Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Fletcher Building's chief executive and board faced up to some very disappointed shareholders at today's annual general meeting. Company chief executive Andrew Reding revealed margins were under pressure - with revenue down 12 percent in September versus 7 percent down in July and August, compared to the year earlier. NZ Shareholders Association CEO Oliver Mander was at the meeting, and he noted the company seemed 'humbled'. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, motivational speaker and social activist Dave Letele and Kiwiblog writer and Curia pollster David Farrar joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Councils around the country might be looking at their own finances after the Government appointed a Crown observer to Wellington City Council yesterday. Plenty of other councils have had huge rates rises recently - should they feel put on notice? David Seymour has announced he's managed to save over $100 million per year with his new school lunch programme. The meals include 'hidden veggie' butter chicken, Thai chicken curry and rice bean burritos. What do we think of this? Was the backlash against David Seymour taken too far? ANZ head Antonia Watson raised a few eyebrows after she revealed she wasn't keeping track of how much she earned each year. Is this to be expected from a bank CEO? Uber Eats is set to expand into Taupō, Levin, Whakatāne, Timaru, Wānaka and other small Kiwi towns. Are we looking forward to this?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 23 October 2024, some councils are worried the Government might come for them next after a Crown observer was announced for Wellington City Council. ANZ boss Antonia Watson was the first to front Parliament's banking inquiry. She couldn't remember how much her total salary is, is that weird? Uber Eats is expanding to regional New Zealand and restaurant owner Mike Egan says it's good news for businesses and customers alike. Plus, The Huddle debates whether David Seymour's new school lunches should be applauded for saving $130 million or criticised for cutting some local suppliers out. 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.

Unions have come out in force against Government workplace policies, with protests happening today across the entire country.  The nation-wide event - Fight Back Together - was designed to respond to the scrapping of fair pay agreements, the return of 90-day trials and similar contentious policies. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says it's hypocritical for the opposition to accuse the Government of being anti-worker - following some policy decisions during Covid-19. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi squash champion Joelle King won't be adding to her collection of medals in the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The stripped-down Glasgow event will only feature 10 sports - with rugby sevens, hockey, cricket, road cycling and squash among the sports that got axed.  King says she can't change this decision - but she's got the 2028 Olympics to soften the blow. "It's been bad news for all of us - but you've just got to crack on, you can't change the decision now."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Uber Eats will be expanding into 12 new locations across the country, focusing on regional towns. From next month, its food delivery will be available in smaller towns like Taupō, Levin, Whakatāne, Timaru and Wānaka.  Restaurant Association President and Monsoon Poon Owner Mike Egan says it's perfect timing - just before summer.  "I can see the campgrounds, people who will be sick of having snags on the barbecue and order up some Uber Eats. If you've had too many drinks in the sun , just drive to your favourite restaurant."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The chair of Parliament's Finance Committee is perplexed ANZ's head wasn't across the details of her pay packet.  Chief executive Antonia Watson was among the banking heads grilled by MPs this morning, under pressure to justify a $2 billion profit during tough times for Kiwis. She says she's paid $2.5 million, but would need to give her total remuneration including share options and bonuses, in writing.  Stuart Smith says he wonders about that. "I'd be very surprised if a senior bank executive wasn't interest in - to the dollar - in how much they're paid." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's claims the Government needs to show its justification for intervening in Wellington City Council. It's appointing a Crown observer - claiming it is financial mis-management for the Council to plan to fund water infrastructure from rates revenue - rather than debt, using a Government tool. Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry notes the Government only made its funding tool available in August, not June when the council decided its Long Term Plan. Barry says this doesn't add up. "What I think should hopefully clear up the matters is for the minister to release the advice that he received from officials - so we can all see and understand it in its full context."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in the US, Election Day is less than two weeks out - so Trump and Harris are hitting the campaign trail to get all the votes they can. The pair are still in a tight race for the White House, meaning they're going hard to appeal to key swing states ahead of the November deadline. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says Kamala Harris will be trying to sell herself as the more conventionally 'presidential' candidate while Trump keeps himself in the public eye with unusual acts.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan is urging the governing body to sign league star Nathan Cleary ahead of the next World Cup. McLennan explained the Wallabies need to invest in 'top-tier' players to improve their performance in high profile events, including the Rugby World Cup and the Bledisloe Cup. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's some good news for the nation's largest ambulance service. Associate Health Minister Casey Costello has announced Hato Hone St John will receive $21 million in additional Government funding. She says St John has also settled its pay dispute with unions, with no further industrial action planned. Costello explained that New Zealand First has a coalition agreement to meet a greater portion of the ambulance service's annual budget - but this will go a long way. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A British jury has cleared a police officer of murder, after he fatally shot an unarmed black man in the head in south London two years ago. Martyn Blake shot 24-year-old Chris Kaba in September 2022. The 40-year-old says he feared lives were in danger, and the shots weren't intended to kill Kaba. UK correspondent Enda Brady unpacks the controversy further.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Republic NZ’s Peter Hamilton has long believed New Zealand is ready to have a Kiwi as the head of state. King Charles is set to leave Australia and head to the 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa - bypassing New Zealand in his first tour since taking the throne. Hamilton says it makes more sense for New Zealand's head of state to live among New Zealanders.  "The whole business of having a foreigner as our head of state - Australia, Canada, New Zealand and a few other countries - it's just overloading the system and the British monarch can't take the role that's required in this modern day and age."   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Tim Wilson from Maxim Institute and Early Edition host Ryan Bridge joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Wellington City Council will get a Crown observer to address the 'dysfunction' impacting the council. Is this a good move? What do we think will come next? Darleen Tana has finally officially been booted out of Parliament. What do we think of this? Will this negatively impact the Green Party's popularity? Ashburton parents and kids want the council to build more entertainment facilities for kids and young people - but the council says that's not its job. Do kids really need these? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

​On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 22 October 2024, Wellington City Council is getting a Crown Observer as a first step of Government intervention. Local Government Minister Simeon Brown explains why he was concerned enough to make the move - and Wellington City Councillor Tim Brown admits he's lost his bet with Heather. Ex-Green MP Darleen Tana has been kicked out of Parliament by the Speaker - Chloe Swarbrick reflects on the longest drama ever coming to a close. Heather is upset with Ashburton's parents who want the Council to build more entertainment facilities for kids and young people. What ever happened to playing outside and riding your bike around town? Plus the Huddle debates whether the "beefed up" Three Strikes law is actually all that beefed up. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Local Government Minister is determined to fix the 'dysfunction' and uncertain financial conditions impacting Wellington City Council. Simeon Brown today confirmed he will appoint a Crown observer to help the council develop a new Long-Term Plan. He says he informed mayor Tory Whanau of his reasons before confirming this decision. "It was a professional conversation, I informed her of the decision I'd arrived at based on a number of reasons." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sky TV's struck a deal with Warner Bros Discovery - ensuring it continues to be the home of HBO content in New Zealand. The company has stopped HBO’s Max app launching on our shores and confirmed Neon will keep streaming its original content - and several WBD franchises, such as Friends, Rick and Morty and The Big Bang Theory. Chief executive Sophie Moloney says it's good that viewers will be able to keep getting the HBO originals they love, plus access to a new back catalogue of content.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has been accused of 'jumping the gun' and changing the Three Strikes bill before receiving advice from the select committee. The qualifying threshold for a first strike will be lowered from 24 months imprisonment to 12 months in order to catch out more offenders. Labour has claimed this is the 'latest instance' of the Government making amendments to controversial legislation, pointing out changes to the gang patch ban and fast-track consenting bills. Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says they've listened to people claim the regime needed to be tougher - and taken that feedback into account.  "What we're predicting now over a 10-year period is consequence and accountability for those serious, violent offenders." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The High Court in Christchurch has heard the first evidence in the murder trial of Tingjun Cao. He's accused of killing estate agent Yanfei Bao. Newstalk ZB's Emily Ansell says Bao's partner, Paul Gooch, realised something was wrong when Bao hadn't picked up her daughter from after-school care. "He said when he got home, he checked the dishwasher to see if Bao's lunch dishes were there - as usually, she'd come home and eat. But they weren't."  Court adjourned early today, for various reasons including translation issues. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's scepticism from some as to whether a Crown observer will help Wellington City Council. Local Government Minister Simeon Brown is appointing an observer over concerns for the council's financial management. But councillor Tim Brown says many councillors think it will provide advice and help them work together better, but he's not convinced. Tim Brown says he thinks Simeon Brown's putting the observer there to undermine the council. "He's put somebody in the room so that they can go to him and say - hey Simeon, it's not working, let's fire these guys and move on." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Children's Minister says the 13 young people who scaled an Auckland justice facility will face consequences for their actions. The group sat on the roof of the Korowai Manaaki Youth Justice Facility in Wiri yesterday evening - with seven staying overnight and causing damage to the roof. Karen Chhour says the youths will be criminally liable for damage done to the facility. "The ones that we have seen damage the property will be charged for that - and there will be more to come, but that's really up to the police to make those decisions now."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington mayor Tory Whanau says she'll stick to her priorities - even as central Government intervenes.  Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has appointed a Crown Observer to help council develop its Long Term Plan.  Spending cuts are needed since the council's U-turn on selling its airport shares.  ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Tory has taken this well - but this intervention will come at a cost to Wellington ratepayers.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One Australian senator's high-profile outburst has sparked discussions about the injustices that impacted the nation's Aboriginal population. Lidia Thorpe was removed from Parliament House after yelling at King Charles and accusing him of committing genocide yesterday. Thorpe's actions were criticised by MPs, including Tony Abbott and Amanda Rishworth, for being disrespectful. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Thorpe was also praised by others for shining a light on the wider issues. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rugby sevens, hockey and T20 cricket have been axed from the Commonwealth Games, but netball has survived. 15 sports have been binned off for the slimmed-down 2026 event in Glasgow. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Greens are looking forward to moving ahead - as Darleen Tana's days in Parliament come to an end. The party today confirmed Speaker Gerry Brownlee has officially ousted Tana after delegates unanimously voted to put the issue to him. Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick says she is grateful to draw a line under this.  "It's been a several months-long process that has obviously ensued the likes of legal battles and otherwise - which I don't think has been a nice situation for anybody that's been involved." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New evidence suggests more babies in the care of killer nurse Lucy Letby were harmed - and in one case poisoned with insulin. Letby was was found guilty of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven more, including trying to kill two with insulin at the Countess of Chester Hospital neonatal unit between June 2015 and June 2016. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says one of these babies was found to have suspiciously high levels of insulin after Letby had taken over the infant's care. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US election is heating up and it's still unclear whether or not Harris or Trump will emerge victorious in November. Based on recent polling data, financial markets are pricing in a Trump-led Government - a pivot from the projected Harris Government. Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly says investors are increasingly expecting a divided Government, as it's unlikely one party will control the Presidency, House and Senate. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi start-up Nature Baby is looking to expand into the US market again. What started as a small business operating out of an Auckland flat has grown into a multi-million dollar business - and co-owners Jacob and Georgia Faull are looking to re-launch the brand overseas. Jacob says the brand's not immune to the effects of the current economic downturn - but the 'green shoots' in the economy are giving them hope. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Luxon is defending his Small Business Minister for not alerting him sooner over a complaint from a member of the public.  Andrew Bayly's apologised, after a worker claimed he'd told him to - 'Go home, take some wine, and F off'  and later made the  'L' sign on his forehead.  The Prime Minister says he received the complainant's letter on Thursday, but isn't necessarily surprised he didn't hear about it before.  ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the media's going too hard in criticising Minister Bayly. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and Josie Pagani from Child Fund joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Do we think the America's Cup will be hosted in New Zealand? Following Team New Zealand's win, there's been more discussion about the nation hosting the next Cup. Can we afford this?  Andrew Bayly's under fire following some off-colour comments he made to a Marlborough worker. Some believe he should be stripped of his portfolios - can we justify this? Health NZ is under fire after spending $60,000 on catering for a three-day conference - including $9000 worth of canapes. Is this defensible - or unjustified, considering the agency's financial hole?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis has voiced pride for Team New Zealand following their latest America's Cup victory - but she's unsure if the nation can justify hosting the event. Team boss Grant Dalton says New Zealand's absolutely in the running to host the next Cup. However, Nicola Willis says there's a number of factors that go into picking an America's Cup location - and New Zealand needs to be 'hard-headed' about its options. "Dollars are precious and dollars can go to many purposes - including schools and hospitals." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 21 October 2024, after New Zealand's most successful sporting weekend, Sports Minister Chris Bishop speaks to Heather. Is the Government going to try get the America's Cup organisers to bring the race back to NZ? In the Yanfei Bao murder case, the Crown has revealed what it alleges led to the Christchurch real estate being killed - revealing there may have been a sexual element to the case. Local Government Minister Simeon Brown tells Heather he's received advice on possible intervention at Wellington City Council. Plus, the Huddle debates whether the Andrew Bayly controversy has been completely overblown or whether there's any point to calls for his resignation. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Local Government Minister has little to say about Wellington City Council's fate. The Government has signalled it's willing to intervene, after labelling the Council's Long Term Plan backtrack a 'shambles'. Simeon Brown last week asked the Department of Internal Affairs for advice on potential intervention. Brown says he's now reviewing it and is considering it. "It's a serious issue, but as I've said, I've received the advice and I'm now considering it."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Caps have broken a 36-year drought and secured an eight-wicket victory over India in Bengaluru. Their performance has been regarded as one of New Zealand's best wins in almost 95 years of test cricket. Black Caps coach Gary Stead says a lucky toss, a strong lead and a solid performance from the guys helped them achieve this historic victory. "I thought the guys played really well throughout - and it's always nice to put India under pressure, cause they're a really tough team to beat." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christchurch real estate agent, Yanfei Bao reportedly knew the man accused of murdering her. Chinese national Tingjun Cao's trial began today - he's accused of killing the 44-year-old in July last year. Her body was found in a shallow grave on a farm, just over a year after she disappeared. Newstalk ZB's Emily Ansell is at the High Court. She says Cao was new to the country, and it appears Bao was helping him find a job. "And the Crown viewed that Cao had potentially lured Bao to a house for sale on Trevor Street - and it was there the Crown says she was assaulted."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Sports Minister says he's up for conversations on hosting the next America's Cup. Team New Zealand has won a record-setting third Cup in a row. Team boss Grant Dalton says they've accepted a challenge from Britain's Ineos Britannia team and hosting in New Zealand is on the table. Auckland last hosted the Cup in 2021, during Covid. Chris Bishop says the ball is ultimately in the team's court - but there's a lot to weigh up. "Times are tight, as everyone knows - there's no magic money tree at the end of the garden. We don't have an unlimited checkbook and you're dealing with quite big sums of taxpayer money here." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

King Charles and Queen Camilla's visit to Australia hasn't run as smoothly as expected. Security staff have removed Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe after she yelled ' not my king' and 'F the Colony' at the King after his speech at Parliament House today.  Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says Thorpe's views aren't representative of the wider opinion.  "It's been the only speedbump in what has been, overall, a really joyous occasion. All the 24-hour news channels are wall to wall with people going to see King Charles." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's definitely been a memorable weekend in the world of Kiwi sports. Auckland FC started strong and beat the Brisbane Roar 2-0 in front of a sold-out crowd and Team New Zealand defended the America's Cup and became the first team to win the competition three times in a row. The Black Caps also made history and beat India on Indian soil for the first time in 36 years in a significant victory, the Silver Ferns defeated Australia 64-50 in their first Constellation Cup test and the White Ferns emerged victorious over South Africa in the T20 Cricket World Cup. Liam Lawson also showcased his skills by finishing ninth at the Texas Grand Prix in his return to Formula One. Sportstalk host Jason Pine recapped this historic victory for Kiwi sports. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Nurses Society is labelling Health NZ's $60,000 catering costs - a 'bad look' for the agency. The agency paid for breakfast and lunch for 300 senior executives at a conference in March.  Two days earlier, Health NZ told its Minister it would be imposing extra financial controls to rein in blown-out costs. The Society's National Director, David Wills, says the amount spent on food seems off, on top of venue costs - given the agency's current finances. "$109,000 on that venue and the conference - that's about the equivalent of hiring one nurse, to be honest." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As predictably as the clock striking 12 twice a day, here we are after an America's Cup win talking - yet again - about whether the Cup should be held in New Zealand. In one corner, there's Helen Clark - who says Kiwis want to witness a successful event at home. And in the other corner, there's David Seymour who says we're too broke. Look, I think I'm probably like most people - it'd be nice if it was here, but I just don't want us to waste money on it. This has, above all, got to be treated as a business decision. Because that's what this is. It's a business decision for Grant Dalton. He will sell the hosting rights to the highest bidder, like he did this time round with Barcelona, who were prepared to pay more than we were to host the event. And that is the right thing for him to do, he'd be a fool to take less than the highest offer. And it is a business decision for New Zealand too, we should be preprepared to pay to host the cup - but no more than we can make off it. There's no point whatsoever in losing money on the America's Cup, which is what happened last time when we lost more than $150 million - which, to be fair, was exacerbated by Covid. But we shouldn't be expecting any favours from Grant, just because he's a Kiwi citizen and we're a bunch of Kiwis. And if we accept it’s a business decision, we have to strip out the lingering anger at Grant Dalton's attitude, we have to strip out the nonsense about sailing being an elitist sport and we have to strip out any kind of sentimentality about having a nice event here. We don't 'deserve' a nice event if it's going to cost millions and millions of dollars that we don't have because we're broke. This is a transaction, in which we want to make money. We want to come out in the black on this one. And then, we also have to accept another fact - we're playing with the big boys and some of those guys have very deep pockets. So even if we put our best foot forward, it might not be enough and we have to leave it at that. Because if the event comes back, it should be because New Zealand wants to make money off it - and no other reason. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 18 October 2024, senior Minister Andrew Bayly speaks to Heather after having to apologise for telling a member of the public to "f off" and calling them a loser. About 600 Timaru meatworks employees will lose their jobs - but already Australian recruiters are circling to encourage them to work in Aussie. Plus, the Sports Huddle debates the magical start from the Black Caps against India - and can Team New Zealand shore up the win against Oracle Team UK? Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The members of One Direction have paid tribute to their bandmate, Liam Payne. Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik and Harry Styles say they are "completely devastated" and "the memories we shared with him will be treasured forever". Plus, the wife of a Conservative councillor has been jailed for 31 months after calling for hotels housing asylum seekers in the UK to be set on fire. She posted the expletive-ridden message on X on the day three girls were killed in a stabbing incident in NW England. And, several UK cabinet ministers have written to the prime minister two weeks ahead of the Budget, to voice concerns over the scale of cuts their departments may face. Steep spending cuts are forecast to plug a £40bn funding gap. In what’s an unusual move some ministers are “going over the head” of the chancellor, to address the prime minister directly. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China’s exports and imports both missed expectations in September, raising concerns about one of the few bright spots in the world’s second largest economy. Plus, the world’s largest chipmaker has announced a US$10 billion profit for Q3. And, Hong Kong is making alcohol cheaper to boost the domestic economy. Asia business correspondent Peter Lewis joins Heather du Plessis Allan. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper speaks to Heather du Plessis-Allan about whether Darleen Tana will walk next week, Jacinda Ardern becoming a Dame, and the Solicitor-General reversing her guidelines for the judiciary. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newstalk ZB rugby commentator Paul Allison and Sport Journalist Jim Kayes join Heather du Plessis Allan to discuss the Black Caps dismissal of India at just 46 runs in the first innings, Auckland FC's first game this weekend, and the White Ferns making it to the semi-final of the T20 World Cup. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Caps-India test has resumed in Bangalore. The kiwis bowled the hosts out for a paltry 46 in the first innings. Former Black Cap Craig Cumming tells Heather du Plessis Allan the dismissal was unexpected, but brilliantly done. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to touch down in Australia tonight – marking the first visit by a reigning monarch since 2011. The trip has rekindled debate about the nation’s constitutional links to Britain. Co-Chair of the Australian Republic Movement Esther Analotilistells Heather du Plessis Allan the nation needs a head of state who is dedicated solely to Australia. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The confirmed closure of Alliance Group’s processing plant looks to be New Zealand’s loss and Australia’s gain. The vast majority of the meatworks’ 600 staff will be made redundant and Australian recruiters have captured the opportunity to poach workers. Managing Director of Australian Meatworks Recruiting and Training Organisation Wayne Herrod tells Heather du Plessis Allan the company would like to take between 50 to 200 people over the ditch. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Small business affairs Minister Andrew Bayly has found himself in hot water after a member of the public complained he swore at, mocked and ridiculed him during a ministerial visit. The Prime Minister’s office has released a letter from the complainant which alleges Minister Bayly repeatedly called the person a loser and made an ‘L’ sign with his fingers on his forehead. Andrew Bayly has “unreservedly apologised” and tells Heather du Plessis Allanit was the person concerned who decided to make the matter public. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper joins Heather du Plessis Allan to discuss Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly being in hot water over his behaviour during a recent ministerial visit. Plus, Darleen Tana has successfully made a bid for her case to be viewed by the Court of Appeal on whether the Greens were right in sacking her. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.