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Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

12,438 episodes — Page 148 of 249

Daran Ponter: Greater Wellington Regional Council Chair on the region avoiding tighter restrictions on water use

It's looking likely Wellington's residents will avoid facing harsher restrictions on their water use- for the moment. The region is currently under level two restrictions, with a ban on all sprinklers and irrigation systems for residential homes in Wellington, Porirua, Hutt, and Upper Hutt. Greater Wellington Regional Council Chair Daran Ponter warns that the city isn't out of the woods just yet. "We're being told that level three is likely to be a more realistic possibility in early February. Of course, that's the hottest period of the year, so that makes sense." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 25, 20243 min

Casey Costello: NZ First Associate Health Minister hopeful new scheme for cigarette taxes will encourage Kiwis to quit smoking

New Zealand First's Casey Costello believes a potential plan for cigarette taxes will help people quit smoking. A leaked document shows the Associate Health Minister is getting advice on a potential three-year tax freeze for tobacco. Costello is also looking at harsher penalties for selling vape products to minors, and freezing tax on smokeless tobacco products. She says further financial penalties would be too much for them. "I have some sympathy- let's not continually financially penalise whilst we're managing through getting them off smoking, let's look at some relief." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 25, 20245 min

Heather du Plessis-Allan: Some rare good news for Wellingtonians

A bit of rare good news for Wellingtonians, they've escaped having the water restrictions ratcheted up on them this week. That decision was taken today, it’s taken every week at the moment, and at the moment they’re staying in level 2- for now. But the case against Wellington City Council as the bad guys is building fast. I would argue it’s becoming more and more obvious that they have neglected to fix the pipes when they knew they should've. Remember how I told you the guys who fix the pipes asked for $10 million but only got $2.3 million from the council? Turns out the reason Wellington City Council said no to giving all the money was because they told Wellington Water they didn’t think they could use all the money to do the job and fix the pipes. Except they could. Because the budget for fixing the pipes the previous year was $10 million, and they used it all. So Wellington City Council reduced the maintenance budget by 75 percent when they knew the pipes would leak- and there were water restrictions in the city every summer. On top of that, there’s a guy on the Wellington Regional Council called Daran Ponter who's just thrown them to the wolves as well. Daran is a Labour man, so you would expect him to be friendly to a left leaning council. Nope, he’s called them out for spending the money they should be spending on pipes on other things- “new town halls, or refurbished town halls, or bike lanes". Now, I reckon the case that’s building here is that this council needs Government intervention. It needs a Crown Observer called in. Because if you don’t know that you should spend money on making sure people get water to their houses before you spend money on cycleways, you shouldn't be running a council. Incidentally, the Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has gently threatened that in a letter to Wellington City Council- and I think he should follow through. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 25, 20242 min

Kay Oliver: UK correspondent on UK officials warning Brits could be conscripted in possible war with Russia

The Head of the British Army has warned that UK civilians could be required to fight in a possible war with Russia. General Sir Patrick Sanders has stressed the need for ministers to 'mobilise the nation' if the ongoing conflict between Russia and the Ukraine intensifies. UK correspondent Kay Oliver says General Sanders has warned that the UK was facing a '1937 moment' when the Russia-Ukraine war began. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 24, 20243 min

The Huddle: Is it a good idea to send NZDF personnel to the Red Sea

Tonight on The Huddle, David Farrar from Kiwiblog and Curia and former Labour Chief of Staff Mike Munro joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! The opposition parties have fired back at the Government, saying it's a bad idea to send NZDF personnel to provide maritime security in the Red Sea. Do we think this is the right move? The big discussion point to come out of Rātana- is the Treaty Principles Bill dead in the water? Are National and NZ First wrong to support ACT's bill if they plan to strike it down? There's outrage over today's Oscar nominees, as Barbie director Greta Gerwig and main actor Margot Robbie didn't receive any nominations. Critics say this illustrates the issues around the patriarchy that the movie wanted to illustrate- is this fair? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 24, 202410 min

Brad Olsen: Infometrics principal economist responds to CPI inflation slowing down

Annual inflation has slowed down in recent months, in line with predictions from economists. The Consumer Price Index rose 4.7 percent in the year to December, down from 5.6 percent annually to September. It's a big fall from the 7.3 percent peak for the year to June 2022. Infometrics principal economist Brad Olsen says it's a positive step forward, but increased rental inflation means it's not safe yet. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 24, 20245 min

Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on what RBNZ debt-to-income restrictions mean for first home buyers

Questions are being raised over what incoming restrictions from the Reserve Bank mean for first home buyers. The banking regulator proposed debt-to-income restrictions for owner-occupiers, to be introduced mid-2024. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny says this is unlikely to set off alarms for prospective buyers, as interest rates are a bigger issue. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 24, 20243 min

Andrei Moore: Christchurch Councillor disapproves of the region hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games

Christchurch City Council has agreed to look into the viability of hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games- but not everyone is on board. Mayor Phil Mauger is keen on bringing the Games to the region, with events spread out to the wider South Island. Councillor Andrei Moore says without a major overhaul, the cost of hosting the event is unsustainable. "Yesterday, councillors were briefed on a potential 15.8 percent rates rise- for us to turn around today and explore a Commonwealth Games bid is just not responsible." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 24, 20242 min

Barry Soper: ZB senior political correspondent on Luxon standing up for Seymour's absence from Rātana

The Prime Minister says he's up for the challenge of defending his Government's policies, even in the absence of a coalition partner. Chris Luxon addressed the annual Rātana celebrations, as did Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters. But the architect of the controversial Treaty Principles Bill - ACT's David Seymour - did not front to face questions from Māori. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Seymour's absence was disappointing. "You should have the courage of your convictions. Seymour usually does, he should have got up there and said what he really meant." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 24, 20246 min

Dean Kimpton: Auckland Transport Chief Executive on Auckland's pedestrian crossings costing more than those in Wellington

It's official- Auckland's pedestrian crossings come at a far higher price than those in the capital. Figures from the 2021/2022 financial year show Auckland Transport chewed through $6 million on 12 signalised crossings, at an average cost of half a million dollars. Meanwhile, Wellington City Council built four cheaper, non-signalised raised crossings for just under $120,000. Auckland Transport Chief Executive Dean Kimpton says defended the cost of crossings, saying they're fundamentally different from those in Wellington. "From Auckland to Wellington, the prices are similar. What you're seeing in the $6 million or the 12 pedestrian crossings referred to in 21/22 were a whole range of other things that needed to also be done." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 24, 20246 min

Sean Mandell: LA correspondent on the outrage over Barbie being snubbed for Oscar nominations

Awards season is in full swing, with Hollywood blockbusters taking centre stage at the 2024 Oscars. 'Barbie' and 'Oppenheimer' made the shortlist for Best Picture, and both films have 8 and 13 nominations respectively. However, 'Barbie' director Greta Gerwig, and lead actress Margot Robbie, have missed out on nods. LA correspondent Sean Mandell says it's strange that Ryan Gosling got nominated for his role as Ken while Gerwig and Robbie got snubbed. "They are getting awards love, and the film itself is getting love- but it's strange that Ken is getting a nomination in a movie called 'Barbie'." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 24, 20243 min

David Parker: Labour Foreign Affairs spokesperson doesn't believe the Government should get embroiled in Middle East conflict

The Labour Party has hit out at the Government sending Defence Force troops to the Middle East, saying it has shades of the Iraq invasion. Six personnel will assist in targeting coalition strikes on Houthi rebels, who have been attacking commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Foreign Affairs spokesperson David Parker says they don't believe the country should be embroiled there. "I think history shows that they've got some very deep-seated conflicts there, they've got warring factions of different religions, they've got long-term civil wars. We don't think New Zealand should be participating in those conflicts." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 24, 20245 min

Shane Jones: NZ First MP on being heckled during Rātana speech

Politicians of almost every stripe have descended on Rātana Pā today for the annual celebrations. ACT's David Seymour was a notable absence. Over the day, Māori leaders labelled the Government the enemy and warned the Prime Minister not to meddle with te Tiriti o Waitangi. Chris Luxon assured the crowd his Government is committed to progress for Māori. NZ First MP Shane Jones was heckled during his speech - but he says he took it in his stride. "They thought that with loud angry voices, Winston Peters and I would back down. And they met their match in Shane Jones." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 24, 20245 min

Jarrod Kerr: Kiwibank economist on the inflation rate dropping to 4.7 percent in the December quarter

New Zealand has had its smallest annual inflation increase in two years. CPI rose 4.7 percent in the year to December- in line with the expectations from economists. That's down from the 5.6 percent recorded for the year to September, and down from the 7.3 percent rise recorded in the year to June 2022. Kiwibank economist Jarrod Kerr says this means the Reserve Bank will start cutting interest rates to provide relief to households. "We've had inflation running at over 7 percent, and people had that in the back of their mind. Now inflation's running at over 4 percent, that's quite a drop. By this time next year, inflation will run closer to 2 percent." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 24, 20241 min

Dan Mitchinson: US correspondent on Donald Trump beating out Nikki Haley at the New Hampshire Primary

Former President Donald Trump emerged victorious in the New Hampshire Primary. His opponent, Nikki Haley, conceded she'd lost to Donald Trump in New Hampshire, but says the race is far from over. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says it's likely Nikki Haley will pull out of the race by March's Super Tuesday. "I think she's going to hang in there, see how much she can do in February- but at this point in time, I don't see how she could play catch-up with Donald Trump." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 24, 20244 min

D'Arcy Waldegrave: Sportstalk on the Wellington Phoenix looking to ban aggressive group of spectators

The Wellington Phoenix are set to ban a group of spectators from their A-League football games. A small cohort have been identified for antagonising Melbourne Victory fans and causing multiple fights during the 1-all draw at Sky Stadium last week. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave outlines this plan further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 24, 20245 min

Phil Mauger: Christchurch mayor voices support for the region hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games

There's hope the Commonwealth Games could return to Christchurch fifty years on from the 1974 event. Mayor Phil Mauger has recommended the city host the 2030 Games, and Christchurch city councillors voted to run a viability report. Mauger hopes an event of this scale will help turn Christchurch into the sporting and events capital of New Zealand. "We have all these fantastic new facilities, and I want to showcase our facilities to the world. We will, however, have to share the load across the country." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 24, 20244 min

Enda Brady: UK correspondent on the British House of Lords voting to delay Rishi Sunak's plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda

The British House of Lords today voted to delay the Government’s plan to send refugees to Rwanda. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledged to 'stop the boats,' referring to migrant ships illegally crossing the English Channel. 214 out of 385 Lords agreed to delay ratification of the Rwanda treaty. UK correspondent Enda Brady says this scheme has cost a substantial amount- and experts believe it's dead in the water. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 23, 20245 min

The Huddle: Do we need to keep funding the Christchurch Call role?

Tonight on The Huddle, current affairs commentator Josie Pagani and Tim Wilson from Maxim Institute joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! Prime Minister Chris Luxon revealed that a six-member Defence Force team will be deployed to the Middle East region to uphold maritime security. Is this the right move? Does New Zealand need to keep funding the Christchurch Call role? Prime Minister Chris Luxon spoke with Former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern before Christmas to discuss her special envoy role. It costs $500,000 per year- is it useful? Several people were the victims of a parking scam at the Foo Fighters concert and had to pay hundreds of dollars to get their care back after they were towed. Do we think the towing company should reimburse them? Do we trust anyone in a hi-vis vest? Surf Lifesaving is largely funded by donations and corporate sponsoring- does the Government need to step in and change this? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 23, 202410 min

Pattrick Smellie: BusinessDesk managing editor on Australian company Santana Minerals revealing significant gold discovery in Otago

Australian-owned company Santana Minerals has informed investors swathes of gold may be hidden under farmland in Central Otago. The 'Rise and Shine' site had been marked in a recent report as “the most significant single gold discovery in New Zealand in four decades”. The site has an estimated value of $325 million a year and could yield between 100,000 to 150,000 ounces of gold per year. BusinessDesk managing editor Pattrick Smellie explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 23, 20242 min

Jamie Mackay: The Country host on Zespri CEO Dan Mathieson stepping down from the role

Zespri chief executive Dan Mathieson is stepping down from New Zealand's biggest kiwifruit exporter to pursue overseas opportunities. Mathieson has led Zespri for over seven years, and will stay on until the end of the 2024 harvest, before joining up with American-based berry company Driscoll’s. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 23, 20246 min

Tony Alexander: independent economist on the Reserve Bank bringing in debt-to-income mortgage lending restrictions

A potential silver lining for first home buyers in possible changes to lending rules. The Reserve Bank is proposing introducing debt to income ratios from the middle of the year. Owner occupiers could borrow six times their income, while for investors it would be seven times. Independent economist Tony Alexander says the central bank plans to ease up on loan-to-value ratios at the same time. He says that will allow more lending where deposits are less than 20 percent. "So actually, given that getting a deposit together is pretty hard for first home buyers, it could be a small net positive for them." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 23, 20243 min

Neil Holdom: New Plymouth mayor displeased that the Mt Messenger bypass project faces budget blowout

Big spends on the Mt Messenger bypass roading project, despite no road actually being built. The Transport Agency has already spent 60 percent of the $280 million dollar budget of the Taranaki project. New Plymouth Mayor Neil Holdom says there's no way the project will get done within the projected budget. He blames frivolous court cases for the hold up, and says it is time to get on with the job. "Yep, it's going to be expensive, but I can assure you that if we didn't build it and the mountain slipped down, it would be a hell of a lot more expensive for NZ inc." NZTA have confirmed they will be conducting a cost review, which is set to be completed in the first half of 2024. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 23, 20244 min

Nick Ryan: Doubtless Bay fishing competition organiser says the event will go ahead, despite planned protest from Ngāti Kahu iwi

Some Ngāti Kahu iwi members in the Far North are threatening to block boat ramps in protest at the annual Doubtless Bay fishing contest this weekend. A post to social media says fish numbers have decreased dramatically due to over-fishing in the area. But other iwi leaders have responded saying discussions on the matter have not yet taken place. Competition organiser Nick Ryan says the event is a community fundraiser and will still go ahead. "They have no right to block boat ramps, they have no powers to do so, it would appear that people might be speaking just above their positions. But it's not to say that they cannot protest." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 23, 20242 min

Michael Glading: NZ Open tournament director explains why PGA Tour-winning amateur Nick Dunlap can't cash winner's cheque

Amateur golfer Nick Dunlap stunned the sports world with his unexpected victory. The 20-year-old university student has become the first amateur to win on Tour since Phil Mickelson in 1991, taking out the American Express tournament in California. However, as an amateur, he can't collect his $2.46 million first-place prize. NZ Open tournament director Michael Glading says golfers with amateur status cannot accept prize money exceeding a certain amount. "If a player of that class wants to turn professional, they can turn professional, but they have to turn professional before they enter the tournament- not at the end of it." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 23, 20243 min

Paul Spain: tech commentator questions the necessity of the Christchurch Call role designed to combat online extremism

Whether Jacinda Ardern will continue as New Zealand's special envoy for the Christchurch Call - is still up in the air. The multilateral body brings together tech companies and countries to fight online extremism. Ardern's already met up with Prime Minister Chris Luxon in Auckland, and he says they'll discuss the matter in coming months. Tech commentator Paul Spain says it's likely tech companies would filter out extremist content on their own accord, regardless of the Call. "That's open to some debate- what we've seen is some improvement in the algorithms from the social media platforms over this time, but that's hard to measure." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 23, 20242 min

Winston Peters: Foreign Affairs Minister on New Zealand deploying a small Defence Force team to provide Red Sea maritime security

Defence Minister Judith Collins says our personnel will support coalition forces with targeting for precision attacks on identified targets. Foreign Minister Winston Peters is giving little away on what that will look like. "Well, it's finding people who are threatening lives with piracy, mayhem and murder- and stopping them." Asked if it was drone operation, Peters says he can't answer that question. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 23, 20242 min

Barry Soper: ZB senior political correspondent on Chris Luxon sending a Defence Force team to the Red Sea

Prime Minister Chris Luxon recently announced a Defence Force team will be sent to the Red Sea to help protect maritime security. ZB senior political reporter Barry Soper says Luxon denies this has anything to do with Israel and Gaza. "According to Christopher Luxon, it'll contribute to the collective defence of the Middle East- and ships are certainly being hindered in their progress through there." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 23, 20245 min

Murray Olds: Australian correspondent on former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison quitting politics

Scott Morrison is drawing his 16 year political career to a close. The former Australian Prime Minister will leave federal parliament at the end of next month for a new career opportunity in the US. It will trigger a by-election in the typically liberal Sydney seat of Cook. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says between Covid and AUKUS, Morrison's left a mixed legacy. "He's joining a number of strategic advisory firms around the world, and he will be very busy and gainfully employed- and also have more time for his family." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 23, 20244 min

D'Arcy Waldegrave: Sportstalk host on a pro-Palestine protestor briefly interrupting Zverev v Norrie Australian Open match

Alexander Zverev has denied Kiwi-raised Brit Cam Norrie a spot in the quarter-finals at the Australian tennis Open, winning a tense five-set battle. The German sixth seed won 10-3 in the fifth set tie-break to end Norrie's run. The fourth-round encounter was briefly halted during the third set on Monday afternoon after a woman threw a raft of leaflets saying 'Free Palestine' onto the court. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 23, 20243 min

Al Gillespie: Waikato University law professor on Winston Peters calling for a two-state solution for the Israel-Palestine conflict

The Foreign Affairs Minister is reiterating New Zealand's support for a two-state solution to the decades-long Israel-Palestine conflict. Winston Peters says recent comments made by members of the Israeli Government fuel tensions and put chances of a solution at risk. Waikato University law professor Al Gillespie says it's unlikely Israel will accept the proposed provisional measures being discussed. "It's unlikely that Israel will respect that if it goes against them. The only way you could get some kind of action is if it was forced through the security council, and it's unlikely the Americans would let that happen." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 23, 20245 min

Kay Oliver: UK correspondent on Storm Isha tearing through the UK and Ireland

On the other side of the world, there's very rough weather in the UK- with gales and downpours as Storm Isha blows in. UK correspondent Kay Oliver says there's major disruption, including 170,000 homes and businesses waking up to no power. "We've got train services suspended, we've got trees falling down on cars, and flights being cancelled." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 22, 20245 min

The Huddle: Is Donald Trump headed for the White House again?

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and Ali Jones from Red PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! Muriwai community advocates and locals are calling for cars to be banned from the beach after a teenager was killed over the weekend. Is this the best course of action? The Government is under pressure over Māori issues following last weekend's hui. National also says it won't support ACT's Treaty Principles Bill past the first reading- what do we think? How will Luxon and the Government handle the extra pressure ahead of Ratana and Waitangi Day? Ron DeSantis has dropped out of the Republican presidential race- does this mean Donald Trump is headed for the White House again? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 22, 20249 min

Fran O'Sullivan: NZME business commentator ahead of 2024's first Cabinet meeting

The first Cabinet meeting of 2024 is set to take place tomorrow, as the Government reaches the halfway point of its first 100 days. This meeting takes place days after the National Unity Hui in Turangawaewae- and event which has cast a shadow over the Government. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan outlines her predictions here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 22, 20245 min

Stefan Vogel: Rabobank researcher says New Zealand exports likely to be affected by ongoing Gaza conflict

New Zealand exports could profit from the ongoing conflict in the Red Sea. Freight continues to be redirected around Africa's Cape of Good Hope while violence continues to escalate. The new route means the products this country sends to the Asian market won't take as long as those from Europe or Eastern USA. Rabobank researcher Stefan Vogel says exporters may want to keep an eye on container availability. "If we're struggling to find the containers, we may actually have an issue on that side that costs us as much as it may cost the Europeans and the Americans that have to go along the route over to Asia." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 22, 20244 min

Oliver Peterson: Australian correspondent on Cricket Australia's decision to avoid Australia Day celebration at upcoming test match

Cricket Australia has raised a few eyebrows over their decision to sidestep Australia Day celebrations at an upcoming test match. The holiday coincides with Friday's Gabba Test match against the West Indies in Brisbane. Prime Minister Albanese has urged people to stop 'looking for outrage', as this announcement has prompted some backlash. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson explains the divided reactions to the news. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 22, 20244 min

Barry Soper: ZB senior political correspondent predicts the new Government will face a difficult 2024

ZB's Barry Soper predicts the Government is in for a difficult year following last weekend's events. The Māori King organised a National Unity Hui attended by thousands, and commentators are divided on the Prime Minister's decision to skip the event. Senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the 'Māori issue' will dominate the headlines over the next few weeks, and the Government may need to draw attention to the economy. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 22, 20245 min

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister cites inadequate funding for Wellington water issues

Finance Minister Nicola Willis has put the blame on inadequate funding for Wellington's water issues. Since 2022, 40 percent of the region's drinking water has been lost to leaks. Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has written a letter requesting information from local councils on how they're addressing the problem. Willis says Wellington City Council only gave Wellington Water a fraction of the $10 million they needed for maintenance. "They always seemed to find the money for a new cycleway, they always seemed to find the money for the things they like, like buying back Reading Cinema- why can't they find the money for the pipes?" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 22, 20246 min

Clare Bradley: Muriwai Community Association co-chair calls for permanent vehicle ban on Auckland's Muriwai Beach

Belief vehicles need to be totally banned on Auckland's Muriwai Beach. A teen died yesterday after a ute rolled on the beach, and two others have serious injuries. Vehicles are now banned at the beach until Thursday - with people allowed on foot. Muriwai Community Association co-chair, Clare Bradley, says how vehicle access is currently managed isn't working. "There is a growing sense that the only way to really manage the safety of the beach, both for pedestrians and for the wildlife that make that part of the beach their home, is to close it." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 22, 20243 min

Vaughan Couillault: Secondary Principals' Association President on Wellington College implementing costly uniform changes for younger students

Outrage from Wellington parents as a school changes uniform requirements. Year Nine pupils at Wellington College must now wear blazers and ties, which come with a price tag of almost $300. Some parents aren't happy about the change during a cost of living crisis. Vaughan Couillault of the Secondary Principals' Association says uniform changes usually aren't cheap. "You can't put a cheap blazer onto a student these days, it's usually $250 to start with." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 22, 20243 min

Chris Cahill: Police Association President calls for stricter penalties as fleeing driver figures increase

There's belief stricter penalties will help against a surge in people fleeing police. Police data from the Bay Of Plenty shows 883 drivers in the region didn't stop when signalled, from January to October last year. That figure was 902 for all of 2022 - and 521 for 2021. Police Association President Chris Cahill says countrywide in the first nine months of last year, drivers kept going 8900 times. "If you're drunk driving, currently to go to court- you'll get penalised for that, but you won't get anything extra for failing to stop. We say there has to be a mandatory aggravating factor put on top." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 22, 20242 min

David Seymour: ACT Party Leader says National hasn't ruled out supporting contentious Treaty Principles Bill

A war of words over ACT's plans to re-define the principles of the Treaty. Prime Minister Chris Luxon has said National would support the Bill to the select committee stage. But ACT Party Leader David Seymour says National hasn't ruled out supporting it further. "We've got no commitment any further either way, and I suspect that first of all- this is a debate we need to have, and I suspect they'll recognise that. Second of all, it's a lot more popular than people are giving it credit for." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 22, 20244 min

Jason Pine: Sportstalk host on Lydia Ko winning the Tournament of Champions in Florida

Kiwi golfing superstar Lydia Ko is embracing that winning feeling again on the LPGA Tour. After a winless 2023 on the Tour, the 26 year old has won the opening event of 2024 in Florida by two shots. Sportstalk host Jason Pine recaps today's victory. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 22, 20242 min

Joe Walsh: Former Republican Congressman on Ron DeSantis backing out of the US presidential race

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has abandoned his bid to be a Republican presidential candidate. He's thrown his support behind Donald Trump. Former Republican Congressman Joe Walsh says DeSantis lost by 30 points to Trump in Iowa - so pulling out is the right move. "It made no sense for him to stay in, he was going to get killed in New Hampshire. And as he said, he really had no pathway. Get out, endorse Trump, and fight another day." Nikki Haley is Trump's only remaining contender. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 22, 20245 min

Heather du Plessis-Allan: A tough start to the year for the new Government

Looks to me like it’s a tough old start to the year for the new Government. This is basically day one of the news year, the TV news shows were back this morning, most of the big radio shows are back today- and what are we all talking about? The big hui at Turangawaewae at the weekend, and the unexpectedly big Māori opposition to the Government's Māori related policies. And it's not a one-off, there is more to come. We've got Ratana on Wednesday, Waitangi Day in a couple of weeks, that's a run of stories about how grumpy the coalition Government is making some Māori. And that is not how the Government will be wanting to kick off this year. Generally, Governments like to start the year giving the impression they’re winning, they're doing things for you, they're announcing some stuff they're gonna get stuck into this year, gloating over a good bounce in the polls over summer and capitalising on us still feeling good. Basically, they want to be able to set the tone and have it be a positive one, rather than have it set for them on day one with a negative tone. I suspect - I could be wrong - but I suspect this is not a blip. I suspect this is how it’s going to be for the next few months on and off. David Seymour is planning to introduce that Treaty Principles bill by May this year, that's gonna get hairy. The media are quite hostile to the new Government, and apparently so is the Wellington Public Service, judging by yet another leak of a justice paper about the Treaty Principles bill. Perfect timing- the day before the big hui. The question is- how much do you and I, the voters, care about it? If National can show they’re cracking the cost of living crisis, well that’s more important to most voters. But getting that message out when everyone’s talking about grumpy huis? Well, that’s gonna be tough Tough old start to the year, I'd say. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 22, 20242 min

Best of the Year: Is it ethical to put your toddler on a leash?

ZB host Tim Beveridge and Ali Jones from Red PR joined the Huddle back in June for a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! Michael Wood remains on stand-down as Transport Minister, after it was revealed he was asked to sell his Auckland Airport shares 12 times. Can he keep his job- and should he? The PGA Tour and LIV Golf surprised the sports world by announcing an unexpected merger- what do we think of this? Should players have been warned? Heather wants to buy a toddler leash for Iggy- is this a good idea? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 21, 20236 min

Best of the Year: Neil Wagner on the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

The Black Caps have pulled off one of the all-time great test cricket victories, beating England by one run on the final day of the second match at the Basin Reserve. Neil Wagner finished with four wickets for the innings and took the final scalp of James Anderson, caught behind by Tom Blundell. New Zealand have become only the fourth team to win a test after following on. Neil Wagner says today's victory will stay with him for a very long time after the fact, especially with the challenging conditions in the lead up to the match. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 21, 20233 min

Brad Olsen: Job Ads Continue To Plummet

Job ads continue to plummet in New Zealand of the back of a slowing economy. The latest data from Seek show that jobs ads in November are down 28% compared to this time last year. Infometrics Principle Economist Brad Olsen told Heather Du Plessis Allan that "there are fewer businesses that are looking for the same numbers of staff as before." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 15, 20232 min

Serious Concerns For Future Of Professional Netball In New Zealand

There are now serious concerns for the future of the professional netball in New Zealand. Sky TV's bid for broadcasting rights beyond 2024, covering the ANZ Premiership and Silver Ferns tests, is reportedly less than half the current agreement. Players' wages could also take a hit, with broadcasting revenue accounting for the majority of their pay. Auckland University sports marketing lecturer Marilyn Giroux told Heather du Plessis-Allan it's possible TVNZ could come in, albeit for less money. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 15, 20233 min

NZTA Set To Quadruple The Number Of Speed Cameras

The NZTA is set to Quadruple the amount of speed cameras across New Zealand. There are currently 200 speed cameras on the road which they want to be pushed up to 800. However, road safety spokesperson Dylan Thomsen told Heather Du Plessis Allan that he is not sure "that number is actually going to end up being being correct or accurate." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 15, 20232 min