Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Damian McKenzie has turned down overseas offers to remain in New Zealand through until 2029. The All Blacks and Chiefs playmaker says there were offers to return to Japan on a full-time basis. But McKenzie says he still wanted to stick around and experience all the All Blacks had to offer. "There's no place like home either - in fact, the next two years are going to be a big couple of years for myself and both teams, so the option to stay in New Zealand was an easy one in the end." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian households are set to gain some federal help to cut down on their energy bills. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese aims to cut down the cost of household batteries to make electricity costs more manageable for Australian households. Australian correspondent Jake Battrick says these batteries are solar-powered - and cost households up to $10,000. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Damian McKenzie is singling out the 2029 tour by the British and Irish Lions to New Zealand as a major reason behind his re-signing with NZR. The Chiefs and All Blacks playmaker is the first player to ink a deal that incorporates the next Lions tour. Sportstalk host Jason Pine explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Minister-in-charge has promised Interislander's ferries are safe until our new ones arrive. The Government's announced specifications for two ships - rail enabled and larger than the current pair - for roll out by Christmas 2029. Picton's port infrastructure will be replaced, but money will be saved by modifications and refurbishment in Wellington. Previous plans were canned in 2023, after cost blowouts. Minister for Rail Winston Peters says KiwiRail's given him an overview of the existing ships. "They are very confident that these present utilities are going to be capable of going well past 2029." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Small businesses will have less health and safety obligations under new reforms.  Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden has revealed her first changes to the Health and Safety at Work Act.  She says small businesses will only need to manage risks relating to death or serious injury to reduce compliance costs.  BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich says it will bring a sigh of relief from small businesses - who are able to just focus on their success. "Safety is still paramount, but what we're seeing here is a clarification of what the responsibilities are." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister is looking to boost competition in New Zealand's supermarket sector - with a final push to encourage new players to enter the market. Nicola Willis says any new retailers looking to enter would be given 'VIP treatment' from the Government, removing regulatory hurdles impeding its growth. Former Costco managing director Patrick Noone explains that international retailers have to deal with their own challenges when trying to enter the New Zealand market. "Real estate prices were a massive barrier - there's just not a lot of retail space available to be purchased or rented. So I think that's a huge barrier." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 28 March 2025, the Government's called in the Commerce Commission to deal with concerns with Wellington Water's management. How does the government feel about stomping up money for Auckland's Eden Park? Royal correspondent Juliet Rieden speaks to Ryan Bridge about King Charles' hospital admission after cancer treatment side effects. Plus, Ryan reveals his gardening faux pas and why someone tried to steal his lawnmower. 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.

The EU has put out a list of items necessary for being caught in military or cyberattacks. The Crisis Management Commissioner suggested 450 million people should stockpile three days’ worth of food, water, or other essentials in the case of these situations or natural disasters. UK Correspondent Gavin Grey talks to Ryan Bridge about the recommendation and why the price of chocolate is rising. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth has headed to Asia after fallout from war plans conversations being leaked through the Signal app.  The visit comes at a difficult time in US-Japanese relations after his boss, President Donald Trump, imposed tariffs on Japan.  Asia Business Correspondent Peter Lewis talks to Ryan Bridge about the trip, BYD overtaking Tesla, and subsidies in China.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Watercare’s tunnel boring machine has completed a four-year journey, breaking through this morning. The development comes as Watercare has announced a $14 billion investment to renew ageing and failing pipes over the next decade. Meanwhile, Auckland water charges will rise by 7.2% from July as Watercare becomes financially independent. Incoming Watercare CEO Jamie Sinclair talks to Ryan Bridge about what the investment means. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newstalk ZB's Andrew Alderson and Crusaders commentator Nick Bewley join Ryan Bridge on the Huddle.  Auckland Council has voted to go ahead with Eden Park upgrades, but they're hanging out for money elsewhere. Will they get it? Liam Lawson has been dumped by Red Bull after two races. Has it been fair? The Huddle discuss it all.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

King Charles was hospitalised today after side effects related to his cancer treatment. The King has cancelled two days of engagements but is back at his residence in Clarence House.  Australian Women's Weekly Royal Correspondent Juliet Rieden talks to Ryan Bridge. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called the 2025 general election for 3 May. Housing costs and economic concerns are what voters will be bringing to the polls. National editor of The Australian Dennis Shanahan talks to Ryan Bridge about what's to come.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand show ‘After the Party’ has been nominated for a BAFTA TV award in the UK. The show follows a high school teacher who accuses her husband of sexually abusing their daughter's friend, starring Robyn Malcolm and Scottish actor Peter Mullan. The shows director and producer Pete Salmon talks to Ryan Bridge about the nomination. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is calling in the Commerce Commission to help fix Wellington's water issues. This means Wellington Water will have to report details of its financial management to the Commerce Commission, and the commission will make sure that Wellington ratepayers aren't getting ripped off. How exactly are they going to do it? Local Government Minister Simon Watts talks to Ryan Bridge about the details. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis is set to announce plans to encourage a third supermarket competitor on Sunday.  Senior Political Editor Barry Soper says this means the Government will outline the process they'll use to make it easier for a third party to start up in New Zealand.  Barry Soper talks to Ryan Bridge about the announcement and the Eden Park upgrade.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another Government department has been hit in the US, as 10,000 jobs are to be cut in the Health Department.  This comes as 10,000 employees had already left or taken early retirement.  US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson talks to Ryan Bridge about the cuts, a warning for staff cabinet staff using the signal app that leaked war plans, and how many parents are financially supporting their adult kids.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liam Lawson has officially been dropped by Red Bull.  The Kiwi driver has been replaced by Yuki Tsunoda after qualifying out of the top 10 in the seasons races so far.  Weekend Sport host Jason Pine joins the show, discussing why Liam Lawson wasn't given a fair shot, and Super Rugby round 7 this weekend. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ball is in the Government's court after Auckland council has decided to back an Eden Park upgrade over a waterfront stadium.  $100 million is needed from either the Government of the council.  Associate Minister of Finance David Seymour talks to Ryan Bridge about the decision.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump's latest tariffs on auto imports could send the UK into a recession, according to experts. The US President says putting a 25 percent tariff in place would boost manufacturing - but this comes with risks for global supply chains. UK correspondent Enda Brady warns these tariffs could make the economy 'untenable' - and plunge the UK straight into a downturn. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, CTU chief economist Craig Rennie and Tim Wilson from the Maxim Institute joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  Eden Park has won the Auckland stadium battle, with Auckland Council overwhelmingly voted to endorse the Park as the city's main stadium over a new site near the waterfront. Do we agree with this? Has Tamatha Paul done damage to the Greens' election chances with her comments on the police? Or is she playing to her voters? Judith Collins has exceeded her target for consultant cuts, almost doubling the original cuts. Does this not prove the Government's point that there was plenty of fat to cut in the public service? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Indian stock market is catching the attention of investors - and experts are claiming there's plenty of potential. The economy is also attracting positive attention - but one expert is warning there's a notable Achilles heel. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today was day two of the South Island Field Days event at Kirwee - and thousands of Kiwis turned up for the event. Today, the event was swarming with politicians - including Prime Minister Chris Luxon and Labour's Chris Hipkins. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Donald Trump has recently announced he will be putting 25 percent tariffs on auto imports into the US. Trump explained this move would foster domestic manufacturing - but economists are concerned about the wider implications of this move. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann unpacks the outcomes of this - and warns more changes could come as the Trump administration is set to announce reciprocal tariffs in April. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Green MP Tamatha Paul has copped more criticism from her political peers. The Wellington Central MP's been under fire over comments she made last week criticising police beat patrols - and suggesting all they do is throw away homeless people's possessions. Tamatha Paul reiterated those claims in further interviews. She also claimed a woman was imprisoned for stealing $12 worth of items - and when questioned, could not verify whether what she was told was true or not. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this isn't a good look. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is poised to call the country’s federal election as early as Friday, according to new reports. Speculation claims Albanese will make the move in an attempt to overshadow Peter Dutton’s budget speech. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says it's likely opposition leader Dutton will announce a cut in fuel taxes soon - but Albanese's announcement could overshadow it.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 27 March 2025, Auckland Council has voted to back Eden Park as the city's main stadium. Eden Park boss Nick Sautner tells Ryan Bridge who should pay to develop the stadium. Public Service Minister Judith Collins is celebrating cutting almost twice as much consultant fat from the public service... but she's already indicating she wants even more public servants to lose their jobs. Can your car insurance company decline your claim if you've had a drink? A dispute tribunal has settled the question. Plus, the Huddle debates whether Tamatha Paul's police comments are going to hurt the Green vote - and is Craig Rennie going to run for Parliament in Wellington Central? 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 World Cricketers' Association has gone upstairs to the DRS in a bid for bilateral series to stay at the scheduling crease. The players' arm of the sport has interviewed dozens of stakeholders and concluded an annual calendar with assigned windows is required from 2028. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's made several housing announcements today - including allocating $100 million to be lent to developers for housing infrastructure on the outskirts of cities.   Minister Chris Bishop also confirms the Government will cut RMA red tape limiting development on new land.  He says the housing crisis is holding us back economically and socially. RMA lawyer Johanna King says these changes could work out for farmers - who can build extra spaces on their land without restrictions getting in the way. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A driver who scraped another car with his vehicle while leaving a bar carpark has had an insurer's decision to turn down his claim on the basis he had been drinking overturned. The claim was initially denied because the insurer said the driver was 'under the influence' - but he argued two handles of beer was hardly inebriated.  Barrister Chris Patterson says there's a lesson that can be taken from this. "If you've been wronged, then it's worth taking the insurance company on. If you know that the insurance company's on good grounds because the grounds they gave you are fair and you accept them - it's probably not worth taking them on." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eden Park has triumphed in its battle to be Auckland's Council's preferred stadium - over building a new facility near the city's waterfront. The council has voted to endorse, in principle, the first stage of upgrading the park, with 17 in favour and two against with one abstention. Eden Park chief executive Nick Sautner says his team is delighted by the vote.  "We've had 125 years of history and tradition, we've had some of New Zealand's most memorable sporting moments - and this decision today is a special day in our history." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Access to timely primary and hospital healthcare has significantly deteriorated.  Health New Zealand's released a Clinical Quality and Safety Review - using data from the past decade. It reveals numbers of people waiting more than four months to see a specialist tripled between 2020 and 2023.  Chief clinical officer Richard Sullivan says Covid played a role and numbers are stabilising. But he says there's a long way to go. He also explained one target is 95 percent of patients waiting less than four months - but we're on about 60 percent, so improving that is a big focus. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Judith Collins says she believes public service productivity has increased under her Government.   It's on track towards the goal of cutting $400 million off contractor and consultant spending - with a forecast it'll cut more than double that figure. The Public Service Minister says it's not a case of just shifting work onto public servants, because the service as whole shrank four percent in the year to June.  "Quite clearly, people are working better - but more people are focused, I think, on delivering better results for taxpayers." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Legislation to allow roadside drug testing has recently passed its third and final reading in Parliament - but concerns have been raised. Some fear that people using ADHD medication could be caught out by the new roadside drug tests carried out by police. AA Road Safety spokesperson Dylan Thomsen says testing devices in Australia don't generally pick up on ADHD medication or medicinal cannabis - so it's possible people won't need to worry. "The law is also going to have a medical defence... so if you have a prescription and you're using it as prescribed, you shouldn't be looking at any fines or demerit points even if you did return a positive test."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An electricity substation fire in London that closed Heathrow Airport last week is no longer being treated as a criminal matter. Metropolitan Police have announced there's no evidence to suggest it's suspicious - after briefly bringing in counter-terrorism officers. UK correspondent Gavin Grey unpacks the findings of the investigation. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KMD Brands, parent of Kathmandu, Rip Curl and Oboz, has posted a $20 million half-year loss despite growing sales year-on-year, a result the company puts down to struggling consumer confidence and wholesale channels. However, the company believes the momentum is building, with Kathmandu’s sales continuing to improve despite the downturn. Milford Asset Management's Jeremy Hutton explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Revenue Minister Simon Watts this month unveiled plans to change the Foreign Investment Fund (FIF) regime to give some foreigners with illiquid investments offshore an additional, possibly more advantageous, way of paying tax. He said the Government would also consider exempting more Kiwis from the FIF rules, which incentivise domestic investment, but can be an administrative nightmare. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny unpacked the current concerns - and explained why people are calling on the Government to go further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! World Athletics will introduce DNA tests for female track and field athletes to prove their sex. What do we make of that? Should the Olympics follow suit? Tauranga Council's coffee bill is sparking criticism - is it outrageous to have a nice coffee machine in the workplace?  Green MP Tamatha Paul is under fire over her criticisms of police - what do we think of this? Were her comments out of line? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Torpedo7’s new owners have revealed a major shake-up to the outdoor sports gear retailer. Tahua Partners plan to close its stores in Rotorua and Auckland's Westgate, then convert 10 of the 16 remaining locations to a new offering called The Outlet. In a statement, it says Torpedo7 will continue to prioritise its online presence and its six flagship stores. Owner Roger Harper says there's a clear gap in the market - and outlet shopping is always popular. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research reveals New Zealand businesses are losing billions of dollars a year as a result of unwell workers pushing through instead of taking time out to recover. In a new report by Umbrella Wellbeing, 'presenteeism' - when employees turn up to work while physically or mentally unwell - has been found to erode productivity and result in costly mistakes from staff. Umbrella Wellbeing Principal Psychologist Dougal Sutherland says 'presenteeism' creates significant costs for employers - but the data is difficult to track.  "It's very hard to count - but an estimate is that it's costing over $40 billion in lost productivity every year in New Zealand." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 26 March 2025, reports claim Kiwi F1 driver Liam Lawson is about to be dropped by Red Bull - is that the end of his F1 career already?   Why a high school principal is telling parents they need to watch the new Netflix show "Adolescence". Outrage at Tauranga City Council for spending half a million dollars on new coffee machines for its staff. Plus, the Huddle debates Green MP Tamatha Paul's latest crazy idea on 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.

World Athletics has approved the introduction of cheek swabbing to determine if an athlete is biologically female. The global body's president Sebastian Coe says the decision is further evidence his organisation will protect the women's category in competition. The intention is to have the testing in place for September's world championships in Tokyo. Former Olympian and Otago University Emeritus Professor Dave Gerrard says the science behind the proposed tests is solid - and it's a reliable testing method. "It's used in common medical practice for genetic issues - and to determine the sex of individuals. So it's sound, and it is sound science."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tauranga City Council has copped some backlash after accepting a five-year contract for coffee machines and coffee at a total cost of $470,000. This comes as the council proposed putting parking fees on boaties - sparking outrage from ratepayers. Tauranga Councillor Steve Morris understands why people are outraged by this. "Charity starts at home - and perhaps we could be charging 50 cents or even $1 per coffee from our council organisation to recoup the costs." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Justice Minister says the Government is still fleshing out some sentencing details as new rules pass through Parliament.   Legislation passed today caps judges' sentence discounts at 40 percent.  It also encourages cumulative sentencing for offences done on bail, in custody, or on parole.  Minister Paul Goldsmith says it sends a bad signal if sentences aren't added together.  "We haven't gone so far as legislating that that should always happen every time at this stage, because it does have very, very significant impacts on our prison populations - and our ability to cope with it." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liam Lawson has reportedly been dropped by his Red Bull team - just two races into the Formula One season. Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf claim Lawson will be swapped with Yuki Tsunoda for the next race in Japan. Motorsport expert Greg Murphy says meetings have taken place regarding the future of Red Bull's drivers - but no official release has been sent out yet. "Until there's an official Red Bull release, we'll just sit tight and wait and see. It sounds pretty drastic, to be fair - it's been a challenging start for Liam." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Outrageous and 'a load of rubbish' are the Prime Minister's words to describe a Green MP's comments about police. Wellington Central MP Tamatha Paul spoke at an event last week, saying all beat police do is walk around - and throw away homeless people's items. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this makes the Greens look like a laughing stock. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries says the Defence Secretary should be fired over texting war plans in a group chat. Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg was accidentally added to a Signal group chat where Pete Hegseth posted plans for attacks in Yemen - two hours beforehand. Jeffries says that threatened national security, and likely violated the law. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says President Trump has attempted to downplay the incident. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Speculation about Liam Lawson's Red Bull future is picking up speed with the Formula One team reportedly dropping the New Zealander ahead of next week's Japanese Grand Prix. Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf is claiming Racing Bulls driver Yuki Tsunoda is in line to replace Lawson. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Netflix's new four-part crime drama Adolescence has generated acclaim and positive reviews - and it's sparked discussions about online radicalisation and toxic masculinity. The series deals with the fallout after a 13-year-old boy stabs a teenage girl to death - while addressing the factors that can warp young people's perspectives about the world around them. St Kevins College principal Jo Walshe says this series is an 'important' piece of art. "It's something that's going to stimulate an enormous amount of conversation, it's something that is probably going to get through to people in a way that's going to be a lot better than people like me standing up and telling families not to allow their young kids to have social media." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has promised to fix every pothole in Britain. In an earlier radio interview, Starmer announced plans to provide a 'record amount' of money to local authorities to fill 7 million potholes a year. UK correspondent Enda Brady says Starmer promised to use AI and technology to speed this process up.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.