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Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

12,438 episodes — Page 103 of 249

D'Arcy Waldegrave: Sportstalk host on Beauden Barrett replacing Damian McKenzie for this weekend's Wallabies rematch

Beauden Barrett is expected to start at first five-eighth for the All Blacks rematch with the Wallabies in Wellington on Saturday. Through his eight tests in charge this year, All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has maintained unwavering faith in Damian McKenzie. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave unpacked this change. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 25, 20244 min

Dougal Sutherland: Umbrella Wellbeing psychologist on Stats NZ releasing official ‘wellbeing’ data for New Zealand

Stats NZ has published the latest official wellbeing data - revealing whether or not Kiwis' satisfaction with life has dipped. Despite two years of economic turmoil and recession, people's overall satisfaction with life is at a 7.6 out of 10 - a similar rating to 2021, when the economy was better. Umbrella Wellbeing psychologist Dougal Sutherland says Kiwis have always have had something to worry about, which disrupts quality of life. "We worry about certain things - in 2021, we were all worried about Covid and now we're worried about the economy and a bit about crime and a bit about healthcare. Maybe this is generally how it is." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 25, 20245 min

Enda Brady: UK correspondent on nurses rejecting the Government's proposed 5.5 percent pay rise

Nurses in England have widely rejected the Government's proposed 5.5 percent pay rise. According to an online vote run by the Royal College of Nursing, two-thirds of nurses said this increase wasn't fair. UK correspondent Enda Brady says they've seen junior doctors get 35 percent raises following the Covid-19 pandemic - and they're hoping to be properly compensated to keep up with inflation. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 24, 20244 min

Paul Bloxham: HSBC chief economist on Australia's Reserve Bank holding the Official Cash Rate for seventh time in a row

The Australian Reserve Bank has held the cash rate at 4.35 percent after its latest board meeting, citing concerns about inflation. This seventh consecutive hold was widely tipped by economists - and they haven't ruled out additional increases either. HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham outlines his predictions for when the economy will turn around and give homeowners some reprieve. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 24, 20243 min

Jamie Mackay: The Country host previews the Fonterra annual results

Fonterra's annual financial results are due out on Wednesday morning. Experts are wondering if there will be an upside in the forecast milk price of $7.80 for the 23/24 season - and they've debated the possibility of a higher-than-expected annual dividend. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 24, 20242 min

Gareth Kiernan: Infometrics economist on the remote work statistics and trends for 2024

The popularity of working remotely has continued to surge among Kiwi employees - prompting some new directions from the Government. Prime Minister Chris Luxon has ordered Wellington-based Government departments to call their staff back into the office to boost performance and keep local businesses going. Infometrics economist Gareth Kiernan unpacks the latest stats - and wonders if the Government's new terms will make a difference. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 24, 20243 min

The Huddle: Is the Darleen Tana saga hurting the Greens' popularity?

Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland Councillor Richard Hills and Tim Wilson from Maxim Institute joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Green Party is set to meet to discuss Darleen Tana's fate on October 17th. Why has it taken this long to reach a possible solution? Is this hurting their political numbers? Should Auckland Council follow Wellington's lead and require workers to get back to the office? Heart of the City head Viv Beck is urging people to get out and boost the city's businesses - does Auckland CBD need the help? It's been a day since Philip Polkinghorne was found not guilty of murdering Pauline Hanna - would things have been different if Madison Ashton had turned up to testify? Andrew Coster is set to lead the Government's new Social Investment Agency after he steps down as Police Commissioner- what do we make of this? Is this a good idea? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 24, 20249 min

John Horner: Financial Markets Authority director on KiwiSaver funds breaking $100 billion mark

KiwiSaver investments have broken the $100 billion mark. The Financial Markets Authority's report for the year to March 31st reveals funds reached $111.8 billion - jumping 19 percent from the previous year. Member contributions have risen to $11.2 billion and returns are strong at $13.1 billion. Financial Markets Authority director John Horner says this shows numbers are bouncing back following a previous downturn. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 24, 20244 min

Full Show Podcast: 24 September 2024

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 24 September, Police Minister Mark Mitchell stepped up to explain why Commissioner Andrew Coster is the perfect fit to lead the new Social Investment Agency. Heart of the City boss Viv Beck explained why Auckland Council needs to follow Wellington and require the council staff to come back and work in their offices to bring some life back to the CBD. A new report has come out identifying where the Port Hills fire started - but FENZ's Dave Stackhouse says the cause is still unknown. Plus, the Huddle unpacks the latest development in the Darleen Tana saga - and debates how this makes the rest of the Green Party look. 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.

Sep 24, 20241h 40m

Chlöe Swarbrick: Green Party co-leader on the party rescheduling their Special General Meeting for Darleen Tana

The Green Party has set a new date for a special meeting to decide whether to boot now-independent MP Darleen Tana from Parliament. The meeting was postponed for a hearing of Tana's legal claim she was pressured to resign, after an investigation found she likely knew of alleged migrant exploitation at her husband's business. Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick says notice has been sent to branches of a meeting to be held on October 17. "I am incredibly confident in the wisdom of our party - and that's part of the reason that we've also set this date with the opportunity for our members to properly deliberate." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 24, 20245 min

Dave Stackhouse: Fire and Emergency New Zealand District Commander on the investigations into the Port Hills fire

A new report into Port Hills fire has located the private property where the fire originated - but the cause remains undetermined. The fire started on February 14 and spread over 700ha, forcing the evacuation of more than 100 properties. FENZ District Commander Dave Stackhouse says the owner of the property in question has been ruled out as a suspect. "We interviewed the property owner three times and he was co-operative throughout the investigation." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 24, 20242 min

Geoffrey Miller: geopolitical analyst on the escalating aggression between Israel and Hezbollah

A geopolitical expert says the latest aggression in the war between Israel and Hezbollah has an air of 'inevitability'. Israel has reportedly killed almost 500 in air strikes and injured 1600 in the deadliest day in Lebanon since 2006. Israel's Defence Force says its mission is to stop the Iran-backed Hezbollah firing rockets into Israel's north and to push it back from the border. Foreign policy analyst Geoffrey Miller says they've been heading this way for some time. "There has been a level of inevitability about this - and this just takes it up a notch further. It's a huge death toll." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 24, 20242 min

Mark Mitchell: Police Minister hopeful Andrew Coster will succeed in new Social Investment Agency role

The Police Minister has confidence Police Commissioner Andrew Coster will fit well into his new role. Coster has led the police since 2020, but will move to become the head of the Social Investment Agency in November. Mark Mitchell says the agency will be at the forefront of dealing with inter-generational social issues. He says he looks forward to seeing Coster succeed in the new position. "The Social Investment Agency's got a big role to play and I think that Andy Coster, when you look at his background and experience - he's the perfect fit for the role." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 24, 20243 min

Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: I hope our next Police Commissioner is tougher on crime

So, Andrew Coster has resigned as Police Commissioner and he's got himself a new job. He's going to be running the Government's new Social Investment Agency - and I reckon he's going to be good at this. I acknowledge this might not be a popular appointment, I think a lot of people will see this for what it probably is - which is that it feels an awful lot like a job that’s been given to him to get him to leave the police because the Government doesn't want him there. It also reinforces the idea that there's a job merry-go-round in Wellington, which is obviously true. Plus, there'll be questions about why you'd reward somebody for being pretty bad at their previous job, which Coster definitely was. He was a shocker of a Police Commissioner. And all those of those criticisms - many of which are already in my inbox - are completely valid. But setting all that aside, I still think he will be good at this job. This is in his wheelhouse. Andrew Coster never was a crack down on crime guy, he's a cotton wool guy, a believer in people’s potential guy, a 'give them another chance' guy. He believes so much in the fence at the top of the cliff that he forgot his job was to actually run the ambulance at the bottom. But this job is fence at the top of the cliff stuff. The point of this agency is to help people before they become criminals and invest in them when they’re still babies. That's right up Coster’s alley, isn't it? For all of his failings as a Police Commissioner - his inability to be tough on gangs or clear out the Parliamentary protest before it got out of hand - he's actually a very bright and decent guy. I think it was just a case of the wrong job for the wrong guy and I'm happy he's leaving the police. I hope we never have another Commissioner as weak on crime as him, but I think he'll be very good at what he does next - and it is a very important job. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 24, 20242 min

Barry Soper: ZB senior political correspondent on Chris Luxon's response to Andrew Coster stepping down as Police Commissioner

The Prime Minister says Andrew Coster has been an outstanding Police Commissioner - as he takes on a new role Coster has been appointed the head of the Government's Social Investment Agency, stepping down as Commissioner by November. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Andrew Coster faced some pushback when National was in opposition - but Chris Luxon was eager to defend him. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 24, 20245 min

Murray Olds: Australian correspondent on the AFL clashing with Katy Perry over Grand Final song choices

Katy Perry has reportedly faced some pushback over her proposed song choices ahead of her AFL Grand Final performance. The pop star is set to headline as the pre-game entertainment act - and it's been revealed league officials told her to play the hits from her back catalogue while Perry wanted to showcase newer stuff. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says it's fair that the AFL gets to make the calls - as the league's footing the bill for her performance. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 24, 20244 min

D'Arcy Waldegrave: Sportstalk host on the allegations against Football Ferns coach Jitka Klimkova

The Professional Footballers' Association is standing with the governing body regarding alleged inappropriate behaviour by outgoing coach Jitka Klimkova towards a player. Newstalk ZB understands a number of players were dissatisfied with New Zealand Football's handling of the employment-related matter. The incident, which the players say happened during last year's World Cup, resulted in an independent investigation. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave unpacks the controversy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 24, 20244 min

Viv Beck: Heart of the City CEO calls for Auckland workers to return to the city's CBD

Heart of the City is urging Auckland Council to follow the Wellington's lead on cracking down on people working from home. Public Service bosses are being told to manage staff working out of office as an agreement - not an entitlement. Heart of the City CEO Viv Beck says council workers are only required to come to the office three days a week. She says getting them back in the city is what the CBD needs. "There's no point waiting for the CRL and expecting 54,000 people to pop out every hour. We've actually got to keep the place alive and vibrant - and this is one way that would make a difference." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 24, 20244 min

Gavin Grey: UK correspondent ahead of the Budget promising to 'rebuild Britain'

Over in the UK, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to deliver her first Budget on October 30th. She's warned this Budget will involve some 'difficult choices' regarding tax, spending and benefits. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says significant tax rises have been ruled out to fix the multi-billion pound financial 'black hole'. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 23, 20245 min

Michael Fox: Zespri Head of Global Public Affairs on kiwifruit exports seeing a 20 percent lifts

New Zealand exported a record $3.1 billion worth of kiwifruit in the year to August, a 20 percent lift on the previous season. The figure was largely made up of gold kiwifruit, jumping 24 percent on the previous year to a value of $2.4 billion. Zespri Head of Global Public Affairs Michael Fox says this is great news for growers and businesses. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 23, 20243 min

Full Show Podcast: 23 September 2024

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 23 September 2024, Philip Polkinghorne has been found not guilty of murdering his wife Pauline Hanna. NZ Herald journalist Michael Morrah tells Heather what Polkinghorne told reporters outside court and what his mistress has had to say. Finance Minister Nicola Willis explains why she's issued a notice to public servants to stop working from home and come back to the office. Plus, the Huddle debates Tory Whanau's car crash Q&A interview and the confusing question of whether or not she sold her car to help pay for the bills. 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.

Sep 23, 20241h 41m

Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management spokesperson on Fletcher Building's bid to raise $700 million

Fletcher Building is looking to put its problems in the past, as it aims to raise an extra $700 million. The construction giant plans to issue $292 million in new shares for investors, to cut into its $1.8 billion debt. Fletcher Building has announced a group net loss of $227 million last month. Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly says this is part of the company's bid to reduce additional losses. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 23, 20244 min

The Huddle: Do we need to send the public servants back to the office?

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and Josie Pagani from Child Fund joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Wellington mayor Tory Whanau's in hot water after she got caught flip-flopping on whether she sold her car to pay the bills. What's going on here? Is this a bad look? The Government has put the hard word on public servants and urged them to stop working from home and go back to the office. Is this a good call? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 23, 202410 min

Nicola Willis: Public Service Minister defends ordering public servants to go back to the office

The Public Service Minister has put the hard word on Government departments and urged them to call their staff back to the office. She says there are performance downsides to working-from-home arrangements - and harmful impacts on local businesses. Willis says these changes will begin with public service departments updating their remote working rules. "Then we can compare one agency with another - that's when we can really take a close look at whether this is working the way people would expect. Because if everyone's taking Fridays off, we're going to have some questions." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 23, 20249 min

Diane Calvert: Wellington City Councillor calls for Government intervention after questionable week from Tory Whanau

There's further calls for Government intervention in Wellington City Council after a rough TV interview from the mayor. Tory Whanau has faced criticism following a Q&A interview where she backtracked on why she sold her car, contradicted herself, and got confused on questions. Local councillor Diane Calvert has been calling for a Crown facilitator on the council. She now says people have lost trust in the council. "A lot of people have rung me, texted me, or stopped me in the street - we're really sad about what's happening in our city. It needs some leadership and it's not there." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 23, 20243 min

Duane Leo: Public Service Association national secretary on the Government wanting public servants to work from offices again

The Government's ordering public servants back to the office, with a crackdown on working from home. Public Service Minister Nicola Willis has outlined new expectations for agency bosses to make flexible working an agreement, not an entitlement. She says there are performance downsides to such arrangements - and impacts on local businesses. Public Service Association national secretary Duane Leo says the Government's blaming public servants for a problem of its own making. "If the Government really cared about the Wellington economy, why did they sack thousands of public servants this year? That's one of the issues that the Wellington economy is struggling with at the moment." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 23, 20244 min

Michael Morrah: NZ Herald reporter on Philip Polkinghorne being found not guilty of murder or manslaughter

Gasps from the public gallery as Philip Polkinghorne was declared not guilty of murdering his wife Pauline Hanna in 2021 - nor of manslaughter. He's been discharged, but will be back in court in November for sentencing on meth possession charges. NZ Herald reporter Michael Morrah was in court. He says it was very tense as the verdict was announced. "Some people in the public gallery were in tears, Polkinghorne himself just stood still, head down - and was pretty much expressionless when that verdict of 'not guilty' was read out." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 23, 20244 min

Barry Soper: ZB senior political correspondent on Prime Minister Chris Luxon telling public servants to stop working from home

Working from home is not an entitlement, it's an agreement. That's the Prime Minister's message to public servants today, claiming routines begun during Covid - now risk undermining performance. From now on, it'll only be agreed when Working from Home doesn't compromise agency objectives. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says more data is needed regarding the benefits and drawbacks of flexible working arrangements. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 23, 20245 min

Oliver Peterson: Australian correspondent on Woolworths and Coles facing legal action for misleading discounts

Australia's leading supermarket giants are set to face court after allegedly misleading consumers through fake discounts. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission claims Coles and Woolworths bumped prices of products by 15 percent for brief periods before selling them at a discount. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says the supermarkets can expect to face fines and additional penalties over these misleading discounts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 23, 20245 min

Catherine Delahunty: West Papua Action Aotearoa spokesperson says New Zealand wouldn't have paid a bribe for Philip Mehrtens' release

There's belief New Zealand wouldn't have been involved in a bribe to free Kiwi Philip Mehrtens. The pilot was released last Saturday after 19-and-a-half months of captivity in West Papua. RNZ has reported the West Papua National Liberation Army claims it was paid a bribe, but Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says that's entirely unsubstantiated.. West Papua Action Aotearoa spokesperson Catherine Delahunty says no one thinks New Zealand paid it. "I think if a bribe happened, it happened between local people within the area of West Papua." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 23, 20245 min

Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: No surprises in the Polkinghorne verdict

So after eight weeks in court, and more than three years of living under suspicion - Philip Polkinghorne is not guilty. This verdict today will come as absolutely no surprise to anyone who's been following this trial closely. The Crown simply did not have a good case, at no point, really, was it actually convincing. But when it came to closing arguments last week, it became really obvious how weak the case against him was. The best piece of evidence they had, according to them, was that Pauline Hanna had told someone one time that he tried to strangle her about a year before she died. That was the best they did - that's not much, is it? So, no surprise it took the jury only 10 hours to decide to find him not guilty. I don't know where this leaves Philip Polkinghorne, because the jury made it clear today with that questions to the judge that most of them don't think Pauline Hanna killed herself. But some didn’t think there was enough evidence against Philip Polkinghorne. And after 8 weeks of his intimate details being aired to the country, he must be humiliated. We know how extensive his drug use was, that he was seeing hookers, how much he regularly spent on those hookers and drugs, and his intimate messages to women. I often wonder how other people who’ve been accused of very high profile murders manage to keep living here in such a small country afterwards. I feel like with him it’s even more pronounced. Because not only was this case extremely high profile and often the most read story on news websites every day - but then there was everything else. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 23, 20241 min

Full Show Podcast: 20 September 2024

Listen to the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday 20 September. 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.

Sep 20, 20241h 40m

Enda Brady: UK correspondent on deceased Harrods owner Mohamed al-Fayed being accused of raping former employees

Former Harrods owner Mohamed al-Fayed has been accused of raping and sexually assaulting a string of women employed by the department store. Five women have accused him of rape and an additional 20 have claimed he sexually assaulted them. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says al-Fayed would identify and target young, female assistants before isolating and assaulting them. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 19, 20243 min

Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on the US Federal Reserve cutting interest rates

The US Federal Reserve surprised economists with its first interest rate cut in four years. Rates have gone down by 0.5 percent to about 4.8 percent - a significant shift after two years of high rates designed to tame inflation. Fisher Funds expert Sam Dickie says the markets responded well to this move after pricing in potential cuts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 19, 20244 min

Jamie Mackay: The Country host on Lucidome Bio receiving an additional funding boost for methane vaccine

Two key players looking to help Kiwi farmers reduce their emissions have given a new company some additional funding to craft a methane vaccine. AgriZeroNZ and the New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre are providing $13.5 million ($8.5M and $5M respectively) to Lucidome Bio to fund their research. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains what this move could mean for farmers. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 19, 20243 min

Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large on GDP dropping 0.2 percent for the second quarter of 2024

Experts say today's GDP figures paint a dire picture of our economy - and it's unlikely things will recover right away. New data shows GDP dropped 0.2 percent in the second quarter of 2024. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann explains why the economy is unlikely to recover in the coming months. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 19, 20244 min

The Huddle: When do we see the economy picking up?

Tonight on The Huddle, Ali Jones from Red PR and Early Edition host Ryan Bridge joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! A group of Wellington taxi drivers have been suspended from the airport ranks after they used the parents' room to heat up food on their late night shifts. Is this unfair? The GDP dropped 0.2 percent in Q2 and things aren't looking too hopeful for the next quarter. When do we see the economy turning around? The Government wants to reduce the number of jury trials to reduce the backlog of cases in the courts, with Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith unveiling some new ideas for the public to consider. Do we need changes? More deadly explosions took place in Lebanon - how scary is this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 19, 202410 min

Full Show Podcast: 19 September 2024

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 19 September 2024, how can we cure our sick economy? Kiwibank Chief Economist Jarrod Kerr spoke to Heather after our economy contracted 0.2 percent in Q2. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith wants to reduce the number of jury trials to deal with the backlog of cases waiting to get to court. Plus, The Huddle debates whether Wellington taxi drivers should be allowed to use the microwave in the airport parents room. 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.

Sep 19, 20241h 37m

Wellington taxi driver: Anonymous driver on the five drivers suspended after using parents’ room to heat dinners

Wellington Airport has suspended five taxi drivers from using its taxi rank after they used the parents’ room to heat their dinners. The airport contacted the taxi companies two months ago to warn against drivers using the parents’ room for privacy and hygiene reasons - but this was not passed on to all taxi staff. One anonymous driver who avoided suspension has labelled this move 'unreasonable' "I did it after asking two of the food officials in airport uniform if we could heat the food in the microwave in the parents' room and they happily said they didn't mind as long as we cleaned up after." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 19, 20242 min

Tyrel Lomax: All Black on Scott Robertson unveiling his changes ahead of the Bledisloe Cup clash against the Wallabies

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has made some line-up changes ahead of this weekend's Bledisloe Cup opener in Sydney. Beauden Barrett returns to fullback, Will Jordan moves to the right wing, and Ethan de Groot and Caleb Clarke make their return after recovering from injuries. All Blacks prop Tyrel Lomax hopes the team can turn their luck around after the two recent defeats in Cape Town. He expressed his disappointment with how the last couple of games went for the team - especially towards the end. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 19, 20243 min

Jarrod Kerr: Kiwibank economist on New Zealand's GDP dropping 0.2 percent

One expert says today's GDP figures paint a bleak picture of the economy - but there's light at the end of the tunnel. Stats NZ revealed this morning a 0.2 percent contraction for the three months to June, following 0.1 percent growth in the March quarter. Kiwibank economist Jarrod Kerr says it's likely the economy won't start growing again until late 2025. "The Reserve Bank's put a stake in the ground - they started cutting in August - and I think that'll mark the turning point." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 19, 20242 min

Michael Morrah: NZ Herald reporter on the jury in Polkinghorne's murder trial being sent home after they couldn't reach a verdict

Philip Polkinghorne must wait at least three more days before a jury rules him innocent or guilty of killing Pauline Hanna. The jury has gone home after telling the judge they couldn't reach a decision today - having deliberated since 11am. They won't sit tomorrow because of a juror's prior commitment and will recommence 11am on Monday. The Herald's Michael Morrah has been in court. He says Polkinghorne reacted emotionally this morning as the 111 call after Hanna died was replayed for the jury. "He was so upset that the judge has to call for the proceedings to be put on hold, essentially." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 19, 20243 min

Barry Soper: ZB senior political correspondent on the Government's gang patch bill passing

The Government's new bill banning gang patches in public and giving police more power to disperse gangs and bring in non-consorting court orders has passed. Last-minute changes extended the insignia ban to being visible in cars - and inside homes of repeat ban offenders. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says critics of the bill have labelled it a violation of free speech. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 19, 20245 min

Murray Olds: Australian correspondent on Australia's unemployment rate holding steady at 4.2 percent

Australia's national unemployment rate held steady at 4.2 percent in August. The number of employed people grew by 47,500, and the number of unemployed people declined by 10,500, according to reports. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says this will encourage the Reserve Bank to hold off on cutting interest rates when they next meet. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 19, 20244 min

D'Arcy Waldegrave: Sportstalk host on Scott Robertson's picks for Saturday's Bledisloe Cup test

The All Blacks want to show New Zealand they can bounce back from adversity in Saturday's Bledisloe Cup opener in Sydney. Coach Scott Robertson has made four changes to his 23 from the side that lost in Cape Town, in the second of two defeats to the Springboks. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave sums up the selection - and weighs up New Zealand's chances of winning. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 19, 20244 min

Paul Goldsmith: Justice Minister on the Government's plan to reduce the number of jury trials

The Government is proposing lifting the threshold for allowing defendants to elect a jury trial in an effort to reduce the number going through the courts. Currently, defendants can choose between a jury or judge-only trial in cases where their maximum sentence is two or more years in jail. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is proposing options of three, five, or seven years - and is seeking feedback on all three. He says the current process has been too slow for too long - and he's aiming to speed it up. "My main concern is too many people having their lives put on hold for years waiting for an outcome of a court case - or if it's a civil case, waiting for a resolution to their problems." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 19, 20245 min

Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on electric vehicles in Norway outnumbering petrol cars

Norway, one of the world's largest exporters of oil, now has more electric cars on its roads than petrol-powered models. Out of the 2.8 million private cars registered there, 754,303 are now all-electric - according to new reports from the Norwegian Road Federation. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says the country aims to be the first to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2025. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 18, 20244 min

Matt Bain: Spark Head of Data explains why Kiwi businesses are reluctant to use AI

New reports confirm at least 68 percent of small and medium Kiwi businesses currently have no plans to use AI. Data from NZIER's Quarterly Survey of Business Opinion says many of these businesses cited a lack of understanding and perceived absence of value as the barriers to AI adoption. Spark Head of Data Matt Bain says the required training to properly use AI has put plenty of companies off. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 18, 20243 min

Oliver Mander: NZ Shareholders Association CEO on Synlait's biggest shareholders rescuing the company

Synlait's two biggest shareholders have brought it back from the brink. Shareholders today approved a $218 million capital injection from Bright Dairy and A2 Milk. NZ Shareholders Association CEO Oliver Mander says some shareholders were reluctant ahead of this vote - but plenty were on board. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 18, 20244 min

The Huddle: Are the Commonwealth Games done for good?

Tonight on The Huddle, Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A and broadcaster Mark Sainsbury joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Are the Commonwealth Games done for good? Glasgow has offered to step in and host a scaled-down version of the games after Victoria pulled out of hosting. Is this a sign of the end? Oji Fibre Solutions is set to close its doors the week before Christmas - cutting 75 jobs. Is this a sign the economy's changing? Amazon is the latest corporate giant to call its staff back to the office for full five-day work weeks again. Is it time we made this a rule for public servants as well? Why doesn't Prime Minister Chris Luxon want to come on Q&A? ACT has also refused to front up on Morning Report and Te Pati Māori won't talk to NZME - is this the right move? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 18, 20249 min