Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

There's growing concern about a wave of newly-released British jihadists returning to the UK from Syrian prisons. The UK Government is keeping a close eye on the possibility of any of the British jihadists detained in camps returning to UK shores. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says there were potentially 'dozens' of British jihadists that had been captured while fighting for the Islamic State group. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2024 is nearly over - so which companies did the best on the New Zealand stock exchange for the year? Tower Insurance leads the pack, off the back of a series of upgraded earnings and regained inclusion back in the NZX50 Index. Milford Asset Management's Jeremy Hutton unpacked the winners and the losers for the year. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A significant decision from the Court of Appeal could see Gloriavale shut down its' operations for good. The court has thrown out an injunction that prevented BNZ from closing the West Coast Christian community's accounts. BNZ attempted to stop doing business with Gloriavale in 2022, after the community's child labour usage breached its human rights policy. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny unpacks the wider implications of this verdict. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A and Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! What do we make of the the ferry announcement-for-an-announcement? There's still a lot of lingering questions following the Government's latest update - how much will they cost? What do we make of this process? And what does it mean for the coalition?  Labour's Chris Hipkins is inferring racism after noting only Māori MPs got sent to the Privileges Committee following the haka in Parliament? What do we think of this? Why do we think people are fawning over the alleged killer of the UnitedHealthcare CEO? Is this glorifying violence? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 11 December 2024, there's more questions than answers after the Government announced it will buy two new Cook Strait ferries. Newly appointed Minister for Rail Winston Peters tells Ryan Bridge why he's not saying how much they'll cost though. The PSA is taking legal action against the Government for limiting working from home for public servants, so what's it got to do with women? Plus, the Huddle talks about the hype and celebration around the man accused of murdering a health boss in broad daylight in New York. 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 latest card spending data from November indicates Kiwis are keeping their expenses down for another month. Kiwibank reports claim the value of spending dropped 2.5 percent in November and new ANZ data shows a drop of 1.2 percent year on year. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen says there's hope for the economy - as we're seeing early green shoots ahead of the Christmas season. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's concern among petrol station owners, following BNZ signalling its lending period for fossil fuels is ending. BNZ has informed one business lending to petrol store owners will end - and the bank needs all debt repaid by 2030.  The bank says it's an economic decision, as they're foreseeing people switching to electric vehicles.  An anonymous owner of multiple rural petrol stations says the decision hurts farmers, who will still need diesel. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland Airport has unveiled the scale of the delays today following an IT issue. A fault with a fibre network provider's domains cut the internet to a number of businesses, including international check-ins. It meant airlines had to manually check people in, causing several flights to be delayed. The airport's chief operating officer, Chloe Surridge, says it caused a lot of disruption, until switching providers fixed the issue. "There were 40 airlines running on delays in departures - and that kinda has a knock-on effect to probably about 20 arriving slightly delayed as well." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Peters is tip-toeing around whether New Zealand First will get the rail-enabled Cook Strait ferries it campaigned for. The Government has announced it'll set up a new company to procure new Interislander vessels - and has made Peters the Minister for Rail.  It's almost a year since the coalition scrapped Labour's contract for buying two mega-ferries that would have joined up rail across the two islands. Nicola Willis says the new ferries will be smaller and rail-capable, but not fully rail enabled. Peters says he's conceded nothing. He says he's taken on railways in the past - and dramatically turned them around - and people should ask the Maritime Union if they have confidence in him. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are school prizegivings harmful or helpful? Discussions have surfaced as the school year comes to a close.  Auckland Grammar headmaster, Tim O'Connor, says prizegivings are an opportunity to celebrate student achievement. He says it doesn't mean everyone should get an award.  "It's a ritual or a trait of education where, actually, we should learn how to be a contributing member of our community - and that includes being able to respect high-level achievement." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister has put on a brave face in the House today, deflecting question after question on a somewhat lacklustre announcement concerning the new ferries. The Government has revealed the next steps for replacing the ageing Interislander ships - but experts have raised a few questions. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says it feels like the Government's gone completely off track. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The man charged with allegedly shooting a top health insurance chief executive in New York carried a manifesto of grievances - indicating a possible motive behind the attack. Luigi Mangione, 26, has been accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson, triggering a nationwide manhunt. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says Mangione yelled at the officers, media and other attendees ahead of a hearing on extraditing him to New York. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Crusaders playmaker - and former Wallaby - James O'Connor is calling for All Blacks to remain eligible for test selection while playing for Australian Super Rugby clubs. New Zealand Rugby are holding firm on their policy of only selecting players based at home, despite All Blacks coach Scott Robertson urging them to keep an open mind. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Public Service Association has filed a claim with the Employment Relations Authority to stop the Government restricting flexible workplace practices. The PSA has argued the new directives on working from home violate its existing agreement with the Government.  Fleur Fitzsimons, the acting National Secretary of the PSA, says the Government has failed to take the Gender Pay Principles into account. "One of them is that agencies normalise flexible and part-time working arrangements for all employees. So our concern, really, is that the recent Government directive has failed to take into account the commitments under the Gender Pay Principles." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Britain’s King Charles III is 'fighting very hard' in his battle with cancer, according to President-elect Donald Trump’s account of a conversation he had with Prince William. Trump told the New York Post that he had asked William about the health of his wife and his father, who both received treatment for undisclosed forms of cancer this year. UK correspondent Enda Brady said that the royals had to issue a clarification about King Charles' health following the sit-down. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's central bank has opted to keep rates on hold in its final meeting of 2024 - the same position it's held all year. The RBA did soften its language a bit, and revealed the board had 'some confidence' that inflation was heading back to target. HSBC Chief Economist Paul Bloxham predicted rates would come down by 2025. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following a significant lift in September, farmer confidence has surged again to the highest level since 2017. According to Rabobank's final Rural Confidence Survey for 2024,  farmer confidence in the broader agri-economy has risen from 3 percent to 34 percent. The Country's Jamie Mackay unpacks the factors behind this lift. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Ali Jones from Red PR and Kiwiblog writer and Curia pollster David Farrar joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Treaty Principles Bill - David's done polling for Hobson's Pledge looking into support for or against the bill. What did we make of the findings? Greyhound racing - what do we think of the Government's ban on the sport? Is this the right call? A Reserve Bank consultation has shown Kiwis are still keen on physical coins and banknotes. But do we like the idea more than the reality? Do we still carry cash? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most New Zealanders are still keen on using physical cash, a new Reserve Bank consultation has found.  Their online survey drew in over 18,000 respondents, with many worried digital money would replace banknotes and coins. The central bank's Director of Money and Cash, Ian Woolford, says people are worried about privacy and control when it comes to money. "It's a personal choice - money is quite a personal thing and it's quite natural for people to have concerns about people monitoring their use." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 10 December 2024, Racing Minister Winston Peters has called time on the Greyhound Racing Industry. Winston Peters tells Ryan Bridge why he decided to make the move now but Greyhound Racing CEO Edward Rennell says the industry has been blindsided.   Consumer NZ is celebrating news that the Commerce Commission will file charges against three supermarkets accusing them of displaying inaccurate pricing. Plus the Huddle debates news from the Reserve Bank that the vast majority of Kiwis still want to keep using cash. 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.

Supporters of New Zealand's greyhound racing industry are voicing their disapproval with the Government's latest decision. Racing Minister Winston Peters confirmed the sport will be phased out over the next 20 months - with the ban drawing cross-party support. Greyhound Racing NZ Chief Executive Edward Rennell says the industry is blindsided by this news - and they're looking to go through a select committee process.  "We will certainly go through a select committee process and outline why we believe there is a place for greyhound racing - and why we believe it should continue." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's support for teaching Kiwi students about healthy relationships and consent as part of a refresh of school sex education standards. Gender and sexuality guidelines are being removed - and an expert group will rewrite the curriculum.  An Education Review Office report has found too much inconsistency in what's taught. Advocacy group Rape Prevention Education's Debbi Tohill says young people need to really understand what consent means.  "We can't begin early enough, I don't think, to be talking to our children about consent." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Several big summer music festivals will not have drug testing this year, according to New Zealand's main drug checking agency for events. KnowYourStuffNZ has confirmed seven upcoming festivals - which they had previously attended - had declined their services. Rhythm and Alps general manager Harry Gorringe says they're expecting about 10,000 people each day. He says it's a shame there'll be no testing - but they'll be working to make it as safe as possible. "We have medical staff, security staff, police on site to maintain and watch the intoxication levels of patrons." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Consumer NZ says inaccurate pricing and misleading specials could collectively cost customers millions of dollars. The Commerce Commission has filed criminal charges against Woolworths NZ and two individual Pak’n Saves - accusing them of breaching the Fair Trading Act.  It says investigations are ongoing.  Consumer chief executive Jon Duffy says minor amounts for individual shoppers are significant when it's nationwide and happening every day.  "If every shopper's going to one of the other supermarkets that's been charged 50 cents extra that they shouldn't have been charged for their baked beans - actually, that really adds up." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Peters says supporters of greyhound racing shouldn't be too shocked by the Government's ban on the industry.  The Racing Minister has revealed plans are in motion to wind it down over 20 months, giving time to rehome almost 3,000 racing dogs. Legislation has also passed in the house under urgency today to prevent the greyhounds being killed as a result.  Peters says there's been multiple reviews calling on authorities to act in the best interest of the dogs. "There've been three reviews - 2013, 2017 and 2021 - which all pointed to the need to act in the interests of the dogs." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Speaker of the House has ruled on MPs from Te Pati Maori and Labour - for their role in the haka in the House protesting the Treaty Principles Bill. Gerry Brownlee has referred Labour’s Peeni Henare and Te Pāti Māori’s Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, Rawiri Waititi, and Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke to the Privileges Committee. Newstsalk ZB political correspondent Barry Soper says the group violated the 'sanctity' of Parliament - and the rules need to be upheld.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's no Christmas gift for Australian mortgage holders - as the central bank has left rates unchanged again. The Reserve Bank of Australia has kept the OCR in place at 4.35 percent, in line with expectations from economists. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says this will come as a blow to Prime Minister Albanese - as the cost of living crisis is set to be a hot-button issue for voters ahead of the election. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The legal expert leading the team representing Gloriavale leavers is calling on the Government to act now and protect the victims of the community. BNZ has been given clearance to close Gloriavale's bank accounts after the Employment Court found a number of former members had worked since the age of six - with many subjected to physical punishment. Lawyer Brian Henry says the residents of the community need to be freed from the 'tyranny' of the leaders and given a new start in society. "There are people inside there who need to be freed from the tyranny of what's going on there and re-set up in society where they get a decent education for their children - and they have the opportunity to live life as free people." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Notre Dame Cathedral hosted its first mass over the weekend since the devastating fire of 2019. The event was attended by  2,500 people, including French President Emmanuel Macron - as well as dignitaries, clergy and a few lucky members of the general public.  UK correspondent Gavin Grey says 170 bishops from around the world, were also in attendance. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is taking action and giving Kiwibank a financial boost in order to bolster banking competition. A new Commerce Commission report on banking has found the sector isn't competitive enough - and offered up14 recommendations. Harbour Asset Management spokesperson Shane Solly says this is an important step - and signals key changes to come. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is looking to shake up how builders can meet insulation standards for new homes in a bid to reduce building costs. Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk has proposed several new changes - with a consultation period set to take place until February. New Zealand Certified Builders Association CEO Malcolm Fleming says this shows the Government is taking industry opinions into account. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and Josie Pagani from Child Fund joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Government plans to inject more capital into Kiwibank in a bid to beef up competition among the banks off the back of a new Commerce Commission report. Will this work? Two new polls out tonight - and they're not looking too great for National or Labour. How can they turn their luck around? Businesses across Auckland have hit out at Auckland Transport over their 'bus to the mall' Christmas campaign. Is this a bad look for AT?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 9 December 2024, Finance Minister Nicola Willis announces how she'll inject $500 million into Kiwibank to boost banking competition. Former US ambassador to Syria Robert Ford speaks about the latest situation in Syria after Assad's fled to Russia. Plus, The Huddle debates whether AT has lost all its marbles after telling people to catch the bus to the mall. 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 ensure New Zealanders get access to more competitive banking services. A Commerce Commission report on banking has found the sector isn't competitive enough - and the Government is looking to make some changes. Nicola Willis says she doesn't want to threaten the banks, but she's hoping for better results for Kiwis. "That means fairer prices, that means more innovative services, that means a better range of services. And what the Commerce Commission - and others - have said is that we lack robust competition in our banking sector." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The police have missed out on a $6 million funding incentive for failing to issue enough speeding tickets.  The Transport Minister promised earlier in the year that police could expect to receive $72 million as part of their funding from NZTA - if certain road policing targets were met.  AA Road Safety spokesperson Dylan Thomsen says police managed to exceed alcohol testing targets this quarter - which the association is pleased to see. "Really, this is just part of a huge push from the Government here to increase the amount of enforcement around alcohol and drugs and speeding." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TAB's boss is applauding Government moves to extend its monopoly. Racing Minister Winston Peters has announced plans for legislation to ensure the TAB can be the sole online provider of sports and race betting - as well as in person. Peters has expressed concerns about overseas betting sites. TAB chief executive Nick Roberts says bringing it back to New Zealand will grow revenue and funding. "It enables the support and growth of racing and sport in New Zealand - which is really what we're about here at TAB New Zealand." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's beefing up Kiwibank - at the request of the Commerce Commission. Its report on banking has found the sector isn't competitive enough, and offered up 14 recommendations. Simplicity co-founder Sam Stubbs says the banks would be foolish to ignore Government warnings. He says the Prime Minister's telling the banks - the game is up. "Remember, the only person that can seriously do damage to the big banks in New Zealand is the Government, because they've got regulation powers." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former US Ambassador to Syria says the collapse of the more-than-50-year Assad Regime in Syria is a happy coincidence for the US.  Leader Bashar al-Assad has fled Damascus for political asylum in Moscow.  US President Joe Biden's called it a 'historic opportunity' to build a better future.  Former ambassador Robert Ford says Biden shouldn't take credit - and Assad's control of major cities was very brittle.  "When pushed - that is, to say, when a serious armed opposition attack came - his soldiers didn't stand and fight. Instead, they ran away." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's helping boost competition in banking by bolstering Kiwibank.  The Commerce Commission recently painted the banking landscape as an oligopoly in a review - pointing to the domination by the big four Australian players.  Today, Prime Minister Chris Luxon's announced he wants to implement all its 14 recommendations and disrupt the status quo.  Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this boost won't make Kiwibank an equal to the big four in Australia - but a cash boost is good for consumers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Australia, new polls paint a grim picture for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. A national Newspoll reveals Albanese's approval rating had dropped to 44 percent, with Peter Dutton's rating surging to 60 percent. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says these results make a hung parliament seem more and more likely ahead of the election. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Debate is building as to whether Tim Southee will play a 107th and final valedictory test in the dead rubber match at Hamilton this week. New Zealand are 2-nil down in the three-match series against England. Sportstalk host Jason Pine weighed up the odds ahead of the match. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland Transport has been forced to scale back its 'bus to the mall' campaign after facing pushback from local business owners. The campaign included a singing bus stop in Newmarket - but more controversially, billsticker posters placed throughout Auckland’s small retail villages. Karangahape Road business owner Muy Chhour says this campaign is a 'kick in the guts' to local business owners in Auckland. "It's not good at all - it tarnishes the relationships with business districts and Auckland Transport. It takes away the customers from local businesses and takes them to the mall." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The judiciary think that they are the ones writing laws, and they can just ignore what parliament wants, and they can call all the shots, and they act like parliament is full of a bunch of idiots and we need to be saved from them. The court of appeal decision was only one of the examples of this.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sports Commentator Andrew Gourdie and Sports Journalist and Commentator Lavina Good join Heather for The Huddle. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you're looking at the headlines about the boot camp trial today - these kids running away and one of them dying in a car crash, and your immediate reaction to this is to think that this is a complete shambles, then I reckon you are looking at this the wrong way. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland FC will host the Wellington Phoenix in front of a sold-out Mt Smart stadium tomorrow afternoon. The home team remain unbeaten. Wellington Phoenix Head Coach Giancarlo Italiano talks to Heather du Plessis-Allan ahead of the match. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Open banking firm ‘Revolut’ has applied to become a registered bank in New Zealand. Revolut already offers a “one stop-shop" money management app here with payment, card and money management services. It says with a banking license it could further offer things like credit cards, consumer loans and mortgages.   Massey University Banking Expert Claire Matthews joins the show. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 6 December 2024, two people have absconded from the Governments new bootcamps - Act Party Leader David Seymour reacts to Labours call to shut the program down. Secondary Principals Association Vaughan Couillault talks about more disappointing NCEA results - with only 55% of students passing the compulsory numeracy tests.  Plus, Wellington Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano previews the sold out derby at Mt Smart Stadium.  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.

South Korean Lawmakers Move To Impeach President Yoon  South Korean MPs have begun impeachment proceedings against President Yoon Suk Yeol hours after thwarting his shock move on Tuesday to impose martial law. This has triggered the country’s worst constitutional crisis in decades. The president had said martial law was needed to protect the country from "North Korea's communist forces" and to "eliminate anti-state elements” and “normalise the country”. The order was unanimously rejected by the opposition-controlled legislature. Chinese Exporters Front-Load Shipments To Dodge Trump Tariffs Exporters from China, Canada and Mexico are seeking to front-load shipments to the US after president-elect Donald Trump pledged to impose new levies on goods from the three countries on his first day in office. At a giant supply chain expo in Beijing last week, logistics company representatives said the number of customers asking about bringing forward shipments had increased following Trump’s threat to impose an extra 10% tariff on Chinese goods, the Financial Times reported. EU To Crack Down On Asian Online Retailers Temu & Shein The EU is preparing a crackdown on the growing flood of packages from Asian online retailers such as Temu and Shein, following a big increase in ecommerce that largely evades EU custom checks, according to the Financial Times. The bloc’s safety authorities have detected a growing number of dangerous and counterfeit goods, many of which are dispatched directly to consumers. Asia Business Correspondent Peter Lewis talks to Heather du Plessis-Allan. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

French President Emmanuel Macron makes a national tv address after Prime Minister Michel Barnier was ousted in a no-confidence vote. The presidency says Barnier will remain in office on a caretaker basis with his ministers until a new government was appointed. But will anyone want the job seemed doomed to failure over cost-cutting tax-rising aims? Cash use in UK shops rose for a second year in a row after a decade of falls. According to retailers notes and coins were used in a fifth of transactions last year, as shoppers found cash helped them to budget better. The amount spent per purchase dropped slightly. Prince Harry said his life in the US is what his mother Princess Diana would have "wanted" for him. He added his family were able to access a degree of privacy and freedom they "undoubtedly wouldn't be able to do in the UK" due to concerns around security. UK Correspondent Gavin Grey joins the show. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.