Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Let’s not beat around the bush: the biggest news in the world is the arrest of Andrew, the King’s brother. It’s huge, not least because the last time a royal was arrested was around 350 years ago, when Charles I was taken prisoner and ultimately executed. What also makes this so significant is that Andrew wasn’t, as is usually the case with celebrities, politely asked to come into a police station to assist with inquiries. He was arrested at his home, which was then searched by police for further evidence. That distinction is massive. That said, anyone predicting either the collapse or the survival of the royal family today is being premature — and there’s plenty of that going on. The charge Andrew faces, misconduct in public office, is apparently very difficult to prove in the UK because of the way the law is written. So this may end up going nowhere. So far, I’d say Charles has handled both today’s developments and the wider scandal leading up to them far more decisively than even the late Queen handled Andrew’s previous indiscretions, and that does help the monarchy. Most importantly, the key figures in the royal family — William, Kate and their children — seem far enough removed from anything Andrew may have done to remain safe from fallout. On the other hand, what’s happened today is only the beginning. Next may come formal charges, then potentially a prosecution, then possibly a judge and jury. If it gets that far, the risk to the royal family increases dramatically, because it could reveal who knew what about Andrew’s behaviour, and for how long. If you’re looking for a silver lining, it’s this: the system is working. No one is above the law — not even the brother of the King. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new poll suggests the public's on board with the Government's proposed ban on card surcharges, just as the proposed law has been put on hold.  The Government announced plans to ban all credit card and contactless surcharges last year, but faced criticism from businesses who'd be forced to stump the cost.  Consumer NZ Campaign Manager Jessica Walker told Heather du Plessis-Allan that there is a middle-ground for both parties to settle on.  "Too many surcharges are excessive or just not disclosed or unavoidable. So there would need to be some really firm caps in place to stop consumers being ripped off." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A bill has been introduced to make English an official language of New Zealand. Despite being the country's most-spoken language, it is not an official language by law. The bill provoked ridicule in Parliament from the opposition, but was staunchly defended by Winston Peters. AUT Associate Professor of Linguistics Sharon Harvey says that language laws exist to protect languages that aren't as widely used, and English doesn't fall in to this category.  "If we look at like jurisdictions like Australia, federal level of the US and the UK, those jurisdictions don't have English as an official language and don't see any need to." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fifty seven per cent of cops have considered quitting in the last year. That's according to a new Police Association survey, which asked 6000 officers.  Key concerns from officers were salaries, as well as resourcing.  Police say attrition is hovering between 4.5 and 5 percent - but association president Steve Watt told Heather du-Plessis Allan that the result can't be ignored.  He says the job's risky, weighs heavily on wellbeing - and the result proves the pressure officers are under.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest is being dubbed the biggest scandal in modern royal history.  The King's brother was arrested on suspicion of misconduct while in public office, in the wake of allegations he shared confidential information with late paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.  The ex-prince's properties were searched by UK police, and he has since been released but remains under investigation. Royal Commentator Juliet Rieden told Heather du Plessis-Allan that the Royal Family are in unchartered waters. She says some believe the abdication was the worst, but that was a love story - adding this situation is very far from that.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Local Government Minister says people should have zero-tolerance for poor dog behaviour.  62-year-old, Mihiata Te Rore, was killed by three dogs on Tuesday, as she visited a home in Kaihu, north of Dargaville. Local MP Shane Jones says jail terms should be considered for owners of what he labels 'homicidal dogs'. Minister Simon Watts says there are issues with local and central Government enforcing the 30-year-old Dog Control Act.  He says he is getting advice next week on changing the act - and wants it done promptly.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The BBC has commissioned a slate of new shows and will be showcasing some of Sir David Attenborough’s most loved programmes to mark his 100th birthday. Sir David Attenborough turns 100 on May 8th, and the network will run a week-long celebration of his work and legacy spanning over seven decades.  UK correspondent Enda Brady says there's also going to be a special live broadcast from the Royal Albert Hall with a full concert orchestra. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New reports indicate the tech sector is getting hid hard by a turbulent market, with many software companies taking a hit. Fisher Funds expert Sam Dickie explained the impacts - and which companies are doing it tough. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Confidence green pastures lie ahead for Fonterra, as the sale of brands like Anchor and Mainland nears completion. Almost 99 percent of shareholders voted today to get the tax-free $3.2 billion capital return, from the purchase by French company Lactalis. FedFarmers Dairy Chair, Karl Dean, says the sale is part of Fonterra's move to focus on ingredients. The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Kiwiblog writer and Curia pollster David Farrar and former Labour MP Phil Goff joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Wellington City Council wants local authorities to have more power to curb heritage listings. Do we think this is a good idea? Chris Bishop today confirmed the Government is revising the city's housing capacity number in its new plan and focusing more on building in the city and by transport hubs. Why do we think the Government had to back down?  Winston Peters copped some backlash over some comments that Labour and the Greens have dubbed 'racist'. Do we think this backlash is fair? Why do we think the Government hit pause on introducing four-year terms? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Well, finally Chris Bishop has done the right thing and made the u-turn on the two million new houses he had planned for Auckland. It’s not altogether a surprise that he did this and announced it this afternoon, because it’s been rumoured for months - for the obvious reason that it’s election year. Auckland is a key battleground. Aucklanders are obsessed with houses. Auckland voters who own their homes were already stressed about this plan, and if it turned into a full election issue with proper media coverage, even more of them would’ve become stressed. That would mean blue Auckland voters heading straight to New Zealand First, ACT or Labour. So it was a political problem for National and Bishop had to back down. But in reality, it’s not just politics, is it? It’s basic common sense. I think it’s reasonable for an Aucklander who has sunk one to two million dollars - maybe more, maybe a bit less, but still a lot of money - into their home to feel stressed at the idea of a multi‑storey apartment block popping up next door, blocking their view, blocking their light, ruining their privacy. Whatever it is. We mock these people as NIMBYs, but actually, I think it’s fair for them to want to protect the place they live in. Don’t you want to protect the place you live in? This battle, though, is far from won. Anyone looking at this and thinking, “That was a close call, thank God that’s over,” - it’s not over. All Bishop has done is reduce the number of new houses to the point that it shouldn’t impact on suburbs. But whether it does affect suburbs is a decision for Auckland Council, and that decision hasn’t been made yet. So while it should, on balance, be okay, nothing is certain until the Auckland maps are released. What this is, then, is one u-turn down, and one more to go. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 19 February, 2026, Chris Bishop on the Government's backdown on two million houses for Auckland. A relaxing of rules around serving alcohol at community and sports clubs. Why grocery tourism is becoming a popular pursuit for holidaymakers. And on the Huddle, Phil Goff and David Farrar lament the Government ditching a referendum on a four-year term. 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.

Auckland Airport says it's gaining momentum. It's reported a four percent increase in revenue in its half-yearly results.  The airport says that lift in revenue is being driven by a two percent increase in passenger numbers to 9.6 million. Chief Executive Carrie Hurihanganui says there's still more work to do - since numbers still haven't caught up to pre-pandemic levels.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington City Council wants local authorities to have more power to curb heritage listings when it comes to planning law reforms. The council’s submission asked for powers to strip buildings’ heritage listings to avoid paying compensation and to make granting heritage listings to be by consent only. Wellington deputy mayor Ben McNulty says there's been many cases that inspired this move, including when the Gordon Wilson flats had to be pulled out through legislation.  "We've got things like private homes that have the same heritage significance as Parliament House - that statistically zero percent of New Zealand will ever visit, cost double the insurance to maintain and you've got to get a resource consent if you want to re-roof or re-glaze."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a new travel trend that's taking the world by storm for 2026, and it's set to give local stores an extra boost. Over the last few months, 'grocery tourism' has seen foreigners exploring supermarkets on their travels and seeking out products they can't buy at home. Sarah Pollok from the NZ Herald says travellers are looking to cut costs and get an authentic look at the places they visit, and nothing quite matches that description like the weekly shop. "There's a bit of nostalgia there - there's old American candy or British products that they want to bring home. But then sometimes it's just the bizarre things that you'll find in other countries, like different flavours."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's speculation that US President Donald Trump is about to launch a major bombing campaign against Iran.  US aircraft have been moving towards the Middle East, and a Washington DC source has told international media there's a 90 percent chance of war in coming weeks. Waikato University's Al Gillespie says it's entirely possible, given Donald Trump's desire to show strength. But he says it could have major consequences.  "Everyone's thinking Venezuela - like, you cut the head off the snake, but here, it's a very big snake. If you removed the Ayatollah, you're likely to have problems with the Revolutionary Guard." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland's suburban, heritage, and green areas aren't guaranteed immunity from housing intensification.  The Government has revised the city's housing capacity number in a new plan - from just over 2 million, to 1.6 million, with more focus on the city and transport hubs.  It follows pushback from Aucklanders - particularly in National strongholds like Ōrākei, Mt Eden and Franklin. But Housing Minister Chris Bishop says it's ultimately up to the council where houses are built.    "If they wish to take growth out of the suburbs, then they can do that. The strong feedback coming through is that that's what they want to do." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Peters has been accused of racism in Parliament by Labour and the Greens following his comments in Parliament yesterday. Peters singled out a Green MP for his Rarotongan heritage - and Labour's Willie Jackson was quick to voice his concerns in the House today.  Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper recapped the events.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson sparked outrage in Australia over the suggestion that there are no 'good' Muslims and criticised the Government for 'bending over backwards' for migrants. Hanson later issued a partial apology, but claimed she would not apologise for speaking out against Islam - and the threat she believed it posed to Australia. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been quick to criticise these comments. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zoi Sadowski-Synnott has earned a silver medal in the snowboard slopestyle at the Milan-Cortina Olympics, her fifth across three Games. She sat in fourth as the last rider up, before registering 87.48 with her final attempt. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Less confusion over a drink at the local club, as options increase for serving alcohol.  Currently, local sport clubs, RSAs and community clubs can only serve alcohol to members and their guests. The Government's today announced clubs can now choose to stick with their current license or apply to serve the wider public - like a restaurant or bar. Clubs NZ CEO, Lucy Waterreus, says many people didn't know these restrictions exist.  "You might have someone that decides to pop into their local club, support a community event - only to discover they actually can't be served." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UK police are evaluating information regarding private flights linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Reports claim Epstein used London's Stansted Airport to fly women in and out of the UK - according to the new release from the US Justice Department. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says there's been multiple reported incidents of alleged victims being flown through the airport.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The new Reserve Bank Governor is standing by the first OCR decision she's overseen - keeping the cash rate at 2.25 percent. Anna Breman said the Bank isn't happy with inflation being at 3.1 percent, but it's likely it will drop later in the year. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An improving financial situation for one of our largest companies, Fletcher Building. It's announced half-year results, weeks after agreeing to sell off its construction arm. The company's confirmed a half-year loss of $11 million - compared to a loss of $134 million in the year before. Milford Asset Management's Jeremy Hutton unpacked the reactions. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Telecommunications company Spark's mobile and broadband businesses delivered some revenue growth over the first half, contributing to an 83 percent increase in net profit. The company is reporting a net profit after tax of $64 million, compared with $35 million from a year ago.  Spark CEO Jolie Hodson says the company's still recovering, but there's clear signs things could go up. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Tim Wilson from the Maxim Institute 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! Anna Breman made her first call as Reserve Bank Governor and left the OCR unchanged at 2.25 percent. Do we think this is the right move? Do we need to start putting down more dangerous dogs? The recent attack in Northland has sparked discussion - and some outrage. Do we need tougher regulations for dogs, or owners?  Heather says the Foo Fighters are the greatest modern rock band in existence. Do we agree with that? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 18 February, 2026, we hear from the new Reserve Bank Governor on the first big call of her tenure - keeping the official cash rate at 2.25 percent. We talk to Northland MP Grant McCallum about Shane Jones' call to kill "homicidal" dogs. The head of Christchurch's new Te Kaha stadium hints there's more than just the Foo Fighters to come. And on the Huddle, do Jack Tame and Tim Wilson support Heather's call that the Foo Fighters are the greatest modern rock band? 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.

We’ve had the first monetary policy decision from the new Reserve Bank Governor, and it’s not until you get a new captain at the helm that you realise just how little confidence you had left in the previous one. Now, to be fair, it’s early days for Anna Breman. We’ll judge her by what she does from here on in. But she does start with a clean slate - without us reading too much into her decisions or second-guessing every move because of a poor track record.  And that, I’d say, is a very welcome change from just a few weeks ago before she took over. Her assessment is that inflation is fine. Yes, it’s a little high right now - 3.1 percent, outside the target band - but it’s expected to fall back within the band by this time next year.  The economy is improving. The green shoots that were previously limited to certain regions and industries are becoming more widespread. Households are getting more money in their pockets, but they’re still cautious - and that’s a problem. Because unless they’re confident enough to spend, they’ll hold back the economic recovery from what it could potentially be. But - and this is probably the bit you’ve been most interested in, and waiting for - they will start raising the OCR faster than expected. Previously, the Official Cash Rate projection had it going from 2.2 percent in March to 2.3 percent in December. That’s now been brought forward: they’re forecasting 2.3 percent in June and 2.4 percent in December. The first increase will still most likely be in December, but the chances of it happening in September just increased. It’s not a major concern. It’s not a major correction. It’s not a game-changer for most people. But it does bring the inevitable a little closer. Still - for now - it’s nice to have a change at the top, isn’t it? And here’s hoping this Governor does a better job than the last one. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pharmac is proposing funding two new leukaemia medications in pill form from May. It could relieve pressure for hospitals. It could also apply to people currently paying for it, who'd receive funding for the treatment in a private hospital - subject to meeting criteria. Associate Health Minister David Seymour says Pharmac will sign off on this - and it's likely this will move forward. "There'll be two new blood cancer medicines and they'll help an estimated 80-90 people every five years, with what is quite a rare, but brutal disorder."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's hints that Christchurch's brand-new stadium will be soon hosting an event no other city will have. American rock band Foo Fighters are the first international act confirmed for One NZ Stadium, scheduled to open in April. Other major events lined-up include Super Rugby’s Super Round and a concert featuring Six60 and Synthony in May. Venues Otautahi CEO Caroline Harvie-Teare says a New Zealand-exclusive event announcement is coming soon. "They're the things that really shift the dial when it comes to visitation here in Christchurch and they're the things that we want to see here in Christchurch, and this is why we've got this beautiful new venue." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fletcher Building says it's not out of the woods yet, but their financial situation is improving. It recorded an $11 million half-year loss  - down from $134 million the year before. Earnings are out of the red at $45 million, compared to $-88 million the year before. Chief executive Andrew Reding says they'll take a while to get back on track.   "We're not forecasting great times for our financial year 2026, and indeed think that the calendar year 2027 is when things are lined up and moving properly." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank says inflation's too high, but it's actually worried it could soon end up too low. It's kept the OCR unchanged at 2.25 percent. New Governor Anna Breman says they're not happy with headline inflation surpassing the one-to-three percent target band last quarter. But she says underlying core-inflation is much lower, and wage growth slow. She explained that unless the economy rebounds, they think inflation might actually fall below the target. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tensions in Parliament today - with barbs traded between the Prime Minister and Opposition leader. Chris Luxon took a swipe at Labour's Chris Hipkins at Question Time over inflation. Speaker Gerry Brownlee told numerous MPs to cool down, after heckling from both sides. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper recapped the action from today. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A fight for the oppressed and overlooked is encompassed in Jesse Jackson's legacy. The Civil Rights leader has died aged 84 surrounded by family.  Jackson built a career around activism - fighting alongside Martin Luther King Jr to improve the lives of Black people in America.  US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says President Donald Trump paid tribute - and so did some other former leaders. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Outgoing Netball New Zealand chair Matt Whineray insists they will heed the lessons from the Silver Ferns coaching debacle. Whineray's ending his eight-year tenure alongside three other board members. The governing body came under intense scrutiny last year for their handling of Dame Noeline Taurua's standing down and eventual re-instatement. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest dog attack in Northland has sparked calls for urgency around manging savage canines.  Northland 62-year-old, Mihiata Te Rore, was killed by three dogs yesterday as she visited a home in Kaihu. NZ First's Shane Jones has suggested penalising owners of dangerous dogs with prison sentences. Northland MP Grant McCallum says councils need to enforce regulations to keep people safe - but some law changes are in order. "We've got too many dogs out there and you have to question some of the breeds, so the question becomes - do we look at a stronger de-sexing policy going forward? And also, some of the breeds of these dogs...are there just some breeds we don't need?" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Six companies linked to the former Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, are being wound down, according to new reports. One company is related to public relations, another to retail, and none appeared to be commercially active. UK correspondent Enda Brady says Ferguson was desperate for money, even emailing Epstein for help while he was in prison.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Infrastructure Commission's suggesting the Government spends less on roads and tolls Auckland's future additional harbour crossing. It's 30-year-road-map released today makes 10 recommendations for what should be prioritised over the next decade, with hospital investment topping the list.  The plan suggests the extra crossing in Auckland, tunnel or bridge, gets a $9 toll. National Road Carriers Association CEO Justin Tighe-Umbers says the infrastructure has be paid for - and solutions need to be found.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New data shows wool sales are still up in the South Island. PGG Wrightson South Island auction manager Dave Burridge said exporter demand remains highly competitive - with the SWI lifting a further 47 cents. The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sky TV is seeing the loss of HBO content as a new opportunity.  Warner Bros Discovery's announced it will launch HBO max mid-year, home to original hit shows like The Pitt which originally featured on Sky's Neon service.  Sky CEO Sophie Moloney says they need a broader suit of options than what they've been securing through the HBO deal.  "It means that we can be investing in other content that makes sense for our business with other studios, like Sony and the BBC. So as a team, we're really excited about what the future holds."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Ali Jones from Red PR and Auckland Councillor Maurice Williamson joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day, and more! The ACT Party is looking to make changes to the End of Life Choice Act, and it's prompted concerns from critics about what it could mean for the healthcare system? Do we think these are warranted?  The Government is looking into tolling the Auckland Harbour Bridge, as well as the second harbour crossing. Do we think this is realistic? What do we think of the new birth statistics data. More women are delaying kids until they get older. What do we think of this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You want some fascinating data about how we’ve changed in the past 60 years? Have a look at the birth statistics out today - especially the age at which mums are having babies. Last year, 14 percent of births were to mums younger than 25. In 1995, which is just one generation ago, it was double that: 28 percent of births were to mums under 25. And in 1960, two generations ago, it was 46 percent - nearly half of all births. Today, there are now more babies born to mums over 40 than to mums under 20. And I’m one of those mums - I was counted in last year’s data. Last January, at 40, I had a baby. Now, if I could do my life again, I reckon it probably would have been better to have my kids about a decade earlier. Your knees at 40 are not what they were at 30. Kids want you to run, you don’t really want to run anymore. You’re just tired. But at 40, you also understand the value of time. If I had my kids at 40, and they have their kids at 40, I’ll become a grandmother around 80. Which means I won’t have that long left with them. I probably won’t see my grandkids get married or have their own children - something that must be one of life’s great joys. Leaving it late means missing out on experiences that previous generations took for granted. But there are upsides too. You are simply a better person at 40 than you are at 30. You’re more in control of your emotions - a huge part of parenting - and that makes you a better parent. More importantly, and I reckon this is why so many mums are leaving it later - you’re more financially secure. By your late 30s, you’ve probably bought a house, paid off a decent chunk, and established your career. Your partner’s income is helpful, sure, but you’re not dependent on it in the same way your grandmother was on her husband. And that’s why I don’t think the age of mums is ever going back down. Women are more financially independent than they were two generations ago. They have choices - and the choice they’re making is right there in the data,They’re choosing to have kids later. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 17 February, 2026, a $9 toll for crossing the Auckland Harbour Bridge is part of a 30-year infrastructure plan - will it happen? More 40-year-old women are now having babies than those under 25. Why Sky TV's Sophie Moloney isn't gutted about losing HBO content on Neon. And on the Huddle, Maurice Williamson and Ali Jones discuss whether the euthanasia law should be expanded. 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.

Advocates warn the removal of requirements for assisted suicide would open Pandora's box. The ACT Party is pushing for changes to its End of Life Choice Act.  Proposed amendments include removing the six-month prognosis requirement and adopting all 25 recommendations for a Health Ministry review.  Ethos Alliance chief executive Alex Penk says it would open up euthanasia as an option to more long-term conditions and disabilities.  "If you're a doctor at the moment, for example, who says I can make my peace with euthanasia for end-stage cancer, say - they might start to feel quite differently about this when you start talking about diabetes, frailty, renal failure..." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand-based gambling experts have claimed prediction market platforms like Polymarket are illegal under the nation's gambling laws. Platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi are online markets where users can place bets on future outcomes, like political news events or OCR updates. Internal Affairs Director of Gambling Vicki Scott says Polymarket meets the definition of their illegal framework - and they're looking to shut it down. "We wrote to both Kalshi and Polymarket yesterday, explaining our view that it's clearly in breach of our laws and requesting their immediate removal from the New Zealand market." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More women are having children later in life, according to new data. Stats NZ figures show a record-low number of under-25s are giving birth, which is half the number of a generation ago. The number of live births last year was essentially the same as in 1995 - just under 58,000. Massey University Sociologist, Paul Spoonley says he's not surprised as life expectancy rises. "There are many more children born to women aged over 40 in New Zealand, compared to women aged 20 and younger in New Zealand."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's not getting good bang for its infrastructure buck, according to some. The Infrastructure Commission has released a 30-year plan with 16 recommendations, and 10 top priorities for the next decade - including health spending.  Infrastructure Commission chief executive Geoff Cooper says we rank high on spending in the OECD, but our outcomes are in the bottom 10 percent. He says New Zealand has unique problems we need to solve.  "The geography is very difficult and we have a dispersed population. That means more pipes, more roads, more transmission lines and so on - and that costs, if you're going to do that."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop warned the Government may need to put a toll on the Auckland Harbour Bridge to fund the new Waitematā crossing. The new crossing will be tolled, but the Government is getting advice on whether the existing bridge needs to be tolled as well - in order to stop people from using the old bridge to bypass the toll. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explains why this idea isn't realistic for commuters. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former NRL star Matt Utai was left wounded in an ambush attack with no clear motive. He suffered serious leg wounds after the attack at his home at Greenacre, in southwest Sydney, at 6am this morning. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says investigations are ongoing - as Matt Utai has no criminal links. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Caps  try to lock down a spot tonight in the Super Eight at the T20 World Cup . They play Canada in Chennai from 6:30pm. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.