Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Queenstown's tourism growth has remained steady over the last few months with tourism levels now reaching 97% of pre-Covid numbers.  Queenstown Mayor John Glover joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to chat about growth management, the potential for increased flight prices as fuel costs become a concern, and the pipeline from visitor to resident.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

University of Auckland PhD candidate Olivia Rooke-Devoy has offered a 'low-mow' alternative to protect the lawn environment.  She claims that over-mowing is letting off too much CO-2, and destroying the habitats of insects and bees.  Rooke-Devoy told Heather du Plessis-Allan it's an 'environmental disaster'. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The war in Iran has sparked worldwide concerns of fuel shortages after the Strait of Hormuz was shut. The passage carries roughly 20 percent of the world's oil supply.  The final oil tankers that made it through the strait before it's closure have now reached Singapore.  Although, Starboard Maritime Intelligence analyst Mark Douglas says the fuel crisis might come later than expected.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to a new PBS poll public support for Donald Trump is in decline as more than half of US citizens oppose the war in Iran.  Dan Mitchinson spoke to Heather du Plessis-Allan about the questions arising surrounding the progression of the war, including the possibility of robot soldiers and security risks at the Oscars.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Select Committee report on the Government's proposed Greyhound Racing ban has come back, with the committee saying they want the bill passed.  But, ACT has some concerns surrounding the impact to the livelihood of a 'lawfully acting industry'. ACT MP Cameron Luxton sat on the Select Committee, and joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to discuss the party's proposed changes.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK Prime Minister was warned of the risk of appointing Lord Mandelson as US ambassador, given his ties with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Documents released by the UK Government include advice warning Sir Keir Starmer the relationship continued after Epstein's conviction. UK correspondent Enda Brady says this will create extra political pressure for Starmer, especially following the recent local elections.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's growing concerns about the economic impact of the conflict in the Middle East. Flurries of missiles are still crossing borders and the BBC reports Israel's launched more strikes on Lebanon. UAE officials are responding to Iranian missile threats and Qatar has intercepted several drones.  Fisher Funds expert Sam Dickie explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Karn Dhaliwal was the New Zealand recipient of the Zanda McDonald Award, and it's a big honour in the rural world. Dhaliwal built a diverse horticultural and cropping business and is recognised for his entrepreneurial approach to growing, leadership within the vegetable industry. The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Thomas Scrimgeour from the Maxim Institute and broadcaster Mark Sainsbury joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has sparked concerns about the future of the global oil supply, and the Government is looking into solutions in case our supply gets low. Do we need to find an alternative solution - or encourage more people to walk or bike? New reports show beneficiary numbers have soared to a 12-year high, despite the Government promising a reduction. Do we think things will turn around?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Now look, I don’t think there’s any reason to panic, but if you’ve been reading the news closely - and especially if you’ve been reading more widely than just the New Zealand news - you’re probably starting to feel a little nervous about what might happen to fuel supplies here and the possibility that we may have to start rationing. The Strait of Hormuz is still effectively shut. The Iranians have now attacked 13 tankers. The boss of the Saudi-backed oil company has warned this could be catastrophic for the world’s economy if that strait isn’t opened relatively soon. South Korea has floated the possibility of banning fuel exports. That’s a problem for us - it’s where we get roughly half of our fuel. Parts of rural Western Australia have already run out of diesel because the townies are buying so much of it. They’re panicking. We have around 50 days’ worth of fuel in this country. Half of that, though, is on the water - and ships can be and have been diverted - so you can only really lock in about half of what we’ve got. The Minister is now taking advice on how to manage demand, meaning how to get us to use less. One of the ideas he’s considering is the return of carless days. There are normally very level‑headed people now warning us that we should at least start mentally preparing for the possibility that we may have to ration the fuel we use. Now, rationing sounds bad. It sounds like something from World War II. But it might not be that bad. It may not be carless days all over again - although that does feel like a significant escalation of the situation. And of course this whole thing might blow over tomorrow. In fact, Donald Trump is likely to call the attacks off the minute they start having really significant negative impacts on oil supply and world economies because he is so fixated on global markets and making money. The moment he cannot talk markets back into a good place is the moment I think he starts to call it off. But the thing is, it’s already having an impact, isn’t it? It will already be wiping money off our GDP. And the longer it goes on, the more it takes out of GDP. Now, I’m thinking this is not going to end in the worst-case scenario the Minister is preparing for. I don’t know whether that’s my wishful or my rational brain talking but as they say - hope for the best, prepare for the worst. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 12 March, 2026, Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones tells us about emergency fuel measures as the Iran war goes on. Heath Mills on his hopes for a private franchise T20 league as he quits as the Cricket Players' Association boss. A new star-studded Lord of the Rings movie - we ask a film reviewer if it's starting to lose its appeal. And on The Huddle, Mark Sainsbury and Thomas Scrimgeour tell us whether they're in Team Emily or Team Chelsea. 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 Social Development Minister is certain it's only a matter of time before beneficiary numbers fall from a 12-year high. New figures show 427,000 people were on a main benefit in December - including more than half on Jobseeker.  That's despite the Government declaring it would curb welfare dependency shortly after taking office.  Louise Upston says businesses sentiment is improving. "When businesses are confident, they take on more staff. The staff they've got, they give more hours, they lift wages. So we are really confident things have started to turn the corner."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A legal battle is looming over primary teacher pay deals. The NZEI's taking action over the Government letting non-union teachers accept individual pay offers. The Public Service Commissioner yesterday confirmed boards can directly approach about 10,000 teachers, after the union’s rejected three recent pay deals. Lead negotiator Liam Rutherford says they're frustrated and angry about the timing. "This is a break from decades of tradition, where we settled the collective agreement and then teachers that aren't members of the union get that passed on through an IEA." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kate Winslet is set to return to New Zealand shores for a new role in Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, which is set to start production this year. Andy Serkis is set to reprise his role as Gollum and direct the movie, and Ian McKellen and Elijah Wood are set to return too.  Entertainment journalist and film reviewer Dominic Corry says there's clear demand for new Lord of the Rings content among film fans. "It still feels rather under-exploited, if that's a word we can use. And also, I still think there's a huge amount of goodwill on the audience's side for this franchise."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One expert has suggested Jetstar won't follow Air New Zealand in cutting upcoming domestic flights. The airline plans to cancel about 1100 flights over the next six to eight weeks because of fuel price hikes - impacting about 44,000 passengers. It's already raised fares to help cover costs. Board of Airline Representatives NZ executive director Cath O'Brien, says Jetstar's unlikely to do the same because Air New Zealand's domestic network has a wider spread. "They have a wholly different problem than Jetstar, which is operating trunk services and jets only." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All options are on the table for conserving fuel if the US-Israel war on Iran continues. Iran's retaliating with hits on neighbouring countries, and blocking shipping transit through the Strait of Hormuz - sending global fuel prices spiking. Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones says the Government's working on a plan in case our supplies come under threat. Jones says we have 50 days fuel here and on the way, but continued supply rests on the length of the conflict. "Kiwis expect their Government to be proactive, Kiwis expect us to deal with the fact that other countries are hoarding their fuel." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi isn't saying if she has confidence in Te Pāti Māori's leadership, after her reinstatement. A High Court this week ruled her expulsion last year was unlawful. She says she'll maintain separate offices from the Party  for now, and consider the ruling with whanau and iwi. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Australia, Queensland senator Matt Canavan is set to take over the Nationals - signalling a new change for the party. Canavan will work alongside fellow conservative Angus Taylor, and experts are speculating about what this could mean for the future of Australia's right bloc. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Canavan has spoken out against the Paris Agreement and called for new coal-fired power stations to be built. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the biggest advocates for New Zealand cricketers is going to be looking after every professional player around the globe. After almost 25 years in the role, Heath Mills is stepping down as New Zealand Cricket Players Association chief executive to become executive chairman of the World Cricketers’ Association. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of New Zealand sport’s biggest powerbrokers is stepping down. NZ Cricket Players Association boss Heath Mills has announced today that he will be leaving in June, after 25 years with the association. Mills says the time's right to step down, as he wants to focus on his new role as executive chairman of the World Cricketers’ Association. "The time's right for me now to step aside as CEO of the New Zealand Players' Association. It's been a hard decision to make, because it's been part of my life for so long and I've loved representing players." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meghan Markle is set to headline a weekend retreat hosted by the Her Best Life podcast in Sydney this April. The event will be held during a visit to Australia by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, concluding earlier speculation.  UK correspondent Gavin Grey says the event will take place over three days, and reportedly includes sessions with a psychologist, yoga, and other activities. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A proposed crackdown on companies that give shareholders loans, rather than pay them taxable income, appears dead in the water. Inland Revenue has been eyeing the whopping $29 billion shareholders currently owe companies, questioning the extent to which companies are issuing shareholders loans, rather than paying them dividends or wages. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US President's social media posts suggest he's worried about the price of oil, as the US and Israel bombard Iran into an 11th day. More than 1700 have been killed in the Middle East - most in Iran, and hundreds in Lebanon. Despite this, markets appear to have calmed down following the initial shock, and Milford Asset Management's Brendan Larsen explained why. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland Councillor Maurice Williamson and Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  The Public Service Commissioner raised a few eyebrows when he confirmed boards can make individual employment offers to non-NZEI teachers from today, after the union rejected three recent deals. Do we think this was the right move?  There's growing calls to reform sick leave laws after the recent Covid wave led to more deaths and hospitalisations. Do we think changes are really needed here?  Do we really need more cash machines? Who still uses cash? Do we think the Reserve Bank was out of line? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 11 March, 2026, we talk to the Public Service Commissioner on why he's given a pay increase to non-union primary school teachers. Heinz Wattie's is shutting factories affecting about 350 jobs - an employers advocate warns there'll be more to come. An academic's call for sick leave to be accrued - and taken from job to job. And on The Huddle, Jack Tame and Maurice Williamson debate whether we really do need more cash machines. 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.

I think we can quite accurately use the word 'brilliant' to describe the latest move from the Government’s man in the primary teachers’ pay negotiations. Brian Roche, the Public Service Commissioner, has gone around the union and offered a 4.7 percent pay increase to primary teachers who are not in the union. If they agree to it, the first chunk of the pay rise will kick in 19 days from now and the next chunk will take effect in January next year. This is clever because it undermines the union - which still hasn’t settled, has it? For the past nine months, they’ve refused to finalise their pay agreement until the Treaty is recognised in teachers’ contracts and until the Government pays teachers more for their overnight camp allowance, for God’s sake. Based on the text traffic we get to this show, there must be huge numbers of teachers growing increasingly frustrated with their union for getting hung up on ideology over pay, while they lose up to $76 a week in income they’re not receiving because negotiations are still dragging on. So the pressure is now on the NZEI big time. Feasibly, union members can now do what 10,000 of their colleagues have already done: either avoid joining the union or leave it altogether and get their pay rise faster without the union than with it. Personally, I love that this is happening. It became obvious to me 20 years ago, as a junior reporter at TVNZ, that unions weren’t much use to me even then. And what’s happened since is much worse because unions are now actively holding up pay negotiations for really stupid reasons. So - brilliant move from the Public Service Commissioner. I can’t wait to see whether this forces the union to finally wrap up the pay talks to save themselves from an exodus of clever teachers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The balance sheet is looking strong for Briscoe Group, which managed to score a few goals late in the game.  The retailer's posted record annual sales of close to $800 million, for the year ending January 25th.  Its homeware brand Briscoes saw 1.42 percent sales growth - while Rebel Sport trailed with growth of 0.13 percent. Managing director Rod Duke says the business just changed its promotions approach slightly.  "Generally, the market from about Black Friday just eased up a bit. People just got a bit more confident." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federated Farmers thinks it's unlikely the live export ban will be reinstated, now the Government's backtracked. A campaign promise for National and ACT vowed to return the $370-million-dollar trade with improved animal welfare.  The Labour Government banned it in 2023.  Animal Welfare Minister Andrew Hoggard says there were more pressing matters this term. Federated Farmers Dairy Chair Karl Dean says it's going to be very hard to overturn it now.  "There was a big industry behind it, that's very much now diminished. The international players, they've gone elsewhere." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Public health experts have noticed this latest Covid wave is worsening as fewer Kiwis are getting vaccination boosters and tests, and it's renewed debate about sick leave. Wastewater analysis from PHF Science shows that the number of cases is at the highest rate it's been for over six months, and Health NZ says there's been 50 hospitalisations and 19 deaths from the virus this week. Otago University associate professor Paula O'Kane says it's important to let sick leave accrue every year - and stay consistent as Kiwis move jobs. "It would give people access to better sick leave, it might discourage misuse of sick leave, and when people are actually sick for a longer period of time, they're better covered. So it would really help to deal with issues around people's long-term illness, for example."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's predictions Heinz Wattie's won't be the last to shutter operations this year. It's proposing closing three manufacturing facilities in Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin, and packing operations in Hastings - with 350 jobs at risk. It also plans to phase out sales of products including frozen vegetables, impacting growers. The Employers and Manufacturers Association's Alan McDonald says others will go. "We keep hearing rumblings of others getting ready to exit, significant-sized manufacturers as well as smaller ones. De-industrialisation's been happening, prompted by some very high electricity prices."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Public Service Commissioner says giving about 10,000 non-union primary teachers the option to accept pay offers has been a long time coming. Sir Brian Roche today confirmed boards can make individual employment offers to non-NZEI teachers from today, after the union rejected three recent deals. Education Minister Erica Stanford says they can get pay rises of up to 4.7 percent within 12 months. Roche says in a normal course of events, he'd carry on NZEI bargaining as usual. "We are still keeping going with them, but I got to the point where I could no longer justify withholding an offer." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Peters believes the Covid inquiry has been 'deficient' and 'biased'. The second phase of the inquiry has found some mandates went on too long and the Government failed to communicate well enough with Kiwis. New Zealand First's Leader says many people perceive the inquiry as one-sided, and the damage is done. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper outlined Peters' concerns. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thousands of travellers have been waiting in hours-long queues at US airports this week, due to increased spring travel and limited security personnel. Security staff have been working without pay during the partial US Government shutdown, and airlines have sent out warning to expect travel delays. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says travellers can be expected to wait an extra 3 to 4 hours during the ongoing shutdown. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Potential T20 international cricket debuts loom for Katene Clarke, Nick Kelly and Jayden Lennox as New Zealand prepare to host South Africa in five matches, starting this Sunday. Much of the Black Caps' World Cup squad will be rested. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACT's leader is denying changes to Auckland's housing intensification rules might have 'backfired'.  The Government has ordered Auckland Council to reduce total capacity plans from 2 million homes to 1.6 million. Councillors have now opted to zone less density in areas with poor public transport access and in outer suburbs. David Seymour says this doesn't necessarily mean his central Epsom electorate will get the densification he was trying to avert.  "It's not as simple as - it's all going to be in your electorate, mate. It's going to be a long process, these plans won't be finalised until well into next year." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

France’s President Emmanuel Macron has ordered an 'unprecedented' naval deployment in the Middle East to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. France will deploy eight frigates, along with two amphibious helicopter carriers and the country’s flagship Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier. UK correspondent Enda Brady says this comes as the UK has appeared to have paused sending a warship to Cyprus. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was a big weekend for New Zealand's rural community, with the country's shearers dominating the 2026 Golden Shears event. New Zealand claimed an unprecedented five wins in six events at the Golden Shears World Shearing and Woolhandling Championships, which ended in Masterton on Saturday night. The Country's Jamie Mackay recapped the action.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's been a significant increase in property flippers and it's prompted concerns from experts. One of the country's most prominent buyers' agencies has complained to the Real Estate Authority about the increase - following a sharp drop in 2023.  iFindProperty founder Maree Tassell says there's a lot of deception that comes with flipping properties, and vendors often don't find out until it's too late. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Sarah Trotman from Business Mentors and former Health NZ Chair Rob Campbell joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The findings from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Covid-19 were released today, concerning lockdowns and vaccine mandates. What did we think of this? What can we learn?  Wellington mayors and social leaders wrote an open letter opposing  the Government’s proposed move-on orders targeting rough sleepers and beggars. What do we make of this? Do we think they have a point?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The big Covid inquiry - the Royal Commission of Inquiry - is out and to be honest, I don’t think it’s a game-changer. It doesn’t tell you anything you didn’t already know or at least strongly suspect. Aucklanders, who were the most affected, lived through it. We already knew that Grant, Jacinda and Chippy kept us in that 2021 lockdown for too long. We already knew the Auckland border could have been lifted earlier. Now we simply have the proof in writing that we were right. If there is a revelation here, it’s that Ashley Bloomfield wasn’t the conservative one urging caution. In fact, he was more reasonable than the Government. They ended up ignoring his advice and kept Auckland in lockdown longer than he recommended. Here’s how it played out in September 2021: On 12 September, Bloomfield told ministers that Auckland had been in Level 4 long enough - almost four weeks by that point - and that the city could move down a level on 16 September. Chippy took that to Cabinet but put forward his own idea - keep Auckland in for longer than Bloomfield advised. He suggested staying in until 21 September, an extra five days. Cabinet agreed with Chippy. Remember, that lockdown was costing Auckland up to $100 million every single day. So Chippy unnecessarily killed jobs and businesses when he didn’t have to. Auckland’s border restrictions also stayed in place longer than officials said was necessary and mandates were kept longer than needed. What this Royal Commission of Inquiry does is vindicate anyone who said at the time that Auckland should have come out of lockdown and out of its border controls earlier. And it’s an indictment on those who kept those restrictions in place when they didn’t need to. Five years on, most of us have moved on. We can still get triggered from time to time, but for the most part it feels like ancient history now. But we shouldn’t forget how hard it was for Aucklanders, how many lives and businesses were broken and how we are still paying the price in today’s cost-of-living crisis for those poor decisions. As I said, it’s not a game-changer - but it is an official record that what they did at the end of Covid was wrong and unnecessary. And that has value. It matters for accountability, even if only because it’s now on the public record. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 10 March, 2026, Aucklanders were in lockdown for longer than even Ashley Bloomfield recommended during Covid - we hear from the Covid Minister at the time, Chris Hipkins. How New Zealand's playing a big part in research on a male contraceptive pill. We talk to the owner of Formerly the Blackball Hilton about a demand to get rid of their outdoor tables and chairs. And on The Huddle, Sarah Trotman and Rob Campbell have a passionate debate about move-on orders for the homeless. 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.

Stock markets have rebounded and oil prices have dropped below yesterday's forecast, following recent comments from US President Donald Trump. Trump indicated the war in the Middle East could be over 'very soon', and it's led to ripple effects across sharemarkets all over the world. Matt Goodson from Salt Funds Management says it's unclear if the US can walk away from this conflict or if the Strait of Hormuz will reopen in time. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The former Covid Response Minister, Chris Hipkins, is being questioned over the latest findings from the Royal Commission of Inquiry. The report was released today - finding New Zealand's approach was good overall, but the Government was too slow in some areas, and some restrictions went too far. Chris Hipkins says he thinks it's a fair report, although he doesn't accept every recommendation. "I think the terms of reference were heavily politically loaded. And I actually think the Royal Commission have done a very good job and it's a tribute to the three members who did it of navigating those terms of reference." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A legendary West Coast pub has removed its popular outdoor seating under threat of a $20,000 fine. It was decided the Formerly the Blackball Hilton's tables and chairs fell outside the licensed boundary. Owner Cynthia Robins says they've been there for decades - and never caused a problem.   "They're becoming much more strict with what's within the licenced area. We said - well, until this is resolved, we just can't have the tables there? Well, now I feel like the town doesn't look as inviting because those tables aren't out there with the umbrellas up, they look more friendly." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An aviation commentator says Air New Zealand needs to look at ways to cut costs as the war in the Middle East impacts fuel prices.  The airline's adjusted fares - lifting domestic flights $10 and long-haul flights $90. It's suspended its guidance from less than a fortnight ago, expecting second-half earnings similar to the $59 million first-half loss. Irene King says the airline could slash its spending.  "They really have never addressed the cost side of their business post-Covid - and they really could get stuck in there, their labour costs are astronomical." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Health Minister has raised some concerns after the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Covid-19’s final report was released. The report found that New Zealand's approach was good overall, but the previous Government was too slow in some areas, and some restrictions went too far. Simeon Brown says the data shows that the previous Government kept New Zealand locked down for far too long and spent too much money, and the nation is still facing the consequences.  "The reality here is, the Royal Commission has found that the Ministry of Health, and Ashley Bloomfield provided advice that it could have been lifted earlier - and ultimately, Cabinet decided not to. And those are questions that should be put to Chris Hipkins."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's turning a spotlight on Chris Hipkins over newly released Covid inquiry findings.  The Royal Commission's second phase report's found overall that New Zealand responded well, but highlighted concerns - including the length of Auckland's lockdown.  Health Minister Simeon Brown says it shows the previous Government extended the Auckland lockdown, in spite of official advice saying it was safe to lift. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the Covid period was tough on New Zealand, and it's important the impacts aren't forgotten.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia will deploy a military surveillance ‌aircraft to the Middle East and send missiles to the United Arab Emirates, but the Government's ruled out sending troops. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says this support will help the Gulf countries defend ⁠themselves against attacks from Iran - but he's claimed Australia is 'not a protagonist' in this conflict.  Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Donald Trump reportedly phoned Anthony Albanese earlier today. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates will return to the White Ferns for five games against South Africa, as the defence of the T20 World Cup looms in June. Neither featured in the Zimbabwe series - the first time a New Zealand squad was named without one or the other since 2006. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Progress is being made on a world-leading male contraceptive. The next stage of tests run by New Zealand Clinical Research will give participants multiple doses to see if the oral pill is safe for daily use.   Phase one demonstrated it was tolerable after a single dose.  Lead research physician, doctor Rohit Katial, says they'll also learn how long effects last. "Even though you might stop taking the drug, it might take a bit longer for the sperm levels to come back up, so all of that will be monitored."  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.