Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Tonight on The Huddle, broadcaster Paddy Gower and Tim Wilson from Maxim Institute joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The country's largest gas user, Methanex, will shut its plant until the end of October and has agreed to sell the gas to power companies Contact and Genesis. Given the options we had, is this the best out of a bad bunch? The Government is giving the green light to gene editing - and will overhaul laws that ban genetic engineering in NZ. How do you feel about that? Do we have to move with the times or is there danger for our exporters in being associated with GE? The NZ Herald will not run a planned ad from the Hobson's Pledge lobby group - after massive backlash about last week's full page front page ad. Freedom of Speech campaigners are upset - does this show that the publisher of the Herald is pulling punches? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 13 August 2024, Contact Energy CEO Mike Fuge tells Heather about the deal his company struck with Methanex to secure the country's gas supply. We're back in court at the Polkinghorne trial where the pathologist who examined Pauline Hanna's injuries gave evidence. The Government's given the green light to gene editing. The Huddle debates whether the Herald should have run an ad by lobby group Hobson's Pledge on its front page - and whether it was a mistake to pull the next ad because of the complaints that followed. Plus, why are there no rock bands who make it to No. 1 in the charts anymore? 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.

New Plymouth's mayor says it's time for a cross-party energy strategy. Neil Holdom has a background in the energy industry, and is asking the Labour Party to support oil and gas exploration - onshore and off - through to 2050. Labour banned it while in Government. Holdom says Labour has an opportunity to come and work on a joint policy that offers the best of both worlds. "If we can get National and Labour to work on a joint policy that's sensible, based on science and economics - we can keep our economy going, we can reduce emissions." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NIWA has unveiled its new state of the art super-computer - worth $20 million. It's the fourth the agency's bought since 1999, with up to three times more power than its predecessor. Rob Murdoch, NIWA's deputy chief executive, says the technology will help model potential weather disasters. "Which is important when you have to think about things like Cyclone Gabrielle, for example - where it's very isolated and the hills can have a massive impact on the amount of rainfall." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Researchers are hoping take advantage of new gene technology regulations as soon as possible. The Government's planning to introduce legislation this year to let researchers develop and commercialise gene tech products - outside laboratories. AgResearch Science Team Lead Richard Scott says taking it out of the lab will speed progress and reduce red tape. He says projects are already under way on genetically modified grasses. "We've already put forward an application to trial that in New Zealand - and we've got another couple lined up and ready to go." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elon Musk's virtual interview with Donald Trump today was overshadowed by a technical glitch. The X (formerly Twitter) owner teased the interview as unscripted and highly entertaining, with no subject limits. But online traffic overloaded the platform with many struggling to access the live 'space'. US correspondent Nick Harper says Musk blamed it on a cyber attack, after earlier system scaling tests handled eight million listeners. "They even suggested through the course of the conversation at one point that potentially the Democrats were behind it - to stop Republican Donald Trump from making it onto the airwaves." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The pathologist who did Pauline Hanna's autopsy has taken the stand in Phillip Polkinghorne's murder trial. The Auckland eye doctor is accused of killing his wife, Hanna, in 2021 - although his defence claims she killed herself. The court's heard today from Doctor Kilak Kesha. ZB's Chelsea Daniels says Kesha detailed seeing a belt impression on Hanna's neck at the scene. "An officer there alerted him to a belt found - he said it looked identical, but pretty much immediately after, defence lawyer Ron Mansfield got Kesha to concede the belt could have been used in her death." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's praise for a deal to free up gas to help keep the country's lights on. The nation's biggest gas user, Methanex, will shut down Kiwi operations until October - and is selling its gas to Contact Energy and Genesis Energy. It'll let them generate more power to combat a supply shortage that's sent power prices skyrocketing. Contact Energy CEO Mike Fuge says it will cost Methanex some export earnings. He says that's outweighed by the benefit to the country. "In terms of the security of supply - that's what our focus is at the moment and we're very confident that we'll be able to see the country through." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government says it's overturning a nearly-30 year ban on genetic technology to bring us up to speed with the rest of the world. Science Minister Judith Collins says legislation ending the ban will be introduced to Parliament by the end of the year. A dedicated regulator will also be established to oversee gene technology applications. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says New Zealand stands to benefit from these new scientific developments. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Investigations are continuing into yesterday's fatal helicopter crash in Far North Queensland. The DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Cairns was evacuated after a stolen helicopter crashed into the hotel roof early yesterday morning, sparking a massive explosion. The pilot - the only occupant of the helicopter - died. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the wreckage has been removed - and the flight recording devices have been sent away to be examined. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson's recovered from his hamstring injury and will return for their NRL encounter against the Sea Eagles in Manly on Friday. Fresh off his retirement announcement, Johnson's joining the squad in Sydney, alongside fellow returnees Luke Metcalf, Adam Pompey and Marcelo Montoya. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Wellington high school has been forced to close after a shock finding revealed 13 classrooms are earthquake prone. Wellington Girls' College claims the Ministry of Education never informed them the Brook block only met 15 percent of earthquake standards. It's now having to roster students to work from home, while an alternative campus is organised. Principal Julia Davidson says the school can legally continue using the building, but it isn't comfortable taking the risk. "Sure, the seismic risk might be low but if that was to happen - the consequences of that would be severe." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thousands of residents are being evacuated from their homes as a large wildfire continues to rage north of Athens, with flames leaping as high as 25m. The historic site of Marathon is among the areas where residents are being moved to safety by the emergency services. UK correspondent Gavin Grey unpacks the extent of the damage. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank is set to make a call on the Official Cash Rate this week, and experts are feeling hopeful. While economists are divided on the outcome, markets have priced in possible rate cuts going forward. Shane Solly from Harbour Asset Management explains what we can expect. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nearly three-quarters of builders think the industry is in for another tough financial year, according to new data. 650 Kiwi builders were consulted in a new EBoss survey, with 67 percent of respondents reporting less projects and 70 percent claiming industry conditions will only get worse in the coming months. Matt Duder from EBoss says builders operate on tough margins, so steady work is important to them. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 12 August 2024, the Government is getting tougher on beneficiaries. Social Development Minister Louise Upston tells Heather why jobseekers need to reapply for the benefit every six months from now. Chelsea Daniels has the latest developments from the Polkinghorne trial where Pauline Hanna's niece gave evidence today. Former Defence Minister Andrew Little explains why he thinks the Government does need to explore AUKUS membership and why he thinks China is a threat to NZ. The Huddle reflects on the best moments from the Olympics - and whether the Olympics organisers do need to do something about clarifying gender rules. Plus 20 things that make you a Boomer. Will Heather the millennial turn out to be a boomer at heart? 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 - Child Fund CEO Josie Pagani and Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Olympics are over and done with - what did we think? What were our favourite moments? The Police Association and Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee have been butting heads over new firearms laws - what do we make of this? Do we know what 3/4 is as a decimal? New data shows only 39 percent of Year 8 students can answer that correctly. How concerning is this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister is open to all options when it comes to increasing competitiveness in the banking sector. The Commerce Commission is expected to deliver their report examining banking competition issues - and drafts have hinted changes need to take place. Minister Nicola Willis says she's awaiting next week's findings. "I've committed that I will be completely open-minded about what changes may be required to get good banking competition - we'll see what the Commerce Commission says." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says the Police Association won't be left out of consultation on the firearms registry. Association President Chris Cahill has penned an open letter asking for Nicole McKee's role in reviewing the law to be stripped and given to the Police Minister. McKee says the association wasn't asked for early consultation but police were - she says they will get their chance down the track. She says the claims that she was head of the firearms lobby in 2017 are off base. "I've always been quite open and friendly towards them - but when somebody wants to make personal attacks against a person... I just think that's unnecessary." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Famed Australian children's band, The Wiggles, will be headlining an upcoming dance festival for kids this summer. Anthony, John, Tsehay and DJ Dorothy will be performing at the Sound System Dance Party at Baypark Arena on January 5. Event promoter Mitch Lowe says there's a market for events catering to younger audiences. "The reception's been crazy - we've had 500 people sign up in the last 3-4 hours." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Week three of Phillip Polkinghorne's murder trial has kicked off with testimony from Pauline Hanna's niece. The Auckland eye doctor's accused of murdering his wife in 2021, but his defence claims she killed herself. The court's today heard from Hanna's niece, Rose, who made a covert recording played last week - in which Pauline discussed issues within her marriage. ZB's Chelsea Daniels says they've now heard claims Pauline was considering getting a divorce lawyer. "She said her aunt was terrified and worried she couldn't afford to leave her husband because she suspected she didn't have any money to her name." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Social Development Minister says new sanctions will give beneficiaries less choice for spending money. The Government is ramping up obligations for those on Jobseeker benefits, and a Traffic Light System of punishments when they aren't met. People hitting 'Red' can expect half their benefit income to be put on a payment card, used only for accessing essential items. Louise Upston says the card is already in use for young parents and people on Youth Payment. "They can still spend it on clothes, on petrol, on grocery items - but there will be restrictions. So people can't buy cigarettes, for example." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Luxon has congratulated the Kiwi athletes after a record-shattering Olympic Games - but claimed hosting a victory parade would be difficult. The idea of a post-Olympics victory parade was floated to the Prime Minister, but Luxon says arranging this event isn't as easy as it sounds. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says there was an 'incredible' turnout for this Olympiad, and New Zealand came away with 10 gold medals, seven silvers and three bronzes. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Investigations are under way in Cairns into whether a helicopter that crashed into a hotel in the middle of the night was stolen. The pilot died after hitting the DoubleTree by Hilton about 2am, with propeller blades landing in its pool and the main street. New reports claim charter company Nautilus Aviation say its helicopter was stolen, and police are waiting for the pilot to be identified. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says investigations are still ongoing. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks are hoping to bounce back this weekend following their recent 38-30 loss to Argentina. The team has completed their usual Monday review session before prepping for Saturday's rematch at Eden Park. Sportstalk host Jason Pine explains further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former Labour leader's broken ranks with his Party, in supporting AUKUS pillar two. Former Defence Minister Andrew Little has claimed the current Government is right to investigate the military intelligence-sharing agreement with the US, the UK, and Australia. Little says the nation needs to update its defence technology to address possible threats. "There are threats in our region that are new, and are real - and we have to equip our Defence Force. Where we get that technology to equip them is the question, and in that respect, AUKUS is probably relevant." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another problem for Aratere. The Interislander ferry's expected to be out of action for a few days after crashing into the dock in Wellington. More than 100 passengers and 40 crew were on board - none was injured. Maritime Lawyer Troy Stade told Heather du Plessis-Allan that speaking with the crew, there are concerns generally about how things have gone over the last few months. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on the Sports Huddle Heather was joined by Sports Commentators Nicky Styris and Jim Kayes too look at some of the stories coming out of the Olympics. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The knives appear to be out for Auckland Transport. Wayne Brown's putting forward a proposal to strip AT of its policymaking functions and have elected representatives control it. It also includes plans to abolish the council’s development agency and its events and economic development agency. He'll need the backing of councillors, and in the case of AT's control, a law change. Brown told Heather du Plessis-Allan that he’s sick of being blamed for things he doesn’t control. He said that AT has had 12 years of complete independence to the point where the council almost seems to be more of a nuisance than an owner, and they’re not listening as much as he’d like. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday 9 August 2024, Pan Pac Managing Director Tony Clifford explains why sky-high electricity prices have meant he's had to stop Hawkes Bay's paper pulp mill. Christchurch City Councillor Tim Scandrett reacts to news that the Christ Church Cathedral is set to be mothballed as it's run out of money. Turns out the Olympic medals are not what they used to be – with one athlete complaining his new Bronze medal has suffered a lot of wear and tear after just a week. Plus, the Huddle debates whether the Paris Olympics will be remembered as a bit of a shambles. 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.

This year’s Olympic medals don’t seem to be up to standard. A US Olympic skateboarder has criticised the quality of his bronze medal after it began to deteriorate only a week after he won it. The backside of the medal is chipped, and it’s already losing its bronze colour. Former Olympian Ian Ferguson told Heather du Plessis-Allan that his are 40 years old and look exactly the same as the day they were made. He said that they were made differently at the time, solid silver and gold plated, with a decent coating of gold on them. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nicola Willis has made the right call to not give any more taxpayer money to the Christ Church Cathedral rebuild. It’s tough call. It's got consequences, as they’re saying, it looks like the Cathedral night be mothballed because they can’t figure out how else to raise the money. But frankly, the country can’t afford to give them another $60 million. We're living on our credit card. We’ve already stumped up $25 million, and let’s remember, this is privately-owned church. It's owned by the Anglicans. It’s not like we’re helping to build something that belongs to us, it belongs to the Anglicans, and they are reportedly sitting on about $2.9b worth of assets at last count. To be fair to them, they didn't want to rebuild the cathedral but were forced into it by public opinion, but they are the ones who stand to benefit from the rebuild. I don't want to appear to be callous about a place that is very important to Christchurch, but Christchurch, can I point out, has had a lot of taxpayer assistance, quite rightly, in recovering from the earthquake. There has got to be a limit to it. I want to compare it to Wellington. Wellington actually suffered a lot more than people realise from that 2016 Kaikoura earthquake. I think we’ve come to release that the most likely explanation for all the pipes bursting in Wellington currently is because of that quake. There has been, as far as I can see, no taxpayer assistance for Wellington in dealing with that. Now I realise it’s not a straight comparison. The Christchurch quake of 2011 was miles bigger and far more devastating than the 2016 Kaikoura quake, and so of course Wellington would not be assisted to the level that Christchurch has been. But the point I'm trying to make is that, apart from some funding for privately held residences, Wellington has not been helped. Christchurch has been helped a lot. Maybe it’s time for the Anglicans to help now. It's their building after all. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Soaring energy prices have been a topic of conversation at the moment as multiple mills are at risk of shutting up shop. Regional Development Minister Shane Jones has issued a warning to generators, telling them to sort it out or else the Government will get involved. Nicola Willis and Simeon Brown have stated that they’re making inquiries into the situation, and Winston Peters has gone a step further and accused electricity generators of anti-competitive behaviour and accused them of profiteering on the backs of people who have to pay their power bills. Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper told Heather du Plessis-Allan that this should end with Labour coming to the table and the supporting the government in lifting the ban they made on oil and gas exploration. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Christchurch city councillor says there could be options to come to a deal regarding the rebuild of Christ Church Cathedral. Its future's in doubt as the Government refuses to step in to plug a $114 million funding gap for the restoration. Asked if the Church could be sold rather than rebuilt, Tim Scandrett told Heather du Plessis Allan there are possibilities, but none have been presented to council. He says the church owns property and could come to council with some options —which may be considered if they were in ratepayers' interests— but that hasn't happened. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pan Pac Forest Products says part of its operations could be on hold for another two months. The Napier mill says a major spike in electricity prices since Saturday has made its export pulp production unviable. Managing director Tony Clifford says the business can't generate profit with the cost of electricity at the current level. He told Heather du Plessis Allan either it has to rain a lot for more hydro power, or Taupo's Tauhara plant needs to come online - which might not be until October. He says Pan Pac has a power purchasing agreement with Tauhara and currently it's having problems, so Pan Pac is fully exposed to the wholesale electricity market. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The polls are pointed in Kamala Harris’ favour. The Democratic candidate has taken an eight-point lead over the Republican’s Donald Trump, and with the addition of third-party candidates, Harris is leading 50% to Trump’s 42%. This is a significant change from a few months ago, where Joe Biden was trailing a few points behind Donald Trump. US Correspondent Mitch McCann told Heather du Plessis-Allan that the lead is likely a bit of a honeymoon phase at the moment, but the polls show it will be an incredibly close race. He said she’s gaining momentum, and not just with public opinion, as her fundraising has been astronomical. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks are opening the Rugby Championship this Saturday evening. They’re facing off against Argentina in Wellington’s Sky Stadium, and there are still tickets available. Sportstalk Host D’Arcy Waldegrave told Heather du Plessis-Allan there’s probably a couple of reasons behind this. He said that one factor could be that no one has the money for tickets, another could be the lack of build-up and promotion, or it could be that people don’t care about a match against Argentina. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warnings that price hikes for international visas could chill the workforce. The Government is increasing costs across almost all categories from October to bring in an extra $536 million over four years. The cost for a skilled residence visa will rise by over $2000, and work visas are more than doubling in price. New Zealand Association for Migration and Investment chair Arunima Dhingra told Heather du Plessis-Allan this will put some people off. She says students will come no matter what because of the benefits, but migrants like tilers and carpenters with no residency pathways won't even bother. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK is still rife with unrest, over a week since the fatal stabbing of three girls in a Southport dance class. Far-right protests were sparked from a wave of false messaging online that wrongly identified the suspected killer as an Islamic migrant. UK correspondent Enda Brady explains the latest developments. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a turbulent week for financial markets - have things bounced back? Japan's stocks have rebounded after their crash, but there's mixed results from around the rest of the world. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A veteran Scottish shearer who is the only woman to qualify in the top 30 at the Golden Shears in Masterton has shattered a world record set by New Zealander Sacha Bond just six months ago. Shearing at Trefranck Farm in Cornwall, 51-year-old Una Cameron was chasing Bond’s solo women’s nine-hour strong wool ewes record of 458 and finished at 4am today (New Zealand time), with a new record of 517. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ASB has made a surprise call ahead of next week's OCR announcement. The bank is predicting the Reserve Bank will cut rates in the coming days - a sooner timeframe than initially predicted. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann explains whether or not ASB makes a good case. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 8 August 2024, the Aratere Interislander ferry has crashed again! Minister Simeon Brown was wearing all the hats today - talking to Heather about the crash, our energy crisis and how councils will be able to pay for their water infrastructure in future. Heather reckons Paul Goldsmith made a mistake editing out Maori greetings and words from a letter to his Australian counterpart because it makes the Government look anti-Maori. The Huddle debates whether aspiring primary school teachers should have to pass maths NCEA Level 2 to qualify.And in business - can Allbirds make cool shoes again and turn its business around? 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, Ali Jones from Red PR and Matt Heath from Radio Hauraki joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Interislander's Aratere is in hot water again after hitting a ramp docking in Wellington this afternoon. What's really going on here? The Government is requiring new teacher trainees to pass NCEA Level Two maths going forward. Are these measures fair? Do we need our teachers to be better educated? The Australians have responded well to Luxon making a joke at their expense - but the issue of Minister Paul Goldsmith removing Māori language from a Matariki invitation. What do we make of this? A group of Wellington Council members raised eyebrows after they walked out of a contentious meeting - do we agree with this choice? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's bad news for a former darling of the footwear world. Kiwi shoe company Allbirds, co-founded by former All White Tim Brown, has posted a net loss of $19 million for the second quarter of 2024. Greg Smith from Devon Funds says the company runs the risk of being de-listed from the Nasdaq. "The valuation of the company was over $4 billion, the year before, they'd made over $200 million in sales. Fast forward four years, they're still at $200 million - the cool factor dissipated." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three Wellington City Councillors walked out of a meeting this afternoon - around contentious roadworks on Thorndon Quay. The council agreed to reduce building raised pedestrian crossings from five, to two. But Councillor Ben McNulty refused to vote, saying he was uncomfortable playing the role of a transport engineer. He left the room as well as Nurreddin Abdurahman and Diane Calvert. Calvert says they didn't have enough information to make a decision, and she doesn't support any raised crossings. "We wanted to wait a couple of weeks until we could get that information - that was rejected." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's concerns from experts that new teacher training requirements will exacerbate workforce shortages. The Government's action plan includes teacher trainees needing to have achieved NCEA Level Two maths. Teacher Education Forum executive chair, Rosina Merry, says many enter the profession well after leaving school. She says the sector isn't against the Government working with the Teaching Council to increase entry requirements - but after some time and consultation. "We're not suggesting we put it off, we're suggesting slowing it down a little bit. The pace of change for teachers - and for the sector - is huge." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister has brushed off his faux pas yesterday, when he seemed to be taking a crack at Australians. Minister Paul Goldsmith was being questioned over removing Māori greetings from his Matariki invitation to an Australian Minister. In his defence, Chris Luxon said in his dealings with Australians, it pays to be incredibly simple. ZB political correspondent Barry Soper said the Government had bigger things to worry about on our shores. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian airline Qantas has slashed former CEO Alan Joyce's exit package, following a stint of costly scandals and legal cases. The $21.4m payout Joyce was due to get after leaving the company last year will be cut by $9.26m, the company told investors. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says this follows a rough business period for the airline. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Energy Minister says rising power costs are because of low supply. Heavy business users have warned spiking prices threaten their viability - including timber mills facing possible closure. The Electricity Authority and Commerce Commission has been asked to look at whether power companies are price gouging. The Government is also looking to import more liquefied natural gas. Simeon Brown says the last Government's ban on gas exploration was detrimental. "The key thing is that we have a shortage of energy - and that is what is driving this situation." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.