Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Ten years ago, New Zealand had a 'rockstar economy' according to experts. In 2014, New Zealand's GDP growth turned out to be among the strongest across the OECD economies. HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham unveiled his tips for how the nation can change its tune and bring those figures back. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A and Phil O'Reilly from Iron Duke Partners joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Darleen Tana's won another round against the Greens, with the party postponing their meeting about her political future until the legal mess is sorted. What do we think will happen next? Parking fines are set to go up by 7 percent to bring in more money to local councils. Do we agree with this? Ginny Andersen is under fire for refusing to believe the official police stats on foot patrols. Is this a bad look? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Air New Zealand's CEO isn't holding back his frustration about the issues plaguing some of its engines. The airline's earnings, underlying profit, and net profit have all more than halved. Air New Zealand is one of several airlines that have seen planes taken out of action due to engine issues. CEO Greg Foran says the newer planes have been plagued by engine issues - creating problems for the airline. "The older planes we've got, we're not having to take engines off and get them all serviced. But the newer ones - we did." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 29 August 2024, have the Greens rolled over under the pressure of Darleen Tana? Legal expert Andrew Geddis explains what we learnt from this morning's hearing. Air NZ chief executive Greg Foran tells Heather when his planes will finally be on time - and why business is so tough right now. All Blacks assistant coach Jason Holland on the team that's going to take on South Africa this weekend - and what it's like without Leon MacDonald. Plus, the Huddle weighs in on the Government putting up parking infringement fees by 70%. 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.

There's two key starting changes to the All Blacks side set to face the Springboks in Johannesburg on Sunday. Sam Cane starts his first test since last year’s World Cup final - a match in which he was sent off against the same opposition. A thumb injury to Dalton Papali’i means the former captain is elevated from the reserves. All Blacks assistant coach Jason Holland says Sam Cane's been training hard over the last couple of weeks. "He's been looking really sharp for the last couple of weeks in training - there's no better man to have in your group when you're going to Ellis Park." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many people dream of becoming social media influencers - but the reality is a lot less glamorous. According to new data from the IRD, only 60 people in New Zealand are working full-time as influencers, with the average annual income being $46,000. Thompson Spencer co-founder and CEO Melanie Spencer is surprised by these statistics. "We have influencers earning well over $10,000 per piece of content... we've got an influencer that's earned $30,000-$40,000 this year and we're only halfway through." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Local Government Minister is pulling no punches about gang members wearing patches in Hawke's Bay Regional Council's chambers, which is illegal. The Council yesterday voted unanimously to keep its Māori Wards - but photos posted on Facebook afterwards included patched gang members celebrating. They've since been taken down The Council has replied it acknowledges people's concerns, but it doesn't have the authority to exclude members of the public. Simeon Brown says that's an excuse. He says the reality is it was an important vote and those patched gang members should not have been present. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is anyone else getting the feeling the Greens have underestimated just how far Darleen Tana will go to to mess with them? I feel like they might have bit off a bit much with this one. Because so far - it’s 2-nil to Darleen.She won the first round when she refused to quit Parliament. The Greens clearly thought that after they’d finished the report she’d just slink off in shame - but she refused to do that.And she’s just won the second round today by forcing the party to cancel that meeting they were planning to have on Sunday where they were going to plot kicking her out of Parliament. I'm actually impressed - this woman has got way more gumption than any of us thought.And who knows where it goes from here? Because this is clearly not the end, from where I'm sitting there are at least two more rounds to come. They're going to go to court in two weeks, that's another round - and then they'll have to actually, eventually trigger the waka-jumping law and kick her out. By now, they must be dreading what she pulls out next. I know I'm running against the grain on this one - but good on her. I'm enjoying watching her make them squirm. Don't get me wrong, I'm not on her side, she’s weird - but the Greens deserve this.They chose her. They were very happy to have Darleen on their list for the election, weren't they? She was a nice married Māori lady from Auckland Central who owned a small business, she was someone nice people in Auckland Central who had money and small businesses could identify with and vote for. They were happy to have her then - but they clearly didn't do the checks on her like they didn't do with a whole lot of other Green MPs who've since gone rogue.They've got to live with their choices - and the big old fight one of their choices is bringing to them. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Darleen Tana will still be in Parliament at least another two weeks, as the Greens push back a party vote until her legal challenge against them has concluded. The independent MP filed an injunction to stop a party meeting on Sunday discussing using waka-jumping legislation to remove her from Parliament. Otago University law professor Andrew Geddis says Tana's arguing she didn't really resign from the party, but was pushed out. "Basically what she's saying - that the investigation and the way the Greens treated her made her resign, rather than her choosing to resign. That's what she's going to have to try and convince the court of." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Green Party denies it's been out-manoeuvred by ex-MP Darleen Tana, whose legal proceedings have delayed this weekend's party vote. Delegates planned to decide on Sunday whether to use waka-jumping laws to force Tana from Parliament, now she's no longer a party member. That'll now be deferred until court proceedings on her injunction conclude. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says it's unclear when the decision will take place - but the Greens are guaranteed to use the waka-jumping laws to oust her. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is being questioned about a private conversation where he joked with the US Deputy Secretary of State about splitting the cost of the Pacific Policing Initiative. The initiative was announced in Tonga on Wednesday - and last night, a Kiwi journalist caught Albanese and Kurt Campbell jokingly discussing the plan. Later, Albanese brushed off the exchange and claimed there were no plans for the US to help cover the initiative's costs. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says Albanese later claimed the recording was 'unethical'. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks are set to face off against the Springboks this weekend - their first clash since last year's Rugby World Cup. Coach Scott Robertson is likely to stick with what worked last time out when he names his side to face the Springboks. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave outlined his predictions here today. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Minister Shane Jones has been on the receiving end of some backlash after his comments on the judiciary. Attorney-General Judith Collins plans to speak to Jones following a recent incident where he called a High Court judge a 'communist' - prompting concern from New Zealand Bar Association. Law Association Vice President Julie-Anne Kincade says respecting the judiciary is vital in a democracy. "I also share the concerns about some of the ways our politicians are expressing their views." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK is set to start talks on a new co-operation treaty with Germany, as the Labour Government looks to 'reset' relations with Europe. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer arrived in Berlin to meet with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz - and he explained the deal was part of a bid to 'turn a corner' on Brexit. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says the agreement will address trade opportunities - and cover energy security, technology and science. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Air New Zealand's financial results are out tomorrow - and hopes aren't flying particularly high. The airline has been hit with plane engine troubles, increased competition and decreased consumer demand. Milford Asset Management's Jeremy Hutton outlined some predictions about the airline's financial state. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elevated interest rates have encouraged mortgage holders to switch banks at a record rate. The value of mortgages refinanced by a new bank climbed to $1.75 billion in July – the largest amount since at least 2017, when the Reserve Bank started publishing this data. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny unpacks the market factors encouraging homeowners to bank-hop. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever since Singapore introduced congestion charges in the 1970s, other cities have tried to emulate its success. Wellington is the latest major New Zealand city to look at introducing congestion charges as a means of reducing traffic and improving public transport? Tony Canavan, EY's Global Transport Leader for the Government and Public Sector, explains how the right projects can boost a city's growth - and gave examples from across the world. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 28 August 2024, ex-Green MP Darleen Tana is taking her old party to court to avoid them kicking her out of Parliament.Trouble with NCEA? Almost half of our NCEA students have failed maths and writing exams they have to pass to receive their qualifications. Principal Kate Gainsford tells Heather this looks like trouble brewing. The Government's created a National Infrastructure Agency and wants a 30-year pipeline of projects. Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop tells Heather he wants cross-party support. Plus, the Huddle debates whether it's a good move from Darleen to take the Greens to court - and how long could it possibly take?! 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, Brigitte Morton and Rob Campbell joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Secondary school principals are worried at the huge number of kids that are failing literacy and numeracy tests - meaning they won't receive the right NCEA qualifications. Do we need a rethink here? Disgraced ex-Green MP Darleen Tana has filed an unprecedented injunction trying to prevent their former party convening a Special General Meeting this weekend. How do we see this going? The Government has announced a new Infrastructure Agency and a 30-year National Infrastructure Plan. Chris Bishop wants support of all parties for the infrastructure plan - is cross-party support on infrastructure realistic? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meridian Energy - the country’s largest power generator - has reported strong earnings in the June year, but warns the year ahead looks challenging. The partially state-owned company’s net profit went from $95 million to $429 million - with much of the increase influenced significantly by net gains on hedge instruments of $249 million. Meridian CEO Neal Barclay says earnings will likely drop in the coming months - and the company has invested more money to ensure there's a steady supply. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Infrastructure Minister hopes to get bi-partisan support for major long-term projects. Minister Chris Bishop today outlined intentions for the infrastructure sector - including developing a 30-Year National Plan and National Agency. Bishop says he was inspired by similar efforts happening overseas. "If you look at what Australia does, which is where we've picked up the idea from, both in NSW and also federally - they do have a kind of rank order of things. That developed over time, this is the start of a process." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thousands of young people have failed new co-requisite NCEA literacy and numeracy tests. It's the first year students have needed to pass them to achieve NCEA - and in May, 54 percent failed the maths test. Secondary Principals' Council chair Kate Gainsford says it's not the end of their NCEA journey because students get repeated opportunities. She explained there's the online external and extra standards made available from an approved list next year - and the following. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi Oasis fans can stop crying their hearts out - but pray Eden Park's boss will pull out the stops to lure the UK rock band over. The Gallagher brothers yesterday announced their first tour in over 15 years. Fourteen concerts are planned for the UK and Ireland in July and August. CEO, Nick Sautner says he's confident Eden Park's upcoming modifications will encourage the band to look at a New Zealand leg if the tour goes global. "Our capacity for Travis Scott in October is greater than Marvel Stadium in Melbourne - or Brisbane." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The clear consensus among experts shows Darleen Tana is hanging on for their political life. The former Green MP has filed an unprecedented injunction trying to prevent their former party convening a Special General Meeting this weekend. ZB political editor Jason Walls says the Greens clearly didn't see this coming - but they're not too worried. "They're clearly waiting to see what happens tomorrow... we all knew legal action was coming, but I was thinking the legal action would be around the actual legislation to do with the waka-jumping." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Green Party meeting's still planned this weekend, despite former MP Darleen Tana taking out an injunction hoping to prevent it. The meeting was to consider using waka-jumping legislation to expel Tana from Parliament, because they're refusing to resign, despite quitting the Party. Tana's challenge against the Party will be heard in the Auckland High Court tomorrow. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says it's looking more likely that the Greens will utilise the waka-jumping legislation and boot them out of Parliament. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and her prospective VP Tim Walz are due to sit down for their first joint interview of their presidential campaign. The pair will be interviewed by CNN in their first in-depth on-the-record exchange since Joe Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed Harris as his replacement. Guardian Washington Bureau Chief David Smith says Harris has been accused of dodging the press and keeping her political plans quiet in the past. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Light heavyweight boxer Jerome Pampellone is intent on making the most of his second chance at a world title shot this evening. He'll fight Australian Conor Wallace in an IBF title eliminator in Sydney, having suffered his first professional loss to Malik Zinad in an eliminator back in April. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains what viewers can expect. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's questions over how frontline work can be done, as Health New Zealand offers voluntary redundancies. The PSA says these cuts are to jobs in admin, procurement, policy, communications, information, research and monitoring. It says they come on top of a hiring freeze of backroom staff in June, that left hundreds of roles unfilled. Nurses Organisation chief executive Paul Goulter says cutting too deep behind the scenes has a knock-on effect up front. "That's the feedback we've been getting all day, with nurses saying - who's going to do that work? And if it's us, who's going to do the rest of the work we have to leave behind?" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

British rock band Oasis said today they would reunite after 15 years, with brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher planning a series of live shows in 2025. The pair confirmed on social media that tickets would go on sale on August 31, with first show taking place in Cardiff on July 4 next year. UK correspondent Enda Brady recalls his experience meeting Noel Gallagher. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sources claim dairy giant Fonterra is set to make a big announcement tomorrow. This follows the company predicting a 50 percent increase to the milk forecast price. The Country's Jamie Mackay speculates about what the upcoming announcement might reveal. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Secretary-General of the OECD, Mathias Cormann, has made his first official visit to New Zealand. Trade Minister Todd McClay welcomed him to Wellington today - and trade agreements appear to be on the agenda. Infometrics principal economist Brad Olsen explains the significance of this visit. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As tourists descend on Barcelona for the America's Cup, the welcome from locals isn't as warm as the weather. The city has been grappling with the after-effects of over-tourism - and residents have been spotted wearing anti-America's Cup merchandise in protest. BloggerAtLarge.com's Megan Singleton says people are fed up with tourism pushing up the prices of services and accommodation. "You've got the tourists coming over and taking all the Airbnbs - that's why the locals are finding their accommodation prices have gone sky-high, that there's nowhere for them to stay." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, journalist Clare de Lore and Ali Jones from Red PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Are the Wellington posties wrong to refuse to deliver Better Wellington's anti-council pamphlet over claims of misinformation? Is there a political bias here? The Government will overturn the oil and gas ban - and have urged Labour to support this move. How does this look for Labour? Do we need a bi-partisan solution to the energy crisis? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 27 August 2024, Labour leader Chris Hipkins gets into a fiery argument with Heather over Labour's opposition to oil and gas exploration. Police Commissioner Andrew Coster celebrates a major win over the Head Hunters. The postie union are refusing to deliver a pamphlet in Wellington because they believe it contains misinformation. The Huddle debates whether Labour's in trouble over the oil and gas issue and what to do about bystanders livestreaming the aftermath of a car crash. Plus - Heather reveals her favourite ever one hit wonder.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.

New Zealand Media and Entertainment (NZME) says its first-half revenue was slightly up on the year before, despite a tough trading environment. The media group behind the New Zealand Herald, BusinessDesk, Newstalk ZB and OneRoof reported a first-half net profit of $1.9 million, down 4.3 percent on the year before. However, there was a 3 percent lift in operating revenue and other income to $171 million. NZME chief executive Michael Boggs says the company will be in for a tough few months - but hope is returning to the economy. "We are seeing signs of improvement, we're obviously seeing the OCR coming down, we're seeing business and consumer confidence start to lift - so we'd love to see that flow through." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A win for Auckland police, who have seized almost $15 million worth of of Head Hunter assets and properties - including the prized Mount Wellington gang pad. Items taken from President Wayne Doyle, under the Criminal Proceeds Act, include properties in New Lynn and Freeman's Bay. Other assets include two bank accounts, a vehicle and $275,000 cash found at a gang address in 2017. Commissioner Andrew Coster says this is the fruit of seven years' work. "And it shows that we will persist until we can recover assets that are obtained through criminal means." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Messages between Phillip Polkinghorne and his wife Pauline Hanna have come to light today in court. The Auckland eye surgeon is accused of killing Hanna in their home in 2021, although he claims it was suicide. The court's heard messages between the two - described by an officer working the case as 'loving'. NewstalkZB's Chelsea Daniels says jurors were also told about Hanna's activity on her phone the morning she died. "It appears Hanna's phone was logged drafting a message to Phillip Polkinghorne. Minutes later, another draft message to a friend's daughter - neither of them sent." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Messages between Phillip Polkinghorne and his wife Pauline Hanna have come to light today in court. The Auckland eye surgeon is accused of killing Hanna in their home in 2021, although he claims it was suicide. The court's heard messages between the two - described by an officer working the case as 'loving'. NewstalkZB's Chelsea Daniels says jurors were also told about Hanna's activity on her phone the morning she died. "It appears Hanna's phone was logged drafting a message to Phillip Polkinghorne. Minutes later, another draft message to a friend's daughter - neither of them sent." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour would re-instate a ban on oil and gas exploration if it got back into power. The Government is reversing the ban, despite belief from opponents there's no reserves left to be found. It also plans to make it easier import Liquefied Natural Gas, aiming to boost energy supplies. Labour leader Chris Hipkins says New Zealand has an abundance of renewable electricity options that should be pushed. "What this Government is doing - they're saying that they're going to go back to oil and gas. That's saying to renewable electricity producers that they don't think that's the way of the future. That sends the markets the wrong signal." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thousands of Australian workers have gone on strike to protest the Government's takeover of the construction arm of the CFMEU. Workers downed their tools and walked away from 11am this morning - halting the construction of several major building projects across the nation. Australian correspondent Sam Emery says these protests will be monitored amid concerns about illegal activity. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the current energy crisis worsens, Labour is holding steady on its promise to bring back the oil and gas ban again. The Government has recently agreed to remove hurdles for gas imports, speed up overturning the ban on oil and gas exploration - and will review the electricity market's performance. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says a bi-partisan solution is needed to draw investors into the country. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A controversial anti-council leaflet has ruffled feathers in the capital. A group called Better Wellington produced the flyer criticising council plans, like changing noise control to let mosques play their call to prayer. But posties are calling it harmful misinformation and have refused to deliver it. John Maynard from the Postal Workers Union says the leaflets are written in a misleading way. "Anyone who reads that thinks - oh, we're going to have a call to prayer every morning. I've asked people to read it, that's what they think it means." Better Wellington spokesperson Alistair Boyce has stepped up to defend the flyer. He maintains it wasn't intended to be provocative. "No, what we've done is highlighted the ideological nature of this council." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

That was quite a smart move from Chris Luxon yesterday, calling on opposition parties to support the Government in fixing this energy crisis we’re in at the moment.Not only because this is now so serious, with businesses closing down and cutting jobs because they can’t afford the power bill, that it really requires everyone in Parliament to be grown ups about it - but also because I think this is going to politically snooker Labour on that oil and gas ban. I reckon they’re getting in trouble on this one now. At the moment, mind-blowingly, Labour is still committed to it. Just yesterday, Chris Hipkins said it was a bottom line they wouldn't budge on - they'll still bring the oil and gas ban back.But I wonder if that’s what they’re saying until they say the opposite - do you know what I mean? I don’t know that they can hold the line on this forever. Because their argument at the moment is that the climate is more important than 230 mill jobs in the Ruapehu district and 300 jobs at Methanex in Taranaki - and however many other jobs are lost around the country at businesses that close down because they can’t afford the power bills because we’re running out of gas and not trying to find more because Labour won't let us try. Labour's argument on why they need to maintain the ban is bollocks. They're suggesting there's no more gas out there. Yes there is - there are two fields off the coast of the North Island that have gas. There's Toutouwai off Taranaki and Karewa off Raglan, both are sitting there basically untapped.If Labour really believes what it’s saying, that there really is no more gas, why do they need a ban?Lift the ban, let the investors trick themselves and keep exploring for this non-existent gas, it’s not going to do any harm if there really isn't any gas out there. But what it will do is help New Zealand benefit from those companies maintaining the wells we already have.Now, I don't think Labour’s in trouble for this just yet - which is why they’re holding the line and saying they will bring the ban back.And I believe that’s because most people aren’t affected yet, most of us don't work for Methanex or these businesses shutting down.But come April, when our power bills go up and we see the cost of this ban on us - Labour might have to start dropping this policy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Italian media are reporting prosecutors have begun an official investigation of New Zealander James Cutfield, captain of the British flagged superyacht that sank of Sicily last week. Reuters is not able to independently verify the decision and says being placed under investigation doesn't imply guilt or mean formal charges will follow. On the weekend Italian prosecutors announced a manslaughter investigation - but at that stage were not investigating anyone in particular. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says reports are unconfirmed. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell has hinted interest rate cuts could be coming from September. In a recent address, Powell indicated upside risks to inflation have diminished, and the downside risks to employment have increased. Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly says these comments struck the right tone with markets, causing sharemarkets to go up as a result. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More and more businesses have begun utilising AI for recruiting staff - and jobseekers have concerns. Spark, Kmart and Woolworths all use Sapia.ai software to conduct automated chat and video interviews with an AI-based 'smart interviewer'. Chief executive and platform founder Barb Hyman says the AI eliminates the bias human recruiters bring to job interviews. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, broadcaster Mark Sainsbury and Tim Wilson from Maxim Institute joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Do we have a problem with Labour's Carmel Sepuloni collecting her MP's salary while filming Celebrity Treasure Island? The Government has made some changes to the Fast Track Approvals Bill - with Cabinet agreeing to amend the Bill to give an independent expert panel final say on consenting major projects, rather than a trio of Ministers. Is this a good idea? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 26 August 2024, Energy Minister Simeon Brown tells Heather how the Government's big new energy package will address our energy crisis. In a landmark case, the Court of Appeal has found four Uber drivers were employees - and not contractors - meaning they're entitled to paid holiday and sick leave. Lydia Ko has won her first major since 2016 - NZ Open tournament director Michael Glading tells Heather why suddenly Lydia's nailing it all. Plus on the Huddle - what led to Mark Sainsbury walking into Jenny Shipley's hotel room and finding her in her underwear? Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister has accused mayors and councillors of ignoring their bases when it comes to spending. Speaking at Thursday's Local Government New Zealand conference on Wednesday, Chris Luxon told councils to tighten their belts and stop wasteful spending. Nicola Willis says city and regional councils have lost touch with their ratepayers. "For mayors and councillors, in some cases, to be so out of touch with that - is a real worry." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Energy Minister says the Government will make sure the energy sector is more competitive - and better for customers. Cabinet has agreed to import more Liquefied Natural Gas and fast-track reforms to make it easier to build renewable energy farms in light of sky-high power prices pressuring big industry users. Minister Simeon Brown says more competition and regular reporting will stop companies from price-gouging. "I share Shane Jones's concerns - I share his concerns around excessive prices and the impact that they're having." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.