Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Europe is responding to Trump's enormous 200 percent tariffs on wine and other alcohol products from the region.  Wine producers in France, Italy and Spain are 'really angry'.  Donald Trump has accused the European Union of being formed for the sole purpose of taking advantage of the United States.  UK Correspondent Gavin Grey gives Ryan Bridge a run down on the situation, as well as the Judge convicted of forcing a young woman into slavery, and how much a 2 metre wide house in London will set you back.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US steel and aluminium tariffs are coming into effect, and they are coming without exemptions.  Australia and Japan were hoping to avoid the tariffs, but they're out of luck.  Asia Business Correspondent Peter Lewis talks to Ryan Bridge about what this means, Singapore Deputy PM's comments on Asia, and how imports and exports went for China in January.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former Aussie Home Affairs secretary is calling for New Zealand to get rid of our nuclear-free policy and sign up to Orcus. Former Australian Home Affairs Secretary Michael Pezzullo says the chances of a conflict with China mean New Zealand and Australia should be working together to create a combined military force. "Our defence are probably several decades old, and in this highly disrupted world, everything is changing at such a great rate that we just need to re-examine everything," he said.  Former Australian Home Affairs Secretary Michael Pezzullo talks to Ryan Bridge.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi Liam Lawson has already had a close call in Melbourne today ahead of the big day on Sunday.  Going around the circuit the Red Bull driver grazed the wall on a turn.  ESPN Reporter Nate Saunders talks to Ryan Bridge live from Melbourne.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newstalk ZB Sports Editor Elliot Smith and Sports Journalist Lavina Good join Ryan Bridge on the Huddle.  The F1 is on everyone's lips this afternoon, as fans gear up to for the big race on Sunday.  It's been seven years since New Zealand has has a full-time F1 driver, and despite being off to a disappointing start today, Liam Lawson has 24 weeks to prove himself.  Can the Warriors take the win tonight? The Huddle worries our team is lacking structure and attack.  And Joseph Parkers title shot is back on. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Australian patient has this week survived100 days with an artificial heart. The success is a world first and is another step towards decreasing the number of deaths caused by cardiac failure. Australian engineer Daniel Timms invented the ground-breaking artificial heart and talks to Ryan Bridge about how the heart works, how he invented it, how its powered, and what the development means for medicine. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau is sounding off on the Prime Minister after failing to reach a deadline made for all councils. Councils were encouraged to deliver a plan that the Government could help with, and Wellington didn't deliver one in time. Whanau then said Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is 'not a very nice person.' Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper said the Mayor thought the comment would work in her favour. "She said it works for her because a lot of people in Wellington don't like Luxon," he said. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liam Lawson has had a disappointing race in the first free practice of the season, coming 16th out of 20 cars.  There is work to be done for the Kiwi driver ahead of Sunday's race.  Weekend Sport host Jason Pine talks to Ryan Bridge about the F1, the Warriors game tonight, See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Donald Trump is threatening Europe with a 200 percent tariff on alcohol. The warning comes as an attempt to have the EU remove a tariff held on whiskey. US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson talks to Ryan Bridge about the latest tariff threat, why Trump’s heading to the Supreme Court, and the Americans that think they can beat a grizzly bear in a fight. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alcohol affected patients are wreaking havoc on emergency departments, a recent Trans-Tasman study finds. Almost every staff member who took part in the survey has been abused by a drunk patient. 97% experienced verbal aggression, while 92% experienced physical aggression. Christchurch Hospital ED specialist and co-author of the study talks to Ryan Bridge about the staggering reports, if the situation is getting worse, and how severely the statistics are affecting entry into the industry. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Labour Party is encouraging foreign investments, but with a few conditions. They want no ownership or operation of hospitals, prisons, schools, or critical infrastructure. Meanwhile the Public Service Association is warning New Zealanders will lose their jobs due to Private Public Partnerships. Labour Party finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds talks to Ryan Bridge about foreign investments, how they're honouring the treaty, where Labour stands on fast-tracking, LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Homelessness is facing a crackdown in New Plymouth as people sleeping rough are breaching bylaws, the district council says.  Rough sleepers have been told to remove their belongings from footpaths.  The district's emergency shelter closed in 2023.  New Plymouth Mayor Neil Holdom talks to Ryan Bridge about whether the order is heavy handed, the number of rough sleepers in the district, and what responsibility local government has for the issue.   LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Trump has accused Ireland of stealing the US pharmaceutical industry and the tax revenue that he believes should have been paid to the US. Irish premier Micheál Martin recently paid a visit to the White House to meet with Trump. UK correspondent Enda Brady explained that Ireland’s historical low-tax policies have helped lure many US companies over - and the nation would collapse without the extra support. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tesla's share price has taken a dive in recent months. Donald Trump's ascension to the US Presidency initially helped boost the share price, but it's since dropped by 50 percent. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 13 March 2025, investors are stoked with what they've been hearing at the Government's big investment summit. Doctors are raising alarm bells over the Government's changed approach to funding bowel cancer screening. Plus, Nelson mayor Nick Smith makes the case for voting booths to be installed for local government elections.   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.

Southern farmers are in a flap about wild ducks, calling for the mallard breed to be designated pests so they can be killed throughout the year. Southland’s Federated Farmers president Jason Herrick said an explosion of ducks is causing big problems as they are munching through crops. Herrick said farmers asked the local Fish and Game for permission to cull the problem ducks but were turned down and told they could only shoot to scare them. The Country's Jamie Mackay unpacks this latest stoush. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, AUT chancellor Rob Campbell and Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Is it time to change how we vote in local elections? Kiwi mayors are pushing for an end to postal voting? Do we think we need a change?  The Royal Australasian College of Physicians is warning that the changes to the free bowel screening programme aren't based on good evidence - and put Māori and Pacific lives at risk. What do we make of this?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The number of people leaving the country long-term hit another new record in the year to January - but monthly data suggests the brain drain has peaked. Stats NZ provisional data for the January 2025 year (compared with January 2024) showed migrant departures up 18 percent to 122,800, the highest on record for an annual period. Migrant arrivals, at 155,300 were down, 31 percent for the year. NZ Herald business editor at large, Liam Dann, explains what this means for the New Zealand economy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Investors are keen to see a long term pipeline of work - before committing to spending their money here.  More than a hundred companies, managing about six trillion in capital, are at the Government's Infrastructure Investment Summit in Auckland. Brett Shepherd from Craigs Investment Partners says the Government's messages of support were well-received by the summit's attendees. "The commitment of the Prime Minister and the respective ministers to grow the economy on a consistent basis through partnership and infrastructure - that message was just resounding."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's increasing suggestions turnout in local body elections would improve with a move to in-person voting. Local Government New Zealand wants postal voting scrapped in local elections - and replaced with polling places and ballot boxes. Nelson mayor Nick Smith is behind the calls and says less and less people have access to mail boxes than ever - resulting in less people having their voices heard. "That is negatively impacting on people being part of our local elections - and the real problem is for mayors or councils to be able to speak to their communities when you've got well less than half the people voting." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest season of Married At First Sight Australia has been plagued by scandals on and off the screen - and now a regulatory body has launched a wider investigation. SafeWork NSW is investigating Channel 9 and production company Endemol Shine, generating uncertainty over the future of the series. Entertainment reporter Karl Puschmann says this investigation follows an incident where one of the grooms allegedly punched a wall in frustration - prompting safety concerns for the impacted cast members. "By all the accounts that have been on the show, it does sound pretty serious - you can't go around punching walls just because you're a little bit upset about something. And the show's response hasn't been particularly great either."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Physicians are coming down hard on the Government's evidence being used to prop up their changes to bowel cancer funding.  Last week, the Government announced it will scrap a programme lowering the screening age for Māori and Pacific people, decreasing the age to 58 for everyone instead. Royal Australasian College of Physicians's Dr Matt Wheeler says the claim that bowel cancer risk is similar across all groups at the same age isn't true. "The actual peak age of diagnosis is earlier in Māori than non-Māori. That was why the original screening programme had bowel screenings down to the age of 50." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Minister in charge of the Government's Infrastructure Investment Summit says deals will mostly be done in the coming weeks, months and years ahead. More than a hundred companies, managing about six trillion dollars in capital, are at the Government's two day summit in Auckland. But Chris Bishop says there's already been one tangible commitment from Australian investor Plenary group. "They've promised to set up a New Zealand office here and they've promised to bid on the next five PPP opportunities that come up - that is a commitment that they have just made, I think, in the last 24 hours, on the basis of what they heard at the summit and in the leadup to it. So that's good." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dame Jacinda Ardern is releasing her first children's book, called 'Mum's Busy Work'. The former Prime Minister says it's told through the eyes of a child, based off things her daughter Neve said to her when she was in the top job. It will be released in September, with $3 from every copy sold going to The Kindness Collective. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper offered his thoughts ahead of the book's release. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Australia, Westpac's head is urging people to stop complaining over the new tariffs set out by the Trump administration. The US President has recently confirmed Australia won't be exempt from new tariffs on steel and aluminium imports going forward. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says it's likely Australia will face more tariffs in the coming days - and experts are suggesting Australia should shift focus to the Asia-Pacific region.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Blues are prepared to spend around a month of Super Rugby without Beauden Barrett. Barrett will certainly miss the next two games against the Chiefs and Crusaders with a broken hand, with coach Vern Cotter hopeful he might be available after those two fixtures. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave outlines his predictions. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's widespread uncertainty among developers after a Department of Conservation wildlife permit was deemed unlawful.  The High Court in Wellington made the decision over the Transport Agency having permission to inadvertently kill protected wildlife at the Mt Messenger project site.  The decision broadly means nothing can be killed unless it has a disease, there is overpopulation - or something similar.  Simpson Grierson partner Sally McKechnie says some permits may now be invalid.  "It's a case by case basis that will depend on the given permit - but we've got clients, we know we've got colleague firms around town that have clients trying to work exactly that out." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New reports reveal the UK had been working behind the scenes in helping the US and Ukraine to reach an agreement over a proposed ceasefire deal with Russia.  Ukrainian President Zelensky has confirmed he's ready to accept an immediate 30-day ceasefire with Russia - but he says it's up to the US to get Russia on board.  UK correspondent Gavin Grey says there's been efforts by the UK to get Ukraine and the US back on good terms again, and we're starting to see the results. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Investors have voiced concerns over declining US market growth - resulting in a significant drop. US President Donald Trump also didn't rule out a recession in a recent interview, which led to further pullbacks this week. Milford Asset Management's Stephanie Batchelor explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The International Monetary Fund is cautioning the Government against bending over backwards, deregulating banks in a bid to spur more competition in the sector. Finance Minister Nicola Willis is getting advice on whether she should make the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) loosen the way it regulates banks. The Commerce Commission has also suggested the rules could be changed to make it easier for small banks to compete with big ones. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains why the IMF is issuing words of caution as these discussions take place. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Delegates from some of the world's largest banks and investment firms have arrived in Auckland for the Government's first Infrastructure Investment Summit. Cabinet Ministers are expected to front a raft of sessions over the next two days - and it's believed a series of announcements will be delivered regarding New Zealand's future. Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls is set to be at tomorrow's big conference - and he suspects a 'smorgasbord' of big political names will have something to say. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 12 March 2025, with a Ukraine ceasefire deal now on the table - is Russia going to agree? Ryan Bridge speaks to Russia expert Alexey Muraviev. CTU president Richard Wagstaff tells Ryan why he wants the government to hold on to its living wage rules for procurements. Why is Briscoes boss Rod Duke telling the Government to get its A into G to help the economy? Plus, Ryan really really hates his food scraps bin - so much he's considering moving to Whanganui! Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A and Kiwiblog's David Farrar joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Where to we see this short-term Russia-Ukraine war ceasefire going over the next few days? Will Russia agree to it? All eyes will be on the Government's big Investment Summit tomorrow. Should we be expecting anything much? Whanganui Council has decided to dump plans for its food scrap bins. Do we agree with this? Should other councils follow suit? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One Hamilton City Council staffer is speaking in defence of food scrap bins. Whanganui District Council has made the decision to ditch food scrap bins for good- because they've been dubbed 'expensive' and 'unpopular'. Hamilton City Council's Tania Hermann argued that food scrap bins were good for households - as they helped reduce waste. "What we're aiming to do is stop rubbish going to landfills." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Energy Minister says he's doing his best to improve the stability of energy supply.  A new gas well at the Pohokura Production Station in Taranaki was switched on this morning.  It will provide 4 petajoules of gas a year, which could power about 146,000 homes annually.  Shane Jones says it won't be a silver bullet - but it will help.  "So I'm working on various proposals as to how we can accelerate both money into the industry - and genuine economic ability." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unions are disputing the Government's reasoning for scrapping living wage contract rules. This move is part of a wider proposal to simplify the procurement process for companies wanting Government contracts. Council of Trade Unions President, Richard Wagstaff, says the argument that small businesses are missing out because they can't afford wages doesn't make sense.  "What it is, basically, is a standard. And everyone bidding for Government contracts has to meet the same standard, so there's no disadvantage to a small, medium or large businesses. They're all on the same playing field." Wagstaff explained that small businesses can be competitive.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's unclear if Australia will hit the US with counter-tariffs after Donald Trump's recent announcement. The US President has confirmed Australia won't be exempt from new tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from tonight. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called the tariffs 'entirely unjustified'.  Australian political strategist Bruce Hawker says locals know it's probably not worth fighting over.  "Most Australians will be saying - look, let's let this thing ride. It's not good, it's an act of b*******, I guess, by a country that's been friendly and loyal to Australia." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Ukraine ceasefire could be a while away yet, according to one expert. Ukraine's agreed to a US-proposed 30-day ceasefire with Russia, after Washington and Kyiv officials held talks in Saudi Arabia today. Curtin University associate professor, Alexey Muraviev, says the US would need to make some significant compromises for Russia to consider it. He explained that's what it would take for Vladimir Putin to be able to sell the idea. "If it's going to be just a case of showing goodwill - I think Putin would be damaging his own reputation in the eyes of the people he was trying to sell this war to."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Banks are hanging tough despite tough economic conditions.  A KPMG report has found the sector's net profit for 2024 increased just 0.25 percent from the previous year. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this still adds up to $7.22 billion. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Department of Education has initiated mass layoffs, reducing its workforce by nearly 50 percent.  Impacted staff will be placed on administrative leave from March 21, according to a statement from the Department.  US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says DOGE team lead Elon Musk has expressed interest in getting rid of the Department of Education altogether - and it's unclear how possible this goal is. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A hint of irony from Manchester United's new stadium plans, at least from a New Zealand perspective. Part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is behind plans to build a new $4.5 billion dollar, 100 thousand-seat environmentally-friendly ground before demolishing Old Trafford. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Briscoe Group's revenue has stayed virtually flat, with profit taking a hit. Total revenue for the owner of Briscoe Homeware and Rebel Sport decreased 0.06 percent - to $791.5 million - for the year to January. It's reporting net after-tax profit of $60.6 million, dropping 38.9 percent on the year before. Managing director, Rod Duke, says the Government needs to put some new solutions forward to help the economy grow. "That's be my assessment - and I think the time is probably about right now." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One person is in hospital, and 36 others are safe and accounted for, after a cargo vessel collided with an oil tanker in the North Sea. The vessels promptly burst into flames, sending thick dark smoke into the air. UK correspondent Enda Brady says investigations into the incident are ongoing - and there's concerns it could have long-running implications.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stock markets across the US have taken a significant hit over concerns about the negative economic impact of President Donald Trump's tariffs. After the President refused to rule out a recession, the S&P 500 dropped 2.7 percent, the Nasdaq fell 4 percent and the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 2 percent. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen says US markets have a right to be worried following Trump's comments.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following a surge in the second half of 2024, the golden run for New Zealand farmgate beef pricing has continued in the early part of 2025.  Returns are also expected to stay strong throughout the rest of the year- as US demand for Kiwi beef is expected to stay elevated. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland Councillor Maurice Williamson and former Labour Chief of Staff Mike Munro joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Is the school lunch programme doomed? Libelle Group, one of the lunch providers, has been tipped into liquidation. What does this saga mean for the Government? The Commerce Commission is taking legal action against HelloFresh - should it be easier to walk away from paid subscriptions?  Should online gambling providers have to put some of their profits towards local community groups? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A man is in police custody after a series of vandalism attacks on electric vehicles took place in Auckland. Cars including Teslas and a Polestar electric vehicle were reportedly spray-painted - making them unsafe to drive.  Auckland City Electric Vehicles director Greg Larsen says the Tesla brand has become a 'political football' as a result of CEO Elon Musk's recent actions. "It's quite interesting that a motor vehicle brand has become a political football - and violence and vigilante kinds of activities are happening because of a vehicle brand." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 11 March 2025, is the free school lunch programme at breaking point? One of the providers has been tipped into liquidation. The Minister responsible, David Seymour, speaks to Ryan. Should it be easier to cancel your subscriptions? Consumer NZ says yes! It's official. Women are better at money than men. But EnableMe financial advisor Shelley Palman they're not as confident as men when it comes to their financial decisions. Plus, why swearing is good for you and what is on King Charles' personal playlist? 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.

SkyCity and the TAB have complained there won't be a level playing field when the new regulations for online gambling kick in. The Government is set to auction off 15 online casino licences - and both local and international companies will be allowed to bid on the licences.  Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden says it's important proper regulations are put in place. "We are enabling people to play safely in a regulated market - which is not the case at the moment. But we are also not trying to restrict it so much that we're not actually channelling people into that market." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington Water Chair Nick Leggett says he's not going anywhere.  The mayors of Wellington and Upper Hutt - Tory Whanau and Wayne Guppy - both say they have no confidence in him.  A recent critical report found the organisation was potentially wasting millions of dollars on infrastructure contracts.  Leggett says he'd like Wellington to transition to a different water entity.  "That owns its own assets, can raise money off those assets and get good value for the money it spends and get them replaced as soon as possible."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.