Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

The latest Census data is out, with numbers for all sorts of data points from ethnicity, home ownership and income to gender and sexual identity. But the number that most interested me today is buried in the housing stats. In 2018, when we last did the numbers, about one in every six New Zealand homes recorded mould bigger than an A4 piece of paper. More than 21 percent of households recorded dampness at home. But despite our famously crappy housing stock, the numbers have meaningfully improved. Today, 18 percent of houses have dampness: a 3.4 percent improvement. And from one-in-six homes previously, one-in-seven households now records mould at home. In real numbers, that's roughly 70,000 fewer damp homes and 50,000 fewer mouldy homes than we would have had if our housing was at the same standard as it was in 2018. That's a real success.  So what's changed in that time? Obviously newer homes are more likely to be built to a better, warmer standard. But I also think you can credit some of that improvement to the healthy homes standards. And while, of course, bringing rental stock up to standard has come at an expense, it's surely nothing compared to the cost of healthcare for those who'd otherwise be getting sick in cold, damp homes.  There's isn't all that much the previous Government can hang its hat on in terms of enduring change - but I reckon that policy is a winner. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Chris Luxon's feeling 'stoked' with today's Mood of the Boardroom survey results. The nation's business heavy-weights have ranked Government ministers in the Herald's annual survey - and they're feeling pretty optimistic with the state of the current Government. NZ Herald deputy political editor Thomas Coughlan says the nation's business community always feels more positive when they get a centre-right Government aligned with their needs. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police in New South Wales have applied to the state’s top court to ban two pro-Palestinian rallies set to take place this weekend. Next Monday marks the one-year anniversary of Hamas’s attacks on Israel and the start of the conflict in Gaza - and police aim to stop a rally taking place on that date from going forward on top of the usual weekend protests. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says police are concerned about the potential risks to public safety, especially for Monday's event. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

INEOS Britannia are one win away from earning the right to challenge Team New Zealand for the America's Cup. The British syndicate has beaten Luna Rossa in both races overnight to lead 6-4 in the best-of-13 Louis Vuitton series. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police have arrested a teenager after disrupting a 'sophisticated smishing scam' using new technology never seen in New Zealand before. Authorities have described smishing - a form of phishing - as when a device known an 'SMS Blaster' is used as a fake cell tower and tricks nearby cellphones to connect to its fraudulent network. This 'SMS Blaster' has reportedly sent thousands of fake texts claiming to be from banks - in order to encourage people to share their passwords, account details and other sensitive information. National Cyber Security centre team lead Tom Roberts says the messages look professional. He explained people click on the link thinking it's from the bank or insurance company - without realising they're entering in details for someone to steal.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UK forces were found to be involved in supporting Israel's response after Iran launched a missile attack on the country. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer says the UK 'stands with Israel' and recognises its right to self-defence. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says other MPs will be very disappointed with this revelation. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A proposal to re-develop Marsden Point's decommissioned refinery is being considered. Channel Infrastructure NZ recently entered a conditional agreement with Seadra Energy to create a bio-refinery at the Northland site.  Seadra would purchase it for about $53-million and use some existing, decommissioned assets like tankage and jetties. Milford Asset Management's Jeremy Hutton unpacks what this could look like. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Politicians of all stripes say the Government shouldn’t try to stop the values of properties vulnerable to the effects of climate change from plummeting. In fact, they believe there is room for at-risk property values to fall further to discourage investment in flood-prone parts of the country. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny unpacks these findings further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has continued its push to increase the use of remote building inspections to speed up the construction and consenting process. Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk has voiced disapproval with the current process - and claimed that remote inspections will make the building process more efficient and affordable.  NZ Certified Builders CEO Malcolm Fleming says this process works well in remote parts of the country - or high-congestion areas like Auckland CBD. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, journalist Mark Sainsbury and Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The partner of an Australian diplomat was allegedly involved in an altercation in central Wellington early on Sunday and authorities are looking to waive immunity to press charges. Do we think diplomatic immunity standards need to be changed? The vice presidential debate took place today ahead of the November US election - what do we think of this? Who won the debate - JD Vance or Tim Walz? The conflict in the Middle East is amping up, with Iran launching a significant missile attack over at Israel. Where is this going to end? Can a solution be found? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive with Jack Tame Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 2 October 2024, the situation in the Middle East continues to escalate with Iran firing missiles into Israel. Director of Special Projects at the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council Bren Carlill joins Jack to discuss how other countries can avoid getting involved. Health New Zealand is urging the Government to consider allowing private companies to build and run the country's hospitals - Former Health NZ Chair Rob Campbell discusses the potential of this idea. Former Black Caps coach Mike Hesson shares his thoughts on Tim Southee relinquishing the Black Caps test captaincy. The Huddle considers the fairness of diplomatic immunity and how the world will weigh in on tensions in the Middle East. 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.

Genesis Energy has confirmed it will spend $64 million on taking a majority stake in ChargeNet - the nation's leading EV public charging network. Under terms of the agreement, Genesis will acquire a 65 percent stake in ChargeNet, which was founded in 2015 by tech entrepreneurs Steve and Dianna West.  Genesis chief retail officer Stephen England-Hall says decarbonising New Zealand's transport output is critical to the country's future. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A legal expert sees a reasonable chance New Zealand could waive diplomatic immunity after allegations about an Australian diplomat's partner surfaced. Sky News has reported the partner was involved in an altercation in central Wellington early on Sunday. New Zealand Police have confirmed they're seeking to waive diplomatic immunity for an individual, so charges can be laid. Electoral law expert Graeme Edgeler says such actions tend to be on a step by step basis. "The friendlier we are with those countries, the more likely it is that they might agree." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One former Black Caps coach has expressed some confusion as Tim Southee relinquished his team captaincy.  Tom Latham has taken the reins after Southee ended his tenure as skipper with six wins, six losses and two draws through just under two years at the helm. Mike Hesson says some aspects of his resignation have raised a few questions. "I can't think of any side in the world where you would name a captain on a game-by-game basis. You're playing for your nation - I thought the transition period made good sense, but when he was named captain, it sort of made life difficult for Tim." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's belief Republican candidate JD Vance completely lost credibility as today's vice-presidential debate ended.  The contest against Democrat Tim Walz was mostly civil and policy focused.  But Vance dodged a question on Donald Trump challenging the 2020 election results - saying he's 'future-focused'.  Former US ambassador to New Zealand, Mark Gilbert, says until that moment, Vance had restored likeability and seemed strong. "It was a very awkward moment - and if I was sitting there as an undecided voter, I would have really recoiled at the answer he gave about 2020." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was civil. It was somewhat thoughtful. It was focused for the most part on policy.   It was, frankly, a novel experience to be watching a modern U.S political debate that didn't immediately descend into petty name calling, insults, conspiracy theories, hyperbole and lies. I thought JD Vance was much better than Tim Walz. If these things are to be scored, then he was the winner for me. He didn't throw around insults in the same way that he has on the campaign trail, which I thought was an interesting strategic approach. I thought he did a really good job of presenting as smart and reasonable, and as a steady partner of a more chaotic running mate. I also thought he was humane in a way that Trump never is. Tim Walz talked about his 17-year-old witnessing a shooting, and JD Vance let him speak - and immediately responded in a decent way. I didn't know, he said. I'm really sorry. For the most part, Tim Walz, wasn't terrible. He made that weird gaffe where it sounded as though he said something about becoming friends with school shooters, and he just didn't look as fresh, self-assured, and slick as JD Vance. His best moment was directly asking Vance if he believed Trump won the 2020 election... Vance gave a classic politician answer, said he was 'focused on the future'. What does it mean for the race? Not heaps. There was more to lose tonight for the respective campaigns than there was to win. It might translate to a wee bump in support, a few more voters shoring up their decisions - but more than anything, for Team Trump, it's probably the first bit of momentum in the right direction for the best part of six weeks. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's hopes that the US will step in soon to de-escalate Middle East tensions.  Iran has launched nearly 200 missiles at Israel, with most being intercepted. Israel is promising consequences while continuing airstrikes - and yesterday, forces invaded Lebanon. The Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council says strong intervention is the only way to end the cycle. Policy analyst Bren Carlill says Iran's weak military could be swiftly subdued.  "Were the US to send a couple of missiles at, say, an Iranian drone-making factory or an Iranian missile factory - I think Iran would get the message and very quickly realise it needs to step back."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The vice presidential candidates in the US election clashed in their first and only debate ahead of the 2024 US election. Democrat Tim Walz and Republican JD Vance faced off over the economy, abortion, immigration, the conflict in the Middle East and energy. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the pair raised some interesting arguments over the future of energy and natural gas - a message some Kiwi politicians should really listen to.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in the US, both vice presidential candidates just had their first and only debate ahead of the November election. Democrat Tim Walz and Republican JD Vance clashed over hot-button issues including the Middle East crisis, immigration, taxes, and climate change - to name a few. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says this debate felt more civilised than the Trump-Harris clash from September - but Vance delivered the better performance. "Vance was obviously much more polished, Walz came off as a little more nervous, especially off the top - but he has said before that he doesn't like speaking in front of crowds and gets a little nervous and flustered. But I'll tell you this - both seemed more respectful of one another than Trump and Harris did." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A whitewash test series defeat to Sri Lanka was Tim Southee's trigger to step down as Black Caps test captain. Tom Latham will take the reins with immediate effect, beginning with three tests in India starting in a fortnight. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave says this was the right move on Southee's part. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's suggestions private companies should build - and potentially run - our public hospitals. 1News reports Health NZ is urging the Government to consider private sector help, given the investment required for dozens of hospitals. Former Health NZ chair Rob Campbell says he believes this is being raised now as a diversion. "It's previously been held off because the very large projects - like the Dunedin Hospital - frankly, wouldn't attract a partner to do the kind of work that needs to be done." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Duke of Sussex has returned to the UK to make a brief public appearance at a central London charity event. Prince Harry attended WellChild's annual awards ceremony at a London hotel to pay tribute to the young people recognised at the event. UK correspondent Enda Brady says it's unlikely Harry will be able to meet up with the royals - and will probably depart for California before a reunion can take place.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian retail sales rebounded by more than expected in August as warmer weather brought forward spring spending after a midwinter slump. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, retail sales rose 0.7 percent - beating out initial predictions of 0.4 percent. HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham says it's clear recent tax cuts have driven up consumer spending. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Construction continues to slow, although consents for office and public transport buildings have risen 26 percent. Stats NZ says new home consents dropped 20 percent in the year to August - and standalone new builds fell 9.7 percent. Consents for townhouses, apartments, retirement village units, and flats are down 27 percent. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen unpacks the factors behind the decline. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another Global Dairy Trade auction is expected to take place tonight - and experts are predicting more good news this time round. There was a substantial life off the back of the previous auction - with a 0.8 percent increase across the board. The Country's Jamie Mackay outlined his predictions ahead of tonight's results. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NZIER's latest Quarterly Survey of Business Opinion (QSBO) shows a marked improvement in business confidence in the September quarter. A net 5 percent of firms expect a deterioration in general economic conditions over the coming months - a significant drop from the net 40 percent that expected a downturn three months ago. NZIER deputy chief executive Christina Leung says demand was quite weak over the September quarter, but expectations have gone up for the subsequent months. "Expectations for the next quarter are looking more positive, and that's particularly the case for sectors such as retail and services - to the extent that these are the sectors that are more exposed to the household sector." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you were in a bit of a rush yesterday morning, I dunno - perhaps somehow you were caught out by daylight saving and you scrambling to get to an appointment - and you forgot to put money in the meter before rushing off, you'd have been fined $40. If you did it today, exactly the same offence, you'd be fined $70. Almost double. Parking fines are up for the first time in twenty years and errant parkers will be facing stricter penalties across the board.  I don't have an issue with the higher fines. If you don't want to be fined, pay for your parking. It's pretty simple.  But despite supporting higher fines, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown isn't happy with the regime. He takes issue with the fact that fines are still set by central Government under the Land Transport Act, rather than local councils. I think he's got a good point. It seems absurd to me that for all the talk about localism, councils are still relying on an edict from Wellington to set their parking fines. If a council can't be relied on to set appropriate parking fines, how on Earth can expect it to manage a balance sheet, consenting or complex infrastructure planning?  And Wayne Brown's quite right - there's no reason that fines in congested city centres should be the same as parking fines on the main street of a regional town.  Central government says it wants local councils to be focused on the basics. Setting the parking fines within its own jurisdiction qualifies as a basic, for me.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Ali Jones from Red PR and Phil O'Reilly from Iron Duke Partners joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! New research shows more young men are feeling pressured to start using steroids and other illegal enhancers to keep up with body image pressures. How concerning is this?  Prime Minister Chris Luxon is on the defensive after selling his Wellington apartment - and claimed he won't apologise for his success. Is this response justified? ACC has received 128 claims for fall-related injuries from Croc wearers so far this year, costing nearly $64,000. What do we make of this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive with Jack Tame Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 1 October 2024, the Israeli Military says it has begun a "limited, localised" ground offensive against Hezbollah targets in Southern Lebanon. International relations expert Robert Patman tells Jack Israel has the upper hand against  the Houthis, Hamas and Hezbollah with the backing of the United States. New Zealand is seeing its highest number of credit card applications since 2021. Personal Finance Lead at Sorted Tom Hartmann considers which factors, beyond cost of living and high interest rates, could be the cause. Love them or hate them, Crocs are costing ACC - with 17 percent more croc-related claims already this year than last. The Huddle considers the rise of steroid use in young men and debates the fairness of a Capital Gains Tax. 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.

Fuelled by fitness and gym content online, more young men say they are turning to risky and illegal measures to enhance their appearances. According to new reports, men in their 20s - or younger - have been encouraged to use steroids and other banned performance-enhancing substances in order to keep up with pressure to look a certain way. Otago University Emeritus Professor David Gerrard says young men are just as vulnerable to being impacted by social media influencers as women - and there's pressure for them to keep up with standards. "It's a culture that has unfortunately crept in - and it does seem to have its genesis in and around certain gymnasiums and the ambience that that creates." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Foodstuffs has argued a merger blocked by the Commerce Commission would benefit consumers and suppliers.  The competition watchdog has decided merging the chain's North and South Island co-ops would substantially lessen competition.  Foodstuffs North Island CEO Chris Quin says they're likely to appeal the decision - based on the evidence they have at this point. He says the move would only have changed the support each retailer received.  "Which is out of sight of customers and a part of retail competition - to bring it together in a more efficient way so that we can keep delivering value and innovation for New Zealanders. That's the disappointing thing about today's outcome."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A popular - and divisive - shoe is making a significant showing in more ACC claims. ACC has received 128 claims for fall-related injuries from Croc wearers so far this year, costing nearly $64,000. There were 109 claims last year. But injury prevention spokesperson, James Whittaker, says although Crocs and jandals feature in some trips, slips and falls - the problem is much bigger than that. "Around 700,000 people have fall-related claims supported by ACC in any given year - and it costs around $2 billion to support those people." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hostilities are running high - and fear's rising for the future - as Israel launches a ground offensive into southern Lebanon.  Lebanon says Israeli attacks in the past two weeks have already killed more than a thousand people.  Otago University international relations professor Robert Patman says the recent pummelling of Hezbollah has severely degraded the militant group. He says backing from the US is helping Israel keep the upper hand over resistance groups.  "But also - the loss of civilians in Lebanon, as well as the loss of civilians in Gaza, is fuelling anti-Israeli feelings which are going to have long-term consequences."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister seems to have narrowly avoided a large tax bill for selling his Wellington apartment. He paid $795,000 for it in 2020, and 1News reports it's been sold for $975,000. When it was purchased, a five-year bright-line test applied - under which Luxon would have owed $70,000 in tax. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Luxon seems proud to defend this apartment sale. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian police have launched a probe related to the appearance of Hezbollah flags at pro-Palestine rallies that took place over the weekend. Victorian police reported that flags representing Hezbollah were seen being carried by a small group who weren't affiliated with the protest organisers. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says police are looking for calls to incite violence from these off-shoot groups - as carrying the organisation's symbol is prohibited.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The World Athletics Indoor Championships could be coming to New Zealand for 2028. Athletics New Zealand and the Government are working on a bid to host the biennial event, typically held in the third week of March. The current criteria permits an outdoor venue to be used - and with only a 200-metre track needed, Eden Park or the new Christchurch stadium could be feasible options. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwis struggling to stay afloat have turned to credit cards to bridge the cap amid an ongoing cost-of-living crisis. New credit card application enquiries have reached their highest level since 2021- and card arrears have jumped 4.4 percent in August. Sorted Personal Finance Lead Tom Hartmann says living costs have increased and bills have piled up - and people feel the need to borrow their way through it. "From power, from kids' sports fees - it could be many different situations. And this is just one way to get through it." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Austria's far-right Freedom Party has secured a historic political victory following the recent election. The party finished first with 29.2 percent of the vote, beating out the OVP's 26.2 percent, and the centre-left Social Democrats' 20.4 percent. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says it doesn't have the support to form a majority Government - and the other parties are apprehensive about forming a coalition. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in China, regulators recently announced a range of monetary and fiscal stimulus policy changes aimed at fostering economic stabilisation and improving consumer confidence. Official interest rates were cut and the Government announced a number of central bank spending programmes aimed at stabilising housing and supporting consumption. Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly unpacked these new policy changes - and explained what China's economic growth could mean for New Zealand. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Synlait Milk has reported a net loss of $182.1 million and stumped up with a one-off payment to try to keep supplying South Island farmers.  The embattled dairy processor reported its full-year results to July 31 on Monday with revenue up 2 percent to $1.64 billion.  It took a total non-cash impairment of $114.6 million during the year against its long-term assets.  CEO Grant Watson says the 2024 financial year was a difficult one - but things look to be in a better position for next year. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and NZME editor-at-large Shayne Currie joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  The Government's copped some backlash after it warned the new Dunedin Hospital could face some downgrades after costs blew out over $1 billion higher than expected. Are people right to be outraged? The Government has unveiled its latest Q4 action plan - with a focus on law and order, infrastructure and cost-saving. What do we make of this?  The world's Haka record was beaten at Eden Park last night, taking the title back from France. Should we be proud? Is Hastings' new sign really that bad?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister says the Government is still committed to funding Dunedin's new hospital.  It's asked Health NZ for two options to deliver the project within budget after it claimed costs ballooned by over $1 billion. About 35,000 protesters took to the streets in Dunedin on Saturday. Nicola Willis says she understands the frustration, but argues the hospital has never been kept to a budget.  But she says there needs to be enough money to go around.  "We also have a responsibility to the people of Whangarei, of Nelson, of Tauranga and all the other centres in the country who also need an upgrade to their hospital."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast with Jack Tame for Monday 30th September 2024, the Government has released its latest quarterly action plan and it's largely focussed on infrastructure. Chris Bishop talks Jack through the details. There are calls that "tough conversations" are needed around the future of small town New Zealand - Jack asks Regional Development Minister Shane Jones whether some towns just won't survive. We learn about the game changer that could boost productivity out of vineyards.  The Huddle debates the Government's issue with the new Dunedin Hospital and reflects on the Haka World Record set last night. 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.

Dunedin's mayor isn't backing down on fighting for the city's new hospital ahead of potential cuts. The Government has asked Health NZ for two options to deliver the project - within budget - after costs escalated to an estimated $3 billion from an original estimate of between $1.2b-$1.4b. About 35,000 people took to the streets in Dunedin on Saturday to protest the proposed downgrades. Mayor Jules Radich says there will be detrimental effects if it isn't built. "Number one- people will die. The Government will have blood on its hands because this hospital is needed for the level of tertiary care that is required throughout the whole region." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The wine industry is hoping a new programme will help double production.  The Government is investing $5.6 million over seven years into the programme, Next Generation Viticulture. It aims to grow vines more efficiently, turning sunlight into grapes. NZ Winegrowers Research Centre CEO Dr Juliet Ansell says it will redesign canopy management. "It enables the vines to capture as much sunlight as they can - and encourage that sunlight to be transformed into fruit, rather than leaves or vegetative growth." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland mayor Wayne Brown aims to disestablish the city's tourism and economic development agency. The mayor is progressing plans to fold Tātaki Auckland Unlimited back into council control and reduce its functions. He says the agency spent more than $700,000 on a campaign promoting Auckland to Aucklanders. He says these things need to stop happening with ratepayer money. Hospitality New Zealand CEO Steve Armitage Tātaki says is essential - and plays a pivotal role for the city's tourism. "There are a lot of ancillary benefits, there are jobs created - particularly off the strength of Auckland's visitor economy in recent years." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New toll roads could be on the horizon as the Government moves into its next quarterly plans. It says it's achieved 39 of its 40 third-quarter goals, largely targeting law and order.  The 43 actions up next focus on infrastructure and economic growth.   They include passing the fast-track approvals bill - but also look into introducing more road tolls.  Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says they're unpopular, but they're a reliable method.  "People think about other countries - toll roads are very common in the United States, Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, many parts of Europe. Toll roads are standard practice and we don't use them enough here." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Energy and Resources Minister Shane Jones has been caught up in a climate protest, while on a walk - over policy he's spearheading. A small group of protestors marched down Wellington's Lambton Quay opposing the Government's bill reversing Labour's ban on oil and gas exploration. They told Jones he should be ashamed of himself, a claim he loudly rebutted, saying they were being hyperbolic and extreme. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacks Jones's response to the backlash. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Qantas engineers across Australia walked off the job for two hours this morning - and they've warned more industrial action will come if their requests aren't heard. Staff throughout Brisbane, Sydney, and Perth airports have requested a 15 percent payrise with further rises in subsequent years. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says these strikes haven't impacted anyone's ability to travel as of yet.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Caps have suffered a fourth consecutive test loss, after an innings and 154-run defeat by Sri Lanka in their second match in Galle. Resuming their second innings at 199 for five on day four, the visitors were dismissed for 360, which included half centuries by Tom Blundell, Glenn Phillips and Mitchell Santner. Sportstalk host Jason Pine explains what this loss means for their future chances. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.