Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

The chances of a full blown trade war between the US and China is looking more and more likely. China will be hit with an additional 50 percent tariff from tomorrow, taking their total to 104 percent.  US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says the Nasdaq has taken another hit - and Chinese trade officials have made it clear they plan to 'fight this out'. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The man who treated countless numbers of All Blacks and Warriors players over more than a 30 year period has died. Dr John Mayhew has died at the age of 70, after recent heart complications. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave unpacks his legacy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions are being raised about whether a politician's religious beliefs are of public interest. Christchurch-based National MP Hamish Campbell has admitted to TVNZ  a connection to a religious group embroiled in alleged child abuse allegations. The group, dubbed the Two By Twos, has no official name or buildings, is not registered as a charity, and its members meet in homes.  Religious historian Peter Lineham says he believes some claims are against preachers. "The only aspect that is concerning for people in the group is this - that because it's so secretive, the Two By Two preachers are held in such respect that an abused person's story would probably not be believed." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A baby girl has become the UK's first child born to a mother using a donated womb.  The BBC reports 36-year-old Grace Davidson received her sister's womb in 2023, the country's only successful transplant at the time.  UK correspondent Enda Brady says Davidson has given birth to baby Amy - named for her sister. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's dairy sector has voiced concerns as the world prepares to accommodate the financial impacts of Donald Trump's tariffs. Reports show only six percent of NZ-produced dairy goes into the US - but there's still worry among experts. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, journalist Clare de Lore and Infrastructure New Zealand's Nick Leggett joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Could Andrew Little be the next mayor of Wellington? What do we think he'll bring to the role? The world is grappling with Donald Trump's tariffs - and the economic uncertainty that they bring. Do we think the Government is doing a good job at reassuring us?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition leader Peter Dutton are set to face off in the first election debate of the campaign. The debate is set to air on Sky News at 9:30pm (NZT) - and both leaders will be looking to boost up their campaigns and showcase their policies. 7 News political editor Mark Riley says opposition leaders stand to gain more from debates - and the pressure's on for Dutton. "Campaigns are all about momentum - and if you can get what you believe is a shift in momentum from a debate and then ride it into the campaign proper, it can have a material impact."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 8 April 2025, former Finance Minister Steven Joyce tells Ryan Bridge we're in unchartered territory when it comes to the global economy. Minister for Children Karen Chhour explains why she's happy Oranga Tamariki is ditching a target to place kids with their wider family. Black Caps coach Gary Stead wants to stay on as test coach, but will step down as ODI and T20 coach.  Plus, the Huddle debates whether former Labour MP Andrew Little would make a good new mayor for Wellington. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has revealed the New Zealand Green Investment Finance will stop making new investments - and will wind down its' existing portfolio. Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says it has invested almost $400 million into various projects, with 'limited' results. Watts says there's no need for the Government to be involved in this particular market going forward. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China’s commerce ministry has vowed to fight US tariffs 'to the end' after Donald Trump threatened them with new levies. One ministry spokesperson has labelled these threats a 'mistake on top of a mistake' - and claimed China would not accept this. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen says this is starting to resemble the beginning of a full-on trade war. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Long-serving Labour MP David Parker has confirmed he's departing from Parliament.  Parker has been an MP for 23 years - holding portfolios in trade, revenue, energy, and transport. He says it was important that he ended his career on a positive note. "You're never finished in this job - but it felt the right time, and I'd just sort of reset Labour Party policy around foreign affairs." LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The second phase of police withdrawal from mental health callouts starts in parts of the country next week.  From Monday, detained mental health patients will be handed over within 60 minutes at Waitematā, Counties Manukau, Waikato, Nelson-Marlborough, and West Coast EDs.  Police will also tighten custody rules to reduce unnecessary assessments.  Assistant Commissioner Mike Johnson says police will make sure handovers are done safely.  "We want our police staff to be out dealing with the issues that the public are expecting - and keeping people safe."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former Finance Minister says New Zealand faces uncharted territory - as the world grapples with Donald Trump's tariffs.  New Zealand, Australian and Asian markets tumbled yesterday, but regained some ground today. Current Minister Nicola Willis is warning the tariffs and world events will impact the Government books.  Steven Joyce says given the daily uncertainty which will slow investment - no one can predict what will happen.   "I don't think Donald Trump knows, to be blunt - I don't think he knows quite where it lands and he's making it up every day as he goes along. And I think that's one of the problems."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Children's Minister says 'outdated' requirements could be institutionalising kids by limiting resources.   The Government is scrapping Oranga Tamariki targets for placing children with family and investing with Māori organisations.  A Bill passed last week to remove Treaty provisions from the Children's Ministry.  Children's Minister Karen Chhour says she hears non-Māori caregivers have felt unwanted in recent years.  "I want good caregivers, people who are willing to open up their homes and love these kids, to feel comfortable putting their hands up knowing that they can do a good job for these young people." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington Central MP Tamatha Paul is again dismissing criticism of her views on policing. Billboards depicting Paul and Green Party co-leader Chloe Swarbrick have popped up in Wellington and Auckland -- with the tagline - 'Defund the Police, vote Green'. The Sensible Sentencing Trust is behind the ads, and claims the Greens have expressed copyright concerns about their use of official candidate photos. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacks the reactions from today. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Australia, the ASX has seen a slight rebound following a drop from earlier in the week. The S&P/ASX 200 Index lifted 2.1 per cent, or by 151.5 points, to 7494.8 after recouping some of Monday’s 4.2 per cent loss as part of the fallout from Trump's newest tariffs. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the tariffs have also damped business confidence across Australia, according to new reports. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Cricket admit there's a chance they'll turn Gary Stead down if he decides he wants to continue as Black Caps test coach. The long-serving mentor has stepped down from the white-ball formats, but is yet to decide whether he wants to continue in the red-ball role. The governing body is deciding whether to split the coaching role or bring in a new, singular coach. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A victims' advocate wants authorities to investigate the finances of offenders refusing to pay reparations.  Ministry of Justice data shows more than 10-and-a-half thousand payments are overdue - out of the 24,000 ordered by courts. More than $105 million is owed across the country.  Chief Government Victims Advisor Ruth Money says she isn't seeing much due diligence. She says some will claim they can't pay, while also owning a new car or a house. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK Government is stepping in to make things a little easier for car manufactures following Trump's latest tariff update. A ban on producing new petrol and diesel cars is set to come into effect in 2030 - but Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed regulations would be relaxed ahead of the deadline. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says Donald Trump's 25 percent levy on cars imported to the US will likely have a negative impact - but Prime Minister Starmer will try to make a deal with Trump on trade. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NZX50 index had fallen around 3.7 percent at the close of market today as Donald Trump's tariffs continue to reverberate globally. It hasn't had a fall of this magnitude since the pandemic. Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly unpacks the economic fallout. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 7 April 2025, Defence Minister Judith Collins has revealed a huge boost for New Zealand's defence capabilities. She tells Ryan what's on the shopping list. Finance Minister Nicola Willis tells Ryan New Zealand's economic growth is expected to take a hit from Trump's new tariffs. Is there a risk that we're not just fostering football fans.. but also a bit of hooligan culture? Auckland FC's Nick Becker says lessons will be learnt from last weekend's aggressive scenes at Mt Smart stadium. Plus, the Huddle debates a new billboard campaign involving the Greens and the now infamous call to "defund the police". Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and Child Fund CEO Josie Pagani joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Government has unveiled their new Defence Capability Plan - designed to inject an extra $12 billion into the Defence Force to boost jobs and equipment over the next four years. Do we agree with this move?  The Sensible Sentencing Trust has got a new billboard campaign out, calling to defund the police on behalf of the Greens. Should the Greens be upset about this? The New Zealand stock market has taken the biggest significant hit since the pandemic - what do we make of the fallout? Do we see things improving?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is relief among New Zealand's wood exporters - who've escaped the import tariffs set by the US. Imports of timber and lumbar products into the US have dodged tariffs, as confirmed by President Donald Trump, The United States was New Zealand's third largest market for timber exports, after China and Australia. Wood Processors & Manufacturers Association of NZ CEO Mark Ross says this doesn't come as a surprise - given how much America relies on timber for construction.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister has been getting updates about the financial fallout from the latest batch of Trump tariffs. New Zealand goods have been hit with a 10 percent tariff, as part of President Trump's trade plan.  Nicola Willis warns these changes will come with 'profound' economic implications for New Zealand. "We will finalise our economic forecasts, which feed into the Budget - in the next few days, I expect to be briefed on them soon. Of course, the major effect is the estimate that global growth is going to be lower than had been predicted." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland FC says a fan was involved in an assault that left a man hospitalised.  Police are considering charges against a 46-year-old man after the attack at Saturday's match against Western Sydney Wanderers. Eight people were evicted from Mount Smart Stadium and two were arrested - and a visiting Wanderers fan needed facial surgery.  Auckland FC CEO Nick Becker says the accused man doesn't represent the club.  "We've got a great set of hardcore fans - known as the Port - who I think do everyone in Auckland proud. And it's certainly not one of them, it's not someone they would associate with and it's definitely no someone we want involved." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NZX50 index had fallen about 3.7 percent at the close of market today - as Donald Trump's tariffs continue to reverberate globally. It hasn't had a fall of this magnitude since the pandemic. Sharesies Co-CEO Brooke Roberts says it's hard to say how long markets will keep rattling around. "Look, it's unprecedented times in terms of the shock that has happened to the markets at the moment based off the back of the tariffs - and the ripple effect that's happening to economies." BusinessDesk reports Trade Minister Todd McClay says the NZ Embassy in Washington will raise concerns over tariffs to the US trade representative. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's keeping its cards close to its chest  on how it'll fund a mammoth defence splurge. It's injecting $12 billion over the next four years into building up our Defence Force workforce and equipment.  It's signalling it'll go into system upgrades, replacing helicopters - and enhancing maritime strike capability. Defence Minister Judith Collins says the investment includes $9 billion on top of what we already spend on defence. "It is a lot of money, but I also know this - there is no economic security without national security."  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says a multi-billion dollar boost for the Defence Force is about our national interest.  The Government's unveiled its Defence Capability Plan, including $12 billion dollars of funding over four years - with $9 billion of new spending.  Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the plan's 'surprising'. "Remember, we said last week when it comes out that it'll be a 15-year plan. Well, this is more short-term - they're going to be spending, over the next four years, $12 billion dollars." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Drivers in South Australia will be watched by artificial intelligence cameras aimed at cutting traffic and boosting economic activity. The South Australian Government believes every 5000 motorists stuck in traffic for 20 minutes costs the state $33,000. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says the AI will use data to reduce congestion and tweak traffic light cycles. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A pit strategy gamble has failed to pay off on Liam Lawson’s return to Racing Bulls. He has come 17th in Formula One’s Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. Lawson was eighth at the time of his only pit stop, but the decision to change to soft tyres with 19 laps to go didn’t yield the projected return. Sportstalk host Jason Pine explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is assuring police will still respond to mental health callouts when needed.   The Mental Health Foundation has launched a petition asking police to stop scaling back on attending mental health callouts. A four-phase reduction plan was announced in November. Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says the programme addresses the handover - not the response.  "People with mental health issues - they don't want to sit in emergency departments with police officers sitting there with tasers. They want a mental health response, and that's what we're working on." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 4 April 2025, human error and incompetence were the main issues that led to the Manawanui's sinking. And the Defence Minister makes a shocking revelation in her interview with Ryan Bridge. The Treaty Principles Bill has been given the thumbs down by Parliament's Select Committee. Ryan asks chair James Meager whether it was all a waste of time and money. ASB's Nick Tuffley explains what Trump's tariffs mean for your mortgage. Plus, the Sports Huddle debates Red Bull's claim they were protecting Liam Lawson's mental health by dropping him, and why are four of the six top Super Rugby teams from Australia? Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Seymour's lost the battle but has he won the war? If the goal was to redefine the Treaty principles in one fowl swoop with a bill that didn't have the support to get pas first reading... which was clearly going to be ambitious given how much the opposition hated it.... then he's lost. But if the goal - and Seymour's not stupid.... was to start a national conversation .Have the debate. Move the goal posts on partnership... so much of which had been defined by the previous Labour lot... then it's hard to argue he hasn't been somewhat successful . He made a couple of interesting points in his stand up today. 95% of submitters opposing the bill doesn't mean 95% of the country. The End of Life Choice bill was opposed by 90-odd percent of submitters but passed on referendum two-thirds to one. It's the age old problem with consultation - you see it with cycleways and councils - only those who really love to get on a bike bother to turn up and make an oral submission. Everybody else is too busy stuck in traffic getting to work to bother. So the fact this bill has failed doesn't mean it would fail if put to the public. But the bigger issue here for Seymour, I reckon, is timing. This  Treaty question is an existential, largely theoretical one. Trying to have this debate during the worst recession in 30 years and coming off the back of sky high inflation is bad timing. People want their government talking about mortgage rates not race. One day the time might come... the moment might be right... and we can afford to confront this issue which... given the number of submissions - clearly has a fair whack of kiwis rather exercised.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hungary is withdrawing from the International Criminal Court at the same time it welcomed Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a visit.  Netanyahu had an warrant issued for him by the court.  Hours into the visit, Hungary Prime Minister Viktor Orbán withdrew from the International Criminal Court.  UK Correspondent Gavin Grey talks to Ryan Bridge about the decision and Europe's reaction to Trump's tariffs.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Asia has been hit the hardest by Donald Trump's Liberation Day tariffs.  China was dealt reciprocal tariffs of 34% - on top of the 20% tariffs the US President had already issued.   Asia Business Correspondent Peter Lewis explains the impact it will have on trade.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been another big week in politics - Greens MP Tamatha Paul went under fire for DJ'ing anti-police anthems at a Wellington festival, while her colleague Benjamin Doyle received backlash for his social media posts.  Meanwhile Te Pāti Māori are planning their own version of the Privileges Committee meeting after refusing to attend a hearing over the haka protest.  Senior Political Editor Barry Soper wraps the political week with Ryan Bridge.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ticket company Ticket Fairy is receiving online abuse and racial hatred after cancellations to Juicy Fest and Timeless Summer Tour.  The events were cancelled after the gig’s promoter went into liquidation.     They owe $2.4 million to creditors and thousands of ticket holders have still not got any refund. Ticket Fairy CEO Ritesh Patel tells Ryan Bridge his company is merely a technology provider and not responsible for issuing refunds.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newstalk ZB’s sports news director Clay Wilson and sports journalist Nicky Styris join the Sports Huddle. It's been a terrible week for Liam Lawson who was dropped by Red Bull, who are saying part of the reason was due to his mental health. What do the Sports Huddle make of the decision? Nicky Styris says it depends on whether you think he should've been in the car in the first place. Four of the top six Super Rugby sides are from Australia, why? And the Sports Huddle discuss whether New Zealand should fund the Americas Cup. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another major bank has advice for mortgage holders ahead of The Royal Bank of New Zealand official cash rate decision new week. The Royal Bank of New Zealand is expected to cut the OCT by 25bp to 3.50% on April 9. Westpac said the decision to cut is the wrong one. ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley talks to Ryan Bridge about the decision. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Justice Committee is recommending Parliament vote the Treaty Principles Bill down.  Out of 300,000 submissions, 90% were opposed, but ACT leader David Seymour still wants a referendum.  Justice Select Committee Chair James Meager says the committees wants to "get on with things that are actually growing the economy and making a change to people's lives." LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour and Te Pāti Māori lose ground in recent polls, with ACT up 2.3% and NZ first, 7.5%  The Greens rose by one percent to 11%.  It comes as Greens member See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following Trumps Liberation Day tariffs, the Dow has plunged 1,700 points and the Nasdaq  is down 0.5%.  The market's seen its biggest drop since the start of the pandemic.  Economists say the tariffs could lead to a global recession. US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson talks to Ryan Bridge about the fallout, Trump looking to delay TikTok ban, and why Americans are dyeing potatoes.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Human error and failing to disengage autopilot has been confirmed as the root cause of a New Zealand Navy ship running aground and sinking in the Pacific, a report has concluded. Crew were unaware the ship was on autopilot mode when they tried to adjust course, and key personnel were distracted and not properly trained; the report found. The $100 million HMNZS Manawanui motored into a reef off the coast of Samoa at a speed of 11 knots last October. Defence Minister talks to Ryan Bridge about the report. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a big weekend for Liam Lawson, who needs to impress after a disappointing start to the season with Red Bull.  He's set to race in the Japanese Grand Prix's qualifier tomorrow, before racing on Sunday.  Sports Contributor Jason Pine talks to Ryan Bridge about the race, Super Rugby tonight, and a reducing number of Australian teams.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sky TV is finally switching to a new satellite after months of customers complaining about poor reception. The changeover will happen in the week starting 14 April, but some customers in Northland, Gisborne, Southland and the East Cape will need to replace their rooftop dishes beforehand. How many customers will need to have replacements? Sky TV Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Chris Major talks to Ryan Bridge. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK will likely be pushing hard for a better deal after President Donald Trump unveiled the new tariffs set to impact the region. Trump announced new levies on goods coming into the US, including 10 percent on all UK imports and 20 percent on those from the European Union. UK correspondent Enda Brady says the UK is among many countries that will be pushing back against the tariffs - with discussions set to take place over the coming days. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK will likely be pushing hard for a better deal after President Donald Trump unveiled the new tariffs set to impact the region. Trump announced new levies on goods coming into the US, including 10 percent on all UK imports and 20 percent on those from the European Union. UK correspondent Enda Brady says the UK is among many countries that will be pushing back against the tariffs - with discussions set to take place over the coming days. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's been plenty of discussion about Donald Trump's new barrage of tariffs - and many Kiwis have been left wondering what it means for them. The new tariffs come with wide-reaching global implications, and experts have revealed it could play a part on future interest rates later down the line. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump has finally unveiled his long-awaited batch of tariffs - and it's gotten a mixed reaction from New Zealand's rural sector. Red meat producers have voiced their disappointment with these changes, but it's unclear how hard the dairy sector will be hit. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Director at Wellington Government Relations Firm Silvereye Conor English and broadcaster Mark Sainsbury joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day -and more!  Donald Trump has finally unveiled his tariffs to the world - with many countries being hit with 10 percent tariffs on the low end. How concerned are we? The Justice Select Committee has finished up its hearings on the Treaty Principles Bill, but thousands of submissions were not heard (or read). The opposition is complaining that National is trying to shut down the process too quickly. Is it undemocratic? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.