Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

It's been a fiery start to 2025, with at least nine Auckland rubbish trucks bursting into flames in the first two weeks of the year. Auckland Council says it's likely due to ever-increasing numbers of batteries and battery-powered devices being dumped in bins. The Auckland recycling facility that sorts the region’s kerbside recycling, has two small fires a week - usually sparked by lithium-ion batteries. General Manager of Waste Solutions Justine Haves says there's been a significant uptake in lithium-ion batteries in the waste stream - and this is likely the cause of these fires. "We can't attribute them to the fires directly, but what we do know is that they're highly explosive material and there's many more of them in our waste stream than ever before." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A pair of protestors from Just Stop Oil disrupted a performance of The Tempest, starring Sigourney Weaver on London's West End. The duo got up on stage as Weaver was performing - and unfurled a banner and delivered a speech before they were bundled off by authorities.  Weaver was also escorted off stage by a member of the theatre's staff. UK correspondent Enda Brady says the activists were met with booing - and also a few cheers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New data shows more people are concerned about work, housing, and health, according to research by NZCTU. The council's annual Mood of the Workforce survey polled over 1900 people - and many of these respondents have voiced concern with the direction the Government has taken the country. NZCTU President Richard Wagstaff says there's been a significant shift in the last 12 months - as people believe the Government isn't looking out for the interests of workers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's speculation the Government may be looking to sell off Landcorp as the asset continues to underperform. Long-standing agricultural consultant Will Wilson has noted it's worth $1.6 billion - which is significantly less than it was a year ago. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's hopeful that digital nomads will help grow New Zealand's economy off the back of their recent visa change. Finance Minister Nicola Willis hasn't confirmed how many the nation can realistically expect to arrive - but she's got faith in this strategy. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen unpacks the current hotspots for digital nomads - and reveals what New Zealand can do to get ahead. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and former Labour Minister Stuart Nash joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  The Prime Minister is pushing hard for asset sales - and he aims to seek a mandate for them in the next election. Do we think this is a good idea? New Zealand's diplomatic relations with Kiribati are on the rocks - and aid money has been put on pause. Given how close the region is with China, is it wise for Winston Peters to play hardball like this? Arnotts has convinced Woolworths supermarkets in Australia to move the Tim Tams to the fridge section. What to we make of this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, Labour leader Chris Hipkins fires back at National's plan for asset sales after the next election.   Ryan Bridge grills activist John Minto about his hotline to dob in Israeli soldiers on holiday which has been slammed as antisemitic. Consumer NZ says it's been fielding heaps of complaints from Sky TV customers over its ageing satellite. Plus, the Huddle debates the diplomatic stoush that's developed between New Zealand and Kiribati. How risky is Winston Peters' threat to withhold aid funding? 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 Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa's launched what it calls a 'genocide hotline' - asking people to report sightings of Israeli Defence Force soldiers holidaying in New Zealand. It's part of their campaign against the war on Gaza, and it says the focus is not Israeli or Jewish people - but IDF soldiers.  National chair, John Minto, says now is a window of opportunity to pressure Israel more to continue with the ceasefire.  "There's been industrial-scale killing of Palestinians in Gaza - no one involved in that army should be allowed into New Zealand."  The post has prompted more than 100 complaints to the Human Rights Commission. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US stocks took a sharp drop - and experts are feeling wary - after a Chinese artificial intelligence startup posed a threat to America's technology industry. DeepSeek unveiled a new ChatGPT-like AI model called R1 that operated at a fraction of the cost of OpenAI’s, Google’s or Meta’s models, causing the Nasdaq to plunge by 3.1 percent.  US markets analyst Scott Shellady says the $5.6 million computing power cost will be concerning for investors, when compared to the hundreds of millions or billions US companies spent. "The idea that there was any competition would have probably surprised people, which it did." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A National MP wants to raise the age for mandatory jury duty.  Under current legislation, the court registrar must excuse anyone over the age of 65 who's been summoned for jury service if they request it. Whanganui MP Carl Bates has had his Member's Bill drawn today - proposing to raise automatic excusal from jury duty from 65 to 72. He says this would update a very old law.  "There's been a big shift in societal expectations and the way we work - and I trust our seniors to be able to fulfil jury duty." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government and Opposition have butted heads on the first day in Parliament. The Prime Minister boasted of the Government plans to boost economic growth - while Labour slammed its achievements and pointed to record departures from the country. Chris Luxon is calling it 'the party of no' - which said no to tax relief, gene technology, and backing farmers. Later, opposition leader Chris Hipkins claimed Luxon was in favour of saying no to delivering new ferries, a new Dunedin hospital, and affordable water reform. Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls says Chris Luxon fired back at Hipkins' outfit choices and lack of organisation. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour says it's nonsense to suggest the private sector does things better - after National has said it will campaign on asset sales next election. ACT has proposed health and education as starting points.  But Labour leader Chris Hipkins says we only need to look at electricity companies gouging New Zealand consumers for profit.  He says the companies stopped investing in new generation since becoming private.  "Every New Zealand household's paying higher power prices - when the National Party said that if we privatise them, power prices will come down." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of the Australian election, opposition leader Peter Dutton has confirmed some political shakeups - and named David Coleman for the key shadow foreign affairs portfolio. The foreign affairs job was previously held by  Simon Birmingham, and a high number of frontbenchers were looking to claim the position for themselves. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Dutton is looking to make more key changes if he wins the election. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was an emotional scene at Karaka yesterday after the regally-bred full-sister to glamour mare Orchestral was sold for $2.4 million. After Orchestral was sold on Saturday, there was plenty of interest in her Savabeel full-sister (Lot 345), who was being offered through Haunui Farm’s draft at Karaka. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More and more Kiwi households have noticed an increase in broadcasting issues and disruptions - and the provider has offered up an explanation. In a recent update for investors, Sky confirmed it had accelerated plans to move from its current Optus D2 satellite to a new satellite after Optus revealed it would die earlier than previously thought. Consumer NZ CEO Jon Duffy says they've seen a significant number of customer complaints as a result of these disruptions. "What we're seeing causing frustration is - people are contacting Sky, they either can't get through or they can't get a reasonable answer to their questions, and that is just doubling down on the pain that they're feeling." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the UK moves to clean up the damage resulting from Storm Éowyn, a second major storm is set to hit the region. The Met Office is warning Storm Herminia, which first hit parts of Spain and France, is set to bring destruction and the possibility of injuries and 'danger to life'. UK correspondent Gail Downey says there are warnings in place to stay away from the coast. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's set to be a big week for the US' biggest tech companies. Meta, Microsoft, Apple, Amazon and Tesla are all expected to report their results in the coming days - and it's likely these businesses will be expecting a boost from the new presidential administration.  Mark Lister from Craigs Investment Partners explains what we can expect. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following the closure of the Tangiwai Mill in the Ruapehu District, forestry company Ernslaw One has found a new way to continue production and keep contractors in work. They've struck a deal with KiwiRail and Napier Port where log trains now run five days a week on the Napier-Palmerston North line, dropping off 600 tonnes of logs to Napier Port. It removes 21 logging trucks off the road. Napier Port CEO Todd Dawson and KiwiRail Executive Manager of Freight Markets Alan Piper unpacked the benefits of this deal.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Child Fund CEO Josie Pagani and Kiwiblog writer and Curia pollster David Farrar joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! President Donald Trump is floating the idea of 'cleaning out' Gaza as the ongoing conflict continues. What's going on here? The Treaty Principles Bill submissions started today - how do we think it went? Was it a constructive day?  Finance Minister Nicola Willis has revealed the Government will loosen visa requirements for digital nomads to help bump the tourism numbers up and grow the economy. Do we think this will work? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 27 January 2025, there were plenty of arguments for and against the Treaty Principles Bill at today's first oral submissions hearing. The Government's flinging the border open to digital nomads - but Finance Minister Nicola Willis can't say just how many might actually come here. Plus, the Huddle debates Donald Trump's call to 'clean out' Gaza, is this the beginning of some new negotiation? 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 Finance Minister is determined to get tourism figures back up to their pre-pandemic levels - and she hopes the newest batch of visa changes will speed that along. From today, visitors can work remotely for overseas companies while holidaying in New Zealand for up to nine months, but they may need to declare themselves New Zealand tax residents if they stay for over 90 days. Nicola Willis says there's capacity for growth officials will be tracking the number of visitor visas that come out of this change. "We think it will make an impact on economic growth, because every tourist that comes to New Zealand benefits our bottom line. That's what supports people who are working for tourism providers, who are working for accommodation providers, restaurants, cafes - the more people they have coming through their doors and spending, the better."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A war of words has erupted over the logistics of speaking slots during submission on the Treaty Principles Bill. The pro-bill lobby group Hobson's Pledge claimed they were left off the list of those allowed to front up to the committee of MPs considering the bill in person. Hobson's Pledge spokesman Elliot Iklei was quick to explain the group did request a speaking slot. "So whatever you've been hearing from over there is utterly inaccurate. It is incorrect."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump's push for Arab nations to take in Palestinians to 'clean out' Gaza could be a genuine suggestion. He's said Egypt and Jordan should take in Gazans - with the Strip extensively damaged and people dying. Greg Barton, a noted professor of global Islamic politics, says Trump is 'flying a kite' to see the response, and what he can away with. "Donald Trump will typically say things that are contradictory - and allow himself plausible deniability, so he can walk his way back from this one, but he's clearly got an interest in seeing if it's got traction." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Mangawhai community is banding together to pick up the pieces from yesterday morning's tornado. Two people were seriously injured and nine buildings are yellow stickered - with another 26 white stickered as possibly damaged, but safe.  Restoring power is taking longer than first expected, with worse damage than first thought. All but 30 customers should have electricity by midnight. Kaipara mayor Craig Jepson says only one person has needed emergency accommodation through the welfare team. "Other than that, I think people relied on the generosity of friends and family and other people that stepped up." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Overseas visitors may need an extra nudge to come here, even with relaxed visa requirements aiming to attract digital nomads to spend more. From today, people on visitor visas can work remotely here for overseas companies. Accommodation provider LyLo director Tim Alpe says it'll suit foreign tourists - but the challenge is telling them about it.  "We've got to get out internationally, we've got to go to big trade shows, we've got to be telling people that actually - New Zealand is a great destination for that." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The architect of the Treaty Principles Bill claims the legislation would improve outcomes for Māori.  Oral submissions were delivered in Parliament, including from ACT's David Seymour himself, experts from the New Zealand Māori Association and Hobson's Pledge members.  Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls said the bill was subject to plenty of backlash - with Te Runanga o Toa Rangatira chief executive Helmut Modlik labelling it a 'race-based dog whistle'. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two historic Melbourne monuments were vandalised as tens of thousands of people took to the streets to protest the controversial Australia Day holiday. A statue of John Batman, a founder of Australia's second largest city who was also involved in the deaths of indigenous people, was sawn in half and a monument commemorating Australian soldiers in World War One was covered in red paint. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says police have launched investigations into these incidents - as well as similar acts of vandalism across the country. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's belief within Auckland FC that they can win the A-League title in their maiden season. The inaugural side sits two points clear at the top of the table halfway through the campaign - they've conceded 11 goals in 14 games and only lost twice. Sportstalk host Jason Pine says the team's well on their way to making history - but they've got some fatal flaws holding them back. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some of the nation's new charter schools claim they are being 'swamped' with applications before they have even opened. Seven of the publicly funded, privately owned schools are scheduled to open their doors over the next two weeks - and they're seeing plenty of demand. Mastery School principal Rose McInerney says her school has 60 primary-aged children enrolled, with a further 40 wait-listed. "What we do with those children is - we have a longer school day as a starting point, we have two hours of maths and two hours of literacy. We are teaching with direct or explicit instruction, and that's quite a lot to go into." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wētā VFX has received three Academy Award nominations for their work on Alien: Romulus, Better Man, and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.  2000 people work within Wētā FX, many in Wellington, and head of VFX Matt Aitken said the nominations will make a 'great contribution' to the capital's economy.  The Oscars are set to take place in Hollywood on March 3rd.  LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A potentially life-threatening storm is hitting the UK, with millions of people being urged to stay home.  Three thousand job cuts are to be lost as UK supermarket Sainsburys closes its cafes, patisseries and pizza counters.  And singer Adele has been accused of sabotaging the sale of $12 million home in which she once lived, by inferring it is haunted.  UK Correspondent Gail Downey joins the show.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 24 January 2025, Act leader David Seymour says we should consider more privatisation, including of healthcare. What led to Novak Djokovic's shock retirement from the Aussie Open? The Government is celebrating hitting its target for reducing the number of people in emergency housing five years early. Plus, Weta VFX boss Matt Aitken speaks to Andrew after being nominated for not one, not two but three (!) Oscars. 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.

How has China reacted to Donald Trump's threat to put a 10% tariff on China as early as February 1st?  Is China warming up to allowing TikTok to be sold as part of a deal with the US? Who is in the running to be the app?  And Donald Trump and Xi Jinping talked on the phone this week, what did they discuss?  Asia Business Correspondent Peter Lewis joins the show.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Deputy Sports News Director Elliott Smith and Sports Journalist Lavina Good discussed the historic rugby game to be played in the small town Kirwee at the end of the month.  What does bringing rugby to small towns do for the regions?  Why didn't All Blacks Head Coach get Richie Mo'unga back?  Should New Zealand Rugby change its rules if they want the All Blacks to be successful in 2025?  The Huddle talks all this and more.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kirwee, a town west of Christchurch with a population of 1180, is gearing up for the biggest game in the town's history.  The Blues and the Crusaders will play a pre-season game in Kirwee on January 31st.  The game has already sold out and 3000 are expected to attend.  Kirwee Rugby Club President Blair Jones joins the show.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has hinted at a "major" mining announcement next week, and the sector is welcoming a push for mining to play a bigger role in the country's economic growth.  This comes after Prime Minister Christopher Luxon defended the decision to expand mining, saying it needed to play a bigger role in the economy.  CEO of Straterra inc. Josie Vidal joins the show to discuss what could be coming next week.  LISTEN ABVOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wētā VFX has received three Academy Award nominations for their work on Alien: Romulus, Better Man, and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.  2000 people work within Wētā FX, many in Wellington, and head of VFX Matt Aitken said the nominations will make a 'great contribution' to the capital's economy.  The Oscars are set to take place in Hollywood on March 3rd.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has reduced the number of people in emergency housing motels by 75%, reaching their target five years early.  There are now just under 600 households in emergency motels.  How did they do it?  Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka joins the show to discuss the major success.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite not being the leader of the country, David Seymour has delivered his State of the Nation address.  The ACT Party leader said New Zealander's need to stop being scared of privatisation, look at selling government assets, and change the way the country funds education and health.  Is this the solution to the downfalls of New Zealand's healthcare system?  Chair of the General Practice Owners Association Dr Angus Chambers talks to Andrew Dickens about what such a change would mean for Kiwis.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Politicians have descended on Ratana.  During several speeches, the fate of The Treaty's Principle Bill was called into question.  Meanwhile David Seymour has delivered his State of the Nation speech.  Newstalk ZB Political Editor Jason Walls joins the show to discuss.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi Chris Wood has resigned with Nottingham Forest, but will he come home when his contract finishes in 2027?  Auckland FC continue to defend their name as the best defensive team in the league.  The Australian Open semi-finals see's world number one Jannik Sinner play American Ben Shelton, and is Djokovic the underdog as he goes for his 25th major?  Sports Contributor Jason Pine joins the show to discuss what's coming this weekend in sport.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research from Otago University has painted a grim picture for the future health of Kiwis... More than half a million of us will be living with diabetes by 2044 - a 90% increase on current numbers, researchers say.  Is lifestyle or genetics to blame for the rising rates?  Otago University researcher Andrea Teng joins the show to discuss the alarming figures.  LISTEN ABOVE.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Southport attack has prompted the UK to toughen up the laws on buying knives as the killer awaits sentencing. Under new legislation, anyone buying a knife online will be required to submit two forms of ID and record a live video proving their age. UK correspondent Enda Brady says Prime Minister Keir Starmer has observed what needed to be changed - as the looser restrictions likely enabled the killer in the first place.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two farms have been suspended from New Zealand Merino’s ZQ quality standard supply programme after undercover videos appeared to show animal welfare breaches. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) claimed that a recent investigation uncovered cruelty towards sheep on these farms - forcing MPI to take action. The Country's Jamie Mackay says people reportedly stood on sheep's necks, dragged them across the floors of shearing sheds and sewed up wounds without painkillers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Chris Luxon laid out his vision for growing the economy as part of today's State of the Nation address - and pointed the finger at the country. Luxon pushed the need for more jobs, investment and innovation, and criticised New Zealand's 'culture of saying no' that was holding back new developments. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, AUT chancellor Rob Campbell and Infrastructure NZ CEO Nick Leggett joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  The Prime Minister has outlined his plans to grow the economy in his State of the Nation address today - do we agree with these changes? Can more foreign investment, more mining and a restructure of the Crown Research Institutes turn things around? Labour leader Chris Hipkins has also been quick to suggest Labour can come back and take over in the next election - do we agree with this? President Donald Trump has threatened Vladimir Putin to make a deal and end the Ukraine war or 'risk the consequences'. Do we think this tactic will work? What might this mean for Ukraine? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Facebook and Instagram users have recently noticed their accounts have started following President Donald Trump, his wife Melania and Vice President JD Vance without their prior knowledge. Gracie Abrams and Demi Lovato are among the famous names who have posted complaints Meta won't let them unfollow these accounts, with Abrams eventually being forced to block them altogether.  Others have also noticed the hashtag #Democrat was blocked on Instagram this week. BusinessDesk tech columnist Peter Griffin says Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is among the tech billionaires who have openly voiced support for Trump - but it's more likely to be a glitch than a conspiracy. "A lot of people on Facebook were obviously following the Facebook accounts of Joe Biden, Kamala Harris and others - they've been handed over to the new administration, and it looks as though people are suddenly following the President and the posts from the new administration, but it's a change of people."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's belief the science sector is on the right track with a major overhaul. Seven Crown Research Institutes will now merge into three public research organisations. Another public research group is also being created to focus on AI and advanced technology, with Callaghan Innovation set to close. The moves follows a review by the Science System Advisory Group. Former Chief Science Advisor Sir Peter Gluckman says the changes follow around 80 percent of his recommendations. "Strategy must precede operations, and what this first report - and how the Government's responded to it - is about getting the architecture of the system right." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 23 January 2025, the Prime Minister says we need to do away with our 'no'-attitude to grow our economy. Trade Minister Todd McClay tells Andrew how he's going to get foreign investors to invest in NZ. Royal commentator Victoria Arbiter discusses the deal Prince Harry has struck with Rupert Murdoch's UK newspapers - and why he chose to settle after always vowing to never settle. The number of tourists has still not recovered to pre-Covid levels. The head of Tourism Industry Aotearoa reveals what the Government could do to boost the numbers. Plus, another Aussie Open tennis star complains about the sideline interviewers. What the heck is going on? 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.

Prince Harry's decision to settle with News Group Newspapers may have been the smart move, according to one expert. He'd been suing the group - which publishes the Sun and the now defunct News of the World - alleging they obtained information about him by illegal means, over 15 years.  The settlement is reportedly over $20 million. Royal correspondent Victoria Arbiter says settling will save a headache.  "At the end of the day, the UK justice system is prohibitively expensive - the cost would have been absolutely eye-watering. So thankfully, this has given him the closure that he so longer for." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.