Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Let me tell you, it was absolutely no surprise to me to see my Facebook friends going crazy over Trump winning the election last night - and there's been plenty of hysterical predictions now that he's won. My absolute favourite one was from my husband, who said that Trump would take us to the brink of war. Hello - the world is already at war, we don't need to be taken to the brink, we're already there.  We've got two significant wars under way in two of the most worrying parts of the world - Europe and the Middle East - and neither of them are because of Trump, they started under Biden. It's got me thinking - we need a bit of perspective here. People are really losing their minds over this. We cannot predict what is going to happen in the future, but we have the past to guide us. So why don't we compare the last time Trump was President with the most recent period under Biden and see who wins at being the real crazy one here. Because as far as I can see, Biden is the one who's been far worse for New Zealand. Sure, Trump introduced the steel tariffs on us and started a trade war with China - but last time I checked, Biden hasn't removed those tariffs and he hasn't ended the trade war with China.  So as far as I can see, they're basically the same as each other on that. Under Biden, two new wars have started, both of which have put prices that we pay in New Zealand up. Under Trump, no new wars were started. My husband was quick to point out North Korea and 'Rocket Man' and how they came close to staring a war - but they didn't. It might have nearly, but it didn't. Nothing happened, despite all the warnings. Trump is too much of a crazy-maker - and other world leaders don't know how far they can push it with him and they suspect they can't, so they don't try at all. That is why Putin invaded Georgia under Bush, Crimea over Obama and Ukraine under Biden - but there were no invasions under Trump. Under Biden - never mind the threat of North Korea maybe doing something, two wars actually did happen. And they are worse than anything North Korea might have done. Under Trump, the withdrawal from Afghanistan was orderly, and under Biden, it was an unmitigated disaster - which he was at the centre of - and it completely undermined America's credibility. So before we get too hysterical about all the bad things Trump could do, how about we remind ourselves about all the bad things Biden did do? Get a bit of a grip, and ask ourselves - what would Trump actually have to do in the next four years to be worse than Biden? Why weren't we as hysterical about Biden? Or is the hysteria just something we reserve for Donald Trump? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Several Greens members have been caught asking to use the private carparks belonging to Wellington retailers for a party event. These retailers were impacted by Green-led cycleway project, which took away on-street parking in the area. Independent Business and Residential Group chairwoman Urmila Bhana says this cycleway has negatively impacted several businesses. "Businesses are down 60, 80, 100 percent, they're either moving, closing, or heading into liquidation. And that's nothing to do with the recession, it's the carpark removal." LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newsflash: Tui 'Yeah Right' billboard accused of being bad taste.  Whoa, for a moment there I thought I'd been transported back to 2006. Is it in good taste? No. Of Course not. It's a billboard for a beer company, for goodness' sake. Of course it's in bad taste. I don't think anyone has ever accused Tui of good taste. Given the extent to which the sensational details in the Polkinghorne case have scandalised the nation, it's hardly a surprise to see the billboards pop up. I'll be honest with you: It doesn't upset me. But if I were Pauline Hanna's family I might, quite reasonably, feel a bit miffed at a company trying to cash in on something related to my death.  And here's the thing: Even if it did upset me, sometimes the most effective strategy to oppose something is to contain your outrage.  I actually feel the same way about aspects of the Treaty Principles Bill. I wonder if the most extreme opposition to ACT's proposal might not ultimately help ACT's cause. And perhaps a more considered opposition might be calmer, quieter, and ultimately starve the issue from the attention upon which it'll thrive.  Tui is banking on controversy. It has literally set up a feedback line so people can voice their outrage. But if you really have a problem with their billboards... Don't give them the attention. And don't buy Tui. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Electricity Authority's report in to a toppled pylon has found the collapse was entirely avoidable. The Transpower pylon north of Helensville fell - cutting power to 88,000 people in Northland - after unsupervised, inexperienced maintenance crews undid three legs at once. The report found there was evidence removing all the nuts wasn't a one-off event. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this incident came with significant economic impacts to Northland. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A charity boat was bringing 147 migrants that they'd rescued in the Mediterranean to Italy but the Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini refused.  This has now come to court and Matteo Salvini is accused of kidnap and dereliction of duty over that refusal to allow the the boat to dock, and prosecutors in Sicily have asked judges to sentence him to 6 years in jail. UK Correspondent Gavin Grey joins the show to talk about this and the Minister who's responsible for tackling corruption in UK financial markets is now alleged to be involved in a massive embezzlement in Bangladesh. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sir Roger Douglas is disappointed with the ACT Party's response to this week's bleak Treasury forecasts.  Douglas supported NZ First MP Shane Jones' response to the figures in which he made in an urgent debate in Parliament.  David Seymour has 'annoyed' his party's founder.  ACT Party Founder Sir Roger Douglas discusses this with Ryan Bridge. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday 20 December. 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.

China has been desperate to boost its economy but the consumer does not want to spend.  Youth unemployment is close to 20% in the country, which is a contributor factor as well as worries around healthcare.  The South Korean Government has voted to impeach President Yoon and now the constitutional court has 180 days to review that decision.  There is a potential for a merger between two car makers Nissan and Honda.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's my last day at work for the year... and I'm off to the beach... Every year... because I'messentially an angry and quite grumpy person.... I go to the beach and I get mad. Angry at people doing dumb stuff... The problem with the beach is it's public. I can't yet afford my own private one. Until then... here's my top five 5 things NOT to do at the beach this summer: Rubbish Bins. They get full quickly. So everybody just piles their shit sky-high a biohazard version of jenga. Don't do that... it's unsightly. If the bins are full please dispose of your rubbish in the ocean... It's far less visible to your fellow beachgoers.. Seriously... Though... Just put it in the boot and take it home. Or. Save it up all summer and do a mass dumping at the council chambers in January. Music. Just Don't. You may like Coldplay or Cardi B, others prefer the soothing sound of the actual ocean. It's quite hard to hear with Chris Martin whaling out of your stupid UE boom. The beach (and the bush, for that matter) are not just visual spectacles, but also an aural experience. Try closing one's eyes to the sun... and listening to the sound of the waves. The birds. The magic. But not your music. Togs. There's always some wozer in the Herald over summer whinging about a woman's bikini being too revealing... too much skin for my liking. It's just not right! Honestly, just look away. People can wear whatever they like. Just ensure your nips and bits are covered... other than that... dental floss bikinis are A-OK. And if you're one of those people who complain... are you incensed at the woman's body, or the fact your husband drooling behind his dirty dog sunnies? Swimming in jeans and t-shirts. Do you have a death wish? 86% of drownings happen during summer and you're a lot heavier in denim. That is a fact. You see this out at Piha... people being rescued wearing trackpants. Honestly.  Take a leaf out of the dental floos book. Finally... I love a good sunshade tent... the pop-up ones... some people have a full almost-camping set up. I'm all for it. But you cannot.... and I've seen this... set it up and leave it for days on end at a busy beach... overnight. You cannot bags bits of the beach. It belongs to nobody and everybody and that is entitled and shameful behaviour. Wishing you all a warm, quiet, easy breezy beach experience this summer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on the Huddle, Newstalk ZB Sports News Director Clay Wilson and Sports Journalist Jim Kayes discuss all things sport of the week.  The Huddle agrees Liam Lawson bagging a spot on Red Bull's team is an example of perseverance and talent.  ESports are disappointed because they have missed out on funding this week. The Huddle discusses.  How do we feel about sport on Christmas day?  This and more on The Huddle. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

YouTuber Mr Beast has come out with his own reality TV show called Beast Games.  The show will see one thousand contestants playing to win a grand prize of $5 million.  Entertainment reporter Richard Martin joins the show to discuss this and the new 'Bluey' movie on its way.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Palmerston North Hospital is cutting back on some of its bowel cancer screening procedures, and Health New Zealand is unable to say if this is happening in other regions around the country.  852 patients who are at a high risk of developing cancer are on the waiting list for a colonoscopy in Palmerston North. Professor and Medical advisor at Bowel Cancer New Zealand Frank Frizelle said this will result in people having cancer who otherwise would not.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UnitedHealthcare CEO shooter Luigi Mangione has been extradited to New York. Earlier this week the 26-year-old faced 11 charges at the state level, but now the FBI and and the US government have levelled federal charges against him.  41% of young voters say the killing of the UnitedHealthcare CEO was acceptable, according to new research.  The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a month-long ban on drone flights over much of New Jersey after thousands of drones flew over military bases.  International Correspondent Mitch McCan joins the show.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds has posted to Facebook an incorrect graph that claims the Ardern-Hipkins government has reduced New Zealand's debt by $31 billion in its second term. Finance Minister Nicola Willis said Edmonds mistake was extraordinary fiscal ignorance.  The government is pushing forward with replacing the Air Force's passenger jets despite the current economic climate.  Labour, Te Pāti Māori and the Greens are figuring out ways to team up.  Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper talks with Ryan Bridge.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What everyone hoped would happen has happened: A kiwi has made it to a full time drive with Formula One.  Liam Lawson goes into the Red Bull team alongside big name Max Verstappen.  Auckland FC will play back at home tomorrow.  Weekend Sport host Jason Pine think they are able to keep their winning momentum going, despite a few injuries among the players.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liam Lawson has been promoted into Red Bull's senior team in Formula One. He'll race alongside Max Verstappen next season after Red Bull parted ways with Sergio Perez.  Founder of the Toyota Racing Series Barrie Thomlinson says Red Bull will have chosen Lawson based on his future talent.  Thomlison says if Lawson performs at a high level, he will likely be the person to replace Max Verstappen.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new study has revealed the amount of steps you take per day could lead to a reduction in depression symptoms. Spanish researchers have debunked the earlier finding that 10,000 steps a day is the optimal amount - and revealed that 7,000 will translate to better mental health outcomes. UK correspondent Enda Brady unpacks the results of the study - and reveals the role step trackers can play in generating positive results. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in the US, share prices have slumped after the US Federal Reserve hinted at a slower than expected pace for rate cuts in the new year. The Federal Reserve set its key lending rate in a target range of 4.25 percent to 4.5 percent - down a full percentage point since September. Fisher Funds expert Sam Dickie explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Country's Jamie Mackay has been catching up with politicians and farming experts to discuss their picks for Ag Person of the Year. There's been a diverse range of favourites - but who is Jamie's? He revealed his favourites for 2024, ahead of his final show for the year. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This was a dire week for the economy - but experts say things can only go up from here. Stats NZ revealed that GDP was down 1 percent in the September quarter, and had been down 1.1 percent the previous quarter. This is the biggest drop since 1991, excluding the Covid-19 lockdowns. Despite the gloomy outlook, NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann says this will likely be as bad as things get before things pick up. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 19 December 2024, the GDP has taken a massive fall, plunging New Zealand into the biggest recession since 1991. Former Finance Minister Steven Joyce talks to Ryan Bridge. The Prime Minister won't be going to Waitangi on Waitangi Day next year. Waitangi national trust chairman Pita Tipene says he's disappointed. The Huddle debates the economy, and what you might find if you come to visit Stuart Nash unannounced. 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, Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union and former Labour Cabinet Minister Stuart Nash joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Government is looking to strengthen free speech at universities. Should universities be allowed to decline hosting controversial speakers? It's been a dire week for the economy - with today's GDP results revealing we're in the worst recession since 1991, excluding the Covid-19 lockdowns. Can we get back on track? Can we acknowledge some bad decisions were made by the Reserve Bank?  The holidays are getting closer - is it okay to drop by a friend's house unannounced? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mastercard is pushing back against the Commerce Commission's plan to put a cap on credit card fees. The Commission says regulation for credit and contactless payments could deliver $280 million in savings a year for merchants and consumers.  But Mastercard New Zealand says the draft decision is disappointing, will undermine competition, and set back the local economy. Mastercard NZ Country Manager Ruth Riviere says these suggestions by the Commerce Commission will bring down interest in investing in New Zealand. "We're really clear that there's these unintended consequences of what's being proposed." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new bill looks to make universities less 'risk adverse' over freedom of speech.  When introduced in March, it will amend the Education and Training Act and require universities adopt a 'freedom of speech' statement.  They'll also have to report on its commitment yearly.  Tertiary Education Minister Penny Simmonds says this will ensure they have policy and procedures around allowing and promoting possibly controversial issues.  She explained there are also requirements about having to record and being transparent about complaints.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travellers with Air New Zealand can now use Apple AirTags to find their lost luggage.  The carrier is enabling a feature letting customers share the live location of trackers in their baggage with its customer service team.  It means they can tell airline staff where the bag was last scanned and its most recent location.  Chief digital officer Nikhil Ravinshankar says it also comes with security safeguards.   "When a customer shares their AirTag location with us, we get to keep that only for a temporary timeframe - or until the bag gets reunited with a customer." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Northland Maori leader says Waitangi Day could be more volatile than ever.  Prime Minister Chris Luxon's decided against attending celebrations at the Treaty Grounds.  He says he'll join events in other parts of the country - and is expected to send ministers in his place. Luxon and the coalition have faced mounting pressure over ACT's Treaty Principles Bill. Waitangi National Trust chair Pita Tipene says he's wondering where else Luxon could rather be.  "Any Waitangi Day is a cauldron - let alone what's going to happen next year, given the Treaty Principles Bill and everything else that's going on." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People will have questions, after one of the country's worst quarterly GDP dips in decades. Stats NZ figures show New Zealand's gross domestic product crashed down one percent in the September quarter. It's put the country in the deepest recession since the Covid-driven slump in 2020.  Former Finance Minister Steven Joyce says the Reserve Bank Governor, Adrian Orr, needs to speak up and explain. "I think there is some legitimate questions to be asked - I can remember, quite recently, him saying he's got it all under control and that this is going to be a soft landing. Well, quite clearly, it wasn't."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister's revealed he will not be at the historic Treaty grounds for Waitangi Day celebrations next year.  Chris Luxon says he'll instead take part in celebrations elsewhere around the country. It's understood Luxon will be sending Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka and a couple of other Ministers to the Treaty Grounds to represent the Government. Newstalk ZB political correspondent Barry Soper is unsurprised by this development, given the contentious Treaty Principles Bill. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian Olympic breakdancer Rachael 'Raygun' Gunn is demanding $11,000 in legal fees from the owner of a Sydney-based comedy club who planned to stage a show based on her. Raygun the Musical was set to star Stephanie Broadbridge - but it was pulled at the last minute after promoter Anthony Skinner was sent a legal letter claiming the musical infringed on Gunn's intellectual property.  Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Skinner offered Gunn's legal team $550 in compensation - a bid the team swiftly rejected. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liam Lawson might have his nose in front, but Red Bull insist no decision has been locked in over Sergio Perez's vacant seat for 2025. The Mexican driver has negotiated an exit from the Formula 1 team after a poor year, with the Kiwi vying against Yuki Tsunoda for the birth. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Far North District Council has issued a warning after a string of dog attacks in the region. An 8-year-old girl was hospitalised after being attacked by a dog on Wednesday at summer hotspot Taipā Beach - prompting calls for a solution. Far North Mayor Moko Tepania says dog owners need to handle their pets responsibly to prevent similar incidents. "If you have a dog in the Far North, you make sure that you are looking after it properly and that it can't get out. You make sure that it's registered."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're less than a week out from Christmas - and some key stocks could be well-placed for a Christmas charge-up. The 'Santa Rally' phenomenon refers to a strong share market over the last 5 trading sessions in December, and the first 2 trading sessions in the new year. Milford Asset Management's Stephanie Batchelor unpacks the phenomenon. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The surprisingly large uptick in the amount of debt the Treasury is expected to issue in coming years will come at a cost, S&P Global Ratings warns. On Tuesday, Treasury increased its forecast bond issuance programme by a whopping 16 percent. It now believes it’ll have to issue $146 billion of New Zealand Government Bonds (debt) in the four years to 2027/28 - $20b more than forecast at the Budget in May. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Tim Wilson from Maxim Institute 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 Green Party has proposed a new bill requiring people to chip and register their cats? Is this a practical idea? Parliament has voted to strike down a bill to legalise trading on Good Friday and Easter Monday. Should we let this debate go - or will it come back again? A judge and senior lawyer made headlines for going feral at Winston Peters at the Northern Club. What should their punishments be?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fresh drinking water is an ongoing worry for those in Vanuatu following yesterday's 7.3 magnitude earthquake.  Early reports estimate hundreds are injured and more than a dozen people have died. New Zealand search and rescue teams, equipment and supplies are currently on their way. The airport is only open to humanitarian assistance - and the port is out of action. Vanuatu-based journalist Dan McGarry says power is out and water's being restored very slowly.  "We lost two large-capacity water tanks on the hills just outside of town, so water supply is going to be a continuing concern." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 18 December 2024, the hotly debated Fast-Track Approvals Bill has become law. Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop tells Ryan Bridge what happens now and when we can actually expect shovels in the ground. The Greens want to get their hands on your cats... we'll find out what they want to do with them. Is Esports real sport? Esports New Zealand are upset they're not getting any funding from High Performance Sports for the next four years. Plus, the Huddle weighs in on the feral behaviour from a judge and a senior lawyer at the prestigious Northern Club. 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.

Compulsory microchipping of pet cats could be on the cards with the introduction of a new Green Party bill.  The party is proposing a law obliging people to chip and register felines - to keep cats with owners and protect native wildlife.  MP Celia Wade-Brown says a lot of people will want it to include compulsory de-sexing, and this may come up during the select committee process.  "The first step is to get this bill to select committee so that we can hear the public's views, the experts' views, the animal welfare people." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's expectations fast-tracked projects will kick in next year.  The controversial Fast Track Approvals Bill passed its final reading in the House last night - despite heated protest in the public gallery and from Opposition MPs.  It's being characterised as a one-stop shop, facilitating consents for large-scale development, infrastructure, and mining. Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says people can apply from February - and he's certain many will start right away.  "We've got to get the expert panel set up as quickly as possible, so we're doing that work over the next six to eight weeks." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Drivers are being given the green-light to wear jandals behind the wheel. The Financial Services Ombudsman Karen Stevens has busted the myth insurance can't be claimed on a crash if the driver's wearing jandals. But she says people should still be careful. "If you know that your jandal's going to get stuck under the accelerator or there's a particular problem with the type of shoe you're wearing - then of course, you don't do that." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's disappointment that a bill has been voted down to remove trading restrictions on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. The MP conscience vote landed on 74 to 49 against it. Retail NZ says it would have allowed better competition with online websites that still operate on both public holidays.  Chief executive Carolyn Young says it's sensible to let businesses be open if they want. "People think everybody wants to have the day off with their family on that day - some people might rather work and get the penal rates and then be able to take the day-in-lieu that they get."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ACT Party won't keep pushing to remove trading restrictions from Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Politicians have toppled a bill today in a conscience vote - 74 to 49. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says it's 'incredible' the bill was voted down - considering the impact it would have on retailers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luigi Mangione, the man accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has been charged with murder as an 'act of terrorism'. Mangione received an 11-count indictment in connection to the December 4 shooting in Manhattan. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says this case has divided the nation - with many young Americans seemingly voicing support with Thompson's killing. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Olympic medal-winning sports have been given a boost in funding heading into the Los Angeles Games - but not everyone got lucky. Rowing, Yachting, Athletics and Para Athletics, Cycling and Para Cycling, and Canoe Racing and Para Canoe are the Podium sports set for extra investment over the next four years. However, Hockey New Zealand is looking at cuts to personnel and a reduction in Black Sticks fixtures after High Performance Sport NZ slashed the sport's funding by $1.4 million dollars annually. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Esports New Zealand is feeling disappointment after being left out of a funding boost ahead of the next Olympics. High Performance Sport NZ has confirmed it will invest over $160 million into various Kiwi sporting organisations over the next four years - with rowing, cycling, speed climbing and tennis among the sports set to benefit. Conor English, the President of the New Zealand Esports Federation, says this comes at at an unfortunate time, with the first-ever esport Olympics set to take place in 2025. "As a country, we are very well-placed because we've got a national sporting organisation that is in the esports area ahead of a lot of other countries, but we do need funding from the Government. And if High Performance Sport isn't going to deliver it, I guess the question is - how will we get some funding?" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UK Sport has slashed UK Athletics' funding for the  Los Angeles Olympic cycle by nearly £1.75 million - and the organisation isn't happy. It's an 8 percent cut, and there's concerns it will impact funding for training camps and athletic coaches. UK correspondent Enda Brady unpacks the controversy further.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's half-year fiscal update paints a bleak economic picture for the years ahead.  It revealed the Government's debt path is steeper than previously anticipated - and surplus won't be reached until the end of the decade. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen explains how things got to this point - and how the Government can redirect the economy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, journalist Clare de Lore and Auckland Councillor Maurice Williamson joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Government books are deeper in the red than expected - and it's going to get worse. Should the Government make harsher cuts than it is already - or introduce more taxes? Wellington City Council has voted to make a submission on the Government's Treaty Principles Bill. Is this really the council's business? The old SPQR will soon be reopened - under the new name Jacuzzi. What do we make of this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 17 December 2024,  I see red, I see red, I see red! Finance Minister Nicola Willis talks to Ryan Bridge after revealing New Zealand's financial troubles are even worse than feared.   The Chief Ombudsman says we need to treat our most dangerous prisoners better. The Black Caps finally deliver a win against England. Plus, the Huddle debates whether it's a council's job to make submissions on the Treaty Principles Bill. 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.

A new survey out of Massey University has sparked concerns surrounding the number of Kiwis using prescription drugs recreationally. One out of four survey respondents reported using pharmaceuticals for non-medicinal purposes in the previous six months. General Practice NZ chair Dr Bryan Betty says pain medications, sedatives like benzodiazepines, gabapentin and ADHD medications are most likely to be abused. "Most GPs are aware of the issue - and are very careful when prescribing these medications." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Business advocates believe the latest minimum wage increase strikes the right balance during an economic downturn. The minimum wage will rise 1.5 percent - or 35 cents an hour - to $23.50. The Government says the moderate increase reflects the current economic climate and labour market.  Employers and Manufacturers Association Advocacy Head Alan McDonald says this won't cause businesses to cut jobs - but they will be more cautious.  "If you're thinking about hiring people - and people are still hiring people - if you can get someone for $25-$26 an hour who's done a few years in the workforce and has a proven track record - are you going on someone at $23.50 who doesn't?" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.