Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

There's a lot of speculation in the rugby world, as fans and experts predict the next All Blacks captain. Incumbent captain Sam Cane has revealed he plans to step down at the end of the 2024 season - and Scott Barrett and Ardie Savea are the leading contenders. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave joins in on the speculation - and shares his personal pick - here today. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 14 May 2024, Police Commissioner Andrew Coster tells Heather about his plan to crackdown on gangs - but he seems unsure it'll actually work. Prime Minister Chris Luxon speaks to Heather about the decision to turn the Christchurch Call into a charitable foundation - without taxpayer funding. The Block host Mark Richardson on finding out from the media that the show had been cancelled. The Huddle debates whether the new gang taskforce will make a difference in reducing crime. Plus, the uncomfortable truth Millennials need to hear about their socks. 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.

Over in the US, President Joe Biden is set to announce new 100 percent tariffs for Chinese EVs. This is the latest bid from the Biden administration to keep China from undercutting US companies and impacting manufacturing jobs, as Biden fights for a second term in the US election. Drive Electric Chair Kirstin Corson says " LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, former Labour chief of staff Mike Munro and Sarah Trotman from Business Mentors NZ joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Government has announced a new National Gang Unit, which is designed to tackle increasing gang crime. Will it make a real difference? Prime Minister Chris Luxon has revealed he plans to turn the Christchurch Call into a foundation - and scrap taxpayer funding for the initiative. Is the best decision for it? Joe Biden is set to double the price of Chinese EV imports through new tariffs to protect the local car manufacturing industry. Is this really the best move to address climate change?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One New Zealand-based whisky producer has walked away from the San Francisco World Spirits Awards with an impressive haul. Pōkeno Whisky brought home two Double Gold Awards, a Gold and two Silver medals by the end of the event. Founder Matt Johns says this is great for the company's international credibility. "We're just focused on making the best single malt we possibly can with no compromise on anything we do - and that's starting to show through and be appreciated." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Four Auckland townhouses are on the market, as The Block NZ joins the local television scrap heap. The Brown's Bay homes were nearly ready for contestants on the house renovation show. But Newshub owner Warner Brothers Discovery has confirmed today it's pulling the next season. Host Mark Richardson says it's a shame to see the end of the show, which has been part of his life for 12 years. "It was just light television that captured this large demographic of people, from kids to oldies. And it was just enjoyable to watch." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Police Commissioner says the new scheme designed to tackle gang crime will set police up for future measures. The specialised National Gang Unit will have 25 to 30 people, and up to seven ring-fenced officers in every police district. Commissioner Andrew Coster says these units will examine the gang activity happening in various districts to combat harm. "We know we're going to need to move resources around to enable this enforcement to occur - and these gangs will sit at the core of that." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Education-based unions are picking apart the Government's scheme for charter schools. The coalition's putting more than $150 million in the Budget for 15 new charter schools - and converting 35 state schools. PPTA President Chris Abercrombie says we shouldn't privatise a public good, and believes there are 'better uses' for the money. "Strengthening the state system and not siphoning money out of it - I think that would be the biggest benefit to the vast majority of students in this country." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says the Christchurch Call has done good work. The Government has decided to pull taxpayer funding for the initiative, launched by former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern after the Christchurch mosque attacks. From July, it will run off donations with Ardern staying on as patron - rather than New Zealand's special envoy for the foundation. Chris Luxon says eliminating violent extremism online is a very tough task. "But actually, the work of coordinating tech players to see what they can do to eliminate it is actually a good thing. And it's a good mission." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Well, you can’t keep a good idea down, can you?Strike Force Raptor is back! Do you remember that? That was Simon Bridges' big crime plan when he was the National Party leader in opposition. He announced a dedicated anti-gang police squad called Strike Force Raptor which would go around "harassing and disrupting gangs every single day”. He was mocked for it and the idea was put to bed.And guess what Police Commissioner Andrew Coster just announced today - it's basically the same thing. He's not calling it Strike Force Raptor, but that’s basically what it is, it's a specialised National Gang Unit across the country.We're still a little bit light on detail today, Coster couldn't say how many officers there would be or what the targets would be and I'm guessing some of these questions may be answered in the Budget in a couple of weeks.But the the bones of the idea are there, and it's a pretty good idea. Because it's worked in Australia. Strike Force Raptor wasn't our idea, it was set up in New South Wales in 2009. Its numbers got boosted last year, it's won international crime fighting awards. And it was so successful, it had reportedly broken the back of the bikie gangs in Sydney so badly that many of the bikie bosses moved overseas to continue their drug operations - because it had just gotten too hard. Here, we’ve just seen the value of hassling the gangs. That gang funeral for the Ponsonby shooter yesterday seemed to be a non-event, because the cops were there en masse to give the gang members a hard time. Compare that to the infamous gang tangi in Optoiki last year, which shut down a main road to citizens, had schools shut and basically just seemed to get out of hand - because the cops were watching from the side of the road and being impotent. It seems like it's a good idea to hassle gangs - who would have thought? Coster can call this whatever he likes, if it keeps the gangs in check, it’s a good idea. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak warns the UK is at a 'crossroads' ahead of some 'dangerous' years in a pre-election pitch. The UK Prime Minister says the years ahead will be 'challenging' for the nation - and that he's the best person to get everyone through them. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says security is set to be a significant issue ahead of the UK's general election. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The legal dispute between Children's Minister Karen Chhour and the Waitangi Tribunal is set for another round. The Court of Appeal recently overturned a High Court decision to block a summons order from the Waitangi Tribunal to Minister Chhour. National Urban Māori Authority chair Lady Tureiti Moxon says this case has wider implications for New Zealand's Māori community. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tauranga Businesses have released their key priorities for prospective council candidates. The city is having elections in July after being under the control of commissioners since 2020. A Tauranga Business Chamber survey found 82 percent of respondents agreed with the direction the commissioners set. Chief Executive Matt Cowley says that may not be love for the commissioners but a dislike of the previous council arrangements. He says businesses were against the stagnation that happened before the commissioners arrived. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Court of Appeal has overturned a High Court decision, that had said the Waitangi Tribunal couldn't summon Minister Karen Chhour. But despite the ruling, it's too late for the Tribunal to call her to front up. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explains what comes next. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The export of live sheep from Australia will be banned from May 2028 onwards. The Government has promised a $117 million transition package to support the sector over the next five years. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says this will be disappointing news for farmers - who weren't properly consulted before the legislation was implemented. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister has promised Budget 2024 will address fundamental areas - and help the nation aim for growth. Despite concerns that the budget will be focused around austerity, Nicola Willis says the budget will offer some hope for the future. Willis says she's focused on helping boost growth to get New Zealand out of this economic patch. "We are doing a lot of work across Government - we're thinking about how we can boost growth in New Zealand. Because that's ultimately how we'll get out of this difficult economic patch." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 13 May 2024, Auckland Transport Chief Executive Dean Kimpton defends why he's introducing 24/7 parking charges for the city centre. Heather asks NZ Rugby's Chris Lendrum what made Sam Cane call time on his All Blacks career at the end of the year. Should a convicted sex offender be allowed to become a lawyer? Lawyer Steve Cullen weighs in. Plus, the most important lessons from motherhood for our three mums on the Huddle. 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 Josie Pagani from Child Fund joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Auckland Transport is under fire after they confirmed they plan to implement 24/7 parking charges for residents and visitors from July onwards. How will this impact businesses? How will Sam Cane be remembered? The incumbent All Blacks captain has confirmed he plans to step down at the end of the 2024 season. Will he be missed by Kiwi rugby fans? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's Olympic Committee is on the hunt for a skilled fan to step into the suit of Goldie the Kiwi. The New Zealand Team is bringing back the iconic mascot - and they've put a call out for someone to don the suit and amp up the crowds in Paris. The winner will will receive flights, accommodation, and tickets to four New Zealand Team experiences. NZ Olympic Team Chef de Mission Nigel Avery says they're searching for someone with lots of energy to step into the costume and take over the role. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All Blacks captain Same Cane has called time on his international career at the end of the 2024 season. Cane has been released from the final year of his contract with New Zealand Rugby to sign with Suntory Sungoliath in Tokyo for another three years. NZ Rugby general manager Chris Lendrum says they're still happy to keep Sam Cane around for the next few months before he starts his next chapter. "We've got Sam with us for another 6 or 8 months, we're really happy for him and Harriet and his family that they've got an opportunity to sign their career off in the way they want." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All Blacks captain Same Cane has called time on his international career at the end of the 2024 season. Cane has been released from the final year of his contract with New Zealand Rugby to sign with Suntory Sungoliath in Tokyo for another three years. NZ Rugby general manager Chris Lendrum says they're still happy to keep Sam Cane around for the next few months before he starts his next chapter. "We've got Sam with us for another 6 or 8 months, we're really happy for him and Harriet and his family that they've got an opportunity to sign their career off in the way they want." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New data shows food prices have shot up for the first time in three months - contributing to inflationary pressures. Stats NZ says food prices went up 0.6 percent on March, to be 0.8 percent higher than 2023 figures. Rent and petrol, two other key components, went up by 4.6 percent and 2 percent, respectively. ASB economist Kim Mundy says it's likely consumers will have to tighten their belts for longer to get inflation under control. "We don't think there's going to be enough evidence to convince the Reserve Bank that it has done enough to make sure that inflation is really back within target." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland Transport's Chief Executive says changes to parking in the CBD are to give ratepayers relief. From July, motorists will have to pay 24/7 for parking, much of which was previously free on Sundays and outside 8am and 6pm. Dean Kimpton says the move was made to create the $74 million in savings that the Council has requested of it. He says that's alongside improving public transport. "This is what growing cities do. This is what we will do with any income we receive. We will look to make that transport safe and more frequent." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Incumbent All Blacks captain Sam Cane is keen to have a last hurrah with the All Blacks this season. The 95-test veteran is pulling the pin on his international career at the end of 2024 to extend his time in Japan for another three years. Listen to Piney discuss Sam Cane's legacy with the All Blacks here. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victim advocates are questioning the process that allowed a convicted sex offender to gain a position on the High Court. In 2018, Adrian Dermer was jailed after he admitted to a sexual connection and violent charges with a 14-year-old when he was two months shy of 17. Dermer has now been admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the High Court. Criminal lawyer Steve Cullen says the Law Society has a comprehensive process when it comes to issuing the necessary certificate of character to practise law. "That committee would call for a variety of reports, the onus would be on the applicant to satisfy the committee that the were fit and proper - I would think any committee member would have to have regards to the totality of the circumstances." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 10 May 2024, Labour’s energy spokesperson Megan Woods responds to government criticism of the 2018 gas and oil exploration ban. The New Zealand Defence force has had a budget increase, to the tune of $571 million. Defence Minister Judith Collins said this is a move in the right direction. TVNZ enters mediation after cancelling Sunday and Fair Go, E tū negotiator, Michael Wood said they'll work as quickly as possible to reach an agreement. The Warehouse closes TheMarket.com after sales worsen. Devon Funds Management head of Retail, Greg Smith told Heather, “They launched this in 2019 as New Zealand’s answer to Amazon.” 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.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is on his first trip to Europe in five years, which is likely to be dominated by Russia’s war in Ukraine as well as economic strains between Beijing and Brussels. Asia business correspondent, Peter Lewis told Heather du Plessis Allan that European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen said the EU needed help to protect itself from Chinese imports. Lewis said “Cina learnt very quickly about ow to make cars and they stole an edge in the EV market.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Economic growth in the UK has reached 0.1%, despite construction and retail being hit by a slow start to the year. UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Heather du Plessis Allan that the government has said their economic reforms are beginning to come good. However, the opposition is saying “you’ve been in power for more than a decade and it’s not looking good.” Grey said “The general election is beginning to focus on the economy; and asylum seekers (which is very much unresolved)”. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warehouse Group will close the online shopping website TheMarket.com in late June after about five years of business – after it failed to find a buyer. Earlier this year, they sold Torpedo7 for $1. Devon Funds Management head of Retail, Greg Smith told Heather du Plessis Allan “They launched this in 2019 as New Zealand’s answer to Amazon.” Smith said “Part of this is about trying to improve the focus, they do seem to have lost their way,” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sports Huddle with Matt Brown & Paul Allison: the scrapping of the scrum after the free kick. Three laws are to be amended which World Rugby said will allow for a better fan experience by "increasing the spectacle, safety and game simplicity". World Rugby has made changes to its laws to improve the "entertainment factor" of the game and make it easier for viewers to understand. Paul Brown told Heather du Plessis Allan “We’re sick to death of scrums being collapsed and using up time.” Brown said “All the rules that are being proposed make good. Positive sense.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Defence Minister says New Zealand never wants to go to war - but the geopolitical situation is unstable. The Government has revealed 571-million-dollars from the Budget will go into military coffers." Defence Minister Judith Collins told Heather du Plessis Allan “It is a significant amount, and defence force will come up with a plan for it." Collins said “Since I’ve been Minister I’ve seen a big drop in attrition and we need to see it going in the right direction.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AUT says it's considering a controversial social media post made on the private account of the school's dean of law, Khylee Quince The post said: "I suppose it was inevitable that one of the old racist dinosaurs would make a pathetic squeal in an attempt to preserve the status quo... Mr Judd and 'matauranga Maori is not science' friends can go die quietly in the corner I actually don’t think AUT needs to do anything about this, because of freedom of speech But - if they leave this unchecked, it means AUT doesn’t mind this kind of discourse from its senior staff. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I'll tell you what, this morning I woke up at seven basically on the dot and when I looked at the time, I thought jeez, it's seven and I pulled my charger out of my phone because just so that I wasn't the one who tipped the entire country into darkness. It was a relief, wasn't it, that we managed to make it, make it through two hours this morning without the power going out. Apparently, according to Transpower, it's basically the reason that we managed to do it is because we all chipped in. We all did our bit, the major electricity users did there. But in between all of us, we managed to save about 260 megawatts in terms of demand. And that's actually not a bad effort by us, because, yesterday the forecast was that they were going to be down 200 megawatts. So, we did pretty well. But we need to talk about this because this is not going to be the last time this year that we get this message and that we have to rally and pull our phones out of the chargers, take the bike off the charge. Do not put the kettle on, do not put the dishwasher on, do not put the washing machine on, do not heat rooms you're not in and turn all the lights out. This is basically what it's going to be like this winter and it's probably going to be like this for many winters ahead of us. The reason for that is because we're trying to go green. Basically, we're trying to run on solar, wind and water. And if you do that, if there's not enough solar wind or water, you basically, the only other thing you can do is stop the demand, turn everything off. And the other thing also, which is a major problem is that we're running out of gas and we're running out of gas really fast, like alarmingly fast, we're running out of gas. Now, bear this in mind when we pulled our charges out of our phones this morning and turn the lights out, that did make a difference. But that was small beer compared to what was actually making the difference, which was Tiwai Aluminum Smelter, cutting its electricity use and Methanex using less gas and industry basically pulling less electricity out of the system. What that means is that we had to go to all of these big money-making companies in this country and ask them to stop working and they did, which means that for those two hours. And however long it took them to, you know, power things down and then power things back up again, which in the case of the Tiwai aluminum smelter would I imagine be hours. It means they made less money. Which means because a lot of them are exporters, the country made less money because of this morning's power shortage. Now, maybe once you know, happens on the ninth, 10th of May 2024 you don't really care all that much. But if you're doing this multiple times a year and you are doing this multiple years, that stuff adds up. We are literally, we are literally becoming poorer as a country because we cannot rely on our electricity. That's pretty third world, isn't it? That's weird. Did we choose this? Oh, yes. That's right. Some of us did. Some of us wanted to do this. This was a choice. We need to rethink. I would suggest we need to rethink really quickly, whether this is the kind of country we want to be running, whether this is the kind of electricity system we want to be running. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TVNZ is being forced to go into mediation after cancelling high profile shows including Sunday and Fair Go. The Employment relations authority this afternoon found the state broadcaster broke a clause in the collective agreement it has with staff E tū negotiator, Michael Wood told Heather du Plessis Allan “We as a union will attempt to sit down with TVNZ over the coming week and try reach an agreeable outcome as quickly as we can." Wood said “If not, TVNZ will be required under this ruling to come back and comply with the collective agreement and follow the process properly.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has unveiled a 571-million-dollar funding boost over four years - including 163-million for bolstering pay. The rest will go towards upgrading tech and fleets - including the military's NH90 helicopters, and dated vehicles. Senior political correspondent Barry Soper told Heather du Plessis Allan “It’s about interoperability with our defence partners." Soper said “If you look at our spend compared to theirs, it’s small – this spend will bring us up to one percent of GDP.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Hurricanes will play The Blues tomorrow night at Eden Park. The Hurricanes lead the competition on 42 points, followed by the Blues (41). The Hurricanes beat the Blues 29-21 on March 9. Sports Contributor Jason Pine told Heather du Plessis Allan “I’ve had a quick check on the odds: the Blues has favourites, according to the TAB. Pines said “I think that’s to do with home advantage. It’s a hard place to win rugby if you’re not from there.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US correspondent Dan Mitchinson reports on Stormy Daniels and Trump, Biden and Netanyahu; and hospitals not doing surgeries unless payment is received in full Mitchinson told Heather du Plessis Allan, “Trump’s lawyers are continuing to attack the credibility of Daniels’ testimony Mitchinson said that Daniels responded with “If that story was untrue, I would have written it a lot better." LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We dodged a bullet this morning, but are we paying the price for Labour's mismanagement? Grid operator Transpower asked households to conserve power this morning. The Government's blamed a ban in 2018 on oil and gas exploration, for our short supply of natural gas. The Labour Party’s energy spokesperson Megan Woods told Heather du Plessis Allan “It was the correct and right thing to do.” Woods said "I'm concerned that the government has cut funding for other energy storage options." LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prince Harry received support from two of Princess Diana's siblings during his Invictus Games engagement. The Duke of Sussex attended the Invictus Games Foundation’s 10th Anniversary celebration alongside Charles Spencer and Lady Jane Fellowes. UK correspondent Enda Brady says this isn't a good look for King Charles, who was hosting a garden party nearby. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US and Europe have posted several quarterly results - and this season has been labelled 'spicy' and volatile by experts. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds unpacks all the highs and lows found within the results. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AgriZeroNZ, the joint venture fast-tracking emissions reduction tools for Kiwi farmers, has put up millions of dollars in the race for a 'methane vaccine'. The company has invested $9.9 million in U.S. ag-biotech start-up, ArkeaBio, to accelerate a treatment for ruminant animals. The Country's Jamie Mackay examines the impact of these treatments. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's looking increasingly likely that cash is getting phased out. More and more banks have removed their ATMs, and Australia's Macquarie Bank made headlines over its decision to scrap physical money altogether. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann examines the future of physical cash. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 9 May 2024, Transpower's warning Kiwis to reduce their electricity usage to avoid power cuts tomorrow morning. Transpower's Chantelle Bramley tells Heather how bad the shortfall is. Finance Minister Nicola Willis has promised "modest but meaningful" tax cuts. Heather asks her how much money we'll get. The Huddle debates whether the last Government caused the energy crisis we find ourselves in and whether Woolworths should own its promotions mistake. Plus the Baby Reindeer news that has Heather on the edge of her seat... 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 nation is grappling with worsening power and gas shortages - in line with one expert's warning. In September 2023, Enerlytica director John Kidd warned of power shortage risks following the loss of a key gas-fired power plant. Kidd says these issues have been coming for a while. "It is one of those things where you need capacity to cover exactly these types of periods. And over the last few years, we just haven't had that new capacity." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Josie Pagani from Child Fund and ZB host Tim Beveridge joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Transpower has warned customers across the nation to reduce their power consumption from 7am to 9am tomorrow morning due to an unexpected cold snap. Should we have seen this coming? Can we expect this to happen again? Finance Minister Nicola Willis has promised 'meaningful but modest' tax cuts ahead of the 2024 Budget. The Opposition has already labelled it 'crumbs' - what do we think? Should the Government have tackled inflation first? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An employment expert says compulsory work seminars for beneficiaries will make them more employable. Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston announced the seminars will be designed to help with training and work. Jobseekers who do not attend could face sanctions. Max Whitehead says some people need help to show employers what they can offer. "These courses will really give them the training so they can present themselves - and show they can be reliable." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thousands of people have been caught up in Woolworths whoopsie. The supermarket wrote to winners of a promotion, awarding them 4000 reward points - which equals $30 worth of groceries. But it sent about 80,000 emails, instead of 1000. It's apologised and offered 500 points compensation to those wrongly emailed. Auckland University marketing professor Mike Lee says it's understandable if people are upset. "It sets up that expectation, and then to take it away... even if they were to offer something at half-price, people are going to be left with a bad taste in their month." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister has promised Kiwis will benefit from meaningful tax cuts in this year's Budget. Nicola Willis gave a preview speech to the Hutt Valley Business Chamber this morning - and ruled out austerity, despite a challenging economy. Willis says she's made sure the cuts will be targeted at middle to lower income workers and families. "We've come up with what we think is responsible. As I outlined today - inflation has pushed New Zealanders into much higher tax brackets. That means, on average, people are paying a lot more tax." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transpower is reminding people to avoid unnecessary power use. The grid operator is asking consumers to reduce electricity use between 7am and 9am tomorrow. An unseasonal cold snap and low wind generation means the country is facing a potential supply shortfall. Executive operations general manager Chantelle Bramley says they're doing their best to avoid power cuts. "Generators have been making as much generation available as possible, we've been working with lines companies - and industrial customers have also responded." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Sydney, a man's been arrested after a woman was stabbed in a gym car park. It's believed the man and the woman were in a brief relationship before the attack, where the victim was stabbed multiple times. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says authorities have warned attacks like this have become more common. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.