Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Fletcher announced a $134 million net loss after tax for the December 31, 2024 half-year, up on the previous $120m net loss. Losses climbed partly due to the disastrous Perth leaky pipe problems after Fletcher’s Iplex finalised and signed a $170m provision in this 2025 financial year in what it called the Western Australian plumbing industry response. Fletcher Building CEO Andrew Reding says many businesses are seeing early signs of recovery - but he's still apprehensive about the company's economic fate.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 19 February 2025, there was a 0.5 percent cut to the Official Cash Rate - Brad Olsen breaks down what it means for your mortgage, your savings and the economy.   Auckland mayor Wayne Brown speaks to Ryan Bridge after announcing he's running for re-election. Fletcher boss Andrew Reding on how he wants to turn his company around after a huge $134m loss. NZ Rugby's Mark Robinson fronts up on his fight for a new sponsor after taking Ineos to court. Plus, the Huddle debates whether the right to repair should become law. 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 All Blacks will be looking to avenge a historic defeat as part of this upcoming test season. The Kiwi side will face off against Ireland in Chicago - nine years on from Ireland's first win between the countries. NZ Rugby Chief Executive Mark Robinson says there's room to grow the sport in the US ahead of future World Cups. "There's a lot of opportunities around the United States in general at the moment, we've talked a lot in recent times about the fact that the Rugby World Cups in 2031 and 2033 provide a real opportunity to build a long-term plan in the US."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New data shows a drop in fatalities on the road - with older drivers at higher risk for deadly crashes for the first time. A new analysis by Road Safety Education Limited reveals that deadly accidents among younger drivers have halved over the past 25 years. Road Safety Education's Maria Lovelock says as drivers get older, their cognitive abilities and eyesight decline, putting them at risk. "But also, your ability to survive a crash is not as great either. Your body isn't as able to bounce back at the same speed when you're in a crash." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland's mayor is asking for the chance to finish the job he's started. Wayne Brown will run again for the city's top job in October - saying he's delivered on most of the policies he set out to achieve when first elected in 2022. He says Auckland ratepayers should back him again. "We expect to deliver the lowest rate rises in the country, we expect to deliver value for everything." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's praise for the Reserve Bank tonight - from one of its fiercest critics. It's signalling this afternoon's double-cut to the Official Cash Rate will be followed by at least two more single cuts. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen infamously angered Governor Adrian Orr last year, when he accused him of 'flip-flopping' on forecasts and decisions. Today, Olsen says Orr's made the right call. "The right move to cut, the right sort of forecast now with the Reserve Bank pricing in what the markets have been thinking as well - it's very much a sensible decision." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says this afternoon's double cut to the OCR is another sign the economy's improving. The Reserve Bank is also signalling it'll follow up with at least two more 25 point reductions by the end of May. Despite low productivity and net migration, our economy is expected to gradually pick up, in part due to rising dairy and beef prices - and the low Kiwi dollar. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the Government's feeling proud of today's OCR update.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Donald Trump and Elon Musk sat down for an interview with Sean Hannity, which was broadcasted on Fox News. Musk was quick to flatter Trump in the interview and claimed the media was 'unfairly' attacking the President. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says Musk also revealed he was going to endorse Trump for President 'anyway', but last year's assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania 'speeded up' the process.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks will play 13 tests in 2025 with the confirmation of their end-of-year tour schedule. The year will comprise three tests against France in July, six in the Rugby Championship and a grand slam tour to finish the season starting with Ireland in Chicago. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Getting faulty or broken goods fixed could be made significantly easier if a new bill giving Kiwis the right to repair becomes law. The Consumer Guarantees Act (Right to Repair) Amendment Bill is set to have its first reading in Parliament tonight - and if passed, Kiwis could be able to get items repaired instead of tossing them out and purchasing replacements. Right to Repair Aotearoa Coalition spokesperson Dr Paul Smith says many people want to get things repaired - but the process is difficult and expensive under current laws. "It's gotten to the point where buying something new, in a lot of cases, is cheaper than getting somebody to look at the product to assess whether it's repairable. And that's partly because products aren't repairable at the moment." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's finally some relief for Australian homeowners, as the RBA lowers interest rates for the first time since 2020. It held the cash rate at 4.3 percent for more than a year as post-pandemic inflation slowly cooled - but it slashed the OCR by 25 basis points to 4.1 percent. HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham says inflation is coming down, but it's still nowhere near low enough.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the Reserve Bank's first official cash rate decision for 2025 - and many economists are predicting a rate cut to start off the year. The RBNZ is largely expected to lower the OCR by 50 basis points tomorrow, with two major banks already announcing rate cuts. Infometrics principal economist Brad Olsen says a significant cut looks likely - but warns the central bank runs the risk of overdoing their response again. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters is the latest to suggest New Zealand should back out of the Paris Climate Accord. He joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to explain that other nations have already pulled out - and he's encouraging new Zealanders to reflect on the costs of staying in the agreement. Jamie Mackay explains whether or not this could lead to friction within the coalition. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, former Labour MP Stuart Nash and Auckland Councillor Maurice Williamson joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  The IPCA wants new rules on how to deal with protests - and what responsibilities lie with organisers. Do we think these changes are needed? A damning report was released, revealing how Government agencies shared New Zealanders' private information without making sure the data would be kept safe. The head of Stats NZ won't seek reappointment, but no other public servants will face punishment. Is there a risk people just won't trust the Government with their personal information anymore?  Are we guilty of looking at our phones while we watch TV? Netflix is looking to create more 'second screen' shows to appeal to distracted viewers. What do we make of this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 18 February 2025, Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche speaks to Ryan Bridge after a scathing report found public agencies shared New Zealanders' private data and left it open to misuse.   Health NZ chief clinical officer Dr Richard Sullivan responds to concerns that patients are being denied specialist appointments based on their BMI. Former Defence Minister Ron Mark responds to the idea of NZ peacekeepers on the ground in Ukraine. Plus, the Huddle debates Netflix's new shows for people who want to look at their phone at the same time. 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.

Fonterra dairy farmers will be able to earn cash for their climate efforts - beginning from June. The dairy giant has announced it will pay an extra 1-5 cents a kilogram of milk solids to farms that meet climate criteria, and more for some farms. The criteria takes into account emissions from cow feed, fertiliser, animals and drained peat soils - minus any carbon removed by trees and vegetation. Chair of Fonterra's Co-operative Council, John Stevenson, says this financial incentive will make a material difference to the farmers who receive it.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A police watchdog is suggesting the Government takes a closer look at laws for protestors outside private residences.  An Independent Police Conduct Authority report makes several recommendations for laws which would protest protestor rights and ensure public safety.  It raises the idea of a specific offence for picketing of private residences.  IPCA chair, Judge Kenneth Johnston KC, says it's currently legal to protest outside someone's home - like the Prime Minister's. "Whether it should be or not is not a matter for us to determine, it's an issue that we've raised and identified what other countries do in that area - and no doubt, the Government of the day will give some consideration to it in the fullness of time." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Netflix knows we're more likely to be on our phones as we watch TV shows - and they're looking to appeal to distracted viewers. The streaming giant is looking to create more content optimised for causal viewing, with an emphasis on repetitive  plot points and overly scripted dialogue.  Film reviewer Kate Rodger says more and more viewers are repeatedly streaming the same set of shows in the background, and Netflix is hoping to tap into that. "Whether it's Gilmore Girls, whether it's Suits - whatever it might be, we know everything that's going to happen and there's a comfort in that. It also means we don't really have to engage the brain or the synapses, we can just let it wash over us and we know what's happening."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does New Zealand have the capacity to send troops to Ukraine?  Prime Minister Chris Luxon has said he's open to the idea, after a meeting of EU leaders in Paris. He's also outlined his ambition to bring our defence spending close to two percent of GDP. Former Defence Minister Ron Mark says the call to send Kiwi troops would depend on what role, function, and number they'd be deployed in. "We know from the many deployments we have around the world that some deployments might just be one or two officers, maybe a dozen in different locales." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new standard for Government agencies handling data will be set after today's bombshell report. The Public Service Commission has released a report detailing failures by Stats NZ, Health NZ and the Ministry of Health.  It's after allegations surfaced in June that Census and Covid vaccination data was inappropriately used at Manurewa Marae. It's highlighted a lack of safeguards - even when concerns were raised within Stats NZ, whose acting head is now stepping down.  It found agencies also failed to address conflicts-of-interest by providers working with Covid data.  Commissioner Sir Brian Roche says contracting requirements for third-parties will change.  "We are just being clear about the duty of care required on people who access public money to discharge services." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The head of the Public Service Sector says the Government needs to do better with Kiwis' data. A report into claims Covid and Census data were misused during the 2023 election has been released today. It highlights significant shortcomings at Stats NZ and Health NZ - and concluded the agencies failed to ensure data provided to third-party providers was kept confidential. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this isn't a good look for the wider public service sector. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Australia, the RBA has moved to lower the Official Cash Rate by 25 basis points from 4.35 percent to 4.1 percent. This is in line with predictions from economists, who'd noticed inflation had eased in the final quarter of 2024. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says this will come as good news for homeowners, who have had their mortgage payments skyrocket over the past few months. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leon MacDonald is poised to land at an unexpected destination in his first rugby role since departing the All Blacks in August. Five tests into last year’s test season, MacDonald left his post as All Blacks attack coach due to irresolvable differences with head coach Scott Robertson. The Herald reports MacDonald is to join the Western Force in a short-term director of rugby role where he will work with head coach Simon Cron - a fellow New Zealander. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health NZ is pushing back against the claims patients in Porirua have been declined specialist appointments based on their body mass indexes. A group of Porirua GPs have claimed their patients had been rejected for general and orthopaedic surgeries based on BMI - and they fear it's a tactic to manage waiting lists. Health NZ's Chief Clinical Officer, Dr Richard Sullivan, has stepped up to deny these claims. "We're not using what we call body mass index, which is really a combination of someone's height and weight, to manage wait-lists, that's absolutely not true." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sir Keir Starmer would put British troops in Ukraine to help guarantee a peace deal. The US and Russian Presidents are holding talks on the war - but excluding EU nations, including Ukraine. Starmer's said lasting peace is essential to deterring future aggression by Vladimir Putin - and he doesn't take putting British servicemen and women in harm's way lightly, but he'll do what it takes to guarantee Ukrainian security. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says there's fears about what Putin will take in a peace deal - and European leaders are set to express their concerns at the upcoming emergency summit in France. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A2 Milk has upped its first-half net profit by 7.6 percent - overtaking expectations - and announced its first dividend of 8.5 cents a share. Its infant milk formula (IMF) sales grew by 7.2 percent, led by its English label, which was up 13 percent, while China label sales were 2 percent higher. Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly unpacked the factors behind this change. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of our largest freight companies says it's yet to see economic green shoots. Freightways is reporting a 6.5 percent increase in profit in the six months to December. But it's dealing with lower volumes per customer in New Zealand. CEO Mark Troughear explained the result is down to winning new customers, and its Australian arm's performance. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Economic Growth Minister says she's had another supermarket express their interest in setting up shop here. Nicola Willis has repeated the call we need more competition to pressure prices. Speaking last week, she said there's been some expressions of interest from overseas, but would not say who or how many, Willis says since then, she's had another potential player get in touch. She explained it was someone who contacted her office directly, saying they had a potential proposal to enter the market. 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! It's now up to the Minister whether or not to deport an 18-year old NZ-born Indian teenager. His parents are here illegally and are also set to be deported. What do we think about this case? The Destiny Church crowd made headlines again after they crashed a drag storytime event at a West Auckland library over the weekend? What can we do about this? Are we all getting sick of QR codes in restaurants?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 17 February 2025, US and Russian negotiators are set to begin peace talks to end the war in Ukraine - without involving Ukraine. Former Special Counsel for the US Department of Defence Jeffrey Pryce speaks to Ryan Bridge about his experience negotiating with Russia, and Tenby Powell from Kiwi aid charity Kiwi K.A.R.E on what kind of a deal would be acceptable to Ukrainians.   Economist Robert MacCullough with an unpopular opinion - arguing the Reserve Bank should not be cutting the OCR on Wednesday. Finance Minister Nicola Willis reveals she has no target in mind when it comes to growing the economy. Plus, the Huddle debates whether QR codes are the future when it comes to ordering at restaurants - or just annoying.   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.

A New Zealand-born Indian teen facing deportation has been granted a brief reprieve. It's now been paused, as Associate Immigration Minister Chris Penk decides whether Daman Kumar will be sent to India, a country he's never visited.  The 18-year-old's parents have been overstayers for more than two decades - with the three told to leave the country or face deportation. Kumar's lawyer, Alastair McClymont, says his parents are responsible for their situation, and they need to face up. "But Daman - what obligations did he have as a new-born baby, as an over-stayer? And he didn't even know anything about his immigration status until he became a teenager." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi diners have mixed feelings on replacing human service with technology, with many preferring face-to-face interaction. Those 46 and older showed negativity towards QR code and app-based ordering, with half 18-to-35-year-olds neutral on the topic. Restaurant Association president Mike Egan says many diners prefer the tactile experience of using a menu they don't have to scroll through. He also explained there were other issues that could impact workers as well - as kitchens could be slammed if diners ordered during peak times. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An economics expert says cutting the Official Cash Rate is unwarranted. The Reserve Bank is set to release its first 2025 OCR decision on Wednesday. Many economists are predicting a 50 basis point cut - from 4.25 percent to 3.75. Auckland University economics professor Robert MacCulloch says the bank's only meant to focus on inflation, which is already on target. "They're not looking at the inflation rate - it's exactly at 2 percent. But they're panicking about the state of the economy, that's the truth. I think that's what's going on." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's concerns the US and Russia are having peace talks without involving anyone else - including Ukraine. Ukraine's European allies are set to gather in Paris for an emergency summit on the war tomorrow. It comes as a US envoy is expected to meet Russian officials for the first time in Saudi Arabia later this month. Kiwi K.A.R.E founder Tenby Powell says this is a stark example of geopolitical injustice. "One would hope the Saudis, who are hosting this meeting, would have the presence of mind to invite Zelenskyy a some stage - but I think it's important to understand that this war hasn't just happened since February 2022." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's renewed calls to evaluate Destiny Church's charitable status and tax treatment after their actions last weekend. Followers of Destiny Church  - the religious movement spearheaded by Hannah and Brian Tamaki - stormed an Auckland library on Saturday to protest a drag king reading to children. Followers of the church then disrupted Auckland's rainbow parade - actions Auckland's mayor calls thuggery. Prime Minister Chris Luxon says they intimidated public officials - and the Government will be investigating their status, and tax treatment in due course. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Destiny Church acted disgracefully, and a review needs to take place. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Dutton has vowed to 'deal with' insurers if they do not drop premiums in higher risk areas. The devastating floods in north Queensland have drawn attention to the fact that many Australians that live in disaster-prone areas are struggling to secure affordable insurance - and this will likely escalate as climate change ramps up.  Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says insurance premiums are skyrocketing year on year - and many are struggling to afford them. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Motivation for revenge has inspired Auckland FC to yet another win in football's men's A-League. A pair of quick goals to end the first half has helped the league-leading Black Knights to a 2-nil win over Western United in blustery conditions just outside of Melbourne. Sportstalk host Jason Pine recaps the match. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trump's advisers are on their way to Saudi Arabia to begin negotiations with Russia to end the war with Ukraine - but Ukraine appears to have been left out of the discussion.  European leaders are determined to not get left behind, with an emergency summit set to take place in France between European and NATO leaders. Jeffrey Price, a former US Defence Department official, doubts a deal will be reached without Ukraine taking part in discussions. "There's going to have to be a conversation between the Americans and the Europeans about what kind of a force is going to be available to be able to guarantee any solution, if there is one." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newstalk ZB Sports News Director Clay Wilson and Sports Journalist Nick Bewley talk all things Super Rugby: The impact of Will Jordan and Scott Barrett, the team they predict will loose.  Over to Australia, Joe Schmidt has abandoned his role as coach, can the All Blacks take him on?  With the Blues, Warriors, Breakers, Auckland FC, and Moana Pasifika, can Auckland support another sporting franchise?  The Huddle discusses it all and more.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 14 February 2025, there’s more upheaval in the health sector with the Director General of Health being the third high profile resignation in just a week.  Concerns about schools inappropriate spending - we'll take you through some questionable receipts.  Plus, Crusaders boss Colin Mansbridge speaks to Andrew Dickens ahead of the first Super Rugby game of the season.  Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first Super Rugby Pacific game is kicking off tonight. Crusaders boss Colin Mansbridge joins the show to discuss the season and the changes his team has made. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

German Counter-terrorism officers have taken over the investigation into the incident yesterday in which a car drove into a crowd in Munich. At least 30 people were injured, some in critical conditions. UK Correspondent Gavin Grey discusses the suspected attack, the senior UK minister reported to have exaggerated her work experience, and the price people are paying for being single in the UK. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cook Island’s Prime Minister Mark Brown is in China as a deal is being signed between the two country’s. Has China spoken about what the deal involves? Asia Business Correspondent Peter Lewis discusses the deal, growing fears of a trade war between China and the US, and how Asia is responding to reciprocal tariffs imposed by Donald Trump. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The top 100 highest paid athletes in the world are all men. Christiano Ronaldo holds the top spot at US$260 million last year. How can women catch up? Auckland University's Sports Sociologist Professor Toni Bruce joins the show to discuss. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tokoroa’s Kinleith Mill owner has confirmed plans to permanently end paper production. From June the change will be implemented and roughly 230 factory workers will be jobless. South Waikato District Mayor Gary Petley says the impact on the town will be ‘huge.’ LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Seymour is pushing for New Zealand to adopt a four-year parliamentary term. The ACT Party leader says in a longer term, select committees would be organised differently to ensure the opposition always has a majority there. Political Commentator Peter Dunne says the government will soon put the issue to a referendum. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Super Rugby is back - can the Crusaders redeem themselves?  Rugby Commentator Elliott Smith discusses major player losses, what to expect in the Blues v Chiefs match tomorrow, cricket's tri-series final tonight, the ongoing Ineos sponsorship issue and more.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another week has seen another Ministry of Health official’s resignation. Was Dr Diana Sarfati pushed out? A former defence and foreign minister is sounding the alarm about New Zealand’s position in the Pacific – should we be worried? Newstalk ZB’S Political Editor Jason Walls joins the show. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In another downfall for the health sector, the Director-General of Health Diana Sarfati has resigned. Sarfati will leave the role “promptly.” The news comes as the Director of Public Health stepped down on Monday, following in the footsteps of Health New Zealand’s Chief Executive resigned one week ago. Former Health NZ Chair Rob Campbell joins the show. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump has announced more tariffs, and Robert F Kennedy Jr has been sworn in as Health Secretary – what will he do with his new powers? It’s Valentine's Day! Are men more romantic than women? US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson joins the show. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.