3 News political editor, Duncan Garner and 60 Minutes’ Guyon Espiner, former political editor for TVNZ, are joining forces for a 90 minute special on what both describe as a “tough budget delivered in tough times”.

Budget 2012 will bring viewers the definitive look at the 2012 Budget, including expert analysis on what the consequences will be for New Zealand business and for ordinary Kiwis.

Garner and Espiner will be crossing LIVE to Parliament as the Minister of Finance, Bill English, delivers his Budget. They will be joined by commentators on economics and politics, including business writer Fran O’Sullivan (NZ Herald) and economist Dr Ganesh Nana (BERL), Mark Weldon (former CEO of the NZSE), and Richard Wagstaff (National Secretary of the PSA), for additional insight.

Throughout the programme, Garner and Espiner will cross LIVE to Wellington to interview the opposition parties’ spokespeople, seeking their views on the Budget.

The special broadcast will be followed by comprehensive coverage in 3 News and Campbell Live, from 6pm, and 3news.co.nz/budget2012 will have continuously updated content.

Espiner says the European crisis will loom large in tomorrow’s Budget.

“In Europe, governments and their voters are clashing over cut backs, debt and unemployment as the argument rages over austerity versus economic stimulus.

“The arguments here might be on a different scale but they are the same arguments. This will be a hard sell Budget for Bill English,” he says.

Garner agrees: “With Europe tanking – the Budget’s forecasts may become quickly out of date.

“It’s another zero-budget which means there is no new spending. Every new dollar given to a certain area has been taken from somewhere else,” he says.

“What will that mean for Kiwi workers? Will the Government have to throw more money at our economy – or continue its drive to cut back?

“John Key now won’t rule out a second recession because of what is happening in Europe. We’re not immune to the meltdown.”

After many years of competing in the gallery, both journalists are looking forward to their first time working together.

“It’ll be great to work with Guyon – he’s a pro,” says Garner. “Hopefully with the two of us teaming up, we can shed some light on what will probably be a pretty dark Budget.”

Espiner adds: “I know what it’s like to compete with Duncan – I’m looking forward to finding out what it’s like to work with him.”

3 News Special: Budget 2012

2pm-3.30pm, Thursday 24 May on TV3 and streaming LIVE at 3news.co.nz/budget2012

- TV3

He has appeared on GMA and The Ellen Show.

What makes this voice so amazing is that Jake is only 15 years old.

Take a look at this video filmed when Jake was 14:

Niva’s balls, Tony’s mouth and Mike’s laugh cause all sorts of live radio gold on Awkward ZB:

Photo: Newstalkzb.co.nz
Audio: Newstalk ZB

In his speech to Parliament, Mr Craig Thomson alleged that Channel Seven reporters had been hovering under his bathroom while his pregnant wife was having a shower.

This is the first time any of us have heard such an allegation.

We have spoken to reporters who visited his home and they vigorously deny any such behaviour.

All they did was to knock on the front door. In the first case, it was answered by a woman.

On the other occasion, there was no answer. In both cases, they left as soon as it was obvious no-one was home or wanted to speak.

- Channel 7

Tamati will join Toni Street on the couch, replacing Rawdon Christie who has moved to hosting the weekday edition of the show. The new role on Saturday Breakfast adds to an already busy schedule for Tamati, as he will also be hosting the upcoming entertainment show New Zealand’s Got Talent, which screens on TV ONE later in the year, as well as continuing his role as weather presenter on the weekday edition of Breakfast four days a week.

“Tamati is a talented presenter, and his popularity with viewers is evident in the feedback we receive,” says Editor Daily Programmes John Gillespie. “He and Toni are both clever and charismatic, and so Tamati will be the perfect fit for Saturday Breakfast.”

Tamati, who has an honours degree in Political Studies from the University of Auckland, is looking forward to adding Saturday Breakfast co-host to his ever-expanding CV, but as the winner of multiple viewers’ choice awards for his weather presenting is not planning on giving up that aspect of his working life anytime soon.

“Since people seem to really like me doing Breakfast weather, it means I’ll still be doing what I do best for most of the week, but Saturday Breakfast feels like such a natural step for me,” says Tamati. “Toni is intelligent, warm, funny and gorgeous to boot, and between the two of us, you can guarantee Saturday mornings are going to be must see TV!”

Tamati begins with Saturday Breakfast immediately, commencing tomorrow on Saturday, May 19th.

- TVNZ

According to the Daily Telegraph, Owens was apparently set-up by a former 2SM news editor who was “playing practical jokes on her last day,” a management spokesman said.

-NZ Radio Awards

MORE FM’s Marc Ellis, Amber Peebles and Stu Tolan are setting up an express drive through on Auckland’s waterfront for Mums who need an extra thank you and for Mums who didn’t get one.

“Mum’s are awesome,” says breakfast host Marc Ellis. “The least we can do is take a couple of hours out on Sunday to make sure the mum’s of New Zealand are getting all the compliments they deserve”.

‘We know being a Mum can be a thankless job,” says More FM boss Ande Macpherson. “If you’re a mum in need of a little pick me up make sure you come to the drive through and we’ll give you a totally free of charge compliment & a little chocolate treat “.

The Happy Mothers Day free drive through is on Tamaki Drive in Mission Bay from 10am Sunday morning. Marc, Amber and Stu promise a heartfelt compliment for each and every Mum who drives though. For mums who can’t make it to the drive through they can catch the action being live streamed at www.morefm.co.nz/mum thanks to Tomizone.com

MORE FM plays the best mix of music from the 90s to Now. For a full list of frequencies head to www.morefm.co.nz or listen online.