Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

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!  Palmerston North City Council is looking to ban fizzy drinks from eight venues - including sports stadiums. They claim it's to 'promote healthier lifestyle choices for residents and visitors'. Do we think this is a good idea - or is it overreach?  Prime Minister Chris Luxon is set to be spending Waitangi Day in the South Island - almost as far from Waitangi as it gets. Is this a good call - or a cowardly move?  The Grammys took place today, and the ceremony wasn't without controversy. Kanye West and his girlfriend Bianca Censori were escorted out of the Grammys after she showed up nearly fully naked. What do we make of this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More details could be coming this week about the procuring company for the Interislander ferries. In December last year, the Government announced it would set up a company to procure the ferries, freeing up Kiwirail.  It's committed to a March deadline.  Finance Minister Nicola Willis says she believes Minister-in-Charge Winston Peters has a handle on the process - and will be incorporating once the directors are appointed. She says her alternative procurement plan is ready to go as a fallback. "The Minister for Rail is doing the right thing, he is comparing that option with what else might be out there and he's running the process to do that." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 3 February 2025, Trade Minister Todd McClay speaks to Ryan Bridge as fears of a US trade war grow bigger. Also, Trump insider and former US Ambassador to New Zealand, Scott Brown reveals how to deal with Trump and why an FTA might actually be a possibility. Loud gasps at the Grammys - why did Kanye West's girlfriend turn up naked? Plus, the Huddle debates whether Palmerston North council has lost the plot looking to ban sugary drinks from its stadium.  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 67th Grammy Awards took place today - and plenty of the biggest names in music got to take home some awards and accolades. Chappell Roan won the Grammy for best new artist, Kendrick Lamar's 'Not Like Us' scored record of the year and song of the year, and Beyoncé took home album of the year for Cowboy Carter - a career first. The ceremony took place a month after the LA wildfires began, with plenty of tributes paid to the ongoing relief efforts. The event wasn't without controversy either, with Kanye West and his wife Bianca Censori being escorted away after her naked dress look got caught potentially breaking California’s penal code. LA entertainment correspondent Sean Mandell says Beyoncé also won country album of the year - and seemed shocked by this development.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One councillor's standing by a proposed fizzy drink ban, despite community pushback. Palmerston North City Council has proposed to include Central Energy Trust Arena in its sugary drinks ban - among other venues. The council says the draft policy's aim is to promote a healthy lifestyle. Councillor Brent Barrett says he knows pushing for the right thing isn't always popular.   "We know there's a direct line between sugar and the kind of pressure that comes on our health system through rotting teeth, diabetes, obesity, etc... we want to see if there's community appetite for change."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister's revealed he'll be spending this year's Waitangi Day in the South Island.  Chris Luxon is not visiting the Treaty Grounds this week - he's instead sending a Ministerial delegation including Erica Stanford, Tama Potaka, Paul Goldsmith and Mark Mitchell.  Luxon's office has this morning revealed he'll celebrate the public holiday with Ngāi Tahu, at Banks Peninsula's Onuku Marae. Luxon's previously said not all Prime Ministers commemorate the day at the Waitangi grounds - and he plans to go to different marae across the country over the course of his tenure in office.  Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says it would be a better look if Luxon fronted up. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Northern Queensland floods are yet to reach predicted levels.  Parts of the north-east have had about a metre of rain since Friday, and a woman died when a rescue boat capsized - and parts of Townsville are evacuating. Authorities claim the rain is currently easing - but the worst is still to come. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says many residents have battened down the hatches to prepare for more extreme weather. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Melbourne is closing in on securing a NFL regular season game in 2026. The Herald Sun reports that Melbourne has beaten Sydney to the race to win hosting rights for the first competitive NFL game to be played down under. The two cities had been jostling in recent months, but it's understood the first game will be set down for the Melbourne Cricket Ground in October next year - and will be a multi-year agreement. Sportstalk host Jason Pine explains what this could mean for the future of the sport. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bed, Bath & Beyond has been fined $230,000 for selling more than 27,000 products without proper labelling or instructions. The company sold 3700 sets of children's pyjamas without fire-hazard labels - and more than 23,000 hot water bottles without safe usage instructions.  The General Manager accepts responsibility, but notes no products were found to have physical faults.  The Commerce Commission's Vanessa Horne says it takes safety issues seriously - especially on products for children. "There's a label requirement, mainly for parents, so that they know that that particular pair of pyjamas might be more flammable than another." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's Trade Minister isn't speaking out against Donald Trump's tariffs just yet, but admits they'll impact Kiwi businesses. The US President has imposed tariffs between 10 to 25 percent on Canada and Mexico. Canada is slapping levies on US goods in response, and Mexico's threatening to do the same. Todd McClay says his focus is on our relationship with the US.  "We are talking to them about the importance of our relationship and how balanced the trade is - and we're just going to keep doing that for New Zealand exporters." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's belief the job market is tougher for teens without any experience than ever before. Hawke's Bay local Kaitlin Elsworth has spent two years searching for her first paid job. The 18-year-old says rejection letters usually blame it on a lack of experience. Swivel Careers founder Kate Ross says that's always the hardest aspect for teens - but they shouldn't give up. "I encourage people of that young age to actually walk in and present themselves, because it's far better to be seen in person than it is on paper."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday 31 January. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People smuggling is seeing a crackdown in the UK after roughly 37,000 people crossed the Channel in small boats last year.  The new criminal offence will see tough consequences for individuals involved in any part of the journey, including preparation.  In retail news, retailers are saying shoplifting has become out of control in Britain.  UK Correspondent Gail Downey said, "thieves have become so bold they even clear whole shelves in full view of customers and staff, and you might see some of these videos on social media of people doing that," according to the British Retail Consortium.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chinese company DeepSeek is shedding light on the nations censorship and information control, and causing mass interest in doing so. Asia Business Correspondent Peter Lewis talks to Ryan Bridge about what the AI company means for China, how it has been received in the country, and more.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new report has found that beer makes up almost 1% of our country's GDP. Brewing accounted for $3.6 billion of our GDP last year and 1.3% of the national workforce is employed in the brewing industry, but alcohol excise duties often outpace inflation, and this is having an effect on the industry. Garage Project co-owner Jos Ruffell is calling for smaller hikes in excise tax to support the industry.  "Our single largest ingredient cost each month is excise tax to the government," he said.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sports Journalist Nicky Styris and Sports Commentator Andrew Gourdie on the Huddle.  Who will the new Warriors captain be? The Huddle throws Mitchell Barnett, James Fisher-Harris and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck in the ring as contenders.  The Australian Open saw runner up Alexander Zverev heckled over domestic violence allegations - does protesting have a place in sports stands? Moana Pasifika are aiming for the Super Rugby final this season, as well as a title within five years. Is this a realistic goal?  And can the triumphant Auckland FC remain top of the league?  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An oven issue is responsible for delaying school lunches across Auckland today.  It is another blow for the scheme that saw principals likening the meals to "dog food." Compass Managing Director Paul Harvey said the company is bringing in additional resources to ensure things run smoothly.  "It's been a tough week, and really the key message is we're continuing to put in additional contingency upon a contingency to ensure that the kids get what they deserve, which is meals on time." LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Resources Minister Shane Jones wants to double mining exports by 2035, claiming it will let the country reach three billion dollars in mineral exports by 2035. It comes as Coal and gold have been added to the critical minerals list in New Zealand in the hopes we can double our mineral exports in a decade. The proposal is bringing in questions of sustainability, while also positive projections for jobs. OceanaGold Senior Vice President Alison Paul joins the show.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Simeon Brown has confirmed plans for Dunedin's new hospital, unveiling details of the project, which will cost 1.88 billion dollars to complete. The last government had promised to build a new hospital on the old Cadbury Chocolate Factory site, but initially the National Government put those plans on hold in September because of budget fears.  After looking into two alternative options, the Health Minister has today come out and announced the Government will build a new hospital on the Cadbury site without blowing the budget out. But how are they doing it?  Health Minister Simeon Brown discusses the details with Ryan Bridge. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The quality of school lunches is the talk of the town after lacklustre images have circulated of the meals.  In day 4 of the scheme, Labour's Education spokesperson Jan Tinetti made a vital error when criticising the lunches online, without realising she was referring to a school lunch meal from when Labour was in government.  Dunedin is getting their new hospital - but how has Simeon Brown been 'crafty' in doing so?  Newstalk ZB Political Editor Jason Walls joins the show.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than 40 bodies have been pulled from the wreckage after last nights plane crash in Washington DC.  US Correspondent Logan Church said Air Traffic Control staffing issues are being called into question in the aftermath of the crash.  "There have been reports here that one controller was perhaps doing a two person job and also questions over the helicopter itself," he said.  Church talks to Ryan Bridge about what has emerged so far.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pre-season matches are underway in Super Rugby this weekend for all six New Zealand-based sides.  What has led to Auckland FC sitting at the top of the league halfway through the season?  The team is set to play Macarthur FC in Auckland tomorrow.  Sports Contributor Jason Pine talks to Ryan Bridge about what's to come for sport over the weekend.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Almost half of New Zealand's public servants are working from home one day a week, according to data released by The Public Service Commission.  The IRD and the Ministry for Ethnic Communities have more than 80% of their staff working from home at least once a week.  Public Service Association Acting National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons said it might not be a bad thing.  "We want a system whereby public servants are able to work from home, where it offers a win-win for them and for the employer." LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bristol could potentially become the first major city in England to cut their black waste bin collections down to once per month. The Green Party-led authority says this move would reduce costs and cut down on the environmental impacts - but it's not without its detractors.  UK correspondent Enda Brady says residents are concerned more pests will be drawn to the area. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's been plenty of volatility in the tech market this week off the back of the recent DeepSeek fiasco. Despite things picking up after this week's crash, experts are still wondering what's set to happen next. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explains further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kāinga Ora has announced it will allow wool carpet providers the chance to tender for supply of carpet and underlay in its homes. The agency has spent the last few years using nylon carpets - citing durability and cheaper prices.  The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Federal Reserve has left its benchmark interest rate unchanged, due to stubbornly high inflation. US President Donald Trump has voiced his disapproval with this move and accused the central bank of mishandling the economy. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann unpacks this result - and explains why it's unsurprising rates were left on hold. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, broadcaster Mark Sainsbury and Ali Jones from Red PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! We're into week one of Parliament for 2025 - and it's been a big week for race issues. Shane Jones made some questionable comments about Green MP Ricardo Menéndez March and Te Pati Māori is claiming Karen Chhour doesn't get the 'essence of being Māori'. What do we make of all this? There's been some teething issues for the revamped school lunch programme - do we see things turning around? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Growing demand for burger meat has super-charged New Zealand's exports to the United States. The US has recently overtaken Australia as New Zealand’s second-largest export market last year, according to new Stats NZ data. ANZ economist Henry Russell says this is good news for New Zealand's beef industry, which has been hit hard by decreased demand from China. "The US market has actually overtaken China for meat exports in the past year, so that's a very positive story in the sense that we've been able to pivot away from that market." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dame Sophie Pascoe believes the time is right to hang up her swimming cap and goggles. The 32-year-old is retiring as New Zealand's greatest-ever Paralympian, having won 11 gold medals since her first Games in Beijing in 2008. She says she had to take a step back from the sport after welcoming her first son - and she's keen to carry on with her next venture. "It just really felt comfortable for me knowing that I was still there with my son and my family and we were still a family unit - so that definitely helped, I definitely had time over this break to really make a decision around this next four-year cycle."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Green Party has been quick to criticise their political rivals over recent objectionable comments in the House. NZ First's Shane Jones yelled 'send the Mexicans home' during a debate - and has since refused to apologise - while Winston Peters has also copped some backlash for claiming foreign-born MPs were trying to impose foreign ideas upon Parliament. Green MP Ricardo Menéndez March says Prime Minister Chris Luxon needs to hold these MPs to account and ensure similar incidents don't happen again. "When politicians and people in positions of power make these comments, it emboldens those people outside of Parliament to hurl racist vitriol and abuse to migrant communities." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Children's Minister says saving Barnados' helpline for under-12s was a mutual decision reached with the Prime Minister.  The 0800 What's Up support line and multiple other services were at risk of closure after the Government directed Oranga Tamariki to find savings last year.  Now, Minister Karen Chhour has pressed pause on Oranga Tamariki reviewing such contracts.  She says she didn't act because Chris Luxon became involved - but because the agency contacted her with concerns.   "I'm glad they reached out, that's what I've been asking agencies to do over the last year - if you have a concern about something, reach out to me and I'll look into it." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says he hasn't spoken to two Cabinet ministers over recent remarks that were labelled racist and xenophobic.  In the House, Shane Jones yelled 'send the Mexicans home' and Winston Peters told Green MPs they'd come with ideas 'foreign to our country' and suggested they show New Zealand some gratitude. Green Party MP Ricardo Menendez-March, who is Mexican, says the Prime Minister should call out such language.  Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls says Prime Minister Luxon claimed the comments 'weren't what he would say'. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's discourse erupting in Sydney after a delay in publicising the discovery of a caravan full of explosives. A Dural resident made the discovery 10 days ago, along with a note listing Jewish targets.  Opposition leader Peter Dutton believes Australia's Government should've released details immediately. But NSW Deputy Commissioner Dave Hudson says investigations have now been compromised, and police need to re-position the investigation. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says inquiries are still ongoing amid a string in anti-Semitic incidents. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dame Lisa Carrington's decision to commit to a fifth Olympic campaign has been met with elation at Canoe Racing New Zealand. It's been confirmed the eight-time gold medallist intends to be on the water at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave unpacks this announcement further.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Experts are warning things are set to get 'very scary' for New Zealand's coffee and café industry. Global supply chain disruptions and worsening climate conditions have been driving up production costs - and one leading presence in the coffee world warns that these costs will be passed on to businesses. New reports show the average green coffee price had lifted from $3.76 a kilogram in 2020 to $10.18 a kilogram in 2024 and was at $13.97 so far in January. Richard Corney, the managing director of Flight Coffee, says consumers will need to be prepared to cover these costs. "We're looking at some pretty significant reductions in growth margins or operating profit for coffee roasters, and the fact of the matter is - they cannot afford to wear those costs and they will need to pass them on."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK Government is looking to 'fight for growth' and expand the resources dedicating to funding major airports. British finance minister Rachel Reeves is expected to throw her support behind the expansion of Heathrow Airport in a bid to boost the economy.  UK correspondent Gail Downey explained what else people could expect ahead of the incoming update.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in the US, tech stocks have picked up again after a 3 percent selloff after Chinese startup DeepSeek caused a storm in the AI industry. The stocks took a dive earlier in the week after DeepSeek stunned the tech world by revealing it could compete with US counterparts at a fraction of the cost. Milford Asset Management's Andrew Curtayne explains what this means for the wider world of AI. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bank switching surged in December, as those with mortgages appear to have shopped around for cheaper debt at a record rate. Just over $2 billion of mortgage debt changed hands between banks and non-banks during the month - a record amount since at least 2017 when Reserve Bank records began. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland Councillor Maurice Williamson and Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  The Government is set to bump up some of the speed limits that were reduced under their Labour predecessors. Is this a good call?  What do we make of the newest White House Press Secretary? A true Gen Z - she's looking to open the press credentials to bloggers, podcasters and even influencers. What do we think? It's been a big week in Parliament, with one Te Pati Māori MP accusing Karen Chhour of not understanding the 'essence of being Maori'. How bad does this look? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists have moved their Doomsday Clock to 89 seconds to midnight. The clock symbolically illustrates how close humanity is to the end of the world. Canterbury University professor Jack Heinemann says escalating global tensions have increased the threat of nuclear war - and lack of action on climate change has raised concerns too. "What they've drawn particular attention to this year is the uncontrolled possibility of further disruptions to our biological ecosystems - not just through the spontaneous occurrence of a new kind of pathogen... but also because we are developing, very rapidly, our use of gene technology." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 29 January 2025, will higher speed limits make our roads unsafer? Ryan Bridge asks Transport Minister Chris Bishop if more road deaths as a result would be acceptable. Failing health infrastructure is at a crunch point, Auckland Hospital's main building, including the maternity ward, is without running water tonight. Taupo mayor Tania Tapsell hits back at anyone who's suggesting police has been unfairly targeting the homeless community with its crackdown on trolley thieves. Plus, the Huddle's hot take on Donald Trump's new Gen Z press secretary.   Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fonterra is investing $150 million into electrification over the next 18 months. The collective says the projects across the North Island are a significant step towards its climate goals and operational resilience.  It includes electric boilers at the Whareroa, Edgecumbe, and Waitoa sites - and more fleet decarbonisation.  Fonterra's Director of Global Engineering, Chris Kane, says the rising costs of gas and carbon made it an opportune time to make the switch.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Patients in Auckland City Hospital's main building are without hot water. An issue with pipes emerged yesterday afternoon - and will take up to three days to fix.  Te Whatu Ora says it has contingency plans ensuring clinical care continues.   Patient Voice Aotearoa Chair Malcolm Mulholland says the maternity ward's in that building.  "They're going to have to be transported away from the maternity ward to another part of Auckland Hospital in order to have a shower - that's certainly not ideal for mothers who have just given birth." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A third major exhibition at Wellington's $180 million convention centre has failed to break even. The City Council is refusing to quantify the deficit for the Doctor Who event, which ran from last June to October. It also won't release specific visitor numbers, citing commercial sensitivity. Councillor Diane Calvert says ratepayers have a right to know the exhibition's actual cost against the budget. "Because if we don't deal with this openly, how can we look for improvements and how can we action those improvements that I'm sure we can do?" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rotorua's mayor says cracking down on illegal trolley use is not an attack on homeless people. Police launched Operation Trolley last week, after complaints homeless people with shopping carts were intimidating the public. Officers arrested 13 people, gave out 19 trespass notices and returned 45 trolleys to stores. Te Pati Māori has called it an attack on impoverished people, but mayor Tania Tapsell says that's ridiculous.  "We are incredibly grateful for the police actioning this - and we've tried a lot as a council. By the way, that cost us $5000 per month when we were trying to fix it up." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More roads could get faster - beyond the Government's planned changes to speed limits on 38 sections of road. The Government is reversing speed limit reductions on those stretches by July, with work set to start tonight. The Prime Minister believes it'll help people get to jobs faster, pushing economic growth. Transport Minister Chris Bishop says 49 roads deemed 'more complicated' will be consulted on. "There are some nasty sections of those roads - we're going to consult on them and it may be that NZTA says the default will go back up to 100, for example, but there will be bits where we keep the speed limit."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Te Pāti Māori MP is under fire after questioning the Children's Minister's Māori identity. Mariameno Kapa-Kingi made the remark to Karen Chhour in a Select Committee meeting this morning during heated discussion of boot camps, youth offending, and removing Treaty provisions from the Oranga Tamariki Act. Kapa-Kingi claimed Chhour had 'knowledge gaps' and didn't understand the essence of being Māori. Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls says David Seymour has been quick to lambast Te Pāti Māori over these comments. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Google Maps is renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America - as ordered by Donald Trump within hours of becoming President last week. It'll appear once the name's officially updated in the US Geographic Names system. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says the name will appear differently, depending on where a person is. "In the US, we're going to see it as what President Trump wants to call it - the Gulf of America. Around the rest of the world, you're going to see it as the name used by the country where you're accessing the maps." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NRL bosses will put their Australian broadcast rights up for grabs this year in a move that could spark interest from foreign streaming services. The sport's current deal with Fox Sports and Channel Nine across the ditch ends after the 2026 season. Reports from the Daily Telegraph claim the likes of Netflix and Prime Video could be interested. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.