Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Questionable spending by schools has been flagged by the Auditor General. According to a new report, 54 schools had spent money in ways that personally benefited their principals in 2023. Expenses include Pilates classes and even overseas family travel. New Zealand Principals Federation President Leanne Otene discusses the issue. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump has confirmed talks to end the war in Ukraine will start immediately, although the US is indicating it won't regain all its territory. A prisoner exchange is also likely. Trump has also spoken with Russia's Vladimir Putin, calling the phone call 'lengthy and productive'. UK correspondent Enda Brady suspects Donald Trump is looking to win a Nobel Peace Prize - and this is what's driving this latest scheme. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The expanded tariff measures announced by President Donald Trump are contributing to economic uncertainty held by multiple companies, according to experts. Major trade partners, including Canada, Mexico, Australia, Brazil and the EU will likely be impacted by the incoming 25 percent tax on steel and aluminium imports into the US. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explains how these changes could impact the US economy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A series of livestock sales making way for blanket afforestation on a productive hill-country station on the Hokonui Hills in Southland isn't being received well by local farmers. The Government announced changes to limit the amount of full farm to forestry conversions in December last year, with changes set to kick in by October. The Country's Jamie Mackay unpacks the community backlash. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has confirmed it plans to create more competition between the supermarkets as part of its growth plan. Finance and Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis says this means potential crackdowns on pricing and helping new entrants access land and properties for development. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann explains what this scheme could include - and whether or not it could work. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 13 February 2025, the Government's teasing a potential third player in the supermarket sector that wants to come to New Zealand. Why are lawyers saying a pharma company has been ripping you off for two decades with their cold and flu meds? Plus, the Huddle debates if we need to make third party car insurance compulsory. 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.

Managers of Auckland's City Rail Link are still shying away from naming a specific opening date, following last night's successful tests.  A train made five trips through the new tunnels overnight - between Waitematā and Maungawhau Station.  It started at a gruelling five kilometres an hour, but picked up the pace as technicians made their checks.  CRL Chief Executive Patrick Brockie says it will open in 2026, but he won't be more specific.  "The last year is complex, we've got a lot to do still and there can be the unknowns. But we're working as hard as we can to open as early as possible." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Kiwiblog contributor and Curia pollster David Farrar and former Labour Chief of Staff Mike Munro joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Government has announced some new measures designed to create more competition in the supermarket sector. Do we think this problem can be solved? Does New Zealand need a third operator?  The cost of car insurance is going up so much that more owners are looking into third-party insurers to save money. Should we be concerned? Is there a risk more people will ditch insurance altogether? Te Pati Māori's Tākuta Ferris apologised for misleading the House - and delivered the apology in Te Reo. Minister Shane Jones has fired back already - what do we make of this? US President Donald Trump has had discussions with Putin about potentially ending the war in Ukraine - do we think this can work? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Netsafe say it's encouraging tech giant Meta to prevent scams in the country. Across the ditch, social media companies are detecting and preventing such behaviour. No such protections currently apply in New Zealand - but tech giant Meta is working to introduce defences against finance and celebrity based scam ads. Netsafe Chief Online Safety Officer Sean Lyons says Meta still needs to be pushed to do more to shut down scams. "We should definitely be pushing them to do more so that we're not put in harm's way while we're using their platforms." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's hopes a fresh call for reform to break our supermarket duopoly brings meaningful action. Economic Growth and Finance Minister Nicola Willis has announced a new strategy for creating more competition. The Government is receptive to cracking down on pricing - and helping new entrants access land and properties. MonopolyWatch research director Tex Edwards says the devil will be in the details. "Because there's been an overbuild - unless it's a breakup, you're not going to get what we call price competition and you're not going to get to see any sustainability competition." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US moves to end the war in Ukraine could work in Russia's favour, according to one expert. President Donald Trump says talks will start immediately - and he's had a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Commentators say it's highly unlikely Ukraine will get back its pre-war borders - a bottom line for leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Canberra law professor Sascha Dov Bachmann says Putin will tell his people any territory Russia takes is a win. "And that is the dangerous thing, that is the first step in the wrong direction."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A class action lawsuit launched in Auckland today questioning Johnson and Johnson cold and flu products follows similar suits worldwide. JGA Saddler has filed a suit in the High Court, claiming the producer knowingly sold an ineffective product. The US Food and Drug Administration has ruled a key ingredient in Codral, Sudafed, and Benadryl cold and flu products is ineffective when taken orally. JGA Saddler director, Rebecca Jancauskas says it's sparked a wave of legal action. "Our firm filed a claim in Australia, in December. A Canadian firm filed a class-action about 12 months ago, and there's also quite a number of claims on foot in America."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Not everyone's happy about an apology from Takuta Ferris last night, delivered in Māori. In September, Te Pati Maori MP said describing MPs as 'masters of obscuring the truth' wasn't calling them liars. The Parliamentary Privileges Committee called that a contempt - and recommended he apologise. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Shane Jones called for a second apology in a language 'most Kiwis understand'. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Members of the medical community have voiced their disapproval with the two nurses who bragged about refusing to treat Israeli patients.  Ahmad Rashad Nadir and Sarah Abu Lebdeh, two nurses based out of Bankstown Hospital in Sydney's south-west have been stood down - and reports claim the police have spoken to the pair.  Australian correspondent Murray Olds says investigations are still ongoing - but the pair will likely never work in a Sydney hospital again.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It appears boxer Joseph Parker is one win away from a shot at becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. The New Zealander challenges British fighter Daniel Dubois for the IBF title in Saudi Arabia next weekend. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rising premiums are pushing more people into considering third party car insurance. The average quote for comprehensive car insurance on comparison website Quashed has increased 41 percent in the past two years. Insurance Council CEO Kris Faafoi says newer cars have more technology attached to them - which contributes to the rising insurance costs. "It depends on the individual situation - the cost of the car, who's driving it, where you're parking it, where you are. These are all factors, but it became more expensive to insure them because fixing them is more complex." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK’s Labour Party has suspended 11 councillors in Greater Manchester as part of an investigation into a WhatsApp group where offensive messages were shared.  These investigations have already resulted in the suspension of two other Labour MPs in the region - with Minister Andrew Gwynne losing his health portfolio. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says investigations are still ongoing - and it's not a good look for the Government. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's looking more likely that NZ First is on board with the new rules for foreign investors - including a shake-up for overseas buyers of property. New reports claim NZ First is set to agree to allow wealthy people to purchase homes over a certain threshold - it's rumoured to be $5 million. BusinessDesk's Pattrick Smellie explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The upcoming reporting season looks likely to reflect the tough times seen in the economy in the second half of last year, yet company 'outlook' statements may provide some optimism for the year ahead. The season – comprising mostly second-half 2024 results – gets under way this week, and it's widely expected most major companies won't do too well. Milford Asset Management's Jeremy Hutton explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is running the ruler over the way the Accident Compensation Corporation manages its $50 billion investment portfolio. The newly appointed minister responsible for the state injury insurer, Andrew Bayly, has commissioned consultants at Willis Towers Watson to review the performance of the Accident Compensation Corporation’s investments, its governance, and the approach it takes to managing its investments.  NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 12 February 2025, our fishing industry is in for a shake-up with catch regulations set to be loosened and cameras on boats no longer accessible to the general public. Broadcasting Minister Paul Goldsmith is considering forcing streaming giants Netflix and Co. to produce local content. ASB CEO Vittoria Shortt reveals where she's seeing green shoots in the economy - and when we might see interest rates fall below 5 percent again. Plus, the Huddle debates news that McDonalds will not be allowed to open a restaurant in Wanaka after its consent application was declined. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Sarah Trotman from Business Mentors 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!  What do we make of Judith Collins' latest warning to the public service? She told industry leaders to show respect to taxpayers and not use so much bloated language. What do we make of this?  Plans to build Wānaka’s first McDonald’s have been thrown out after the council declined the restaurant's application for good. Do we agree with this?  New Zealand has slipped to its worst ever ranking on the least-corrupted country list - it's now sitting on number four. Should we be worried?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ASB is reporting a one percent increase in net profit, for last year's second half. Profit margins remained flat, but home lending grew five percent and business and rural lending increased two percent. CEO Vittoria Short says this is a sign the economy is turning a corner for the better after a lengthy downturn. "Inflation's back in target range, we know that the OCR or interest rates are moving downwards to more neutral levels and what we can see is that our customers, who have been doing it tough and are stressed - our actions are helping." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's some agreement with a plea from the Public Service Minister for sector bosses to be more genuine - but questions have also been raised.  Judith Collins has advised public service leaders to show respect for taxpayers in their communications - and to treat the money as their own.    She asks them to be sure they're not speaking 'gobbledygook', or sounding superior.  PSA Acting National Secretary, Fleur Fitzsimons, says she shares some opinions with Collins. "She talked about using plain English, the importance of free and frank advice and the value of public servants. It's a bit rich to hear some of that from a Government, though, that has cut so many jobs."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A McFlurry of controversy is over in Wānaka - with a proposal for the region's first-ever McDonald's declined. The District Council has turned the fast food giant's resource application down after strong pushback from locals concerned about food waste and pollution. It planned a 450-metre site by the Mount Iron Roundabout. Deputy mayor Quentin Smith says in the proposed setting - McDonald's wasn't a good fit. He explained if McDonald's had wanted to set up in the town centre or a commercial zone, it's likely little could be done to stop it. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two Sydney nurses may not yet know they've been stood down over anti-Semitic comments. A video has been posted to social media of the pair in uniform, saying they'd rather kill Israeli people than treat them. The Australian Government has launched an investigation. Australian correspondent Andrew MacFarlane says the nurses work night shifts, so may still be asleep. "So while the health department in has said they've been stood down and are likely to be fired, the pair of them might not actually know that just yet." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seafood New Zealand says new fishery proposals will keep workers safer. Public consultation is open on loosening up on extending or reducing catch limits. The reform would also restrict access to fishing vessel camera video - to officials and the courts. Seafood NZ CEO, Lisa Futschek says the public has no need to access the footage. "Unfortunately, we see some pretty bad behaviour and attitudes towards our fishers - who are bullied and verbally and sometimes physically abused."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A report's been tabled in Parliament, recommending a Te Pati Maori MP apologise for deliberately misleading the House.  In a debate in September last year,Takuta Ferris described MPs as being masters of obscuring the truth.  Ferris denied an accusation he'd called MPs liars - language considered un-parliamentary -  and it was referred to the Privileges Committee. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Ferris needs to apologise. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump met Jordan's King Abdullah today, amid ongoing discussions about redeveloping Gaza and potentially reducing aid for the US-allied Arab country if it refuses to resettle Palestinians. Trump's proposal, floated one week ago, for the US to take over Gaza, move residents over and turn the war-ravaged territory into the 'Riviera of the Middle East' has been met with disapproval from various Arab nations.  US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says King Abdullah has also voiced disapproval with Trump's proposal for Gaza. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warren Gatland has left his role as Wales head coach by 'mutual agreement' after a record run of 14 straight Test defeats, the Welsh Rugby Union announced today. Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt will take temporary charge for the side’s remaining three Six Nations games against title favourites Ireland, Scotland and England. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Media and Communications Minister says cutting funding for NZ on Air and the Film Commission isn't on the table.  The Government is asking for feedback on five proposals, aiming to help local media go up against international competitors.  One includes merging the Commission and NZ on Air. Paul Goldsmith says the two categories are becoming far less distinct - and a merger could even give both more funds. "Rather than having two organisations doling it out - if you had one, that could be a more efficient way of doing it. We're not suggesting changing the overall funding levels, that's just how it's administered."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in the UK, the Government has launched a crackdown on illegal immigrants. The Labour-led Government has revealed that since they came to power, they have deported 19,000 people out of the UK - including failed asylum seekers and illegal immigrants. UK correspondent Enda Brady says this may have been inspired by Nigel Farage's Reform Party - which is seeing a significant boost in the polls. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister has copped some backlash over the state of the economy during his morning media round. This follows two disappointing showings for the coalition in the polls, with Chris Luxon's standing as preferred Prime Minister taking a hit. Luxon has stayed optimistic - and Infometics Principal Economist Brad Olsen is hopeful things will turn around later in the year. "Those interest rates are coming down - but it takes a bit of time for everyone to re-fix onto them. And at the same time, data out recently showed that the unemployment rate has been going up. So I do think we're in that odd period...but there are those greener shoots showing through." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Country's Jamie Mackay took a trip up to the Big Smoke - and got to sit in on a memorable parliamentary session. Both Luxon and Hipkins got some jabs in at each other, and Greens co-leader Chloe Swarbrick questioned the quality of the coalition's school lunch plan, and challenged the Prime Minister to eat one. Jamie Mackay joined Ryan Bridge to recap the day. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland Councillor Richard Hills and Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  Kāinga Ora has unveiled their tougher new approach to address rent debt. Is this move justified - or a step too far? Greens co-leader Chloe Swarbrick brought some lunchboxes into the House and challenged Prime Minister Luxon to eat one after claims they were inedible. What do we make of this?  There's concern in Tauranga, with many residents saying mayor Mahe Drysdale should move from Cambridge to the city. Drysdale says it's been difficult finding a house in their preferred school zone - do we think he needs to move? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions have been raised over how much tax Netflix is currently paying in New Zealand. Research indicates there are over 1.3 million Netflix users in New Zealand paying at least $18.50 per month each. However, new reports reveal the company apparently doesn't meet the $11 million revenue threshold to make finances public - indicating Netflix pays a smaller-than-expected tax bill. Edward Miller, an expert from the Centre for International Corporate Tax Accountability and Research, says many Kiwi users are justified in wanting to learn more about what Netflix pays. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 13 November 2024, Kainga Ora boss Matt Crockett tells Ryan Bridge the state housing agency is going to start evicting tenants who don't pay rent. Trade Minister Todd McClay reacts to Donald Trump's announcement of 25% taxes on NZ steel and aluminium. NZ Rugby is suing its major sponsor Ineos, alleging the company breached its six-year sponsorship contract. An economist says we need to start talking about means testing NZ Super. Plus, the Huddle debates whether a mayor should live in the city they're the mayor of. 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 Tai Rāwhiti mill that ran for 30 years before it was shut down in late 2023 is set to re-open in the coming months, with new Australian owners. About 87 staff were impacted by Japanese-owned Juken's decision to close the mill - amid financial difficulties and weak demand for Japanese housing wood products. Millari Group of Australia confirmed in a statement that it will upgrade and re-establish the 25-hectare site in Gisborne over the coming months. Mill general manager Shane Wilson says more details will be revealed over the next few weeks - with repairs and upgrades needed to boost operations. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trade Minister is laying bare the cost of Donald Trump's tariffs for New Zealand.  The US President is imposing 25 percent tariffs for all steel and aluminium imports - and says there'll be no exceptions. Todd McClay says that's not surprising, following similar moves by Trump in his first term. He says it won't significantly impact us, especially compared to exports like beef and wine.  "For New Zealand exporters, we will face about an extra $5 million of tariffs - plus or minus - that's on about $150 million total of exports." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An economist says New Zealand needs to have a tough conversation about superannuation. Finance Minister Nicola Willis yesterday told Newstalk ZB the scheme needs to become sustainable and a debate about age eligibility will be needed eventually.  Bagrie Economics says raising the age makes sense, with the average life expectancy up a lot. Cameron Bagrie says we can't keep kicking the can down the road. "More than 50 percent of all welfare spending is going towards New Zealand's Superannuation - and some people need that money, but there's a chunk of society that I don't think need that money and they're double dipping." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of New Zealand Rugby's major sponsors has found itself offside with the national body. In a recent statement, NZR has confirmed they're launching legal action against petrochemical company Ineos for breaching a deal worth around eight million dollars a year. NZ Rugby views Ineos' non-payment of the first instalment of 2025 as confirmation they've exited the six-year agreement early - and have 'no option' but to begin proceedings. Former CEO David Moffett says this is a big step for NZR, but they haven't been left with any other options. "In a situation like this, the only people that are going to win are the lawyers. There will be damage done to both brands, but hopefully NZ Rugby have got some really strong legal advice." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kāinga Ora's hoping more tenants will stay on top of rent after it's written off debts.  It's announced a tougher stance on rental debt - and will end tenancies for people who skip rent with no attempt to get back on track.   But it also says it'll forgive and reduce debt for consistently paying customers owing more than 12 weeks’ rent. Chief executive Matt Crockett says the debt otherwise becomes too daunting for tenants to tackle.  "We are going to manage it more closely, earlier, so that we never have customers that have more than 12 weeks. This is about cleaning up the situation we've got at the moment and resetting to move forward with a more pragmatic approach." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was Chris versus Chris in the House this afternoon, as Hipkins went toe-to-toe with Luxon in the House today The Prime Minister drew first blood in his response to accusations from Labour that he's unable to control his Cabinet.  Chris Hipkins was quick to fire back - and asked if Nicola Willis was more likely to replace the Interislander ferries or Luxon as Prime Minister by the end of the year. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says it was a memorable session in Parliament.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's uncertainty whether or not Australia will get off scot-free from Donald Trump's latest tariffs. The US President is imposing 25 percent tariffs for all steel and aluminium imports - saying there'll be no exceptions.  But he's also told Australia's Prime Minister the trade surplus with Australia will be taken into consideration. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the AUKUS pact will likely also play a part in a potential exemption. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw believes a new 'quartet' captaincy model reflects the selection tussles ahead for the Super Rugby side. 2024 skipper Brad Shields is joined by Du'Plessis Kirifi, Billy Proctor and Asafo Aumua in a new franchise model of four captains for 2025. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NZ First's Winston Peters is determined to give Kiwis the right to choose as part of a new bill. The Party has introduced a member's bill that aims to repeal a 2021 fluoridation law - requiring councils to hold a referendum.  It would look into the law giving the Director-General of Health authority to mandate having fluoride in local water supplies.  Peters says people have had a right to vote on these matters for decades - and he hopes to re-instate that right. "We're saying - give people back the democracy they enjoyed all those decades and let them decide. They're the ones who have a right in regards to what they want, not some over-inflated bureaucrats in Wellington."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in the UK, a second Labour MP has apologised for comments made in a WhatsApp chat after Andrew Gwynne was dismissed over comments he sent to the same group. Burnley MP Oliver Ryan said in a statement that the comments he made were 'unacceptable' and he regretted not speaking up about them sooner.  UK correspondent Gavin Grey explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump has signalled an incoming announcement of 25 percent tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports into the US.  Trump also reaffirmed that he would announce 'reciprocal tariffs', meaning the US would impose import duties on on products in cases where another country has levied duties on US goods. Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly explains what this means for the New Zealand economy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Banks are clearing a backlog of lending requests after 'unacceptable' delays of up to five weeks, which caused stress for borrowers before Christmas.   A significant drop in interest rates late last year resulted in a surge of new home loan applications and refinancing and restructuring requests, according to mortgage brokers.   Loan market advisor Michelle Isemonger says the weeks before Christmas are always a busy time - but December's OCR drop inspired this notable increase in applications. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and Josie Pagani from Child Fund joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  Two new polls are out - and they show that the left bloc has overtaken the coalition and could form a new Government if an election was held tomorrow. Should the current Government be concerned - or is this too far away to worry about? Do we need to be worried about a bigger diplomatic mess with the Cook Islands? What could this meeting with China mean? A prospective homeowner lost out in a disputed auction bid - and is taking legal action against the real estate firm. Can we agree auctions are the worst? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.