Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

The Taxpayers Union has said that the New Zealand Film Commission needs to stop giving out film subsidies – because they’re not good value. According to numbers compiled by former boss of South Pacific Pictures, John Barnett, the Film Commission has spent a whopping $88 million of taxpayer money on 54 movies over the last few years. However, they only made $14 million at the NZ Box Office. John Barnett told Heater du Plessis-Allan “Our stories need by told by us, and to us.” Barnett said “We should be smarter about what we put our money into.” LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today is 40 years to the day since Rob Muldoon called the snap election. Which then, of course, led to his defeat. Which then, of course, led to the incoming Labour Government, realised we were nearly broke as a country. Which then led to them embarking on the most amazing set of reforms which they do not get enough credit for to this day - and get way too much grief for. It is a really interesting anniversary for us to mark right now - as we find ourselves in a recession that feels like the worst that many of us have ever experienced. As we watch old names in New Zealand, like Smith and Caughey give up. As we see projections that the country's debt will just keep growing. Because today, Roger Douglas - one of the primary architects of those reforms back in 1984 - has given an interview saying we are as in as much trouble today, as we were back in 1984. By the way, if you ask why is Roger Douglas piping up again? He's not stopped, ay. You cannot stop the man. He's still pouring over all the government financials, still publishing his ideas, still calling journalists to tell us what he thinks is going wrong with the country. And in this particular interview, he points to a Treasury paper containing long-term fiscal projections, and he says if we carry on spending the way that we are, if you look at this paper, we're going to go broke. In particular, what he's worried about - is the projections for the cost explosion that's coming in healthcare, the pension, education and the cost of paying for the debt that we're racking up. He points to health specifically. He says it's currently 7% of GDP. In 35 years - many of us will still be alive by that time - it will be 11% Now that is just health. Never mind the pension. Never mind education. Never mind the cost of the debt. And he is worried that the debt is gonna blow out in this country. And he's right to be worried about it. Because if you just look at the budget documents that were published last month, that debt shows no sign of going anywhere other than up, it just gets bigger and bigger and bigger every single year. Now you tell me that he's wrong. And I'm not being miserable about it. I just wanna be realistic about it. You tell me that you disagree with him, that we are in the same position that we were in 1984. Our country is in a structural deficit at the moment. It means that we spend more every single year than we earn as a country. Our infrastructure is getting old. Everything is going backwards from crime, to the education system. We are tied up in red tape and dumb rules in this country. So he's right, isn't he? So here’s hoping the country and the government have the intelligence and the courage to do some radical things to fix this - just like the government that came in 40 years ago. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lucy Letby, convicted of murdering seven babies and trying to kill six others, has gone on trial accused of the attempted murder of another newborn in her care. The 34-year-old was found guilty in August last year of committing the crimes between June 2015 and June 2016, while working as a nurse in the neonatal unit of a Chester hospital. The former nurse is now on trial at Manchester Crown Court charged with one count of attempted murder of a further young baby girl, known as Child K, in February 2016. UK correspondent Enda Brady says Letby has since denied the charges. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apple has made a plunge into the AI universe through its new offering: Apple Intelligence. The tech giant revealed how it planned to pair up with OpenAI in order to integrate AI into its devices and software. Fisher Funds expert Sam Dickie explained this development further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Fitch ratings agency is casting doubts on New Zealand's economic future. The agency is considering bringing down the nation's rating, amid concerns surrounding increased debt and low immigration flow. NZ Herald Business editor-at-large Liam Dann unpacks the implications of this news. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says he has discussed issues important to New Zealand's interests with China's Premier, Li Qiang. The pair held high-level talks this afternoon, following an official powhiri welcome to Government House. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacked the fanfare surrounding this high-profile visit. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 13 June 2024, China's Premier has touched down in NZ amongst new revelations of Chinese foreign interference. Transport Minister Simeon Brown tells Heather why he's increasing speedlimits again across the country. The Black Caps have had a horrific showing in the T20 World Cup. D'Arcy Waldegrave can't believe it. The Huddle debates whether Kevin Spacey will ever get a movie job again. Plus what are "hot rodent men" and why is Hollywood in love with them? Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Men's Health Week director Mark Sainsbury and Auckland Councillor Richard Hills joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The coalition Government has committed to reversing Labour's restrictions on speed limits. From July, speed limits will be readjusted to pre-2020 levels. Is this sensible or too risky? New research shows the difference between what mayors earn and what councillors earn. Auckland mayors and councillors bring in the most money - but a Stratford councillor get $23,000. Does this need to be changed? What did we think of Kevin Spacey's infamous interview with Piers Morgan? Will he ever get another acting job? Coal-generated electricity has risen by 99 percent, while gas supply has decreased 12 percent in the March quarter. How much trouble are we in? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government aims to reduce the nation's gender pay gap through the development of a voluntary calculation tool. Current figures show the gap currently sits at 8.6 per cent - and has remained persistent at around 9 percent from 2018. Acting Minister for Women Louise Upston says businesses need a consistent and simple tool to measure their pay gaps, and then develop solutions. "We think this is a really important first step - so businesses can take those steps and we can see the gender pay gap reduce." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The decline in gas supply has led to production cuts and a 99 percent increase in coal-generated electricity, according to MBIE. Methanex, New Zealand's biggest energy consumer, has cut back on its methanol production as a result. Director of Enerlytica, John Kidd, says the system will adjust - but unfortunately this is not a costless exercise. "Structurally, we're short on energy - full stop. So it's often lost on people that we don't have enough energy in the country to be able to support our demands. So we do rely on international markets anyway." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Caps' T20 World Cup campaign is in tatters after a 13-run loss to the West Indies in Trinidad, leaving their Super 8 hopes hanging by a thread. Their chase of 150 to win has finished at 136 for 9. Cricket commentator Bryan Waddle says the team wasn't properly prepared for today's game. "They got close, but not close enough. Conditions were difficult and the West Indies were too good for them." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Speed limits around schools will become varied if proposed rule changes go ahead. The coalition Government is reversing speed limit reductions implemented over the past four years under the previous Government. Public input is open as the draft rule enters the consultation phase. Transport Minister Simeon Brown says slower school speeds will only apply at pick-up and drop-off times. "Rather than being all around the clock, which is how it's currently done at the moment, where you're seeing 30km being put in suburbs across our cities." Simeon Brown says most people don't follow the current laws anyway. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former SIS Minister Andrew Little says China's relationship with its diaspora community is often intense. Stuff has released a documentary covering allegations of Chinese Communist Party influence and interference operations in New Zealand. It comes as the Chinese Premier visits New Zealand for the first time in seven years. Andrew Little says New Zealand is no different to any other country with a significant Chinese population. "The Communist Party, through its various machines and organs and organisations, stays in close contact with a lot of those people." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prosecutors are debating whether to send former NRL star Jarryd Hayne to his fourth trial. Hayne spent a year behind bars after being convicted of sexual assault - and these convictions have since been quashed. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says it's unlikely a fourth trial hill happen, as Hayne is eligible for parole next May. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Caps' chances of progressing to the Super 8 stage at the T20 World Cup are all-but over. Coming off a first-up drubbing by Afghanistan, New Zealand have gone down by 13 runs to the West Indies in Trinidad. They've only been able to muster 136 for 9 - in pursuit of 150 to win. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave unpacks the loss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Retirement Commissioner has released a list of proposed changes to improve the KiwiSaver scheme. The list suggested the default rate for KiwiSaver contributions needs to rise to 4 percent, with employers being required to match that level. However, the Commission disagreed that KiwiSaver should be compulsory. Retirement Commission policy lead Dr Michelle Reyers says 90 percent of wage and salary earners already contribute to the scheme. "There are downsides to forcing people to save - some people on very low incomes will not necessarily be better off if they give up current wellbeing for some future time period." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New figures showed the UK economy experienced no growth in April. The region's GDP was flat for an entire month, off the back of a 0.4 percent bump in March. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says this dip will be a problem for the Conservative Party ahead of the election. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An optimistic update from Tower Insurance, as the company increased its profit expectations. This is the third projected profit upgrade for the company - a significant turnaround following a chaotic 2024. Milford Asset Management's Michael Luke explains how the company's new strategic direction helped boost these numbers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The top brass at the country’s banks, as well as their regulators, are due to be publicly questioned by politicians about the level of competition in the banking sector. Finance Minister Nicola Willis has asked Parliament’s Finance and Expenditure Committee to lead an inquiry into competition in the banking sector. The inquiry will draw on the draft findings of the Commerce Commission’s big market study into retail banking, which is due for completion by August 20. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains the possible outcomes of this inquiry. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An update concerning the proposed lobbying crackdown has been met with disappointment from transparency advocates. The Ministry of Justice revealed a new code of conduct co-written by lobbyists - featuring significant changes to the original document. Transparency International CEO Julie Haggie says the new code isn't worth the paper it's printed on. "Just about every single element of actual conduct - that is, what you would do to actually prove you had ethical standards - was removed." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 12 June 2024, Richard McIntyre from Federated Farmers tells Heather just what the farmers want from the banking inquiry now that the government has expanded its scope to include rural banking. Lawyer Michael Bradley talks to Heather about Jarryd Hayne's rape conviction getting overturned Sociologist Paul Spoonley on how much longer this exodus of Kiwis from NZ will go on for and what we can do to stop it Plus find out which iconic Auckland beach Heather thinks is totally overrated! Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Nick Leggett from Infrastructure New Zealand and ZB Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! New figures from Stats NZ show more than 130,000 people left in the year to April, 81,200 of which were Kiwi citizens - the highest on record. How can we turn this around? What's driving the nation's skilled workers away? National MP Maureen Pugh was reportedly assaulted at a gold mine protest yesterday. Should we be more concerned about the safety of MPs? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The sky's the limit for aspiring pilots, as Air New Zealand launches their Mangōpare Pilot Cadetship scheme. The program is open to applications - and will fast-track the journey from becoming a commercial pilot from 24-36 months to approximately 14 months. The airline's Chief Operational Integrity and Safety Officer, Captain David Morgan, says it's important they future-proof their pilot ranks. "There's a global shortage of pilots, and that shortage has just continued to grow over time. Airlines are expanding, Air New Zealand will grow - and also, there's an aging pilot issue." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health NZ is standing by its processes, despite upset over staff having to pay back money received in error. The Nurses' Union is raising concerns over the pay back request, as Health NZ still owes workers $2 billion in under payments. HNZ Chief People Officer Andrew Slater says at any one time, only about one million in errors is being chased across a $10 billion pay roll. "This is just us making sure that people are paid accurately - and we are working with taxpayer money wisely." Slater says they're incredibly frustrated at what it owes workers, and they're working round the clock to fix this. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prosecutors are considering a fourth trial after a former Australian NRL star's rape convictions have been quashed again. Jarryd Hayne has been released on bail, after spending a year behind bars for being convicted of two counts of sexual intercourse without consent last April. The verdict has been overturned on the basis that the judge didn't allow further cross-examination on the complainant. Australian lawyer Michael Bradley says it's in no one's interest for a rape case to be tried three times. "It's appalling for everyone, it just underlines how broken the system is." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The police helicopter and checkpoints are being used in Marokopa in the search for Tom Phillips and his three children. Police announced an $80,000 reward yesterday - and say they've had an increase in emails, calls and visits since. Waikato Herald reporter Maryana Garcia says police are stopping cars going in and out of the town and the chopper has been up all day. "The chopper's been flying over the Marokopa area, it came through this morning and it did a loop around that coastal area." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Look, I have got the point where I personally think St John ambulance service is so broken that I'm not sure I would rely on it in an emergency anymore.Today, the union representing the ambulance workers has announced it’s launching industrial action - indefinitely.It says St John first said there was no money for pay increases - then did make a pay increase offer, but it wasn't good enough. So the union said no and counter-offered, and every time they've counter-offered, they say St John just refuses to address it. So as a result, they will still be doing be doing code purple and red call outs, which is cardiac arrest and life threatening stuff. But they are not committing to doing anything else indefinitely. So basically, until they get a decent pay offer. This could go on for a year, they said.Can you imagine how much worse this is going to make St John? Because it’s already not flash. There's a story in the papers today of a 72-year-old guy who called St John to say he was having a heart attack. He knew he was having a heart attack, cause he’d had two before. And they said the ambulance would be an hour or two away because he actually just had a chest infection.There was also a story just a couple of weeks ago of a 17-year-old girl who died of asthma. Asthma! It's a completely treatable situation, and she died because the operator coded it wrong and sent the ambo crew on a break instead of in to save her life.Something's wrong here. Part of it is funding, part of it is that we can’t run a life-saving service partly on donations - but it's bigger than that. Because if you’ve got people incorrectly coding events - quite often - is funding going to fix that?Anyway, I've got to the point where I've made an alterative plan for if we've got an emergency in the house, I've got a plan for how I'm going to get people to the hospital myself. Because I don’t think I can rely on St John - and I wonder how many other people have got to that point too. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rural communities are elated to see their repeated concerns being heard. The Finance Minister has asked the Finance and Expenditure and Primary Production Committees to lead a joint inquiry into rural banking. Federated Farmers says rural New Zealanders are facing huge financial pressures - worsened by unfair interest rates. Spokesperson Richard McIntyre says it's causing farmers to sell up. "It's the banks making excessive profits and it's a lack of competition in the rural banking space. We've only got 5 rural banks, but we have about 18 in the residential space." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis has asked the Finance and Expenditure and Primary Production Committees to lead a joint inquiry into banking. The investigation will be primarily focused on rural banking, and submissions from banks and chairpersons and chief executives will be expected. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained what this means for the wider rural sector. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The son of President Joe Biden has been found guilty in another new US legal first. Hunter Biden was found guilty of three offences - for lying about illegal drug use when buying and keeping a gun in 2018. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says the younger Biden's verdict has opened discussions about Biden's chances at the presidency. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Black Caps coach Gary Stead's hinted at tweaks - rather than wholesale changes - to their team for tomorrow's must-win T20 World Cup clash with the West Indies. New Zealand were rolled for 75 - their fourth lowest total in the format - during an 84-run drubbing by Afghanistan in their tournament opener. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave unpacks the issue further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a big worry at the number of skilled New Zealanders flowing out of the country. Latest figures from Stats NZ show more than 130,000 people left in the year to April - the highest on record. A record 81,200 New Zealand citizens made up majority of the departures. Massey University Sociologist Paul Spoonley says we're losing a lot of talented people - mainly young, recently graduated Kiwis. "Right across the board: teachers, all our professionals are being recruited because they're actually good - and they're being recruited for other countries, particularly Australia." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has faced some scorn from leaders and the public over his actions at the D-day commemorations. Several world leaders and surviving veterans gathered for the event's 80th anniversary, and Sunak drew ire by leaving early. UK correspondent Enda Brady says voters won't forgive this. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's move to scrap agriculture from the Emissions Trading Scheme has been welcomed by rural leaders. The newly-scrapped scheme would see farmers charged for additional emissions units used above their allotted allowance by 2025. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says the Government needed to focus on 'practical tools' that wouldn't reduce production or exports for Kiwi farmers. Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford approves of this choice - but claims there's still significant work to be done. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has has used the launch of a new build-to-rent facility in Auckland to announce new rules for the Overseas Investment Act. More money will be directed towards build-to-rent developments - and foreign investors will have a streamlined pathway to acquire land for said developments. Infometrics principal economist Brad Olsen says this move will likely add to the nation's housing supply over time. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a big week for the rural community, as crowds flock to Waikato for Fieldays 2024. From June 12 to 15, people will gather at Mystery Creek for the 56th running of the largest agricultural event in the Southern Hemisphere. The Country host is predicting a 'subdued' mood from attendees ahead of this year's event. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Opposition leader Chris Hipkins has overtaken the Prime Minister on net favourability, as support dropped for the coalition. A Taxpayers' Union-Curia poll had Chris Luxon tumbling 13 points to negative five percent, with Hipkins up 4 points to three percent. Both ACT and New Zealand First leaders have also seen a drop, with David Seymour down 11 points and Winston Peters down 14 points. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says it'll be a while before voters see what the Government has achieved. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

​On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 11 June 2024, Detective Inspector Graham Pitkethley gives an update on his homicide investigation following the death of a Te Kuiti baby. The Climate Change Minister tells Heather why farmers shouldn't be paying for their emissions and will definitely be excluded from the Emissions Trading Scheme. The Commerce Commission has revealed the fuel price trick that costs motorists millions every year. Plus, the Huddle debates whether it's time we stopped paying politicians an accommodation allowance if they own the place they're staying in. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union and Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! It's been revealed agriculture will be taken off the Emissions Trading Scheme. Is this the right call for New Zealand's emissions profile? Waikato authorities have offered 80,000 to finally find the missing Marokopa father and children. Will this help flush out anyone with information? Labour's Chris Hipkins has pulled ahead in the latest Taxpayers’ Union-Curia poll, and National is lagging. How much should voters read into this? Can the coalition turn public opinion around? Labour's Kieran McAnulty raised a few eyebrows for claiming a political housing perk to live in his wife's apartment - is it time we scrapped this entitlement for MPs? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Royal New Zealand Air Force has reported observing breaches of UNSC sanctions against North Korea during patrol missions. The P-8A Poseidon flew 11 missions to detect and deter evasions of UN during April and May - and allegations of illegal ship-to-ship transfers have surfaced. RNZAF No. 5 Squadron Commanding Officer Mark Whiteside says they detected multiple transfers that could potentially contain banned goods, such as oil or coal. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Consumer NZ is calling on banks to refund people targeted by scams. The watchdog launched a petition and campaign urging the Government and other agencies to better reduce harm for scam victims. Campaign manager Jessica Walker says Governments in places like the UK, Australia, and Singapore have made moves to protect people. "So what we're asking our Government is just to do the same - to offer New Zealanders the same protection so we are no longer at the mercy of these cyber criminals." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Commerce Commission says the delay in companies dropping the cost of petrol when company costs fall is costing Kiwi motorists $15 million a year. It's warning fuel companies it'll be watching prices when Auckland's regional fuel tax kicks in next month. AA principal policy advisor Terry Collins says petrol companies will be acting quickly come July to avoid further criticism. "I've been talking to contacts within the industry, and they're very keen to ensure that the Auckland motorists get their full 11.5 cents - one of the large majors has got a big team who are trying to get it done by midnight." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Climate Change Minister says plans to reduce agricultural emissions must be balanced with maintaining New Zealand's production. The Government plans to change the law in order to to stop farming being charged with credit offsets through the Emissions Trading Scheme. It was the fallback plan if partnership group He Waka Eka Noa couldn't find an alternative way to charge agriculture. He Waka Eke Noa will be replaced and Simon Watts says he's committed to pricing agricultural emissions by 2030. "We want that to be industry and farmer-led, because our farmers are some of the most carbon-efficient farmers in the world." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A baby boy's previous injury will be re-investigated after he died on Saturday in Waikato's Te Kūiti. Police say 10-month-old Mustafa Ali had suffered violent blunt-force trauma that didn't appear accidental. They say he suffered another non-accidental injury in October. Detective Inspector Graham Pitkethley says he's working to investigate the inconsistencies found within prior statements. "Like anything in these tragic situations, we will go back and have a look to see if there was anything else that could have been done." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Australia, Opposition leader Peter Dutton has confirmed the coalition will not set a 2030 emissions reduction target before the next election. Dutton claimed the coalition was committed to net zero by 2050, but refused to reveal any interim targets. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says both parties have underestimated the challenges of implementing renewable energy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson will make his return from a pectoral muscle injury in Saturday night's game against the Melbourne Storm. Coach Andrew Webster has today confirmed he's ready to play this weekend. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave unpacks today's announcement. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Authorities in Waikato have upped efforts to find the three children of missing Marokopa man Tom Phillips. An $80,000 reward has been posted for anyone with information, with a warrant out for Phillips' arrest. Acting Detective Inspector Andrew Saunders suspects other people are assisting Phillips - and hopes the reward and immunity will draw them out. "That's one of the reasons why we put this reward up for a limited period of time, to encourage those people to come forward." LIASTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here’s some good news for farmers on the eve of Fieldays - they will not have to pay for their emissions.The Government's announced it’s taking agriculture back out of the ETS, which is where it’s always been until the last Labour Government put it in there.And outside is where it should always be, because the idea of putting a climate tax on farmers who provide the food we need to survive is crazy. The idea is so crazy that, as far as I can tell, no other country in the world has done it.Now, Labour’s threat to farmers was - you’re in the ETS unless you find another way to pay for your emissions. So there will likely be an expectation that farmers will still have to find that other way. And frankly, I hope they don’t have to. I hope we just give up on this, because making farmers pay to grow the food we need to survive is absolutely nuts. I'm not having an argument about whether climate change is real or not, because of course it's real. And I'm also not having an argument about whether we should make an effort to reduce emissions. If we can, of course we should, within reason. But I am prepared to argue about how far you take that idea. I think that idea was taken too far. When Labour put farmers in the ETS, it had gone too far - because the natural end point of that was that it would add another cost to farming that would cause our farmers to farm fewer animals. That would therefore produce less meat and milk, therefore feeding fewer humans and making our country poorer by selling less to the world. When you get to that endpoint - that's crazy. For a moment there, we got absolutely carried away with the conviction that climate change was the most important thing we were dealing with. Let's get this straight, it is not. It doesn't trump everything else that we are doing. I would argue feeding children is more important, educating children is more important and heating up homes in the winter is more important.Thank goodness for this announcement, because it is absolutely correcting our priorities. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Far-right parties have rattled traditional powers in the European Union following recent parliamentary elections. French President Emmanuel Macron has called a snap election after exit polls put Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally party well ahead of pro-European centrists. Meanwhile, the far-right Alternative for Germany party is in second place in their vote, ahead of centre-left Social Democrats - with the Conservatives in the lead by a distance. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says increased concerns about immigration have helped these parties get ahead. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The owners of toy company Zuru have been named New Zealand's wealthiest people, the first change to the top spot in 20 years. This year's NBR Rich List saw Mat and Nick Mowbray bump packaging, property and investment magnate Graeme Hart from number one. NBR co-editor Hamish McNicol says the pair have openly planned to become the next Google or Tesla. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.