Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

The Justice Select Committee has issued more guidance for submissions to the Treaty Principles Bill. It's planning to hold hearings from the last week of January. It’s also outlined the criteria which makes submissions unacceptable, including racist material, characterising other people as racist, anything with swear words, and abusive personal reflections on MPs. Meanwhile, one of the first Government boot camp participants has been charged with burglary and unlawfully taking a vehicle. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper joined Heather du Plessis-Allan. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks have named a strong line-up for their final test of the year against Italy in Turin on Sunday. The side is looking to finish the year on a high, as they aim to bounce back from last week’s 30-29 loss to France in Paris – in what will also be the last games in black for Sam Cane and TJ Perenara. A-League newbies Auckland FC are back in action after three weeks of rest, as they travel to Sydney for their first game in Australia against Macarthur FC. The Black Knights – who have won all three games this season – had a bye week, followed by another week off with international football. Weekend Sport host Jason Pine joined Heather du Plessis-Allan. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President-elect Donald Trump tapped Pam Bondi, a staunch ally who helped defend the ex-leader against impeachment, as US Attorney-General following firebrand Matt Gaetz’s withdrawal from the running. Gaetz’s retreat amid sexual misconduct allegations signalled limits to Trump’s power, even as the President-elect prepares to retake the White House with his Republican Party also in control of both chambers of Congress. The nomination of Bondi, a former Florida Attorney-General who served as a surrogate during the 2024 campaign and pushed to delegitimise vote counting in swing state Pennsylvania in 2020, could be seen as a useful tool for Trump in his attempt to settle personal grievances. “For too long, the partisan Department of Justice has been weaponised against me and other Republicans – Not anymore,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social network in announcing Bondi’s nomination. Bondi, 59, was a member of Trump’s legal team during his first Senate impeachment trial, in which he was alleged to have pressured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, using aid as leverage, to hand over political dirt on Biden. “Pam will refocus the DOJ to its intended purpose of fighting Crime, and Making America Safe Again,” Trump wrote, adding that she is “smart and tough, and is an AMERICA FIRST Fighter”. Trump has made several eye-catching selections for top roles, including Fox News host Pete Hegseth as Defence Secretary, vaccine sceptic Robert F. Kennedy jnr as Health Secretary and billionaire Elon Musk to head a government cost-cutting unit. The exit of Gaetz, 42, was the first setback for Trump and Vice-President-elect JD Vance in placing key allies in top positions, but his confirmation by the Senate was widely seen as doomed because of lack of support from fellow Republicans. A congressional panel has been investigating alleged illegal activity by Gaetz, including sexual contact with a 17-year-old girl – which he denies – as well as drug use and misappropriating campaign funds. “I had excellent meetings with Senators yesterday,” Gaetz said on X. “While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition.” Gaetz was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2016 and won reelection recently, but he resigned as a congressman shortly after Trump picked him to be Attorney-General. “Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do,” Trump said in response to his withdrawal. The ethics probe into Gaetz, a deeply polarising Florida congressman, was effectively ended after he resigned from the House. Gaetz is known as a political disruptor who earned the enmity of some House colleagues, including by engineering the ouster of fellow Republican Kevin McCarthy as speaker last year. The latest transition upheaval ahead of Trump’s inauguration on January 20 came as new lurid details emerged about Defence Secretary nominee Hegseth. He was investigated for sexual assault after a complaint from an unnamed woman at a 2017 conference in California. The New York Times reported details from the police investigation, which was closed without Hegseth being charged. The married woman told officers that her memory of the episode was hazy and thought her drink might have been spiked, while Hegseth said the encounter was consensual. - Agence France-Presse LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An airline group is casting doubt on demand for sending long-haul flights into Wellington Airport. The Airport's announced a $500 million five-year upgrade plan – which includes extending its runway. It will let bigger planes land – with hopes it'll attract non-stop flights from Asia and Los Angeles. Board of Airline Representatives chair Cath O'Brien told Heather du Plessis-Allan it costs a lot to fly to New Zealand. “If I look at air services demand for New Zealand in total, I don’t see any real growth at the moment. So, Auckland Airport is looking at pretty much a flat scenario.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tell you what, it’s a tough time to be the UN. I can’t help but feel that the UN’s credibility is increasingly on the line at the moment with how often it’s being ignored. Take for example what’s just happened overnight: the International Criminal Court – which was set up through the UN and endorsed by the UN's General Assembly – has issued an arrest warrant for the Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. That's ballsy. That's the first time they’ve gone after a world leader who is democratically elected. Trouble is, it doesn’t sound like at least three significant international powers are necessarily going to respect this. The US: they won’t arrest Netanyahu, they’re not a member of the ICC. The UK: they won’t commit publicly to arresting him. And nor will France. They say it’s legally complex. That's awkward, isn’t it? If three permanent security members won’t say they'll arrest him, doesn't that undermine the ICC and its parent the UN? Then what about the other big UN event at the moment: COP29? That is a bigger joke than COP28 last year which was already a joke. The big names haven’t turned up: Xi Jinping, Joe Biden, Narendra Modi. For the second year in a row, the host nation has been busted using the climate conference to strike secret fossil fuel deals on the side. And it looks like they’re going to have to extend the conference by maybe a day to try to stitch together a final deal and stop this becoming a complete flop. And that’s without even mentioning the fact that the incoming leader of the free world is preparing to pull out of the UN’s Paris Agreement. So, tough time to be the UN because we are increasingly, by the looks of things, starting to tire of its overreach and ridiculous targets. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

European allies of Ukraine are bracing for a response from Russia.  Ukraine has fired US, and now UK-made missiles into Russian territory.  UK correspondent Enda Brady says all eyes are on Putin's possible response. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nvidia's reported third-quarter earnings have surpassed expectations - and left the chip maker feeling optimistic about its future. The company's earnings delivered a better-than-expected forecast for the next quarter. Fisher Funds expert Sam Dickie explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Denmark has agreed on how to implement the world’s first tax on agricultural emissions - including flatulence/farting/burping by livestock. This comes after months of negotiations between the country’s major parties, farmers, the industry, trade unions and environmental groups. From 2030, farmers will have to pay a levy of 300 kroner per tonne of methane (as per carbon dioxide equivalent) on emissions from livestock including cows and pigs, which will rise to 750 kroner in 2035.  The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank is set to meet for the last time this year to review the Official Cash Rate. Economists predict a cut will come - but it's unclear if the Bank will cut as high as 75 percent. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann unpacks the odds. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, journalist Clare de Lore and former Health NZ chair Rob Campbell joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Erica Stanford raised a few eyebrows after she allegedly called Labour's Jan Tinetti a 'stupid b....' in Parliament. Jan Tinetti says this is proof the rules of the House need to be enforced. What do we make of this? The gang patch ban is officially in force today - do we think this will make a difference?  15 economists have signed an open letter saying the Government's spending policies are dragging out the recession - and Kiwi households and businesses are being hit hard. How can the Government improve things? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 21 November 2024, the Director-General of Health Dr Diana Sarfati speaks to Heather about new advice on the use of puberty blockers - essentially there's no evidence they're safe or effective. "Stupid b***"! Labour MP Jan Tinetti tells Heather why she decided to complain about Education Minister Erica Stanford calling her a bitch in Parliament. Westpac CEO Catherine McGrath on whether it's hypocritical to invest in fossil fuel industries while also punishing farmers for their emissions. Plus, the Huddle debates whether NZ media has gone crazy sympathising with the gangs about the new patch ban. 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.

Westpac has been accused of hypocrisy over punishing Kiwi farmers for their emissions while investing in fossil fuels. Westpac is among the major banks that introduced emissions reduction targets for farmers - including reducing the emissions intensity of the dairy farms it finances in Australia and New Zealand. However, these targets translate into Westpac Australia allowing Australian dairy farmers to continue producing more CO2-equivalent emissions per tonne of milk than New Zealand dairy farmers. Chief executive Catherine McGrath says Kiwi dairy farmers start at a better level than their Australian counterparts. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As social media advances, some parenting influencers have pulled back on posting their kids for fear of their digital footprint and other safety concerns. The founder of Happy Mum Happy Child, Maria Foy, revealed she's pivoted from her 'mumfluencer' brand and stopped posting her kids as they've gotten older and voiced concern about the consequences. Foy says kids deserve their privacy - and she doesn't feel comfortable sharing their intimate moments as teenagers.  "Now they're coming up to a point where I don't feel comfortable talking about certain things - even though as a parent, you yearn for that connection...but they deserve that privacy." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's Jan Tinetti says consequences for rule-breaking in the House should apply across the aisle. Tinetti claims Education Minister Erica Stanford called her a 'stupid b....' after a fiery exchange during Question Time.  Stanford withdrew and apologised.  Last week, Labour's Willie Jackson was forced to leave the House when he wouldn't apologise for calling David Seymour a liar.  Tinetti says it's fair to also call out Stanford. "Willie got thrown out of the House by the Speaker for that. So, you know, there is a consequence to that, that's why we have the rules and that's why we have consequences."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Experts are warning the Government's policies designed to reduce the deficit and bring down inflation are worsening the impact of the recession on households and businesses. Former Productivity Commission Chair Ganesh Nana has led group of 15 economists who've written to the Prime Minister claiming spending cuts are harming the economy. Nana explained that fiscal policy should not be targeting inflation. "We want fiscal policies to do other things, which is to focus on that external debt that seems to be being ignored by many." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Director-General of Health says she expects puberty blocker prescriptions to continue to fall.  The Ministry of Health has released an evidence brief showing a lack of quality evidence backing their effectiveness and safety for gender dysphoria. It says they should be prescribed by a clinician experienced in gender-affirming care, in a team offering wide support. Dr Diana Sarfati says use was already declining.  "The peak prescription for puberty blockers was around 2021- and in the last couple of years, we're already starting to see a drop-off." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's Jan Tinetti has accused Education Minister Erica Stanford of using derogatory language in the House.  Stanford was forced to apologise, after the Speaker was made aware of the minister using unparliamentary language. Tinetti claimed to reporters Stanford called her a stupid B-word. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Stanford withdrew and apologised - a clear admission of guilt. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Melbourne teen has died in Thailand after drinking a suspected methanol-laced cocktail in Laos. Bianca Jones is the fourth person to die associated with the poisoning, along with one American and two Danish tourists. Her friend is still critically ill. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says reports claim the liquor bottles may have been topped up with methanol as a cost-saving measure. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's plenty for Scott Robertson to ponder ahead of the final All Blacks team naming of the year. The New Zealand side is expected to face off against Italy this coming Sunday. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Australian school is taking a unique approach to educating students about social media and internet safety. Pymble Ladies’ College has launched a 'Wise Phones' initiative that gives students in Years 4 to 8 age-appropriate smartphones that block social media and the internet until they reach Year 10 or 16 years of age. Principal Dr Kate Hadwen says it's important to teach kids about the technology slowly as they age - rather than banning phones outright. "It's a little bit like learning to swim - when we have our children, we don't throw them into the ocean, we teach them slowly and take them with us on the journey. And that's what I believe about the use of technology as well." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The funeral of former One Direction star Liam Payne will be held in a private ceremony in the Midlands, UK. Payne died on October 16th after falling from a hotel balcony in  Buenos Aries. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says Payne's former bandmates will make an appearance - but his family have kept the details private so the fans don't gatecrash.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More and more surgical procedures around the world are being carried out by trained robots. The latest field to benefit from the use of robotic technology is orthopaedic surgery - an area with plenty of room for growth as the population ages. Milford Asset Management analyst Deborah Lambie explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A senior Reserve Bank official has taken aim at the big banks and accused them of stifling innovation and competition by underinvesting in technology. Addressing delegates at a Payments NZ conference on Tuesday, the banking regulator’s director of money and cash, Ian Woolford, claimed there was a role for better regulation to push banks to keep up with their peers overseas. But the banks have pushed back - with Westpac head Catherine McGrath saying regulations were holding the banks back. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny unpacks the regulations impacting the banks. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A and Auckland Councillor Maurice Williamson joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  Richard Chambers is set to take over as New Zealand's new Police Commissioner. Do we expect any new changes? Will we get more old-school policing under Chambers' watch. Should Auckland Transport stop fining people for parking in their own driveways? What do we make of this?  It's been revealed NZTA spent $800 million on traffic management and road cones. Do we need to rein this spending in? New research says young people are drinking less - is this good news or cause for concern? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ADHD diagnoses and prescriptions have surged around the world - but there's concern from experts that we might be overdoing it. In New Zealand, prescriptions for the relevant medication have increased tenfold since 2006 and Pharmac has reported a 140 percent rise in demand for these medications. General Practice NZ chair Dr Bryan Betty says it's a complex diagnosis - and there are several conditions that can mimic ADHD symptoms. "ADHD is very complex, there's a list of diagnostic criteria. It's really really important that assessments give a proper diagnosis, because the treatment can be life-changing - and it's really important to understand that. However, it can mimic a whole lot of other things." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 20 November 2024, the new Police Commissioner Richard Chambers tells Heather he will bring a different style to police leadership than his predecessor. Transport Minister Simeon Brown reveals the Transport Agency has spent almost $800 million on road cones and traffic management over the past three years. Heather reckons we need to be careful when celebrating the drop of alcohol consumption among young people. Plus the Huddle debates Auckland Transport's decision to fine people $70 for parking in their driveway. 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.

There's more power pain to come next year - as Kiwi households can expect a slight increase to their bills come April. The Commerce Commission has warned the average power bill will go up by $10, and there's room for additional increases to come. Commissioner Vhari McWha says additional funding is needed to create a safe and reliable power network. "For Transpower in particular, some of their assets are quite old and they need to be replaced - and some of them are less old and they'll be maintaining those." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand has pledged $10 million to a global fund to help developing countries respond to climate change damage.  Minister-in-charge, Simon Watts has made the commitment at the UN Climate Change Summit in Azerbaijan. Watts says the contribution will help deliver effective support to help people in the most-affected regions build stronger communities. He explained that this will come out of New Zealand's overseas aid budget. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's concern for hundreds of Kiwi workers as one of New Zealand's biggest pulp and paper mills looks to halt production. Tokoroa's Kinleith Mill plans to halt paper processing by June 2025 - with 230 jobs on the line. E tū negotiations specialist Joe Gallagher says these jobs cuts will have a ripple effect that impacts the rest of Tokoroa. "Tokoroa was born out of the fact that a lot of people migrated to the area to work at Kinleith - a lot of people rely on Kinleith. 230 jobs is not insignificant and that's not counting the downstream of people in cafes, doctors, nurses and all those other jobs. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's proof regulating children's screen time can reduce the risk of childhood obesity. An Auckland University study has found cutting young children's device use and ensuring they get enough sleep both lower obesity risk. Professor Boyd Swinburn says it used data from more than 5,000 children aged between two to four-and-a-half He says the World Health Organisation recommends pre-schoolers have less than an hour of screentime a day. "In this cohort, 70 percent of them actually had more than an hour of screen time a day - it is a challenge keeping these young kids from the screens." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's new Police Commissioner is keeping an open mind about arming front line staff.  Deputy Commissioner Richard Chambers is replacing Andrew Coster - and has just returned from secondment with Interpol in France.  He says he's worked with many jurisdictions over the years, and hopes New Zealand doesn't get the point of arming cops.  But Chambers says policing is complex and volatile, and he'll do all he can to protect his staff.  "I've got to keep an open mind -what do my staff need? What sort of support do they need? I think we need to get to that place as a country."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The nation's new top cop is prepared to step into the role. Richard Chambers has been appointed the new Police Commissioner by Minister Mark Mitchell - and he's ready to get stuck in on the eve of the Government's new patch ban. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Chambers has been rising through the ranks for decades - and he's a good fit for the job. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SpaceX's sixth Starship test flight splashed down in the Indian Ocean following today's highly-anticipated test mission.  The booster earlier plunged into the Gulf of Mexico soon after the launch. President-elect Donald Trump joined Elon Musk to watch the test - and wrote a supportive post about Musk and the team on his Truth Social network. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says the pair have been inseparable after the US election - when Musk was made a key adviser to Trump. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's hope a women's trans-Tasman Super Rugby final is a sign of things to come. The Super Rugby Aupiki champions will face the Australian Super W winners in a crossover finale to be hosted in New Zealand next year. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave unpacks this news further.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Transport Agency has spent nearly $800 million on traffic management in the past three years, according to new reports. The Government has revealed the spend went to road cones, temporary traffic management, state highway maintenance and capital works.  Transport Minister Simeon Brown says this is an 'exorbitant' sum and the spending needs to come down.  "We need to see a much more efficient use of taxpayers' money when it comes to maintaining our roads and keeping road workers safe - we have to get that balance right." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sir Keir Starmer is hopeful the UK's relationship with China will be strengthened off the back of his meeting with Xi Jinping.  The pair met at the G20 summit - the first time a UK Prime Minister has met with the Chinese President since 2018. UK correspondent Enda Brady says Starmer's a pragmatist - and will be hoping to strengthen the business relationship between both nations. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The pressure on New Zealand's labour market continues to tighten, with job ads falling for the third consecutive month. Despite these grim figures, one expert has noticed there's light at the end of the tunnel for the economy Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Tim Wilson from Maxim Institute and Ali Jones from Red PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! After nine days, the hīkoi made it to Wellington, with 55,000 people marching on Parliament to protest the Treaty Principles Bill. The protest was peaceful - but will it be a success? Shane Jones and David Seymour have called for harsher punishments for MPs who misbehave in Parliament off the back of last week's infamous haka in the House. Do we need tougher standards in Parliament?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 19 November 2024, tens of thousands of protesters have turned up at Parliament to protest the Treaty Principles Bill. Senior political correspondent Barry Soper was there and tells Heather how he saw the day play out. Shane Jones and David Seymour reckon there should be harsher penalties for MPs who misbehave in Parliament, after the Maori Party's haka went viral on social media. There's concern that the lack of water infrastructure will significantly slow down housing developments in Auckland over coming years. Plus the Huddle debates whether the Transport Agency is out of line closing the Desert Road for two months for maintenance. 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.

There's growing concerns that a lack of water infrastructure will slow down housing developments planned for parts of Auckland. On the Hibiscus Coast anyone without resource consent may have to wait until 2031 for a wastewater connection. The Army Bay treatment plant upgrade is not expected to be completed until 2031. Andrew Crosby of Xpect Property Limited says it's 'shocking' how much of Auckland has no water or wastewater capacity. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Councils and waste industry experts are calling for increased regulations for the disposal of used batteries following an escalation in fires. WasteMINZ, the Waste & Recycling Industry Forum, Auckland Council and Christchurch City Council have come together to request direct action to prevent batteries from being thrown out or included in kerbside recycling.  WasteMINZ chief executive Nic Quilty says the organisation's website has a map of safe locations where people can dispose of their batteries and battery-powered products. "Most of the facilities are free of charge, some of them cost a little bit of money - but not much - and that's the best thing to do." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's disappointment among some as State Highway 1 in the Central North Island will be closed for repairs for two months. The Desert Road is closing between Turangi and Waiouru from January 6 until the end of February. The detour will add half an hour and an extra 50 kilometres to journeys. NZTA's Roger Brady says the approach is well-planned - and the closure lets them squeeze in four months' worth of work into two. "So instead of having a long, drawn-out, ongoing inconvenience - yes, it's going to be inconvenient, but there'll be a limit to the inconvenience to two months."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dawn Aerospace's Mk-II Aurora flew at supersonic speeds for the first time, clearing the way to begin commercial operations in a few months. The aircraft is the first Kiwi-designed-and-made rocket to break the sound barrier since the Concorde- opening the doors for expanded space travel possibilities. CEO Stefan Powell says this proves the technology works - and sets the stage for further opportunities.  "That sets the stage for us to be able to extend that certification, ultimately up to above space. This can be the first vehicle to fly to space multiple times a day." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A competition lawyer says it'll be very unlikely Foodstuff's appeal will succeed. The Commerce Commission declined its merger of its North and South Island arms- saying it would lessen grocery competition and hurt suppliers.  Foodstuffs North Islands chief executive, Chris Quin, says the change would actually make it easier for suppliers.  Lawyer Neil Anderson says it's unlikely a case like this will go to court, with even less chance of winning. "The commercial parties, by the time they've been through a clearance process and then are faced with an appeal process - they'll push it out a further six months, it's quite unusual for a deal to survive that." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A ground-breaking hīkoi of 42,000 people descended on Parliament today, telling lawmakers to kill ACT's Treaty Principles Bill.  It passed its first reading last week in a session punctuated by Te Pāti Māori's Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke leading a fiery haka and being suspended.  Bill author, David Seymour, says Parliament Speaker Gerry Brownlee should tighten the rules. Former Speaker David Carter says Brownlee should possibly pass it on to the Standing Orders Committee.  "What's very clear as you chair those meetings is - all politicians realise that they may well be in opposition at some stage, so they make rules that actually make our Parliament work." Police say one person was arrested at today's protest.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Authorities are urging Hīkoi mō te Tiriti attendees to travel safely as their journey home begins. It's estimated at least 42,000 people gathered at the Parliamentary precinct and in the surrounding streets to protest the contentious Treaty Principles Bill. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the protestors were polite and restrained at today's event. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former broadcaster and Wallabies coach Alan Jones has been charged with two further offences against a ninth victim, bringing the total up to 26. Jones was arrested and charged on Monday in relation to alleged indecent assaults spanning over two decades. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Jones has denied the allegations and will likely assert his innocence in court. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One-test All Black Harry Plummer is poised to leave New Zealand after next year's Super Rugby season. The Blues pivot, who played his so-far only test to date against Australia in Sydney in September, has reportedly signed with French outfit ASM Clermont.  Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wayne Brown is proposing major reforms to Auckland's council controlled organisations in his draft budget proposal. Brown wants to scrap the council's urban regeneration and property management arm Eke Panuku, and return its functions to the council. Tataki Auckland Unlimited could lose its economic development, events and tourism marketing roles, becoming solely focused on managing stadiums, theatres and other facilities. Brown says he's 'hopeful' Auckland Council will be on board with these changes. "I think that Aucklanders should be in control of Auckland, frankly. And that means I'd like to get a bit less input from Wellington, as well as independent councils."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police in Essex have defended investigating a social media post written by a Daily Telegraph columnist amid growing backlash. Allison Pearson received a visit from officers on Remembrance Sunday over a long-deleted social media post - and was left 'dumbstruck'. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says people have questioned why the police have time to go after this woman while violent crime and burglaries continue to impact people. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.