Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

A legal expert says many employers struggle to deal with external threats and harassment risks. Auckland University microbiologist Siouxsie Wiles has been awarded $20,000 in damages over an employment dispute. She provided technical expertise as a commentator during the pandemic, and claims the university didn't protect her from resultant threats. Otago University Law Lecturer Dawn Duncan says the threats weren't coming from her employer, which hinders its ability to identify them and take action. "They needed to get better advice and they needed to implement it before the emergency situation happened." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One expert says there's a conversation to be had off the back of a proposed ban on g-string bikinis. A Taranaki mother is calling for the 'pornographic' swimwear to be barred from public pools and drew over 150 signatures in a petition. Sex and Relationship expert Jo Robertson says regardless of the outcome, it's a great conversation starter. "What do we do when our kids are seeing stuff that, maybe, we don't like? And we're all going to have different ideas about what we do and don't want our kids to see." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A leaked report from the investigation into allegations former Green MP Darleen Tana was involved in migrant exploitation reveals the difficulties the investigator encountered and why it took more than 100 days to complete. The report also claims Tana’s husband, who is implicated in the allegations, gave evidence that “tended to obfuscate rather than elucidate”, which was one of the key difficulties holding up the investigation, and that Tana’s evidence “evidence shifted over the investigation”. It comes after Tana resigned from the party and Green co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick says she feels “utterly betrayed” and lied to by Tana, claiming the report proves the MP’s actions fell short of expectations. Tana denies the report shows she was involved in migrant exploitation and claims the party had already made its decision regardless of the report’s content. The allegations relate to Tana’s husband Christian Hoff-Nielsen’s bicycle company, in which claims of missing pay formed a complaint to the Employment Relations Authority (ERA). Hoff-Nielsen has denied the allegations. A section of investigator Rachel Burt’s report, leaked to Newstalk ZB’s Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive show, outlined the objective to ascertain whether Tana – who was reportedly involved in her husband’s business – was “operationally involved in E-Cycles NZ when the breaches of employment standards or conditions are alleged to have taken place”. Burt admitted the investigation had been “complicated” as she could not compel witnesses to speak to her or direct what documents she could receive. “Consequently, in this investigation, I was presented by some witnesses with seemingly selective or partial information, and by others with information that was voluminous and relevance unclear,” the leaked report said. She identified key difficulties being the two complainants not wanting to meet her “at the outset” and only providing certain documents and people she deemed relevant not wanting to be interviewed. Burt also found Hoff-Nielsen had not provided a “coherent or consistent verbal account” and his evidence “tended to obfuscate rather than elucidate”. Christian Hoff-Nielsen, husband of Darleen Tana. Photo / Jason Oxenham “[Tana’s] evidence shifted over the investigation with different explanations as to why that was so, requiring significant cross-referencing to earlier accounts and documentation to come to findings.” She added that a representative of a complainant also sent her 500 pages of “new and relevant” information just as she was finalising her draft report. “Consequently the investigation process took longer than anticipated, and coming to findings as required time-consuming and considered analysis.” Both Swarbrick and co-leader Marama Davidson had previously expressed frustration that the investigation had dragged on, lasting 114 days before Swarbrick spoke to media on Monday. Tana has been contacted for comment. In a statement, Green Party whip Ricardo Menéndez March said he would not provide comment on the report’s contents until “all named parties have been consulted with”. Adam Pearse is a political reporter in the NZ Herald Press Gallery team, based at Parliament. He has worked for NZME since 2018, covering sport and health for the Northern Advocate in Whangārei before moving to the NZ Herald in Auckland, covering Covid-19 and crime. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Motor Industry Association is praising changes to the Clean Car Importer Standards. The Government is softening back targets for reducing vehicle emissions, which were being enforced by fining importers of 'dirty' cars. The Association says the targets will still be tough - but easier than they were. Motor Industry Association Chief Executive Aimee Whiley says it will make it easier for importers to manage their costs. "We get our mix of zero-emissions vehicles, and we can offset the credits we earn from those to gain some of the debit penalties." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former Green MP says he's baffled the party hasn't ruled out using waka-jumping laws against Darleen Tana. The party has Tana to resign as an MP, after receiving a report on her knowledge of alleged migrant exploitation at her husband's business. Tana has quit the Green Party, but says she doesn't accept the report findings. The Greens previously opposed laws that would now let them formally request Tana's removal from Parliament. Former MP Gareth Hughes says he'd be very surprised it they changed their stance. "It would be a huge departure for the Greens to use it, given their decades-long opposition to it under multiple leaders, multiple caucuses - they haven't used it in the past." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Green Party is doubling down on their calls to encourage Darleen Tana to exit Parliament. A new report from an investigation into alleged migrant exploitation at her husband's business has inspired Tana to quit the Greens. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says it's the right course of action for Tana should step down. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian outback town of Alice Springs has issued a three-night stay-at-home order after a weekend of violent incidents. These include a brawl involving 80 people and a knife attack on a 42-year-old woman. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the factors behind the crime wave are complicated - and it's unlikely the curfew will help. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NRL has ruled the Warriors should've received a penalty for a late tackle during their golden-point loss to the Bulldogs. Jaeman Salmon has received a two-match ban for dangerous contact on Te Maire Martin in an effort to pressure a field goal attempt. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains the issue further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's speculation that Labour is examining the possible benefits of an inheritance tax ahead of its next party conference. The party has reportedly taken inspiration from Ireland, where people are required to pay a 33 percent tax on gifts or inheritances worth more than €335,000 ($558,00 NZD). Independent tax expert Geof Nightingale says there's good arguments for the tax - but it's not without drawbacks. "It can get very complex to administer, because it's based on valuation. It can drive some really unwelcome economic behaviours, because you've got to find cash to pay it - therefore you might sell the family business or realise some assets." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The winners of France's snap election may be certain, but deep political divisions means what'll happen next isn't clear. People are celebrating in the streets of France, after left-wing coalition - the New Popular Front - has fended off the far-right National Rally. It's a surprise result, reversing the National Rally's lead in votes last week. UK correspondent Gavin Grey explains the unprecedented final result. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Synlait Milk's future is hanging in the balance ahead of an upcoming vote impacting the company. On Thursday, a shareholders meeting will take place to determine if a $130 million dollar loan from China's Bright Dairy will be approved. Synlait chair George Adams unpacks the significance of the upcoming vote. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank is set to deliver its next Monetary Policy Statement regarding the OCR on Wednesday. It's expected the Bank will keep rates on hold for longer, but economists are divided on when the anticipated cuts will come. Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly says markets are pricing in cuts, which could come between November to next February. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Housing Minister Chris Bishop is standing up for the Government's new housing policy changes, amid concerns it'll create more problems. Bishop plans to fill urban areas with development land and remove council powers to mandate boundaries and standards. He acknowledges shoebox apartments aren't ideal for everybody, but more housing is better for Kiwis. "It's about housing choice. We need smaller apartments, we need bigger apartments, we need suburban houses, we need duplexes, we need terraced houses, we need townhouses, we need big mansions - we need everything." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 8 July 2024, Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick speaks to Francesca Rudkin about THAT report into Darleen Tana, why the Greens wanted Darleen out of the Party and why they're calling on her to resign from Parliament. 40,000 Kiwis each year get their power cut off because they haven't paid their power bills, but Consumer NZ says that's not fair. NZ has a new tennis star! Lulu Sun, born in Te Anau, has made it to the quarter finals in Wimbledon - and the Te Anau Tennis Club is over the moon. Plus the Huddle debates Darleen Tana's future and how grocery producers are tricking shoppers by shrinking the size of your biscuits and increasing the air in your chippie bag. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and Nick Leggett from Infrastructure NZ joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Green Party has been calling for disgraced ex-MP Darleen Tana to resign from Parliament altogether after a report detailing alleged migrant exploitation at her husband's business was released on Friday. What do we make of this? Where can the Greens go from here? Consumer NZ has called for the nation's biggest power companies to ease up on struggling customers who can't pay their bills. Is there a solution to increased energy hardship? As the food prices go up, grocery suppliers appear to be shrinking their output. Do we agree biscuits are getting smaller and chip bags are getting emptier? Are we really paying more for less? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Disgraced ex-Green MP Darleen Tana says she doesn't accept the findings of the report that's prompted calls for her resignation. Following a months-long investigation into her knowledge of alleged migrant exploitation at her husband's business, Tana has resigned from the Greens. Political analyst Bryce Edwards says Tana's response today is the only one possible. He says if she wants to fight to stay in Parliament she has to contest what the Greens are saying. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tennis player Lulu Sun's hometown club is confident she'll go all the way at Wimbledon. She's beaten Britain's Emma Raducanu today, making her the first Kiwi woman to make Wimbledon's quarter-finals. Her Te Anau club pulled an all-nighter to watch her compete. Club president Gregory Sheppard says Sun had them on the edge of their seats. "It was quite emotional, actually, there was a few tears shed in the clubhouse there. We're all just super proud." Sun is ranked 123rd in the world, and will play number 37 - Donna Vekic on Wednesday, for a semi-final spot. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joe Biden is continuing to insist on staying in the presidential race, despite escalating calls for him to end his re-election campaign. Four more Democrats currently in Congress have voiced their belief that Biden needs to step down during a recent phone call. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says it's unclear who could replace Biden at this point in the campaign. "You have the other Democrats who are saying - okay, that would mean Kamala Harris would have to step up and slide into the role vacated by Biden. But she just doesn't have the it-factor." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greens co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick says it's unclear what path the party will take if Darleen Tana won't resign from Parliament. The party was handed a report on Tana's knowledge of alleged migrant exploitation at her husband's business on Friday. She's resigned from the party, and the caucus has unanimously requested she also quit Parliament. Tana's released a statement saying she does not accept the report's findings. Swarbrick says things are still up in the air. "Were Darleen to put us in the position where she was not to resign as a member of Parliament, then of course we would have to go back to having some sort of discussion about what comes next." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Greens are picking up the pieces of another public scandal, after Darleen Tana stepped down. Tana has resigned after a report was delivered discussing claims of migrant exploitation at her husband's business. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper has labelled this 'disgraceful'. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian police believe the father of three children who died in a Sydney house fire on Sunday is responsible for the tragedy. Four children and their mother survived, but three died - including a 10-month-old. The blaze at Lalor Park is being investigated as domestic violence. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says police still need to follow correct processes. "It is being alleged that the father was holding the door shut, saying - I want to die here. It is going to be alleged, once they can talk to this bloke - who's in a coma - that he set the house on fire and was trying to kill his family." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Surprise grand slam quarter-finalist Lulu Sun is exhausted and keen to recharge her batteries. The New Zealand left hander became the first female qualifier to make the final 8 at Wimbledon in 14 years when she overcame Emma Radacanu in three sets. Sportstalk host Jason Pine unpacks this victory further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's growing calls for power companies to go easier on customers who can't pay their bills. Each year, around 40,000 New Zealanders are disconnected from the power supply for non-payment, according to new data. Consumer NZ's Paul Fuge says people genuinely struggling shouldn't have to ration an essential service. "There needs to be more protections around disconnections and more time for interventions - and other mechanisms need to be in place to stop those people who genuinely can't afford it and where there could be genuine harm caused." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday July 5 2024, we get the latest from the UK as the Labour Party sweeps to power in the general election. Heather speaks to both Auckland councillor Richard Hills and Mayor Wayne Brown after the council voted against the government's proposed speed limit changes. Kelly Martin from South Pacific Pictures speaks about Shortland Street being cut to three nights a week. And the Sports Huddle previews the All Blacks first test of the year against England in Dunedin. 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.

It's thought Shortland Street should make up a big part of TVNZ's new digital strategy. Our longest running soap will drop from airing five nights a week in February, to three. It will now continue with support from NZ On Air and the New Zealand Screen Production Grant. South Pacific Pictures Chief Executive, Kelly Martin told Heather du Plessis-Allan the show is streamed more 20-million times annually on TVNZ Plus. She says linear ratings also remain strong, as well as its engaged audience. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tories have been totally annihilated in the UK election with a colossal victory for Sir Keir Starmer's Labour Party. It's won 392 seats, topping the amount needed to form a majority Government by more than 60 seats. Meanwhile, controversial Brexit champion Nigel Farage has proved eight times is the charm —finally getting a seat in Clacton— with his right-wing Reform Party scoring four seats. LBC presenter Henry Riley told Heather du Plessis-Allan the excitement was palpable at the Reform HQ. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christopher Luxon is set to meet the UK’s new Prime Minister next week. He said in a media standup earlier today that he would work with “every leader the partner countries deliver” and was confident he would have a good relationship with whoever won the election. Labour’s Keir Starmer has won the election by a landslide, the party having taken over 360 seats. ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper told Heather du Plessis-Allan that he has a busy first month, with diplomatic meetings with various world leaders in store. “For the first time now in 14 years, we’re going to see a change in government. Let's only hope that the Labour Party is better than the one that we saw here.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National pride in the US nears record lows. The most recent Gallup poll revealed that 41% of respondents considered themselves “extremely proud” to be an American, and an additional 26% said they were very proud. The downwards slope hit its lowest point in 2020, with only 63% of respondents saying they were very or extremely proud, compared to the years after 9/11, which peaked at 70% in 2003. US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson told Heather du Plessis-Allan that while it is somewhat split on party lines, even for Republicans their pride levels are down. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plenty of excitement in Dunedin as the city prepares for tomorrow’s match. The All Blacks are facing off against England in their first test of 2024 - the first test of Scott Robertson’s tenure as coach. Jason Pine is broadcasting live from the stadium this weekend, and told Heather du Plessis-Allan that the team picked for this game was pretty predictable, designed to get Razor’s era as coach off to a good start. "I think it’s a good team, there’s probably not a lot that most people would have changed in the, in the 15 or the 23.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK Labour Party has won county's election in a commanding fashion. The tally of Sir Keir Starmer's party's seats has now topped 360 seats —it needed 326 for a majority— and he will become Prime Minister. Starmer says they're here to return Britain to the service of working people. UK Correspondent Peter Anderson told Heather du Plessis-Allan that they’re expecting, based on figures so far, for Labour to end up with about 410 seats in the 650 seat Parliament, giving them a majority of 170 seats. In comparison, he said, the Conservatives are looking to have shed more than 200 seats, and will likely have a rather lowly 140/150 MPs at most. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reluctantly, I think saving Shortland Street was the right thing for now. The news on Shorty today is that it’s been saved, but it will go down to three episodes a week. What's saved it is taxpayer money: $3 million from NZ On Air and then be eligible for a rebate from the Screen Production Grant which must be about $6 or $7 million. Which means we’re pumping in around about $10 million in taxpayer money to save a soap opera. I'm reluctant about this because I generally don't think we should prop up failing businesses. If they can’t make a buck it’s because not enough people like the product, in which case it should be allowed to die. But... I think there’s an exception this time. Because it might just be possible that Shorty may be able to pay its own way again... maybe. The reason I say that is because it’s not that Shorty is unpopular, it actually has a lot of people watching. The last figures that I can find are from last year, 79K people in their key demographic watched it on TV2, which doesn’t sound that impressive, but then you add in the streaming numbers of TVNZ+: 455K a week. And well, that is impressive. By comparison, at the same time TVNZ News only earned 180K streams, even though the news has got two extra episodes a week, Shorty was beating it by 2.5 times. The problem isn’t that it’s unpopular. The problem is that TVNZ hasn’t figured out how to actually make enough money from the people watching it on TVNZ+. It knows how to get money from TV2 ads, but it doesn’t know how to properly monetise online yet. So... Shorty street is only guaranteed for another year. I dunno if that's enough time for TVNZ to figure out how to earn more money on the app, but I hope it does. Because it would be a pity to lose a show that is still watched by that many kiwis, and that has trained some of our best acting talent: Temuera Morrison, KJ Apa, Thomasin McKenzie, Craig Parker, Martin Henderson, Robyn Malcolm. And which is, frankly, is one of the few shows left actually reflecting us back to ourselves. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Voting booths are opening in the UK, where it's predicted the 14-year Tory rule will come to an end. Keir Starmer's Labour party is expected to cruise to an easy victory over Rishi Sunak's Conservatives. UK correspondent Enda Brady says data predicts Labour will win in the biggest victory since 1836. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Equity markets around the world are experiencing lifetime highs - but one expert has warned of the possible risks involved. The US, Japan, Europe and Australia are all thriving, amid a collective battle with inflation. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explains the situation further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The golden era of trade is over and New Zealand needs to push hard to diversify its trading partners, according to a warning from the Deputy Secretary of Trade. During the Primary Industries Conference, Vangelis Vitalis said primary industry exports went through a boom between 1995 and 2017 but since then, things have become much harder. The Country's Jamie Mackay unpack the issue further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Housing Minister Chris Bishop says six major changes to housing reflect the needs of a modern population. They'll let cities expand at the fringes by stopping councils setting fixed rural-urban boundaries, and requiring them to plan for growth 30 years ahead. Minimum floor area and balcony requirements are being abolished for apartments. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explains the benefits of these changes. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Consumer NZ says the nation's tanning salons are putting vulnerable customers at risk of permanent damage. The watchdog has accused some operators of letting under-18s and fair-skinned users to book sessions - and is calling for an overall ban. Consumer NZ writer Belinda Castles says other countries have made the move to ban sunbeds amid concern surrounding skin cancer. "We've got these voluntary regulations - and clearly voluntary is not working. So we should just ban them, there's no need for them." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 4 July 2024, Property Developer David Whitburn responds to the Government's announcement to 'flood' cities with housing - will it lead to slum areas? Pollster Henry Olsen gives us an update on the Biden situation in the US and why he's refusing to stand down. The Huddle debates whether we should ban sunbeds for good. And who actually uses them? Plus, tax expert Bruce Bernacchi dives into the IRD coming after crypto owners not paying tax. 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, Kiwiblog head and Curia pollster David Farrar and former Health NZ chair Rob Campbell joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Housing Minister has announced a raft of changes designed to fill urban areas with development land and remove council powers to mandate boundaries and standards. Do we agree with these changes? How will we cover the hidden costs? Consumer NZ has called for a ban on sunbeds, after an increase in young or vulnerable users putting themselves at risk to use them. Do we agree with this? Joe Biden has dug his heels in and refused to drop out of the presidential race, despite growing calls from the Democrats after last week's debate. Do we think Biden can hang on until November? Do we agree with Razor's All Blacks squad picks ahead of their clash against England? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The IRD has confirmed it plans to target cryptocurrency users who haven't declared it as taxable income. The department has identified 227,000 users in New Zealand who had made about 7 million transactions with a value of $7.8 billion in the last tax year. Dentons Kensington Swan tax expert Bruce Bernacchi suspects there's tens of millions of dollars to potentially examine. "We only have to look at how high some of the crypto asset prices have gone - you've got bitcoin currently trading at $58,000 (USD), four years ago it was $9,000. There's some people who are doing very well." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's shock among Kiwi rugby fans, as Stephen Perofeta has been given the nod to start at fullback for the All Blacks in the first match of the year against England. He's pipped fellow Taranaki and Blues playmaker Beauden Barrett to the starting role at 15 for Saturday's test in Dunedin, with the veteran of 119 tests on the bench. Former All Black Sir John Kirwan says this is a wise choice ahead of the match. "I think Beauden will need a little bit of time to get back at that level, and Stephen Perofeta has been a form player in the last few weeks." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has been warned it needs to build more schools and classrooms to meet a bulge in class rolls. An April Ministry of Education paper shows 139 schools were over capacity. Migration last year brought almost 21,000 extra school children. Ormiston Senior College principal Tim Botting says his school has had to adapt. "We've had to use some of the café space, our library space now has students in it. We're coping really well, our staff have adapted, our students are doing well in the space." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A property expert says housing changes announced today will increase supply - with a massive infrastructure bill attached. Housing Minister Chris Bishop says they'll let cities expand by stopping councils setting fixed rural-urban boundaries and requiring them to plan for growth 30 years ahead. Apartment floor area minimums and balcony requirements are being abolished. Property developer and investor, David Whitburn, says it won't be the holy grail many are looking for. "It is very expensive to put in the wastewater networks, the roading, the connections to electricity - and so forth." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 3 July 2024, Hawke's Bay Regional Council Chief Executive Dr Nic Peet responds to calls for an apology for the council's role in Wairoa's devastating flooding last week. The Education Minister Erica Stanford tells Heather why she's introducing tests for primary school kids. The Huddle debates whether David Seymour should have been messaging kids on Snapchat after parents raised concerns. Plus, the things your employer can see and read on your work phone and chat. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.