Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

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! ASB's CEO is advocating for more taxes in New Zealand to pay for the infrastructure deficits. This comes after ANZ's Antonia Watson advocated for a capital gains tax. Can we find a better solution?  It's been one year since the latest election - how do we feel about the new Government one year in? Are we doing the same, better, or worse? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 14 October 2024, one year on from the last election, how is the Government faring? Political Commentator Peter Dunne and Heather deliver their report card. Finance Minister Nicola Willis hits out at Wellington City Council, calling the situation surrounding the council's finances "a shambles".   The Huddle debates why another boss of a big Aussie bank felt the need to advocate for more taxes in NZ - looking at you Vittoria Short from ASB! Plus Heather reveals the holiday read that's changed her life. 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 Finance Minister has called Wellington City Council a 'shambles'. The City Council is having to look at its 10 year budget again after a vote last week to reverse its airport shares sale. It’s having to find cuts as the decision leaves a gap estimated to be worth hundreds of millions. Nicola Willis says the Local Government Minister’s watching the situation closely. "There are a number of options that he has - you often hear people talking about a commissioner, but there are things other than a commissioner that he can do." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One expert has rejected the claim that Kiwis need to pay more taxes. ASB chief executive Vittoria Shortt says New Zealand has to bring in more tax dollars to fund the infrastructure the nation needs. This follows ANZ's boss calling for New Zealand to introduce a capital gains tax. OliverShaw Tax Partner Robin Oliver says the nation can't be taxed into prosperity. "Our issue as a country is - we struggle to pay the same rate as Australia, we're falling behind. That means we can't pay our doctors, nurses, police enough. We need to grow wages, grow the economy, that takes higher productivity, more investment and more innovation."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transporting New Zealand is in favour of boosting diesel reserves. Resource Minister Shane Jones is asking for feedback on increasing the minimum diesel stockholding obligation of 21 days - to 28.  Transporting New Zealand interim chief executive, Dom Kalasih, says a strong diesel supply is an important thing to have. He explains more diesel will increase the resilience of our domestic supply chain. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's more criticism of central city roadworks in Wellington. Retail NZ, Hospitality NZ and the Bus and Coach Association are asking the council to review its Golden Mile pedestrianizing project. A number of businesses say roadworks and cycleway projects have forced them to close. Retail NZ Chief Executive Carolyn Young says it's 'disappointing' that mayor Tory Whanau says the Golden Mile is a bottom line. "We know that the issues around Thorndon Quay are significant, that businesses have really struggled and are closing." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some experts believe the Government can't rest on its laurels.  A recent 1News Verian poll found 40 percent of people think the country is in worse shape since election day, a year ago.  Former United Future Party leader and political commentator, Peter Dunne, says people aren't happy - but there's no sign they prefer the Opposition more. He says other recent polling shows National needs to improve.  "It shows they've managed to retain most of their support  - but the big message moving forward is that they've got to grow that significantly in the next election." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The incoming Public Service Minister will serve for two years and eight months - not the usual five-years.  Sir Brian Roche will step into the job on November 4.  ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says time will tell if this is the right move from the Government. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Australia, there's growing calls to base speeding fines on the offending driver's individual income. A new report by think tank The Australia Institute claims flat-rate traffic penalties for speeders are 'unfair' amid the current cost-of-living crisis. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says this might bring down the death toll on Australian roads - but other solutions should be considered. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bristling but unbowed - Sir Ben Ainslie's backing Britannia to recover from a 3-nil deficit in the first-to-seven America's Cup match against Team New Zealand. The British skipper's taken umbrage with a misunderstood question from the host broadcaster that his syndicate is somehow inadequate off the coast of Barcelona. Sportstalk host Jason Pine unpacks the controversy further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of New Zealand's biggest summer music festivals - Bay Dreams - will not go ahead in 2025 as promoters struggle to draw big artists into the country. The organisers had hoped to book Kendrick Lamar as a headliner, but a successful 2024 for the rapper meant the costs to bring him here doubled. Rhythm and Alps founder and director Alex Turnbull says many brands are putting themselves in a 'dangerous' position by relying too heavily on big names. "There are so many more lines that contribute to a festival brand - such as the experience, that's a really key thing. Whether it's the biggest festival that's been cancelled, I'm really not sure."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Friday 11 October 2024, the Electricity Authority has been told to get more competitive as it tries to curb soaring electricity prices. Energy Minister Simeon Brown joins Francesca to discuss the Government's expectations. Sailing Professor Mark Orams discusses Team New Zealand taking on the British team of INEOS Britannia as the 37th America's Cup gets underway on Sunday morning. Kiwis are leaving the country in record numbers and Professor of Sociology at University of Auckland Francis Collins explains what this means for NZ's future population. 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 British government is investigating 37 UK-linked businesses for potentially breaking Russian oil sanctions. The sanctions were introduced when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, but critics have claimed they’re ineffective with latest figures showing Russia’s economy is growing. It’s thought a lot of the affected businesses under investigation are maritime insurance firms, which are potentially enabling Russia to exploit a loophole in the sanctions if proven to be true. Elsewhere, the Portuguese government is looking to slash taxes for people aged under 35 to encourage people to stay and emigrate to the country, and Princess Catherine has made her first official public engagement since finishing chemotherapy in Southport. UK correspondent Gavin Grey joined Francesca Rudkin. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One New Zealand has been given the green light to begin testing of their Starlink satellite to mobile service over the next 10 weeks. It'll allow texting and messaging from many places currently without coverage. Currently 40 percent of the country has no mobile coverage, and the telecommunications company says satellite to cell plays a vital role in keeping people connected. One New Zealand chief executive Jason Paris joined Francesca Rudkin. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A step forward for New Zealand-India relations. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is in Laos for the East Asia Summit, where he met with Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, who invited him to visit in the new year. Luxon says New Zealand’s relationship with India is moving in the right direction with the two discussing trade and other ways to work together. Pre-election, National pledged to secure a free-trade agreement with India. International geopolitical analyst Geoffrey Miller joined Francesca Rudkin. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inflation appears to be easing, although some figures are continuing to surge. Latest Stats NZ figures show petrol is 14.9 percent cheaper than a year ago, while food prices rose 1.2 percent. Fruit and vegetables are 8.3 percent cheaper, while olive oil is 58 percent pricier. Butter, chocolate biscuits and alcohol have also been getting darer. ASB senior economist Mark Smith joined Francesca Rudkin. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newstalk ZB Sports News Director Clay Wilson and NZ Herald Sports Editor Alex Powell joined The Huddle to discuss the week's sports news. The 37th America's Cup is set to get underway this weekend, with Team New Zealand defending its title against INEOS Britannia in Barcelona. Shaun Johnson has come out of retirement to rejoin the Kiwis for the upcoming international window amid a halfback shortage, with Melbourne's Jahrome Hughes forced to withdraw due to injury. Meanwhile, the Bathurst 1000 is due to get underway this weekend, and Rafael Nadal has announced his retirement from tennis at the Davis Cup in Malaga. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A sociology expert says the inequality is likely contributing to people leaving New Zealand in droves. New Stats NZ figures show New Zealand had an annual net migration gain of nearly 54,000 people in the year to August. The 134,000 departures are the highest on record — driven by more than 81,000 Kiwis heading offshore. Auckland University sociology professor Francis Collins told Francesca Rudkin we need to think about what kind of society we have. He says it's quite clear inequality has increased over the past few decades - evidenced by issues in the health system and housing unaffordability. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The big dance is about to get underway in Barcelona. Starting Sunday morning overnight, defending champions Emirates Team New Zealand will take on INEOS Britannia in a best-of-13 series for the Auld Mug. New Zealand will be looking to win the America’s Cup for the third straight time, while Britain is competing in the event for the first time in over 60 years. AUT sailing professor Mark Orams joined Francesca Rudkin. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Energy Minister says he's focused on making sure Kiwis pay reasonable prices for power. The Government's released its Policy Statement on electricity - outlining the role of the Government and the Electricity Authority. Simeon Brown says their role is ensuring correct market settings - and enabling private investment. He says the Authority's job is driving a more competitive sector that avoids excessive prices. Brown told Francesca Rudkin they don't want the Authority concerning themselves with things they don't need to. “The Electricity Authority needs to ensure that they are focused on competition, affordability and security of supply, and that they’re not focused on what type of fuel is actually being used.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The cleanup is underway in Florida after Hurricane Milton. At least 16 people have died, but Governor Ron DeSantis expects more casualties, while there were more than 100 Kiwis caught up in the storm, and left more than 3 million homes without power. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden has lambasted Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump for spreading misinformation about FEMA money in relation to Milton. US correspondent Charles Feldman joined Francesca Rudkin. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A jam-packed schedule for the Prime Minister's final day in Laos. After a day of introductions and talks with foreign counterparts, Chris Luxon is now attending the East Asia summit. Senior Political Reporter Sophie Trigger told Francesca Rudkin this is a significant forum - that's brought together world superpowers - including the US and Russia. She says Luxon's saying regional security's high on the agenda — and highly connected to New Zealand's trade relationships. Luxon's last meet and greet before heading home later tonight is with the Phillippines' Prime Minister. LISTEN ABOVE LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In April last year, it was announced New Zealanders living in Australia were suddenly afforded similar rights to Australians who live in New Zealand when it comes to having a pathway to citizenship. The change meant that from 1 July 2023, New Zealanders who have lived in Australia for four years on temporary or special category visas and met the standard Australian citizenship criteria could apply for citizenship. So Kiwis who've been living in Australia since 2001 could apply directly for citizenship without gaining permanent residency first. Kiwi children born in Australia will become citizens at birth rather than waiting til they turn 10. It was a game changer for Kiwis already living in Australia. But the question of whether it would contribute to a brain drain, like the one we saw in 2011 and 2012 was yet to be seen. Today Stats NZ released their provisional data for annual migration figures for the year ending in August. Migrant arrivals were down 17 percent to 188,100. But the surprising figure in all this was the number of migrant departures which was up 37 percent to 134,000. Out of those 134,000 departures, 81,200 of them were Kiwi citizens. That figure - I think it was 134,300 migrant departures - is provisionally the highest on record for an annual period. This is not good news. So yeah, those new regulations in Australia probably did have an impact or at least act as a tipping point that has sent some Kiwis on their way. In the year ending March 2024, 53 percent of New Zealand's citizen migrant departures were to Australia. But of course, they're not just heading off to Australia, they're going everywhere. Post-Covid, the pressure has been on the government of the day to convince people New Zealand is a great place to live and work, not just to keep talented Kiwis at home or encourage them to return, but to attract the many skilled workers we currently need at a time when the rest of the world is in pursuit of those same workers. This has not been achieved. The net migration gain in the last year to the end of August was 53,800. It was down sharply on the gain of around just over 67,000 for the July year. Economists are concerned this may lead to zero net migration next year, which could impact the economy's action and potential growth rates, the balance of our labour market pressures, expected tax take, and of course the housing market. I don't know how to convince someone who sees a better job, a better income, a better lifestyle somewhere else to stay providing them with the same or close opportunity. Here in New Zealand is most likely the only solution to the discontent that has settled over the country. But how likely is that? The Government is working hard to get this country back on track and it could hardly work faster, but it is going to take time. I tell you what though, the Government will be hoping this is as bad as these figures get and a turnaround is on the horizon. For those of us still here. I certainly hope so.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand’s America’s Cup defence is set to get underway. Last week Team Britannia confirmed their challenger status after beating Italy’s Luna Rossa in the preliminary Louis Vuitton Cup. NPC quarterfinals are also set to get underway, with Wellington taking on Counties Manukau in Wellington tonight, which will see TJ Perenara play his final game on New Zealand soil before jetting off to Japan. Other fixtures over the weekend are Bay of Plenty vs Hawke’s Bay, Taranaki vs Waikato and Tasman vs Canterbury. Weekend Sport host Jason Pine joined Francesca Rudkin. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Less than two months ago, Auckland appeared ready to change its rubbish collection to a fortnightly service. But now councillors have voted to trial the change instead of implementing it or retaining the weekly service. It will start two-weekly collections in up to three areas for up to 4000 households, before deciding on region-wide rollout. Manurewa-Papakura Ward councillor Angela Dalton joined Francesca Rudkin. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a crucial step towards reducing scams, banks will introduce a Confirmation of Payee system next month to be fully in place by Easter of next year.  The system notifies a customer if the name and account they are transferring money into don't match up.  Similar schemes have been successful in Australia and the United Kingdom.  New Zealand Banking Association Chief Executive Roger Beaumont joins Francesca Rudkin with more on how it works.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Thursday 10 October 2024, Hurricane Milton has made landfall in Florida as a Category 3 storm. Channel Nine reporter Alison Piotrowski joins Francesca out of Tampa with an update on the latest conditions. Finance Minister Nicola Willis discusses the deepening deficit on the Crown books, after Treasury revealed the Government's operating balance was $1.8 billion worse than forecast at the Budget in May. Francesca considers the ethical obligation of production companies developing projects on the high profile murder trial of Philip Polkinghorne. Professor of Media and Communications at University of Canterbury Donald Matheson says the projects are coming "way too soon". And, Wellington councillor Ben McNulty reacts to the decision not to sell Wellington airport shares. 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.

Wellington City Councillors have voted against selling it's airport shares.  Council currently owns a 34% stake in Wellington Airport, and the shares needed to be sold in order to make it's recently adopted long-term plan viable.  Wellington City Councillor Ben McNulty joins Francesca Rudkin to discuss what this means for the council. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on the Huddle, former Labour Chief of Staff Mike Munro and KiwiBlog & Curia Pollster David Farrar joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Mysterious Death of Pauline Hanna is a TV drama announced by South Pacific Pictures, centred around the Polkinghorne trial. The Government deficit widens by more than expected, mostly due to Health NZ and higher costs relating to ACC claims.  Community advocate Dave Letele is being forced to shut down his South Auckland foodbank due to lack of funding.  Hurricane Milton makes landfall in Florida, devastating the state in the early stages.  Wellington City Council is set to vote on what it will do with it's share in Wellington Airport.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The high profile murder trial in which Philip Polkinghorne was found not guilty of murdering his wife Pauline Hanna is set to be turned into a drama series.  Development of the dramatised storytelling was announced today by South Pacific Pictures.  Professor of Media and Communications at Canterbury University Donald Matheson joins Francesca Rudkin with more.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's financial books have sunk further into debt in the year to June, with Treasury revealing the deficit on the Crown books deepened by $3.4 billion. It was also $1.8 billion worse than Treasury forecast in the May budget.  Minister of Finance Nicola Willis joins Francesca Rudkin to explain why.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hurricane Milton has made landfall in Florida, with over 5.5 million residents told to evacuate and officials calling the conditions 'unsurvivable'. Alison Piotrowski is Channel Nine's U.S. correspondent and she joins Francesca Rudkin live from Florida.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Community advocate David Letele has announced he will be shutting down his South Auckland foodbank which was supplying up to 1000 families a week.  The operation received $87,000 worth of Government support but was distributing more than $500,000 worth of food.  David Letele says he can no longer sustain the costs of running the foodbank as Government funding is no longer enough.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just how much Polkinghorne is enough Polkinghorne? Today it was announced that South Pacific Pictures, together with UK based production companies, are developing an original limited drama series "The Mysterious Death of Pauline Hanna". I wonder what Pauline would say if she could see the outcome of her death.  Firstly, her life was laid bare, her personal life forensically picked apart, discussed and judged in an eight-week court trial. A court case that was thoroughly covered by the media.  Since then, it was announced there would be a three-part documentary series, funded by New Zealand On Air to screen at some point on ThreeNow, then we had the Tui billboards, and now we have the dramatization.  That's a lot of people making money off the tragic story of the death of a woman.  I totally understand why this is happening and get the appeal... you only have to look at how much this case captivated the nation. It's a universally appealing story filled with intriguing characters, scandals, sex, and drugs - let's be honest, you couldn't have come up with this story if you tried.  But there needs to be more to it than capitalising on a scandalous story.  As I aid after the documentary was made public, there is a fine line between examining the facts and revealing something meaningful, and preying on a victim's tragedy for entertainment's sake. The line in the press release that caught my attention was this: "By presenting the facts of the case in a responsible, forensic, and non-judgmental way, The Mysterious Death of Pauline Hanna will let the audience decide." Is that not what a court case is for? Okay - quite a bit of judgement was passed in that court case. But if you followed the court case, and remember Mr Polkinghorne was found not guilty, you have already probably made up your own mind on what happened.  Do we need dramatization? Haven't we had enough? There is a place for true crime documentaries, podcasts, and dramatizations - they can be a powerful way to tell cautionary tales, and question our justice system and treatment of victims.  Just look at the Grace Millane documentary streaming on Netflix - The Lie: The Murder of Grace Millane.  This is a documentary that adds context to the story, reveals new information and footage, was delivered at a respectful time after Grace's death and most importantly, respected the victim and her family.  At a time when the local production industry is hurting, it's good to hear about new productions with international funding.  But if South Pacific Pictures goes ahead with this ratings winner, there is still an ethical obligation to do it with care and consideration for the victim, their family and friends. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 9 October. 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.

Today's OCR announcement has got everyone thinking about what impact it will have on the housing market.  The Reserve Bank cut for a second time from 5.25% to 4.75%. CoreLogic's Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson joins Jack Tame to discuss when it will flow on to home loans.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Official Cash Rate is on its way down.  The Reserve Bank has cut the OCR by 50-basis points, from 5.25 to 4.75%.  It says inflation is within its 1-3% target range and this cut will help maintain that while avoiding unnecessary instability in parts of the economy.  Katlyn Parker of Milford Asset Management joined Jack Tame to unpack the cut and the impact it will have on the market.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on the Huddle, Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers Union and NZ Herald Senior Writer Simon Wilson joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Reserve Bank cut the OCR by 50 basis points this afternoon.  The Government has called for Sport NZ to update transgender inclusive community sport guidelines.  University of Auckland and Otago University both drop in just-released world rankings.  Another popular American store is opening their first New Zealand shop.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government have today asked Sport New Zealand to review and update their principles for the inclusion of transgender people in community sport.  It outlined that the current guidelines do not reflect expectations that sport be about fairness and safety as wekk as diversity, inclusion, and equity.  Chris Bishop is the minister of sport and recreation and he joins Jack Tame to discuss further.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pop quiz! What of these causes the highest number of premature New Zealand deaths?  Bowel cancer? Diabetes? Road crashes? Melanoma? Air pollution? This will seem unbelievable to many Kiwis, but according to the Ministry of the Environment and Statistics New Zealand, here in good old clean-and-green New Zealand, air pollution kills more people than all of those other causes, combined.  Think about that! Diabetes, bowel cancer, road crashes and melanoma... Put them in a blender and add them all together, and air pollution still comes out at the top of the macabre pops.  According to the study released today, even though air pollution standards have improved, in 2019, air pollution was associated with 3200 deaths!  In a country our size, with our wealth, and our regulatory framework, that's a disgraceful figure. According to the triennial study, one in ten deaths in 2019 was attributable to air pollution. The social costs are in the billions of dollars, and that doesn't include the increasingly-well-documented impact on brain function and intelligence that comes from the prolonged exposure to air pollution.  Like all health stats, of course, poor people in poor communities are the most negatively affected.  The biggest cause is no big surprise: Traffic pollution. But as the science improves, the impact of traffic on air pollution only gets worse. The report suggests roughly seventy percent of those air pollution deaths and seventy percent of more-than-13,000 hospitalisations from air pollution are caused by traffic pollution. And where you take cars off the road, lo and behold... The air quality improves. If ever you needed a greater reason for better investment in public transport services, for massively speeding up the EV rollout and for congestion charging in our cities... This report is it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cinnabon is coming to New Zealand! The popular American bakery will open it's first store in Westfield New Market next month.  It will start off selling many of it's classic cinnamon scrolls and blended frozen drinks, which come in flavours like mango, strawberry, and cookies and cream.  Kathan Parikh is the director of Cinnabon New Zealand who acquired the franchise rights, he joins Jack Tame with more.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Florida is bracing for 'the storm of the century' with Hurricane Milton now upgraded to a category five, with wind speeds of 270km/h.  Residents are evacuating by the millions, with officials saying it's a 'matter of life and death'.  Alison Piotrowski is Channel Nine's U.S. correspondent on the ground in Florida.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A bold move from the Reserve Bank as it has decided to cut the Official Cash Rate (OCR) by 50-basis points, from 5.25% to 4.75%. It's the second cut in a row, after the OCR was lowered in August - which was the first drop since May 2023.  All of the larger banks predicted the rise, but a 25-point drop was thought to be just as likely.  Co-operative Bank Chief Executive Mark Wilshire joins Jack Tame to discuss how this will impact homeowners.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene hit the east coast of the United States, Floridians are gearing up for a new storm.  Hurricane Milton is currently a Category 5 storm, and locals are expecting it to be much more catastrophic than Helene.  Katherine Firkin is a U.S correspondent and joins Jack Tame with the latest.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two former members of a committee tasked with checking over assisted deaths to ensure the law worked as it should say the system is so broken they wouldn't have known if someone had wrongly died.  Doctors Jane Greville and Dana Wensley repeatedly raised concerns about incomplete information about a patient's health and the risk of coercion.  In one case, a patient with suspected dementia who could not speak English was approved for assisted dying without a translator in the room.  ACT Leader David Seymour was behind the End of Life Choice Act and joins Jack Tame to discuss how this happened.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I fix my entire mortgage in three weeks' time, and find myself with the curious kind of conundrum that most of us with bog-standard family home mortgages couldn't have imagined at any point the last few years.  I waited for the email to land from the Monetary Policy Committee... Speed-read the Reserve Bank's statement and found myself with a simple question: Instead of fixing my mortgage at the end of this month, am I better to roll the dice, float for four weeks and hold out for another cut in November?  50 basis points is a meaningful cut. If you've got a $400,000 mortgage, and you're coming off a 7.2% to the market-leading 5.7% being advertised today... That's a difference of $500 a month.  What's clear from the Reserve Bank's comments though is that, like it was on the way up, the cutting cycle is likely to have disproportionate impacts depending on different personal circumstances as the OCR comes down.  Our economy is groaning. International growth is slowing, and the Middle East conflict has the potential to cause a global oil shock. And with an unemployment rate that lags the cash rate cycle, we could still add the best part of 100 basis points to our unemployment rate.  The Reserve Bank might be cutting faster than they anticipated just a few months ago, but it won't come nearly fast enough for many thousands of New Zealanders who are likely going to lose their jobs over the next few months.  The MPS in November is the last cash rate decision for 2024... And the last for the best part of three months.  My pick for the period between now and then is that the calls for more significant cuts, maybe even to something akin to the neutral cash rate, will only continue to intensify.  Our economy might have a taste of relief but it's crying out for so much more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 8 October. 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.

Tonight on the Huddle, CEO of the Maxim Institute Tim Wilson and Ali Jones from Red PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! A sea turtle was filmed struggling in an oil spill near the HMNZS Manawanui wreck site. How much money should we be putting into fixing this disaster? Auckland dog shelters are forced to euthanise more dogs than at any point in the past decade - 11 per day.  Sophia Crestani coronial findings and calls for improved safety at student parties. How feasible is this? Tui's 'Yeah right' billboard referencing Philip Polkinghorne falls flat with social media users.  Bluebridge ferry Connemara damages a wharf on Picton in a berthing mishap.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Retirement Commissioner is calling for action on the size of houses being built, with downsizing issues causing a headache for retirees and older people.  Two-bedrooms are fewer than 20% of the new stock and one-bedroom homes are less than 10%, with new terraced housing being unsuitable.  Jane Wrightson is the Retirement Commissioner and joins Jack Tame to discuss the urgent need for smaller homes.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I went for a walk along K Road the other night and saw something I hadn't seen in the longest time: A new restaurant.  I didn't even step inside but it felt like a drink of cold water for a parched man in the desert. When was the last time I saw one of those?  It is, of course, a rarity. And hardly a sign that the entire economy is ready to take off. The number of new restaurants in that part of town is still comfortably outnumbered by the number of 'For Lease' signs. But as the Reserve Bank prepares for tomorrow's call on the OCR, two things give me optimism that they'll be leaning more towards 50 basis points than 25.  The first is if the economists are right, inflation is already back down within the target band or maybe even closer to 2% than we dare to hope.  It occurs to me that migration inflows have really significantly slowed over recent months. That in turn is reducing pressure on rents, which was one of the stickier parts of the inflation picture over the previous few quarters.  The next CPI data is released in a week, so we get the OCR call before we get inflation data. But if that's the case and we are within the target band - and especially if we're closer to 2% then 3% - there's a pretty decent argument the Reserve Bank should be moving quickly to get us somewhere closer to a neutral cash rate.  The second point that gives me a bit of optimism is timing. If this were April, I might feel a bit more meh. But after tomorrow there's only one OCR call before the summer break, and then it's a looong wait until February's next decision. While waiting to see what comes of the U.S. election, the Reserve Bank might rightly be concerned about being left behind by other central banks over the three month break between innings.  The markets say yes to 50 basis points. The banks are saying yes to 50. As someone refixing his mortgage in a month... I say yes, please.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.