Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

There's increased support for efforts to trim court waiting times. The Chief District Court Judge has introduced protocols to speed proceedings, including time targets based on a crime's seriousness. Lawyer Steve Cullen says about 81 percent of cases meet targets, against a goal of 90 percent. He says setting up some cases can be a challenge. "You're dealing with people in the criminal sphere who often have reasons to opt for delay, whether it be the fact that they've got other cases on foot, or they've got their own personal issues that mean they don't want the matter progressed." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 17 June 2024, it has been an embarrassing start to the Prime Minister's trip to Japan - after the Defence Force plane carrying the delegation broke down. Political Correspondent Jason Walls speaks to Heather from the centre of the drama - and later in the show Heather asks Finance Minister Nicola Willis whether it's time to buy a new plane. Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson has revealed she's been diagnosed with breastcancer. Ah-Leen Rayner from the Breast Cancer Foundation says she hopes more women will get themselves checked as a result of the news. Plus the Huddle debates the Government's new plans to allow granny flats to be built without a building consent. 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.

The BBC has reported that the Greek coastguard caused the deaths of dozens of migrants in the Mediterranean. This happened over a three-year period, witnesses say, including nine who were deliberately thrown into the water. BBC analysis found that more than 40 people alleged to have died. UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Heather du Plessis-Allan “The Greek government has long been accused of ‘forced returns’- which is illegal under international law.” Grey said “The European Union has had some 263,000 sea arrivals in the last year alone – with Greece receiving 41,000.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National promised in the last election to allow foreigners to buy $2m-plus properties - reversing a ban introduced by the previous Labour government – with exceptions for Australians and Singaporeans. However, this was vetoed by National’s coalition partner - New Zealand First. Sotheby's NZ Managing Director Mark Harris told Heather du Plessis-Allan “New Zealand’s always been of interest – but there’s definitely been a lot of interest of late.” Harris said “We’re half-expecting that there might be an announcement that there might be some easing of the foreign buyer rule.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Service sector activity has plummeted to its lowest level outside the Covid lockdowns. The BNZ-Business New Zealand Performance of Services Index (PSI) fell 3.6 points in May to 43.0. Business NZ Chief Executive Kirk Hope told Heather du Plessis-Allan “It’s consistent with other data – like profit margins being below pre-Covid rates.” Hope said “Corporate insolvencies are around the same level as during the GFC – it's a pretty tough time.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle: Sherson Willis PR’s Trish Sherson and Child Fund’s Josie Pagani. There’s some unanswered questions about the cost of commercial flights to Japan for Prime Minister Chris Luxon and his delegation. Their Defence Force plane broke down yesterday in Papua New Guinea -- the latest in a string of issues. Acting Prime Minister Winston Peters was asked if it's fair the taxpayer has to pick up the tab. Peters said “In an emergency, you take emergency action.” Josie Pagani told Heather du Plessis-Allan “The Prime Minister is the PR frontperson – but the work is the people with the Prime Minister.” Pagani said “This is an absolute disaster, really.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Air New Zealand's Chair says the airline's done its best to help with the Defence Force plane's failure. The Prime Minister's business delegation flight broke down yesterday in Papua New Guinea, en route to Japan. Finance Minister Nicola Willis told Heather du Plessis-Allan “We’ve got a defence capability review under way – that includes being able to quickly get to the Pacific and around the world to help out after disasters.” Willis said “That’s likely to include a plane capability.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government’s proposing changes to the Resource Management Act and the Building Act – to help make it easier to build granny flats. This follows a commitment in the National-NZ First coalition agreement, which requires the government to " Make it easier to build granny flats or other small structures up to 60 square metres, requiring only an engineer's report". Housing Minister Chris Bishop told Heather du Plessis-Allan “I think it’s going to appeal to a lot of different people – it's about housing supply.” Bishop said “These are structures designed to get more people into warm, dry houses.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Netsafe has launched an AI chat bot that will scam scammers. It lets people forward suspicious emails to Netsafe - which uses Chat GPT to start a never-ending conversation with the scammer. ReScam's first version was launched a few years ago, allowing simple exchanges. Netsafe CEO Brent Carey told Heather du Plessis-Allan “We've wasted six days of scammers time." Carey said "I've got one on the hook - we're up to 62 back and forwards." LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson says she's feeling grateful that her breast cancer will be treated - and she has the care and support to focus on it. Davidson will work up until Matariki, before a partial mastectomy next month and further treatment. Breast Cancer Foundation Chief Executive Ah-Leen Rayner told Heather du Plessis-Allan “We take it for granted in metropolitan areas that screening is readily accessible.” Rayner said that for people living rurally - if you miss mobile-unit screenings, some may have to travel up to three hours. She said "It's not equitable in terms of access." LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister's business delegation was stranded when their Air Force plane broke down in Papua New Guinea. Chris Luxon took a commercial flight to arrive in Japan - while the business leaders and media flew to Australia, to take a connecting Air New Zealand flight to Tokyo. Political Editor Jason Walls is with the delegation. Walls told Heather du Plessis-Allan “We’re getting a sense that there’s some irritation.” Walls said “There are some grumbled words about how this has shifted the focus and been a distraction.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister's business delegation is beginning its trip to Japan again, after a detour through Brisbane. The group was stranded when their Air Force plane broke down in Papua New Guinea. Chris Luxon took a commercial flight to arrive in Japan on time, and the trade group and media flew on to Australia, to take an Air New Zealand flight to Tokyo. Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper told Heather du Plessis-Allan “Nothing gives you more pride than when the Prime Minister steps off an RNZAF plane – you’re not just waving the flag, it shows you’re a capable country.” Soper said “We used to lease planes from Qantas.” He said “They are for transporting troops – not just the Prime Minister's entourage. That includes journalists – and publicity is very important to them.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have agreed to properly manage their nations' differences during a visit. This follows an era in which minister-to-minister contacts were banned and trade barriers cost Australian exporters up to 20 billion Australian dollars ($21.5 billion NZD) a year. Australia Correspondent Oliver Peterson told Heather du Plessis-Allan “On the one hand: keep buying our iron ore and wine, but also we don’t really want you to talk to our Pacific neighbours and - get out of the South China Sea.” Peterson said “It doesn’t really fit in with the narrative of our two nations at this stage.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Melbourne Storm beat the Warriors 38-24 at Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday, the sixteenth time they’ve won this match-up. After scoring three tries at the beginning, the Warriors spent the rest of the game with their wingers Marcelo Montoya and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak in the sin bin. SportsTalk Host Jason Pine told Heather du Plessis-Allan “I’m sure the players would have said not to worry about the history... but 15 games seems like a very long time.” Piney said “The Storm are a good team, don’t get me wrong, they’re top of the NRL.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Four months ago, Wellington Water said plumbers weren’t qualified to repair the capital’s water crisis. However, it's now been revealed that they're more qualified than Wellington Water's own workforce. Master Plumbers Chief Executive Greg Wallace told Heather du Plessis-Allan “The Workplace Development Council have agreed the NZQA standards that plumbers do, are more than what Wellington Water requires.” Wallace said “In February, [Wellington Water] told us they had a workforce crisis, and they couldn’t fix the 3,572 leaks at the time.” He said they make things as difficult as possible. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Well, we're just gonna have to pony up and buy a couple of new planes, aren't we? Come on, this is the second time this year that this plane has broken down on Chris Luxon, and if he keeps on insisting on using these old girls, it's definitely not going to be the last time. I reckon Al Gillespie made the best argument today for why we should have a plane that works - rather than flying the Prime Minister around the place commercially. His argument is: When our Prime Minister turns up in another country, it's generally because we want something from that country, right? Either we want to trade with them, increase trade or we want them to do what we want them to do politically. So, we're there to impress them and we have to impress them, which is the whole point of a trip like this, right? You go on a trip like this: everybody has to dress up in their best suits, look like they mean business. The Prime Minister collects a group of smart and powerful people to impress the hosts. Bring the media along to look like he's popular and a big deal. And, you arrive on your own plane. That's part of the thing, right? It's part of the whole charade. Because what you want is countries like Japan to look at us arrive and go: “Ballers.” Ballers with influence in the South Pacific. You don't want them to look at us and go. “Oh, it's that povo country next to Australia, again.” No one wants to listen to that country, but you look like a baller in the South Pacific. Suddenly people want to spend time with you. You gotta look like you’re meaning business. In which case you turn up in your limo, you don't turn up in your taxi. Particularly, at a time when this part of the world is contested, and a show of strength will go a long way. Now, even if that doesn't convince you, even if you do not care for diplomacy or trade. Economically, we would be better off buying a couple of new planes. I saw a quote for a Boeing similar to the ones that we fly. I mean, it will be used, but it's sitting somewhere with 30 years flying still left in it and it's sitting somewhere around $35-40 million. Sound like a lot to you? So you're gonna be spending $70-80 million to buy a couple of those planes. The planes that we are flying at the moment that keep breaking down cost us $70 million in maintenance - just in the last two years. That's two new planes right there. Every year that we keep on flying these old birds, we're wasting the money. So every single year that we continue to fly them from here on in, that's a new plane flushed down the toilet. Because we insist on being povos. So we just need to stop doing this. Stop being cheap. Stop trying to sweat the last bit of life out of these planes - which is now becoming more expensive than just buying new ones. Stop pretending that we can fly the Prime Minister commercially. Just buy two new planes. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 14 June 2024, the Government has committed to completely overhauling our gun laws. Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee tells Heather what she wants to change. Health NZ's Chief People Officer explains why a hiring freeze across his organisation is needed to save money urgently - and why it won't affect your healthcare. The Huddle debates who should win in this weekend's Super Rugby Playoffs. Plus the greatest hit of political memories... It's the 40th anniversary of Rob Muldoon's calling a snap - schnapps - election. Barry Soper remembers the night... 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.

The European Union's top court has fined Hungary €200m ($400m NZD) for failing to follow asylum policies. The court will also penalise Hungary €1m a day until it changes its policy. UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Heather du Plessis-Allan “Hungary is a big recipient of funds from the E.U.” Grey said “The E.U is annoyed with Budapest as they’re in breach of a 220 judgement.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealanders could soon find it easier to travel to China after yesterday's bilateral meeting between Christopher Luxon and Li Qiang. It was the first meeting of a New Zealand Prime Minister and Chinese Premier on New Zealand soil since 2017. Li Qiang has agreed to extend China's unilateral visa-free treatment to New Zealand, following similar agreements with other countries, and says his country also stands ready to offer infrastructure funding. Asia Business Correspondent Peter Lewis told Heather du Plessis Allan “The Chinese state media is focusing on the trade aspects – this is being presented as a trade visit.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's leader has revealed the previous Government had a major relationship breakdown with the agriculture sector at the end of its term in Government. Speaking to the Country from Fieldays, Chris Hipkins said he was at the event to listen to the concerns of farmers. Senior Political Correspondent, Barry Soper told Heather du Plessis-Allan farmers are the economic backbone of this country. Soper said “Farming exports way and above outweigh anything else in this country, so let’s look after them.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2016, NZ Herald ran the headline: ‘Is Soumil Singh New Zealand’s smartest teen?’ Singh was Hamilton Boys High School’s Dux – now he’s a Harvard grad, with a $6 million A.I start-up in New York City. Singh told Heather du Plessis-Allan “The landscape for investing in tech start-ups is good – and so’s AI.” He said “I had the itch to go to Harvard since I was a kid.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Sports Huddle this evening: Newstalk ZB Rugby Commentators Elliott Smith and Paul Allison. The Black Caps lost to West Indies in Thursday’s crucial T20 pool game in Trinidad and Tobago – so they won’t make it to the knockout phase of the tournament. Paul Allison told Heather du Plessis-Allan that he’s disappointed in the Black Caps loss, given their performance in recent T20 tournaments – being semifinalists two years ago and runners up 2021. Allison said “They’re blaming weather and poor preparation of pitches – they also have to have a good hard look at the planning.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Hurricanes will host The Chiefs tomorrow night for tomorrow’s semifinal at Sky Stadium. Hurricanes Captain, Brad Shields, is one of only two remaining players from their winning 2016 side. Hurricanes Assistant Coach Cory Jane told Heather du Plessis-Allan “The excitement of having a semifinal at home doesn’t secure a win - but it’s exciting to play in front of your crowd.” Jane said he’s gutted Xavier Noumea is injured, as he’s the best loose-head prop in the country. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora has implemented a freeze on hiring for all non-frontline roles – to bring down spending. This will include all hospital roles that are not patient-facing, and all public health roles that are not community-facing. Health New Zealand Chief People Officer, Andrew Slater, told Heather du Plessis-Allan “That pause is likely to be on as we enter July-August as well.” Slater said “This pause will move the recruitment process back down to local hands.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government will change the Arms Act by 2026 - as part of its planned firearms reforms. Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee said New Zealand’s gun laws had been in place for over four decades. McKee told Heather du Plessis-Allan “We want to remove NZ Police from the administration, regulation and policymaking of firearms.” She said this will allow Police to focus on enforcement - and get the gangs away from guns. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today marks 40 years since Robert Muldoon’s snap election – and Barry Soper recounts the former Prime Minister’s drunken media interview. Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper told Heather du Plessis-Allan “He was absolutely incoherent.” “The Governor General, David Beattie, had to take over the interview, while Muldoon was bundled into his LTD limo, and taken back to parliament to sober him up.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Joe Biden and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a 10-year security agreement on Thursday – stating it’s a milestone in relations between their countries, G7 leaders have also agreed to a $50 billion USD loan to help Ukraine in its conflict. Interest earned on profits from Russia’s frozen central bank assets would be used as collateral. US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson told Heather du Plessis-Allan “President Zelenskyy seemed optimistic that his country would retain support from the Biden administration – or any administration.” Mitchinson said “Joe Biden makes the commitment right now, but if he’s not re-elected in November, can that that be fulfilled?” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Blues face The Brumbies tonight at Eden Park, for The Super Rugby semifinal. The Blues have already beaten Canberra team this season – a major 46-7 win at Eden Park in April. Weekend Sport Host Jason Pine told Heather du Plessis-Allan “No Australian side has ever come to New Zealand and won a playoff game.” Piney said “Hurricanes will have the home advantage – but no degree of overriding certainity.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Taxpayers Union has said that the New Zealand Film Commission needs to stop giving out film subsidies – because they’re not good value. According to numbers compiled by former boss of South Pacific Pictures, John Barnett, the Film Commission has spent a whopping $88 million of taxpayer money on 54 movies over the last few years. However, they only made $14 million at the NZ Box Office. John Barnett told Heater du Plessis-Allan “Our stories need by told by us, and to us.” Barnett said “We should be smarter about what we put our money into.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today is 40 years to the day since Rob Muldoon called the snap election. Which then, of course, led to his defeat. Which then, of course, led to the incoming Labour Government, realised we were nearly broke as a country. Which then led to them embarking on the most amazing set of reforms which they do not get enough credit for to this day - and get way too much grief for. It is a really interesting anniversary for us to mark right now - as we find ourselves in a recession that feels like the worst that many of us have ever experienced. As we watch old names in New Zealand, like Smith and Caughey give up. As we see projections that the country's debt will just keep growing. Because today, Roger Douglas - one of the primary architects of those reforms back in 1984 - has given an interview saying we are as in as much trouble today, as we were back in 1984. By the way, if you ask why is Roger Douglas piping up again? He's not stopped, ay. You cannot stop the man. He's still pouring over all the government financials, still publishing his ideas, still calling journalists to tell us what he thinks is going wrong with the country. And in this particular interview, he points to a Treasury paper containing long-term fiscal projections, and he says if we carry on spending the way that we are, if you look at this paper, we're going to go broke. In particular, what he's worried about - is the projections for the cost explosion that's coming in healthcare, the pension, education and the cost of paying for the debt that we're racking up. He points to health specifically. He says it's currently 7% of GDP. In 35 years - many of us will still be alive by that time - it will be 11% Now that is just health. Never mind the pension. Never mind education. Never mind the cost of the debt. And he is worried that the debt is gonna blow out in this country. And he's right to be worried about it. Because if you just look at the budget documents that were published last month, that debt shows no sign of going anywhere other than up, it just gets bigger and bigger and bigger every single year. Now you tell me that he's wrong. And I'm not being miserable about it. I just wanna be realistic about it. You tell me that you disagree with him, that we are in the same position that we were in 1984. Our country is in a structural deficit at the moment. It means that we spend more every single year than we earn as a country. Our infrastructure is getting old. Everything is going backwards from crime, to the education system. We are tied up in red tape and dumb rules in this country. So he's right, isn't he? So here’s hoping the country and the government have the intelligence and the courage to do some radical things to fix this - just like the government that came in 40 years ago. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lucy Letby, convicted of murdering seven babies and trying to kill six others, has gone on trial accused of the attempted murder of another newborn in her care. The 34-year-old was found guilty in August last year of committing the crimes between June 2015 and June 2016, while working as a nurse in the neonatal unit of a Chester hospital. The former nurse is now on trial at Manchester Crown Court charged with one count of attempted murder of a further young baby girl, known as Child K, in February 2016. UK correspondent Enda Brady says Letby has since denied the charges. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apple has made a plunge into the AI universe through its new offering: Apple Intelligence. The tech giant revealed how it planned to pair up with OpenAI in order to integrate AI into its devices and software. Fisher Funds expert Sam Dickie explained this development further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Fitch ratings agency is casting doubts on New Zealand's economic future. The agency is considering bringing down the nation's rating, amid concerns surrounding increased debt and low immigration flow. NZ Herald Business editor-at-large Liam Dann unpacks the implications of this news. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says he has discussed issues important to New Zealand's interests with China's Premier, Li Qiang. The pair held high-level talks this afternoon, following an official powhiri welcome to Government House. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacked the fanfare surrounding this high-profile visit. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 13 June 2024, China's Premier has touched down in NZ amongst new revelations of Chinese foreign interference. Transport Minister Simeon Brown tells Heather why he's increasing speedlimits again across the country. The Black Caps have had a horrific showing in the T20 World Cup. D'Arcy Waldegrave can't believe it. The Huddle debates whether Kevin Spacey will ever get a movie job again. Plus what are "hot rodent men" and why is Hollywood in love with them? 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, Men's Health Week director Mark Sainsbury and Auckland Councillor Richard Hills joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The coalition Government has committed to reversing Labour's restrictions on speed limits. From July, speed limits will be readjusted to pre-2020 levels. Is this sensible or too risky? New research shows the difference between what mayors earn and what councillors earn. Auckland mayors and councillors bring in the most money - but a Stratford councillor get $23,000. Does this need to be changed? What did we think of Kevin Spacey's infamous interview with Piers Morgan? Will he ever get another acting job? Coal-generated electricity has risen by 99 percent, while gas supply has decreased 12 percent in the March quarter. How much trouble are we in? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government aims to reduce the nation's gender pay gap through the development of a voluntary calculation tool. Current figures show the gap currently sits at 8.6 per cent - and has remained persistent at around 9 percent from 2018. Acting Minister for Women Louise Upston says businesses need a consistent and simple tool to measure their pay gaps, and then develop solutions. "We think this is a really important first step - so businesses can take those steps and we can see the gender pay gap reduce." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The decline in gas supply has led to production cuts and a 99 percent increase in coal-generated electricity, according to MBIE. Methanex, New Zealand's biggest energy consumer, has cut back on its methanol production as a result. Director of Enerlytica, John Kidd, says the system will adjust - but unfortunately this is not a costless exercise. "Structurally, we're short on energy - full stop. So it's often lost on people that we don't have enough energy in the country to be able to support our demands. So we do rely on international markets anyway." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Caps' T20 World Cup campaign is in tatters after a 13-run loss to the West Indies in Trinidad, leaving their Super 8 hopes hanging by a thread. Their chase of 150 to win has finished at 136 for 9. Cricket commentator Bryan Waddle says the team wasn't properly prepared for today's game. "They got close, but not close enough. Conditions were difficult and the West Indies were too good for them." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Speed limits around schools will become varied if proposed rule changes go ahead. The coalition Government is reversing speed limit reductions implemented over the past four years under the previous Government. Public input is open as the draft rule enters the consultation phase. Transport Minister Simeon Brown says slower school speeds will only apply at pick-up and drop-off times. "Rather than being all around the clock, which is how it's currently done at the moment, where you're seeing 30km being put in suburbs across our cities." Simeon Brown says most people don't follow the current laws anyway. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former SIS Minister Andrew Little says China's relationship with its diaspora community is often intense. Stuff has released a documentary covering allegations of Chinese Communist Party influence and interference operations in New Zealand. It comes as the Chinese Premier visits New Zealand for the first time in seven years. Andrew Little says New Zealand is no different to any other country with a significant Chinese population. "The Communist Party, through its various machines and organs and organisations, stays in close contact with a lot of those people." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prosecutors are debating whether to send former NRL star Jarryd Hayne to his fourth trial. Hayne spent a year behind bars after being convicted of sexual assault - and these convictions have since been quashed. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says it's unlikely a fourth trial hill happen, as Hayne is eligible for parole next May. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Caps' chances of progressing to the Super 8 stage at the T20 World Cup are all-but over. Coming off a first-up drubbing by Afghanistan, New Zealand have gone down by 13 runs to the West Indies in Trinidad. They've only been able to muster 136 for 9 - in pursuit of 150 to win. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave unpacks the loss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Retirement Commissioner has released a list of proposed changes to improve the KiwiSaver scheme. The list suggested the default rate for KiwiSaver contributions needs to rise to 4 percent, with employers being required to match that level. However, the Commission disagreed that KiwiSaver should be compulsory. Retirement Commission policy lead Dr Michelle Reyers says 90 percent of wage and salary earners already contribute to the scheme. "There are downsides to forcing people to save - some people on very low incomes will not necessarily be better off if they give up current wellbeing for some future time period." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New figures showed the UK economy experienced no growth in April. The region's GDP was flat for an entire month, off the back of a 0.4 percent bump in March. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says this dip will be a problem for the Conservative Party ahead of the election. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An optimistic update from Tower Insurance, as the company increased its profit expectations. This is the third projected profit upgrade for the company - a significant turnaround following a chaotic 2024. Milford Asset Management's Michael Luke explains how the company's new strategic direction helped boost these numbers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The top brass at the country’s banks, as well as their regulators, are due to be publicly questioned by politicians about the level of competition in the banking sector. Finance Minister Nicola Willis has asked Parliament’s Finance and Expenditure Committee to lead an inquiry into competition in the banking sector. The inquiry will draw on the draft findings of the Commerce Commission’s big market study into retail banking, which is due for completion by August 20. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains the possible outcomes of this inquiry. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An update concerning the proposed lobbying crackdown has been met with disappointment from transparency advocates. The Ministry of Justice revealed a new code of conduct co-written by lobbyists - featuring significant changes to the original document. Transparency International CEO Julie Haggie says the new code isn't worth the paper it's printed on. "Just about every single element of actual conduct - that is, what you would do to actually prove you had ethical standards - was removed." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 12 June 2024, Richard McIntyre from Federated Farmers tells Heather just what the farmers want from the banking inquiry now that the government has expanded its scope to include rural banking. Lawyer Michael Bradley talks to Heather about Jarryd Hayne's rape conviction getting overturned Sociologist Paul Spoonley on how much longer this exodus of Kiwis from NZ will go on for and what we can do to stop it Plus find out which iconic Auckland beach Heather thinks is totally overrated! 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, Nick Leggett from Infrastructure New Zealand and ZB Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! New figures from Stats NZ show more than 130,000 people left in the year to April, 81,200 of which were Kiwi citizens - the highest on record. How can we turn this around? What's driving the nation's skilled workers away? National MP Maureen Pugh was reportedly assaulted at a gold mine protest yesterday. Should we be more concerned about the safety of MPs? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.