Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

The Government says changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa should make hiring migrants easier, and protect Kiwis in low-skilled jobs.  Amendments from March include altering the median wage threshold - and reducing minimum experience requirements for lower-skilled roles.  Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says previous settings skewed the market, as low-skilled immigrant workers had to be paid the median wage.  "Which is paying them more than the Kiwi standing next to them - and it's caused huge problems for employers, who've got their Kiwi workers living there doing the same job." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christchurch's Orana Wildlife Park is moving forward, after two reviews into allegations of unreported animal deaths and an unsafe workplace.  Both found Orana lacked a clear core purpose and vision.  It's halting incoming animal transfers for six months, while it adopts all recommendations.  Board co-chair Ken Hughey says these reviews reveal what the zoo needs to do to improve conditions. "We're really clear on what we have to do in the culture space - and now we're also clear in the other spaces." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's devised a new measure for counting its coins, which gives it a more positive look. Treasury reports the Government now won't hit surplus before 2030 at the earliest, rather than 2027. But the Finance Minister says the official measure will no longer consider the $4.1 billion ACC deficit, putting the books in the black mid-2029.  Nicola Willis says the Government inherited a tough set of economic conditions. "As we look ahead, we are seeing the scars that were left by the huge spending policies of the last Government in the wake of Covid - they set us on a path that was not sustainable and we've now got the tough job of cleaning it up." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister's painting a grim picture of the economy - signalling the Government will further cut into the Public Service.  Treasury's opened its books for the half-year economic and fiscal update - showing the expected surplus has been pushed out from 2027 to beyond 2030. Nicola Willis has adjusted the way the surplus is calculated, but says come Budget Day next year, she'll be forced to make some tough decisions.  Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the Government inherited a tough situation. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two Australian families are receiving medical assistance after a group of tourists fell ill in Fiji from suspected alcohol poisoning. Seven Australians who stayed at the high-end Warwick Resort have been hospitalised, after drinking pina coladas. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Australian experts will be conducting further investigations.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A triumph to finish the test cricket year for New Zealand. They have won the third and final match against England by 423 runs in Hamilton, but lost the series 2-1. That margin equals the country’s largest triumph by runs set against Sri Lanka at Christchurch in 2018 and marked an appropriate farewell to Tim Southee after a 16-year, 107-test career. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chief Ombudsman says our treatment of New Zealand's most dangerous prisoners does not support rehabilitation.  The Prisoners of Extreme Risk Unit holds 13 of the countries worst offenders, including the Christchurch mosque shooter.  Peter Boshier says their treatment is cruel, inhuman, and degrading - breaching the UN Convention against torture.  He says his conversations with inmates raised concerns about re-integration after release. Boshier says prisoners felt 'dead', 'full of despair', or 'hopeless' in confinement.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel’s foreign minister says Israel will close its embassy in Dublin over the 'extreme anti-Israel policies of the Irish Government'.  Gideon Saar said the Republic of Ireland had crossed 'every red line'. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says Israel has voiced fury and disapproval with recent moves from Ireland.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The finance industry is approving a shake up to KiwiSaver. The Government is looking at loosening the rules about where people can put their savings - as part of a package of reforms it's considering to unlock capital. Harbour Asset Management spokesperson Shane Solly explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's growing demand for changes to building regulations to prevent new-build townhouses from overheating in the summer. Homeowners from across the nation have seen their townhouses reach temperatures exceeding 50C. Team Green Architects co-founder Sian Taylor says many townhouse windows aren't built with external shading - adding to summer heat issues. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and Child Fund CEO Josie Pagani joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  The police are facing some pushback after they took an organised cultural trip to China. Was this a bad move? The Government has announced some changes to the Local Government Act to encourage them to get back to basics and cut down on pet projects and rate rises. Do we agree with these changes?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 16 December 2024, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown tells Ryan he's looking into limiting local government rates increases as part of a big council crackdown. Assistant Police Commissioner Sam Hoyle defends a group of police officers taking a trip to China amongst concerns they might have been victims of political interference. Plus, New Zealanders use twice as much data as Australians. So what are we using it for? 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 isn't feeling too optimistic ahead of tomorrow's financial outlook update.  The Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update will give Kiwis more insight into financial and economic forecasts for the next few years - in comparison with last May's Budget. Nicola Willis says the Government's inherited some very challenging economic conditions for their first year. "Tomorrow, the Treasury will share their updated forecasts and we will share our response to that. What we've been consistent in saying is - this is a time when we need to be very careful with how we spend New Zealanders' money." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Assistant Police Commissioner says a trip police officers took to China is no different to any Kiwi going on holiday. More than 30 police staffers visited in October.  Concerns have been raised over the potential for foreign interference, but police say it was a private, self-funded trip to encourage cultural competency. Sam Hoyle says individuals paid for every little part of the trip. "Our staff are allowed to travel to China - they did all the checks and everything sensible you expect people to do to take a holiday in China if you work for the New Zealand Government." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Fijian resort at the centre of a suspected alcohol poisoning debacle is said to be cooperating with investigations. A number of Australians staying at the high-end Warwick Resort are understood to be critically ill after drinking Pina Coladas at its bar. Fiji Tourism CEO Brent Hill says investigations are underway. "The resort's been great - they're very distressed, but they have been really helpful. The bar person responsible for serving at the time has been there for 16 years, he's a long-standing employee."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The average New Zealand home chews twice as much data each month, as its Australian counterpart. Chorus recorded its busiest day for ultrafast broadband fibre on November 2, driven by an update to the video game, Fortnite. Of this year's 17 biggest spikes - 14 came from Fortnite updates. Chorus network strategy manager Kurt Rodgers says fibre is the main difference with Australia. "Fibre's really the key to having good quality broadband at home. The Australians have taken a different path, they've got multiple technologies, particularly a lot of copper." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has announced a suite of reforms set to hold councils to account. The Local Government Act is being stripped of well-being requirements - as part of Cabinet efforts to prioritise the basics.  It will also benchmark performance with a yearly report on financial and delivery outcomes.  Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the Government is helping put council decisions back into the hands of ratepayers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Local Government Act is being scrubbed of requirements to consider social, economic, environmental, and cultural well-being.  The Government says its reforms will refocus councils on basics - like fixing pipes, filling potholes, and delivering core services.  It will also benchmark council performance and modernise rules to drive cost savings.  Local Government Minister Simeon Brown says this'll stop councils spending lots of money on things they argue fit within the four well-being objectives.  "They won't be able to use that excuse when they go out to consult on their annual plans or their long-term plans as to why they want to spend money on those activities."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian Prime Minister's thanking the Indonesian President as five men arrested almost two decades ago in a drug smuggling ring have returned to Australia. Five remaining members of the group known as the Bali Nine are back on Australian soil. The group was arrested in 2005 after an attempt to smuggle more than eight kilograms of heroin out of Indonesia. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says there are still plenty of questions lingering following the release. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kane Williamson has been dismissed for 156 - after recording his 33rd test century - as New Zealand build an imposing lead over England on day three of the third test in Hamilton. Moments ago the Black Caps were 353 for five, leading by 557, with Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell at the crease. Sportstalk host Jason Pine unpacks the match. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Domestic travel prices are rising as the year draws to a close. Stats NZ says fares rose nearly 11 percent in November on the month before - the biggest lift since July last year. Aviation commentator Peter Clark says, to a degree, it's down to supply and demand.  "Then I think sometimes the airline doesn't have the supply to offer, so they capitalise on filling every seat at the last minute - and know that they can demand a fairly high fare." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's worse than somebody who doesn't give a s*** about poor people and victims of domestic violence?  Somebody who says they care about them, spends billions of dollars in vain trying to fix it and actually makes the problem worse. At the weekend, Minister Karen Chhour launched the family violence action plan, which is basically a re-do of a 25-year plan that her predecessor, Marama Davidson, launched during her three years in office. And we all know the prevailing narrative - nobody cares about the poor and the downtrodden quite like the Greens. So, they had these two very important portfolios in the last Government - homelessness and family violence. People are already trolling poor Karen over her plan, but let's take a look back at the Greens' results, shall we? And remember - in the three years prior to the Greens, it was Labour in charge. So, fellow travellers, homelessness in the Census from 2023 - which is when Labour was booted out of office - those people living in severely deprived housing was up 2.1 percent, an extra 13,000 Kiwis. So that's a big fat F for fail. Family violence - in June 2023, the numbers tell us 177,000 family harm investigations were recorded by the New Zealand police. That's a 49 percent increase on 2017. So that's a big fat Fail with a capital F. So the minister who supposedly cared more about these issues than any other, from a party who cares more deeply than any other, took our most vulnerable backwards. All that, despite being part of the highest-spending Government in this country's history, who doubled our national debt to GDP ratio and pumped hundreds of millions extra in dollars into wellbeing initiatives - and wrote a 25-year plan. What is that, anyway? What major company do you know writes a 25-year plan? It's nonsense. 10 at most, yes, but 25? Here's a prediction - by the time this plan turns 25, nobody in Parliament will remember it. The dust collected on it so thick, you could probably house the homeless underneath it. The point here is, just because somebody tells you they care more about something, it doesn't mean it's true. And most importantly - it doesn't mean they can turn care and compassion into action. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Sports Journalist Nicky Styris and Newstalk ZB Rugby Commentator Paul Allison talk all things sport.  Does Tim Southee deserve to play in the Black Caps test against England in Hamilton tomorrow?  The FIFA World Cup is going to Saudi Arabia and Kiwi's are complaining about it.  This and more on The Huddle.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is making changes to get more capital flowing around the economy.  Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bailey says he is going to make it easier for KiwiSaver funds to invest in unlisted companies and assets.  Financial Services CEO Kirk Hope talks to Ryan Bridge.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ferry debacle, what a way to finish the year! The big four trade banks are being told to become more competitive while Kiwibank'sto get a $500 million cash injection. Greyhound racing gets the chop by Winston the dog lover. Opinion polls out this week, ACT the big winner in the Curia poll. The Māori Party leadership and the Haka leader sent to the Privileges committee along with Labour's Tau Henare. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It should come as no surprise to anyone, driving on our roads is about to get more expensive. Simeon Brown's come out this afternoon and whacked tolls on 3 new highways or expressways. Otaki to north of Levin -  $2.70 for a car. $5.40 for a truck. Takitimu North Link - that's the Tauranga to Te Puna. 4 lanes. $2.10 off peak. $3.10 peak. Double that for trucks. Penlink in Auckland - $2 off peak. $3 peak. Again.... trucks double. These prices will increase with inflation. This does not bother me at all, in fact, I welcome it. If we keep relying on governments to fund infrastructure off their balance sheet with borrowing, we'll keep getting the same woeful results we have thus far. Roads that are shoddy and unsafe. Roads that aren't big enough or wide enough. And not enough roads being built to drive regional economic growth. The last government cancelled a bunch of RONS and put some of that money into public transport instead. Hopefully if a road has a toll attached to it it'll be harder to justify them doing that when they get it next time. What we don't yet know is whether existing roads will be tolled, which I don't think is a fair thing to do. The government has changed the rules to allow tolling of existing roads if a new corridor or extension is being added. But it hasn't yet been specific - does that mean the whole road or just the new bit. They need to clarify that cause it's hardly fair if you've bought a house and commute you ran your sums on the basis it wasn't tolled... if they turn round and whack you with a charge then that's not on. On the whole I say build the roads. We'll pay for them. Just get it done.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday,13 December 2024, the Government has agreed to toll three new roads following public consultation - Transport Minister Simeon Brown explains the decision. Far-right expert Byron Clark talks about officials u-turn on allowing Candice Owens into New Zealand. Plus the Sports Huddle debates whether or not Papua New Guinea should have been given their NRL licence. 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.

President Yoon vowed to “fight until the last moment” on Thursday, in his second public appearance since his unsuccessful martial law gambit. Yoon lashed out at critics of his failed attempt last week to impose military rule on the country. Han Dong-hoon, leader of the ruling People Power party, signalled he was preparing to support Yoon’s impeachment on Saturday. On Wednesday, South Korea’s corruption investigation office for high-ranking officials reportedly said it would seek the detention and arrest of President Yoon Suk Yeol if conditions are met. Asia Business Correspondent Peter Lewis talks to Ryan Bridge. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hospitals in England are being hit by a "tidal wave" of flu and other winter viruses, NHS bosses say. Data released showed there were an average of nearly 1,900 beds occupied by flu patients last week – up 70% on the week before. The service is running at near bed capacity and getting worse. UK Correspondent Gavin Grey joins the show to discuss this and more. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Controversial US Commentator Candace Owens has been granted a visa to work in New Zealand. This comes as Owens initial visa denial was overturned by Associate Minister Chris Penk. Her visa was denied last month after the cancellation of her Australian work visa.  Owens began her career as a conservative activist.  Author and expert on far-right and alt-right extremism Byron Clark joins Ryan Bridge to discuss.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is back to brainstorming for the Holidays Act, after feedback on the initial plan revealed it could make things worse.  The legislation was set to be changed two years ago, but officials will now begin work on an hours-based accrual model for annual leave.  Workplace Relations Minister Brooke Van Velden said the law is so complicated that even government departments have got it wrong.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has agreed to new tolling in order to expedite investment in roads.  Three new roads now come with a toll, all in the North Island.  Transport Minister Simeon Brown has also set out a new plan to make it easier to set up new toll roads.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christopher Luxon gives his review of the parliamentary press gallery as he nears the end of his first year as Prime Minister. Luxon said his past year was ‘like driving a car, finding it in a ditch, writing it and then getting it back on the road’ Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says there has been no buffer for national government. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to shut down the Department of Education, a promise he made during his campaign. The President to be is also made Time’s person of the year. Biden commutes roughly 1,500 sentences and pardons 39 people in the biggest single-day act of clemency. His son Hunter Biden is among those pardoned. Gen Z to the rescue? How malls are winning over a generation of in-person shoppers. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This weekend’s cricket will see an end to Tim Southee’s career in his 107th match. The Black Cap’s ‘lost comfortably’ in both Wellington and Christchurch. Can Auckland FC make it seven from seven this weekend? Sportstalk host Jason Pine said it’ll be tough as they play Melbourne FC on Saturday night. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Motorcyclists are calling the latest ACC levy increase “punitive and inequitable,” as they set to increase by 80% over the next three years. The levies will rise to $532. Motorbike Advocacy Group New Zealand spokesperson Terry Leach said the group has lodged a complaint to the human rights commission. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bowel cancer rates in England have soared among under-50s - leaving experts concerned. New studies suggest more adults are developing early-onset bowel cancer worldwide, with figures across New Zealand, Chile, and Puerto Rico spiking annually. UK correspondent Enda Brady puts this increase down to processed food and unhealthy diets becoming more common. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tech giant Google has unveiled its third-generation quantum chip, 'Willow'. The chip can solve problems at remarkable speeds, and experts are considering it a significant leap forward. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explains what this means for investors. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand’s primary sector export revenue is expected to jump by 7 percent to $56.9 billion in the June 2025 year after contracting in 2024, the Ministry for Primary Industries says.  MPI, in its Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries report, also expects that growth to be sustained, with revenue forecast to hit $58.3b in the June 2026 year. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister's set to update the country on the state of the books next week, and experts aren't feeling too optimistic. Nicola Willis will reveal whether or not the nation is still on track to reach surplus in 2027-2028.   NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann explains why he's not feeling too hopeful about this target. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 12 December 2024, Solicitor-General Una Jagose KC explains why she rewrote the much criticised prosecution guidelines - and why race doesn't feature in the new ones. ACT leader and Associate Finance Minister David Seymour talks about the new ferries - and how much exactly they will cost. Plus, the Huddle weighs in on news that Wellington's in for another crazy rate hike after the council failed to save enough money.   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, Infrastructure NZ's Nick Leggett and Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Solicitor-General has revised her prosecution guidelines - saying people misunderstood what she meant when she told prosecutors to 'think carefully' before charging a person who is Māori. Do we agree with this move? 24 hours on from the Government's infamous ferry announcement - what do we think?  Wellington City Council is in damage-control mode after the latest draft budget proposed a 15.9 percent rates rise for the next financial year. Mayor Tory Whanau says she wants to bring that down - does this seem believable? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The cost of the Government's new Cook Strait ferries is still unknown - but ACT's David Seymour has offered up some clarity.  On social media, David Seymour said it'd cost 'approximately half' of Labour's proposal - which was projected to be between three and four billion dollars.  But Winston Peters says that's not accurate.  Seymour says people have taken his words too literally.  "When I said half, what I meant is - it's going to be a lot less, like when someone says it's half the price. Often, they don't literally mean half, they mean it's just a lot less, and that's what it will be." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A defence and security expert says the Kiwi 'bumbling jihadi' is New Zealand's problem, but it's difficult to get him.  Mark John Taylor is believed to still be in Syria - but has been charged in Wellington today under the Terrorism Suppression Act. Massey University security expert John Battersby says the ISIL supporter has no travel documents and New Zealand has no representation in Syria.  "The possibility of us being connected back with him is actually pretty remote." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Solicitor-General's spoken out over public pressure to change the prosecution guidelines.  Una Jagose had advised prosecutors to think carefully about particular decisions when a person is Māori. She's now scrapped any mention of race in the official guidelines.  In a rare media interview, Jagose says the previous version simply lacked clarity. "It led people to understand that I was saying there were two different approaches - one for Māori and one for everyone else. That was quite the opposite to what I was intending to say." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A city councillor says more can be done to stop Wellington's rates rising further. Draft council budget figures predict 15.9 percent rises for the 2025-26 financial year - with a portion for wastewater treatment included, dubbed the sludge levy. Councillor Tony Randle says there's still time to make cuts, or ratepayers will feel the pain. "This is just bad news for a council, really, that says it's trying to make hard decisions - but it hasn't made hard decisions." Mayor Tory Whanau is promising staff are aiming to reduce the increase. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Peters has fired back at speculation about how much the new Cook Strait ferries. The Government won't reveal how much they'll pay to replace the service - but ACT's David Seymour claimed it would cost approximately half of the cost of Labour's proposal. Newstalk ZB political correspondent Barry Soper says this is an especially challenging time for Winston Peters.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Being overweight or obese has overtaken smoking as the top risk factor contributing to health problems in 2024, new data shows. The Australian Burden of Disease Study 2024 estimates that Australians lost 5.8m years of healthy life due to living with illness and injury - or premature death. While smoking has previously been the lead factor contributing to poor health later on in life - being overweight has since beaten it out. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says experts are calling for sugar taxes and less marketing of junk food to children. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Papua New Guinea will have an NRL team from 2028, becoming the first-non-Australian-based club since the Warriors were established in 1995. Australian Rugby League chairman Peter V'Landys says the majority of the $660 million investment into the PNG side will be spent on the development system. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christmas and New Year's leave has been cancelled for military personnel set to cover for striking from non-uniform staff. The Defence Minister last month invoked the Defence Act, letting uniformed servicemen and woman fill the gaps. Advocacy group Mission Homefront has written to Judith Collins - saying that's unprecedented and unacceptable. Co-founder Hayden Ricketts says uniformed staff already give so much. "You know, those uniformed staff have worked their butts off during the Covid-19 response, they occupied and looked after our country and MIQ and the managed isolation facilities, they've done their best through Cyclone Gabrielle." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.