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Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

13,510 episodes — Page 141 of 271

Enda Brady: UK correspondent on Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer clashing in their final debate before the election

Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer have clashed over taxes, employment and immigration in their final showdown. Voters in the UK will decide next week who will lead the country through its next term. Prime Minister Sunak says he understands why voters might be frustrated with his Conservative Party. But he says the election's a choice with consequences for voters and the country - and before voters make it, they should think about what a Labour Government would mean. UK correspondent Enda Brady unpacked the debate further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 27, 20244 min

Jamie Mackay: The Country host on Denmark's plan to introduce a carbon tax on agriculture

Denmark is moving ahead on plans to introduce a carbon tax on agriculture, with cattle farmers facing additional charges as a result. The bill suggests that farmers would be taxed at 300 DKK ($70) per ton of CO2 equivalent emitted from 2030, moving to 750 DKK ($177) by 2035. The Country's Jamie Mackay says the farmers will be unlikely to take this lying down - and they love a good protest. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 27, 20245 min

Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large on New Zealand's economic outlook being downgraded by experts

International research group BMI has lowered its GDP growth forecast for New Zealand for 2024 - and warned of economic challenges to come. BMI predicted the nation's GDP would grow by just 1 percent this year, down 0.2 percent from previous estimates. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann unpacked this research further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 27, 20244 min

Barry Soper: ZB senior political correspondent with the latest developments in the Darleen Tana investigation

A barrister says Green MP Darleen Tana's alleged Electoral Act breach is on the less serious side. Tana and the publishers of Verve Magazine have been accused of failing to include a promoter statement in an election advertisement published in May 2023- and both have been referred to police. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper suspects more will be revealed next week. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 27, 20245 min

Murray Olds: Australian correspondent on Julian Assange's return to Australia

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has returned to Australian soil, after 14 years in confinement. Assange pleaded guilty to an espionage change in exchange for his release - and will be focused on recovery in the coming days. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Assange has been lying low since his arrival. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 27, 20243 min

D'Arcy Waldegrave: Sportstalk host on South Africa's progress in the T20 World Cup

South Africa have finally broken the semifinal wall at a men's Cricket World Cup. The Proteas sent the long-standing hoodoo cartwheeling into the history books with a thumping nine-wicket win over Afghanistan at the latest T20 global tournament. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave unpacks this news further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 27, 20242 min

Full Show Podcast: 27 June 2024

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 27 June 2024, former Green MP Golriz Gharaman has been sentenced today and spoke out about what drove her to shoplift. Herald court reporter Craig Kapitan tells Heather why the judge declined to discharge her without conviction. The latest Crime and Victims Survey shows our confidence and trust in the police is still falling - and reveals the surprising number of fraud victims. Nutritionist Nikki Hart speaks to Heather about research showing that multivitamins are a rort. Should you ditch them immediately? The Huddle debates Golriz Gharaman blaming her mental health for shoplifting. Plus, Heather reveals her very very embarrassing coffee order. 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.

Jun 27, 20241h 39m

The Huddle: What did we make of Golriz Gharaman's sentence?

Tonight on The Huddle, former Labour Chief of Staff Mike Munro and Phil O'Reilly of Iron Duke Partners joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Disgraced ex-Green MP Golriz Gharaman has officially been sentenced, with an order to pay a $1600 fine - and additional legal fees. Do we agree with this verdict? A new report says less Kiwis have trust and confidence in the police - can these figures be fixed? What will it take to make people trust the police again? Wellington Council has passed its long-term plan, avoiding Government intervention. Is this good news? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 27, 20248 min

Wayne Langford: Federated Farmers President on the planned independent review into New Zealand's methane targets

The Government has announced a review will be carried out into New Zealand's methane goals. Former Climate Change Commissioner and farmer Nicola Shadbolt has been appointed to chair this project, which will report what the nation's domestic 2050 methane target should be. Federated Farmers President Wayne Langford says this review is long overdue. "We've asked for a long time for there to be some experts - not only in methane, but also in agriculture - and from the look of the panel, that's what they've come up with here." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 27, 20244 min

Dylan Thomsen: AA road safety spokesperson on the costs that come with the Government's Policy Statement on land transport

The Government's latest Policy Statement on land transport will come with plenty of extra costs for drivers. The fee to register a car has gone up by $50, fuel taxes will rise by 12 cents a litre by 2027 - and 22 cents by 2029, and the new Roads of National Significance will likely be tolled. Transport Minister Simeon Brown says these price increases will cover the costs of maintaining and building roads - and contribute to the Pothole Prevention Fund. AA road safety spokesperson Dylan Thomsen has voiced approval with these changes. "Over the next three years, this GPS is going to allow more money to be spent on road maintenance than we've seen before, significantly more." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 27, 20243 min

Nikau Wi Neera: Wellington Councillor on the divided response to selling the airport shares

There's a rift in Wellington City Council's left-wing bloc over selling its airport shares. The council today voted to approve the long term plan, with nine in favour, and seven opposed. It included selling the 34 percent stake in Wellington Airport, with discussions on the process later this year. Mayor Tory Whanau copped criticism from fellow left-leaning councillors for supporting the sale. Councillor Nikau Wi Neera says the transaction is wrong. "It's throwing away one of the very few revenue streams we actually have at council that isn't just 'your rates', for example. Local Government is pretty constrained in ways to actually do stuff." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 27, 20245 min

Nikki Hart: Nutritionist on the new research revealing multivitamins do not help people live longer

New findings have revealed multivitamins are largely ineffective. A study out of the US examined over 400,000 Americans over 20 years and determined multivitamins didn't help them live longer - and found a link between daily usage and increased mortality. Nutritionist Nikki Hart says people are spending money on an unnecessary solution. "It's like hope in a jar - and I think that's what people are using it for, they think it's magic." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 27, 20243 min

Brent Carey: Netsafe Chief Executive on scam reports going up over the past year

A grim figure for New Zealand, with one in 10 Kiwis getting scammed in the last year. Data shows one in three people were victims of any crime in the year to last October, on par with 2022 figures. Just over 15 percent felt unsafe last year, a jump from 9.3 percent in 2018. Netsafe Chief Executive Brent Carey says scam reports have risen 20 percent, and action is needed. "And we're calling on the Government to create an anti-scam centre so that we can all get a handle on this growing international crime as well." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 27, 20242 min

Craig Kapitan: NZ Herald crime reporter on ex-Green MP Golriz Ghahraman being convicted for shoplifting

What's next for former Green MP Golriz Ghahraman's legal career is not yet determined - after being convicted on shoplifting charges today. Judge June Jelas has ordered her to pay $1600 in fines, plus $260 in court costs, and isn't requiring supervision. The Herald's Craig Kapitan says nothing's stopping her applying for her law licence again. He says her lawyer had insistently argued a conviction would be a significant hurdle to convincing the Law Society she's fit to practice. "The Crown noted that a conviction doesn't necessarily mean she's automatically barred, the Law Society would have to look at the whole picture, like the judge did." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 27, 20243 min

Peter Boshier: Chief Ombudsman on the rise of whistleblower complaints

The number of people reporting serious misconduct in their workplace is on the rise. So far this financial year, the Chief Ombudsman has received 203 protected disclosures - up 58 percent on the year before. Peter Boshier says more people believe it's the right thing to do if they spot wrongdoing. "When there's serious wrongdoing - things like sexual harassment - I think there's more willingness to talk about these things and to raise them." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 27, 20244 min

Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on UK doctors striking on the hottest day of the year

Healthcare leaders warn patients face major disruption in England this week, as the latest junior doctors' strike coincides with the hottest week of the year. British Medical Association members will stage a five-day walkout from Thursday - the 11th in the long-running pay dispute. It comes with a heat-health warning in many parts of the country with London potentially hitting 30C. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says this will add additional pressure to hospitals. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 26, 20244 min

Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management Equities Analyst on Meridian Energy's Investor Day data

Meridian Energy's Investor Day data indicates more power companies are looking to embrace growth in a changing market. New Zealand's electricity demand is expected to grow between 50 percent and 75 percent, meaning the sector needs new methods of generation. Milford Asset Management's Jeremy Hutton unpacks the results and announcements. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 26, 20243 min

Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on BNZ challenging Gloriavale over use of banking services

Gloriavale has taken a knock in its battle to maintain access to banking services. BNZ has been trying to close Gloriavale's accounts for the last two years, and the Court of Appeal is allowing BNZ to challenge that injunction. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains what comes next in this case. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 26, 20243 min

Barry Soper: ZB senior political correspondent on the Justice Minister introducing tougher sentencing laws

Tougher sentencing laws are on the way for offenders. The Justice Minister has outlined a suite of reforms to be introduced into Parliament in the next few months. Situations where victims are working alone, including dairies, will now be considered an aggravating factor in sentencing, and reductions for mitigating factors will be capped at 40 percent. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says it sends a clear message to judges. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 26, 20246 min

Dan Mitchinson: US correspondent on Julian Assange returning to Australia as a free man

Wikileaks founder Julian Assange will land in Canberra this evening a free man, having pleaded guilty and being sentenced for espionage with no more time to serve. It related to a single charge of conspiring to obtain and disclose classified US National Defence documents. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says Assange will likely come out of this with a book deal and a few talk show appearances. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 26, 20244 min

Full Show Podcast: 26 June 2024

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 26 June 2024, people in Hawke's Bay are again being hit by "catastrophic" flooding. Civil Defence Minister Mark Mitchell, and the mayors of Wairoa and Hastings speak with Heather. Triple murderer Lauren Dickason has today been sentenced to 18 years for killing her three daughters. But Heather still has doubts whether it really was murder. The Huddle debates the crackdown on "woke" judges after Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith tells Heather how he's beefing up sentences. Plus, older couples are apparently using MDMA to get spice up their marriages. 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.

Jun 26, 20241h 40m

The Huddle: Are tougher sentencing reforms the way to go?

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! Lauren Dickason has been sentenced for 18 years after admitting responsibility for killing her three daughters. Was this a fair outcome? Justice Mininster Paul Goldsmith has unveiled some new sentencing reforms - meaning judges have less room to be lenient. Do we agree with this? Labour leader Chris Hipkins has dismissed the second Covid inquiry as Winston Peters and David Seymour trying to court the conspiracy theorist vote. Was this out of line? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 26, 20249 min

Andrew Fairgray: 2degrees Chief Business Officer on business optimism shooting up in new Shaping Business Study (1)

New Zealand's business sector seems to be taking a turn for the optimistic, according to new data from 2degrees. The latest Shaping Business Study says 18 percent of business leaders feel like their companies are thriving, 34 percent feel more optimistic about the future and 53 percent anticipate revenue growth. 2degrees Chief Business Officer Andrew Fairgray says the change in Government and improved global environment is helping boost the mood of the business community. "We're starting to see more businesses seeing the benefit of using digital technology to support their businesses, we're seeing the global environment starting to improve - hopefully people are starting to realise there is opportunity to move forward." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 26, 20244 min

Andrew Fairgray: 2degrees Chief Business Officer on business optimism shooting up in new Shaping Business Study

New Zealand's business sector seems to be taking a turn for the optimistic, according to new data from 2degrees. The latest Shaping Business Study says 18 percent of business leaders feel like their companies are thriving, 34 percent feel more optimistic about the future and 53 percent anticipate revenue growth. 2degrees Chief Business Officer Andrew Fairgray says the change in Government and improved global environment is helping boost the mood of the business community. "We're starting to see more businesses seeing the benefit of using digital technology to support their businesses, we're seeing the global environment starting to improve - hopefully people are starting to realise there is opportunity to move forward." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 26, 20244 min

Rachel Brooking: Labour MP urges the Government to release a list of projects that applied to be fast-tracked

Labour's environment spokesperson has called for the Government to front up about the kinds of projects aiming to be fast-tracked under new legislation. Under the new legislation, anyone who wanted to get a project fast-tracked had the opportunity to submit an application by the end of April 2024. Labour's Rachel Brooking says the public deserves to have a say on the types of projects that get approved. "We want to know now, so we know what we're talking about. And at the moment, we can only guess that it's going to be a coal mine in a kiwi habitat - because of what ministers like Shane Jones say." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 26, 20244 min

Paul Goldsmith: Justice Minister on the Government unveiling new changes to sentencing laws

The Justice Minister has announced a suite of changes designed to clamp down on criminals. These measures include capping sentence discounts at 40 percent, making serious retail crime an aggravating factor, and encouraging cumulative sentencing for offences committed on bail or parole. Minister Paul Goldsmith says more judges have applied discounts to sentences - diminishing the consequences of crime. "That sends a very clear signal from Parliament, which is a reflection of very widespread concerns in the community around violent crime. That's the message we're going to send - and I'm confident it will be registered." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 26, 20244 min

Blake Benny: ZB reporter on Lauren Dickason being sentenced for the murder of her three daughters

Lauren Dickason could be freed this decade after murdering her three daughters in Timaru in September 2021. She's been given three concurrent 18-year sentences today, with no minimum non-parole period. She'll be eligible for parole in six years. ZB court reporter Blake Benny says Dickason will begin her sentence in a secure mental health facility. "There, she'll undergo compulsory treatment - in following that, mental health experts will make that call on whether she's reached the point of actually being mentally well enough to then be transferred to prison." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 26, 20243 min

Simeon Brown: Energy Minister launches investigation into Northland pylon collapse and power outage

The Energy Minister says there are clear signs of a communications failure at Transpower. Simeon Brown's given officials 12-weeks to report back on investigations into a transmission tower toppling last week leaving thousands in Northland without power. Brown says there was a significant lack of information last Thursday after the pylon fell. "There was no explanation given, publicly, by this entity until Monday - I think that was, frankly, unacceptable. And actually, they should be owning up to what happened and explaining that to the public." Transpower says maintenance workers removed the nuts from three of the tower's legs, before it fell. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 26, 20242 min

Craig Little and Sandra Hazlehurst: Wairoa and Hastings mayors on the torrential rain impacting the region

Heavy rain and high tides are set to tear through the East Coast, and locals have been warned to take cover. States of local emergency continue for the Wairoa District and the Hastings Heretaunga Ward, after torrential rain has closed roads across Hawke's Bay and Tairawhiti. Wairoa looks to have fared the worst, with 100 homes flooded and 130 people evacuated, and warnings of heavy weather will still apply until 11pm. Wairoa mayor Craig Little says locals need to stay vigilant. "Our high tide comes back at 9pm tonight, and then if the rain doesn't stop and it all comes together - we could have the same effect of what happened this morning." Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst says 140 families have been asked to leave their home. "I know there's an inconvenience of being with friends and family for another night, but we are concerned about high tides." State Highway 2 has reopened between Napier and Wairoa. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 26, 20243 min

Mark Mitchell: Emergency Response Minister on the storm battering the East Coast

Officials say Wairoa has had the worst of the storm battering the East Coast. States of emergency have been declared in the Wairoa District and Heretaunga Ward, with torrential rain closing roads and caused hundreds of evacuations overnight. Heavy rain warnings have lifted for Tairawhiti, but continue until 11pm in Hawke's Bay. Wairoa is cut off by slips - and the Emergency Response Minister Mark Mitchell will be flying in by helicopter. He's unlocked $100,000 each for the mayoral funds for Hastings, Wairoa and Tairawhiti. Mitchell says people in Wairoa have had to leave flooded homes. "I know that the memorial hall is filled with people, the number I was given was about 100 people. Houses have been evacuated - it's the swell that's made the big difference." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 26, 20243 min

Enda Brady: UK correspondent on Princess Anne being hospitalised after suspected mishap with a horse

Princess Anne is the latest royal with a health issue after suffering minor head injuries thought to be caused by a horse. It's believed the Princess was kicked by a horse while walking on her Gloucestershire estate on Sunday night. UK correspondent Enda Brady says she's been hospitalised - but she's in good spirits. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 25, 20244 min

Oliver Mander: Shareholders' Association Chief Executive on the Warehouse's CEO's pay-out eclipsing falling shares

There's concerns that the Warehouse's top level salaries don't match the company's declining performance. The Warehouse Group's shares fell to a record low of $0.97 after forecasting earnings would fall at least 64 percent year-on-year. Former chief executive Nick Grayston was paid $2.79 million, out-earning his retail counterparts in the 2023 financial year. Shareholders' Association Chief Executive Oliver Mander unpacks this further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 25, 20244 min

Rowena Duncum: The Country producer on Synlait asking shareholders for multi-million dollar lifeline

Struggling dairy manufacturer Synlait has asked shareholders to vote in favour of a $130 million lifeline from Chinese shareholder Bright Dairy. The company said a2′s vote would be influential in deciding if the critical shareholder loan needed to pay off bank debt due July 15 went ahead. The Country's Rowena Duncum says the situation's looking dire for Synlait. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 25, 20242 min

Brad Olsen: Infometrics principal economist on employment confidence dropping in latest report

Kiwis’ confidence in the job market took a dive over the past three months, according to a survey conducted for Westpac. The bank reported its confidence index, which measures responses to five questions related to employment prospects, fell by 13 points to 91.4 in the June quarter. Infometrics principal economist Brad Olsen explains why less people are feeling optimistic. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 25, 20243 min

Barry Soper: ZB senior political correspondent on the Parliamentary debate about ferries

A political blame game around Cook Strait ferries. KiwiRail, Maritime New Zealand, and the Transport Accident Investigation Commission are all investigating Interislander's Aratere, which ran aground on Friday after experiencing steering issues. The Government pulled the plug on new mega-ferries and upgraded portside infrastructure, soon after taking power. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacks the controversy further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 25, 20245 min

Full Show Podcast: 25 June 2024

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 25 June 2024, the Government will extend its Covid inquiry to cover lockdowns, vaccine mandates and efficacy. Things get heated when Associate Minister Nicole McKee tells Heather why she had to water down her Three Strikes bill so much. NZ Rugby has posted a $8.9 million dollar net loss for the last year. CEO Mark Robinson speaks to Heather about how he thinks the financial fortunes can be turned around. Plus, the Huddle debates news that Julian Assange has walked free after striking a plea deal with the United States. 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.

Jun 25, 20241h 40m

The Huddle: How necessary is a second Covid inquiry?

Tonight on The Huddle, Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union and Government relations consultant Kaine Thompson joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Government has announced a second Covid inquiry into the economic and societal impacts of lockdowns, restrictions and vaccine mandates. Is this necessary? The new Three Strikes reigime has been introduced to the House today - what do we think? Is it too watered-down? Julian Assange is free now - what happens next? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 25, 20248 min

Mark Robinson: NZ Rugby CEO on the company posting an $8.9 million loss for 2023

New Zealand Rugby has posted an $8.9 million dollar net loss for 2023 - the second deficit in a row. Although spending was reduced from the year prior, a drop in broadcast and match day revenue in a World Cup year saw income fall by $3 million to $268 million dollars. NZ Rugby CEO Mark Robinson says there's work to be done for the future. "What we're spending more time on is looking at our strategy - and the role that each of our different stakeholder groups has to play in the game and trying to build more alignment on that." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 25, 20246 min

Andrew Bydder: Hamilton Councillor defends expletive-laden comments directed at neighbouring council

Hamilton city councillor Andrew Bydder is on the defence, after delivering an expletive-laden rant to a neighbouring council. In a letter directed at Waipā District Council, Bydder used derogatory language to voice his displeasure with the placement of a third bridge in Cambridge. He has since claimed he tried to be polite to the council - but it never got him anywhere. "I did this because it cannot be ignored. It was the only way to get a reaction, and to get the issue dealt with. I'd rather not do it this way, but if it's the only way they react, then I have to." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 25, 20243 min

Nicole McKee: Associate Justice Minister on the Government's revamped Three-Strikes regime

An Associate Justice Minister is urging the public to submit on proposed three-strike laws. A Bill to reinstate the sentencing is being introduced to Parliament today, but it won't include sentences under two years. Minister Nicole McKee says it is fit for purpose. "I think that we need to go harsh and hard on our criminals, especially those serious violent ones - but I also think that we need to have some sort of out for the lower-level offending." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 25, 20245 min

David Shoebridge: Australian Green Party senator ahead of Julian Assange's return to the country

There's hope WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange will be back in Australia by the week's end. Wikileaks says the 52-year-old has left a UK prison, after reaching a deal with US authorities. The BBC is reporting Assange was likely to plead guilty to a charge of conspiracy to obtain and disclose US national defence information, in a deal giving him freedom. Australian Greens Senator, David Shoebridge, says people across the country's political spectrum have been demanding his release. "We want him to be dipping his feet in the sand of an Australian beach before the week is out." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 25, 20242 min

Brooke van Velden: Internal Affairs Minister on the Government's planned second phase of the Covid-19 inquiry

Key figures in our Covid-19 response could have to give evidence publicly for phase two of the Government inquiry. Its focus is vaccine efficacy and safety, Auckland and Northland's extended lockdowns and the disruption to health, education, and business. Phase One examined the lessons learned from the pandemic. Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden says it's possible Dame Jacinda Ardern and Sir Ashley Bloomfield could be among those needing to appear. "It could be a range of different people. Like I say, I can't give a guarantee on what that will look like, because that's up to the Commission at the end of the day." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 25, 20243 min

Heather du Plessis-Allan: I'm weirdly grateful for the Government's cancer drugs stuff-up

I think we can all see the Nats stuffed up the 13 cancer drugs announcement on so many levels.They should never have promised specific drugs, that's Pharmac's job. But having promised them for the first year, they shouldn't have then broken that promise by leaving them out of the Budget. And then, it's never really a good look if you finally get dragged to delivering on your promise because of public outrage.But having said all of that - sometimes I think we get a little too caught up on the political shenanigans and not focus enough on the end point.And how good is the end point? We have just had the single biggest injection of cash into Pharmac ever, we've had more cancer drugs than ever promised to be delivered in one go.That announcement yesterday of 54 new drugs wiped more a third off Pharmac’s wishlist.Between the $600 million yesterday and the $1.7 billion announced in the Budget, this Government - which hasn’t even been in power for 9 months - has pumped $2.3 billion into Pharmac.Now, I'm of the view that Pharmac is one of the most important things any Government funds, because it is literally the difference for some people between life and death. And those people are people who, more often that not, have paid their taxes diligently and just been good people. And good, normal, law-abiding Kiwis, I think, deserve access to as many drugs to save their lives as other people in the western world.I will never complain about Pharmac getting more money, however we end up in that situation.So in the end, I'm weirdly grateful for National stuffing this up, because we’ve ended up funding 54 new drugs we didn't have funded a couple of days ago. And that's the thing that really matters, isn’t it? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 25, 20241 min

Murray Olds: Australian correspondent on Julian Assange's return to Australia following prison release

It's been confirmed Julian Assange will return to Australia after being released from prison. The Wikileaks founder was charged with conspiracy to obtain and disclose national defence information - and spent seven years in Ecuador's London Embassy, and five in a British prison. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Assange is set to return to Australia by the end of the week - and there's plenty of excitement for his arrival. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 25, 20243 min

D'Arcy Waldegrave: Sportstalk host on Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson's Achilles injury flaring up again

Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson will be sidelined for at least four weeks due to the re-emergence of an old Achilles tendon injury. The 33-year-old was sidelined last month through a combination of the achilles issue, as well as a pectoral muscle strain. He returned in Round 15 before suffering a hamstring strain in last weekend's heavy loss to the Titans. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave unpacked what this loss means for the Warriors. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 25, 20243 min

Sunil Kaushal: Waitakere Indian Association President on the high student visa rejection rate for Indian applicants

There's concerns the India-New Zealand relationship could be strained by the high number of student visa rejections. Immigration NZ figures show applications between October 1 2023 and May 6 2024 for student visas by Indian nationals had an approval rate of 47 percent. The Immigration Minister has claimed it's not 'blanked geographic discrimination', but rather concern surrounding more high-risk applicants out of India. Waitakere Indian Association President Sunil Kaushal doesn't believe this argument. "India is a diverse land, we know that there are many talented and skilled people out there who want to further their education - and coming to New Zealand is a great opportunity for that." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 25, 20244 min

Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on the EU and China gearing up for further talks about EV tariffs

Top officials from both the EU and China have spoken about controversial EV tariffs over the weekend - and agreed to further talks. The call marks the first time the two sides have agreed to negotiate since the EU threatened China with electric vehicle tariffs of up to 38 percent. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says this is a positive step forward. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 24, 20243 min

Fran O'Sullivan: NZME business commentator on the problems impacting New Zealand's infrastructure

It's been a bad week for infrastructure incidents, with increased pressure on the Government to find a solution. Between a Defence Force plane breaking down, a toppled power pylon wiping out Northland's power and the grounding of an Interislander ferry, concern is growing about a potential disaster. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan explains where the Government can go from here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 24, 20243 min

Barry Soper: ZB senior political correspondent on the Government offering up additional funding for 54 new medicines

Pharmac's getting a funding boost for new cancer drugs in a pre-commitment from next year's Budget. The Government's announced money for up to 26 cancer treatments, in an overall package of up to 54 new medicines. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 24, 20244 min

Oliver Peterson: Australian correspondent on the incident that locked down an Adelaide mall

Two teens have been arrested after they got into a brawl at a mall in Adelaide. Police received reports of two groups of young males fighting in the food court and some people in the group were allegedly carrying weapons. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the alert locking down the mall was reminiscent of the recent attack at Bondi Junction. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 24, 20243 min