Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Police in the US have said the death of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, musician Betsy Arakawa, is suspicious enough to warrant an investigation.  The sheriff's office said the couple had been dead for some time when Police found them in their New Mexico home.  New York Post Entertainment Reporter Sean Mandel talks to Ryan Bridge about what there is to know. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has announced a series of changes that intend on making it easier for local councils to finance infrastructure around new housing developments. Currently ratepayers are picking up the tab for sewage lines, local streets, and water. New changes are set to ensure that developers are paying their fair share. Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop joins the show. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Peters has met with the Chinese Foreign Minister in Beijing, telling his counterpart that New Zealand was not given enough warning about China's recent navy exercises.  Peters says the Cook Islands-China deal was also a topic of discussion in their meeting. In other meetings, Sir Kier Starmer has met with Donald Trump.  Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper talks to Ryan Bridge about everything that happened in that meeting, Peters discussion with the Chinese Foreign Minister, Trump's invitation from King Charles, and the Treasury's Cook Straight Ferry deadline.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trump administration has released hundreds of documents related to the death of Jeffrey Epstein. What was revealed? And legendary actor Gene Hackman, his musician wife Betsy Arakawa and their dog were found dead in their New Mexico home on Wednesday. A gas leak has been ruled out as suspicions grow around the deaths. US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson talks to Ryan Bridge about any Epstein revelations, what we know so far about Hackman and Arakawa’s deaths, and Trump and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer meeting. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year’s NRL season gets underway on Sunday – Could this be the warriors year? And what upsets are on their way in Super Rugby round three? Weekend Sport Jason Pine talks to Ryan Bridge about what to keep an eye out for in sport. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarah Fitt has resigned as the Pharmac chief executive after seven years. Last year a “short and sharp” review was undertaken into Pharmac’s internal staff culture and relationships with patient groups, Chair Paula Bennet announced at the time. Fitt recently faced criticism for these issues. Pharmac chair Paula Bennett talks to Ryan Bridge. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington City Council removed car parks near the botanical Gardens to create more space for cycleways, now they might be bringing them back. The council says residents were complaining after being unable to find parks to visit the gardens. Wellington City Councillor Diane Calvert talks to Ryan Bridge. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump has threatened to slap import tariffs on the EU. The US President has already slammed neighbours Canada and Mexico with levy hikes - and both quickly returned the favour. Holding his first Cabinet meeting, Trump says it will be 25 percent generally speaking, and mentioned cars as one target. He also claimed the EU formed to 'screw with the US'. UK correspondent Enda Brady says Starmer will be looking to make sure the UK avoids a similar fate as he heads to Washington. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's relief among farmers as the Government recognises drought conditions in Taranaki. Federated Farmers says the region's had a year-and-a-half of unusually low rainfall, particularly in Manaia, Hāwera and Kakaramea. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says it's forced some farmers to feed-out livestock or sell earlier. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest ANZ Business Outlook survey indicates confidence is up - but not all companies are feeling optimistic about their recovery. Business confidence rose four points to +58 in February, while expected own activity eased one point to +45. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann says these figures paint a 'mixed' picture of the future.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new deal will put New Zealand at the top of Vietnam's diplomatic relationships list.  Prime Minister Chris Luxon has signed the comprehensive strategic partnership in Ha Noi. Just 10 other countries have signed such a deal with Vietnam.  Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls says the details of the arrangement are still coming to light, but it could potentially mean extra security for New Zealand.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, journalist Mark Sainsbury and former Labour MP Stuart Nash joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  The Government plans to introduce a referendum to extend Parliamentary terms to four years. Do we think Kiwis will go for this? Do we need longer political terms?  Labour's Carmel Sepuloni has urged David Seymour to resign over his botched school lunch programme. What do we make of this? New Zealand's KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut stores have helped drive millions in profits for global owner Restaurant Brands. Is this because of the economic downturn?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite growing fears about Deepseek's growing presence, tech giant Nvidia is reporting an impressive sales result. Nvidia reported a surge in fourth-quarter profit and sales as demand for its specialized Blackwell chips, which power artificial intelligence systems, continued to grow. This has also boosted the company's stock. Greg Smith from Devon Funds Management says Nvidia has pulled ahead of all its competitors - with only Apple narrowly beating it out. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's unclear whether New Zealanders will embrace four-year Parliamentary terms this time around. New legislation proposed by the Government could see it put to referendum. However, Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper remembers voting in a similar referendum in the past - and he's unsure if Kiwi voters are interested.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Rugby's unsurprised by Clayton McMillan's impending move offshore. NZR and the Chiefs have released McMillan from the final year of his coaching contract - he'll join Irish club Munster in July. General manager professional rugby Chris Lendrum says McMillan's been open about his plans to coach overseas - and it's just come early. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

​On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 27 February 2025, David Seymour talks about the Government looking to expand parliamentary terms from 3 years to 4. Energy Minister Simon Watts discusses the energy competition task force looking to level the playing field between gentailers and independent generators - will we have power pries? Mike Egan from the Restaurant Association talks about why KFC and Taco bell are booming amongst Kiwis. Plus, Greg Smith from Devon Funds Management talks about Nvidia's record sales. 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.

Thai tourism authorities, hoteliers and travel agents are gearing up for a surge in visitors off the back of the latest season of The White Lotus. The HBO series helped put  the spotlight on Hawaii and Sicily, cementing those destinations as bastions of luxury travel.  Dave Bernad, executive producer of the series, says he feels fortunate that so many people have responded positively to the series. "When we went out to scout, we were thinking Japan originally, we were pretty certain it was going to be Japan - and then HBO said to check out one other country as a courtesy. And Thailand was the country that just made sense."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut stores have helped drive millions in profits for global owner Restaurant Brands.  The multi-national company has reported a 5.4 percent sales growth in the year ending December - reaching $1.39 billion. The Kiwi division's recorded the highest net profit - at $41.7 million - and the Australia and California markets had losses.  Restaurant Association President Mike Egan says convenience is a big factor behind people buying fast food.  "People are super busy, stuck in traffic - part of the stress of every day is what's for dinner." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steps are being taken to level the energy playing field. The Electricity Authority is proposing new measures to stop the big four electricity companies from giving preferential treatment to their own retail arms. It's working to increase competition - aiming to ultimately give consumers more choices and lower prices. Energy Minister Simon Watts says things need to change. He says prices are too high and are negatively impacting productivity and economic growth. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's Defence Minister has reminded the population to stay calm as the Chinese warships move further in. The Navy vessels have been moving west into Australia's exclusive economic zone. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says plans are in place to keep an eye on the ships until they leave. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACT's leader believes four-year Parliamentary terms would lead to more accountability. The Government plans to introduce legislation to go to a referendum - potentially as early as the next general election. The opposition would need to get more proportional representation in Parliament Select Committees, providing greater checks and balances. David Seymour says that would mean more debate. "I think it would be genuinely better if laws had to go in front of a Select Committee for six months, as run by the other guys, to beat it around."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Home ownership rates among women have gone up, but there's concern financial barriers are holding them back from investment properties. The latest edition of CoreLogic’s Women & Property Report shows that 23 percent of women had sole ownership of a property compared to 20.9 percent for men, with mixed-gender ownership accounting for 56 percent. CoreLogic Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson says the gender wage gap is still impacting women's salaries. "There's a female deficit, I guess, when it comes to investment properties. So great, females own a proportionately higher number of owner-occupied properties, but there is also a deficit when it comes to investment properties." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So we're all going to have our say on giving our politicians a four year term - or are we? The announcement from Goldsmith today was all over the place - David Seymour is largely to blame for that. He'll be on the show soon, so we'll ask him to explain then. But in principle, do I support a four-year term? Yes. Why? Because politics is too short-sighted. They spend one year getting in. One year doing work. Then another year getting elected again. The bigger problem, though, is strategy and pay-off. Strategizing with a 3-year window means short-sighted ambitions. It means we don't invest in as many big roading and rail projects as they should. It means we don't bother with fixing productivity. Stuff gets put in the too-hard basket because there's no pay off before the next election. And that's the prize these guys are working towards. Part of the reason China is a superpower today - only 50 odd years after opening up to the world - is because it has centralised power. It's a dictatorship. It has a very clear direction and very clear strategy. And no pesky elections to worry about. Now obviously we don't want to go full autocracy here - but a little more time for a party in power would, I think, do more good than harm. I also reckon we should give local Government four years too. For much the same reasons. But I also think we should combine voting in local and national politics, so you vote for your mayor and your Government on the same day, in the same polling booth. Two fifths of bugger all people actually bother voting in local elections - which is part of the reason local councils are run by such weirdos who can't seem to balance budgets. So, one polling day for everything, once every four years. Tick, tick, tick, tick. Done, easy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK has confirmed its biggest boost in defence spending since the Cold War, with its Prime Minister warning the world has entered a 'dangerous new era'. The UK says its spending will rise from 2.3 percent of GDP to 2.5 over the next few years. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says this money will be taken out of the international aid budget - prompting criticism from advocates.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ryman Healthcare has entered a trading halt as it proposes to raise $1 billion of new capital to reduce debt and reset the balance sheet. The retirement village operator was forced to offer shares at a significant discount to get investors on board.  Milford Asset Management's Jeremy Hutton explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New reports indicate over 9000 clubs, societies, trade associations and industry councils could be looking at a significant tax bill. Inland Revenue has changed the way it interprets a law - and they're keen to crack down on businesses they believe are 'masquerading' as charities to reduce their taxes. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains what this law change could mean going forward. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 26 February 2025, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith talks to Ryan Bridge about the Government's new citizen's arrests changes.  International relations expert Dr Keith Suter discusses whether China re-entering Australia's economic zone is an escalation. The Brewers Association talks about why Kiwis are turning to the stronger beers, and enjoying less wine. Plus, NZME CEO Michael Boggs discusses the media company's financial results amongst a tough advertising market. 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, Ali Jones from Red PR and Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the week - and more!  The Government is looking to make changes in regards to citizen's arrests, meaning businesses could potentially have the freedom to restrain offenders to cut down on shoplifting and retail crime. Do we think these changes are necessary?  The Greens have delivered their annual State of the Planet address, saying the Government's pandering to privatisation in its search for economic growth. Do we agree with the points they made?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Media company NZME is considering separating its property brand OneRoof into an entirely new business. The company - which also owns Newstalk ZB and the New Zealand Herald - is reporting full-year earnings of $54.2 million and a net loss after tax of $16 million after impairment.  Operating revenue is up 2 percent, but earnings are down by 3.6 percent. Chief Executive Michael Boggs says they're doing a strategic review of OneRoof. "How is it structured, and what is the best way of the shareholdings of that business? Should we own all of it - or should there be other shareholders in it, for example? Should we be investing more into it?" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland Council's putting the hard word on unregistered dog owners. The council is set to issue 5500 infringement notices over the next few days to dog owners who've failed to properly register their pets. The council's general manager of compliance, Robert Irvine, says there will be a grace period - and people have the option to pay their registration fees to get their fines waived. "If you're a responsible dog owner, we give you a discount - and there's also the early discount." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beer is reclaiming its popularity - in large part due to options with lower carbs and alcohol levels. Stats NZ has revealed the volume of beer for consumption has risen 5.4 percent to 296 million litres, after successive years of declines.  Volumes of wine and spirits have fallen. Brewers Association Executive Director, Dylan Firth, says low-carb beer makes up about 20 percent of the market and is steadily becoming the drink of choice.  "A lot of those brands are shifting, whether it's the mainstream stuff or craft. So it's really interesting to see, and a lot of that's driven by consumer preferences."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The presence of Chinese warships in the Tasman Sea could indicate New Zealand needs to strengthen relations with China. The Defence Force is monitoring three warships that have now entered Australia's exclusive economic zone, south of Tasmania. Acting Prime Minister David Seymour says there's no reason to panic - but it shows how the world's changed.  Channel Seven's foreign editor, Dr Keith Suter, says China hasn't violated international law.  "It doesn point up to the fact that we need agreements between Australia, New Zealand and China on how the Chinese should behave when they're in our corner of the world." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government hopes criminals will be deterred as it proposes loosening restrictions on citizen's arrests. It would mean businesses could arrest and detain people stealing at any hour, and use reasonable force. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says this doesn't mean people can't tackle others or force them to the ground - but they will be able to directly intervene. "The definition of reasonable force is something that the courts will work their way through - but yes, holding on to somebody's arm and stopping them from getting away is reasonable."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Justice Minister says it's not possible to have a police office on every corner, as he announces plans to beef up citizen's arrests.  The Government is aiming to legislate proposals from a retail crime advisory group - letting businesses detain, restrain and use reasonable force against people stealing. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper has some concerns about these new changes. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ukraine and the US have agreed to a framework for a minerals deal, according to Ukrainian officials. The broad outlines of the deal would grant Washington partial access to Ukraine’s minerals, oil and gas, part of an effort by the Trump Administration to recoup the cost of US war aid. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to arrive in Washington in the coming days to sign the agreement. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Toulon have taken a page from the Dad's Army recruitment manual, re-signing 42-year-old All Black great Ma'a Nonu to their roster as medical cover. He's previously had a couple of stints at the French Top-14 side. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's warnings significant change is needed, as Oranga Tamariki continues to fall short. The Independent Children's Monitor's fourth annual report to July - shows the Ministry still isn't meeting National Care Standards, formed in 2019. It's not facilitating enough social worker visits and more children are being abused or neglected under its watch. Monitor head Arran Jones says state care still needs an overhaul to reduce incidents. "Kids that are coming into youth justice residences are more likely to be care experienced - and what we're saying is, unless you're actually doing right by these kids who are coming from broken homes, who've suffered abuse and neglect themselves - unless you're doing the right thing to care for them, what you'll see is negative outcomes."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sir Keir Starmer is set to meet his American counterpart in Washington as talks about Ukraine's future continue. The Prime Minister has already locked horns with Donald Trump - and accused him of repeating Russian disinformation after he called Zelenskyy a 'dictator'. UK correspondent Enda Brady offers speculation about the upcoming meeting. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

'Special Economic Zones' or energy precincts could be established to strengthen New Zealand's fuel and energy security, according to the Government. Cabinet will consider a range of options in the first half of this year. Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones says special economic zones - areas with less regulations - are already used widely overseas. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen unpacks whether or not this is the way forward. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a good start to the year for wool farmers, as prices leap up to a historic high. Following a Covid-induced downturn, growth has returned to the sector - allowing farmers to do more than scrape by. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, journalist Clare de Lore and Infrastrucuture New Zealand CEO Nick Leggett joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the week - and more!  British streaming platform DAZN are being courted by New Zealand Rugby to make an 11th hour bid for the rugby rights deal after the body got into a stalemate with Sky. What do we make of this? The Police Minister is crediting officers for a significant drop in violent crime - the first dip in five years. Do we feel safter when we go out?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you've ever lent money to a friend or family member and never seen that cash again - a new app could turn that situation around. A former banker turned Hawke’s Bay farmer has created a peer-to-peer lending app designed to simplify and formalise loan agreements between peers or friends, and it's believed to be the first of its kind in New Zealand. Amico creator Tom Aitken says this service is legally enforceable - and is designed to clear up ambiguities around small-scale lending. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Campervan company Tourism Holdings is being hit hard by a tough economic climate, according to new reports. The company's net profit for the six months ended December was $25.3 million compared to $39.7 million in the previous period - a 36 percent decline. CEO Grant Webster says there's an upside - as New Zealand rentals and sales have gone from 'strength to strength'. "New Zealand's been our standout performer, and a really big increase, a 20+ percent increase in revenue - and fleet's gone up accordingly and we've had a good summer."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 25 February 2025, Police Minister Mark Mitchell talks to Ryan Bridge about crime figures being down for the first time since 2018. Minister for Resources Shane Jones talks about the Government's plans for a new special economic zone for Marsden point. The President of the Auckland Primary Principals Association explains why fast tracking teacher residency is a good thing for the education sector. Plus, Gregor Paul joins Ryan to discusses the entry of streaming giants DAZN into the NZ rugby rights battle - are we likely to see a game changer? 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.

Saudi-backed service DAZN has reportedly entered the battle for New Zealand Rugby's broadcasting rights. The national body are yet to come to a new agreement with incumbent rightsholders Sky - who are understood to have submitted a smaller bid than their current deal. NZ Herald rugby writer Gregor Paul initially broke the story, and he says NZR felt the need to reach out to a potential bidder who could offer more. He suspects DAZN could be looking to acquire Sky as well - as it's currently in the process of buying Australia's Foxtel. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's relief in the education sector as Erica Stanford moves on teacher shortages. The Immigration and Education Minister is changing immigration rules to fast-track primary teacher residency. Annual forecasts predict schools will be short 1250 teachers this year, upturning an original projection of a surplus approaching the same figure - about 1061. Auckland Primary Principals Association President, Kyle Brewerton, says the Ministry believed there was a surplus for too long. "It took the current Minister to actually lean on the Ministry and say - hang on, this doesn't make sense, because I'm hearing this and you're telling me this, so what's really going on? And now we have the full answer." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Police Minister is crediting officers and Corrections staff for success from a crackdown on violent crime.  The Government's celebrating a two percent decline in victimisations in 2024, compared to 2023. It's alongside a 40 percent increase in foot patrols. Ram raids more than halved - but retail crime rose 12 percent.  Mark Mitchell says New Zealand should be the safest country in the world. "We're definitely not crowing about it yet - it's early days, we know we've still got an enormous amount of work to do. But it's certainly a step in the right direction." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Associate Energy Minister wants climate advocates to embrace the potential for fewer regulations around Marsden Point. Cabinet is planning to look into options to increase energy security this year. They could include creating special economic zones, which have reduced regulations and increased support around customs and trade. Shane Jones says it could be a significant point for energy transition, and innovation. "What are we actually going to do in New Zealand, other than try and tax cows? What are we actually going to do to enable industry, to enable investors to accelerate the pace of change?" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

France's President claims today's discussions with Donald Trump are a turning point for settling the war in Ukraine.  Emmanuel Macron and the US President have held talks at the White House, while virtually attending the Kyiv G7 meeting.  In translation, Macron says both parties want peace as soon as possible, and neither want a weak agreement.  ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Trump still appeared oblivious over several key aspects during the discussions.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Network Ten has been ordered to pay journalist Lisa Wilkinson $1.15 million to cover the court costs incurred during the Bruce Lehrmann case. Lehrmann had taken Ten and Wilkinson to court - claiming he was defamed by an interview with Brittany Higgins. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Wilkinson and Ten stepped up to defend themselves. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.