Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Pro-Palestine protesters climbed the roof of Australia's Parliament House in Canberra to voice opposition with the ongoing conflict. Australian lawmakers have condemned the security breach, and authorities have planned a review into the building's security. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says a group of climate protestors also made it to the foyer inside the building - and police are expecting to charge several people. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No sign of Crusaders bias in Scott Robertson's maiden All Blacks team to tackle England in Dunedin on Saturday. Despite taking the Crusaders to seven consecutive Super Rugby titles, Razor has included just three Crusaders in the starting line-up and one on the bench. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave unpacks the announcement further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's growing calls from prospective voters for Joe Biden to step down from the ongoing presidential race. Biden has stayed adamant that he's not dropping out, and he's told campaign staff he's in to the end. American pollster Henry Olsen says public support for Biden is decreasing fast. "Because of the electoral college balance towards Trump, Biden has to win by 2 points or more to have any chance of winning the electoral college. Being down by 6 when he's this well known and Trump is this well-known, this late in the campaign - it's fatal." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It looks like we are finally giving in and allowing shoebox apartments in New Zealand. This morning, Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced a whole raft of changes designed to make houses more affordable, and one of those changes is that he will remove any requirements for how big an apartment must be and how big the balcony must be. He reckons that back in 2015 when Auckland Council changed balcony size restrictions, it pushed the price of apartments up by $40,000- $70,000 each.Good call from him, it's about time we got on board with this.The very first property I put under my name was a tiny, tiny apartment. The bedrooms were so small, you could fit in a double bed with just enough space to walk around it with your shoulders touching the walls. I didn't have space for a dining table, so I took a bed out of a bedroom and put a dining table in and you could just get the chairs out from under the table without hitting the walls - it was that tiny. But it was what I wanted, which was a place I could afford to buy in the middle of the city. And by the end of living there, to be honest, I was embarrassed by how tiny it was and I sold it and moved on to another place.But at the time, it was perfect. And frankly, I probably couldn't afford much more - but it got me onto the property ladder. Shoebox apartments are not ideal, but then renting because you can’t afford to buy is less ideal. And yes, there will be developers who take the mickey with how small they can go, and these kinds of apartments are often an eyesore to everyone else who has to look at them. But frankly, our priority has got to be something else. It's got to be letting people into their own homes, however small. We have to accept we have a housing crisis, we've got to accept it’s not good for younger generations to feel like they’re locked out of home ownership. And if they want to live in a small space because it’s all they can afford, why prevent them? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UK citizens are less than a day away from being able to head to the polls - and it's been predicted the opposition will dominate. Another respected pollster has predicted Labour will win a 318 seat majority, with the Conservatives only just holding on to second place. UK correspondent Enda Brady says Labour leader Keir Starmer will beat Tony Blair's historic 1997 landslide. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New developments in the world of AI could make the discovery of medicines faster and cheaper for consumers. It's been found generative AI can be taught to process and examine new molecules - with the potential to unveil new treatments. Milford Asset Management's Deborah Lambie explains the benefits of these new developments. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis isn’t receptive to calls for the establishment of an independent unit to check Treasury’s forecasts and ensure Government spending is sustainable. The International Budget Partnership and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) are among the organisations that believe New Zealand needs an institution that both costs policies and keeps tabs on the Government’s finances. They argue it would provide more accountability and align New Zealand with the 80% of OECD countries that have such institutions. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains why Nicola Willis has her doubts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 3 July 2024, Hawke's Bay Regional Council Chief Executive Dr Nic Peet responds to calls for an apology for the council's role in Wairoa's devastating flooding last week. The Education Minister Erica Stanford tells Heather why she's introducing tests for primary school kids. The Huddle debates whether David Seymour should have been messaging kids on Snapchat after parents raised concerns. Plus, the things your employer can see and read on your work phone and chat. 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, Matt Heath from Radio Hauraki and Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! David Seymour has raised some eyebrows after he was caught Snapchatting school-aged students back in 2016. Has the outrage been blown out of proportion? The Government has introduced more standardised tests for primary schoolers - is this a good idea? Will tests help boost New Zealand's academic prowess? President Joe Biden has blamed his shaky performance in last week's debate on jet lag. Do we buy this - or is Biden gaslighting voters? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Experts are reminding people that employers can see when staff are venting or sharing insults on workplace communication tools. Two Ministry of Justice staffers who used inappropriate language on Teams to describe academic Barbara Sumner have been made public after she asked for all correspondence mentioning her name. Employment lawyer Joe Williams explained that anything sent on a work device or any workplace communication tool is fair game. "The simple point is - if you want to make sure it doesn't happen, then just be a bit guarded about your own data privacy." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is hoping the Kāinga Ora board refresh will turn around its financial losses around. A new chair and deputy and six board members have been appointed to oversee the housing agency. It follows a damning review from Sir Bill English that concluded Kāinga Ora is not financially sustainable. Housing Minister Chris Bishop has also issued a Letter of Expectations demanding better performance. Bishop says the review of the agency recommends it reduce overhead and cut costs to become more financially viable. "Their build program is also something where I'd like to see them make real efficiencies in savings as well." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's increased efforts to position New Zealand on the world stage and make connections with the US. Prime Minister Chris Luxon is jetting off to the NATO summit and meeting with officials in Washington next week. He says he looks forward to forging stronger links with businesses and investors to help rebuild our economy. Former US Ambassador Tim Groser says the timing couldn't be more tense or important. "The key issue is what he's going to be able to perceive amongst the other leaders of NATO, given the confluence of the huge strategic threat from the Ukrainian situation and the resurgence of Donald Trump's chances of winning the presidency." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new type of e-scooter has hit Auckland's streets, with remote-control capabilities. Ario's three-wheeled variety can be moved off the street, after being left by users. General Manager, Adam Muirson says the three-wheelers are designed to help people who struggle with balance. "Pedestrian and disability advocacy groups were really impressed with how these adjustments are going to improve safety and access for everyone." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Education Minister says many schools across the country welcome the idea of standardised testing in primary schools. Erica Stanford's announced next year, all children in their first year of schooling will do a phonics check to help teachers understand how well they read, by sounding out letters. Stanford says it's far from being controversial, despite criticism from Labour. "Look, I absolutely think there's a level of acceptance. Most schools are doing assessments, using tools - and they're doing it in a really good way." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Hawke's Bay Regional Council is defending not opening up the Wairoa river bar earlier. Last week's downpour damaged more than 100 properties in the district, where a state of emergency lifted this morning. The Government has launched a quickfire review, including assessing locals' claims the river should've been cleared sooner. Council Chief Executive Dr Nic Peet says calls were made on information in front of them at the time. "You need some really specific conditions to open a bar, so you need a really decent flow in the river to shift probably 50,000 cubic metres of rock and shingles." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is set to introduce standardised tests to ensure primary schoolers meet the right standards academically. Phonics checks will start for new students as young as five next year, and become compulsory from 2026. Progress on reading, writing and maths progress for years 3 to 8 will also be monitored twice a year. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper voices his approval for these new measures. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Joe Biden has lined up his first full interview for ABC News following the fallout of last week's debate. Biden will speak to veteran broadcaster and former Clinton aide George Stephanopoulos on Friday, with the 'extended' version airing on Sunday. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says this interview won't alleviate the fears from prospective Democrat voters. "You can't unsee what we saw during that debate, that's the problem. They're going to continue to show that over and over and over again, the Republicans are going to use that in every commercial, every possible opportunity." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A political collision looms within the Red Bull Formula One team concerning Liam Lawson. The Kiwi hopeful has the backing of the team's director of driver development, Dr Helmut Marko - but overall boss Christian Horner maintains loyalty to Daniel Ricciardo. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Several former Gloriavale workers are planning to sue the Crown for negligence. Members of the group have accused public servants of knowing about the slave labour within the community - and refusing to do anything about it. Lawyer Brian Henry says these public servants knew about the witnesses who were interviewed and the allegations. "You just don't go to the potential criminal and say - did you steal that? And if he says no, he'll walk away. You actually go evaluate the evidence and look around further." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour leader Keir Starmer has found himself the subject of mockery after claiming he wouldn't work past 6pm on Fridays if he was elected. Starmer has since been accused of planning to be a 'part-time' Prime Minister by detractors and the opposition. UK correspondent Enda Brady says it's opened up a discussion about work-life balance. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Country's Jamie Mackay made an appearance at the Primary Industry Summit and Awards in Wellington. Listen to him unpack the highlights of day one here today. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

House prices need to fall at least another 16 percent to become anything like affordable, one forecaster says. According to the Real Estate Institute, prices remain 15.9 percent below their 2021 peak - but Housing Minister Chris Bishop has indicated they need to drop down more. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite the regulations on farmers being modified or scrapped by the coalition Government, Rabobank's CEO is urging farmers to watch their emissions. According to a new Rabobank research paper, the agriculture sector still needs to focus on reducing their output without restrictions. Rabobank CEO Todd Charteris says the sector needs to keep moving forward. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One expert says Paul Goldsmith's proposed new media bill could jump-start conversations about the future of news content in New Zealand. The Broadcasting Minister plans to implement an amended version of Labour's Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill, forcing tech giants to pay for news content. News Publishers' Association Public Affairs Director Andrew Holden says it's worth discussing potential options with companies like Google and Meta. "We know news is of value to them, and what we want to do is sit down with these companies and say - journalism matters in New Zealand, you're getting value out of it, what do you think is a fair payment?" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 2 July 2024, the Government has announced it's plan to help the struggling media industry. Broadcasting Minister Paul Goldsmith tells Heather why Facebook may boycott NZ media as a result and how he's trying to help Shortland Street. Wairoa mayor Craig Little is calling on Hawke's Bay Regional Council to apologise for its part in last week's devastating floods in the town. US law professor Randy Zelin speaks to Heather after the US Supreme Court ruled Donald Trump would have immunity on any official decisions he made as president. Plus, the Huddle debates whether Kainga Ora boss Andrew McKenzie should have been paid $365,000 to leave his job. 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, Tim Wilson from Maxim Institute and Ali Jones from Red PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Government has introduced a new bill to require social media giants to pay to use New Zealand news content. Is this good news for the media industry - or will it backfire? The outgoing boss of Kāinga Ora has been given a $365,000 pay-out to leave. Was this the right move to oust the CEO of a struggling company? UK Labour leader - and possible Prime Minister by the end of the week - Sir Keir Starmer has claimed he won't work past 6pm on Fridays in order to spend time with his family. What do we make of this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A historic Supreme Court ruling has expanded the scope of US presidential power. The United States' top court has ruled six to three that former presidents can be granted immunity from prosecution over acts done in office. This means Donald Trump's alleged role in the Capitol riots in January 2021 likely won't make it to trial before the election. But Cornell University law professor Randy Zelin says the decision isn't as earth-shattering as it's being made out to be. "The Supreme Court is saying - we're going to take it case by case, there may be a presumption that the President was acting in an official capacity, but that presumption can be overcome." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Now, onto the outgoing boss of Kāinga Ora and his $365,000 pay-out to leave - no surprise here, but the tone that’s been adopted on that is that it’s massive. Mega. Eye-watering. No it’s not, that's tiny for a CEO. That's only half his annual salary, that's not a lot. When Tony Gibson quit the Ports of Auckland, he was on $820,000 a year, which is not that much more than the boss of Kāinga Ora - he got a pay-out of about $1 million. When Kevin Kenrick left TVNZ, he was on a salary of $560,000. That's less than the boss of Kāinga Ora and he got a pay-out of $2 million. Now it's not always apples and apples and I concede that, because there will be all kinds of weird little payments like holiday pay and bonuses and stuff like that in there. But the point I'm trying to make is that a payout for a CEO of only half their salary is us getting away lightly to get rid of the guy. And that is obviously what happened. It's pretty clear he didn't decide he wanted to quit, the new chair Simon Moutter sat down with him and clearly told him to quit - Simon didn’t even try to deny that when he was on the show with us last night. If you’re basically going to fire someone at CEO level, this is small change to get the job done. Now, as for this nonsense about him being given redundancy because the scope of his job had changed - that's just BS. That's just the technicality they’ve used to get rid of the guy. Because he had to go. He ran an organisation that refused to evict thugs, that ran up huge amounts of debt, that that bid and paid way more than market value for property and frankly lost the confidence of the public. I don't want to be spending nearly $400,000 of taxpayer money on something like this, but to get rid of a CEO who needs to go, I reckon we got away lightly. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A coastal west Auckland community wants rules for driving on beaches tightened, after recent events. Auckland Council says the bylaws aren't fit for purpose. People who want to drive at Muriwai beach require a permit - but data indicated less than a quarter of drivers had obtained one. Muriwai Community Association co-chair, Clare Bradley, is unsure if changing the bylaws would fix the wider issue. "We wouldn't contemplate having a shared pedestrian space where vehicles can be going 60-plus miles an hour on an unstable surface where there are people having picnics and trying to go for a swim." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AA has confirmed people have had to wait months to sit their driver's license test. The Government is trying to cut the long wait time for tests, by allowing only one free resit. The last Government removed fees for resitting theory and practical tests, significantly increasing bookings. AA Chief Policy Officer Simon Douglas says they'll ease in the new rules over time. He says once the three month transition period ends, they'll monitor whether the changes have the impact they want. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Media Minister says there is a risk digital platforms will retaliate if they're forced to pay to use New Zealand news content. Paul Goldsmith has confirmed the Government is pursuing an amended version of Labour's Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill. It aims to ensure internet giants like Facebook and Google pay local media companies for using their work. Goldsmith says some platforms have been clear they're not keen on the bill. "It is quite a tricky area, but we think on balance - it's worth having this as a backstop just to encourage those conversations to happen." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's moves to force tech giants to support New Zealand-produced news have been met with scepticism. Fair Digital Bargaining Bill has been amended - in a bid to ensure Google and Meta pay to use news content on their platforms. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says it's unlikely Meta will respond well, considering the action they've taken against Australia and Canada. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has drawn criticism from the opposition over his decision to skip a NATO summit. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, will attend the meeting in Washington in his place. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Albanese is in a no-win situation as tensions escalate. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The stats keep coming on Lulu Sun's advance into the second round of Wimbledon by beating eighth seed Qinwen Zheng in three sets. The victory is the first in a grand slam main draw by a New Zealand woman since Marina Erakovic made the third round on grass in 2016. The win also marks the first over a top 10 player by one of her compatriots since Erakovic beat Victoria Azarenka in 2011. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wairoa's Mayor is demanding an apology from the Hawke's Bay Regional Council after last week's flooding. The bill is expected to top $40 million, with more than 100 properties significantly damaged. The district is still recovering from Cyclone Gabrielle last year, and ratepayers are already facing a 20 percent rates rise. Mayor Craig Little says the council hasn't been able to pinpoint what went wrong. "They treat us like we're a small population, yet we're 30 percent of the land area of Hawke's Bay, 60 percent of the water mass - they do other things down there and they don't do it here." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of the UK election, the Labour Party is pushing back against demand for a four-day working week. Unions have put pressure on the party to mandate shorter working weeks, as more UK workplaces adapt to unique working models. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says this issue will be on the minds of voters ahead of the election. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fletcher Building's shares have bounced back up after the business completed and handed over part of their NZ International Convention Centre project. The project is back in SkyCity's hands - with the project on track to reopen by the end of the year. Harbour Asset Management spokesperson Shane Solly explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister is determined to grow the economy and ease the cost of living for struggling Kiwis as the Government outlines its next points of focus. The Government today unveiled its third quarterly priorities - focusing on law and order, the economy, public services and infrastructure. Minister Nicola Willis says it's important for the Government to focus on making sustainable financial choices now. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

​On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 1 July 2024, Prime Manager Chris Luxon has announced his to do list for Q3- with law and order top of the list. Heather speaks to Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith. GPs are warning patient fees will have to rise and some clinics will have to close, because Health NZ is not funding them sufficiently. Kainga Ora Chair Simon Moutter tells Heather why the housing agency's CEO decided to quit - with a handsome payout. Business leader Rob Fyfe on his new $100m start-up and what he's learnt about New Zealand's outlook while in London. Plus, the Huddle debates whether Joe Biden needs to quit the US presidential race. 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 PR and Auckland councillor Richard Hills joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Joe Biden delivered a shaky performance during last week's debate with Donald Trump - what can the Democratic Party do now? Is it time to bring in a replacement? The Government unveiled their Q3 to-do list, primarily focused on law and order. Is this the right way to unveil new policies? Kāinga Ora's CEO has confirmed he plans to step down - what do we think of this? Is this the right move? GPs have slammed the Government's 'inadequate' funding proposal - what can be done to address this? Does more money need to be directed towards the health system? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Air New Zealand CEO Rob Fyfe is set to launch his biggest - and most sustainable - business venture yet. Recorp, an aluminium canning company, is set to launch in September, with former House of Travel head Bruce Parton being appointed the inaugural CEO. Fyfe says many Kiwi companies are phasing out plastic, meaning there's room to enter a new market. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kāinga Ora's Chief Executive Andrew McKenzie will be stepping down at the end of October, with a $365,000 payout. A review has found the state housing provider needs significant savings to be financially viable. Kainga Ora Chair Simon Moutter says it's the right time. "Given the extent of change going on in this organisation with the changes through the Government's budget allocations to KO and the findings of the independent review...it was only right." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you watch that Trump-Biden debate? Man, that was excruciating wasn’t it? At one point, I think it was the Medicare bit, I was literally watching it through my fingers, cause I'd already covered by face with my hands, it was that bloody awkward. The amazing thing about it is that this is day four of calls for Biden to stand down, which is an enormous amount of pressure. And there is no indication from within the top ranks of his party that they are going to make him stand down. And if you read what's going on behind the scenes, like the Saturday phone call between the top members of the Democratic Party and committee members across the states - it sounds like they don't realise how bad this looks. The message out from all the people who were on it was that the party's top guys are not taking what happened in the debate - and the impact on the vote - seriously. They don’t realise that the world thinks the guy they’re running for President is going senile, they don’t think that’s what we can see. Not that we matter, we don't get to vote - they don’t think that's what American voters can see.So while my gut says he’s got to go, everything I'm reading out of the States from top commenters through to credible publications say that chances are: he’s staying in the race.How nuts is that? I tell you what, I'm happy to make the prediction that if he runs, and chances are that he does, he loses to Trump. Because it’s very hard to see America electing a guy who is only going to become more senile over the next four years.If they manage to get him out and replace him, it's still not a great situation for the Democrats, because Trump will make a feast of the fact that’ he’s running against their second choice. But surely that's better for their party, because at least the Democrats can retain some credibility.If they run a guy who is going gaga while pretending he’s not going gaga -when everyone can see he's going gaga - they will look ridiculous. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's high hopes from Santana Minerals following the revelation of unearthed gold in Central Otago. The company's discovery on the privately owned Bendigo Station land has been dubbed one of New Zealand's most significant in 40 years - with a $4.4 billion dollar lifetime export value. Santana Minerals Chief Executive Damian Spring is hopeful an investment decision will be made by the new year. "We're on track to submit our application under the RMA by the end of this year, the Fast-Track Approvals Bill would have passed by then - and it suits what we're aiming to do." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GPs say a Government funding proposal is not enough. Health New Zealand is suggesting a 4 percent increase in GP capitation funding, the money each practice receives for each enrolled client - and letting them raise fees by just under 8 percent. The sector's warning some practices may go under. General Practice Chair Dr Bryan Betty says studies have shown GPs have been up to 20 percent under-funded in the past two decades. "All this does is go some way towards cost increases over the last year - it doesn't actually fix the underlying deficit, which is getting worse." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Justice Minister says new law and order legislation will pass in the next three months, and be implemented by the end of the year. The Government has laid out 40 actions to meet its third quarterly priorities, which include the economy and better public services and infrastructure. It promises to crack down on crime by letting police ban gang patches, and confiscate firearms. Minister Paul Goldsmith says they want to work at speed, but it's important to properly follow select committee processes. "Now everybody's sort of impatient, they want the police to have the extra power to deal with gangs, they want to deal with the firearms control - but we do have to pass the legislation." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister's released his Government's third quarterly plan, saying the next three months will have a focus on law and order. Chris Luxon's set his side 40 actions until the end of September, including passing four laws to crackdown on criminal activity. These include legislation giving police the power to ban gang patches, as well as confiscating firearms and providing better access to rehabilitation services for prisoners on remand. ZB political correspondent Barry Soper explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Barnaby Joyce stuck to his word after he promised he would cut back on alcohol - and lost 15kgs to show for it. In February, a video surfaced of an intoxicated Joyce sprawled out on a Canberra sidewalk after a drunken night out. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says Joyce was clearly embarrassed by the events of the video. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Razor's first All Blacks squad is due to face off against England in the coming days. England's already indicated they'll take the All Blacks down - and the pressure's on for the team do do well. Sportstalk host Jason Pine explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's claims that merging four Wellington Councils into one is a practical way forward to solve the region's challenges. The mayors of Upper Hutt, Hutt City, and Porirua are holding early talks about amalgamation. But although they're keen to merge, Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau says now is not the time. Porirua Mayor Anita Baker says Whanau needs to come around to the idea of a super-city. "It seems silly - we could be up for larger funding, we should be working together. We are a very small region." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.