Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson PR and Auckland councillor Richard Hills joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Joe Biden delivered a shaky performance during last week's debate with Donald Trump - what can the Democratic Party do now? Is it time to bring in a replacement? The Government unveiled their Q3 to-do list, primarily focused on law and order. Is this the right way to unveil new policies? Kāinga Ora's CEO has confirmed he plans to step down - what do we think of this? Is this the right move? GPs have slammed the Government's 'inadequate' funding proposal - what can be done to address this? Does more money need to be directed towards the health system? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Air New Zealand CEO Rob Fyfe is set to launch his biggest - and most sustainable - business venture yet. Recorp, an aluminium canning company, is set to launch in September, with former House of Travel head Bruce Parton being appointed the inaugural CEO. Fyfe says many Kiwi companies are phasing out plastic, meaning there's room to enter a new market. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kāinga Ora's Chief Executive Andrew McKenzie will be stepping down at the end of October, with a $365,000 payout. A review has found the state housing provider needs significant savings to be financially viable. Kainga Ora Chair Simon Moutter says it's the right time. "Given the extent of change going on in this organisation with the changes through the Government's budget allocations to KO and the findings of the independent review...it was only right." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you watch that Trump-Biden debate? Man, that was excruciating wasn’t it? At one point, I think it was the Medicare bit, I was literally watching it through my fingers, cause I'd already covered by face with my hands, it was that bloody awkward. The amazing thing about it is that this is day four of calls for Biden to stand down, which is an enormous amount of pressure. And there is no indication from within the top ranks of his party that they are going to make him stand down. And if you read what's going on behind the scenes, like the Saturday phone call between the top members of the Democratic Party and committee members across the states - it sounds like they don't realise how bad this looks. The message out from all the people who were on it was that the party's top guys are not taking what happened in the debate - and the impact on the vote - seriously. They don’t realise that the world thinks the guy they’re running for President is going senile, they don’t think that’s what we can see. Not that we matter, we don't get to vote - they don’t think that's what American voters can see.So while my gut says he’s got to go, everything I'm reading out of the States from top commenters through to credible publications say that chances are: he’s staying in the race.How nuts is that? I tell you what, I'm happy to make the prediction that if he runs, and chances are that he does, he loses to Trump. Because it’s very hard to see America electing a guy who is only going to become more senile over the next four years.If they manage to get him out and replace him, it's still not a great situation for the Democrats, because Trump will make a feast of the fact that’ he’s running against their second choice. But surely that's better for their party, because at least the Democrats can retain some credibility.If they run a guy who is going gaga while pretending he’s not going gaga -when everyone can see he's going gaga - they will look ridiculous. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's high hopes from Santana Minerals following the revelation of unearthed gold in Central Otago. The company's discovery on the privately owned Bendigo Station land has been dubbed one of New Zealand's most significant in 40 years - with a $4.4 billion dollar lifetime export value. Santana Minerals Chief Executive Damian Spring is hopeful an investment decision will be made by the new year. "We're on track to submit our application under the RMA by the end of this year, the Fast-Track Approvals Bill would have passed by then - and it suits what we're aiming to do." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GPs say a Government funding proposal is not enough. Health New Zealand is suggesting a 4 percent increase in GP capitation funding, the money each practice receives for each enrolled client - and letting them raise fees by just under 8 percent. The sector's warning some practices may go under. General Practice Chair Dr Bryan Betty says studies have shown GPs have been up to 20 percent under-funded in the past two decades. "All this does is go some way towards cost increases over the last year - it doesn't actually fix the underlying deficit, which is getting worse." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Justice Minister says new law and order legislation will pass in the next three months, and be implemented by the end of the year. The Government has laid out 40 actions to meet its third quarterly priorities, which include the economy and better public services and infrastructure. It promises to crack down on crime by letting police ban gang patches, and confiscate firearms. Minister Paul Goldsmith says they want to work at speed, but it's important to properly follow select committee processes. "Now everybody's sort of impatient, they want the police to have the extra power to deal with gangs, they want to deal with the firearms control - but we do have to pass the legislation." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister's released his Government's third quarterly plan, saying the next three months will have a focus on law and order. Chris Luxon's set his side 40 actions until the end of September, including passing four laws to crackdown on criminal activity. These include legislation giving police the power to ban gang patches, as well as confiscating firearms and providing better access to rehabilitation services for prisoners on remand. ZB political correspondent Barry Soper explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Barnaby Joyce stuck to his word after he promised he would cut back on alcohol - and lost 15kgs to show for it. In February, a video surfaced of an intoxicated Joyce sprawled out on a Canberra sidewalk after a drunken night out. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says Joyce was clearly embarrassed by the events of the video. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Razor's first All Blacks squad is due to face off against England in the coming days. England's already indicated they'll take the All Blacks down - and the pressure's on for the team do do well. Sportstalk host Jason Pine explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's claims that merging four Wellington Councils into one is a practical way forward to solve the region's challenges. The mayors of Upper Hutt, Hutt City, and Porirua are holding early talks about amalgamation. But although they're keen to merge, Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau says now is not the time. Porirua Mayor Anita Baker says Whanau needs to come around to the idea of a super-city. "It seems silly - we could be up for larger funding, we should be working together. We are a very small region." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer have clashed over taxes, employment and immigration in their final showdown. Voters in the UK will decide next week who will lead the country through its next term. Prime Minister Sunak says he understands why voters might be frustrated with his Conservative Party. But he says the election's a choice with consequences for voters and the country - and before voters make it, they should think about what a Labour Government would mean. UK correspondent Enda Brady unpacked the debate further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Denmark is moving ahead on plans to introduce a carbon tax on agriculture, with cattle farmers facing additional charges as a result. The bill suggests that farmers would be taxed at 300 DKK ($70) per ton of CO2 equivalent emitted from 2030, moving to 750 DKK ($177) by 2035. The Country's Jamie Mackay says the farmers will be unlikely to take this lying down - and they love a good protest. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

International research group BMI has lowered its GDP growth forecast for New Zealand for 2024 - and warned of economic challenges to come. BMI predicted the nation's GDP would grow by just 1 percent this year, down 0.2 percent from previous estimates. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann unpacked this research further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A barrister says Green MP Darleen Tana's alleged Electoral Act breach is on the less serious side. Tana and the publishers of Verve Magazine have been accused of failing to include a promoter statement in an election advertisement published in May 2023- and both have been referred to police. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper suspects more will be revealed next week. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has returned to Australian soil, after 14 years in confinement. Assange pleaded guilty to an espionage change in exchange for his release - and will be focused on recovery in the coming days. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Assange has been lying low since his arrival. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

South Africa have finally broken the semifinal wall at a men's Cricket World Cup. The Proteas sent the long-standing hoodoo cartwheeling into the history books with a thumping nine-wicket win over Afghanistan at the latest T20 global tournament. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave unpacks this news further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 27 June 2024, former Green MP Golriz Gharaman has been sentenced today and spoke out about what drove her to shoplift. Herald court reporter Craig Kapitan tells Heather why the judge declined to discharge her without conviction. The latest Crime and Victims Survey shows our confidence and trust in the police is still falling - and reveals the surprising number of fraud victims. Nutritionist Nikki Hart speaks to Heather about research showing that multivitamins are a rort. Should you ditch them immediately? The Huddle debates Golriz Gharaman blaming her mental health for shoplifting. Plus, Heather reveals her very very embarrassing coffee order. 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, former Labour Chief of Staff Mike Munro and Phil O'Reilly of Iron Duke Partners joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Disgraced ex-Green MP Golriz Gharaman has officially been sentenced, with an order to pay a $1600 fine - and additional legal fees. Do we agree with this verdict? A new report says less Kiwis have trust and confidence in the police - can these figures be fixed? What will it take to make people trust the police again? Wellington Council has passed its long-term plan, avoiding Government intervention. Is this good news? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has announced a review will be carried out into New Zealand's methane goals. Former Climate Change Commissioner and farmer Nicola Shadbolt has been appointed to chair this project, which will report what the nation's domestic 2050 methane target should be. Federated Farmers President Wayne Langford says this review is long overdue. "We've asked for a long time for there to be some experts - not only in methane, but also in agriculture - and from the look of the panel, that's what they've come up with here." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's latest Policy Statement on land transport will come with plenty of extra costs for drivers. The fee to register a car has gone up by $50, fuel taxes will rise by 12 cents a litre by 2027 - and 22 cents by 2029, and the new Roads of National Significance will likely be tolled. Transport Minister Simeon Brown says these price increases will cover the costs of maintaining and building roads - and contribute to the Pothole Prevention Fund. AA road safety spokesperson Dylan Thomsen has voiced approval with these changes. "Over the next three years, this GPS is going to allow more money to be spent on road maintenance than we've seen before, significantly more." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a rift in Wellington City Council's left-wing bloc over selling its airport shares. The council today voted to approve the long term plan, with nine in favour, and seven opposed. It included selling the 34 percent stake in Wellington Airport, with discussions on the process later this year. Mayor Tory Whanau copped criticism from fellow left-leaning councillors for supporting the sale. Councillor Nikau Wi Neera says the transaction is wrong. "It's throwing away one of the very few revenue streams we actually have at council that isn't just 'your rates', for example. Local Government is pretty constrained in ways to actually do stuff." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New findings have revealed multivitamins are largely ineffective. A study out of the US examined over 400,000 Americans over 20 years and determined multivitamins didn't help them live longer - and found a link between daily usage and increased mortality. Nutritionist Nikki Hart says people are spending money on an unnecessary solution. "It's like hope in a jar - and I think that's what people are using it for, they think it's magic." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A grim figure for New Zealand, with one in 10 Kiwis getting scammed in the last year. Data shows one in three people were victims of any crime in the year to last October, on par with 2022 figures. Just over 15 percent felt unsafe last year, a jump from 9.3 percent in 2018. Netsafe Chief Executive Brent Carey says scam reports have risen 20 percent, and action is needed. "And we're calling on the Government to create an anti-scam centre so that we can all get a handle on this growing international crime as well." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's next for former Green MP Golriz Ghahraman's legal career is not yet determined - after being convicted on shoplifting charges today. Judge June Jelas has ordered her to pay $1600 in fines, plus $260 in court costs, and isn't requiring supervision. The Herald's Craig Kapitan says nothing's stopping her applying for her law licence again. He says her lawyer had insistently argued a conviction would be a significant hurdle to convincing the Law Society she's fit to practice. "The Crown noted that a conviction doesn't necessarily mean she's automatically barred, the Law Society would have to look at the whole picture, like the judge did." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The number of people reporting serious misconduct in their workplace is on the rise. So far this financial year, the Chief Ombudsman has received 203 protected disclosures - up 58 percent on the year before. Peter Boshier says more people believe it's the right thing to do if they spot wrongdoing. "When there's serious wrongdoing - things like sexual harassment - I think there's more willingness to talk about these things and to raise them." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Healthcare leaders warn patients face major disruption in England this week, as the latest junior doctors' strike coincides with the hottest week of the year. British Medical Association members will stage a five-day walkout from Thursday - the 11th in the long-running pay dispute. It comes with a heat-health warning in many parts of the country with London potentially hitting 30C. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says this will add additional pressure to hospitals. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meridian Energy's Investor Day data indicates more power companies are looking to embrace growth in a changing market. New Zealand's electricity demand is expected to grow between 50 percent and 75 percent, meaning the sector needs new methods of generation. Milford Asset Management's Jeremy Hutton unpacks the results and announcements. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gloriavale has taken a knock in its battle to maintain access to banking services. BNZ has been trying to close Gloriavale's accounts for the last two years, and the Court of Appeal is allowing BNZ to challenge that injunction. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains what comes next in this case. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tougher sentencing laws are on the way for offenders. The Justice Minister has outlined a suite of reforms to be introduced into Parliament in the next few months. Situations where victims are working alone, including dairies, will now be considered an aggravating factor in sentencing, and reductions for mitigating factors will be capped at 40 percent. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says it sends a clear message to judges. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wikileaks founder Julian Assange will land in Canberra this evening a free man, having pleaded guilty and being sentenced for espionage with no more time to serve. It related to a single charge of conspiring to obtain and disclose classified US National Defence documents. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says Assange will likely come out of this with a book deal and a few talk show appearances. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 26 June 2024, people in Hawke's Bay are again being hit by "catastrophic" flooding. Civil Defence Minister Mark Mitchell, and the mayors of Wairoa and Hastings speak with Heather. Triple murderer Lauren Dickason has today been sentenced to 18 years for killing her three daughters. But Heather still has doubts whether it really was murder. The Huddle debates the crackdown on "woke" judges after Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith tells Heather how he's beefing up sentences. Plus, older couples are apparently using MDMA to get spice up their marriages. 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, journalist Clare de Lore and Ali Jones from Red PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Lauren Dickason has been sentenced for 18 years after admitting responsibility for killing her three daughters. Was this a fair outcome? Justice Mininster Paul Goldsmith has unveiled some new sentencing reforms - meaning judges have less room to be lenient. Do we agree with this? Labour leader Chris Hipkins has dismissed the second Covid inquiry as Winston Peters and David Seymour trying to court the conspiracy theorist vote. Was this out of line? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 25 June 2024, the Government will extend its Covid inquiry to cover lockdowns, vaccine mandates and efficacy. Things get heated when Associate Minister Nicole McKee tells Heather why she had to water down her Three Strikes bill so much. NZ Rugby has posted a $8.9 million dollar net loss for the last year. CEO Mark Robinson speaks to Heather about how he thinks the financial fortunes can be turned around. Plus, the Huddle debates news that Julian Assange has walked free after striking a plea deal with the United States. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union and Government relations consultant Kaine Thompson joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Government has announced a second Covid inquiry into the economic and societal impacts of lockdowns, restrictions and vaccine mandates. Is this necessary? The new Three Strikes reigime has been introduced to the House today - what do we think? Is it too watered-down? Julian Assange is free now - what happens next? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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