Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

NZ Herald Deputy Political Editor Thomas Coughlan speaks to Jack Tame about the recent week in politics, regarding Casey Costello and release of her independent advice, no more free Covid tests, Keytruda, Parking penalties increasing, and more... LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ryanair has caused quite a stir in the UK - from May next year, passengers will need to check in by smart phone only, meaning they will no longer be able to physically check in at a counter at the airport. Currently 60 percent of their customers do check in online, but those who don't face a charge of $97 nzd. For those without smartphones, they will have to find someone who has one. Ryanair does have a policy which lets passengers check-in online 60 days before their flights. Aviation Commentator Irene King told Jack Tame that it's more convenient to check in online. He says that it is the future and as a customer himself, the only focus is to get on that aircraft therefore, it is “very sensible” for that company. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been inevitable for months now that the Ministry of Education would lose responsibility for building and maintaining schools and at first glance the government's onto a winner with its alternative plan.  The review into the state of school facilities shows only a third of the almost-500 building projects in the Ministry of education queue have been fully funded and concludes the average cost of a new classroom could rise to $1.8m over the next few years.  "That is unsustainable," it says. If indeed that price is accurate, you'd be hard pressed to find someone who disagrees. Obviously not every school is the same, there are different environmental, geological and topographical challenges that distinguish different locations, and no one is expecting a 100% standardized building model for every single classroom across the country. But a greater degree of standardization makes sense and more than anything, a new system might allow for that most important quality: transparency. At the moment, it's not always clear why some school builds are prioritized over others. Schools are pushed up and down the list at the mercy of political whims. That can't continue. Schools and school communities need clarity and certainty and any system that can provide that while improving our classroom stock and improving the learning environments for our kids has to be a good thing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up to 1,000 active-duty soldiers will join the North Carolina National Guard in delivering supplies, food and water to isolated communities. President Joe Biden consoled victims whose lives were upended by the devastation of Hurricane Helene during a Thursday visit to Florida and Georgia. At least 215 people are known to have died because of the destruction wrought by Hurricane Helene. US Correspondent Mitch Mccann told Jack Tame that Helene is the second deadliest hurricane to hit the US mainland in 50 years after hurricane Katrina. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dunedin remains in a state of emergency after seeing it's wettest day in over a century - with twice the usual October rainfall falling in just 40 hours. The red warning for North Otago, Dunedin and Coastal Clutha is in place until 11pm tonight. More than 80 people were evacuated from their homes overnight and nearly 40 roads are currently closed. Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell told Jack Tame that he was at Saint Clair’s golf club and witnessed them set up the evacuation centre. Mitchell says that volunteers have helped turn out stretches and look after families as they came in. "As Kiwis we always seem to stand up and respond strongly when there's a need, and that's exactly what is happening," he said. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I've had a bit of time now to look at the so-called 'independent advice' released by Casey Costello on the efficacy of heated tobacco products which she's so curiously and steadfastly supported. To remind you, there is one company that has been providing these heated tobacco products in New Zealand: Philip Morris.  That company's external relations manager is the former chief of staff for New Zealand First and while Casey Costello says she has no links to the tobacco industry and that the tobacco industry has nothing to do with the policies she supports, she insists the heated tobacco products have a 'similar risk profile to vapes,' and so she wanted to see the excise tax on these products halved.  What did the official advice say? First of all, the tax side - Philip Morris had a monopoly on the market, so it was hardly surprising that Treasury pointed out there was nothing that would make Philip Morris pass on excise tax cuts to consumers. And then, the health side. The Ministry of Health could find "no compelling evidence of the devices helping to stop smoking" So then to justify such a move, halving the tax, you'd think Casey Costello would have to have some compelling evidence that Heated Tobacco Products were really effective as a smoking cessation tool, for people who weren't simply vaping instead. Except, she didn't. Her evidence included an opinion piece, an article which says heated tobacco products *might* help smokers quit but could also attract non-smokers, an outdated study that doesn't mention heated tobacco products, a study of snus (which isn't a heated a tobacco product), an article talking about Japan, which doesn't have vaping and relied on data from Philip Morris International and the Tobacco Institute of Japan, one of whose founding members was Philip Morris International.  I mean, come on - I can't recall a time when such a poor standard of evidence has been cited by a Minister advocating for this kind of legislative change. This isn't some rando backbencher, this is a Cabinet Minister. We all deserve better.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has paid back over £6,000 ($12,000 NZD) in gifts and hospitality received since taking up the role after a controversy over donations.  Starmer is covering the cost of six Taylor Swift tickets, four tickets to the races, and a designer clothing rental agreement favoured by his wife, Lady Victoria Starmer. UK correspondent says Starmer is under pressure to improve transparency after he and some other MPs faced criticism over accepting freebies from wealthy donors. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nuclear energy is experiencing a resurgence in interest amid concern surrounding shortages. Its greenhouse gas emissions are smaller than most - and  reactors produce reliable baseline electricity cheaply and efficiently. Fisher Funds expert Sam Dickie unpacks whether nuclear energy can have a future in New Zealand. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dunedin residents are preparing for a deluge of rain. A red heavy rain warning is in force for North Otago, Dunedin and coastal Clutha today and tomorrow. Otago Civil Defence says people should only travel tonight if absolutely necessary - to avoid getting caught up in rising rivers or streams. The Country's Jamie Mackay says people are getting the sandbags ready ahead of the weather changes. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Business leaders have given their verdict on the Government in the Herald’s Mood of the Boardroom survey. Some experts have noted that as the country enters an interest-rate cutting phase, now is the time to have a discussion about the make-up of ongoing retirement savings. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann says there's a clear mood for change as the economy enters a new phase. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union and Infrastructure NZ CEO Nick Leggett joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  New data from the 2023 Census reveals over half the country isn't religious? Is this surprising? What do we think changed? The Mood of the Boardroom Survey results came out today, revealing Kiwi business leaders are feeling more optimistic about the economy. What do we make of this? A teenager has been arrested for running a  'smishing' scam - where fraudulent text messages are sent out en masse to get people to give up sensitive information. Should we be concerned about this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive with Jack Tame Full Show Podcast for Thursday 3 October 2024, the highest possible weather warning has been issued for Dunedin. Otago Civil Defence Group Controller Matt Alley updates Jack on the extreme rainfall and likelihood of evacuation for the region. Police are delighted at the number of new recruit applicants and to keep up with the influx, Assistant Commissioner for Leadership, Talent and Development Jill Rogers discusses the potential of a new Police College in Auckland. The Huddle reflects on the latest Census data and Nicola Willis inviting her opposition counterpart to talk on superannuation. And Nicola Willis reacts to the latest Mood of the Boardroom survey. 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 Finance Minister is pleased the nation's business heavyweights share her values and priorities. The Herald's annual Mood of the Boardroom survey has found CEOs and board members are more optimistic than pessimistic about the economy. But they still have concerns about things like energy, living costs, interest rates, cyber security threats and insurance costs. Nicola Willis says it's good to see New Zealand's business community agrees with the Government's optimism about the economy. "They're focused on the same things we are, which is - let's get growth happening. Investments, new jobs, more innovation, more exporting. We're on the same page." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than half of Kiwis have no religion, new data shows. Census figures released today shows the proportion of people without religion is now at 51.6 percent. Massey University Emeritus Professor of Religion, Peter Lineham says Christianity has been declining since the 1960s. "It speeded up a tremendous amount in the period from 2006 to 2018 - and it's still going on." Lineham says the speed of people choosing no religion is reducing, suggesting other religions may be replacing Christianity. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Defence Minister says China featured in round-table talks with South Pacific partners this week.  Auckland hosted the annual meeting for ministers from Australia, Fiji, France, Chile, Tonga and Papua New Guinea. Judith Collins says everybody was very disappointed by China's recent intercontinental ballistic missile test over the Pacific Ocean.  She says New Zealand was told a few hours beforehand.  "But most of the countries over whose territory it would have flown did not know about it - and people felt that that was unwelcomed, unexpected and unnecessary  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A police college based in Auckland could be on the cards.  New intakes at the Porirua college will be bolstered next year by 20 recruits each wing to reach 100 trainees.  By late August, applications had overtaken 5,500 - more than double the number for the same period last year. But Assistant Commissioner Jill Rogers says the Porirua facility is already groaning at the seams.  "It makes sense for us to look in that Tāmaki Makaurau environment, because that's where the bulk of our people will come from. I think it's a good, sensible decision for us to start looking around there." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The message is clear as heavy rain pelts the lower South - be prepared. A red-level heavy rain warning is in force for North Otago, Dunedin and coastal Clutha. NIWA reports Dunedin has already had 75 percent of its normal monthly rainfall for October. Otago Civil Defence group controller Matt Alley said they were continuing to monitor rain as it was falling. "We have our emergency operation centre in Dunedin city and Clutha and a coordination centre in Dunedin as well, fully activated." Residents and visitors to Central Otago's Omakau and Ophir are under a Boil Water Notice for the time being and drinking water tankers are at the Omakau Domain and Swindon Street. Conserve water notices remain in place for Ranfurly, Naseby and Patearoa. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest Census data is out, with numbers for all sorts of data points from ethnicity, home ownership and income to gender and sexual identity. But the number that most interested me today is buried in the housing stats. In 2018, when we last did the numbers, about one in every six New Zealand homes recorded mould bigger than an A4 piece of paper. More than 21 percent of households recorded dampness at home. But despite our famously crappy housing stock, the numbers have meaningfully improved. Today, 18 percent of houses have dampness: a 3.4 percent improvement. And from one-in-six homes previously, one-in-seven households now records mould at home. In real numbers, that's roughly 70,000 fewer damp homes and 50,000 fewer mouldy homes than we would have had if our housing was at the same standard as it was in 2018. That's a real success.  So what's changed in that time? Obviously newer homes are more likely to be built to a better, warmer standard. But I also think you can credit some of that improvement to the healthy homes standards. And while, of course, bringing rental stock up to standard has come at an expense, it's surely nothing compared to the cost of healthcare for those who'd otherwise be getting sick in cold, damp homes.  There's isn't all that much the previous Government can hang its hat on in terms of enduring change - but I reckon that policy is a winner. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Chris Luxon's feeling 'stoked' with today's Mood of the Boardroom survey results. The nation's business heavy-weights have ranked Government ministers in the Herald's annual survey - and they're feeling pretty optimistic with the state of the current Government. NZ Herald deputy political editor Thomas Coughlan says the nation's business community always feels more positive when they get a centre-right Government aligned with their needs. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police in New South Wales have applied to the state’s top court to ban two pro-Palestinian rallies set to take place this weekend. Next Monday marks the one-year anniversary of Hamas’s attacks on Israel and the start of the conflict in Gaza - and police aim to stop a rally taking place on that date from going forward on top of the usual weekend protests. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says police are concerned about the potential risks to public safety, especially for Monday's event. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

INEOS Britannia are one win away from earning the right to challenge Team New Zealand for the America's Cup. The British syndicate has beaten Luna Rossa in both races overnight to lead 6-4 in the best-of-13 Louis Vuitton series. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police have arrested a teenager after disrupting a 'sophisticated smishing scam' using new technology never seen in New Zealand before. Authorities have described smishing - a form of phishing - as when a device known an 'SMS Blaster' is used as a fake cell tower and tricks nearby cellphones to connect to its fraudulent network. This 'SMS Blaster' has reportedly sent thousands of fake texts claiming to be from banks - in order to encourage people to share their passwords, account details and other sensitive information. National Cyber Security centre team lead Tom Roberts says the messages look professional. He explained people click on the link thinking it's from the bank or insurance company - without realising they're entering in details for someone to steal.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UK forces were found to be involved in supporting Israel's response after Iran launched a missile attack on the country. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer says the UK 'stands with Israel' and recognises its right to self-defence. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says other MPs will be very disappointed with this revelation. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A proposal to re-develop Marsden Point's decommissioned refinery is being considered. Channel Infrastructure NZ recently entered a conditional agreement with Seadra Energy to create a bio-refinery at the Northland site.  Seadra would purchase it for about $53-million and use some existing, decommissioned assets like tankage and jetties. Milford Asset Management's Jeremy Hutton unpacks what this could look like. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Politicians of all stripes say the Government shouldn’t try to stop the values of properties vulnerable to the effects of climate change from plummeting. In fact, they believe there is room for at-risk property values to fall further to discourage investment in flood-prone parts of the country. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny unpacks these findings further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has continued its push to increase the use of remote building inspections to speed up the construction and consenting process. Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk has voiced disapproval with the current process - and claimed that remote inspections will make the building process more efficient and affordable.  NZ Certified Builders CEO Malcolm Fleming says this process works well in remote parts of the country - or high-congestion areas like Auckland CBD. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, journalist Mark Sainsbury and Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The partner of an Australian diplomat was allegedly involved in an altercation in central Wellington early on Sunday and authorities are looking to waive immunity to press charges. Do we think diplomatic immunity standards need to be changed? The vice presidential debate took place today ahead of the November US election - what do we think of this? Who won the debate - JD Vance or Tim Walz? The conflict in the Middle East is amping up, with Iran launching a significant missile attack over at Israel. Where is this going to end? Can a solution be found? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive with Jack Tame Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 2 October 2024, the situation in the Middle East continues to escalate with Iran firing missiles into Israel. Director of Special Projects at the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council Bren Carlill joins Jack to discuss how other countries can avoid getting involved. Health New Zealand is urging the Government to consider allowing private companies to build and run the country's hospitals - Former Health NZ Chair Rob Campbell discusses the potential of this idea. Former Black Caps coach Mike Hesson shares his thoughts on Tim Southee relinquishing the Black Caps test captaincy. The Huddle considers the fairness of diplomatic immunity and how the world will weigh in on tensions in the Middle East. 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.

Genesis Energy has confirmed it will spend $64 million on taking a majority stake in ChargeNet - the nation's leading EV public charging network. Under terms of the agreement, Genesis will acquire a 65 percent stake in ChargeNet, which was founded in 2015 by tech entrepreneurs Steve and Dianna West.  Genesis chief retail officer Stephen England-Hall says decarbonising New Zealand's transport output is critical to the country's future. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A legal expert sees a reasonable chance New Zealand could waive diplomatic immunity after allegations about an Australian diplomat's partner surfaced. Sky News has reported the partner was involved in an altercation in central Wellington early on Sunday. New Zealand Police have confirmed they're seeking to waive diplomatic immunity for an individual, so charges can be laid. Electoral law expert Graeme Edgeler says such actions tend to be on a step by step basis. "The friendlier we are with those countries, the more likely it is that they might agree." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One former Black Caps coach has expressed some confusion as Tim Southee relinquished his team captaincy.  Tom Latham has taken the reins after Southee ended his tenure as skipper with six wins, six losses and two draws through just under two years at the helm. Mike Hesson says some aspects of his resignation have raised a few questions. "I can't think of any side in the world where you would name a captain on a game-by-game basis. You're playing for your nation - I thought the transition period made good sense, but when he was named captain, it sort of made life difficult for Tim." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's belief Republican candidate JD Vance completely lost credibility as today's vice-presidential debate ended.  The contest against Democrat Tim Walz was mostly civil and policy focused.  But Vance dodged a question on Donald Trump challenging the 2020 election results - saying he's 'future-focused'.  Former US ambassador to New Zealand, Mark Gilbert, says until that moment, Vance had restored likeability and seemed strong. "It was a very awkward moment - and if I was sitting there as an undecided voter, I would have really recoiled at the answer he gave about 2020." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was civil. It was somewhat thoughtful. It was focused for the most part on policy.   It was, frankly, a novel experience to be watching a modern U.S political debate that didn't immediately descend into petty name calling, insults, conspiracy theories, hyperbole and lies. I thought JD Vance was much better than Tim Walz. If these things are to be scored, then he was the winner for me. He didn't throw around insults in the same way that he has on the campaign trail, which I thought was an interesting strategic approach. I thought he did a really good job of presenting as smart and reasonable, and as a steady partner of a more chaotic running mate. I also thought he was humane in a way that Trump never is. Tim Walz talked about his 17-year-old witnessing a shooting, and JD Vance let him speak - and immediately responded in a decent way. I didn't know, he said. I'm really sorry. For the most part, Tim Walz, wasn't terrible. He made that weird gaffe where it sounded as though he said something about becoming friends with school shooters, and he just didn't look as fresh, self-assured, and slick as JD Vance. His best moment was directly asking Vance if he believed Trump won the 2020 election... Vance gave a classic politician answer, said he was 'focused on the future'. What does it mean for the race? Not heaps. There was more to lose tonight for the respective campaigns than there was to win. It might translate to a wee bump in support, a few more voters shoring up their decisions - but more than anything, for Team Trump, it's probably the first bit of momentum in the right direction for the best part of six weeks. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's hopes that the US will step in soon to de-escalate Middle East tensions.  Iran has launched nearly 200 missiles at Israel, with most being intercepted. Israel is promising consequences while continuing airstrikes - and yesterday, forces invaded Lebanon. The Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council says strong intervention is the only way to end the cycle. Policy analyst Bren Carlill says Iran's weak military could be swiftly subdued.  "Were the US to send a couple of missiles at, say, an Iranian drone-making factory or an Iranian missile factory - I think Iran would get the message and very quickly realise it needs to step back."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The vice presidential candidates in the US election clashed in their first and only debate ahead of the 2024 US election. Democrat Tim Walz and Republican JD Vance faced off over the economy, abortion, immigration, the conflict in the Middle East and energy. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the pair raised some interesting arguments over the future of energy and natural gas - a message some Kiwi politicians should really listen to.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in the US, both vice presidential candidates just had their first and only debate ahead of the November election. Democrat Tim Walz and Republican JD Vance clashed over hot-button issues including the Middle East crisis, immigration, taxes, and climate change - to name a few. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says this debate felt more civilised than the Trump-Harris clash from September - but Vance delivered the better performance. "Vance was obviously much more polished, Walz came off as a little more nervous, especially off the top - but he has said before that he doesn't like speaking in front of crowds and gets a little nervous and flustered. But I'll tell you this - both seemed more respectful of one another than Trump and Harris did." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A whitewash test series defeat to Sri Lanka was Tim Southee's trigger to step down as Black Caps test captain. Tom Latham will take the reins with immediate effect, beginning with three tests in India starting in a fortnight. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave says this was the right move on Southee's part. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's suggestions private companies should build - and potentially run - our public hospitals. 1News reports Health NZ is urging the Government to consider private sector help, given the investment required for dozens of hospitals. Former Health NZ chair Rob Campbell says he believes this is being raised now as a diversion. "It's previously been held off because the very large projects - like the Dunedin Hospital - frankly, wouldn't attract a partner to do the kind of work that needs to be done." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Duke of Sussex has returned to the UK to make a brief public appearance at a central London charity event. Prince Harry attended WellChild's annual awards ceremony at a London hotel to pay tribute to the young people recognised at the event. UK correspondent Enda Brady says it's unlikely Harry will be able to meet up with the royals - and will probably depart for California before a reunion can take place.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian retail sales rebounded by more than expected in August as warmer weather brought forward spring spending after a midwinter slump. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, retail sales rose 0.7 percent - beating out initial predictions of 0.4 percent. HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham says it's clear recent tax cuts have driven up consumer spending. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Construction continues to slow, although consents for office and public transport buildings have risen 26 percent. Stats NZ says new home consents dropped 20 percent in the year to August - and standalone new builds fell 9.7 percent. Consents for townhouses, apartments, retirement village units, and flats are down 27 percent. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen unpacks the factors behind the decline. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another Global Dairy Trade auction is expected to take place tonight - and experts are predicting more good news this time round. There was a substantial life off the back of the previous auction - with a 0.8 percent increase across the board. The Country's Jamie Mackay outlined his predictions ahead of tonight's results. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NZIER's latest Quarterly Survey of Business Opinion (QSBO) shows a marked improvement in business confidence in the September quarter. A net 5 percent of firms expect a deterioration in general economic conditions over the coming months - a significant drop from the net 40 percent that expected a downturn three months ago. NZIER deputy chief executive Christina Leung says demand was quite weak over the September quarter, but expectations have gone up for the subsequent months. "Expectations for the next quarter are looking more positive, and that's particularly the case for sectors such as retail and services - to the extent that these are the sectors that are more exposed to the household sector." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you were in a bit of a rush yesterday morning, I dunno - perhaps somehow you were caught out by daylight saving and you scrambling to get to an appointment - and you forgot to put money in the meter before rushing off, you'd have been fined $40. If you did it today, exactly the same offence, you'd be fined $70. Almost double. Parking fines are up for the first time in twenty years and errant parkers will be facing stricter penalties across the board.  I don't have an issue with the higher fines. If you don't want to be fined, pay for your parking. It's pretty simple.  But despite supporting higher fines, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown isn't happy with the regime. He takes issue with the fact that fines are still set by central Government under the Land Transport Act, rather than local councils. I think he's got a good point. It seems absurd to me that for all the talk about localism, councils are still relying on an edict from Wellington to set their parking fines. If a council can't be relied on to set appropriate parking fines, how on Earth can expect it to manage a balance sheet, consenting or complex infrastructure planning?  And Wayne Brown's quite right - there's no reason that fines in congested city centres should be the same as parking fines on the main street of a regional town.  Central government says it wants local councils to be focused on the basics. Setting the parking fines within its own jurisdiction qualifies as a basic, for me.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Ali Jones from Red PR and Phil O'Reilly from Iron Duke Partners joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! New research shows more young men are feeling pressured to start using steroids and other illegal enhancers to keep up with body image pressures. How concerning is this?  Prime Minister Chris Luxon is on the defensive after selling his Wellington apartment - and claimed he won't apologise for his success. Is this response justified? ACC has received 128 claims for fall-related injuries from Croc wearers so far this year, costing nearly $64,000. What do we make of this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive with Jack Tame Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 1 October 2024, the Israeli Military says it has begun a "limited, localised" ground offensive against Hezbollah targets in Southern Lebanon. International relations expert Robert Patman tells Jack Israel has the upper hand against  the Houthis, Hamas and Hezbollah with the backing of the United States. New Zealand is seeing its highest number of credit card applications since 2021. Personal Finance Lead at Sorted Tom Hartmann considers which factors, beyond cost of living and high interest rates, could be the cause. Love them or hate them, Crocs are costing ACC - with 17 percent more croc-related claims already this year than last. The Huddle considers the rise of steroid use in young men and debates the fairness of a Capital Gains Tax. 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.

Fuelled by fitness and gym content online, more young men say they are turning to risky and illegal measures to enhance their appearances. According to new reports, men in their 20s - or younger - have been encouraged to use steroids and other banned performance-enhancing substances in order to keep up with pressure to look a certain way. Otago University Emeritus Professor David Gerrard says young men are just as vulnerable to being impacted by social media influencers as women - and there's pressure for them to keep up with standards. "It's a culture that has unfortunately crept in - and it does seem to have its genesis in and around certain gymnasiums and the ambience that that creates." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Foodstuffs has argued a merger blocked by the Commerce Commission would benefit consumers and suppliers.  The competition watchdog has decided merging the chain's North and South Island co-ops would substantially lessen competition.  Foodstuffs North Island CEO Chris Quin says they're likely to appeal the decision - based on the evidence they have at this point. He says the move would only have changed the support each retailer received.  "Which is out of sight of customers and a part of retail competition - to bring it together in a more efficient way so that we can keep delivering value and innovation for New Zealanders. That's the disappointing thing about today's outcome."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A popular - and divisive - shoe is making a significant showing in more ACC claims. ACC has received 128 claims for fall-related injuries from Croc wearers so far this year, costing nearly $64,000. There were 109 claims last year. But injury prevention spokesperson, James Whittaker, says although Crocs and jandals feature in some trips, slips and falls - the problem is much bigger than that. "Around 700,000 people have fall-related claims supported by ACC in any given year - and it costs around $2 billion to support those people." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hostilities are running high - and fear's rising for the future - as Israel launches a ground offensive into southern Lebanon.  Lebanon says Israeli attacks in the past two weeks have already killed more than a thousand people.  Otago University international relations professor Robert Patman says the recent pummelling of Hezbollah has severely degraded the militant group. He says backing from the US is helping Israel keep the upper hand over resistance groups.  "But also - the loss of civilians in Lebanon, as well as the loss of civilians in Gaza, is fuelling anti-Israeli feelings which are going to have long-term consequences."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.