Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

British streaming platform DAZN are being courted by New Zealand Rugby to make an 11th hour bid for the rugby rights deal up after this year. Talks between Sky and New Zealand Rugby continue, but the pair have failed to reach an agreement on a scaled down offer from the current agreement. The New Zealand Herald reports NZR is talking to DAZN - who are currently in the process of buying Australia's Foxtel. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Government plan to extend repeat prescription terms to 12 months could follow international trends. The current supply limit is generally three months - possibly longer for contraceptives and overseas travel.  The Ministry of Health opened consultation last year. General Practice New Zealand chair, Doctor Bryan Betty, says Australia, the US and the UK have already made similar moves. "There were similar sorts of restrictions on prescribing there, but all of those countries have started to loosen this up in terms of flexibility."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So it looks like, on paper at least, that this is a big win for the Government's crackdown on crime. Violent crime is down for the first time in five years - sure, it's only by two percent, but at least it's not going up.  2019 - up. 2020 - up. 2021, 2022, 2023 - up, up up. 2024 - down.  And over those five years of increase, violence went up 51 percent. You basically had to just walk down the street and you'd get punched in the eye. Mark Mitchell and Paul Goldsmith have fired off press releases quicker than a Chinese warship in the Tasman about this, they're crowing and beating their chests, they're very happy. And you can see why - serious assaults have come down, injuries have reduced, ram raids are down massively, total victimisations are down as well. And here's the kicker - guess what else has changed at the same time? The prison population has just hit its highest level since 2018. Police foot patrols are up 40 percent. So it's almost like - if more bad people are in prison, they're not punching us in the streets. I know, completely unbelievable. And who would have thought police patrolling the streets might actually prevent crime? This is, of course, not radical stuff. It's basic stuff. And on these numbers, the Government finally has something tangible to be proud of. But - and there's always a but with these stats - retail theft is up 12 percent. People are still walking into shops with their tote bags and taking stuff. And then there's the stats themselves - this survey that they're using here covers a 24 month window, so it's not a crystal-clear picture that we're getting. Plus, the violence numbers that they're looking at come from a mish-mash of police data via Twitter, of all places. This is from the Government release. So we can expect some blowback from Labour on that. But you don't need the stats to tell you - what you feel and what I feel and what we feel and see in our neighbourhoods, and that's more cops on the beat and less violence on our streets. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police in Spain have arrested 48 people in connection with a suspected human trafficking ring - believed to have lured over 1000 women to the country for sex work. Authorities found evidence these women, who were mainly from Venezuela and Colombia, were made to believe they were taking beauty or cleaning jobs. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says these women were kept under constant video surveillance and only allowed out for two hours per day. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Retailers are hoping a sales rebound means an industry uptick has begun. Stats NZ data shows total retail sales increased 0.9 percent in the three months ending December - against the quarter before. Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly says this is a good sign for the economy - but warns companies not to get ahead of themselves. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Conservatives have won Germany's election, with the far-right securing record votes. Exit polls have the centre-right CDU topping votes at about 29 percent. AFD has had the best showing for a German far-right political party since World War Two, surging to 20 percent. New Zealand Initiative executive director Oliver Hartwich unpacks the economic factors at play. 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!  The Police Commissioner believes the gang patch ban is working - and claimed the ban is helping make the public feel safer. What do we make of this?  Do we need to sink more money into defence spending? The Government is hinting at boosting defence spending ahead of the 2025 budget - do we agree with this? Andrew Bayly has resigned as a Minister after putting his hands on a staffer - what do we think of this? How weird is this story? Should bars be allowed to advertise to students? Victoria University of Wellington's Students Association doesn't think so. Do we think this whole saga is an over-reach? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 24 February 2025, the Government is promising to pump more money into the Defence Force - Ryan Bridge asks former Defence Minister Andrew Little where the money needs to go.  And Ryan asks Nicola Willis just how big of a boost the Defence Force will get.  Andrew Bayly has resigned as a Minister after inappropriate behaviour during an argument with a staffer - but details on what exactly happened are scarce. And why did the Victoria University Students Association complain about bars advertising to students for O-Week?  Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister says it could take 15 years before Defence Force spending reaches a goal set out by the Prime Minister.   Christopher Luxon says he want the Government to get close to spending 2 percent of the country's GDP on defence.  It comes as Chinese naval ships run live firing round practice in the Tasman Sea.    Nicola Willis says it will take quite a few budgets to meet the 2 percent threshold.  "What we're working on is a defence capability plan that sets out what are the big investments we need to make to get our defence force ready - and that will take us out to 2040." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Police Commissioner says feedback from the gang-patch crackdown has been mostly positive on all fronts.  More than 300 charges have been filed for breaches since the ban came into force in November.  Police say they've also seized 76 patches.  Commissioner Richard Chambers says the ban is leaving a positive impact thus far. "More importantly, the public is saying that they are actually feeling safer - they aren't experiencing the same intimidation that they had in the past. So I think this has been a good piece of legislation." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Wellington bar owner's bewildered he can't hand out pamphlets advertising his bars during O-week.  Victoria University of Wellington's Students Association has complained to the council licensing team. The council has told Greig Wilson they believe licensees must not target students to draw them to bars. Wilson says he's distributed the flyers for years. "The idea is to drive students into the bars before 12 o'clock, where we can better manage intoxication control in a controlled environment and monitor their drinking, rather than them being in a flat in Mount Cook with a bottle of vodka."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Get ready New Zealand, a massive defence budget is going to drop in three months. Judith Collins told the show on Friday the Government wants to get to two percent of GDP. We're currently at 1.1 percent with our spending. We spend almost $5 billion a year on defence. So we're talking about double that - almost $10 billion. Now, Nicola Willis set her spending allowance for new money at $2.4 billion for the next three budgets, excluding savings.  So at that rate, it'd take more than nine years and ALL the extra money available to get to 2 percent.  That would also mean nothing extra for health and education or anything else. So that is quite unlikely. Here's what they should do - come out and say we're getting to two percent within 15 years. They're announcing a 15-year defence plan, so it'd signal plenty of time to scale up. Then there's the why - and on what? The why is easy. America is in retreat mode. China is waiting in the wings. We're in the middle, though down the bottom of this battle. China now has the world’s largest navy - 234 warships. The US has 219. Donald Trump, and more importantly the American people who voted for him, don't want to play global cop anymore. Trump will only help Ukraine if he gets 50 percent of their mineral wealth in return. He's doing economic deals. So we're quite vulnerable. The US spends between 3 and 4 percent of GDP on defence. Australia spends 2 percent already. There'll be plenty of people - the Greens, the academics, and the experts - who'll say we shouldn't spend $10 billion on defence. They want more school lunches and more pay for teachers.  But what's good's a school lunch if you've got no country? Security is more important. But the challenge for the Government will be making sure they spend any extra cash on the right stuff. Not just spend the money for sake of hitting an arbitrary target. We should spend wisely, so we're useful enough to a more powerful player. If the Government is serious about this, which they certainly sound to be, then perhaps its time they also let nuclear-powered warships into our waters. If we're worried enough to drop $10 billion on defence, then surely letting an ally dock here wouldn't be such a bad idea? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has hinted it wants to increase military spending, as geopolitical escalations taking place off the coast prompt concern. Three Chinese Navy ships have been conducting live fire rounds in the Tasman Sea in recent days - and details are coming to light of its new deal with the Cook Islands. Former Defence Minister Andrew Little says China's economy has grown - along with the size of its military.  "We need to make sure that our equipment is modern, up to spec, and works with our defence partners - whether it's Australia, the UK or the US or whoever." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Minister Andrew Bayly says a complaint was laid about him laying a hand on a staffer.  He says it was during a work discussion he's called 'animated' last Tuesday. He's apologised to the staff member, and resigned as ACC and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister, but he remains the MP for Port Waikato.  ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Bayly's got a reputation as an 'interesting' character - but he owned up to his mistake.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian treasurer Jim Chalmers is set to meet with his American counterparts in a bid to get an exemption from US tariffs on steel and aluminium. An announcement from President Donald Trump on whether Australian industries will be granted a tariff exemption is due in the coming weeks. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says there's a possibility the current trade surplus between the nations will even things out - but it's unclear if Australia will be able to get out of the tariffs. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland FC are the kings of New Zealand football after destroying Wellington 6-1 - and now lead the A-League by eight points. The Wellington Phoenix have since dropped to 11th place. Sportstalk host Jason Pine explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Business owners are being encouraged to work with neighbours to keep small towns 'alive'. Napier City Business general manager Pip Thompson says Napier and Hastings CBDs become ghost towns after 5pm, when stores close. She says 'to stay alive in 2025', trading hours need to no longer be confined to 9-to-5. But Retail NZ Chief Executive Carolyn Young says a single store can't make the change alone. "If you've got a number of stores around you that are open later, people will come because they know that they can call into that store at a time that suits them after work."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 21 February 2025, Sky News host Andrew Bolt speaks to Ryan Bridge about the Chinese naval ships off the coast of Sydney. Police Assistant Commissioner Mike Johnson defends the decision not to charge or sack a senior police officer who hit his children with a belt. Sky TV boss Sophie Moloney defends the company's handling of the satellite issues and reveals how much has been paid out in compensation. Plus, on the Sports Huddle why does Ryan want more streakers at the rugby this weekend, and what Jim thinks should happen to them. 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.

Germany is heading to the polls this weekend in what could be a major shift at the heart of Europe. Latest opinion polls have suggested a surge in support for right wing and far right parties following terror attacks by asylum seekers and/or migrants. Will a coalition need to include a far right party to operate with a majority? UK Correspondent Gavin Grey talks to Ryan Bridge about the shift, the raids that targeted a £828bn criminal money-laundering network, and a polish woman claiming to be missing girl Madeleine McCann. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Xi Jinping had a meeting with prominent entrepreneurs this week... what was his message to them?  India is looking to cut import taxes in response to trump's reciprocal tariffs.  And Singapore has announced vouchers and tax breaks to help with rising costs.  Asia Business Correspondent Peter Lewis joins the show.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stats boss has fallen on his sword over the handling of confidential personal data.  Automatic pay rises for public servants under review.  Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has said the government will aim to spend two percent of GDP on defence. Is it doable? LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Energy company Genesis almost doubled its half year net profit to 70.3 million dollars after tax. Wholesale power prices rose dramatically last winter in response to the dry weather. Shareholders will be happy with that, but its customers might not. Genesis Chief Executive Malcom Johns talks to Ryan Bridge. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sportstalk host D’Arcy Waldegrave and Journalist Jim Kayes join Ryan Bridge on the Sports Huddle. Super Rugby was off to a fantastic start last week, can we expect the same this weekend? Chiefs take on the Crusaders tonight, while the Blues play the Highlanders tomorrow. What does The Huddle think of tactical subs? Should they be removed from the game? LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour MP Phil Twyford has called for Destiny Church to be taken off the charities register after they targeted the LGBTQ community last weekend. Members of the church barricaded 30 people, including children, into a room during a drag-king event. Charites expert Michael Gousmet clears up confusion around the many Destiny Churches in NZ, and talks to Ryan Bridge about what justifies being deregistered. "What you've got to prove is serious wrongdoing ... the concept of serious wrongdoing is very, very hard to prove." LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An error by the Education Ministry has meant teacher shortages for this year and last were not forecasted. The Ministry is now projecting that schools will be 1250 teachers short between 2025 and 2027. Principals and teachers' unions have had to combine classes and cancel subjects due to the shortage. PPTA President Chris Abercombie talks to Ryan Bridge. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A senior police officer who hit his children with a belt has been let off the hook with a formal condemnation. The officer admitted to disciplining his teenage child and his other children who are under the age of 10. Why is he still employed?   Ryan Bridge asks Police Assistant Commissioner Mike Johnson that question. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia and New Zealand defence ministers have responded strongly to the Chinese navy ships lurking off the coast of Sydney. What is the Australian government saying? Sky News Host Andrew Bolt talks to Ryan Bridge about what their presence means. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three Chinese warships are docked off the coast of Sydney, why? Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper answers that question, discusses Jenny Shipley's comments towards David Seymour, Winston Peters visit to China and the call to deregister Destiny Church as a charity. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chiefs are taking on the Crusaders in Hamilton tonight, who is the favourite to win? When are the Wellington Phoenix going to impress? Sports Contributor Jason Pine joins the show to discuss what's coming up in sport over the weekend. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sky TV has taken a financial hit after satellite issues over the summer. The broadcaster has lost $1.75 million in net profit. And cricket is back on SKY after previously loosing the rights in 2019. Chief executive Sophie Maloney says ..See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has backed Volodymyr Zelenskyy after Donald Trump described the Ukrainian president as a 'dictator'. Starmer called Zelenskyy and told him it was 'perfectly reasonable' for the Ukraine to suspend an election amid the ongoing conflict with Russia - as the UK did the same during World War II. UK correspondent Enda Brady says Starmer is set to meet with Trump next week in Washington DC.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farmer confidence has risen to its highest level in over a decade, rebounding from record lows in recent years, Federated Farmers says. The advocacy group has released its latest farm confidence survey, which shows falling interest rates, rising incomes and more favourable farming rules have led to the improved outlook.  The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank is urging the Government to take a hard look at Stats NZ, with a view to improving the timeliness and accuracy of key economic data. The department has been put under the microscope, with the central bank highlighting dramatic revisions to GDP (gross domestic product) as one of the reasons for a controversial reversal in its rate track in 2024. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Acclaimed film director James Cameron says investment and innovation, especially in the film sector, is the key to Wellington’s future. Cameron spoke at Vision for Wellington’s inaugural public event and said the capital’s film sector sets it apart from other cities in New Zealand - but needs more financial support from the Government. SPADA President Irene Gardiner says Wellington's film sector brings more money into the economy if a film performs well - and she agrees with Cameron's sentiments.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Tim Wilson from Maxim Institute and broadcaster Mark Sainsbury joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  A senior police officer hit his kids with a belt several times, but was only censured for it by police. The IPCA has said that is grossly inadequate, but nothing will happen as a result. What do we make of this?  Should public servants still get automatic pay rises? Sir Brian Roche says it's unaffordable - do we agree? Air New Zealand has copped some backlash from Auckland Airport - what do we make of this?  Oscar-winning film director James Cameron wants the Government to invest more money into the film industry to boost the economy. Is now the right time for this?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 20 February 2025, the latest stats show child poverty is going nowhere - Social Development Minister Louise Upston tells Ryan the solution to the crisis. Air NZ boss Greg Foran is forecasting turbulence on the horizon and apologises for the airline's on time performance. Defence Minister Judith Collins says she's keeping an eye on the Chinese naval ships off the coast of Australia. The Huddle debates whether the senior police officer who hit his kids with a belt should have been charged and fired. 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.

Three Chinese navy vessels have entered the Tasman Sea, off of Australia's coast. The New Zealand Defence Force is monitoring the vessels - which are about 280 kilometres east of Sydney. Defence Minister Judith Collins says this is the first time China's sent such capable war ships this far south. "They're really quite stunning pieces of equipment and we've never seen them in this area before." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A law expert says it was assault when a senior police officer hit his children with a belt.  The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found the North Island officer struck his three children multiple times, on their lower body. He admitted using his belt to 're-set' his kids - and has been censured by police for serious misconduct. Auckland University law professor Mark Henaghan says criminal proceedings couldn't go ahead because neither the parent or children would give evidence. "Liz Gunn just taps someone on the shoulder and gets charged with assault - this is hitting kids with a belt and nothing has happened."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A New Zealand-born teen threatened with deportation has mixed emotions, now that he's allowed to stay in the country.  Daman Kumar faced deportation with his long-time overstayer parents to India, a country he'd never visited.  Associate Immigration Minister Chris Penk has granted the 18 year-old a resident visa - but has ordered Kumar's parents to leave immediately.  Kumar's lawyer, Alastair McClymont, says they're unlikely to be forced out any time soon.  "Usually, you know, Immigration New Zealand are pretty good at talking to people in this sort of situation and trying to negotiate a voluntary departure."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Air New Zealand is brushing off criticism from Aotearoa's largest airport. Auckland Airport CEO Carrie Hurihanganui has suggested the national carrier's too dominant in the domestic market, holding an 84 percent market share. She stated Air New Zealand wasn't meeting the needs of consumers or the regions. Its Chief Executive, Greg Foran says there've been adjustments in recent months - particularly Wellington - with declines in Government and corporate travel. "But we know how important it is to be fair to everyone in New Zealand and ensure we've got connectivity." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Child Poverty Reduction Minister attributes stagnant progress to tough economic conditions.  Annual figures to June show no real change since 2018, despite a cross-party commitment to halve the rate by 2028. More than 143,000 children are estimated to be living in material hardship.  But Minister Louise Upston says a growing economy will start to help.  "For some families, the cost of living is still affecting them. The OCR drop yesterday - it takes a while for that to flow through and for families to really feel it." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More debate over calling New Zealand Aotearoa in the House, taking up 10 minutes during Question Time. Yesterday, Winston Peters objected to Mexican immigrant Ricardo Menendez-March using the name. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Aotearoa is perfectly acceptable to use in the house - despite Peters' obstinance on the subject.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's unemployment rate rose to 4.1 percent in January from 4 percent in December, in line with expectations from economists. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, employment increased by 44,000 last month, with full time positions increasing and part time roles dropping. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the Reserve Bank is largely hoping the unemployment rate keeps growing - so they can bring rates down further.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An opening Champions Trophy triumph for New Zealand over Pakistan at Karachi in their one-day international. The hosts struggled to 260, chasing 321 to win. Earlier, Will Young made 107 and Tom Latham an unbeaten 118 in a fourth-wicket stand of 118. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave recaps the match. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's latest campaign to draw in more tourists from Australia has been met with mixed responses.  One leading Australian travel compensation lawyer has warned prospective Aussie travellers to 'go at your own risk'. Peter Capner, Director of Carter Capner Law, says travellers to New Zealand cannot access compensation for injury or death due to the fault of someone else. "Speaking on behalf of all Australians, if they're maimed in New Zealand or orphaned and their breadwinner parent dies, they can't get anything to replace the income that is lost because of that tragedy." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New medical tests have shown further complications in the condition of Pope Francis. They reveal the 88-year-old pontiff has developed bilateral pneumonia. The Vatican says laboratory tests, chest X-ray, and the Holy Father's clinical condition continue to present a complex picture. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says the Pope's scheduled appointments and appearances for the next few days have been cancelled. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fonterra appears to be advancing its plans to sell off Anchor, Mainland and its other consumer brands.  The co-op hasn't decided whether or not to sell the brands to another business in a trade sale - or whether to list the in an IPO. NZ Shareholders Association CEO Oliver Mander weighs in on what Fonterra's next move could be. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank started 2025 off with some good news for homeowners and slashed the OCR by 50 basis points. The Central Bank also implied more rate cuts will come - and at a quicker pace than previously indicated.  Milford Asset Management's Remy Morgan revealed how the markets responded. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Banks have begun slashing shorter-term mortgage rates following today's cuts to the OCR, but experts have issued a warning to homeowners. Reserve Bank policymakers are again warning borrowers not to hold their breaths for substantive cuts to longer-term mortgage rates. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains the factors behind today's cuts. 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 day - and more!  The OCR was slashed again by 50 basis points - what does this mean for the economy and the cost of living? Do we think more cuts are the way to go? The Consumer Guarantees Act (Right to Repair) Amendment Bill is set to have its first reading in Parliament tonight. Should the Government pass this law? Will this make products better for consumers?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.