Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

The Government has come down in favour of dairy companies - opting out of an international infant formula proposal. Rules designed by Food Standards Australia and New Zealand restrict labelling - and only let pharmacies and healthcare providers sell specialist formula. Industry giant Danone threatened to withdraw from New Zealand if it went through - taking away 441 jobs. Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard told Heather Du Plessis-Allan they want New Zealand products to remain competitive. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Belief a controversial Health New Zealand decision on cancer drug funding - will shorten lives. Pharmac's giving free access to Keytruda for five types of cancer, but funding doesn't kick in for two months. Health NZ has scrapped a proposal to provide it the medication for people in need until then. Patient Voice Aotearoa's Malcolm Mulholland says he is gobsmacked. He told Heather du Plessis-Allan it's the cruellest decision he's seen Health NZ make, and will mean patients lives are cut short. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 2 August 2024, Lead Coordination Minister Judith Collins talks about the Government concluding their formal response into the March 15 Royal Commission. A trauma surgeon is warning the Government ahead of their speed limit increases - saying it could lead to further deaths and injuries. Former Olympian Barbara Kendall discusses our chances for gold in tonight's sailing races. Plus, the Sports Huddle debates their hero of the Olympics so far... Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A judge has allowed the identity of Axel Rudakubana to be reported as the 17-year-old was charged with the murder of three young girls in a knife attack. A 17-year-old boy has appeared in an English court charged with the murder of three young girls in a knife attack at a dance class that has shocked the United Kingdom and sparked two nights of violent protests. Axel Rudakubana first appeared at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court over the incident at a “Taylor Swift yoga and dance workshop” summer holiday event for children in the seaside town of Southport. He is charged with three counts of murder, 10 counts of attempted murder and one of possession of a bladed article. His case was later heard at Liverpool Crown Court, where he sat in the dock covering his face with a grey sweatshirt and did not speak to confirm his name. Judge Andrew Menary did not impose reporting restrictions on Rudakubana’s identity, which had not previously been reported as he is under 18. Rudakubana was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing in October. He has been charged with three counts of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder. Large disturbances broke out in Southport, a town in England’s northwest, after false information was spread on social media that the suspect in the stabbings was a radical Islamist migrant, with anti-immigrant protesters descending on Southport town from elsewhere. Police have said the attack was not terrorism-related and that the suspect was born in the UK, quashing speculation on his origins. Tributes to the victims are left by wellwishers in Southport, England. Photo / Getty Images Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with police leaders to offer them the government’s full backing following violent clashes with protesters in Southport and London. ”As far as the far-right is concerned, this is co-ordinated, this is deliberate,” Starmer told a press conference. “This is not a protest that just got out of hand. It is a group of individuals who are who are absolutely bent on violence. Our country is coming to terms with an act so inexplicably vile. “Our thoughts are with the families at the heart of this unimaginable pain. “Let me be clear: the tiny, mindless minority in our society who provoked violent disorder on our streets will be made to face the full force of the law.” Starmer said the government was establishing a national unit across police forces to tackle violent disorder including shared intelligence, wider deployment of facial recognition technology and preventative action such as orders to restrict the movement of persistent offenders. He also warned social media companies: “Violent disorder, clearly whipped up online, that is also a crime and it is happening on your premises and the law must be upheld everywhere.” Thousands gathered near Starmer’s Downing Street office and residence in London on Wednesday evening, shouting: “Save our kids”, “We want our country back” and “Stop the boats”. Protesters also threw flares and smoke canisters towards Downing Street. London’s Metropolitan Police said 111 people had been arrested for offences including violent disorder and assaults on police officers. Five officers were injured. On Tuesday, more than 50 police officers were hurt in protests in Southport, when demonstrators set police vans on fire and dismantled garden walls to hurl bricks at officers. As well as the killing of three girls aged six to nine, the attack in the normally quiet town left eight other children and two adults with stab wounds. Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust said in a statement that two of the children had been discharged from hospital. ”We continue to treat five children involved in the devastating incident in Southport on Monday, including one recently transferred to us from Aintree University Hospital,” the trust said. ”All the children in our care are currently in a stable condition.” Hundreds of people in the community have taken part in vigils to mourn the slain children and laid bouquets of flowers at the site of the incident. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has offered herself up to be a mediator between the EU and China, after her visit to Beijing. The relationship between the EU and China have decayed recently, over electric vehicles being dumped into the EU, and investigations on both sides and other trade disputes. Asia Business Correspondent Peter Lewis says Meloni is confident of mending ties, but her recent track record with China may say otherwise. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Auckland apartment developer has been put into interim receivership by the High Court. Du Val Capital Partners and other Du Val Group companies were put into interim receivership after an application by the Financial Markets Authority. Police were also seen entering Du Val co-founders Kenyon and Charlotte Clarke’s home in Remuera. NZ Herald Property Editor Anne Gibson joined Andre Dickens. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newstalk ZB Sports readers Andrew Alderson and Nick Bewley joined Andrew Dickens on the Sports Huddle. The first week of the Olympics has wrapped up – with glory and agonising drama across the board for New Zealand – and the guys talk through their heroes so far, including triathlete Hayden Wilde. Athletics is about to get underway in the Olympics, with sprinter Zoe Hobbs and runner Sam Tanner, and shot-putters Tom Walsh and Jacko Gill will also be getting underway. And they guys talk the Crusaders deciding to stick with Rob Penney despite the Crusaders’ worst Super Rugby season in recent years. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Zealand Trauma Surgeons Committee believe the Government’s plan to increase speed limits will ultimately lead to more deaths, injuries and traffic overall. They’ve issued a statement warning New Zealand doesn’t have the appropriate infrastructure for high-speed travel. And they warn many parents are fearful of speed increases around schools. Trauma surgeon Dr Chris Wakeman joined Andrew Dickens. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Great news for the ski fields. Winter has finally decided to do its thing and snow is dumping. And the wild and wooly weather arrived in the week we learnt that we are no more ready for a natural disaster today than we were before Cyclone Gabrielle. A few weeks ago work stopped on the COP project. COP is Common Operating Platform. It’s a data system that could mean that any agency involved in a disaster can communicate with each other in real time. It’s making sure all the computers and phones can talk to each other. We need one for all sorts of things - weather events, fire, terrorist attacks, invasions. Everyone needs to be able to access it - Police, Fire, Army, Civil Defence. And then the whole thing can be coordinated from a local, regional or central position. Not having a common operating system was cited as the major failure in Gabrielle so this is a big thing. And I was very glad to hear the Prime Minister and Mike talking about it this morning. After describing the problem, the PM then said you can see how big our turnaround job is. And yes it is. And then Mike read out a text complaining that Ardern and Robertson were asleep at the wheel over this issue. Blaming the previous administration for all our woes is why nothing ever happens. The reality is the programme to create a common operating system started in 2014 under the John Key administration. His cabinet also ordered spatial data infrastructure be built to house the COP. Infrastructure that all New Zealanders could use to improve their business communication. They failed. The Bill English administration failed to implement the system. And then the Ardern administration and then the Hipkins administration and now the Luxon administration. Because they’ve let the parties walk away. The common factor in all the failures over a decade is the inability of the public services' involved to agree. They are also loathe to share data. And there’s the rub. Politicians and governments come and go, but the public service is forever. And in this case, they just may be pretty useless. Now whenever I get stuck into public servants, I’m told off for punching down and that the buck stops at the top with the minister. And I get that. But at some stage, you’ve just got to stop blaming the coach and sack some players. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More chances of medals tonight in the Paris games – this time in sailing. Isaac McHardie and Will McKenzie are competing in the medal race for the men’s 49er FX. And windsurfer Josh Armit is also poised for a medal. Former Olympic sailor and gold medalist Barbara Kendall joined Andrew Dickens to unpack the medal chances. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Wellington City councillor isn't a fan of her Council's competition - hoping to get inspiration on cycleways. It's offered an $8500 prize pool for ideas on improvements. Councillor Diane Calvert told Andrew Dickens it makes no sense. “Well I think it is one of the many bonkers ideas that Wellington City Council has, and never really makes a difference to the city.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Judith Collins says amending hate speech laws in light of the Christchurch mosque attacks would breach the right to free speech. The Government's officially ended the coordinated response to the 2019 tragedy that killed 51 people. 36 recommendations from a report into the attack have been adopted - but eight won't be, including hate speech amendments. The Lead Coordination Minister told Andrew Dickens inciting violence is already restricted. She says someone who states they don't like someone else for being different is a fool - but that doesn't mean they should be arrested. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has officially concluded its coordinated cross-government response to the Royal Commission of the Inquiry into the Christchurch Mosque Attacks. Lead Minister Judith Collins says they will adopt 36 of 44 recommendations from the report – but says hate speech laws or establishing a new security and intelligence agency isn’t among the recommendations they’ll adopt. Newstalk ZB senior political commentator Barry Soper joined Andrew Dickens. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, former US Marine Paul Whelan and Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva have landed in the United States, following the biggest prisoner exchange between Russia and the West since the Cold War. The returnees were greeted with tears and embraces by their joyous families at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, where President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were also on the tarmac to welcome them after their plane touched down some 20 minutes before midnight on Thursday. Whelan, who was first to exit the plane, gave a salute before shaking hands with the US leaders, followed by Gershkovich, who embraced both Harris and Biden before hugging his ecstatic parents. Kurmasheva rushed into the arms of her husband and daughters after greeting Harris and Biden. Gershkovich went quickly to address media gathered at the tarmac, telling his Wall Street Journal colleagues the words they had been waiting more than a year to hear. “I’m home,” he said. Biden observed the emotional family reunions, then removed his pin and placed it on Whelan’s lapel as Harris looked on. “It feels wonderful. Long time in coming. I was absolutely convinced we could get it done. I meant it when I said – alliances make a difference. They stepped up and took a chance for us and it mattered a lot,” Biden told reporters, referring to the extensive diplomatic effort that resulted in the swap. The return marks the conclusion of what Biden called a “brutal ordeal” for the three Americans and their families following their detentions in Russia, where prisoners are often kept in harrowing conditions. Whelan, 54, had spent almost six years in Russian prisons after his arrest in Moscow in December 2018, while Gershkovich, 32, had been detained for more than a year. Both were sentenced on espionage charges and declared wrongfully detained by the US State Department. Kurmasheva, a 47-year-old journalist for the US-backed Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, was detained in October 2023 and found guilty of spreading false information about the Russian army – charges her family and employer deny. Their release – and that of Washington Post contributor and permanent US resident Vladimir Kara-Murza, 42 – was orchestrated as part of a complex prisoner swap between Russia, the US and other Western nations involving 24 detainees in total. Sixteen people were released from Russian custody on Thursday, including five Germans and seven Russian citizens who were political prisoners in their own country. Moscow in return got former high-ranking FSB colonel Vadim Krasikov, as well as several individuals accused of spying or cybercrime. In a statement earlier Thursday, Biden hailed the agreement as a “feat of diplomacy,” in collaboration with US allies, including Germany, Poland, Norway, and Slovenia. “Some of these women and men have been unjustly held for years. All have endured unimaginable suffering and uncertainty. Today, their agony is over,” said Biden, who hosted the families of Gershkovich, Whelan, Kurmasheva and Kara-Murza at the White House. Whelan, Gershkovich and Kurmasheva flew roughly 10 hours from Ankara, Turkey, on top of a three hour and 45 minute flight from Moscow to Ankara. They were accompanied on their return plane by multiple medics, a psychologist and US government officials including representatives from the National Security Council and State Department, a US official told CNN. All three and their family members are expected to continue on to San Antonio where they will be taken to Brooke Army Medical Center to undergo medical evaluation and receive whatever care they need for as long as they need, the US official said. This is typical protocol for wrongfully detained Americans who return home. WNBA player Brittney Griner also went to the center right after she was released from Russian detention in December 2022. The returnees will also have the option to participate in a Defense Department program called PISA (Post Isolation Support Activities), which is meant to help them readjust to being back in the United States. Many recently freed US wrongful detainees have undergone this program to help them acclimate back to normal life. - by Simone McCarthy, CNNSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand rowers enjoyed a fruitful day out on the water in Paris, completing a medal box set. The day started with Brooke Francis and Lucy Spoors winning gold in the women’s double sculls, followed by the women’s coxless four obtaining bronze, and the men’s coxless four winning the silver. Sportstalk host D’Arcy Waldegrave joined Andrew Dickens. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Auckland restaurant is pleading customers to not order from them through Uber Eats. Henderson's Fried Chicken Headquarters says every order through the service loses it money on fees. It was once left with just $84 dollars from $800 in sales. Co-owner Juri Loninia told Andrew Dickens it has no choice but to take the hit. “Unfortunately, as a small business, we can’t just switch off Uber and call it a day, because it helps us with exposure.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A 17-year-old boy has been charged with three counts of murder following the deadly stabbing attack in Southport. The attacker has been charged with three counts of murder and 10 attempted murders and the possession of a blade. He's expected to appear at Liverpool City Magistrates Court on Thursday. UK correspondent Vincent McAviney says this is the start of a long legal process for this case. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Increased development of large-scale dairy farms and falling feed prices have driven China’s raw milk production up - and the official price down. The current price is 3.23RMB/kg liquid milk - the lowest in 12 years, according to new data. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains what this means for New Zealand. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest unemployment figures are set to be released next week. Experts are predicting unemployment rates will go up - in order to slow down inflation. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann explains what we can expect. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 1 August 2024, Transpower CEO John Clarke fronts over the findings around that 'toppled' pylon - will there be compensation for locals? Police Association President Chris Cahill isn't happy about light sentences being handed down to meth dealers. Former Olympian Eric Murray discusses New Zealand's medal chances in tonight's rowing action. Plus, the Huddle debates whether or not you should be allowed to take your own food into the cinemas? Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Microsoft is investigating the scope of the damage after users reported issues with Microsoft 365 and Outlook services this morning. Monitoring website Down Detector's had thousands of outage reports - with a number of organisations affected. Tech commentator Paul Spain says it was largely New Zealand that was impacted by this recent outage. "This one wasn't so much of a global issue - it was very focused on New Zealand." Update: Microsoft has since released a statement saying this outage was unrelated to the July 30 outage that was blamed on cyberattacks. It is still investigating the cause to the latest outage. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, NZ Herald senior writer Simon Wilson and Capital Director Ben Thomas joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! A new report by Independent Children's Monitor says the child protection system has not shifted enough since the death of Tauranga five-year-old Malachi Subecz - despite a 2022 review recommending sweeping changes. How appalling is this? How are we finding the Olympics so far? What did we think of last night's triathlon? Two women were trespassed from an Auckland movie theatre after they got caught bringing in hot food, snacks and beverages. Should the restrictions banning outside food be lifted? What do we make of this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Briscoe Group Limited has posted a near record net profit after tax of $84.2 million for the year ending January 28, 2024. The group, which runs both Briscoes and Rebel Sport, says profits have nearly reached the $88.4 million record set last year - despite a tough economic climate impacting the retail sector. Briscoe Group Managing Director Rod Duke says more customers have gravitated to the group's output in recent months. "The strategy's unchanged - and when we do that, we tell a lot of people that we're going to do it." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Government agencies are being urged to get on with changes to child protections. A review in 2022 after Tauranga five-year-old Malachi Subecz was murdered recommended sweeping changes. The Independent Children's Monitor says they haven't happened, and children are no safer today than when Malachi died. Chief Executive Arrun Jones says these findings are disappointing. "We'd hoped to see more progress, so it's disappointing not to have seen that." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Four New Zealand rowing crews have the chance to supercharge the country's slow start in day six action at the Paris Olympics. Both double sculls duos and both coxless four combinations contest their respective finals from 9pm tonight. Former Olympic rower Eric Murray says Brooke Francis and Lucy Spoors are likely to bring home a gold medal for women's rowing. "Going off paper, they are the fastest qualifiers - and I think they're finding themselves in a position they wouldn't have expected." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Police Union says judges let too many high-level drug offenders off easy. A meth bust in Hawke's Bay and Gisborne in 2021 ended with the arrests of 15 - but only five went to jail. Police Association president Chris Cahill says the problem is sentence discounts. He says one person who imported 4 kilos of meth got five different discounts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transpower says it's looking at what it can do for wider Northland after its fallen pylon caused a widespread power outage. An investigation has found contractor Omexom's team leader was distracted sandblasting, as unsupervised inexperienced workers removed the bolts from three legs at once. Residents can contact their retailer about compensation - but Transpower says it can't compensate businesses. Acting CEO John Clarke says they've spoken with Northland MP Grant McCallum. "We will be talking with him and other leaders... they may make an announcement of how we can support the community in some way, given the challenges that they have faced." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Green Party's discipline of Julie Anne Genter's come into question, compared with the departure of Darleen Tana and Elizabeth Kerekere last year. Genter's been forced to apologise to the House, after crossing the floor in May and yelling in the face of a National Minister. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper predicted Genter wouldn't receive much punishment in the first place. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two people have been found dead on a boat in Sydney's north. The bodies of the man and the woman were discovered on Wednesday evening after authorities investigated a mooring at Tunks Park, Cammeray. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says investigations are still ongoing. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hayden Wilde has earned a silver medal after getting overtaken by long-time British rival Alex Yee around 200 metres from the end of the men's Olympic triathlon. Compatriot Dylan McCullough produced a selfless effort to drag Wilde back into the race on the bike after he was more than a minute down on the swim. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave unpacks the victory further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Ministry of Health review three years after euthanasia became legal might re-ignite debate. The Ministry is asking people to share their thoughts on the Act. It says 344 people had an assisted death in the year to March 31. General Practice NZ chair, Bryan Betty, says the Act is working as designed. But he says some groups and people still strongly oppose it, despite its rigorous safeguards. "The reason for doing a review like that is to uncover those types of issues and to see how this has been operating - and if there are any things there that we should be thinking about going forward." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A vigil for the victims of this week's deadly stabbing in Southport was disrupted by protestors, resulting in destruction and injuries. Protesters, believed to be supporters of the far-right English Defence League, threw bricks at a local mosque, set vehicles on fire and threw bottles and bricks at police. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says unconfirmed reports about the 17-year-old behind the attack may have prompted this attack. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New home consents have fallen to the lowest point in five years. Stats NZ figures show fewer than 34,000 new homes were consented in the year to June - a 24 percent fall annually. Consents for multi-unit homes, including townhouses, apartments, retirement village units and flats are down 28 percent. Construction sector advisor Mike Blackburn says this downturn has impacted the whole country. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US-based frozen potato giant Lamb Weston's profits have been dropping, off the back of a rocky financial period for the company. This is off the back of the company's shares falling almost 50 percent over the course of 2024. Milford Asset Management's Stephanie Batchelor unpacks this downturn. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One expert has claimed there are upsides and downsides to the Government's changes to finance laws. From today, the Government is dropping prescriptive affordability regulations from the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act. NZ Herald Wellington business editor explains whether these changes will make it easier on Kiwis looking to buy their first home. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday July 31, one expert joined Andrew Dickens to discuss the risks that come with the Government's moves to roll back the hurdles needed to get a loan. Former Health NZ chair Rob Campbell says hospitals are important - but it's essential to ensure preventative health services are properly funded. International relations expert Robert Patman explained how the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh puts Israel in a risky position. Plus, the Huddle debates whether the Seine is truly safe to swim in ahead of tonight's Olympics triathlons. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ACT Party's had a stoush with the Speaker of the House - over a party lapel pin. During Question Time, ACT's Todd Stephens was denied his question after refusing to remove the pin, under Parliament rules forbidding party logos. Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls weighs in on the 'pin-gate' controversy. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Media Insider's Shayne Currie and Infrastructure New Zealand CEO Nick Leggett joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! New developments in the Polkinghorne murder trial, with the case featuring testimony around an orange rope found in the Remuera home where the incident happened. What do we make of this? Health NZ has appointed four new deputy chief executives, who will hold budgets and accountability for regional hospital services. Do we need these changes? Over in Paris, the delayed men's triathlon is set to take place tonight after pollution in the Seine stopped athletes in their tracks yesterday. Is this safe? There's more job cuts today, as over 100 positions are set to be axed at GNS science. Is this the right move? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The costs of sending Kiwi exports overseas has risen significantly amid escalating tensions in the Red Sea. A report from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said global shipping rates have nearly doubled since late April - but they remain below the peak reached during the Covid pandemic. Export NZ executive director Josh Tan says this is an 'external shock' that runs the risk of impacting inflation. "We're impacted by what is happening around the world - so this certainly qualifies." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The men's triathlon is finally set to begin, after safety concerns stopped the athletes in their tracks. Hayden Wilde and Dylan McCullough are poised to compete in the men's event tonight after it was postponed yesterday due to water pollution. Olympic commentator Lavina Good says technicians have tested the water in the Seine and assured the athletes that the bacteria levels are fine. "The French authorities here have spent $1.5 billion on making sure that the water quality is suitable for the triathlon." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Day three of Phillip Polkinghorne's murder trial has featured testimony around an orange rope and investigations after the death. Polkinghorne is accused of killing his wife, Pauline Hanna, in 2021 with debate in court today about a rope found on scene. The Crown claims the rope hadn't enough tension for Hanna to use it take her life, but the defence says Polkinghorne loosened it when he found her. ZB reporter Chelsea Daniels says the jury also heard about the intensive search of the Remuera home. "Police scoured every one of the 370 square meters of that Upland Road home. Four bedrooms, four bathrooms, the library, the kitchen, the study, the laundry - everything." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An international relations professor believes the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh brings considerable risks to Israel. Hamas has released a statement, saying the 62-year-old was killed in an Israeli 'raid' on his home in Tehran. Iranian analysts have immediately blamed Israel for the attack, but Israel is yet to officially comment. Otago University professor Robert Patman, says Haniyeh was one of the top negotiators in the hostage talks in Qatar. "To take him out sends a signal that perhaps Netanyahu puts the fate of the hostages somewhat below his concerns to annihilate or eradicate Hamas." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former chair of Health New Zealand says health crisis solutions won't be found in hospitals. The health agency's appointed four deputy chief executives to be accountable for regional hospital services and budgets. The Government last week appointed a Commissioner to take over its board, citing cost blow-outs. Former chair Rob Campbell says hospitals are important - but they are the end stage of the healthcare. "We need to be getting far more attention to both preventative health - public health measures for example - and to primary care, again the GPs and the other local services." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From today, strict loan affordability regulations are gone from the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act, henceforth known as the CCCFA. This ends the bizarre inquisitions into your personal life the banks indulged in before denying you a loan. This is good news for first home buyers, obviously, but the people most affected were those trying to get smaller loans. The grilling you got to get that $5,000 you needed to fix a leak hopefully is over. The loan to value ratio rules have also eased, so again, good news for the first home buyers and investors. So how green are these green shoots in the housing market? Well, one report says that - 'home ownership for typical first home buyers has gone from being solidly in unaffordable territory at the start of the year to just marginally unaffordable in June'. Happy days- but still tough. Meanwhile, it turns out that first home buyers are increasingly buying townhouses. Townhouses made up just 6 percent of all new dwelling consents in 2012, now they account for 45 percent. And they are the obvious solution. Most of England is made up of terraced houses and townhouses, and so are most inner suburbs in Australia. They're grander than apartments. You're not sharing corridors and lifts with strangers. They're just like houses - only smaller. But in New Zealand, many don't like the idea. They've persisted with the dream that their immigrant parents had back in the 50s and 60s with stand alone houses and gardens and space and a dog. But as our cities get larger we end up living in suburbs far far away from the centre, stuck in cars, growing congestion and not living the Kiwi dream. This new generation just wants enough rooms for a family and a tolerable commute. Many of us lucky enough or old enough to have the stand-alones have been standing in the way of intensification in our suburbs. But that has been standing in the way of a generation who want the choice. You may not choose to live in a townhouse, but you aren’t 24 with a baby and a limited budget. I understand that an earlier paradise is being corrupted. But I also understand it was always inevitable. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The acting head of the Secret Service was grilled in a lengthy hearing about the security failures that led to Donald Trump getting wounded during the infamous Pennsylvania rally. At a lengthy US Senate hearing, Ronald Rowe outlined the ongoing investigation into the incident, including the lapses that led to the shooting. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson said the hearing became quite tense, with plenty of shouting across the courtroom. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's growing concerns from expert as the Government rolls back some restrictions needed to take out a loan. From today, The Government has removed affordability regulations from the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act and updated the Responsible Lending Code. Money Sweetspot co-founder and CEO Sasha Lockley says relaxing these requirements means more people are at risk of getting into debt that they can't afford to pay back. "People believe what banks and finance companies tell them around affordability...and if you go to some of the bad actors in this financial system, they may say - yes, absolutely you can afford it, when actually, people can't." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After 12 years of playing international rugby, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe is craving normality. The 33-year-old Black Ferns sevens star is retiring from the international game with two Olympics golds and a silver following her latest Paris triumph. Woodman-Wickliffe scored more than a try a game in almost 250 sevens appearances for New Zealand - but she's happy to step back from the spotlight. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two children have been killed and nine others injured after a deadly stabbing attack in Southport, north of Liverpool. Six young victims have been left in critical condition and police have arrested a 17-year-old boy on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. UK correspondent Vincent McAviney says Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and the King and Queen are among those who have sent their sympathies to the victims of the attack. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's highly-anticipated tax cuts are set to kick in from tomorrow. Despite initial concerns about inflation, Finance Minister Nicola Willis is hopeful these cuts won't have an impact. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen explains whether or not these changes will bring inflation back up. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Long-serving agri-business journalist David Anderson died aged 57 in Timaru on Friday. Due to illness, Anderson had stepped down as managing editor with Rural News in April. The Country's Jamie Mackay pays tribute to him here today. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.