Lately for Wednesday 4 May 2022

10:20 EU moves to ban all Russian oil imports

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen has proposed a complete import ban on all Russian oil, seaborne or pipeline, crude or refined.

It would form part of the the EU's sixth package of sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine

Journalist Martin Banks is in Brussels covering the EU.  He says this announcement is timely given the deliberations of member states to formalise further economic sanctions.

10:30 Changes to Driver Licensing Enroute

If you've ever applied for a job you'll know that more often than not, you'll be required to have a clean driver's license - in fact 70% of jobs in New Zealand stipulate this before you'll even get a foot in the door. 

Today the Government recognised this in their new budget package estimated to benefit 64,000 New Zealanders from improved access to driver licensing testing and training.

10:40 “Heightened unrest" - Mt Ruapehu lets off steam

Scientists continue to monitor the volanic activity on Mt Ruapehu closely as temperatures rise.

Nearby communities are learnning to live with the huffing and puffing of the majestic mountain, but authorities say the two kilometre exclusion zone around Mt Ruapehu put in place six weeks ago could be expanded if activity escalates.

Thomas Wilson, Professor of Disaster Risk & Resilience at the University of Canterbury explains what's actually going on.

10:50 Midweek Mediawatch

Colin Peacock takes a critical look at the media and how it reports the news.