Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Research showing Kiwi women are more financially literate than men suggests they could be more confident about money. Financial Services Council statistics show 66 percent of women answered three or more literacy questions correctly, compared to 57 percent of men.  But women saw themselves as less knowledgeable.  EnableMe Financial Advisor Shelley Palman says literacy doesn't always translate into action - so women aren't necessarily better off.  "This actually stems from fear - and what it does is it leads to less risk-taking."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A drug researcher is warning more fentanyl will arrive in New Zealand.  The Government's working to tighten controls on 23 substances - helping to allow a police and Customs crackdown. Health Minister Simeon Brown want to categorise three drugs similar to fentanyl as Class A substances, with harsher penalties for manufacture. Massey University's Chris Wilkins says fentanyl is a cheaper alternative for many drugs. "They've been replacing heroin with fentanyl - but now, increasingly, a whole lot of other drugs. And given that economic incentive, it's hard to see that New Zealand is going to avoid this problem." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Seymour's confident the Government's school lunch programme will continue without issue - despite a provider going into liquidation. Libelle Group was contracted to make about 125,000 meals each day. Minister-in-charge David Seymour says its collapse won't cost anything extra. He says the contract remains between the Ministry of Education and Compass. "Any issues that may be reported in the media are between Compass and other businesses - and I don't want to sound like I'm avoiding the issue, but it is actually something that needs to be left to them." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister's yet again been forced to defend David Seymour over the school lunches saga in the House.  The Opposition was relentless at Question Time today - with Chris Hipkins taking aim at the Government over the school lunch programme. Yet again, it was up to Chris Luxon to fend off the the attacks.  Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacks today's events.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Details are being revealed about the Sydney caravan hoax - described by police as a 'fake terrorism plot'. NSW police were given a tip-off in January about a caravan at a property in Dural, filled with explosives and a note referencing Jewish targets. Police have now revealed it was a con job - manufactured by organised crime. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the police say they knew early on that it was a hoax. "Explosives from the mining industry -  not only were they old and not designed to go off anymore, they didn't have a detonator. And they had written in crayon, from the sound of it, a list of Jewish targets in Sydney."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

T20 franchise globetrotters Finn Allen, Jimmy Neesham and Tim Seifert will return to the Black Caps for the home T20 series against Pakistan starting on Sunday. Michael Bracewell has been named captain and is one of seven players from the Champions Trophy runners-up who'll join the squad. There's no Kane Williamson, Bevon Jacobs, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra and usual white-ball captain Mitchell Santner due to IPL commitments or unavailability. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More consumers are falling into subscription traps - prompting warnings from advocacy groups.  The Commerce Commission has filed criminal charges against HelloFresh. It's accusing the meal company of reactivating subscriptions without clearly seeking customers' permission - during cold calls between February 2022 and July 2023. Consumer NZ's Sahar Lone says it's important to check your bank account regularly to offload anything you don't need - and to check the terms and conditions of any new subscription.   "There's also reading the T&C's before signing up to make sure there's no hidden costs or cancellation fees - you can diarise renewal dates...you can make sure that doesn't keep rolling on." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A 29-year-old who scaled Big Ben's Elizabeth Tower at the Palace of Westminster in central London has been charged by police after the incident took place. Daniel Day has been charged with causing a public nuisance and trespassing on a protected site after climbing the clock tower - resulting in the closure of Westminster Bridge and Bridge Street. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says Day is expected to appear in court in the coming hours. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand is hoping for an economic reprieve - but experts warn that's less likely to happen this year. Donald Trump's ascension to the presidency has generated plenty of economic concern, with many worried it could contribute to the ongoing downturn. HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump has declined to rule out a recession this year as his administration's tariffs spark economic concern. It comes after a volatile week for US financial markets as investors grappled with ongoing uncertainty as a result of the administration's trade policies.  Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 10 March 2025, Chris Hipkins has overtaken Chris Luxon in the latest political poll - and we'll dig into what's going on with the PM's popularity. Who is Mark Carney? Ryan Bridge tells you everything you need to know about Canada's new PM. Ryan asks Finance Minister Nicola Willis when she found out about Adrian Orr's shock resignation. Plus, the road cone scandal that has us all riled up. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and Child Fund CEO Josie Pagani joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Another new poll shows the Government is losing popularity - and Chris Hipkins has overtaken Luxon as preferred Prime Minister. Should the coalition be worried? Will this hurt Chris Luxon in 2026? Canada's new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, is not holding back when it comes to attacking Donald Trump and his tariffs. Will this help him in the next federal election? Will this encourage Trump to back off? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite some less-than-ideal poll figures, Minister Nicola Willis doesn't believe Kiwis have lost faith in the Government.  The latest Taxpayers Union-Curia Poll has Labour on 34.1 percent, overtaking National on 33.6 percent. Chris Hipkins is also ahead of Chris Luxon as preferred Prime Minister. Nicola Willis says there's plenty of polls left between now and the 2026 election - and she's focused on results. "My focus is never on a poll, it's always on how we can deliver for New Zealanders. And New Zealanders are letting us know loud and clear that they want us focused on reducing their cost of living, growing this economy, delivering better education and health services." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland Council’s Community Committee is urging the Government to help the city as rates of homelessness grow. This comes as new data shows the number of people sleeping rough in the city has gone up by 53 percent since September. Committee Chair, Councillor Angela Dalton, says she's never seen a spike like this before. She also explained that this tied in with a number of other changing factors that were putting significant stress on Aucklanders.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Canada's new Prime Minister is expected to tout his economic expertise as he enters the job.  Mark Carney has served as Governor of Canada's and England's central banks.  He'll lead the Liberal Party into this year's general election.  Canadian correspondent Rachel Aiello says it's important for Carney to sell himself as a numbers man.  "At this current moment, with the ongoing trade war with the United States, the state of the Canadian economy and who is best placed to manage it is going to be one of the biggest ballot questions in our upcoming federal election." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Auckland community leader says mandatory police body cameras would help everyone. David Letele is behind a petition calling for the change - a petition that's garnered nearly 10,000 signatures so far. A 45 year-old man died a week ago at Auckland's Ōrere Point, after he and another person fled police.  Faasala Samu Matue lost consciousness after being tasered and pepper-sprayed - when he threatened police and bit an officer’s hand. Letele says body cameras are a no-brainer. "These body cams - it's not just for the safety and accountability for the public, but it also keeps the police safe." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another poll is showing a clear drop in support for the coalition Government - and some are wondering if it's cause for concern. The newest  Taxpayers Union-Curia Poll has Labour on 34.1 percent, and National on 33.6 percent - and Hipkins in the lead for preferred Prime Minister. ACT has fallen 2.3 points to 7.7, and New Zealand First is just above the threshold on 5.1 percent. Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union says the Government should be concerned about losing favour with voters. "We are now only 18 months away from Christopher Luxon having to go to the public to ask that fundamental question - do you feel better off than three years ago? Right now, that answer is no." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour has overtaken National - and Chris Hipkins has leap-frogged Chris Luxon as preferred Prime Minister in a new poll. The Taxpayers' Union-Curia Poll has Labour on 34.1 percent and National on 33.6 percent - leaving the coalition unable to form a Government. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Luxon doesn't appear to be bothered by this data - and he's focused on getting the economy sorted ahead of the 2026 election. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Severe weather warnings remain in some eastern parts of Australia recovering from ex-tropical cyclone Alfred. Flood warnings ranging from minor to major still apply in northern New South Wales - with rain expected to ease - and southeast Queensland. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns says people should keep clear of dangerous powerlines, likely to be across the Northern Rivers Region to Coffs Harbour. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says the worst of the disaster has wrapped up - but recovery efforts are underway. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

India have chased 252 to beat New Zealand by four wickets with an over to spare in the Champions Trophy final at Dubai on a pitch that could've been used to re-enact the moon landing. Daryl Mitchell top-scored with 63 off 101 balls but the Black Caps struggled at times, including an 81-ball gap between boundaries from the 14th to 27th overs. Sportstalk host Jason Pine explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pharmac's board chair says the drug buying agency has a management issue with listening to patient voices. A review of consumer engagement with the Government agency finds it's seen as 'defensive'. It also says Pharmac's slow to respond and lacks respect for patient advocates. Chair Paula Bennett says the organisation had become insular and inward-looking - more often than not. "And instead of proactively having what are really awkward and uncomfortable and difficult conversations with people when we're saying - I'm sorry, I can't fund your medicine. But at least doing that in an open and transparent way is what we expect."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 7 March 2025, Ryan Bridge talks to Winston Peters about NZ First's new members bill to remove 'woke' DEI hires for the public sector.  Health Minister Simeon Brown discusses the re-creation of the Health NZ Board - what's next for Lester Levy?  The Mayor of Byron Bay Sarah Ndiaye gives us a latest on cyclone Alfred as it touches down.  Plus, the sports huddle discusswhat's gone wrong with the Fijian Drua and their team bus. 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.

US Ukraine talks are headed to Saudi Arabia next week, with President Zelensky saying he hopes it'll be a meaningful meeting. It has been revealed around 20 countries are now interested in joining what's being called a coalition of the willing to help Ukraine. They're largely taken from the Commonwealth and from Europe, spearheaded by the UK and France.  UK Correspondent Gavin Grey talks to Ryan Bridge.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How is China feeling amid the trade war coming out of the United States?  Tariffs have been on and off under Trump's direction, but when it comes to China they have been consistent.  Asia Business Correspondent Peter Lewis talks to Ryan Bridge about what's been happening in China in the aftermath.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The man at the centre of the economy for eight years has resigned, leaving without notice or explanation.  Adrian Orr stepped down from his role as Reserve Bank governor on Wednesday.  Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper says it would be beneficial to hear from Orr.  "He's either accepting absolute defeat in what he set out to do, or he's saying ... 'I've done the job, now I'm out of here.'  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

U.S President Donald Trump has paused tariffs on Mexico and Canada, again, after first doing so one month ago.   The executive actions mean products covered under the USMCA treaty won’t be subject to a tariff until April 2nd. What is the President’s game plan?  Executive Director of the International Business Forum Stephen Jacobi talks to Ryan Bridge. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sports Commentator Andrew Gouride and Newstalk ZB Rugby Commentator Paul Allison join Ryan Bridge on the Sports Huddle. Super Rugby is taking a hit after the Fijian team were forced to right in the back of a truck on their arrival in Napier. How bad is this for the tournament? The Champions Trophy is getting underway on Sunday – could the Black Caps win? What does the Huddle think of a new review saying Super Rugby franchises should be merged with provincial unions? LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Fijian Drua have reported several travel issues before their Super Rugby game in Napier last month.  A photo showing the rugby team crammed into the back of a truck has circulated online, leading to officials blaming a breakdown in communication as the culprit.  FBC Sports Journalist Indra Singh talks to Ryan Bridge about the incident. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New film Tinā is shaping up to be a Kiwi classic and has already earned more than $1 million.  The film ranks third as the biggest opening weekend for a New Zealand film. Director Miki Magasiva talks to Ryan Bridge about the movie and why it's connecting with audiences nationwide.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cyclone Alfred continues to head towards Queensland.  Four million people are set to be directly affected according to the latest numbers.  Several towns have been evacuated and thousands are without power.  Byron Bay Mayor Sarah Ndiaye gives Ryan Bridge an update on the situation.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is reinstating the board of Health New Zealand, only eight months after it was scrapped. Lester Levy was appointed as commissioner and replaced the board last year. What does the new model look like?  Health Minister Simeon Brown said the recruitment process has begun for a new board and talks to Ryan Bridge about the change. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health Minister Simeon Brown is making major changes by bringing back the board of Health New Zealand.  It comes as an audit of the public health agency found financial difficulties and "significant concerns."  Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper tells Ryan Bridge one of those concerns was senior management not having a meeting for two years.  "If it was laughable, you'd say it was an orchestrated litany of laughs, but it's not because it's not funny," he said.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cracks are showing in the relationship between US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Trump gathered his cabinet to distinguish what power Musk has.  The President's new guidance says that DOGE will play an advisory role and that's it. US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson talks to Ryan Bridge about the change, and Trump's pause on Mexico-Canada tariffs.  LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can the Black Caps beat India on Sunday night to with the ICC Champions Trophy? The teams will come up against each other in Dubai at 10pm NZ time. The final follows a record-breaking victory against South Africa in the semi-final of the tournament. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meal deals have been a staple across UK retailers - and some outlets are offering consumers a new lunchtime option. Companies like Asda, Sainsbury's and Tesco are offering up salads, sandwiches, wraps, pasta and more - and non-alcoholic beer has entered the mix.  UK correspondent Enda Brady says this has been met with mixed reactions, with many labelling this move 'desperate'. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Equity markets across the world have taken a dive - and one expert has explained the sudden drop. Donald Trump's tariff threat and collective concerns about the administration's new Department of Government Efficiency have sparked aversion among experts. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand’s red meat sector is on track for a strong rebound, with export returns and overall profitability expected to rise. According to Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s mid-season update, strong global demand is expected to boost results for the sector.  The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good news for Kiwi motorists - they can look forward to lower fuel prices in the next few days. The price of oil is at its lowest level in more than three years as fears about lower global growth combine with Opec plans to boost production. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Kiwiblog's David Farrar and former Labour minister Stuart Nash joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Foreign Minister Winston Peters made the decision to sack Phil Goff as High Commissioner to the UK after he questioned President Donald Trump's understanding of history. Was this the right call? The Government has revealed it plans to lower the age of eligibility for free bowel cancer screenings to 58. However, it's using funding set aside from the last Government's plan to lower screening for Māori and Pasifika to 50. What do we make of this? Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran has officially resigned - and will step down from the role this October. How will he be remembered? Did he make the right call?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 6 March 2025, Ryan Bridge talks to Jessica Walker - Head of research at Consumer NZ about calling for an outright ban on card payment surcharges. Health Minister Simeon Brown discusses the Government's announcement on lowering the age for free bowel cancer testing. Winston Peters has given Phil Goff the flick as the High Commissioner to the UK - was he wrong to comment on Trump? Plus, the Huddle discusses yet another significant resignation with Greg Foran standing down as Air NZ CEO. 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.

Medical lab scientists and technicians across the country are set to go on strike in the coming days. Rolling strikes will take place across Pauanui, Pathlab and various med labs - beginning on the 22nd of March. The union has revealed 123,000 fewer patient tests will take place as a result of the strike action.  APEX National Secretary Dr Deborah Powell says important tests will still be carried out - but the results will be delayed. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Auckland-based Canadian billionaire previously linked to an alternative news venture has taken a substantial holding in media company NZME. NZME owns the NZ Herald, BusinessDesk and Newstalk ZB. E tū negotiator Michael Wood says many are concerned about a potential change in editorial direction. "The concern here is that we clearly have an individual that is highly motivated to take control of a major media entity in New Zealand and who is doing so, quite clearly, with the intent of promulgating a particular political perspective."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Air New Zealand is in for a change - with CEO Greg Foran resigning from October. He's told the board the airline is in a good place and this is the right time to step down. He took on the role in February 2020. Aviation commentator Irene King says the airline should take this opportunity to restore confidence at home. "Air New Zealand has really got to focus on its core New Zealand market - and I think some of that's been lost. The edge has gone off." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research reveals Kiwis check their devices for notifications up to 50 times per hour. According to a survey by Kindle, 86 percent of respondents check through their notifications before they go to sleep - which has been found to contribute to increased stress levels and poor sleep quality. Neuroscientist Dr Mark Williams says many people have also developed 'phantom buzz' syndrome as a result of always needing to be connected to their phones. "Their brains are so wired to be constantly getting these notifications - that's what they're looking for all the time. They get these 'phantom buzzes' and they have trouble getting to sleep and doing things." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's support for the Foreign Affairs Minister sacking Phil Goff as High Commissioner to the UK.  Goff questioned President Donald Trump's understanding of history at a public Chatham House event. Winston Peters says that's ultimately made his position as High Commissioner untenable.  Former New Zealand Consul-General to LA, Maurice Williamson, says diplomats are clearly warned not to convey personal views. "It wouldn't matter if you were talking about Japan or China or anything - that's the role of a diplomat, you're there to represent the Government's views." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Health Minister says higher testing rates are key to better bowel cancer outcomes. The Government is lowering eligibility for free screening to 58 from late this year. It's using funding set aside from the previous Government's plan to lower screening for Māori and Pasifika - who have worse early onset death rates - to 50. Simeon Brown says this will save more lives - but he explained they'll still pay attention to those communities.  "We're also going to be doing a lot of work with Health NZ to focus on increasing the rates of testing amongst those Māori and Pasifika communities."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters has sacked Phil Goff as British High Commissioner. The Foreign Minister acted after Goff - a former Labour leader and Cabinet Minister in Clark's Government - questioned Donald Trump's understanding of history.  Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Trump needs to be handled with care, as the US President could retaliate and impact New Zealand's 'bread and butter'. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's Prime Minister is reassuring locals bracing for Cyclone Alfred that the Government has their back.  The category two storm is expected to hit tomorrow between the Sunshine Coast and northern New South Wales. More than 200 NSW schools are closed, the Defence Force is activated - and Qantas and Virgin are suspending Brisbane flights. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says over 20,000 homes will also need to be evacuated before the cyclone touches down. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kane Williamson has rotated the strike with a Lahore cat at the media conference after New Zealand's 50-run Champions Trophy semi-final cricket win over South Africa. He didn't need nine lives with his 102 alongside Rachin Ravindra's 108 as part of 362 for six to cat-apult the Black Caps into a decider against India in Dubai on Sunday. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's renewed calls for an outright ban on card payment surcharges.  Consumer NZ says the Commerce Commission's considering lowering interchange fees, but there's no guarantee it'll reduce what consumers pay. It says a proper ban would be more consistent and fairer for buyers and merchants. Research Acting Head Jessica Walker says there's been adjustments to interchange fees in the past - and there's doubt this latest change will be different. "What we're calling for is for the Commerce Commission to make this a priority - and at least consider putting surcharge bans on the table." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.