
Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive
12,438 episodes — Page 141 of 249

Dr Libby Weaver: nutritional biochemist and author on the best ways to treat menopause
Australian researchers are calling for a new approach to addressing menopause, amid concerns about 'over-medicalisation'. New research published by the Lancet Series argues for a broader model to support women through this life stage, instead of treating individual symptoms. Nutritional biochemist and author Dr Libby Weaver says women process menopause differently, and not all of them suffer debilitating medical complications. "There are many women who don't suffer at all across the menopausal transition, and some do very mildly, so I think we need a broader conversation about the best ways to support women." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Melissa Lee: Broadcasting Minister on the future on TVNZ and other broadcasting outlets
The Broadcasting Minister is staying tight-lipped about the future of TVNZ. It is understood TVNZ newsroom staff are bracing for a meeting tomorrow about the future of news operations - which will include job cuts. Minister Melissa Lee says she spoke with TVNZ bosses on Friday about how they plan to remain financially viable. "They did not tell me that they were cutting staff on news- they were talking about programming they will have to consider." It will come a week since Newshub announced its closure, and when asked if she will help the industry, Lee says she doesn't have many levers. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarah Helm: Drug Foundation Executive Director on the uptick of cocaine use in New Zealand
An increase in international cocaine production has spiked use of the drug on New Zealand shores. The Drug Use in Aotearoa report shows use grew by 93 percent over 2022 and 2023, compared to the previous three years’ average. Its use is still relatively uncommon compared to other countries, with 1.3 percent of adults here using it in the past year. Drug Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm says the UN warned that more countries could expect use of the drug to skyrocket. "1.3 percent of adults is nothing to be sneezed at, it's more than the number of people who used methamphetamine last year, for example." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Henry Olsen: American pollster recaps Donald Trump and Joe Biden taking the lead in Super Tuesday
Over in the US, the biggest day of this year's primary campaign is under way as 16 states cast their votes. Strong performances from Donald Trump and Joe Biden indicate that the two front-runners for president have been determined. American pollster Henry Olsen says Nikki Haley has no hope left of becoming the Republican nominee. "This was actually a collection of states that she could have done well in if she had strength, but the fact that she lost most of them- that shows this is a campaign that should be over." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan Mitchinson: US correspondent on Donald Trump and Joe Biden dominating in Super Tuesday
Former president Donald Trump has dominated Super Tuesday in the US, as voters pick their preferred presidential candidate. Reports are projecting he's won the Republican Primary in Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Maine, Arkansas, Alabama and Texas - beating rival Nikki Haley in each. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says support is still running high among Trump's base- there's nothing that could deter prospective voters. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

D'Arcy Waldegrave: Sportstalk host on Kane Williamson clearing up rumours within the Black Caps
Kane Williamson is shouldering arms to suggestions of unrest in the Black Caps camp ahead of the second cricket test against Australia. Former skipper Ross Taylor has caused a stir with comments concerning now-retired seamer Neil Wagner and his international retirement. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tessa Tierney: Spark product director on the decision to charge users for Xtra Mail service
Spark customers with Xtra Mail accounts will have to pay $5.95 a month to use them from mid-May. It's citing rising maintenance costs as the reason. Spark product director Tessa Tierney says the company considered scrapping the service altogether. She says it's hard to say what its future will be. "So it'll be interesting to see over the next few weeks - and months - what decisions customers make. But at this stage, I couldn't tell you how many will decide to leave." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heather du Plessis-Allan: Super Rugby cannot afford to lose more money
Just listening to the commentary on the women’s 'redneck' haka in the last day, I don't think people quite understand what this debate is really about. This isn’t a debate about whether politicians just need to suck the criticism up, it isn’t about whether haka are supposed to be challenging. This is a debate about money. Super Rugby is financially stuffed, and even more so the women’s side of it. Did you see the crowd in the background of the footage of the haka? That's right- there was no crowd, there were just empty yellow seats. That's not a good sign. Super Rugby cannot afford to lose any more viewers or any sponsors from the game, and what the rugby bosses will probably be worried about more than anything right now is that there are viewers of the women’s game who are so annoyed by the politics of that team that they stop watching. Or worse, that it infects opinions of the men’s Hurricanes team as well. Or even worse, that it taints their perception of New Zealand rugby altogether. Also, they’ll be worried about the prospect that enough annoyed people will email sponsors demanding that they take a position. More than any time I can think of, consumers on both sides of the woke debate are making their dollars talk. For ages, there was a time where brands could get away with being a bit wokey for a bit of street cred. But not anymore, particularly since the Bud Light debacle where the company used the transgender actor, provoked a backlash and then suffered a 25 percent fall in sales. Consumers who don’t like the wokey stuff have started punishing brands for it. So quite rightly, the rugby bosses want to stay right out of politics and not annoy either side- and who can blame them? And it’s worth pointing out, they are not taking a side here. Three years ago, former Hurricanes shareholder Troy Bowker made some comments opposed to what he called the ‘left Māori agenda’ and he ended up having to sell his shares and step down as a director. So it's cutting both ways. There is no indication yet of what those women in the team will do, but judging by the haka leader’s comments yesterday- there is a chance that they feel very righteous about this. And if they do, they to need get real. They are clearly heavily subsidised by the men’s game at the moment, and if they want that to continue, if they want the money to keep coming in so they can keep playing their game, they’re gonna have to understand this isn’t about politics and having your say- it’s about money. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Enda Brady: UK correspondent on Sinéad O'Connor's estate telling Donald Trump to stop using her music at rallies
The estate of deceased Irish singer Sinéad O'Connor has ordered Donald Trump to stop playing her music at his political rallies. Trump has been playing O'Connor's biggest hit, Nothing Compares 2 U, at campaign events in the lead-up to the November election. UK correspondent Enda Brady says O'Connor lived by a fierce moral code- and would have been 'disgusted' to hear Trump use her music. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Huddle: Should Prime Ministers just fly commercial?
Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and former Labour Chief of Staff Mike Munro joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! The Hurricanes' women's side called the Government 'rednecks' in a controversial pre-match cheer. Is it wrong for sports teams to take political stances? Will this impact sponsorships? The Air Force Boeing 757 was meant to fly out this morning, but a technical fault with the nose landing gear grounded the plan. Prime Minister Chris Luxon had to fly commercial to get to his Melbourne summit. Do our leaders really need to take private planes? The Government has promised 15 new major roads within the next few years- how likely is it that they'll get built? Will they justify the extra costs to Kiwi motorists? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay: The Country host on the backlash to Sky's decision to drop Grassroots Rugby and Mainfreight Rugby
Disappointment in the provinces as Sky TV axes Grassroots Rugby and Mainfreight Rugby. The broadcaster has committed to airing one lower-level Heartland provincial game a week from now on. The Country's Jamie Mackay unpacks the loss of the 'Country Calendar' of rugby. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Bloxham: HSBC chief economist on the Reserve Bank's decision to hold the OCR in place for longer
The Reserve Bank's decision to hold the OCR in place at 5.5 percent has inspired some banks to lower their rates. This is despite some economists warning inflation is still running too high at this point. HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham says New Zealand's Reserve Bank is one of the only central banks in the world saying rates might need to go up again.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bjorn Lomborg: author and Copenhagen Consensus Center president reveals the smartest ways to be ethical
There's a comprehensive list of challenges impacting the wider world- but fixing them poses a costly challenge. World hunger, health, war, education, poverty and climate change are among the problems that need addressing, but fixing them remains elusive. Author and Copenhagen Consensus Center president Bjorn Lomborg says he's working with economists to identify cost-efficient solutions to these problems. "That's not the only thing you need to think about, but it's an important part. How much will it cost, and how much good will it do? I'm simply saying- why don't we try to do the stuff that does the most good for the least money?" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Karen Chhour: Children's Minister on the Government's plan to roll out military academies for young offenders later this year
The Children's Minister says new military academies for youth offenders will be different from bootcamps which have been tried in the past. Karen Chhour says the Government plans to have a pilot programme operating by mid-year, led by Oranga Tamariki. Chhour says a group of experts and several community organisations have been brought in to put a well-rounded program together. "It focuses on rehabilitation and a trauma-informed approach as well, alongside having that military approach." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Jennings: former advisor to George W Bush on Donald Trump's positive Supreme Court ruling
Former US president Donald Trump will remain on the Republican primary ballot in all states after today's historic Supreme Court ruling. State courts in Colorado, Maine and Illinois moved to take Trump off the ballots, claiming he's ineligible for office after the 2021 Capitol riots. But the Supreme Court has unanimously decided it's not within State power to ban him from the ballot. Former George W Bush advisor Scott Jennings says Trump isn't done with the Supreme Court yet. "They have to rule on whether he has absolute immunity from criminal prosecution- I have a sneaking suspicion he won't be as happy with them when that one comes out later this year." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jonathan Ayling: Free Speech Union CEO disagrees with court ruling for man who punched elderly woman at Posie Parker rally
There's upset over a court ruling of a man who punched a pensioner at the Posie Parker protest last year. The man was granted permanent name suppression and discharged without conviction. Police say it's an offence to share a name that's suppressed and they have the ability to charge anyone for breaching a court order. Free Speech Union CEO Jonathan Ayling says it would be a part of natural justice to name them publicly. "And it's the right of the victim to be able to say- this is the individual who attacked me, the criminal justice failed in holding him to account. At least, she should be able to say- this is the individual who attacked me." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jules Radich: Dunedin mayor ahead of Pink's sell-out performance in the region
The countdown is on, as international pop superstar Pink has touched down ahead of her Dunedin concert. Pink is expected to perform at Forsyth Barr Stadium at 7:30 for 32,000 people - one of the largest concerts in the city's history. Dunedin mayor Jules Radich says historically Dunedin's had great concerts since the stadium opened. "We do actively promote the stadium and attract them here, so that has been successful in the past- and we will continue to do that." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wayne Mapp: former Defence Force Minister on Chris Luxon's Air Force Boeing 757 experiencing technical fault
A former Defence Minister says the price tag for a couple of new Air Force planes would be at least a couple hundred-million-dollars. The Prime Minister's Air Force Boeing 757 was meant to fly out this morning, but a technical fault with the nose landing gear meant the aircraft's been grounded all day. Chris Luxon was forced to fly commercial to Melbourne for ASEAN talks. Wayne Mapp says the planes are for more than just flying the Prime Minister around. "We use them for troop transport, cargo round the Pacific, and also going down to Antarctica." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Barry Soper: ZB senior political correspondent on the state of the Defence Force plane that delayed Luxon's trip to Melbourne
Commercial flights for the Prime Minister might be more favourable with the taxpayer. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the only reason Prime Ministers like taking these planes is to have the media in tow. "Having travelled on hundreds of trips with the Prime Ministers, it's not that often that you get a real breaking yarn on these trips." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Murray Olds: Australian correspondent on Matildas captain Sam Kerr allegedly racially abusing a police officer
Australian women's football captain Sam Kerr is to face trial in England after being accused of the racially aggravated harassment of a police officer. The Chelsea striker was deemed to have used insulting, threatening or abusive words that caused alarm or distress to an officer during an incident in Twickenham at the end of January. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Kerr is expected to head to trial next February. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

D'Arcy Waldegrave: Sportstalk host on Sky axing Grassroots Rugby and Mainfreight Rugby
Disappointment in the rugby community as Sky axes two rural-focused rugby shows. Grassroots Rugby and Mainfreight Rugby, which previously enjoyed historically long runs on TV, have recently been dropped. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains what this means for the future of provincial rugby. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Avan Lee: Hurricanes CEO 'disappointed' over controversial women's team haka criticising the Government
The Hurricanes' women's side have gotten themselves in hot water after last weekend's controversial anti-Government haka. The Hurricanes Poua began their season by opening their match against the Chiefs Manawa with an altered haka calling out 'this redneck Government'. CEO Avan Lee says investigations are under way to find out who signed this action off. "I don't think it's our place to make comment, particularly if it's seen as the opinion of the organisation. So yeah, I think it is definitely disappointing." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on Switzerland voting to give retirees a bigger pension each year
Swiss voters have given themselves extra month's pension each year in a new nationwide referendum. In a new poll, 60 percent of voters voted in favour of increased pensions- and 75 percent of voters also rejected raising the pension age from 65 to 66. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says the cost of living in Switzerland is among the highest in the world, and this will be an extra increase for taxpayers to bear. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Huddle: Will improved roads be worth the inevitable extra cost hikes?
Tonight on The Huddle, Tim Wilson from Maxim Institute and Josie Pagani from Child Fund joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! The Government has unveiled their new plan for transport infrastructure, including 'roads of national significance' and a fund for pothole prevention. What do we think? Will improved roads be worth the inevitable extra cost hikes? A new report has revealed Premier House needs $30 million worth of repairs. Should someone bite the bullet and pay these extra costs? MSD plans to save money by taking away their plunger coffee supply. Instant coffee, tea and hot chocolate will be provided- is this the best way to cut costs? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fran O'Sullivan: NZME business commentator on Chris Luxon's upcoming meeting with ASEAN leaders in Melbourne
Chris Luxon is set to meet with more key trading partners this week. The Prime Minister will fly to Melbourne tomorrow for a special summit, to mark Australia's 50-year relationship with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan explains this will be a crucial summit for Luxon- as he missed the chance to meet some of these leaders during APEC. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Barry Soper: ZB senior political correspondent on National's proposed roadmap for transport infrastructure spending
The Government's promised newer roads, fewer potholes and more maintenance in their new transport spending roadmap. Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released details on the investment, which includes 15 new 'roads of national significance' and a pothole prevention fund. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the increased motor vehicle licensing fees will be the beginning of several hikes to pay for this scheme. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sam Buckingham-Jones: Australian Financial Review media reporter on Meta's media deal with Network Ten
While New Zealand's media industry struggles to survive, their Australian counterparts are battling setbacks from social media giants. Facebook's parent company, Meta, recently confirmed it wouldn't renew commercial deals with news publisher Network 10. Australian Financial Review media reporter says it's likely Meta never believed they were going to see much profit out of this deal. "There was a line in the summary of this contract, which was- there is no expectation that 10 would earn additional revenue, which I think is an implicit acknowledgement." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister warns surplus deadline won't be reached
Finance Minister Nicola Willis warns the Government could likely miss the proposed 2027 surplus forecast. The Government included this deadline as a key goal in their pre-election fiscal plan. Willis blames worsening economic conditions and the resulting lower tax income. "I want to be upfront with New Zealanders about the fact that the numbers are looking a lot harder now than they did before Christmas." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Newman: Athletics NZ High Performance Director on New Zealand's results at the World Indoor Championships
The hopes for New Zealand's Olympic performance have gotten stronger after a record-breaking medal count at the World Indoor Championships. After silvers were given to shot-putter Tom Walsh and pole vaulter Eliza McCartney over the weekend, the Kiwi contingent has landed two golds on the final day. Hamish Kerr equalled the Oceania record of 2.36 metres to win the high jump and Geordie Beamish stunned a stellar field to strike gold in the 1500 metres. Athletics NZ High Performance Director Scott Newman says this is a good foundation ahead of the upcoming Olympics. "To come through here with four medals at a World Indoor Championships- that's just a great base heading into the Olympics." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kelly Mitchinson: Tauranga Pharmacy co-owner says Western Bay of Plenty police Retail Crime Unit makes a difference
A designated retail crime unit is making a difference in Tauranga's CBD. More than 1200 charges have been laid against 215 offenders in just six months. Tauranga Pharmacy Co-owner Kelly Mitchinson says when people call the police, something actually happens now. She says police didn't care as much in the past unless violence was involved. "They'd come in here, super entitled- they'd come in with a shopping bag. And these are repeat offenders, so I think some of those particular offenders have been charged now, some have ended up back in prison." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jarrod Kerr: KiwiBank Chief Economist predicts more mortgage rate cuts will come
There's a prediction big drops in mortgage rates are on the cards. Both ANZ and ASB have lowered some of their mortgages rates, following the Reserve Bank's decision to keep the Official Cash Rate unchanged at 5.5 percent. KiwiBank Chief Economist Jarrod Kerr says if the central bank starts cutting in November, it could be just the start. "They'll be cutting throughout 2025, so we'll see mortgage rates, I think, fall quite sharply next year." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Simeon Brown: Transport Minister outlines roadmap for transport spending priorities
The Transport Minister says a balance must be struck between building much needed infrastructure and paying for it. The Government has released its $21 billion spending roadmap, which includes new major roads and a pothole prevention fund. Vehicle registration fees will increase by $25 dollars next January, then again in three years, to help cover costs. Minister Simeon Brown says it's a gradual phase-in. "This fee hasn't increased since 1994, so yes, we need to fund it. This is how we're proposing to do it, there's no fuel tax increases during this term of Government." But if re-elected, the Government has committed to fuel tax hikes next term. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oliver Peterson: Australian correspondent on the Senate inquiry into health risks posed by fire ants
Over in Australia, a Senate inquiry has been launched into the risks posed by Red Imported Fire Ants. Allergy bodies have warned the fire ants could cause a widespread flare-up in allergic reactions if they become endemic. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says these ants are widespread throughout Australian parks, and eradicating them would be a challenge. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Pine: Sportstalk host on New Zealand's success in the World Athletics Indoor Championships
New Zealand is celebrating a record medal haul at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Scotland, snaring two silvers and two golds to beat the previous record tally set in 2016. 1500 metre runner Geordie Beamish and high jumper Hamish Kerr snared gold on the final day. Sportstalk host Jason Pine explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Annabel Young: Former National MP on the repairs and changes that need to be made to Premier House
Big changes need to be made to Premier House, according to one member of the building's board. Former National MP Annabel Young says the recent report into the state of the house shows it's in a sorry state. It comes after Prime Minister Christopher Luxon revealed the building needs serious work. Young says earthquake strengthening needs to be done, as well as the restructure of some rooms. "It's not a functional space, it is pretty grim. I personally think the kitchen is dangerous." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The DoC is to repair Cathedral Cove's walking track.
The DoC is to repair Cathedral Cove's walking track. This is welcome news to the businesses that rely quite heavily on the tourism that that attracts. Conservation Minister Tama Paka told Heather Du Plessis-Allan that she is 'absolutely focused on making sure we can get the track down there back on track.' LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victoria Arbiter: Palace issues Kate Middleton Health Statement amid speculation
Now the Royals have issued a new statement on Kate Middleton's health. Kensington Palace put out a statement saying it had announced in January she would be out of action until Easter. No significant updates would be given until then Royal Correspondent Victoria Arbiter told Heather Du Plessis-Allan that "The Palace has been forced to issue this statement, but they are simply responding to what has been an avalanche of speculation online.' LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nicole McKee: New gun protection powers will help police
The government is giving the police more powers to take gangs guns off gangs. Firearm protection orders already allow the courts to stop the high risk offenders from being around guns at all. But now that's going to be extended to any member or associate of a gang with a significant conviction. Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee told Heather Du Plessis-Allan that they're "enabling New Zealand police to be able to search any person with a firearms prohibition order at any time at any place." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christopher Luxon will no longer claim $52,000 accommodation allowance
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will no longer claim a $52,000 accommodation allowance for living in the Wellington apartment he owns - and will re-pay $13,000. His U-turn came mere hours after he told media in Queenstown that he was entitled to claim the money. Earlier today it was revealed he was claiming an 11 per cent top up to his own $471,000 salary in the form of a $52,000 optional accommodation allowance. The allowance is meant to pay for Luxon to find accommodation in Wellington. However, few prime ministers have claimed it - Luxon is the first in at least 34 years. Speaking to Newstalk ZB’s Heather du Plessis-Allan this evening, Luxon said he was now going to return all the money he had received since becoming Prime Minister. Luxon said the issue had become a “distraction” he did not want to deal with, so he had rolled back his defence of claiming the allowance. He would pay back $13,000, which had only just been deposited into his bank account recently. Speaking to reporters in Queenstown earlier today Luxon was adamant he was entitled to the allowance. “As I came away [from a press conference] I thought ‘Wow, people are pretty fixated on the allowance’. I thought ‘what’s going on’.” Luxon said he then listened to Newstalk ZB and heard the discussion on talkback. He then changed his mind about the allowance. “For me, I’m well within the rights, and well within the rules, but frankly it’s a distraction- I will live on my own costs,” Luxon told du Plessis-Allan. Luxon said it would cost “millions and millions” of dollars to bring Premier House up to spec for him to live in. “We’re trying to find a way to avoid spending millions and millions at Premier House. Obviously, it’s very difficult for us to think about how we spend that money, but we’re working through that. “We know the house has long-standing maintenance and repair issues - It’s a 160-year-old house,” he said. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Richard Raymond KC: White Island case fines 'roughly' what was expected
The six defendants in the White Island case have been ordered to pay a collective $10.21 million in reparations and almost $2.5 million in fines. The biggest penalties were for Whakaari Management Limited, which runs the island itself. White Island Tours, were operating the boat tours to the island, including the tour group present on the island when it erupted. Richard Raymond KC is the lawyer representing White Island tours, he told Heather Du Plessis-Allan that the fines were 'roughly' what they expected. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Enda Brady: UK correspondent on Prince Harry losing High Court challenge over security in the UK
Prince Harry has lost a High Court challenge over his royal security arrangements. The Duke of Sussex took legal action against the British Government over a decision to lower his personal level of security, after stepping back from Royal duties. UK correspondent Enda Brady says Harry is now expected to hand over at least $2 million in legal fees. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Huddle: Were Melissa Lee's comments from yesterday out of line?
Tonight on The Huddle, David Farrar from Kiwiblog and Curia and Ali Jones from Red PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! Yesterday, Melissa Lee said she wasn't concerned about New Zealand having just one TV news station and that there was still a 'plurality of voices'. She's since clarified and claimed she misspoke after copping some backlash- could she have done better? The Government has designated the political and military wings of Hamas - which governs parts of Gaza - a terrorist organisation. Was this the right decision? A coroner has suggested we make helmets mandatory for e-scooter riders. We do it for motorcycles and bicycles- is it time to include e-scooters? Blink-182's bassist was filmed slagging off Christchurch on stage during their Melbourne show. Was this out of line? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large on what yesterday's OCR announcement means for mortgages
Households can breathe a temporary sigh of relief following yesterday's announcement from the Reserve Bank. The Bank has held the OCR steady at 5.5 percent, in line with with what most economists were predicting. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann says it's going to be a long battle to get inflation down, so the future's uncertain. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay: The Country host on the 2024 Golden Shears competition starting up
The world's biggest sheep-shearing event is kicking off in Masterton today. Over 500 shearers and wool-handlers are taking part in the three-day event, an increase of 25 percent on the previous year. The Country's Jamie Mackay says finding sheep has been tougher this year- but they've managed to get at least 3500 ahead of the event. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Merja Myllylahti: AUT media researcher on whether the proposed closure of Newshub means trouble for the media industry
There's growing concern that the proposed closure of Newshub could be a sign of tougher times for the media industry. Warner Bros. Discovery revealed they planned to shutter newsroom operations from July, forcing hundreds out of work. AUT media researcher Merja Myllylahti says the entire industry is in trouble, revenue-wise. "For example, results from NZME were not as good as expected because of an advertising slump. This is the same thing the New York Times is going through, most of the industry is in turmoil." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jessica Walker: Consumer NZ Communications and Campaigns Manager explains ticket holder entitlements following Blink-182 cancellation
There's salt in the wound for Christchurch Blink-182 fans after bassist Mark Hoppus was filmed ripping on the city. It comes after the band announced they were cancelling their Christchurch show, just two weeks ahead of the event taking place. Consumer NZ Communications and Campaigns Manager Jessica Walker says the band's actions have encouraged fans to seek extra compensation beyond tickets. "It's worth seeing if you can get your money back under the Consumer Guarantees Act, or maybe even the Fair Trading Act- that's where we've landed with this." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Slater: Health NZ Chief People Officer striving to combat anticipated delays in pay rises for doctors and dentists
Health New Zealand says it's going as fast as it can to combat huge delays in implementing pay rises. It's been three months since senior doctors and dentists settled pay negotiations, but most still haven't received agreed increases. The Association of Salaried Medical Specialists says some of its members have been told they won't get the extra money until June. Health New Zealand Chief People Officer Andrew Slater says their systems are the problem. "Most of our payroll systems aren't compliant with New Zealand law, they haven't been for over 10 years. Many of our hospitals- we still use paper time sheets." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Seymour: ACT Party leader wants TVNZ to pay dividends after proposed Newshub closure announced
ACT Party leader David Seymour is investigating making TVNZ pay dividends. He's asked Treasury to look into the returns the station is offering tax-payers, after 1News' competitor Newshub revealed it was broke. Warner Bros. Discovery has proposed shuttering Newshub from July, axing one of the country's biggest commercial news operators. Seymour says it's possible requesting dividends could improve returns- and competition. "It's one possibility- having one big state competitor that gets a pretty easy run in terms of getting taxpayer capital and paying dividends is distorting the marketplace." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Simon Parham: Waitomo Chief Executive 'surprised' by leap year-generated fuel pump issues
An issue with paying for fuel at outdoor pumps has been confirmed as being related to the leap year. The extra day in February has affected Allied, Waitomo, Gull and BP truck stops, stopping customers from paying for their gas. Software provider Invenco was meant to roll out a fix at 3 o'clock - but that hasn't happened. Waitomo Chief Executive Simon Parham says it's surprising because it's not the first time we've had a leap year. "I think it's near a base in the software where they've just missed this day, and then the processing couldn't happen." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Peters: Foreign Minister on Hamas' political wing being designated a terrorist entity in New Zealand
The designation of Hamas as a terrorist entity isn't expected to have implications for controversial pro-Palestine protest chants. Both the movement's military and political wings - which govern parts of Gaza - are now deemed a terrorist group in New Zealand. When pressed, Peters says people just have to follow and respect the law during protests. "When a country makes a decision that is a decision other countries have also made, no, it shouldn't make any difference. I can't guarantee that will not effect what people do." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.