Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Elevated levels of arsenic have been detected in the Waikato River, affecting water supplies in Auckland and Waikato. The Government has been briefed this evening and sought assurances that water supplies are safe. Authorities are carrying out further testing with results due back tomorrow. Watercare is also rejigging the way it processes water to reduce the amount of arsenic in the city’s water supply but said there was no immediate concern to public health. Steve Taylor, head of operations at Water Services Authority (WSA), told Newstalk ZB there had been increased levels of arsenic recorded in the Waikato River, affecting water supplies in Auckland and Hamilton. He said there was “naturally a level of arsenic” in the river, but it had been notified levels had increased recently. “I’m not sure what the reason for that increase is and that is affecting water supplies in Auckland and Hamilton,” he said. He explained the maximum acceptable value for arsenic is 0.01mg a litre – an “incredibly low amount” – but they had seen levels around 0.013mg, which is “marginally above the acceptable value for drinking water”. “The level of arsenic is above what we’ve described as a maximum acceptable value, but it’s not at a level that we would suggest has a significant health effect. “There’s no health risk in drinking that water,” Taylor said. “What we would expect is that those levels of arsenic would reduce over time.” Elevated readings of arsenic have been recorded in the Waikato River. Photo / Waikato District Council. Taylor said it is safe for people to keep drinking tap water. “The key thing about the maximum acceptable value for arsenic is it’s designed for long-term exposure, so it’s not an acute level. ”Unlike some other levels, you know, if you exceed that level, it has an immediate health effect – that’s not the case with these levels.” Taylor said the WSA was only notified of the elevated levels on Wednesday and it had been “a very short-term situation”. ”We’ve contacted the [Waikato] regional council to try and understand what is the reason for this change in source water,” he said. Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has been briefed on the issue this evening. Photo / Mark Mitchell Local Government Minister Simeon Brown said he had been briefed on the issue by the WSA this evening. “I have asked the WSA to ensure that water suppliers in Auckland and Hamilton are taking appropriate steps, and that they communicate with their customers,” Brown said. “The WSA is the lead agency for this issue and will be providing regular updates.” Watercare reduces production at Waikato Water Treatment Plant The Herald repeatedly sought comment from Watercare this afternoon and it responded shortly before 8pm, saying it had reduced production at its Waikato Water Treatment Plant since detecting the elevated result. Watercare CEO Mark Bourne said the Waikato River supplies about 20% of Auckland’s drinking water. ”We treat the water at our Waikato Water Treatment Plant in Tūākau and distribute it throughout the metropolitan network. ”In most parts of Auckland, treated water from the Waikato River is blended with treated water from our dams. However, Pukekohe, Buckland, Clarks Beach/Waiau Pā, Patumahoe, Glenbrook Beach, and Drury south receive water solely sourced from the Waikato River.” Bourne said Watercare had increased production at its major Ardmore plant, which treats water from four dams in the Hūnua Ranges. “This extends the processing time at the plant, and we expect it to improve our ability to reduce the level of arsenic in the treated drinking water. “We’re working closely with other agencies and will continue to share information as we learn more.” The current minor exceedance of the standards does not present any immediate concern for public health, Watercare said. A Waikato District Council spokesperson said Watercare operates the local water networks in the area under contract. “Pōkeno and Tūākau are supplied by Watercare’s Waikato Water Treatment Plant. There are also treatment plants that serve the townships of Huntly, Te Kauwhata, Meremere, Taupiri and Ngāruawāhia.” The spokesperson said samples from these plants were being tested, with results due tomorrow. Hamilton City Council’s water supply remained safe for drinking, bathing, cleaning and cooking, following test results that showed small increases in the level of arsenic present. What is arsenic? The Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora website describes arsenic as a substance found in rock, which in some situations “harms your health”. It commonly enters the body in food and water and people can swallow small amounts every day for a long time without any obvious health effects. But swallowing larger amounts may cause long-term health effects, arsenic poisoning or death. Someone with arsenic poisoning may suffer from: Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Extreme tiredness and bruising. An abnormal heartbeat. A “pins and needles” feeling in the

Kmart's New Zealand operation is approaching the $1 billion turnover mark, as it plans to open its largest store in the country yet.  BusinessDesk reports annual earnings lodged with the Companies Office show Kmart NZ Holdings declared just shy of $1 billion total revenue in the year to June 30.  Auckland University marketing professor says Kmart has managed to create quality products and boost its fashion output to avoid the stigma that comes with big-box retailers. "They've reduced the amount of stuff that they had and they're only focused on really good, quality products at that affordable price - so through doing that and getting their fashion and style up, they've managed to avoid the stigma." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newstalk ZB's own Ryan Bridge has hit out at the cost of paper bags at the supermarket. Woolworths currently charges customers 40c per paper bag after plastic bags were banned from further circulation in July 2019. The retailer has defended these prices - claiming the cost is designed to encourage customers to bring their own bags. The Early Edition host says these bags are 'annoying' to use - and they don't properly carry your essentials. "Forget eggs, forget anything else... just put a two litre bottle of slippery, wet milk into this thing and it can't handle it. By the time you get to your car, it's all over your floor and you've actually got to carry it like a baby." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Price comparison service PriceMe has issued a warning about deceptive Black Friday deals. New research reveals 76 percent of the 100 most popular products last year were more expensive on Black Friday than other times of the year.  It says one in four Kiwis are sceptical of the sales, but many shoppers still expect to save 40 percent on fashion and tech. Chief executive Gavin Male says retailers use misleading sales tactics to make products appear cheaper. "Deals are always available, so it pays to compare and to check those prices of everything throughout the year, because there could always be one shop that's got an anniversary sale for their own brand." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's fears of potential flow-on effects from more cost-cutting at Health New Zealand. The Public Service Association says the health agency is cutting a net 1478 roles, with about 700 already vacant. Health NZ says it's spending more than it has in its budget - and these savings will strengthen its front-line. PSA health sector lead, Ashok Shankar, says these cuts will impact Health New Zealand's digital team. He explained not having these workers could lead to more outages and less data and information. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's questions over what will come next for the OCR after today's 50 basis point cut. The Reserve Bank has hinted more cuts will come in the new year. However, Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen has warned this might not be the right approach. "A lot of economic forecasters are wondering - when do we get back to those more normal and considered steps, given that the economy is already starting to show some early signs of turning around?" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Homeowners can expect some relief - as the Reserve Bank cuts the OCR down in its final update of the year. The central bank has slashed the rate 50 basis points today - to sit on 4.25 percent. It's now forecasting 4.1 percent by March next year, 3.6 percent by the end of next year, with an endpoint of 3.1 percent by March 2027. ZB political correspondent Barry Soper says Governor Adrian Orr has warned this will depend on how things track - as the economy is in for a slow recovery. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, has claimed Donald Trump's proposed tariffs would do nothing to stop the flow of migrants coming through the US border. Sheinbaum has also warned Mexico would hit back with tariffs of its own in response to Trump claiming he would introduce a 25 percent increase on all imports from the region. US correspondent says Canada and China haven't responded favourably to the president-elect's proposed tariff increases either. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Rugby are weighing up the option of taking an All Blacks home test against France to the United States next year. The move comes a month after confirmation France would be sending an understrength squad on the tour to New Zealand. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Transport Agency is telling bus and train providers to take in more money, which could force fare hikes. Wellington's Regional Council is rejecting the call from NZTA. Transport Committee Chair Thomas Nash says it would mean unaffordable 70 percent fare increases during a cost of living crisis.  "You'd end up just pushing people back into cars, more people will be on the road and it would be more congested - which I think is the opposite of what we need." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A petition calling for a second UK election is growing in support - and tech billionaire Elon Musk has voiced his support for it. Musk labelled the UK a 'tyrannical police state' and boosted a video by a jailed far-right figurehead. UK correspondent Enda Brady says Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is unlikely to resign based on this poll. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump's return to the White House could lead to a more complex landscape for global food and agricultural trade, according to a new report by Rabobank. Rabobank says the implications of Trump's proposed policy shifts could be potential disruptions to established trade relationships, shifts in export demand, and rising costs for consumers and businesses alike. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to hit Mexico, Canada and China with new tariffs as soon as he takes office. In a post on social media, Trump promised to charge Mexico and Canada an additional 25 percent tariff on all products they send to the US - and an additional 10 percent tariff will be placed on Chinese goods. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen says these trade changes come with ramifications for the rest of the world - New Zealand included. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank is set to make its final decision for the Official Cash Rate for the year tomorrow afternoon.  The general consensus among experts is that the OCR will be cut by at least 50 basis points. HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham says the Reserve Bank needs to strike the right balance for the economy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 26 November 2026, Sir John Key pays tribute to former National MP Nikki Kaye who passed away at just 44 years old. He tells Heather Nikki had been much sicker than people realised. Heather asks Education Minister Erica Stanford whether she's going to get rid of NCEA Level 1 after another damning report. And Heather reveals the new nickname she has for Erica - and Erica reveals the nickname her kids call her. Did you know it's unlawful to be served tea or coffee at the hairdressers? We meet the woman who wants to change that. Plus, Wellington City Councillor Tony Randle on signing off the city's Long Term Plan - without realising quite what he's signing off on. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union and former Labour Chief of Staff Mike Munro joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  Former National MP Nikki Kaye died aged 44 after a lengthy battle with cancer. People from all sides of the political spectrum came together to pay tribute to her - what made her so special? What will we remember about her?  Does NCEA need to go? An ERO review revealed NCEA level one needs an overhaul - or to be scrapped altogether. Do we need a new national qualification? Labour's going to decide what sort of tax scheme they'll progress this weekend - do we see a capital gains tax coming?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's frustration for some at Wellington City Council, as the city's Long Term Plan is laid out. Budget cuts were a big part of the discussions - as the city needs to bring in more money after the plan to sell the airport shares fell through.  The Council's proposed demolishing the Botanical Gardens' Begonia House and they plan to chop upgrades for venues and a development of Frank Kitts Park. Wellington City Councillor Tony Randle says the Golden Mile project was spared - for the time being. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One East Coast MP seeks to overturn the law banning people from indulging in a cuppa at the hair salon. It's currently an offence to serve a drink in a salon's service area as it's been deemed unsafe under health regulations. Dana Kirkpatrick has added a bill to the ballot to remove the law. Kirkpatrick says the same law says it's illegal to bring a dog to the hairdressers. "For some reason, they decided that you couldn't take your dog to the hairdresser - but these days, we take them to the pub, the café, we take them to the office."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Award-winning UK singer Kate Nash has revealed she plans on selling pictures on OnlyFans to help fund her tours. Nash explained that live music has become increasingly financially unsustainable - and she hopes monetising pictures of her behind will help bridge the gap. Concert promoter Brent Eccles says artists have to keep 'feeding the machine' in order to sustain a career and make money. "You have to be very careful when you're doing that - and watch the dollars. You have to tour to a level you can afford." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Health Minister says he's confident people aren't being booted from hospital waitlists so Health New Zealand can meets targets.  A letter obtained by RNZ reveals some referrals from a Palmerston North orthopaedic clinic are being knocked back, due to a lack of resources. Shane Reti says checks are in place to ensure targets aren't gamed. He says Health New Zealand is investigating the letter. "As the 20 DHBs came together, there were a lot of different protocols - bringing them all into one place is what they're looking to do, but certainly, that is not the policy." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I wouldn't be surprised if Education Minister Erica Stanford actually ends up scrapping NCEA level one. Because she's already concerned enough to order a review - and the review has come back slamming it, so she's got all the ammo she needs to pull the trigger if she wants to. And I hope she does, because it has become apparent, especially in the last three years, that NCEA is a massively flawed system. And I don't think this is just a level one problem, I think there's problems across all three levels. What's going on is that schools have had a gutsful and they're dropping it - fast. This year, only 87 percent of schools offered NCEA level one, next year only 75 percent will offer it.  You can see this massive drop- and the problem is that the ones predominantly dropping it are the ones in the highest socio-economic areas. That is a problem, because if it carries on like this, what we’re gonna end up with is rich kids and kids living in nice suburbs and going to to high decile schools coming out with decent qualifications like IB and Cambridge and everyone else coming out with junk NCEA. And all that’s gonna do is create an education gap where only wealthier kids get the premium education qualification, and we don’t want that. That's not what this country is about, it's always been about everyone having the same opportunities. If you’re a parent of an NCEA pupil, you don't need me to tell you this. The problem is that there’s no consistency. Your child can hand in an internal assessment to one teacher and give it an awesome grade - and another teacher can look at the same assessment, think it's mediocre and give it a mediocre grade. It says a lot that employers don’t rate NCEA level one, increasing numbers of schools don't rate NCEA level one, the Education Review Office doesn't rate NCEA level one - and judging by the noises coming from the Education Minister, she doesn't rate NCEA level one. I think it's time to scrap it - scrap the whole lot. From where I'm sitting, it looks like a failed experiment. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Prime Minister John Key has fondly remembered Nikki Kaye as a brave warrior. The former National deputy leader and Auckland Central MP has died aged 44 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Kaye served as an MP from 2008 until 2020 - the only National MP to win the electorate. In her valedictory, Kaye recalled Prime Minister Key swearing and telling her she wasn't going anywhere, when she was diagnosed in 2016.  Key says Kaye fought valiantly - and he recalled reminding Kaye her great motivation was helping people and told her she'd beat it. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Politicians from all parties are coming together to pay tribute to Nikki Kaye. The former National deputy leader and Auckland Central MP has died, aged 44. Kaye served as an MP from 2008 until 2020 - taking leave from the House in 2016 for breast cancer treatment.  John Key, Helen Clarke, Jacinda Ardern and Chloe Swarbrick are among those who have shared tributes, and  Prime Minister Chris Luxon says she was held in great respects across the political divide.  Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper also says she was a hard worker - and will be remembered fondly. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's new social media ban for under-16s is being met with backlash from various MPs and critics alike.  Opposition leader Peter Dutton has voiced disapproval with the idea and prospective voters have wondered how these restrictions will be implemented. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says people have also suggested the Government direct their attention to sugar taxes and regulating gambling instead. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new face will bat at three for England in the first cricket test against the Black Caps, starting Thursday in Christchurch. Warwickshire batter Jacob Bethell will debut at the spot, with Ollie Pope keeping wicket and batting at six in the absence of the injured Jordan Cox. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Education Minister agrees NCEA level one doesn't work in its current form. The Education Review Office has called for a rethink of the qualification- after a review revealed it's not a fair or reliable measure of knowledge and skills. Minister Erica Stanford says she's going to take the findings of this review on board to re-evaluate the standards. "At the moment, it's trying to be a level up into level two and it's also trying to be a school leavers' - and in the end, it's neither of those things. So it's not working as it is." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Britain, Storm Bert is lashing the region - bringing snow, wind, flooding and heavy rain. Homes, schools and businesses were destroyed as a month's worth of rain hit England and Wales. UK correspondent Kay Oliver says the storm has been responsible for four deaths - including a 75-year-old dog walker. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Air New Zealand isn't going into the 2025 financial year with rosy expectations.  The airline expects its first-half pre-tax profit to be in a range of $120 million to $160m, down from $185m in the previous comparable half year. Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly unpacked the mood of investors. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington City Council’s 'highest-ever' investment in water infrastructure will see less than 1km of pipes replaced this year, Wellington Water claims. After a summer of leaks and taps running dry, the Council promised to increase spending on water infrastructure to address the damage. Wellington City Councillor Ben McNulty says it's up to Wellington Water to determine where that money goes. "The decision to do less than a kilometre sits very much operationally in their hands." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, David Farrar of Kiwiblog and Curia and Child Fund's Josie Pagani joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! TJ Perenara raised a few eyebrows following his controversial haka at last week's All Blacks match. Was this appropriate to do before the game?  It's been a full year since the new Government was sworn in. What do we think so far? What have been their biggest wins - and losses? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 25 November 2024, former Black Fern and Silver Fern Louisa Wall comes out in support of TJ Perenara and his political haka against Italy. GPs say they can't get patients on hospital waiting lists, but hospital doctors say they're not gaming the system, they're simply being realistic about the number of patients they can treat. Heather asks Finance Minister Nicola Willis whether she's given up on getting back to surplus in 2027/28. Plus, the Huddle reviews the Government's first year in office. 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.

It's hoped a new police station in Auckland's CBD will make people feel safe and make it easier for police to attend crime. The Federal Street facility will have 51 beat officers and staff, including prosecutors and firearms safety authority personnel.   Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this development will help make the city centre safer. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister's foreshadowing an update on whether the Government's books are still on track for surplus in 2027-2028.  Nicola Willis will deliver the half yearly economic and fiscal update in about three weeks.  She says that will illustrate the latest forecasts for a surplus - and seemed to caution against unrealistic expectations. "I've always been clear - I'm not going to chase a surplus at all costs. Forecasts move up and down. What I've committed to New Zealanders is that we will make sensible, prudent fiscal decisions to get the books back in balance over time." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government says it's chosen a strategically good location for its new Auckland CBD police station. The Federal Street facility should be completed mid-2025, and will have 51 beat officers.  The College Hill station will continue its operations - and the old Vincent Street premises are still up for sale.   Police Minister Mark Mitchell says centralised police stations in the past were great. "I think the Federal Street option is just such a good option - it's centralised, our beat officers are covering the entire CBD, the feedback and anecdotal feedback has been just fantastic." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Increased restrictions for HRT menopause treatment, as Pharmac finds ways shore up supply of oestradiol patches. It's changing its main funded brand to Estradiol TDP Mylan from supplier Viatris from next July. In order to ensure supply, it'll be the only funded brand available by December 2025. Menodoctor Clinical Director, Linda Dear, says those who can't use the Mylan brand will have other options. "Most women who get on with other, non-Mylan brands will get on with gel fine - but it means they'll have to start probably thinking about that transition." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Patients referred for hospital treatment aren't even making it onto waiting lists. RNZ's obtained part of a letter to a GP from an orthopaedic clinic that confirms some referrals are being knocked back. It says the decision's forced on them by a lack of resources to let them see all referred patients within the limits of Ministry of Health waiting time targets. Association of Salaried Medical Specialists executive director Sarah Dalton says she thinks they're trying to inject some realism into the situation. "I think the point they're making is that if they put someone on a waiting list like that at this time, that person is never going to make their way up."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's belief from some that the All Blacks' support for Hīkoi mō te Tiriti is a call for unity. As halfback TJ Perenara led the pre-test haka yesterday - he referenced the movement opposing the Treaty Principles Bill. Former Black Fern and Labour MP Louisa Wall says the tradition has evolved over time. She says it's a team decision who leads - and Perenara wouldn't have been acting alone. "He obviously talked to his teammates and coach about what the purpose and intent was behind the haka, so that's their choice, surely." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A review has been ordered to investigate bullying across Australian schools in a bid to stamp out the issue. The study will be funded by the Australian Government and results will be reported back to education ministers to develop a measured response. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says bullying has remained a persistent issue in Australia for decades. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks' final match of the season against Italy raised a few eyebrows - over more than just the team's performance.  Departing veteran TJ Perenara voiced support for Hīkoi mō te Tiriti, as he led his final haka. ZB Wellington sports reader Adam Cooper unpacked the controversy further.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Helen Clark foundation is calling on the Government to address New Zealand's growing obesity stats and improve access to healthy foods. The think tank's newly-released report revealed that one in eight Kiwi kids and one-third of adults live with obesity - the third-highest rate in the OECD. Health advocate and activist Dave Letele says it's important to invest in educational programs to teach families how to improve their help - but companies need to be regulated too. "These companies, these sugar companies, these fast-food companies - the most profitable places are all in the poorest areas. I think they should be made to invest in these communities." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So, it looks like the rugby bosses may have already realised how big a mistake they made with that haka, because we've now learned they've cut TJ Perenara's political bit in the version they've uploaded to their social media accounts. And if they've done this because they realise they’ve made a mistake, they’re right. Big mistake from the All Blacks, big mistake from Scott Robertson to say yes to TJ when he said he was going to do this. Let's just clears something up first - TJ is entitled, like we all are, to have a political opinion. No one will be surprised that he supported the hīkoi, because we know where he stands on things. He's already supported the Ihumātao and supported the Wellington women's team when they did their anti-Government haka. This is not a TJ problem, this is an All Blacks problem. Because the All Blacks are not in position where they can afford to lose fans and viewers, especially when so many of us are already talking about how much more we prefer watching the Warriors. The problem the All Blacks have got is that their most rusted-on viewers would be heartland New Zealand. Farmers, people from rural communities, old blokes who feel loyal to the game. And I reckon quite a few them would disagree with TJ on whether to support the hīkoi or not. And given how intense this Treaty Principles Bill and hīkoi debate is, I reckon a few of them will feel quite annoyed at TJ presuming that he represents the views of the whole country with that haka, because he doesn't.  He might find, based on the most recent polling, that almost twice as many Kiwis like Seymour's Treaty Principles Bill and therefore not the hīkoi. So for TJ, well-known anti-meat, anti-Government chap - there's no problem at all as he heads off on a new career. But for NZ Rugby fighting to retain its audience and Scott Robertson fighting to prove himself as the team's new coach - big mistake. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 22 November 2024, a nationwide whooping cough epidemic has been declared, and Director of Public Health Dr Nicholas Jones tells Heather it's a big worry especially for babies and the elderly. More than 12 gang members have been charged so far for flouting the gang patch ban, and Assistant Commissioner Paul Basham says police are following up reports of patch sightings and visiting gang members at home. Plus, All Blacks assistant coach Scott Hansen on a surprisingly strong team line-up for the game against Italy - and what did Ethan de Groot do??? 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 UK has expressed hesitancy at following through with the ICC’s arrest warrant for Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu, despite strong support to oblige from the majority of the European Union. Former British Health Minister Matt Hancock has revealed the country came extremely close to running out of PPE during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic, as he gave evidence during its inquiry. The mayor-elect of Canadian town Dawson City, in Yukon Territory, has voiced his hesitancy at pledging allegiance to King Charles III. UK correspondent Gavin Grey joined Heather du Plessis-Allan. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

45 pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong have been sentenced to four to 10 years in prison. They were prosecuted under its 2020 national security law for their roles in an unofficial primary election, which prosecutors said their aim was to paralyse the city’s government and force its leader to resign by aiming to win a legislative majority and using it to block government budget. Meanwhile, Chinese Premier Xi Jinping has been travelling South America talking up free trade and globalisation in the region. Asia business correspondent Peter Lewis joined Heather du Plessis-Allan. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would be arrested if he left the country. The International Criminal Court's been served with an arrest warrant for alleged war crimes. 124 countries are obligated to carry out warrants. Auckland University Associate Law Professor Treasa Dunworth told Heather du Plessis-Allan countries like the UK and France have been cagey about whether they'd follow through. “When it was specifically asked what would they do if Netanyahu was in their country, they fudged the answer, so we just don’t know.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oceania Football Confederation media manager Matt Brown and Newstalk ZB Canterbury Sport reader joined Heather du Plessis-Allan on the Sports Huddle. The All Blacks have named a strong side to face Italy in their final test of the year, in what will be Sam Cane’s and TJ Perenara’s test rugby swansongs. The lads also discuss Doug Bracewell’s drug ban, after it was announced the all-rounder has received a one game ban after testing positive for cocaine. Rafael Nadal has officially retired from tennis, after Spain’s elimination from the Davis Cup this week. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks have named a surprisingly strong side for their final test of the year against Italy in Turin. There are five changes from the 30-29 loss to France, with Sam Cane, Mark Tele’a, Ethan de Groot, Patrick Tuipulotu and Anton Lienert-Brown returning to the starting XV. It’s also the test rugby swansongs for Cane and TJ Perenara – who head to Japan for 2025. All Blacks assistant coach Scott Hansen joined Heather du-Plessis Allan. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Twitter/X alternative Bluesky has emerged as the next big trend in social media. Around 21 million people have signed up for the app, which has seen a large spike in users signing up for it since the US election. Tech commentator Bill Bennett joined Heather du Plessis-Allan. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The public are already reporting gang patch sightings a day after the ban began. New Police powers let officers disperse gatherings, and gang insignia is banned in public. More than a dozen gang members have already been arrested under the new law - including an Auckland Head Hunters leader. Assistant Commissioner Paul Basham told Heather du Plessis-Allan they're being informed about breaches in multiple ways. “We’ve said that when this sort of stuff comes through, we’ll follow it up as quickly as we can, and today’s search warrant is a case in point where something was reported in the early hours after the law came into affect.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health authorities have declared a national whooping cough epidemic. Cases have been rising and ESR reports there've been 263 cases in the past four weeks. The disease is infectious and can be particularly dangerous and even deadly for elderly people and newborns especially. Ministry of Health Director of Public Health Dr Nicholas Jones told Heather du Plessis-Allan we’re at the beginning of a serious epidemic. “It can go on for about 18 months. The last time we had about 4700 cases reported over that time period, and judging by what we’re seeing overseas, we’d be expecting higher numbers in that again.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.