Listen live: Kerre McIvor Mornings on Newstalk ZB

Kerre McIvor is the new host of Newstalk ZB's 9am-midday show.

Today on Kerre McIvor Mornings: The junior doctors' strike bites as more than 3000 staff walking off the job, how much scrutiny should banks apply to our spending - and the debate over a group of rogue Irish travellers rubbing locals up the wrong way after reports of dumping rubbish at Takapuna Beach and intimidating restaurant staff.

McIvor, a journalist, author and Herald on Sunday columnist, takes over this week in Newstalk ZB's 9am-midday slot from Leighton Smith, who had reigned in the coveted time slot for 32 years before stepping down at the end of last year.

• LISTEN LIVE TO KERRE MCIVOR MORNINGS FROM 9AM

McIvor has previously hosted Newstalk ZB's afternoon show with Mark Dye and last year hosted a Sunday morning show.

This year Smith starts a new weekly podcast, which will be recorded at NZME's studios.