Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

The New Zealand Rugby Players' Association have outlined a plan to replace the governing body if the vote at next week's special general meeting goes against them. Last year's independent review formed the basis of a proposal to overhaul the governance structure. Canterbury Rugby chair Pete Winchester says this eleventh-hour update is likely to galvanize people. "We've been dealing with this for months and months, and it's the first time - just to turn up to a Zoom meeting and get told this threat of what might happen, it caught people by surprise." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been predicted over £10 billion could be given to the victims impacted by Britain's infected blood scandal. More than 30,000 people received infected blood and products in the 1970s and 80s, from the state-funded National Health Service. 3,000 people died, and thousands more contracted hepatitis or HIV. UK correspondent Enda Brady says Prime Minister Sunak has pledged financial compensation for those impacted. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court has applied for arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and top Hamas leaders. Prosecutor Karim Khan says these warrants have been put forward for alleged crimes committed during the Hamas-led October 7 attack and the subsequent war on Gaza. Geopolitical analyst Geoffrey Miller says it's extremely likely that these warrants will be issued. "The bar isn't that high for simply granting the arrest warrants. So I think they're probably likely to do that." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fonterra CEO Miles Hurrell says his phone's been 'running hot' following last week’s announcement. Fonterra plans to divest its consumer businesses, including Anchor and Mainland - overseas operations Fonterra Oceania and Fonterra Sri Lanka. The Country's Jamie Mackay reveals which investors have been expressing interest. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All eyes are on the Reserve Bank, ahead of tomorrow's OCR update. The RBNZ is predicted to hold the cash rate steady at 5.5 percent - potentially marking a full year since the last rate change. Infometrics principal economist Brad Olsen predicts the new forecast hasn't moved since February. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National's David MacLeod has admitted to making a high-profile slip-up. Macleod has lost his select committee roles for failing to declare 19 candidate donations, worth $168,000. He says he mistakenly believed those 2022 donations were already logged. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this could set MacLeod's political career back. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Australia, Northern Territory police could soon enact more snap curfews under new legislation. The 'Police Administration Bill' gives the Police Commissioner the ability to implement three-day curfews in the region. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says this comes off the back of a 'successful' three week curfew for minors in Alice Springs. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors have welcomed back some injured players ahead of their clash against the Dolphins at Mt Smart this weekend. Marata Niukore, Rocco Berry, Freddy Lussick and Te Maire Martin and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad are some of the names confirmed to play on Sunday's match. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 21 May 2024, the Defence Force has begun its rescue mission of Kiwis stuck in New Caledonia. Foreign Minister Winston Peters tells Heather why French authorities have been so reluctant to let them in. Can you smoke a spliff on the weekend and drive the next day? Transport Minister Simeon Brown what's on and what's not under his new roadside drug testing regime. The Huddle debates whether the crowd at the Ockham book awards had every right to be rude to PM Chris Luxon. Plus what's in a voice? Scarlett Johannsen takes aim at Open AI for copying her voice. 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, Nick Mills from ZB's Wellington Mornings and government relations consultant Kaine Thompson joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Government has confirmed they plan to roll out roadside drug testing later this year, allowing police to randomly screen drivers to crack down on drug-driving. Is this a good idea? National's David MacLeod has been admonished and stood down for failing to declare 19 candidate donations worth $168,000. Was this fair on Luxon's part? Prime Minister Chris Luxon was reportedly met with a cold reception at the recent Ockham book awards. Were the limited applause and jokes a step too far? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SkyCity will pay more than $4 million for breaching obligations to prevent money laundering and terrorism. A Department of Internal Affairs review found multiple breaches over five years, including failures in risk assessment, compliance and account monitoring to counter money laundering and terrorism financing. Forsyth Barr Head of Research Andy Bowley says the company never undertook money laundering themselves, but they helped facilitate it. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government says it'll roll out randomised roadside drug testing later this year. Legislation's being introduced to allow Police to randomly screen drivers for drugs, similarly to testing for drink-driving. Doing two roadside tests would make false positives less likely. Transport Minister Simeon Brown says it's one of the biggest killers on our road. "In the last 10 years, it's been, I think a third of deaths on our roads have been because of people who've taken drugs and driven. So that is something that we need to do everything we can to reduce." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to Newsroom, Prime Minister Luxon's unexpected appearance at the Ockham national book awards was met with disapproval from the crowds. The piece claims Luxon was mocked and dismissed by attendees, with MC Jack Tame and two authors getting some digs in. The Trust disputes this version of events, saying that author Steve Braunias "rather overegged it". New Zealand Book Awards Trust chair Nicola Legat says the literature community is waiting to hear if the 2024 Budget will have any good news. "Everyone's keen to hear whether the arts might get a little bit more funding - but sceptical that it will." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National's MP for New Plymouth has been apologising after failing to declare 19 candidate donations. David MacLeod claimed $168,000 of donations from 2022 weren't filed last year because he believed they already had been, an error the Party picked up last week. He's been stripped of his roles on the Environment and Finance Select Committees - and been admonished by Prime Minister Luxon. MacLeod says he's 'disappointed' and 'embarrassed' in himself. "The Prime Minister expects his MPs to act in the highest standard. I've let him down, I've let the party down - as I've said, I'm absolutely gutted." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Peters says multiple Defence Force flights will collect Kiwis from New Caledonia in the coming days. The first C-130 Hercules has touched down at Noumea's Magenta Aerodrome, the island's domestic airport. It will bring about 50 people back to Auckland tonight. Foreign Minister Winston Peters says French authorities are confident people can now traverse the roads to get to the airport. "That was the reason for the delay. I mean, the moment we heard about this issue, we started preparing for a circumstance like this - and awaiting developments." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's changes coming for social housing in New Zealand, off the back of a damning review of Kāinga Ora. Prime Minister Chris Luxon has expressed interest in diversifying social housing - and whether these options come from Kāinga Ora or community providers is yet to be determined. Former Monte Cecelia Housing Trust chief executive Bernie Smith says it's likely the Government will put more funding into community housing providers. "Hopefully, there'll be some funding in the form of $50 percent loans up front for community housing providers to start developing and building new homes again." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Judging by the list of the most popular reads on any particular website, it seems quite a few of us have now read the account of how rude the audience at the Ockham Book Awards were to the Prime Minister.According to Steve Braunias, when Luxon was welcomed onto the stage, the "applause basically sounded like one hand clapping" - and after his speech was done, the applause was even less than before. And he was apparently gently mocked in comments by the MC, our very own Jack Tame, and two authors thereafter. I'm predicting that there are going to be split opinions on this, and that the opinions will probably largely be split along voting lines. But I'm going to come to the defence of that audience, because I think it is perfectly acceptable for an audience not to applaud a politician.You don’t have to. You don't have to give a round of applause to a politician if you do not agree with what they stand for. Jacinda Ardern had to live with that kind of treatment, and I'm sure many of us thought it was completely deserved. She got yelled at by farmers at Fieldays, she and a bunch of Labour politicians were bugged by protestors at pre-arranged events after the lockdowns. And that’s not even to mention the stuff that apparently used to get said to her just on the street.It is bad manners, you’ll have no argument from me on that one. But as long as it’s not going too far, like that kid who spat at David Seymour, and it's just words or deliberate silence - I can accept some bad manners in politics. Because the decisions that are made by these people in power are actually material - they affect our lives. Sometimes really badly, think of what Jacinda's Government was doing to farmers. You could hardly expect farmers to give her a round of applause. It's the same with the Ockham's audience. The kind of people who go to book awards evenings are generally going to be the kind of people who go to dinner parties in Grey Lynn, and while drinking a bottle of $200 pinot noir, they moan about child poverty - and they can't even see the irony in that. They're hardly going to love Luxon, and they don’t have to love Luxon. And they don’t have to pretend to, just like you don't have to pretend to like your least favourite politician either. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The public inquiry into the infected blood scandal, known as the biggest treatment disaster in NHS history, is due to publish its findings soon. Over 30,000 people were infected with HIV and hepatitis C from 1970 to 1991 by contaminated blood products and transfusions, with 3,000 having died since. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says thousands of people have been waiting for justice for years. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chinese ambassador Wang Xiaolong has issued a warning to New Zealand over the prospect of joining AUKUS. In a speech delivered to the China Business Summit in Auckland, Xiaolong said China's relationship with New Zealand had reached a critical juncture - and joining AUKUS could impact that. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan says this stance is in line with earlier comments made by ambassador Xiaolong. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's been questions raised about the purpose of tikanga - and the role it should play in the rule of law. Senior King’s Counsel Gary Judd has filed a complaint to the Government’s Regulations Review Committee over incoming compulsory tikanga Māori studies for law students. Judd claims he filed this complaint because up until now, the curriculum for lawyers has been made up of what he described as "proper law subjects", such as criminal law and the law of torts. Victoria University law lecturer Māmari Stephens says tikanga Māori can be found in a majority of areas, including employment law. "There are a number of employment law contracts, or agreements, that teach tikanga Māori as values or principles that the employer is expected to uphold - that's actually a result of negotiation." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Housing agency Kāinga Ora has been found to be in a questionable state, according to new report. A high-level review of the agency has found the Department is under-performing and isn't financially viable without significant reform. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this review follows accounts of unpaid rent, abandoned state houses and abusive tenants. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 20 May 2024, an inquiry into Kainga Ora has found the social housing system is not socially or financially sustainable. Housing Minister Chris Bishop tells Heather there will be immediate changes. Heather asks the Warehouse Group chair Joan Withers whether she sacked the CEO or if he quit by himself. The Huddle debates whether celebrities make for good mayoral candidates after former Olympic champion Mahe Drysdale announced his bid for the Tauranga mayoralty. Plus, the radical decision Heather made over the weekend. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and Ali Jones from Red PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! A new review has revealed Kāinga Ora has been left in a poor state, with Housing Minister Chris Bishop placing the blame on the previous Government. How can this be addressed? The investigation into Darleen Tana has so far cost $43,000 - in taxpayer money. The Greens don't know how long it will take to complete the investigation - are we concerned? How much will it cost by the end? Former Olympian Mahé Drysdale is the latest to throw his hat in the ring for the Tauranga mayoralty. Can celebrities really be trusted in political roles? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minster says credit agencies are still looking favourably on New Zealand, despite high debt levels. Treasury told the Government it was running a structural deficit the day it was sworn in; the Labour Government was never told. It comes as Nicola Willis gears up to deliver her first Budget next Thursday. Willis says it's important to show New Zealand won't be in perpetual deficit. "We do need to show a path back to balanced books, we do need to show that in the medium term, we're going to get debt down. Because otherwise - the alternative part is the basket case." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A world-first online survey is being presented as a chance to analyse how society treats those with limited time. Over 40,000 people die in New Zealand each year, with close to 90 percent often taking months or years. Hospice's Dying Reviews let respondents reflect and share their experience of a terminal illness. Hospice NZ CEO Wayne Naylor says they hope to shine a light on the experience of dying in New Zealand. "What we want to know is - are businesses making it easy? Are organisations making it difficult? Are there millions of forms to fill in just because you're dying?" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's hopes a new boss will bring fresh energy to the struggling Warehouse Group. Independent non-executive director John Journee has been appointed interim chief executive following Nick Grayston's abrupt resignation last week. The board is now looking for a new chief executive to replace Grayston, who was in the role since 2016. Board chair Joan Withers says elevating a member of the leadership team to the role wasn't considered, due to its financial position. "So it's about us supporting the leadership team to get on and do the job they need to do, day in and day out, to get the Warehouse back on track." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Kiwi stuck in riot-stricken New Caledonia says they're dealing with a wait-and-see situation. The Defence Force is standing by for French authorities to green light flights to collect Kiwis. 231 are registered in the country. Alex Smeele says he's seen burnt out cars, a digger ripping up the road and flaming tyres on the verge. "I'm curious to understand the overall timeline on that - knowing how many planes will be coming." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Housing Minister has responded to the 'mismanagement' impacting Kāinga Ora - and enacted some changes. A high-level review of the agency has revealed it's under-performing and isn't financially viable without significant savings. The Government has today appointed a new Chair, former Spark CEO Simon Moutter, and a refreshed board will be in place by July. Minister Chris Bishop says the Government's been bequeathed a difficult situation from their Labour-led predecessors. "Kāinga Ora is a financial basket case, they have received billions upon billions of dollars in debt over the last few years." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I think we’re about to find out whether this Government has got the cahones to make the tough calls that need to be made on one thing in particular: Asset sales.If you've been reading political commentary lately, including in the weekend papers, there's been a lot of talk of the need for asset sales. Why? Because as we said earlier, we have a structural deficit. Which is a very bad thing because it means we are, thanks to Grant Robertson, now spending more than we earn - on the regular. Treasury's advice for how to fix it? Asset sales.But asset sales are politically tricky because of the hangover of the 80s. So Chris Luxon's already ruled them out. But he shouldn't have, because we actually need to do this. Not just because we need the money, but because selling them down makes them better. Treasury basically admitted this in a report 2 years ago. The ones we own 100 percent have “underperformed their cost of capital” with “ Revenue, earnings and dividends “ all trending “down over the past five years." The ones we own about 51 percent of have, by contrast, outperformed their cost of capital. The last lot we sold - Mercury. Meridian Energy and Genesis- are now all worth more than they were when we sold them down. Two of them have doubled in value, which means we still own as much as we did, and they’ve paid us billions - so it’s a no-brainer on every single level. So the Government should be looking to sell down New Zealand Post, KiwiRail, Kiwibank, TVNZ, the list goes on. But it’s politically tricky, and Luxon said no. So- does this Government have the cahones to actually do what it takes to get us out of this economic mess? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Australia, NSW authorities have arrested at least 500 people for domestic and family violence offences. A four-day operation was carried out from Wednesday to Saturday - where 554 people were arrested and 1,070 charges were laid. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson wonders why it's taken so long to carry out these arrests, given several had outstanding warrants. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors have snapped a four-game losing streak in league's NRL by posting a win over the three-time premier Panthers. Tuaupiki's try in the 71st minute tied the game before his conversion from out wide proved the decider in the 22-20 win. Sportstalk host Jason Pine explains the victory further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Mental Health Foundation is appealing to the Education Minister to leave relationship and sexual education standards alone. Minister Erica Stanford says the Government plans to look into reviewing and replacing the Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) guidelines, which were last updated in 2020. It's prompted an open letter signed by 175 schools, organisations and community groups - sent to Erica Stanford. Foundation CEO Shaun Robinson says young people are experiencing high levels of mental distress. "One of the things that they are saying very clearly that they want guidance about is - relationships, sexuality and identity." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 17 May 2024, flights in and out of New Caledonia have been delayed until at least Tuesday as riots continue. Air NZ's Captain Hugh Pearce tells Heather how tricky the security situation is for crew and passengers. Green MP Julie-Anne Genter has been doing the mea culpa media round, so will all be forgiven and forgotten? Three A-league players have been arrested in Australia for alleged betting corruption, including an All Whites player and a former Phoenix captain. Former Phoenix player Paul Ifill reacts and the Sports Huddle weighs in too. Plus is this the worst sound ever? A crunchy burger? 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.

A man has been charged with attempted murder, over an apparent attempt to assassinate Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico. Fico remains in a serious but stable condition in hospital after being shot several times during a walkabout. UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Heather du Plessis Allan there’s been reports that the suspect is a 71-year-old, but other than that not much is known. Grey said “Others are saying his motive was the Slovak government’s stance on the media – they are cracking down on Newspapers.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vladimir Putin has arrived at Harbin, China’s ‘Little Russia’. He is visiting a China-Russia trade fair today to highlight the strong economic ties between the superpowers. Asia Business Correspondent Peter Lewis told Heather du Plessis Allan “Putin wants ongoing support from China, and access to China’s financial system.” Lewis said Putin needs to pay for things in other than USD, because Russia doesn’t have access to that system. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper wraps the political week. We’re two weeks away from the Budget, the deadline by which government agency chief executives were asked to find 6.5 percent in savings. But Chris Luxon says it doesn't end with the Budget -- he wants it to be the start of a permanent culture shift within ministries. Barry Soper told Heather du Plessis Allan “Chris Luxon’s budget speech didn’t tell us much, except not to expect a lolly scramble.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump’s former lawyer and fixer, Michael Cohen has been accused of lying about phone call at Trump hush-money trial. Trump has been charged with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records for allegedly paying off film star Stormy Daniels, who claims she had sex with him. US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson told Heather du Plessis Allan “They were throwing everything they could against him - to try paint his entire testimony as a giant lie.” Mitchinson said “I think this was one of the few times that Trump actually opened his eyes in court.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All White Clayton Lewis reportedly among three A-League players arrested by New South Wales Police for match-fixing. This comes as the A-League’s finals rapidly approach - Wellington's Sky Stadium has sold out Saturday’s semi-final between the Wellington Phoenix and Melbourne Victory. Weekend Sport Host Elliott Smith told Heather du Plessis Allan “They couldn’t have picked a worse time for this to come to light.” Smith said “It’s cast a shadow over the game.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All White Clayton Lewis is reportedly among three A-League players arrested by New South Wales Police for match-fixing. According to Australian media, all three play for Macarthur FC. Lewis was arrested alongside captain Ulises Davila and midfielder Kearyn Baccus. Australian Correspondent Murray Olds told Heather du Plessis Allan “Davila was possibly taking instructions from a Mexican cartel.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Air New Zealand has confirmed Nouméa airport in New Caledonia is closed until Tuesday, as civil unrest continues. Air New Zealand says it will only resume services when it can guarantee safety for ground staff and customers. Air New Zealand’s Captain Hugh Pearce told Heather du Plessis Allan that it’s one thing for the airfield to be opened and operating, but it’s another thing for people to safely get to and from the airfield. Pearce said “Our thoughts are with those people on the ground.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Green MP Julie Anne Genter has publicly promised her outburst will not happen again. The Rongotai MP is facing formal complaints after shouting in Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey's face. Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper told Heather du Plessis Allan “Today she was laying it on with a trowel.” Soper said “She’s trying to circumvent what she could face before the Privileges Committee when parliament begins next week.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wellington Phoenix will face the Melbourne Victory tomorrow night in the A-League semi-final. Meanwhile, the captain of Macarthur FC has been accused of paying two teammates up to $10,905 NZD to deliberately receive yellow cards. Newstalk ZB sportsreader Andrew Alderson told Heather du Plessis Allan “You’re asking for trouble” - regarding the involvement of sponsorship and betting companies being involved in football leagues. Alderson said “You take your reputation and integrity into your hands, if you go down that path.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coastguard and Surf Life Saving New Zealand will get an extra 63.6 million dollars in funding over the next four years. The money would be divided as $19m for Coastguard and $44m for Surf Life Saving NZ. Coastguard CEO Callum Gillespie told Heather du Plessis Allan “We’re going to spend it on our volunteers.” Gillespie said “We’ve got 2,200 amazing volunteers across the country – they give vast amounts of their time and energy to keeping New Zealanders safe.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warehouse CEO Nick Grayston has quit, effective immediately. The board is looking for a replacement, and Board Chair Joan Withers said fresh energy is needed. Devon Funds Head of Retail, Greg Smith told heather du Plessis Allan “It’s not a surprise, truth be told it hasn’t been working for some time.” Smith said “It’s tough out there for retailers. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington's Sky Stadium is officially a sell-out for tomorrow’s A-League football semi-final between the Phoenix and Melbourne Victory. The Nix may make their first-ever A-League final in the club’s history. Former Wellington Phoenix player Paul Ifill told Heather du Plessis Allan “They’ve been doubting all season by everybody, but now they’ve found themselves one game away.” Ifill said “On the day, anything can happen, and it may go to penalties.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Te Huia, the Waikato to Auckland commuter train will continue to be funded by NZTA at reduced rate. Waikato councils will soon be deciding how they will help fund the Te Huia train service between Hamilton and Auckland. NZTA's committed around 12 million dollars from the National Land Transport fund to extend the service until April 2026. NZTA Chief Executive Nicole Rosie told Heather du Plessis Allan “The service is slightly under its passenger numbers, and punctuality.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over one million trays of kiwifruit found on a Zespri shipment with a mouse infestation will be destroyed. After mice were found on the company's first shipment to Europe for the season, the company worked to salvage what they could. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains the extent of the damage. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ASB is the latest major New Zealand bank to drop their mortgage interest rates for three and four year terms. This follows BNZ and Kiwibank bringing down their interest rates, as wholesale rates have trended down. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann explains why these banks are making these moves, despite the RBNZ holding rates steady. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Zelenskyy has postponed all foreign trips as Russia launches its' most serious border incursion since the start of the war. Ukrainian forces have pulled back from two strategic points in the Kharkiv region in order to avoid 'unnecessary' losses, according to Ukraine’s General Staff. New Voice of Ukraine editor Euan MacDonald says this is the result of US aid being held up over the past six months. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been a couple days after the Australian Budget, and some groups have lucked out after the big day. Between tax cuts, the energy rebate and the financial boost for renewable energy manufacturing businesses, some feel that the Government has 'splashed the cash'. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the Opposition will still have other aspects of the Budget to pick apart. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.