Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

The Government is putting $30 million towards free and timely access to radiology services including X-rays, CT scans and ultrasounds across the country. Health Minister Shane Reti made the announcement this morning during a visit to Waikanae Health Centre. Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper told Jack Tame “The biggest problem has been in the provinces.” Soper said “At the moment, you’ve got to go to a specialist, to be referred for X-rays, CT scans and ultrasounds. You can imagine how long that can take.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's cyber safety regulator has dropped a case against Elon Musk-owned X (formerly Twitter) over the removal of videos of the stabbing of an Assyrian church bishop in Sydney. Australia Correspondent Murray Olds told Jack Tame “It was seen as a test of Australia’s ability to enforce online safety rules against these giant companies.” Olds said “The video was removed in Australia – but X has said it’s an attack on free speech.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has insisted his knockout tackle on Reece Walsh was an accident. Suaalii apologised to the whole of New South Wales, after being sent off at the beginning of his State of Origin debut. D'Arcy Waldegrave SportsTalk host told Jack Tame “Seven minutes into the game - the oxygen goes out of the place.” Waldegrave says “He just turned around in the tackle. Reece slipped a bit, but he should’ve kept the tacklee safe.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s the fifth straight month of slow new car sales, and it’s likely for more dealers to close. This comes after the Government removed the Clean Car Discount – stating the Clean Car Standard will achieve results. Motor Industry Association CEO Aimee Whiley told Jack Tame “It feels harder right now, than it did during the GFC.” Wiley said “Consumer demand has shifted too – the kind of vehicles Kiwis want has changed.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A fascinating interview on the Mike Hosking breakfast this morning, with the lawyer acting on behalf of former workers at Auckland's Manurewa marae, where it is alleged that private information was improperly accessed to help with election campaigning. Now these are really, really serious allegations and it is just so important to note that Te Pāti Māori and John Tamihere have denied all allegations of wrongdoing so far. At the moment we have Stats New Zealand investigating, the police are investigating as well. Health New Zealand is involved and now the privacy commissioner is considering what, if any steps to take. But I for one think it's probably reached a point with this issue where a broader inquiry can be justified. Not only to restore public confidence in the census and in election processes, but also for Te Pāti Māori and for John Tamihere to have the opportunity to be publicly cleared of wrongdoing. You see, there are several issues with this. We have, for starters, several interrelated allegations - which are in themselves a little confusing and a little murky. We have a government department that is investigating, while a legal representative for some of the workers at the centre of these allegations says that another government department, the MSD, has acted improperly. And I think that having won the Government Department essentially investigating another department's role risks perceptions when it comes around a lack of independence, at least in the eyes of some voters. It's interesting, Christopher Luxon says he's not ruling out a public inquiry, but at the same time he probably needs to be pretty careful to be seen not to be using (as yet unproven) allegations for political advantage. So he suggests the current processes need to be seen through. But I think we probably need something broader. I think we need something broader, something with clear terms of reference, something as transparent as possible. Because it is in the best interests of the voting public, but also the best interests of clearing those who say they've done absolutely nothing wrong. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Several major hospitals in London have been impacted by a cyber attack - which led to operations being cancelled and emergency patients being diverted. The incident has had an impact on the delivery of key services, including blood transfusions and test results. UK correspondent Gavin Grey explains the widespread damage being caused by the attack. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A 20-year deal with Southland's Tiwai Aluminium Smelter could be good news for everyday New Zealanders. The agreement signed by Meridian, Mercury, Contact Energy and New Zealand Aluminium Smelters will guarantee supply until 2044. Milford Asset Management's Jeremy Hutton says this is positive news for the electricity sector. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's tax take has surpassed Treasury’s expectations for the first time in a while. This positive result was found to have come from efforts to minimise the amount of tax trustees pay. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny says this shows how hard companies worked to flush out their retained earnings. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parts of the new Cook Strait mega ferries had already been built and tested, before the contract for the ships was canned. The Government announced last year that it would not give Kiwirail more money for the new ferries, but a written question to Paul Goldsmith revealed some engine parts had been built. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explains that this will likely cost Kiwis. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another historic criminal prosecution in the US begins as Hunter Biden faces federal gun charges. The jury's been sworn in for the trial of Joe Biden's 54-year-old son. He's accused of lying about illegal drug use when buying a Colt Cobra revolver in 2018, and illegally possessing it for 11 days. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says Hunter Biden could be facing a fine, community service or house arrest. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Phoenix goalkeeper Alex Paulsen is set to move to English Premier League side Bournemouth. The 21-year-old has been offloaded from the Wellington Phoenix in the biggest transfer in the club's history, estimated at $4 million. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains this update further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 5 June 2024, political commentator Bryce Edwards is calling for a coordinated investigation after allegations the Maori Party misused private information for election campaigning. How much time are people willing to give the Government to fix crime issues in our central cities? Workplace Relations Minister Brooke Van Velden on the changes she wants to make to your annual leave and your sick leave entitlements. The Huddle debates whether Canterbury Police is right to feel aggrieved that they've had their water cooler taken away. Plus Heather gets the most Boomer text ever. 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, Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A and Infrastructure NZ CEO Nick Leggett joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Police Minister Mark Mitchell held a public meeting to attempt to address the crime in Auckland's CBD currently impacting residents and businesses. Can the Government fix the rampant crime in our cities? How much time do they have before public opinion turns? The Māori Party is under fire over accused use of private information for election campaigning. Should there be a wider inquiry? Canterbury police stations have removed water coolers to save money - is this a fair move? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Precinct Properties plans to funnel over $300 million into housing in Auckland CBD. The company has announced it'll build student accommodation of 500 units on Queen Street, to boost housing in the city centre. CEO Scott Pritchard says moving toward residential property is a natural next step. "For a long time now, we've been developing commercial office - and in the last few years, we've sort of moved into mixed-use development where you add retail and other uses to offices." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's drafting legislation to change the Holidays Act 2003, and will put it out for consultation in September. It'll include proposals to pro-rata sick leave and move annual leave from an entitlement system, to one using accrual. Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says she aims to simplify the Act so businesses can spend less time on workplace admin. "It hasn't really adapted to a modern, flexible work environment - which is what we're aiming to achieve." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a view the investigation of allegations against Te Pāti Māori should be more co-ordinated. It's been alleged that information collected at Manurewa Marae was used to help the party's election campaign, which it denies. Stats NZ has appointed an investigator, a complaint's been laid with Police, and the Privacy Commissioner says he's talking to agencies on next moves. Commentator Bryce Edwards told Heather du Plessis-Allan that it should be approached in a more organised way. He says each agency shouldn't all do separate investigations. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A business owner in Auckland's CBD says locals need to back the police. Police Minister Mark Mitchell led a public meeting to address increased crime rates last night, which grew strained at points. Queens Arcade property manager Ian Wright says crime has been on the rise across the nation - but he's confident things are headed in the right direction. "The whole system's gone too soft, the justice system needs a good look at - and all of those things are not going to change overnight." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The country's most stolen car - the Toyota Aqua - is now costing some as much as $3,000 a year to insure. Motor Trade Association spokesperson, Larry Fallowfield, says in the past couple of years, they've also become the most registered used car here. He says their lack of modern features means they're easier to steal - but owners can give them an upgrade. "Insurance companies are saying - if you fit in an immobiliser, then obviously there's a change to what your premiums look like." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland's largest real estate agency experienced a significant boost last month. Barfoot & Thompson's property sales for May were up 30 percent on April and up 27 percent compared to May 2023. The agency's managing director, Peter Thompson, says the company's experiencing a small boom in demand, which has been lessened by the current interest rates. "I think we're in for a quite a good little slow boosted market. Interest rates are still the big thing that's holding the market really taking off." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The new Ministry for Regulation has announced a review of the early childhood education sector. The minister in charge, David Seymour, says affordability, access and regulation currently weigh down the industry. Seymour says workers in the sector are burdened by constant rules and regulations as they try to educate the nation's youngest learners. "Fundamentally, we want people to spend less time engaged in regulatory activity, which may or may not be that useful - and more time on their core business." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I was very interested in that Auckland Central crime meeting with the Police Minister last night. If it wasn’t that the thing was scheduled for 6:30, when this show was still on air, I would've gone along. I actually got Mark Mitchell's flyer in the letterbox inviting me to come along, cause I live in Auckland Central. And because I work in Auckland Central, I care very deeply about the crime in my neighbourhood, and I'm not happy about it - at all.We live within hearing of the Ponsonby shooting which happened a few weeks back, we constantly have unsavoury characters loitering on our street doing god knows what, we've got a couple of guys who’ve pitched a tent in the local park - they’ve been there for months - smoking weed flagrantly. I make a conscious decision at night-time to drive distances that I can actually walk simply because I don't think it's safe when it's dark. So as an Auckland Central resident, I want something done, and I want it done fast. And I realise there are some people who came out of that meeting unimpressed and unhappy - but I've actually got a slightly more optimistic take on it.At least Mark Mitchell acknowledges there's a problem. That is a massive change from Ginny Andersen's approach as Labour’s Police Minister. She spent amazing amounts of energy and time pretending we didn’t have a crime problem. According to her, we just had a better app for reporting crime, which is why the numbers were up. Which is just a load of bollocks.Having Mark Mitchell front up to meetings in his evenings when he is already an MP of his own electorate - plus he's a very busy Cabinet Minister - it's impressive.I think we’ve got to be a little realistic: this is not going to change overnight. Mark Mitchell is turning around 6 years of neglect of our inner cities, where the previous Government filled them with homeless people and then pretended there wasn’t a crime problem. He's only been in the job for 7 months, give him a moment.He knows what the fix is, and that's the important thing. And that's more police on the beat. Already, there are noticeably more. One of my colleagues who lives nearby says he sees them all the time, but there aren't enough. Because I don't see them all the time.So yes, there’s room for improvement - and there'd better be improvement - but for now I'm seeing enough good signs. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brexit champion Nigel Farage is making a comeback, dealing another blow to UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Farage is standing as an MP, and will lead the right-wing populist Reform Party. UK correspondent Enda Brady says this comes off the back of some disappointing poll numbers for Rishi Sunak. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Country's Jamie Mackay is celebrating a royal honour. Mackay was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to broadcasting and the rural community. Listen to him outline this accomplishment here today. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Struggling dairy processor Synlait has confirmed a significant majority of its farmer suppliers want to leave. The Canterbury-based organisation told yesterday's Australian securities exchange the exodus of most of its 280 suppliers was expected. Dairy insights consultant Stuart Davison says this comes off the back of a 'concerning' 18 months for the business. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has made a u-turn and promised to fund the cancer treatments that were left off last week's Budget. During last year's election campaign, National campaigned on spending over $280 million on 13 treatments. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this has been a PR disaster for the Government. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's Defence Force is eyeing up New Zealanders to bolster its military. From July, Kiwis who have lived in Australia for 12 months can apply to join the ADF - and British, US and Canadian residents can join from next year. Their citizenship will be fast tracked. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says we celebrate ANZAC day every year. "As much as we take the mickey out of each other, we love New Zealand, New Zealand loves Australia. This actually makes sense if we have some sort of combined forces." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 4 June 2024, the Government is promising that it will make a decision on funding the 13 promised cancer drugs "very shortly". Finance Minister Nicola Willis tells Heather when we can expect news. Oncologist Dr Chris Jackson says the 13 handpicked drugs aren't even the best drugs anymore. More than two thirds of Australians think the age limit on social media should rise from 13 to 16. The Huddle debates whether the Police Commissioner is right to call for shorter liquor shop opening hours and more expensive booze to curb alcohol related harm. Plus, what would make Heather quit? 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, Kiwiblog contributor and Curia pollster David Farrar and Hauraki host and author Matt Heath joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Has the Government made the right call in promising to deliver on the promised cancer drugs that got left off last year's Budget? Are they u-turning after seeing the public reaction? Should they just leave it to Pharmac to make funding decisions? A new poll from the Guardian says over two-thirds of Australian voters think the age limit for social media should be raised from 13 to 16. Do we think this will work? The Police Commissioner believes shorter opening hours for liquor shops and higher prices are the answer to the nation's alcohol abuse issues. Is this the right solution? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister promises there's been no change of mind when it comes to delivering on the promised cancer drugs. The Government campaigned on spending about $280 million on 13 treatments, but the drugs weren't funded in last week's Budget. Nicola Willis says the Government will deliver on this commitment very soon. "What we've had is a commitment to New Zealanders that we would fund those 13 cancer treatment drugs, and we are going to deliver on the commitment." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police Commissioner Andrew Coster wants tighter alcohol regulation. RNZ has obtained documents under the Official Information Act showing police estimate alcohol harm costs about 7.8 billion dollars a year, compared to $1.8 billion for illegal drugs. Coster says measures should be considered, including only letting bottle stores open in day-time hours and charging more for alcohol. Alcohol Healthwatch executive director Andrew Galloway says these aren't new ideas. "The Government have been presented with these recommendations by both the Law Commission in 2010 and the Ministry of Justice in 2014. So he's not wrong." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One parenting expert warns increased age limits on social media won't stop kids from being harmed by the platforms. A new Guardian Essential poll revealed two-thirds of voters supported raising the minimum age for social media to 16 - a step above the 13+ limit for Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and the like. Expert Anna Martin says it's also important to develop trusting relationships with kids so they can understand the impact of the technology. "You're up against it with their peers and everybody else who's using it, which makes it difficult." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A change to defence recruitment in Australia is likely to put more heat on New Zealand's Defence Minister. In July, its Government will let Kiwis who have lived there for a year join their armed forces. They'll also let residents from the UK, US, and Canada join up from January. Former Kiwi Defence Minister, Wayne Mapp, says it will add pressure back here. "Especially for things like special forces - they can offer more pay and so forth. This is the kind of issue that the Minister has to deal with." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An expert says the Government should aim for the best drugs available, not be tied to an old list. National pledged to fund 13 cancer drugs during the election campaign, but didn't allocate any money in last week's Budget. The Prime Minister says an announcement on treatments will be made this year. Otago University Cancer Medicine Professor, Chris Jackson, says the list was based on what Australia has - that we don't. He says it didn't take such things as cost into account. "Personally, I would prefer saying - we've got this much money, and then letting Pharmac rank it and then get the best deals." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I'm fascinated by the fact that around the world, there seems to be a growing acceptance from parents that we have got to limit kids’ access to social media.There's a poll out of Australia today showing more than two thirds of voters over there support raising the minimum age of social media from 13 to 16.And this comes off the back of the Australian Government and the UK Government and various states in the US all trying to figure out how to force the social media companies to stick to the rules and make sure there are no under-13s using the platforms.I was at my brother and sister-in-law’s place yesterday, they've got a pre-teen boy. And my sister-in-law was saying they really want to limit his access to screens, but all his friends have access - so it's hard to keep him off.And this is where a rule like a minimum age of 13, or even 16, is so important. I generally don’t like regulation, generally I'm going to say no unless there is a really strong case for it. And I reckon there is a strong case for this one.Parents don't really need the regulation, because parents can keep the kids off - and better parents will be better at it than others.But peer pressure is a real problem. And it would be so much easier if it's just the rule for all the kids below a certain age.And more importantly, it is doing the kids a favour. Yesterday, both my sister-in-law and I agreed we're going to read Jonathan Haidt's latest book - The Anxious Generation.He reckons the spike in mental health problems that we’re seeing in kids at the moment is because of the mass adoption of smartphones and social media.Because as adults, you and I can look at social media and tell ourselves that it’s just one picture - and the tanned supermodel by the pool in Fiji still has to deal with all of life’s challenges like you and I.But kids can’t understand that. They look at it, they compare their lives to the pictures, andit makes them anxious and depressed.So I guess I'm one of those parents. Because I reckon we raise the social media age and then enforce it. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Famed Kiwi influencer and mental health advocate Jazz Thornton is calling for a law change to make stalking illegal. She's recently revealed she'd been receiving 'unsettling' messages from an obsessive fan, who eventually flew all the way from the Netherlands to her home address. Thornton says the perpetrator was eventually arrested, but it took escalation before the authorities could intervene. "They were very concerned - but expressing there wasn't a lot legally they could do. So they had patrols outside our house, we stayed in a hotel that night, and then later, the next morning, was when he escalated." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 31 May 2024, a shock conviction for Donald Trump! Republican strategist and former George W Bush adivser Scott Jennings reacts to the former president's guilty verdict. Is he going to jail? Will this help his re-election chances? Some rare good economic news as the Tiwai Aluminium Smelter commits to staying in operation for the next 20 years. TVNZ's dire financial situation just got worse, the company staring at potentially big payouts to former employees after the latest Employment Court Ruling. Plus, the Huddle debates whether the rugby community is at war after yesterday's crucial vote. 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.

Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico has been moved from hospital, two weeks after being seriously wounded in an assassination attempt. Fico has served as prime minister for more than 10 of the last 18 years - returning to power last September, leading a populist-nationalist coalition. UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Heather du Plessis-Allan “He’s not out of the woods yet - he was shot several times, undergoing a number of operations.” Grey said “Slovakia is really polarised at the moment – the attack has deepened tensions.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's Budget centrepiece has passed in the House - and tax cuts will become law. By shifting income tax brackets, it will give earners earning more than $14,000 dollars an extra $4-$40 a fortnight. Senior Political Correspondent Bary Soper told Heather du Plessis Allan “We’ve seen nothing like it in 14 years – since the tax brackets were last moved.” Soper said they should have been moved gradually over the years, as they don't catch up for where they would’ve been. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eden Park hopes to be Auckland’s frugal stadium option. Proposals for ‘Eden Park 2.0’ and a brand-new stadium at Quay Park will undergo a feasibility study. Eden Park CEO, Nick Sautner told Heather du Plessis-Allan “We can introduce a whole range of new activities – from boxing, UFC to religious festivals.” Sautner said the government invests in Eden Park for events of naitonal significance. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's another $1.2 billion for the Regional Infrastructure Fund - to support regional economies. It’s also allocating $2.7-billion package for roads, rail and public transport. The package includes a billion-dollars to speed up Roads of National Significance construction, 940-million to repair weather-damaged roads and an investment in rail networks. Regional Development Minister Shane Jones told Heather du Plessis-Allan this will be different from the Provincial Growth Fund. Jones says “We’re driven by common sense.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local businesses are thrilled a 20-year deal's been struck with the Tiwai Point Aluminum Smelter. The deal was signed with three energy companies - guaranteeing supply to New Zealand Aluminum Smelters until 2044. It brings certainty to hundreds of plant workers, and thousands in related jobs. Southland Business Chamber CEO Sharee Carey told Heather du Plessis-Allan “When you’ve got both sides coming to the party for a good deal - you get that commitment to the region, which is fantastic for us.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Employment Court has rejected an appeal by state broadcaster TVNZ, over how it handled staff job cuts. E tū union alleged the broadcaster hadn't upheld a clause in its collective agreement - which vowed to support staff taking part in changes to workplace practice. E tū Negotiator Michael Wood told Heather du Plessis-Allan “It’s a very significant ruing – it makes it clear TVNZ broke the agreement they had with staff.” Wood said “It also means staff that were made redundant now have a very strong case to take significant personal grievances.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump has been found guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records to conceal a hush-money payment to former porn star, Stormy Daniels. He’s the first former US president to ever be convicted of a crime. Republican Commentator and former advisor to George W. Bush, Scott Jennings, told Heather du Plessis-Allan “He’s not a violent offender, he doesn’t have a criminal record – it's highly unlikely he’ll get jail time.” Jennings said “Our constitution is very lean on qualifications to be president – you've got to be 35 years old and a natural citizen.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Labour Party has suggested its supporters donate their tax cuts. The request was sent in an email by party secretary Rob Salmond - stating, "You may get a few dollars in tax cuts, but they come at the cost of services that Kiwis rely on". The statement then asked, "Friend, will you donate some of your tax cut to Labour?" Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper told Heather du Plessis-Allan “Talk about hypocritical.” Soper said “The tax cuts have meant a lot to a lot of people – to most wage and salary earners.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump has been found guilty of falsifying business records to conceal a hush-money payment to former porn star, Stormy Daniels. Trump has been found guilty on all 34 counts - the first former US president to ever be convicted of a crime. US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson told Heather du Plessis-Allan “He could face jail time, although a lot of people feel it’s unlikely.” Mitchinson said “Here you’ve got a former president, in his late 70s – he will more likely be put on probatiON or house arrest.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We got a rare bit of good economic news today hearing that Tiwai Point Aluminium Smelter is committed to staying here for at least another 20 years. Normally, I don't have a lot for time for Tiwai. And that’s largely because of how the owners have behaved in the past: threatening to leave, going cap in hand to the government, getting saved, then a few years later threatening to leave again... getting some assistance, then a few years later threatening to leave again. So, I'm always tempted to be hard on them. But this time... I'm actually relieved that those three electricity companies - Meridian, Contact and Mercury - have come to the party to keep Tiwai point going. Simply because we can’t afford to lose such a big manufacturer. It's not a particularly sexy subject, so it doesn’t get talked about nearly enough. But we have lost a lot of manufacturers out this country... to the point that we should actually be quite worried about it. Marsden Point has been closed. There have been threats that Glenbrook Steel Mill might close (if it can’t get itself together). A 30-year-old Gisborne Wood Mill closed just before Christmas, a 40-year-old Kawerau Paper Mill closed too. James Hardie shut its NZ manufacturing. Fonterra closed a couple of Waikato plants last month. Manufacturing has been contracting since March last year. Back in 1992 the goods producing part of our economy was 35%. Now it’s down to 20% - that's money lost. Now, I don’t know what kind of sweet deal those electricity companies offered Tiwai to make them sign on for twenty years, because that’s a big commitment. And I don't know how much of Tiwai committing for that long is because the parent company Rio Tinto is trying very hard to rescue its corporate reputation by not being bullies and bad guys anymore. But whatever the case is... It almost doesn’t matter. I'm just pleased we’ve got them sticking around. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A number of homeless people have been removed from Edinburgh to make way for tourists ahead of Taylor Swift's tour. Taylor Swift is set to perform in the region from 7 to 9 June, and reports have surfaced of homeless people being moved amid an accommodation shortage. UK correspondent Enda Brady says accommodation prices have skyrocketed during that timeframe - with some rooms going for $1400 per night. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in the US, a slew of big-box retailers have slashed prices across their stores. Walmart, Target and Amazon are among the big names bringing down their prices ahead of the summer season. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds says these moves are being made to appeal to inflation-weary customers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One expert says the 2024 Budget was never going to be transformational, amid everything working against it. The Government unveiled their Budget today, and Minister Nicola Willis says keeping the books sound was her main priority. Listen to NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann unpack all of today's new updates. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters is seeking urgent talks, as the Australian Government considers making changes to its deportation policy. Peters says we don't want people whose formative experiences were nearly all in Australia being deported to New Zealand. Australian correspondent Murray Olds unpacks the proposed changes - and the impact they could leave. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.