Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

New Zealand's business sector seems to be taking a turn for the optimistic, according to new data from 2degrees. The latest Shaping Business Study says 18 percent of business leaders feel like their companies are thriving, 34 percent feel more optimistic about the future and 53 percent anticipate revenue growth. 2degrees Chief Business Officer Andrew Fairgray says the change in Government and improved global environment is helping boost the mood of the business community. "We're starting to see more businesses seeing the benefit of using digital technology to support their businesses, we're seeing the global environment starting to improve - hopefully people are starting to realise there is opportunity to move forward." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's business sector seems to be taking a turn for the optimistic, according to new data from 2degrees. The latest Shaping Business Study says 18 percent of business leaders feel like their companies are thriving, 34 percent feel more optimistic about the future and 53 percent anticipate revenue growth. 2degrees Chief Business Officer Andrew Fairgray says the change in Government and improved global environment is helping boost the mood of the business community. "We're starting to see more businesses seeing the benefit of using digital technology to support their businesses, we're seeing the global environment starting to improve - hopefully people are starting to realise there is opportunity to move forward." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's environment spokesperson has called for the Government to front up about the kinds of projects aiming to be fast-tracked under new legislation. Under the new legislation, anyone who wanted to get a project fast-tracked had the opportunity to submit an application by the end of April 2024. Labour's Rachel Brooking says the public deserves to have a say on the types of projects that get approved. "We want to know now, so we know what we're talking about. And at the moment, we can only guess that it's going to be a coal mine in a kiwi habitat - because of what ministers like Shane Jones say." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Justice Minister has announced a suite of changes designed to clamp down on criminals. These measures include capping sentence discounts at 40 percent, making serious retail crime an aggravating factor, and encouraging cumulative sentencing for offences committed on bail or parole. Minister Paul Goldsmith says more judges have applied discounts to sentences - diminishing the consequences of crime. "That sends a very clear signal from Parliament, which is a reflection of very widespread concerns in the community around violent crime. That's the message we're going to send - and I'm confident it will be registered." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lauren Dickason could be freed this decade after murdering her three daughters in Timaru in September 2021. She's been given three concurrent 18-year sentences today, with no minimum non-parole period. She'll be eligible for parole in six years. ZB court reporter Blake Benny says Dickason will begin her sentence in a secure mental health facility. "There, she'll undergo compulsory treatment - in following that, mental health experts will make that call on whether she's reached the point of actually being mentally well enough to then be transferred to prison." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Energy Minister says there are clear signs of a communications failure at Transpower. Simeon Brown's given officials 12-weeks to report back on investigations into a transmission tower toppling last week leaving thousands in Northland without power. Brown says there was a significant lack of information last Thursday after the pylon fell. "There was no explanation given, publicly, by this entity until Monday - I think that was, frankly, unacceptable. And actually, they should be owning up to what happened and explaining that to the public." Transpower says maintenance workers removed the nuts from three of the tower's legs, before it fell. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heavy rain and high tides are set to tear through the East Coast, and locals have been warned to take cover. States of local emergency continue for the Wairoa District and the Hastings Heretaunga Ward, after torrential rain has closed roads across Hawke's Bay and Tairawhiti. Wairoa looks to have fared the worst, with 100 homes flooded and 130 people evacuated, and warnings of heavy weather will still apply until 11pm. Wairoa mayor Craig Little says locals need to stay vigilant. "Our high tide comes back at 9pm tonight, and then if the rain doesn't stop and it all comes together - we could have the same effect of what happened this morning." Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst says 140 families have been asked to leave their home. "I know there's an inconvenience of being with friends and family for another night, but we are concerned about high tides." State Highway 2 has reopened between Napier and Wairoa. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Officials say Wairoa has had the worst of the storm battering the East Coast. States of emergency have been declared in the Wairoa District and Heretaunga Ward, with torrential rain closing roads and caused hundreds of evacuations overnight. Heavy rain warnings have lifted for Tairawhiti, but continue until 11pm in Hawke's Bay. Wairoa is cut off by slips - and the Emergency Response Minister Mark Mitchell will be flying in by helicopter. He's unlocked $100,000 each for the mayoral funds for Hastings, Wairoa and Tairawhiti. Mitchell says people in Wairoa have had to leave flooded homes. "I know that the memorial hall is filled with people, the number I was given was about 100 people. Houses have been evacuated - it's the swell that's made the big difference." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Princess Anne is the latest royal with a health issue after suffering minor head injuries thought to be caused by a horse. It's believed the Princess was kicked by a horse while walking on her Gloucestershire estate on Sunday night. UK correspondent Enda Brady says she's been hospitalised - but she's in good spirits. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's concerns that the Warehouse's top level salaries don't match the company's declining performance. The Warehouse Group's shares fell to a record low of $0.97 after forecasting earnings would fall at least 64 percent year-on-year. Former chief executive Nick Grayston was paid $2.79 million, out-earning his retail counterparts in the 2023 financial year. Shareholders' Association Chief Executive Oliver Mander unpacks this further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Struggling dairy manufacturer Synlait has asked shareholders to vote in favour of a $130 million lifeline from Chinese shareholder Bright Dairy. The company said a2′s vote would be influential in deciding if the critical shareholder loan needed to pay off bank debt due July 15 went ahead. The Country's Rowena Duncum says the situation's looking dire for Synlait. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwis’ confidence in the job market took a dive over the past three months, according to a survey conducted for Westpac. The bank reported its confidence index, which measures responses to five questions related to employment prospects, fell by 13 points to 91.4 in the June quarter. Infometrics principal economist Brad Olsen explains why less people are feeling optimistic. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A political blame game around Cook Strait ferries. KiwiRail, Maritime New Zealand, and the Transport Accident Investigation Commission are all investigating Interislander's Aratere, which ran aground on Friday after experiencing steering issues. The Government pulled the plug on new mega-ferries and upgraded portside infrastructure, soon after taking power. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacks the controversy further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 25 June 2024, the Government will extend its Covid inquiry to cover lockdowns, vaccine mandates and efficacy. Things get heated when Associate Minister Nicole McKee tells Heather why she had to water down her Three Strikes bill so much. NZ Rugby has posted a $8.9 million dollar net loss for the last year. CEO Mark Robinson speaks to Heather about how he thinks the financial fortunes can be turned around. Plus, the Huddle debates news that Julian Assange has walked free after striking a plea deal with the United States. 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 Government relations consultant Kaine Thompson joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Government has announced a second Covid inquiry into the economic and societal impacts of lockdowns, restrictions and vaccine mandates. Is this necessary? The new Three Strikes reigime has been introduced to the House today - what do we think? Is it too watered-down? Julian Assange is free now - what happens next? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Rugby has posted an $8.9 million dollar net loss for 2023 - the second deficit in a row. Although spending was reduced from the year prior, a drop in broadcast and match day revenue in a World Cup year saw income fall by $3 million to $268 million dollars. NZ Rugby CEO Mark Robinson says there's work to be done for the future. "What we're spending more time on is looking at our strategy - and the role that each of our different stakeholder groups has to play in the game and trying to build more alignment on that." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hamilton city councillor Andrew Bydder is on the defence, after delivering an expletive-laden rant to a neighbouring council. In a letter directed at Waipā District Council, Bydder used derogatory language to voice his displeasure with the placement of a third bridge in Cambridge. He has since claimed he tried to be polite to the council - but it never got him anywhere. "I did this because it cannot be ignored. It was the only way to get a reaction, and to get the issue dealt with. I'd rather not do it this way, but if it's the only way they react, then I have to." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Associate Justice Minister is urging the public to submit on proposed three-strike laws. A Bill to reinstate the sentencing is being introduced to Parliament today, but it won't include sentences under two years. Minister Nicole McKee says it is fit for purpose. "I think that we need to go harsh and hard on our criminals, especially those serious violent ones - but I also think that we need to have some sort of out for the lower-level offending." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's hope WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange will be back in Australia by the week's end. Wikileaks says the 52-year-old has left a UK prison, after reaching a deal with US authorities. The BBC is reporting Assange was likely to plead guilty to a charge of conspiracy to obtain and disclose US national defence information, in a deal giving him freedom. Australian Greens Senator, David Shoebridge, says people across the country's political spectrum have been demanding his release. "We want him to be dipping his feet in the sand of an Australian beach before the week is out." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Key figures in our Covid-19 response could have to give evidence publicly for phase two of the Government inquiry. Its focus is vaccine efficacy and safety, Auckland and Northland's extended lockdowns and the disruption to health, education, and business. Phase One examined the lessons learned from the pandemic. Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden says it's possible Dame Jacinda Ardern and Sir Ashley Bloomfield could be among those needing to appear. "It could be a range of different people. Like I say, I can't give a guarantee on what that will look like, because that's up to the Commission at the end of the day." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I think we can all see the Nats stuffed up the 13 cancer drugs announcement on so many levels.They should never have promised specific drugs, that's Pharmac's job. But having promised them for the first year, they shouldn't have then broken that promise by leaving them out of the Budget. And then, it's never really a good look if you finally get dragged to delivering on your promise because of public outrage.But having said all of that - sometimes I think we get a little too caught up on the political shenanigans and not focus enough on the end point.And how good is the end point? We have just had the single biggest injection of cash into Pharmac ever, we've had more cancer drugs than ever promised to be delivered in one go.That announcement yesterday of 54 new drugs wiped more a third off Pharmac’s wishlist.Between the $600 million yesterday and the $1.7 billion announced in the Budget, this Government - which hasn’t even been in power for 9 months - has pumped $2.3 billion into Pharmac.Now, I'm of the view that Pharmac is one of the most important things any Government funds, because it is literally the difference for some people between life and death. And those people are people who, more often that not, have paid their taxes diligently and just been good people. And good, normal, law-abiding Kiwis, I think, deserve access to as many drugs to save their lives as other people in the western world.I will never complain about Pharmac getting more money, however we end up in that situation.So in the end, I'm weirdly grateful for National stuffing this up, because we’ve ended up funding 54 new drugs we didn't have funded a couple of days ago. And that's the thing that really matters, isn’t it? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been confirmed Julian Assange will return to Australia after being released from prison. The Wikileaks founder was charged with conspiracy to obtain and disclose national defence information - and spent seven years in Ecuador's London Embassy, and five in a British prison. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Assange is set to return to Australia by the end of the week - and there's plenty of excitement for his arrival. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson will be sidelined for at least four weeks due to the re-emergence of an old Achilles tendon injury. The 33-year-old was sidelined last month through a combination of the achilles issue, as well as a pectoral muscle strain. He returned in Round 15 before suffering a hamstring strain in last weekend's heavy loss to the Titans. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave unpacked what this loss means for the Warriors. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's concerns the India-New Zealand relationship could be strained by the high number of student visa rejections. Immigration NZ figures show applications between October 1 2023 and May 6 2024 for student visas by Indian nationals had an approval rate of 47 percent. The Immigration Minister has claimed it's not 'blanked geographic discrimination', but rather concern surrounding more high-risk applicants out of India. Waitakere Indian Association President Sunil Kaushal doesn't believe this argument. "India is a diverse land, we know that there are many talented and skilled people out there who want to further their education - and coming to New Zealand is a great opportunity for that." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Top officials from both the EU and China have spoken about controversial EV tariffs over the weekend - and agreed to further talks. The call marks the first time the two sides have agreed to negotiate since the EU threatened China with electric vehicle tariffs of up to 38 percent. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says this is a positive step forward. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been a bad week for infrastructure incidents, with increased pressure on the Government to find a solution. Between a Defence Force plane breaking down, a toppled power pylon wiping out Northland's power and the grounding of an Interislander ferry, concern is growing about a potential disaster. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan explains where the Government can go from here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pharmac's getting a funding boost for new cancer drugs in a pre-commitment from next year's Budget. The Government's announced money for up to 26 cancer treatments, in an overall package of up to 54 new medicines. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two teens have been arrested after they got into a brawl at a mall in Adelaide. Police received reports of two groups of young males fighting in the food court and some people in the group were allegedly carrying weapons. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the alert locking down the mall was reminiscent of the recent attack at Bondi Junction. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 24 June 2024, the Government has confirmed more than 50 new medicines will be funded, including some of the cancer drugs National promised before the election. So is Pharmac really still independent? Finance Minister Nicola Willis tells Heather she's going to try get by without having to buy new ferries for another five to six years. Scott Barrett is the new captain of the All Blacks! All Blacks assistant coach Jason Ryan speaks to Heather from the big naming ceremony. Plus the Huddle debates whether the new Jacinda Ardern documentary is something to look forward to. 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, Trish Sherson from Sherson-Willis PR and Child Fund chief executive Josie Pagani joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! It's been revealed that last week's power outage in Northland was caused by too many nuts being removed from the legs of a pylon. What do we think of this? Is this a sign something bigger is going on? How much trouble is the Government in after the ferry drama over the weekend, given that Nicola Willis herself made it clear she wants the two ferries we had on order cancelled? It's being reported that a documentary about Dame Jacinda Ardern is in the works in Hollywood. Ae we looking forward to this? How will it be received in New Zealand - and overseas? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Barrett has been named as the new captain of the All Blacks. The Crusaders lock is set to take over as skipper in the first squad named by Scott Robertson as All Blacks coach. All Blacks assistant coach Jason Ryan outlined why Barrett was the best choice for the role. "He's a real leader, players follow him - and he's a winner." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister thinks New Zealand's existing supply of ferries can keep operating until 2029. There's been debate about who's to blame for Friday's incident involving the Interislander's Aratere, after it spent 24 hours on the rocks. Nicola Willis says the Government has plenty of time to replace the existing vessels. "The Government is committed to ensuring we've got safe, reliable vessels - and we completely accept we want to replace the existing vessels." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Northland businesses are unsure whether they'll be insured for last week's power outage. A pylon tipped over on Thursday after too many nuts were removed from the legs, letting it tip. Transpower says it is an inconceivable and unprecedented situation, and consumers can apply for compensation. But NorthChamber Chief Executive, Darryn Fisher says they're still in the dark about what's next. "I don't know if you can insure for negligence in this respect, so as far as businesses here are concerned - I'm not sure whether they're covered or not." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Hollywood documentary starring Dame Jacinda Ardern is reportedly in the works. The feature-length film, produced by Madison Wells studios, is set to follow Ardern from the moment she receives the Labour Party nomination to the birth of her child to her resignation in 2023. Los Angeles entertainment reporter Sean Mandell says there had been talks of other plans for the movie before it was finalised. "It will also have Dame Jacinda's participation - she has said one of the reasons why she is participating is because there aren't any dollars from New Zealand's Film Commission." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Green MP Golriz Ghahraman will find out her fate on Thursday. Judge June Jelas has reserved a sentencing decision on shoplifting charges in court today. The Judge has confirmed she won't be imprisoned. NZ Herald court reporter Craig Kapitan says Ghahraman's defence says she was going through a mental health crisis. "A mental health report suggests that she suffered complex PTSD, which was a result of her earlier life in Iran and 'public vitriol, threats and abuse' that dominated her time in Parliament." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Seymour says drug-purchasing agency Pharmac must be on its game, with a $604 million funding boost over four years. The Government has announced it'll fund up to 26 cancer medications and 28 other treatments, as a pre-commitment against Budget 2025. The Associate Health Minister says there's very few things he's in favour of spending more money on - but medicine is one of them. "If you look at the amount of Government spending that goes on medicine - New Zealand is not just a bit below average, we're way behind the pack." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's proposed solution to crack down on youth offending has been met with disapproval from some. It's introducing a label of Young Serious Offender for 14-to-17-year-olds with multiple offences - and also designing a new military-style academy programme. Children's Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad says putting a label on young people who commit crimes could impact their future. "We need to acknowledge that these are children that we are talking about here. And from a children's rights perspective - I have some concerns." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're less than an hour to go until Scott Robertson unveils his All Blacks squad for the upcoming test matches. Ahead of the big announcement, Sportstalk host Jason Pine outlined his picks. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Be under no illusion about it - when that ferry ran onto the sand on Friday night, that became a massive problem for the person who is probably National’s biggest asset, Nicola Willis. Because she cancelled the ferries, this is going to be on her. Now I'm not arguing about cancelling those big ferries, I actually think she made the right call. The thinking behind buying them seems to me like a stupid idea. Which was - you need those big ferries to to drive a train onto a boat, and then ship the entire thing to another island, and then drive it off again from the other side. Now, think about how much redundant metal there is on a train, or how heavy it is before you even start loading it up. Now, you're paying the fuel bill to get it all across the Cook Strait. That's stupid. Surely you’re better off unloading the thing and reloading another one on the other end.Regardless of whether the call was the right one, Nicola made the call. But then she made a mistake - she didn’t provide an alternative. You can’t cancel ferries we desperately need without replacing them with other ferries. Because we still desperately need them. It seems to me there's only one way to fix this. Nicola can’t go back to the big ferries she’s cancelled, that would be admitting she made a mistake and it's a bit early in the term for that. She can’t buy replacements on the second-hand market, apparently they don’t exist at the moment. She can’t leave us waiting, because those ships are already trouble on the water. Every single one of them have had a problem in the last 18 months, they will all be past their use-by dates by next year. She’s going to have to buy us new ferries. I don't know how she does that, maybe renegotiate the contract with the Koreans for smaller ones if it's not too late, or maybe just start from scratch and get new ones. But they'd better be here quick, because those big ferries were due to arrive in two years time. Every day after 2026 that we're without new ferries is a day that we legitimately can blame every ferry problem on Nicola Willis. She is smart enough, and National is smart enough, to know that by now. So watch them come up with a solution real quick. Which, frankly, they should've come up with the day they cancelled those ferries. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 21 June 2024, how did a power pylon just topple over and plunge a massive power outage? Electricity Authority boss Sarah Gillies speaks to Heather with two investigations now trying to figure that out. Cabinet is reportedly about to sign off on a funding boost for Pharmac to fulfil its promise to fund more cancer drugs. Pharmac Minister David Seymour tells Heather it's important Pharmac's independency is preserved. Chiefs Assistant Coach David Hill is confident ahead of the blockbuster Super Rugby Final, and the Sports Huddle weighs in on who will be named as All Blacks captain on Monday. Plus, Rocket Lab has powered through another record and become the fastest commercial space operator to successfully launch 50 missions. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un gave Russian President Vladimir Putin a pair of Pungsan dogs, a local breed, state media KCNA reported on Thursday. Asia Business Correspondent Peter Lewis told Heather du Plessis-Allan “Three’s very few places left that Putin can go to.” Lewis said “He’s become an international pariah because of the Ukraine war.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

London hospitals declared a critical incident after a cyber-attack led to operations being cancelled and emergency patients being diverted elsewhere. It applies to hospitals partnered with Synnovis - a provider of pathology services. UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Heather du Plessis-Allan “This was potentially one of the worst cyber-attacks in the UK.” Grey said “Overnight, the ransomware company dumped 400 gigabytes on their darknet site – including patient names and dates of birth.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, the Prime Minister's Air Force plane broke down in Papua New Guinea. Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper breaks this down, as he wraps the political week. Soper told Heather du Plessis-Allan “They’re very good planes – but it’s like anything – if you don’t use them, they’ll break down.” Soper said “They’re only used as VIP aircraft about 15% of the time.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Commerce Commission is pushing out its timeline for approving the Foodstuffs merger, due to "unresolved issues". It now expects to reach a decision in October. The North and South Island co-operatives - which run the Pak'nSave, New World and Four Square supermarkets - sought clearance to merge last year. Foodstuff's North Island Chief Executive Chris Quin told Heather du Plessis-Allan “We knew this could happen, but we remain committed that this is the right thing to do.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On The Huddle tonight: All Sports Breakfast Wellington Host Adam Cooper, and sports journalist Jim Kayes. The Blue will face-off against the Chiefs tomorrow night – only one will reign victorious. Adam Cooper told Heather du Plessis-Allan “The Crusaders have been incredible – because we’re celebrating the fact they're not there.” Jim Kayes said “The Chiefs have really surged in the playoffs - if that momentum continues, they’re going to be really for The Blues tomorrow.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Blues captain Patrick Tuipolotu will make a remarkable return from a knee injury, playing lock in the starting side facing the Chiefs at Eden Park in the Super Rugby Pacific final tomorrow night. However - many of the 44,000 sold-out Eden Park crowd will be coming up from Hamilton. Chiefs Assistant Coach David Hill told Heather du Plessis-Allan “We understood last year that we had a really good squad – but ultimately we didn’t come away with the final.” Hill said “That experience – as harsh as it was – it really helped us.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Invercargill Mayor Nobby Clark has ignored requests for his resignation from his council today. Clark was found to have breached the code of conduct after comments he made at a United Fire Brigades' Association prize giving - which he blamed on surgery brain fade. The council voted to diminish his duties around public events, due to his health. Invercargill Councillor Ian Pottinger told Heather du Plessis-Allan “I don’t know if he’s going to listen to the council ruling.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The future of National's promise around 13 cancer drugs is set to become clearer. The Government's due to make a Pharmac funding announcement – which could bump up its medicines budget by 40%. Pharmacy Minister David Seymour told Heather du Plessis-Allan Pharmac could be instructed to fund specific drugs, another entity could be set up (like the previous government did for Covid vaccines), or more money could be allocated to Pharmac - protecting its independence. Seymour said “Pharmac at any given time has its options for investment lists” He said “I wouldn’t be able to ask them – the whole point is that they’re at arm's length from politicians and they’re independent.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Energy Minister Simeon Brown wants appropriate accountability over a fallen electricity tower. Thousands of Northland residents experienced outages yesterday after a transmission tower toppled northwest of Auckland. The Electricity Authority says it's investigating and Simeon Brown's asked WorkSafe to do the same. Electricity Authority Chief Executive, Sarah Gillies, told Heather du Plessis-Allan “Consumers have a right to have confidence in their electricity supply.” Gillies said “We’re the regulator – and we’re independent.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Electricity Authority says Northlanders deserve answers - as it launches an investigation into a toppled electricity tower. The region experienced outages yesterday after a transmission tower fell down northwest of Auckland. Transpower says its workers were carrying out maintenance at the time and has started an investigation. Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper told Heather du Plessis-Allan “It knocked out power to 100,000 users.” Soper said “Simeon Brown was there today – he said the event was completely unacceptable.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.