Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

The sky's the limit for aspiring pilots, as Air New Zealand launches their Mangōpare Pilot Cadetship scheme. The program is open to applications - and will fast-track the journey from becoming a commercial pilot from 24-36 months to approximately 14 months. The airline's Chief Operational Integrity and Safety Officer, Captain David Morgan, says it's important they future-proof their pilot ranks. "There's a global shortage of pilots, and that shortage has just continued to grow over time. Airlines are expanding, Air New Zealand will grow - and also, there's an aging pilot issue." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health NZ is standing by its processes, despite upset over staff having to pay back money received in error. The Nurses' Union is raising concerns over the pay back request, as Health NZ still owes workers $2 billion in under payments. HNZ Chief People Officer Andrew Slater says at any one time, only about one million in errors is being chased across a $10 billion pay roll. "This is just us making sure that people are paid accurately - and we are working with taxpayer money wisely." Slater says they're incredibly frustrated at what it owes workers, and they're working round the clock to fix this. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prosecutors are considering a fourth trial after a former Australian NRL star's rape convictions have been quashed again. Jarryd Hayne has been released on bail, after spending a year behind bars for being convicted of two counts of sexual intercourse without consent last April. The verdict has been overturned on the basis that the judge didn't allow further cross-examination on the complainant. Australian lawyer Michael Bradley says it's in no one's interest for a rape case to be tried three times. "It's appalling for everyone, it just underlines how broken the system is." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The police helicopter and checkpoints are being used in Marokopa in the search for Tom Phillips and his three children. Police announced an $80,000 reward yesterday - and say they've had an increase in emails, calls and visits since. Waikato Herald reporter Maryana Garcia says police are stopping cars going in and out of the town and the chopper has been up all day. "The chopper's been flying over the Marokopa area, it came through this morning and it did a loop around that coastal area." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Look, I have got the point where I personally think St John ambulance service is so broken that I'm not sure I would rely on it in an emergency anymore.Today, the union representing the ambulance workers has announced it’s launching industrial action - indefinitely.It says St John first said there was no money for pay increases - then did make a pay increase offer, but it wasn't good enough. So the union said no and counter-offered, and every time they've counter-offered, they say St John just refuses to address it. So as a result, they will still be doing be doing code purple and red call outs, which is cardiac arrest and life threatening stuff. But they are not committing to doing anything else indefinitely. So basically, until they get a decent pay offer. This could go on for a year, they said.Can you imagine how much worse this is going to make St John? Because it’s already not flash. There's a story in the papers today of a 72-year-old guy who called St John to say he was having a heart attack. He knew he was having a heart attack, cause he’d had two before. And they said the ambulance would be an hour or two away because he actually just had a chest infection.There was also a story just a couple of weeks ago of a 17-year-old girl who died of asthma. Asthma! It's a completely treatable situation, and she died because the operator coded it wrong and sent the ambo crew on a break instead of in to save her life.Something's wrong here. Part of it is funding, part of it is that we can’t run a life-saving service partly on donations - but it's bigger than that. Because if you’ve got people incorrectly coding events - quite often - is funding going to fix that?Anyway, I've got to the point where I've made an alterative plan for if we've got an emergency in the house, I've got a plan for how I'm going to get people to the hospital myself. Because I don’t think I can rely on St John - and I wonder how many other people have got to that point too. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rural communities are elated to see their repeated concerns being heard. The Finance Minister has asked the Finance and Expenditure and Primary Production Committees to lead a joint inquiry into rural banking. Federated Farmers says rural New Zealanders are facing huge financial pressures - worsened by unfair interest rates. Spokesperson Richard McIntyre says it's causing farmers to sell up. "It's the banks making excessive profits and it's a lack of competition in the rural banking space. We've only got 5 rural banks, but we have about 18 in the residential space." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis has asked the Finance and Expenditure and Primary Production Committees to lead a joint inquiry into banking. The investigation will be primarily focused on rural banking, and submissions from banks and chairpersons and chief executives will be expected. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained what this means for the wider rural sector. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The son of President Joe Biden has been found guilty in another new US legal first. Hunter Biden was found guilty of three offences - for lying about illegal drug use when buying and keeping a gun in 2018. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says the younger Biden's verdict has opened discussions about Biden's chances at the presidency. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Black Caps coach Gary Stead's hinted at tweaks - rather than wholesale changes - to their team for tomorrow's must-win T20 World Cup clash with the West Indies. New Zealand were rolled for 75 - their fourth lowest total in the format - during an 84-run drubbing by Afghanistan in their tournament opener. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave unpacks the issue further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a big worry at the number of skilled New Zealanders flowing out of the country. Latest figures from Stats NZ show more than 130,000 people left in the year to April - the highest on record. A record 81,200 New Zealand citizens made up majority of the departures. Massey University Sociologist Paul Spoonley says we're losing a lot of talented people - mainly young, recently graduated Kiwis. "Right across the board: teachers, all our professionals are being recruited because they're actually good - and they're being recruited for other countries, particularly Australia." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has faced some scorn from leaders and the public over his actions at the D-day commemorations. Several world leaders and surviving veterans gathered for the event's 80th anniversary, and Sunak drew ire by leaving early. UK correspondent Enda Brady says voters won't forgive this. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's move to scrap agriculture from the Emissions Trading Scheme has been welcomed by rural leaders. The newly-scrapped scheme would see farmers charged for additional emissions units used above their allotted allowance by 2025. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says the Government needed to focus on 'practical tools' that wouldn't reduce production or exports for Kiwi farmers. Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford approves of this choice - but claims there's still significant work to be done. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has has used the launch of a new build-to-rent facility in Auckland to announce new rules for the Overseas Investment Act. More money will be directed towards build-to-rent developments - and foreign investors will have a streamlined pathway to acquire land for said developments. Infometrics principal economist Brad Olsen says this move will likely add to the nation's housing supply over time. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a big week for the rural community, as crowds flock to Waikato for Fieldays 2024. From June 12 to 15, people will gather at Mystery Creek for the 56th running of the largest agricultural event in the Southern Hemisphere. The Country host is predicting a 'subdued' mood from attendees ahead of this year's event. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Opposition leader Chris Hipkins has overtaken the Prime Minister on net favourability, as support dropped for the coalition. A Taxpayers' Union-Curia poll had Chris Luxon tumbling 13 points to negative five percent, with Hipkins up 4 points to three percent. Both ACT and New Zealand First leaders have also seen a drop, with David Seymour down 11 points and Winston Peters down 14 points. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says it'll be a while before voters see what the Government has achieved. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

​On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 11 June 2024, Detective Inspector Graham Pitkethley gives an update on his homicide investigation following the death of a Te Kuiti baby. The Climate Change Minister tells Heather why farmers shouldn't be paying for their emissions and will definitely be excluded from the Emissions Trading Scheme. The Commerce Commission has revealed the fuel price trick that costs motorists millions every year. Plus, the Huddle debates whether it's time we stopped paying politicians an accommodation allowance if they own the place they're staying in. 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 Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! It's been revealed agriculture will be taken off the Emissions Trading Scheme. Is this the right call for New Zealand's emissions profile? Waikato authorities have offered 80,000 to finally find the missing Marokopa father and children. Will this help flush out anyone with information? Labour's Chris Hipkins has pulled ahead in the latest Taxpayers’ Union-Curia poll, and National is lagging. How much should voters read into this? Can the coalition turn public opinion around? Labour's Kieran McAnulty raised a few eyebrows for claiming a political housing perk to live in his wife's apartment - is it time we scrapped this entitlement for MPs? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Royal New Zealand Air Force has reported observing breaches of UNSC sanctions against North Korea during patrol missions. The P-8A Poseidon flew 11 missions to detect and deter evasions of UN during April and May - and allegations of illegal ship-to-ship transfers have surfaced. RNZAF No. 5 Squadron Commanding Officer Mark Whiteside says they detected multiple transfers that could potentially contain banned goods, such as oil or coal. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Consumer NZ is calling on banks to refund people targeted by scams. The watchdog launched a petition and campaign urging the Government and other agencies to better reduce harm for scam victims. Campaign manager Jessica Walker says Governments in places like the UK, Australia, and Singapore have made moves to protect people. "So what we're asking our Government is just to do the same - to offer New Zealanders the same protection so we are no longer at the mercy of these cyber criminals." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Commerce Commission says the delay in companies dropping the cost of petrol when company costs fall is costing Kiwi motorists $15 million a year. It's warning fuel companies it'll be watching prices when Auckland's regional fuel tax kicks in next month. AA principal policy advisor Terry Collins says petrol companies will be acting quickly come July to avoid further criticism. "I've been talking to contacts within the industry, and they're very keen to ensure that the Auckland motorists get their full 11.5 cents - one of the large majors has got a big team who are trying to get it done by midnight." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Climate Change Minister says plans to reduce agricultural emissions must be balanced with maintaining New Zealand's production. The Government plans to change the law in order to to stop farming being charged with credit offsets through the Emissions Trading Scheme. It was the fallback plan if partnership group He Waka Eka Noa couldn't find an alternative way to charge agriculture. He Waka Eke Noa will be replaced and Simon Watts says he's committed to pricing agricultural emissions by 2030. "We want that to be industry and farmer-led, because our farmers are some of the most carbon-efficient farmers in the world." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A baby boy's previous injury will be re-investigated after he died on Saturday in Waikato's Te Kūiti. Police say 10-month-old Mustafa Ali had suffered violent blunt-force trauma that didn't appear accidental. They say he suffered another non-accidental injury in October. Detective Inspector Graham Pitkethley says he's working to investigate the inconsistencies found within prior statements. "Like anything in these tragic situations, we will go back and have a look to see if there was anything else that could have been done." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Australia, Opposition leader Peter Dutton has confirmed the coalition will not set a 2030 emissions reduction target before the next election. Dutton claimed the coalition was committed to net zero by 2050, but refused to reveal any interim targets. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says both parties have underestimated the challenges of implementing renewable energy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson will make his return from a pectoral muscle injury in Saturday night's game against the Melbourne Storm. Coach Andrew Webster has today confirmed he's ready to play this weekend. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave unpacks today's announcement. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Authorities in Waikato have upped efforts to find the three children of missing Marokopa man Tom Phillips. An $80,000 reward has been posted for anyone with information, with a warrant out for Phillips' arrest. Acting Detective Inspector Andrew Saunders suspects other people are assisting Phillips - and hopes the reward and immunity will draw them out. "That's one of the reasons why we put this reward up for a limited period of time, to encourage those people to come forward." LIASTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here’s some good news for farmers on the eve of Fieldays - they will not have to pay for their emissions.The Government's announced it’s taking agriculture back out of the ETS, which is where it’s always been until the last Labour Government put it in there.And outside is where it should always be, because the idea of putting a climate tax on farmers who provide the food we need to survive is crazy. The idea is so crazy that, as far as I can tell, no other country in the world has done it.Now, Labour’s threat to farmers was - you’re in the ETS unless you find another way to pay for your emissions. So there will likely be an expectation that farmers will still have to find that other way. And frankly, I hope they don’t have to. I hope we just give up on this, because making farmers pay to grow the food we need to survive is absolutely nuts. I'm not having an argument about whether climate change is real or not, because of course it's real. And I'm also not having an argument about whether we should make an effort to reduce emissions. If we can, of course we should, within reason. But I am prepared to argue about how far you take that idea. I think that idea was taken too far. When Labour put farmers in the ETS, it had gone too far - because the natural end point of that was that it would add another cost to farming that would cause our farmers to farm fewer animals. That would therefore produce less meat and milk, therefore feeding fewer humans and making our country poorer by selling less to the world. When you get to that endpoint - that's crazy. For a moment there, we got absolutely carried away with the conviction that climate change was the most important thing we were dealing with. Let's get this straight, it is not. It doesn't trump everything else that we are doing. I would argue feeding children is more important, educating children is more important and heating up homes in the winter is more important.Thank goodness for this announcement, because it is absolutely correcting our priorities. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Far-right parties have rattled traditional powers in the European Union following recent parliamentary elections. French President Emmanuel Macron has called a snap election after exit polls put Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally party well ahead of pro-European centrists. Meanwhile, the far-right Alternative for Germany party is in second place in their vote, ahead of centre-left Social Democrats - with the Conservatives in the lead by a distance. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says increased concerns about immigration have helped these parties get ahead. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The owners of toy company Zuru have been named New Zealand's wealthiest people, the first change to the top spot in 20 years. This year's NBR Rich List saw Mat and Nick Mowbray bump packaging, property and investment magnate Graeme Hart from number one. NBR co-editor Hamish McNicol says the pair have openly planned to become the next Google or Tesla. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Chris Luxon has revealed Chinese Premier Li Qiang will visit New Zealand later this week. This will be the first significant visit by one of the nation's largest trading partners in over seven years. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan explains what this visit means for the future of business optimism regarding New Zealand. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has called on the Public Service Commission to investigate claims of misuse of election data. Te Pati Māori's been accused of copying information obtained during Covid vaccination drives, and for enrolling people for last year's census, and using it persuade people to vote for them in the 2023 election. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the allegations against Te Pati Māori cut to the heart of democracy in New Zealand. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 10 June 2024, Trade Minister Todd McClay tells Heather the Chinese Premier Li Qiang will come to New Zealand this week - the first visit since 2017. The Government has asked the Public Services Commission to launch an independent investigation into allegations of illegal data sharing from census and vaccine data involving Te Pati Maori and Manurewa Marae. Finance Minister Nicola Willis explains why this is the best way to deal with it. Another baby has died, believed to be fatally injured in their home. Heather asks why we're not more angry. Plus, the Huddle debates whether you should text before you call someone. Yes! The answer is yes! Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and Ali Jones from Red PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Chinese Premier Li Qiang is set to visit New Zealand later this week. Is this good news for the country? Oil and gas exploration is back on the table, as Minister Shane Jones has confirmed the ban will be revered later this year. Will investors return - or is it too late for New Zealand? The police have launched a homicide investigation after a 10-month-old baby boy died in Waikato. Have we gotten too used to hearing about these kinds of deaths? How do we feel about unexpected phone calls? Should people always text first beforehand? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister says the planned independent inquiry into Te Pati Māori's data use is important for everyone. It's been alleged information collected at Manurewa Marae was used to help the party's election campaign, which Te Pati Māori denies. Minister Nicola Willis says it's important to ensure Government agencies have the proper processes in place to protect people's information. "In this case, the Te Pati Maori allegations, the allegations of Manurewa Marae - they all relate to New Zealanders' personal information." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Air New Zealand has stopped flights between Auckland and New Caledonia's Nouméa for the next few months. The airline will look to resume flights at the end of September. The decision comes amid ongoing uncertainty in the island nation following political unrest. House of Travel chief operating officer Brent Thomas says it isn't a major destination for New Zealanders. "Having said that, there'll be a few hundred people who are interrupted - they were expecting to have a holiday in the sun through our winter, but will no longer be able to make it." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A debate about the unwritten rules of café etiquette has surfaced after an incident in Napier. Reporter Mark Story was asked to leave Napier café Smiths, after being told he hadn't spent enough to stay longer than an hour. Kiwi restaurateur Martin Bosley says different establishments are likely to have different house rules. "I think it's common sense... if the place is empty, if there's no one around, you're not casing any problems, it'd be absolutely fine. Cafés want people in them." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new report into witness reliability in Scott Watson's second attempt before the Court of Appeal has been challenged by the Crown. Watson was found guilty of murdering friends Ben Smart and Olivia Hope in 1999. The pair were last seen getting off a water taxi onto a yacht in the Marlborough Sounds on New Year's Eve. Open Justice reporter Catherine Hutton says the report presented as evidence by the defence today argues many witness accounts were unreliable in his trial. Meanwhile the Crown responded, saying there were many holes in the contents of the report. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I'm starting to get a little bit nervous about whether we are ever going to be able to attract overseas investors back into our oil and gas industry.I mean, you think about it - the world has known since October last year that we were back open for business, because that’s when the coalition Government won the election. From there, it was clear that all three parties wanted to reverse the oil and gas ban. Since October, the world knew things were going to change in New Zealand.But from what I can tell, no one is interested in coming here to do the work. And frankly, if no one has registered an interest in 9 months, I think we might need to start getting realistic about this.It's probably over, the ship has sailed. You can sort of tell by the language that Shane Jones is using that he might know this too - he's talking about trying to make it more appealing for investors to come back by giving them really long-term contracts. It's almost desperate stuff, and I suspect it's because he can see no one’s nibbling after nine months.And why would they?Labour has already raised the prospect that they are open to nixing projects again once they get back in. Investors around the world will see that - and who wants to put billions of dollars of investment in to have Labour come and ban your business again? So what this means is that, short of a miracle and some overseas investor taking a punt on us, we are probably gonna have make do with what we’ve got. And that’s not a good prospect.Our gas is running out faster than we thought it would, we’re facing lights out this winter because of a gas shortage. We have been warned about this.It seems to me - and I'm sorry to say this - that Huntly is going to be a very busy girl burning that coal for a long time. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trade Minister says it's important for the nation to strengthen its economic relationship with China. Earlier today, Prime Minister Luxon announced Chinese Premier Li Qiang will visit New Zealand later this week. Minister Todd McClay says since the change in Government, there's been an increase in contact and engagement with China. "$40 billion worth of two-way trade, that's very important for us to keep that relationship open and keep talking." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former federal treasurer and Nine Entertainment chair Peter Costello has resigned after he was accused of assaulting a journalist at Canberra airport. Costello was accused of pushing a News Corp journalist after he refused to answer questions about the embattled media company. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says Costello has denied the assault and claimed the journalist fell over. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Caps are in a tough spot following their disappointing start to the T20 World Cup. The team have entered must-win territory ahead of game two against the West Indies on Thursday, following their 84-run defeat by Afghanistan in Guyana. Sportstalk host Jason Pine explains that the Black Caps are facing a historic loss if Thursday doesn't go well. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has claimed oil and gas exploration is necessary to address energy security issues - but it's unlikely to attract overseas investors. Resources Minister Shane Jones yesterday confirmed the ban on petroleum exploration beyond onshore Taranaki will be reversed in the coming months. Energy Resources Aotearoa Chief Executive John Carnegie says bringing in overseas investment is going to be a 'long-term effort'. "We've only seen details in the press release, so we have to be slightly more patient to see what comes through in the legislation." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 7 June 2024, Australia has gone back on its word and will re-start deporting Kiwi criminals who spent the majority of their lives in Australia. Doctors are warning they're seeing more cases of nitrous oxide induced health problems as people use the gas as a cheap high - available from the dairy. Real life Martha is taking the Baby Reindeer maker Netflix to court. Californian lawyer Joseph Tully tells Heather whether she has a shot. Plus Heather's very own experience with the nangs - don't try this at home kids! 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 woman who claims to be the inspiration behind Netflix’s Baby Reindeer is suing them for at least NZ$274m. Scottish woman Fiona Harvey first announced she was the inspiration behind Martha, the main character’s stalker, in May. Criminal lawyer Joseph Tully told Heather du Plessis-Allan “The defence by Netflix will be that they told the truth.” Tully said “We’re going to have a real-life drama play out before our eyes.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The European Union Election runs Thursday to Sunday. They're held every five years across the 27-member bloc. This year marks the 10th parliamentary election since the first polls in 1979, and the first after Brexit. The vote takes place from 6-9 June. Initial results can only be revealed on the evening of 9 June, once polling stations have closed in all member states. UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Heathe du Plessis-Allan “It’s the second-biggest democratic election in the world, after India.” Grey said “We are expecting this result to come in favour of potentially far-right partes – in France Belgium and Italy.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Narendra Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 240 seats in the 543-member lower house of parliament – not enough to form a government. National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners won a further 53 seats to drag the coalition over the line. Modi has kept a dominant presence in Indian politics for the past decade - with outright majorities in previous elections. Asia Business Correspondent Peter Lewis told Heather du Plessis-Allan “This is not a bad thing at all – despite the panic we saw in the Indian financial markets.” Lewis said “The government we’re getting now, is not going to look that much different from what we saw before the election.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Te Pāti Māori is asking Police to lead an urgent investigation of allegations made against the Party. It denies claims Census information collected at Manurewa Marae was used in electioneering. The Electoral Commission, Stats NZ and Police are investigating - and the Privacy Commissioner is looking into the claims. Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper told Heather du Plessis-Allan “Te Pāti Māori have come out, fists flailing, to say we’ve got nothing to hide” Soper said the only way to clear this matter up, is by looking into it. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ANZ Bank has changed its official cash rate (OCR) forecast, now expecting the first cut to arrive in February, rather than May 2025. Meanwhile, The European Central Bank has cut interest rates for the first time in five years, and the Bank of Canada has become the first G7 nation to cut rates. ANZ Chief Economist Sharon Zollner told Heather du Plessis-Allan “Essentially the Reserve bank’s mandate is to get inflation under control.” Zollner said “It’s the mix of inflation that matters – oil price is the biggie, which they can’t influence. But homegrown inflation is very slow to fall.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight, on the Sports Huddle with Andrew Gourdie & Matt Brown: The future of Super Rugby Playoffs Newshub Sports Presenter Andrew Gourdie told Heather du Plessis Allan “I prefer to have a top six, give the top two a week off, three through six playoff, then semifinal.” Gourdie said “The competition bosses would like to get an extra week out of this – a bit more money, more bums on seats.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a recent NCEA literacy exam, Year 10 students were asked to read four memes and discuss which two had the most similar underlying themes. Sociolinguist Julia de Bres told Heather du Plessis-Allan “I was extremely surprised and delighted by this development.” De Bres said “You can think of memes as ‘static images’ - ads, and cartoons have been around for a while.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's Immigration Minister Andrew Giles issued ‘Direction 110’ on Friday, which means non-citizens with violent criminal records can be deported, even if they'd lived their whole lives in the country. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says "it's just not right". Australian Correspondent Murray Olds told Heather du Plessis Allan “This is Politics 101, and Labour’s only got itself to blame.” Olds said “Let’s be honest: it’s not about parking tickets – it's about serious criminals – rapists, sex abusers, murderers for God’s sake.” Old said "These are the people that Australia doesn't want... where are we going to take them? Send them back to New Zealand." LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.