible and affordable.

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Big changes are coming for Auckland CBD, as it was announced today residents and visitors will be stung with new 24/7-hour parking charges. Heart of the City CEO Viv Beck joined the Weekend Collective to discuss these changes.

Later, former Defence Minister Dr Wayne Mapp explains why the $571 million budget increase for the NZDF is long overdue.

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Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown and Simeon Brown unveiled their new water plan for the city, which will see an increase of rates by 7.2 percent, rather than the 25.8 percent proposed by Watercare. Simeon Brown joins the Weekend Collective to explain further.

Later, Julie Anne Genter has been accused of 'intimidating' behaviour after a disagreement saw the Green MP leave her seat to confront a Government minister during a transport debate. Former Speaker of the House, Sir Lockwood Smith, joins the Weekend Collective to explain why 'standards have slipped'.

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The standard of Parliament has been called into question as Green MP Julie Anne Genter undergoes disciplinary action.

Ms Genter confronted Minister Matt Doocey on Wednesday.

She has until midday Monday to make any representations to the Speaker, before he decides if she will be referred to the Privileges Committee.

Former speaker of the house Sir Lockwood Smith says Parliament standards have slipped.

"Members of Parliament are meant to be seen as leaders, if you like. How they behave is important, because they should behave in a way that you'd expect of leaders."

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A deal between Auckland Council and the Government has helped Aucklanders avoid the projected 25.8 percent increase in water rates.

Auckland Council will retain local control of water assets, as part of the Local Water Well Done plan.

Local Government Minister Simeon Brown says councils will have more control over their water assets under their scheme.

Local councils will be asked to put forward their water service delivery plans for the next 12 months.

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