Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Hastings District Council has voted in favour of allowing non-elected members of its Youth Council to vote in council decisions. Youth Council members will be able to vote in council committees and sub-committees - and they'll also be paid. The Council was divided on this move - but mayor Sandra Hazlehurst had the deciding vote and the issue was passed. Youth Council chair Chris Proctor says this is a first in the nation's history. "We want to bring a voice to the Council's table and we want to make sure that in areas like Flaxmere, where 50 percent of the population is under the age of 25 - we feel that's important." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

That's quite the crackdown on truancy from David Seymour today - don't expect this to go down well with the teacher unions. So the first thing David Seymour's announced is that he's coming for the parents. He's bringing in the possibility of enforcing fines on parents who don't send their kids to school. Now, it's 100 percent that the excuse-makers of this country are gonna have a problem with this because it’s picking on the vulnerable, etc. Let me tell you something - school is compulsory in New Zealand. If it's compulsory and you don't do it, you will get punished. A fine is the punishment, that's how compulsion works. There's no point in having it be compulsory if you aren't prepared to punish someone for the compulsory thing not happening. And the fine thing is not new, they already exist on the books. Parents can be fined up to $3000 if they’re recidivist offenders, it's just that the fine is not enforced. The second thing he’s doing is scrapping teacher-only days during term times. Schools now have to hold teacher-only days in term breaks. 100 percent the teacher unions will complain about this, but again - this is not new. According to David Seymour's office, the law already states that teacher-only days should only be held during school breaks. And if they have to be held during term time, it must be only with the permission of the Ministry of Education - but it’s got a bit loose. So, all David Seymour is doing here is reminding us all what the existing rules already are and getting us to follow them. And the fact that that is quite a big crack down - I think that tells you how loose we’ve gotten with respecting education. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has issued a warning for Britons in Lebanon amid escalating conflict. The Ministry of Defence is sending 700 troops to Cyprus to prepare for the possible evacuation of British nationals from Lebanon and the Government has advised against travel to the region. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says it's a clear indication the Government believes this situation will get worse. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sales at Kathmandu owner KMD Brands slumped by 11 percent, with all three of its brands feeling the effect of weak consumer confidence in its latest financial year. The company had a statutory net profit after tax decline of $48.3 million for FY24, including a one-off non-cash impairment on the goodwill of its shoe brand Oboz of $40.3 million. Milford Asset Management's Sam Trethewey says investors didn't have high expectations ahead of this announcement. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Things are looking on the up for the dairy sector. Fonterra is returning a total dividend of 55 cents a share for the past financial year, off the back of a strong $1.1 billion net profit. It's also raising its forecast milk payout midpoint this season, from $8.50 to $9.00. CEO Miles Hurrell says demand from China's picking up, and data received overnight suggests that trend is continuing. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Kiwiblog writer and Curia pollster David Farrar and Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Do we really need a Capital Gains Tax? ANZ CEO Antonia Watson has joined the growing calls for one but Heather's not on board - what do we think? Another review into the Northland power pylon incident revealed it was completely avoidable - after it lost tens of millions in economic activity. Does Transpower need to cough up? New data has revealed Kiwis' overall satisfaction with life has held up over the last couple years, despite rampant inflation and economic concerns. Is this proof life here isn't all that bad? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 25 September 2024, Energy Minister Simeon Brown reveals the contractor at the centre of the fallen Transpower tower had three previous nuts/bolts instances. ANZ boss Antonia Watson has endorsed the idea of a capital gains tax - but Heather's not a fan. Resources Minister Shane Jones reveals the worst Government decision he was ever part of - and what he's doing to make up for it. Plus on the Huddle, Jack Tame and Heather get fired up on the prospect of a CGT. 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 Government has today started the process of overturning the ban on oil and gas exploration. Resource Minister Shane Jones says the Government is still committed to transitioning to renewable energy - but it can't be done at a cost of hollowing out jobs. Jones says some companies are a bit fearful in case the Government changes - but he's willing to convince them. "The bill's got some robust protections - it's a transparent process." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's looking increasingly likely that Beauden Barrett will step in the No 10 jersey and replace Damian McKenzie for this weekend's All Blacks match. This upcoming rematch against Australia will mark Beauden Barrett's first test in the role since 2022. NZ Herald sports writer Liam Napier says it's likely Scott Robertson will be looking to make changes ahead of the next set of high-profile matches. "You have to have options - and for the All Blacks, this is the last test at home this year, they're about to head north later in the year for three very gruelling tests against England, Ireland and France - they need alternative options." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Energy Minister has been quick to criticise Transpower's conduct that led to the collapse of a Northland power pylon. A new report by the Electricity Authority revealed one of the company's senior engineers had warned crews doing foundation work had knowledge gaps before the pylon toppled in June. Minister Simeon Brown says this failure was 'unacceptable' and 'avoidable'. "Ultimately, Transpower didn't do anything in relation to addressing those concerns in 2021 - and that has led to what happened in Northland in June this year." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A PWC tax partner says discussions around a Capital Gains Tax will continue, as the country grapples with raising enough revenue. ANZ head Antonia Watson has told RNZ the time has come for a Capital Gains Tax. Sandy Lau says it'll likely be in the mix of options officials consider in long-term planning for New Zealand's tax system. "I don't think having a Capital Gains Tax is going to be the silver bullet, so to speak, that will fix all the problems - but it may be one of the few things that needs to be done to make sure that the tax system continues to be successful in the future." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A frosty reception is expected for Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, as he fronts global diplomats - as war wages in the Middle East. Leaders from nearly 200 UN Member states are meeting to discuss international issues in New York City. Calls for intervention are growing - as Israel pounds southern Lebanon with bombs, and its' deadly occupation of Gaza continues. Voice of America UN correspondent, Margaret Besheer, says many members are calling Israel's actions genocide. "The speeches were very strong against Israel - and not just from the neighbours, but from other countries in the global south." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Electricity Authority's report in to a toppled pylon has found the collapse was entirely avoidable. The Transpower pylon north of Helensville fell - cutting power to 88,000 people in Northland - after unsupervised, inexperienced maintenance crews undid three legs at once. The report found there was evidence removing all the nuts wasn't a one-off event. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this incident came with significant economic impacts to Northland. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in the US, Kamala Harris is experiencing a significant bump in the polls. New data from Quinnipiac University, Reuters and CNN show Harris is beating out Donald Trump - or the pair are neck-and-neck in terms of voter appeal. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says Kamala Harris has focused on appealing to the swing states, as the race is still too close. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beauden Barrett is expected to start at first five-eighth for the All Blacks rematch with the Wallabies in Wellington on Saturday. Through his eight tests in charge this year, All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has maintained unwavering faith in Damian McKenzie. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave unpacked this change. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stats NZ has published the latest official wellbeing data - revealing whether or not Kiwis' satisfaction with life has dipped. Despite two years of economic turmoil and recession, people's overall satisfaction with life is at a 7.6 out of 10 - a similar rating to 2021, when the economy was better. Umbrella Wellbeing psychologist Dougal Sutherland says Kiwis have always have had something to worry about, which disrupts quality of life. "We worry about certain things - in 2021, we were all worried about Covid and now we're worried about the economy and a bit about crime and a bit about healthcare. Maybe this is generally how it is." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nurses in England have widely rejected the Government's proposed 5.5 percent pay rise. According to an online vote run by the Royal College of Nursing, two-thirds of nurses said this increase wasn't fair. UK correspondent Enda Brady says they've seen junior doctors get 35 percent raises following the Covid-19 pandemic - and they're hoping to be properly compensated to keep up with inflation. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian Reserve Bank has held the cash rate at 4.35 percent after its latest board meeting, citing concerns about inflation. This seventh consecutive hold was widely tipped by economists - and they haven't ruled out additional increases either. HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham outlines his predictions for when the economy will turn around and give homeowners some reprieve. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fonterra's annual financial results are due out on Wednesday morning. Experts are wondering if there will be an upside in the forecast milk price of $7.80 for the 23/24 season - and they've debated the possibility of a higher-than-expected annual dividend. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The popularity of working remotely has continued to surge among Kiwi employees - prompting some new directions from the Government. Prime Minister Chris Luxon has ordered Wellington-based Government departments to call their staff back into the office to boost performance and keep local businesses going. Infometrics economist Gareth Kiernan unpacks the latest stats - and wonders if the Government's new terms will make a difference. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland Councillor Richard Hills and Tim Wilson from Maxim Institute joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Green Party is set to meet to discuss Darleen Tana's fate on October 17th. Why has it taken this long to reach a possible solution? Is this hurting their political numbers? Should Auckland Council follow Wellington's lead and require workers to get back to the office? Heart of the City head Viv Beck is urging people to get out and boost the city's businesses - does Auckland CBD need the help? It's been a day since Philip Polkinghorne was found not guilty of murdering Pauline Hanna - would things have been different if Madison Ashton had turned up to testify? Andrew Coster is set to lead the Government's new Social Investment Agency after he steps down as Police Commissioner- what do we make of this? Is this a good idea? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KiwiSaver investments have broken the $100 billion mark. The Financial Markets Authority's report for the year to March 31st reveals funds reached $111.8 billion - jumping 19 percent from the previous year. Member contributions have risen to $11.2 billion and returns are strong at $13.1 billion. Financial Markets Authority director John Horner says this shows numbers are bouncing back following a previous downturn. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 24 September, Police Minister Mark Mitchell stepped up to explain why Commissioner Andrew Coster is the perfect fit to lead the new Social Investment Agency. Heart of the City boss Viv Beck explained why Auckland Council needs to follow Wellington and require the council staff to come back and work in their offices to bring some life back to the CBD. A new report has come out identifying where the Port Hills fire started - but FENZ's Dave Stackhouse says the cause is still unknown. Plus, the Huddle unpacks the latest development in the Darleen Tana saga - and debates how this makes the rest of the Green Party look. 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 Green Party has set a new date for a special meeting to decide whether to boot now-independent MP Darleen Tana from Parliament. The meeting was postponed for a hearing of Tana's legal claim she was pressured to resign, after an investigation found she likely knew of alleged migrant exploitation at her husband's business. Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick says notice has been sent to branches of a meeting to be held on October 17. "I am incredibly confident in the wisdom of our party - and that's part of the reason that we've also set this date with the opportunity for our members to properly deliberate." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new report into Port Hills fire has located the private property where the fire originated - but the cause remains undetermined. The fire started on February 14 and spread over 700ha, forcing the evacuation of more than 100 properties. FENZ District Commander Dave Stackhouse says the owner of the property in question has been ruled out as a suspect. "We interviewed the property owner three times and he was co-operative throughout the investigation." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A geopolitical expert says the latest aggression in the war between Israel and Hezbollah has an air of 'inevitability'. Israel has reportedly killed almost 500 in air strikes and injured 1600 in the deadliest day in Lebanon since 2006. Israel's Defence Force says its mission is to stop the Iran-backed Hezbollah firing rockets into Israel's north and to push it back from the border. Foreign policy analyst Geoffrey Miller says they've been heading this way for some time. "There has been a level of inevitability about this - and this just takes it up a notch further. It's a huge death toll." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Police Minister has confidence Police Commissioner Andrew Coster will fit well into his new role. Coster has led the police since 2020, but will move to become the head of the Social Investment Agency in November. Mark Mitchell says the agency will be at the forefront of dealing with inter-generational social issues. He says he looks forward to seeing Coster succeed in the new position. "The Social Investment Agency's got a big role to play and I think that Andy Coster, when you look at his background and experience - he's the perfect fit for the role." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So, Andrew Coster has resigned as Police Commissioner and he's got himself a new job. He's going to be running the Government's new Social Investment Agency - and I reckon he's going to be good at this. I acknowledge this might not be a popular appointment, I think a lot of people will see this for what it probably is - which is that it feels an awful lot like a job that’s been given to him to get him to leave the police because the Government doesn't want him there. It also reinforces the idea that there's a job merry-go-round in Wellington, which is obviously true. Plus, there'll be questions about why you'd reward somebody for being pretty bad at their previous job, which Coster definitely was. He was a shocker of a Police Commissioner. And all those of those criticisms - many of which are already in my inbox - are completely valid. But setting all that aside, I still think he will be good at this job. This is in his wheelhouse. Andrew Coster never was a crack down on crime guy, he's a cotton wool guy, a believer in people’s potential guy, a 'give them another chance' guy. He believes so much in the fence at the top of the cliff that he forgot his job was to actually run the ambulance at the bottom. But this job is fence at the top of the cliff stuff. The point of this agency is to help people before they become criminals and invest in them when they’re still babies. That's right up Coster’s alley, isn't it? For all of his failings as a Police Commissioner - his inability to be tough on gangs or clear out the Parliamentary protest before it got out of hand - he's actually a very bright and decent guy. I think it was just a case of the wrong job for the wrong guy and I'm happy he's leaving the police. I hope we never have another Commissioner as weak on crime as him, but I think he'll be very good at what he does next - and it is a very important job. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says Andrew Coster has been an outstanding Police Commissioner - as he takes on a new role Coster has been appointed the head of the Government's Social Investment Agency, stepping down as Commissioner by November. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Andrew Coster faced some pushback when National was in opposition - but Chris Luxon was eager to defend him. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katy Perry has reportedly faced some pushback over her proposed song choices ahead of her AFL Grand Final performance. The pop star is set to headline as the pre-game entertainment act - and it's been revealed league officials told her to play the hits from her back catalogue while Perry wanted to showcase newer stuff. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says it's fair that the AFL gets to make the calls - as the league's footing the bill for her performance. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Professional Footballers' Association is standing with the governing body regarding alleged inappropriate behaviour by outgoing coach Jitka Klimkova towards a player. Newstalk ZB understands a number of players were dissatisfied with New Zealand Football's handling of the employment-related matter. The incident, which the players say happened during last year's World Cup, resulted in an independent investigation. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave unpacks the controversy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heart of the City is urging Auckland Council to follow the Wellington's lead on cracking down on people working from home. Public Service bosses are being told to manage staff working out of office as an agreement - not an entitlement. Heart of the City CEO Viv Beck says council workers are only required to come to the office three days a week. She says getting them back in the city is what the CBD needs. "There's no point waiting for the CRL and expecting 54,000 people to pop out every hour. We've actually got to keep the place alive and vibrant - and this is one way that would make a difference." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in the UK, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to deliver her first Budget on October 30th. She's warned this Budget will involve some 'difficult choices' regarding tax, spending and benefits. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says significant tax rises have been ruled out to fix the multi-billion pound financial 'black hole'. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand exported a record $3.1 billion worth of kiwifruit in the year to August, a 20 percent lift on the previous season. The figure was largely made up of gold kiwifruit, jumping 24 percent on the previous year to a value of $2.4 billion. Zespri Head of Global Public Affairs Michael Fox says this is great news for growers and businesses. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 23 September 2024, Philip Polkinghorne has been found not guilty of murdering his wife Pauline Hanna. NZ Herald journalist Michael Morrah tells Heather what Polkinghorne told reporters outside court and what his mistress has had to say. Finance Minister Nicola Willis explains why she's issued a notice to public servants to stop working from home and come back to the office. Plus, the Huddle debates Tory Whanau's car crash Q&A interview and the confusing question of whether or not she sold her car to help pay for the bills. 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.

Fletcher Building is looking to put its problems in the past, as it aims to raise an extra $700 million. The construction giant plans to issue $292 million in new shares for investors, to cut into its $1.8 billion debt. Fletcher Building has announced a group net loss of $227 million last month. Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly says this is part of the company's bid to reduce additional losses. 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! Wellington mayor Tory Whanau's in hot water after she got caught flip-flopping on whether she sold her car to pay the bills. What's going on here? Is this a bad look? The Government has put the hard word on public servants and urged them to stop working from home and go back to the office. Is this a good call? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Public Service Minister has put the hard word on Government departments and urged them to call their staff back to the office. She says there are performance downsides to working-from-home arrangements - and harmful impacts on local businesses. Willis says these changes will begin with public service departments updating their remote working rules. "Then we can compare one agency with another - that's when we can really take a close look at whether this is working the way people would expect. Because if everyone's taking Fridays off, we're going to have some questions." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's further calls for Government intervention in Wellington City Council after a rough TV interview from the mayor. Tory Whanau has faced criticism following a Q&A interview where she backtracked on why she sold her car, contradicted herself, and got confused on questions. Local councillor Diane Calvert has been calling for a Crown facilitator on the council. She now says people have lost trust in the council. "A lot of people have rung me, texted me, or stopped me in the street - we're really sad about what's happening in our city. It needs some leadership and it's not there." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's ordering public servants back to the office, with a crackdown on working from home. Public Service Minister Nicola Willis has outlined new expectations for agency bosses to make flexible working an agreement, not an entitlement. She says there are performance downsides to such arrangements - and impacts on local businesses. Public Service Association national secretary Duane Leo says the Government's blaming public servants for a problem of its own making. "If the Government really cared about the Wellington economy, why did they sack thousands of public servants this year? That's one of the issues that the Wellington economy is struggling with at the moment." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gasps from the public gallery as Philip Polkinghorne was declared not guilty of murdering his wife Pauline Hanna in 2021 - nor of manslaughter. He's been discharged, but will be back in court in November for sentencing on meth possession charges. NZ Herald reporter Michael Morrah was in court. He says it was very tense as the verdict was announced. "Some people in the public gallery were in tears, Polkinghorne himself just stood still, head down - and was pretty much expressionless when that verdict of 'not guilty' was read out." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Working from home is not an entitlement, it's an agreement. That's the Prime Minister's message to public servants today, claiming routines begun during Covid - now risk undermining performance. From now on, it'll only be agreed when Working from Home doesn't compromise agency objectives. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says more data is needed regarding the benefits and drawbacks of flexible working arrangements. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's leading supermarket giants are set to face court after allegedly misleading consumers through fake discounts. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission claims Coles and Woolworths bumped prices of products by 15 percent for brief periods before selling them at a discount. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says the supermarkets can expect to face fines and additional penalties over these misleading discounts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's belief New Zealand wouldn't have been involved in a bribe to free Kiwi Philip Mehrtens. The pilot was released last Saturday after 19-and-a-half months of captivity in West Papua. RNZ has reported the West Papua National Liberation Army claims it was paid a bribe, but Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says that's entirely unsubstantiated.. West Papua Action Aotearoa spokesperson Catherine Delahunty says no one thinks New Zealand paid it. "I think if a bribe happened, it happened between local people within the area of West Papua." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So after eight weeks in court, and more than three years of living under suspicion - Philip Polkinghorne is not guilty. This verdict today will come as absolutely no surprise to anyone who's been following this trial closely. The Crown simply did not have a good case, at no point, really, was it actually convincing. But when it came to closing arguments last week, it became really obvious how weak the case against him was. The best piece of evidence they had, according to them, was that Pauline Hanna had told someone one time that he tried to strangle her about a year before she died. That was the best they did - that's not much, is it? So, no surprise it took the jury only 10 hours to decide to find him not guilty. I don't know where this leaves Philip Polkinghorne, because the jury made it clear today with that questions to the judge that most of them don't think Pauline Hanna killed herself. But some didn’t think there was enough evidence against Philip Polkinghorne. And after 8 weeks of his intimate details being aired to the country, he must be humiliated. We know how extensive his drug use was, that he was seeing hookers, how much he regularly spent on those hookers and drugs, and his intimate messages to women. I often wonder how other people who’ve been accused of very high profile murders manage to keep living here in such a small country afterwards. I feel like with him it’s even more pronounced. Because not only was this case extremely high profile and often the most read story on news websites every day - but then there was everything else. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday 20 September. 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.

Former Harrods owner Mohamed al-Fayed has been accused of raping and sexually assaulting a string of women employed by the department store. Five women have accused him of rape and an additional 20 have claimed he sexually assaulted them. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says al-Fayed would identify and target young, female assistants before isolating and assaulting them. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Federal Reserve surprised economists with its first interest rate cut in four years. Rates have gone down by 0.5 percent to about 4.8 percent - a significant shift after two years of high rates designed to tame inflation. Fisher Funds expert Sam Dickie says the markets responded well to this move after pricing in potential cuts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two key players looking to help Kiwi farmers reduce their emissions have given a new company some additional funding to craft a methane vaccine. AgriZeroNZ and the New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre are providing $13.5 million ($8.5M and $5M respectively) to Lucidome Bio to fund their research. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains what this move could mean for farmers. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Experts say today's GDP figures paint a dire picture of our economy - and it's unlikely things will recover right away. New data shows GDP dropped 0.2 percent in the second quarter of 2024. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann explains why the economy is unlikely to recover in the coming months. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.