Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Taylor Swift has come out and endorsed current Vice-President and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris for President. Shortly after the first debate between Harris and Donald Trump wrapped up, Swift released an Instagram post confirming she would vote for Harris and Tim Walz. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says this is good marketing for the Harris-Walz campaign. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi mixed martial artist Navajo Stirling is being unleashed on the UFC. The light heavyweight's knockout win over Phillip Latu on the latest Contender Series card in Las Vegas has earned him a contract with the company. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over 50 high-profile sporting identities and former Olympians have signed an open letter urging the Government to rethink the guiding principles for transgender athletes participating in sports. The letter claims Sport New Zealand’s guidelines disregard the rights of female athletes and go against scientific evidence. Former Olympian Dave Gerrard says allowing athletes to compete under self-identification ignores the science - and dismisses female athletes. "I'm not, for one moment, trying to exclude transgender individuals from participating - I'm just trying to get some logic to this. How far do you allow somebody to go?" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Princess of Wales has confirmed she's completed her chemotherapy treatments in an emotional video message. Kate Middleton says she's focused on staying cancer-free and will be making more public appearances in the coming months. UK correspondent Enda Brady says there's concern Kate may not be as well as she's letting on. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi sheep famers will have to brace themselves for another tough earnings season. Beef and Lamb New Zealand’s new season outlook says farm profit margins were being hit by high costs, especially interest payments, reaching low levels similar to those seen in the 1980s and 1990s. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains the issue further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ruapehu district has been dealt a huge blow - as Winstone Pulp International confirms it will close the two mills in the region. Over 230 workers will lose their jobs, and mayor Weston Kirton is 'gutted' the Government couldn't broker a deal and save the mills. Infometrics principal economist unpacks the economic impact of this announcement. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One council member believes Auckland Council needs to rethink its plan to slash transport emissions by 2030. The council aims to halve car use, encourage a 13-fold increase in cycling, and increase public transport trips from 100 million a year pre-Covid to 550 million. Auckland Councillor Daniel Newman says these ideas need to be shelved in favour of something more realistic. "What we have is a multi-billion dollar price tag for investment in public transport infrastructure, for the reallocation of our road corridors for cycleways, for the kind of intensive urban design planning that would be necessary to give effect to that - much of this is unfunded." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Nick Mills from ZB's Wellington Mornings and Toby Manhire from the Spinoff joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Courts will be able to ban gang members from wearing patches in the home thanks to an amendment the Government made to the bill. Is this a step too far? Winstone Pulp International announced its pulp and saw mills in the Ruapehu District will close indefinitely - putting more than 200 people out of work. Should the Government have gotten involved and saved the mills? Are we getting too gloomy? A new piece by Pattrick Smellie from BusinessDesk says New Zealand's gotten too unhappy recently. Are we right to complain about the economic and social issues? The Australian Government is looking at banning social media for kids, with legislation to arrive by the end of the year? Is this the right move? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 10 September 2024, hundreds of people will lose their jobs in a huge blow to the Ruapehu district. Mayor Weston Kirton tells Heather he's gutted the Government wasn't able to broker a deal. Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are about to square off for the first time in a presidential debate. Former debate moderator Dominic Carter reckons Kamala has a lot to lose. Australian kids are going to be banned from using social media - but will this ban actually be enforceable? Plus the Huddle debates whether New Zealanders just need to cheer up a bit and stop being so gloomy. 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.

Experts believe a changing retail market and the evolution of influencers have forced online companies to make some changes. British e-retailer ASOS has confirmed it plans to charge shoppers to return items unless they keep £40 of their order. Meanwhile, Boohoo recently introduced a freight charge into New Zealand, Nike has stopped shipping here altogether and other brands have reduced their availability for Kiwi customers. Chris Wilkinson from First Retail Group says consumers need to accept that this is the way of the future. "Abuse is certainly causing most of these retailers in the UK big challenges." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Law Society says pumping up the proposed gang patch bill gives police intrusive search powers. Cabinet has agreed to add a clause to the bill banning patches in public to ban them in the homes of members repeatedly defying the public ban. It was added in August, after the bill had gone through the Select Committee process, even though Ministers were briefed on options in March. The Society's Chris Macklin says this change shouldn't have been added without some scrutiny. "The reaching into homes is a pretty big concern - and it's exactly for that reason you'd expect that it would have been consulted on rather than put into a late amendment." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

'Chrono-working' could be the next employment fad to wash up in Aotearoa. It lets workers choose their hours dictated by their circadian rhythm, instead of the usual nine to five. Robert Walters Commercial Director Stuart Nash says people have worked to circadian rhythms for thousands of years. He says working this way optimises output. "What we're saying now is - you know what, the best way to get productivity out of the workers is to let them work when they're productive. I will say - this is not an excuse to be lazy." Nash says this is really another way of describing modern workplace flexibility. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pattrick Smellie, who has been a regular contributor to this show, is back from his long European sabbatical - and he reckons we need to cheer up in New Zealand.He's written a piece for BusinessDesk saying that the headlines he’s seeing here at home suggest we’re as miserable as we were back in the early 1990s during Ruth Richardson's recession. And he points out that all 9 countries he visited actually had the same problems - race relations, violent crime, failing infrastructure, countless crises, countries going backwards, but they were dealing with it without the same sense of fatalistic despair that we have over it.Now I've thought about this a lot overnight, and I agree that we're extremely gloomy. And I would be the first to tell us to give ourselves an uppercut if I thought we were being unreasonably miserable, but I think we’re justified in feeling like we do.Because- and I can't speak for other countries - we have gone through a massive shift in the last few years. We went from being the rockstar economy, prosperous and riding the wave of Chinese demand to three recessions in two years. Name me another country that we compare ourselves to that has had three recessions in two years. That's a tough thing to go through.Pattrick himself admits it’s bad. He points out that we've slipped in a comprehensive UN measure of everything from life expectancy and education to economics. We've dropped 7 places in one year, that's how fast things have gone backwards for us.We've gone from being the safe place you want to raise your kids in to having 11 to 12 homicides in the North Island in just over a month - including a body found burnt out in a car somewhere today.I think what’s made us gloomy is the size of the shift. Others may also be experiencing what we are, but I suspect not with the swing from one extreme to the other that we have - which makes the bad feel so much more bad because it was so good. So yeah, we’re gloomy. And yeah, like Pattrick, I'm looking forward to us coming out of this. But I don't think we're being dramatic in how we feel, I think it’s justified. And I think it’s good, because it means we don't accept it - and we're motivated to change it. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An epic showdown is expected at tomorrow's presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. The VP and former President are facing off in the battleground state of Pennsylvania. Millions are expected to tune into the ABC-broadcast clash - which has no live audience, with microphones muted when candidates aren't explicitly in speaking time. Former US debate moderator Dominic Carter says it's the pair's first face-to-face moment. "Trump - he's done many presidential debates. It's the first time for Kamala Harris, the Vice-President at the top of the ticket." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two North Island mills have failed to strike a deal to save their operations. Winstone Pulp International announced its pulp and saw mills in the Ruapehu District will close indefinitely, putting more than 200 people out of work. Ruapehu mayor Weston Kirton says they'd been talking with Government Ministers and electricity providers trying to save the mills, but with no luck. He says he's devastated. "We've had our ups and downs, as you know, but this is a big hit. I'm really taking it personally." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parliamentarians honoured Kīngi Tūheitia with speeches this afternoon - before the House adjourned early. The leader of the Kiingitanga died almost a fortnight ago, following heart surgery. He's succeeded by his daughter - 27-year-old Kuini Ngā Wai hono i te pō. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacks today's tributes from all sides of the political aisle. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two children were discovered dead in a Blue Mountains home, with a woman en route to hospital under police guard. New South Wales authorities said officers were called to the location on Tuesday afternoon to investigate the welfare of the woman and two children. The boys, aged 9 and 11, were found dead in the home by a family member. Australian correspondent Sam Emery says investigations are still ongoing. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's fears another day may go by without any start to the maiden cricket test between the Black Caps and Afghanistan. Despite clear skies at Greater Noida - on the outskirts of Delhi in India - a sodden outfield means there's still been no toss for the one-off fixture. An inspection has been scheduled for 6.30pm (NZT). Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave says it's likely the match will be called off again. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New legislation will stop Australia's youth from accessing social networks like Instagram, Snapchat, Discord and TikTok. The Australian Government will introduce legislation by the end of the year to create a minimum age for accessing social media. Professor Lisa Given from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology wonders if a wide-scale ban is even possible. "The question is, are there workarounds on that? There's certainly ways that children could get around that type of mechanism, using a VPN for example - or even just accessing content through other people's accounts." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Great Ormond Street Hospital in London has launched an urgent review of 721 cases that were treated by a former surgeon. The hospital has revealed multiple children had come to severe harm under the care of Yaser Jabbar, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says it's alleged Jabbar conducted inappropriate procedures on these children - causing permanent damage in some. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Volatility has returned to US markets, with a significant drop on Friday. Weak employment data saw markets price in larger cuts to US official interest rates by the US Federal Reserve - which is due to meet on the 17th of September. Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly explains further, LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over 400 Christian leaders have written an open letter asking the Government to stop the bill from going to Select Committee. This list includes senior leaders of Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, Salvation Army and Vineyard denominations. Very Reverend Jay Ruka from Taranaki Cathedral is one of the signatories - and he said the bill is built on an incorrect premise. "I just think it's unwise - such a proposal should be put forth in that forum. By all means, let's talk about Te Tiriti o Waitangi and even at that forum, but let's compare apples to apples." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Josie Pagani from Child Fund and Brigitte Morten from Franks Ogilvie joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! ACT's David Seymour has outlined some new changes to the Treaty Principles Bill amid growing calls to not let the bill progress to select committee stage. Will this turn public opinion around? Will National change its mind about the bill? The principal at Porirua College has cancelled upcoming literacy tests that students have to pass to get NCEA, because her students are not prepared. Is this the right call? New research reveals Kiwis are really boring when it comes to going out for dinner. A new survey found Auckland restaurants closed the earliest in the world. Why do we think this is? Do we need to change our image? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister has voiced support for more action to be taken against the grocery sector. The Grocery Commissioner's report into the sector has found no meaningful improvement in competition, increasing margins and high profitability. Nicola Willis says most households would support a crackdown led by the Commissioner. "I think most New Zealanders would agree that competition between the major supermarket players is important - and we want to get a good deal for consumers." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 9 September 2024, ACT leader David Seymour has agreed to a change in the draft Treaty Principles Bill. He tells Heather he hopes it will make the bill more palatable for its opponents. Porirua College has cancelled literacy exams for its NCEA students because the kids aren't prepared. Principal Ragne Maxwell tells Heather it's not defeatist but practical. Health Minister Shane Reti on forcing Health NZ to change its eligibility criteria for free GP visits to take ethnicity out of it. Plus, the Huddle debates a survey that found that Auckland restaurants close earlier than anywhere else in the world. 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 Health Minister is defending staff confidentiality agreements. Labour has complained to the Public Service Commission about the number of non-disclosure agreements gagging Health New Zealand staff from talking about work. It claims 67 staff have signed them since June - including senior leaders responsible for briefing media and members of Parliament. Minister Shane Reti says he has no concerns. "The previous Government did as well - whether they used confidentiality agreements or NDAs or a similar sort of process. They need to be used appropriately, but it's commonplace in commercial environments with particularly sensitive issues." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research has revealed Auckland eateries have the earliest closing times in the world. According to international food magazine Chef’s Pencil, it's unusual for Auckland restaurants to take bookings past 8:30pm, with many closing up between 9pm or 10.pm Restaurant Association NZ's Nicola Waldren says dining early is a key part of New Zealand's culture - and it's helpful for the restaurants. "Those early diners will come in early, have a quick meal - and that allows them to take advantage of a quieter dining environment and they don't have to wait for a table." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Porirua College's principal is doubling down on the school's decision to cancel NCEA literacy tests. Students must pass the new online literacy and numeracy tests to receive their NCEA qualifications, but there are alternatives this year and the next year while the new curriculum is brought in. Ragne Maxwell says half of all students countrywide are failing the tests - and they're overloaded. "We are asked to put the students in for assessments when we feel they have a realistic chance of success. We don't think this is that." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The architect of the Treaty Principles Bill is still hopeful the Prime Minister could support it. David Seymour confirms Cabinet discussed his Bill today - and agreed its broad outline before it goes to Parliament's drafters. He says it'll change to acknowledge the rights of hapu and iwi at the time of the Treaty. Chris Luxon says he won't support it past first reading, but Seymour's optimistic that could change. "You see the exact wording, you see other people's reactions, you see it's actually a force for good - and maybe you take a different view." Luxon said today that ACT and National don't agree on this. "We found a compromise where both parties didn't get what they wanted, but we have to honour our coalition commitments - and that's what we're doing here." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hundreds of Christian organisations have questioned the Treaty Principles Bill. More than 400 groups penned an open letter to the Government, warning the ACT Party Bill to redefine te Tiriti principles is divisive. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the churches need to stick to preaching to their congregations - but they clearly don't see it that way. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A search has gone global for a Brisbane man who poured a thermos of hot coffee on a baby. The nine-month-old had a third round of surgery last week for burns to his face and chest after the random attack in August. Australia correspondent Oliver Peterson says police are working with international investigators. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks are determined to put the last couple of losses behind them and focus on the future ahead. New Zealand are homeward bound from South Africa, having lost both matches and now with three defeats in their last four tests. Sportstalk host Jason Pine explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A national Muslim spokesperson says threats that forced two Auckland Islamic schools to close today are shocking - but not surprising. Māngere's Al-Madinah School and Zayed College for Girls closed, and access is limited to New Lynn's Iqra primary school. Police are investigating a threatening email. Federation of Islamic Associations spokesperson, Abdur Razzaq says Government moves to relax national security put more than schools at risk. "It's not just us - with the globe looking how it is now, it could happen to any of us, or another school, it could happen to a synagogue, a community centre, a women's centre...there are important lessons from this." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, the 9th of September, is the start of a fortnight of NCEA pupils across the country sitting their exams for first time. They'll be doing reading, writing and numeracy exams. I would say this is happening everywhere across the country - except it isn’t, because Porirua College has decided to cancel their literacy exams because the kids won't pass. They're not ready, the principal says Porirua College hasn't been able to get the kids ready enough to make it a 'positive experience' and so they've just canned the reading and writing exams. Now, this is not the end of the world. These exams aren’t compulsory this year, they're only compulsory from 2026. This year, the kids can make up the credits through other ways if they want to pass NCEA. But what I'm really disappointed by is the attitude of just giving up on kids. These aren't difficult tests designed for third year university students or fully grown adults, they are designed for year 10/year 11 kids to make sure they actually know what they need to know at their year level. So if the kids fail, it's because they don't know what they're supposed to know for their age. The answer to that particular problem is not to cancel the exam - the answer is to teach the kids what they're supposed to know. Which begs the question - why is Porirua College not teaching the kids what they’re supposed to know for their age? Does that go some way to explaining why at Porirua College only 28 percent of school leavers got NCEA level 3 in 2022? Do we have a problem here? Why isn’t the school freaking out that the kids don't know what kids at other schools know? I've been told that, actually, most teachers and principals in secondary schools support these exams and the complaining and resistance that we’re hearing is coming from a very loud minority. I hope that truly is the case. Because I'm shocked that these kids don't know what they’re supposed to know, but I'm more shocked that their educators don't seem to think that’s a problem. Meanwhile, outside of Porirua, other kids up and down the country will sit these exams and will pass because they've been taught what they’re supposed to know - which is how it's supposed to be. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hospitality sales are down up to 50 percent, according to member of Courtney Place Precinct Group and owner of Courtney Place businesses, Greig Wilson. Cafe and bakery chain Pandoro is the latest to close it’s doors after 28 years - in a string of hospitality closures in the capital. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 6 September 2024, Act leader David Seymour says Government agencies will soon receive direction to prioritise services based on need - not race. Hagley College in Christchurch is trialling letting students work from home two days a week. Plus the Sports Huddle debates whether the All Blacks can beat the Springboks this weekend - and whether it's the end of the world if they lose. 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.

Newstalk ZB Canterbury Sports reader Nick Bewley and NZB Kiwi Head of Communications Andrew Gourdie join the huddle. They discuss the AB’s v Springbok’s test, old school tours of South Africa, Israel Adesanya’s parking controversy, and Raygun’s first interview post-Olympic Games. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Springbok’s have made changes to their side ahead of the second test in Cape Town this weekend. Chief Sports Writer at the Herald Liam Napier tells Heather du Plessis-Allan the All Blacks will be looking to play the game at pace. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Women’s Refuge is in the spotlight following claims of unauthorised spending from a “wellbeing fund”. Three women at Whare Manaaki Porirua Women’s Refuge have been suspended while a forensic accountant goes over expenditure. Charities Law expert Sue Barker tells Heather du Plessis-Allan charities need public support and reputational controversies could damage Women’s Refuge’s ability to do what the public support them to do. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police are using force 9 percent more often and are facing increasing levels of violence. The Annual Tactical Options Report provides an overview of what officers face and the tactics they use. Nearly 1 in 10 events where force is used involves a gang member. The report reveals gang members are 25 percent more likely to be armed with a firearm than any other offender. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Hawkes Bay, Health NZ has made GP visits for 14 to 24 year-olds free for Māori and Pasifika. Health Minister Shane Reti has requested “further information”. Associate Health Minister David Seymour tells Heather du Plessis-Allan Health NZ will soon face a directive that public services must be delivered on need not race – a party coalition commitment set to be released imminently. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China has issued a warning to New Zealand, following a report from the NZ Security Intelligence Services (NZSIS) that identified examples of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) influence here “smacks heavily of foreign interference”. China warns Aotearoa’s interests may be in jeopardy if it pushes other countries’ agendas. Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper tells Heather du Plessis-Allan, NZ must remember that our two-way trade with China is $38 billion a year. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A 14-year old suspect has been put in custody following a fatal school shooting in Winder, Georgia, USA. In a dramatic development, the teenager’s father has been arrested with police saying he is directly connected to the actions of his son by allowing him to possess a weapon. US correspondent Mitch McCann tells Heather du Plessis-Allan the teenager was known to police over a year ago, for online threats about a school shooting. Meanwhile, Donald Trump wants Elon Musk to lead a Government Efficiency Commission, should he become President again. Trump says the commission would aim to audit the US Government. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sportstalk host D’Arcy Waldegrave joins Heather du Plessis-Allan to consider how the country should react to an All Blacks loss. “It’s how they lose that I’m interested in. Not the actual result, but how they got to that result.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Christchurch school is trialling letting students work from home two days a week, to address falling attendance rates. Hagley College hopes to target students who struggle with attendance due to mental health concerns or sickness. The hybrid learning model will be offered to 20 NCEA Level 2 students. Students will attend 16 hours of in-person maths, science and English classes a week, and the rest via scheduled video calls. New Zealand Education Specialist Derek Wenmoth helped Hagley College to design the trial. Wenmoth tells Heather du Plessis-Allan other countries have programmes specifically targeting students struggling with issues like anxiety, and that New Zealand is behind on the uptake. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Survivors of London's Grenfell Tower Fire are urging swift change from the UK Government in the wake of a scathing report. The 1600-page report from the public inquiry, published seven years after the tragedy, says all 72 deaths were avoidable. UK correspondent Enda Brady says dishonest companies and political failings have been blamed for the disaster - and prosecutions will likely take place. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US housing market has been undergoing an unusual period. Various aspects of the sector have been found to be running at different speeds - with new builds selling at significant highs and older homes selling at record lows. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explains what's going on with the economy. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Famed rural broadcaster Jamie Mackay has been appointed a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. He was recognised earlier this year as part of the King’s Birthday Honours for services to broadcasting and the rural community. Mackay joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to recap the ceremony. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Global financial market turmoil overnight has come with a silver lining for motorists as oil prices have slumped to their lowest level this year. Cheaper petrol at the pump should follow in coming days after Brent Crude Oil fell 5 percent to US73.74 - a price not seen since mid-December 2023. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann unpacks the economic factors behind the slump. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Infrastructure NZ CEO Nick Leggett and former Labour Party advisor Mike Munro joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Watercare struck a $20 million dollar deal with Waikato-Tainui in exchange for permission to take more water from the Waikato River - and kept it secret. What do we make of this? Wellington ratepayers recently shelled out over $550,000 on the upgrade of a 32m laneway to accommodate a new designer bike rack and two extra motorbike parks - with the bike rack alone costing $136,000. How can the council justify this? Raygun has spoken out about the backlash she received after the Olympics - do we feel sorry for her because of how she was treated or do we think she's taking advantage of the attention? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.