Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

A former Defence Minister says the price tag for a couple of new Air Force planes would be at least a couple hundred-million-dollars. The Prime Minister's Air Force Boeing 757 was meant to fly out this morning, but a technical fault with the nose landing gear meant the aircraft's been grounded all day. Chris Luxon was forced to fly commercial to Melbourne for ASEAN talks. Wayne Mapp says the planes are for more than just flying the Prime Minister around. "We use them for troop transport, cargo round the Pacific, and also going down to Antarctica." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Commercial flights for the Prime Minister might be more favourable with the taxpayer. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the only reason Prime Ministers like taking these planes is to have the media in tow. "Having travelled on hundreds of trips with the Prime Ministers, it's not that often that you get a real breaking yarn on these trips." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian women's football captain Sam Kerr is to face trial in England after being accused of the racially aggravated harassment of a police officer. The Chelsea striker was deemed to have used insulting, threatening or abusive words that caused alarm or distress to an officer during an incident in Twickenham at the end of January. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Kerr is expected to head to trial next February. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Disappointment in the rugby community as Sky axes two rural-focused rugby shows. Grassroots Rugby and Mainfreight Rugby, which previously enjoyed historically long runs on TV, have recently been dropped. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains what this means for the future of provincial rugby. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Hurricanes' women's side have gotten themselves in hot water after last weekend's controversial anti-Government haka. The Hurricanes Poua began their season by opening their match against the Chiefs Manawa with an altered haka calling out 'this redneck Government'. CEO Avan Lee says investigations are under way to find out who signed this action off. "I don't think it's our place to make comment, particularly if it's seen as the opinion of the organisation. So yeah, I think it is definitely disappointing." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Swiss voters have given themselves extra month's pension each year in a new nationwide referendum. In a new poll, 60 percent of voters voted in favour of increased pensions- and 75 percent of voters also rejected raising the pension age from 65 to 66. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says the cost of living in Switzerland is among the highest in the world, and this will be an extra increase for taxpayers to bear. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Tim Wilson from Maxim Institute and Josie Pagani from Child Fund joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! The Government has unveiled their new plan for transport infrastructure, including 'roads of national significance' and a fund for pothole prevention. What do we think? Will improved roads be worth the inevitable extra cost hikes? A new report has revealed Premier House needs $30 million worth of repairs. Should someone bite the bullet and pay these extra costs? MSD plans to save money by taking away their plunger coffee supply. Instant coffee, tea and hot chocolate will be provided- is this the best way to cut costs? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Luxon is set to meet with more key trading partners this week. The Prime Minister will fly to Melbourne tomorrow for a special summit, to mark Australia's 50-year relationship with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan explains this will be a crucial summit for Luxon- as he missed the chance to meet some of these leaders during APEC. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's promised newer roads, fewer potholes and more maintenance in their new transport spending roadmap. Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released details on the investment, which includes 15 new 'roads of national significance' and a pothole prevention fund. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the increased motor vehicle licensing fees will be the beginning of several hikes to pay for this scheme. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While New Zealand's media industry struggles to survive, their Australian counterparts are battling setbacks from social media giants. Facebook's parent company, Meta, recently confirmed it wouldn't renew commercial deals with news publisher Network 10. Australian Financial Review media reporter says it's likely Meta never believed they were going to see much profit out of this deal. "There was a line in the summary of this contract, which was- there is no expectation that 10 would earn additional revenue, which I think is an implicit acknowledgement." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis warns the Government could likely miss the proposed 2027 surplus forecast. The Government included this deadline as a key goal in their pre-election fiscal plan. Willis blames worsening economic conditions and the resulting lower tax income. "I want to be upfront with New Zealanders about the fact that the numbers are looking a lot harder now than they did before Christmas." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The hopes for New Zealand's Olympic performance have gotten stronger after a record-breaking medal count at the World Indoor Championships. After silvers were given to shot-putter Tom Walsh and pole vaulter Eliza McCartney over the weekend, the Kiwi contingent has landed two golds on the final day. Hamish Kerr equalled the Oceania record of 2.36 metres to win the high jump and Geordie Beamish stunned a stellar field to strike gold in the 1500 metres. Athletics NZ High Performance Director Scott Newman says this is a good foundation ahead of the upcoming Olympics. "To come through here with four medals at a World Indoor Championships- that's just a great base heading into the Olympics." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A designated retail crime unit is making a difference in Tauranga's CBD. More than 1200 charges have been laid against 215 offenders in just six months. Tauranga Pharmacy Co-owner Kelly Mitchinson says when people call the police, something actually happens now. She says police didn't care as much in the past unless violence was involved. "They'd come in here, super entitled- they'd come in with a shopping bag. And these are repeat offenders, so I think some of those particular offenders have been charged now, some have ended up back in prison." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a prediction big drops in mortgage rates are on the cards. Both ANZ and ASB have lowered some of their mortgages rates, following the Reserve Bank's decision to keep the Official Cash Rate unchanged at 5.5 percent. KiwiBank Chief Economist Jarrod Kerr says if the central bank starts cutting in November, it could be just the start. "They'll be cutting throughout 2025, so we'll see mortgage rates, I think, fall quite sharply next year." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Transport Minister says a balance must be struck between building much needed infrastructure and paying for it. The Government has released its $21 billion spending roadmap, which includes new major roads and a pothole prevention fund. Vehicle registration fees will increase by $25 dollars next January, then again in three years, to help cover costs. Minister Simeon Brown says it's a gradual phase-in. "This fee hasn't increased since 1994, so yes, we need to fund it. This is how we're proposing to do it, there's no fuel tax increases during this term of Government." But if re-elected, the Government has committed to fuel tax hikes next term. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Australia, a Senate inquiry has been launched into the risks posed by Red Imported Fire Ants. Allergy bodies have warned the fire ants could cause a widespread flare-up in allergic reactions if they become endemic. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says these ants are widespread throughout Australian parks, and eradicating them would be a challenge. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand is celebrating a record medal haul at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Scotland, snaring two silvers and two golds to beat the previous record tally set in 2016. 1500 metre runner Geordie Beamish and high jumper Hamish Kerr snared gold on the final day. Sportstalk host Jason Pine explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big changes need to be made to Premier House, according to one member of the building's board. Former National MP Annabel Young says the recent report into the state of the house shows it's in a sorry state. It comes after Prime Minister Christopher Luxon revealed the building needs serious work. Young says earthquake strengthening needs to be done, as well as the restructure of some rooms. "It's not a functional space, it is pretty grim. I personally think the kitchen is dangerous." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The DoC is to repair Cathedral Cove's walking track. This is welcome news to the businesses that rely quite heavily on the tourism that that attracts. Conservation Minister Tama Paka told Heather Du Plessis-Allan that she is 'absolutely focused on making sure we can get the track down there back on track.' LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Now the Royals have issued a new statement on Kate Middleton's health. Kensington Palace put out a statement saying it had announced in January she would be out of action until Easter. No significant updates would be given until then Royal Correspondent Victoria Arbiter told Heather Du Plessis-Allan that "The Palace has been forced to issue this statement, but they are simply responding to what has been an avalanche of speculation online.' LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is giving the police more powers to take gangs guns off gangs. Firearm protection orders already allow the courts to stop the high risk offenders from being around guns at all. But now that's going to be extended to any member or associate of a gang with a significant conviction. Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee told Heather Du Plessis-Allan that they're "enabling New Zealand police to be able to search any person with a firearms prohibition order at any time at any place." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will no longer claim a $52,000 accommodation allowance for living in the Wellington apartment he owns - and will re-pay $13,000. His U-turn came mere hours after he told media in Queenstown that he was entitled to claim the money. Earlier today it was revealed he was claiming an 11 per cent top up to his own $471,000 salary in the form of a $52,000 optional accommodation allowance. The allowance is meant to pay for Luxon to find accommodation in Wellington. However, few prime ministers have claimed it - Luxon is the first in at least 34 years. Speaking to Newstalk ZB’s Heather du Plessis-Allan this evening, Luxon said he was now going to return all the money he had received since becoming Prime Minister. Luxon said the issue had become a “distraction” he did not want to deal with, so he had rolled back his defence of claiming the allowance. He would pay back $13,000, which had only just been deposited into his bank account recently. Speaking to reporters in Queenstown earlier today Luxon was adamant he was entitled to the allowance. “As I came away [from a press conference] I thought ‘Wow, people are pretty fixated on the allowance’. I thought ‘what’s going on’.” Luxon said he then listened to Newstalk ZB and heard the discussion on talkback. He then changed his mind about the allowance. “For me, I’m well within the rights, and well within the rules, but frankly it’s a distraction- I will live on my own costs,” Luxon told du Plessis-Allan. Luxon said it would cost “millions and millions” of dollars to bring Premier House up to spec for him to live in. “We’re trying to find a way to avoid spending millions and millions at Premier House. Obviously, it’s very difficult for us to think about how we spend that money, but we’re working through that. “We know the house has long-standing maintenance and repair issues - It’s a 160-year-old house,” he said. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The six defendants in the White Island case have been ordered to pay a collective $10.21 million in reparations and almost $2.5 million in fines. The biggest penalties were for Whakaari Management Limited, which runs the island itself. White Island Tours, were operating the boat tours to the island, including the tour group present on the island when it erupted. Richard Raymond KC is the lawyer representing White Island tours, he told Heather Du Plessis-Allan that the fines were 'roughly' what they expected. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prince Harry has lost a High Court challenge over his royal security arrangements. The Duke of Sussex took legal action against the British Government over a decision to lower his personal level of security, after stepping back from Royal duties. UK correspondent Enda Brady says Harry is now expected to hand over at least $2 million in legal fees. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, David Farrar from Kiwiblog and Curia and Ali Jones from Red PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! Yesterday, Melissa Lee said she wasn't concerned about New Zealand having just one TV news station and that there was still a 'plurality of voices'. She's since clarified and claimed she misspoke after copping some backlash- could she have done better? The Government has designated the political and military wings of Hamas - which governs parts of Gaza - a terrorist organisation. Was this the right decision? A coroner has suggested we make helmets mandatory for e-scooter riders. We do it for motorcycles and bicycles- is it time to include e-scooters? Blink-182's bassist was filmed slagging off Christchurch on stage during their Melbourne show. Was this out of line? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Households can breathe a temporary sigh of relief following yesterday's announcement from the Reserve Bank. The Bank has held the OCR steady at 5.5 percent, in line with with what most economists were predicting. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann says it's going to be a long battle to get inflation down, so the future's uncertain. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world's biggest sheep-shearing event is kicking off in Masterton today. Over 500 shearers and wool-handlers are taking part in the three-day event, an increase of 25 percent on the previous year. The Country's Jamie Mackay says finding sheep has been tougher this year- but they've managed to get at least 3500 ahead of the event. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's growing concern that the proposed closure of Newshub could be a sign of tougher times for the media industry. Warner Bros. Discovery revealed they planned to shutter newsroom operations from July, forcing hundreds out of work. AUT media researcher Merja Myllylahti says the entire industry is in trouble, revenue-wise. "For example, results from NZME were not as good as expected because of an advertising slump. This is the same thing the New York Times is going through, most of the industry is in turmoil." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's salt in the wound for Christchurch Blink-182 fans after bassist Mark Hoppus was filmed ripping on the city. It comes after the band announced they were cancelling their Christchurch show, just two weeks ahead of the event taking place. Consumer NZ Communications and Campaigns Manager Jessica Walker says the band's actions have encouraged fans to seek extra compensation beyond tickets. "It's worth seeing if you can get your money back under the Consumer Guarantees Act, or maybe even the Fair Trading Act- that's where we've landed with this." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health New Zealand says it's going as fast as it can to combat huge delays in implementing pay rises. It's been three months since senior doctors and dentists settled pay negotiations, but most still haven't received agreed increases. The Association of Salaried Medical Specialists says some of its members have been told they won't get the extra money until June. Health New Zealand Chief People Officer Andrew Slater says their systems are the problem. "Most of our payroll systems aren't compliant with New Zealand law, they haven't been for over 10 years. Many of our hospitals- we still use paper time sheets." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACT Party leader David Seymour is investigating making TVNZ pay dividends. He's asked Treasury to look into the returns the station is offering tax-payers, after 1News' competitor Newshub revealed it was broke. Warner Bros. Discovery has proposed shuttering Newshub from July, axing one of the country's biggest commercial news operators. Seymour says it's possible requesting dividends could improve returns- and competition. "It's one possibility- having one big state competitor that gets a pretty easy run in terms of getting taxpayer capital and paying dividends is distorting the marketplace." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An issue with paying for fuel at outdoor pumps has been confirmed as being related to the leap year. The extra day in February has affected Allied, Waitomo, Gull and BP truck stops, stopping customers from paying for their gas. Software provider Invenco was meant to roll out a fix at 3 o'clock - but that hasn't happened. Waitomo Chief Executive Simon Parham says it's surprising because it's not the first time we've had a leap year. "I think it's near a base in the software where they've just missed this day, and then the processing couldn't happen." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The designation of Hamas as a terrorist entity isn't expected to have implications for controversial pro-Palestine protest chants. Both the movement's military and political wings - which govern parts of Gaza - are now deemed a terrorist group in New Zealand. When pressed, Peters says people just have to follow and respect the law during protests. "When a country makes a decision that is a decision other countries have also made, no, it shouldn't make any difference. I can't guarantee that will not effect what people do." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The life and legacy of Fa’anana Efeso Collins has been celebrated at the Manukau Events Centre. Thousands of people, including Prime Minister Chris Luxon, former rugby stars and politicians from all sides came together to pay their respects to the late MP. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Efeso really left a mark in Parliament during his short stay. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NSW's Police Commissioner has taken the first steps to remove Beau Lamarre-Condon from the state's police force. Lamarre-Condon has been accused of murdering Sydney couple Luke Davies and Jesse Baird several days ago. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Lamarre-Condon allegedly carried out the murder with a police firearm - sparking an investigation. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand seamer Matt Henry is leading the way on the opening day of the first cricket test against Australia at the Basin Reserve. He's taken three wickets to have the tourists 166 for five early in the final session. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington's mayor is celebrating a controversial multi-million dollar development deal. Wellington City Council today agreed to continue with its plan to buy the land under the Reading Cinema complex for $32 million. The complex will then be rented back to the company, with the funds used to pay for quake strengthening. Tory Whanau couldn't go into specific details around certain aspects of the plan. The mayor says she's very happy with the level of detail she has. "And essentially- this is a loan. We are using a loan to be able to redevelop this property in our city centre." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

British MPs facing threats to their safety can opt for extra security as part of a new package. £31 million has been allocated to help protect concerned politicians, amid growing safety concerns since the war in Gaza began. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says this could include extra bodyguards for MPs who are most at risk. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Sarah Trotman from Business Mentors 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! Newshub shocked employees with the revelation they planned to shut down newsroom operations by the end of June. Do we just have to accept that the news sector in New Zealand will continue to shrink? Is there a point to push tech companies to pay for news? The Reserve Bank has confirmed that the OCR will stay in place at 5.5 percent for the time being. Is this a relief? A clip of David Seymour speaking in a Canadian accent is making the rounds on social media. How weird was this to hear? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank Governor says inflation is still too high to consider cutting the OCR. Adrian Orr held the OCR steady at 5.5 percent today, in line with most economist's expectations. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen says the Bank's on the right track to bringing down inflation. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank Governor has held the Official Cash Rate at 5.5 percent today, as expected by most economists. Adrian Orr says there was discussion on whether to bring in a small hike, but the Monetary Policy Committee concluded holding was the right move. Milford Asset Management's Katlyn Parker analyses the market reaction to this announcement. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis wants to exempt some trusts from paying the new 39 percent trustee tax rate. She hinted the Government planned to modify the bill aimed at lifting the trustee tax rate from 33 percent to 39 percent from April 1. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains how Nicola Willis plans to determine these exemtions. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Hipkins has given a seething speech in the House, slamming the Government's unwinding Labour's smokefree laws. The legislation had restricted retailers who can sell cigarettes, and banned people born after 2008 from buying them. A Bill scrapping the moves is now in its first reading. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says he's never seen behaviour like that from an MP. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in the US, President Biden and former President Trump have won their respective parties' Michigan's presidential primaries. Both candidates are still likely to enter an electoral rematch in November, according to political experts. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says Trump and Biden hold a clear lead over the other candidates. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Caps will be without Devon Conway for the first cricket test against Australia in Wellington, with more damage revealed to his left thumb. Conway suffered the injury while wicket-keeping in the second T20 at Eden Park. Additional scans revealed extra issues with the thumb. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains what this means for tomorrow. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christchurch Airport has pulled back and put their controversial Tarras airport project on hold. Chief executive Justin Watson announced that all future work on the airport would be delayed, saying more time is needed to examine the overall impact and consult with local and national stakeholders. Christchurch city councillor Yani Johansen suspects short-term financial constrains caused the delay. "We've got massive amounts of things we need to focus on, there are much greater priorities than a new international airport in central Otago." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Building back trust is next on the agenda for the rat-plagued Countdown Dunedin South. It reopened today, after being closed for almost three weeks for pest management procedures. Woolworths Stores Director Jason Stockill says foot traffic was down today, but they're determined to regain customers' faith. "We know it's going to be a slow process, but we've got to get the confidence back into the community. Our team have been doing a great job keeping in touch with the community." Stockill says finances have taken a hit, but customers are the priority, and are today being treated to free coffee and chocolate. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a clip of David Seymour making the rounds on social media that has viewers scratching their heads. In the interview, recorded in 2010, the ACT leader was recorded speaking with a clear Canadian accent. Seymour says he adopted the accent during his time overseas to blend in with the locals. "I know people that have lived outside their home country for 30 years, the accent still flickers- and there's other people who are kind of like chameleons in some terms, it's the way people are." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Economists at our biggest bank expect the Reserve Bank will increase the Official Cash Rate. ANZ's changed its forecast, now predicting 25 basis point hikes in February and in April. That would take the OCR to 6 percent- from its current 5.5. ANZ chief economist Sharon Zollner says the Reserve Bank said it was very close to hiking it again in November. "Since then, they've had a series of small, but very consistent surprises that do suggest that inflation's just going to take a bit longer to get back to target." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warner Bros. Discovery's Asia Pacific president reckons shutting down Newshub at the end of June is the best way forward. Staff were shocked as the company announced they would close down Newshub's newsroom and website- blaming financial headwinds and a tough advertising market. President James Gibbons says he's come to the conclusion this is the right approach. "We've certainly come to the conclusion this is the best way forward, but we really do welcome hearing from both the team- and indeed all news stakeholders in New Zealand." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.