Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

The Reserve Bank left the OCR at 5.5 percent during today's review, in line with predictions. The Bank also issued a hawkish statement about future hikes, claiming further hikes would be needed if inflationary pressures got to be stronger than anticipated. Infometrics chief economist Gareth Kiernan says there's a good chance the OCR will need to go up between now and 2025. "Economic activity is running a percentage point higher than the Reserve Bank had been anticipating when it did its' last statement back in August- that didn't sound like a lot, but we knew the economy was highly stretched." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has admitted to having an alcohol problem. This statement follows another incident of drunken behaviour- which was recorded at a popular Cuba St establishment two weeks ago. Wellington City Councillor Diane Calvert hopes she's getting the necessary support, but acknowledges the risk this poses. "We need to make sure we've got people with the right skills and the right capabilities to make decisions in the best interests of the city going forward." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A cable car company is pitching gondolas as public transport solutions for a number of cities. A case has been presented to multiple councils by Austrian company Doppelmayr Urban Transport Solutions. Aerial cable cars are being touted as options for Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown. Doppelmayr CEO Garreth Hayman says it would be good for getting people to and from airports. "There is a cabin coming very frequently every few seconds, and there is completely level boarding there. It would be quite easy to use- like going on an escalator with your luggage." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite some setbacks, Luxon has unveiled his Government's 100-day plan. The plan features 49 action points, including repealing the Auckland Regional Fuel Tax, the Clean Car Discount scheme, and Fair Pay Agreement legislation- and setting new targets for the health system. Political commentator Grant Duncan says the Government's next phase will need to do more to fix the issues they planned to address. "They need to get serious about their actual plans, particularly with rebuilding the economy. Just repealing stuff isn't rebuilding the economy." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank says there may be a need for more interest rates hikes. It has held the Official Cash Rate at 5.5 percent, and their forecast track suggests no rate cuts are on the horizon until mid-2025. Independent economist Tony Alexander says he doesn't think the Reserve Bank will actually do that- or really believes it will have to. "I think today's statement was all about a signal to the market. To say- don't get too optimistic out there, inflation's falling, but maybe you're getting a bit optimistic about the pace which things are going to ease off." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter was honoured today at a memorial service. Her husband, former President Jimmy Carter, led other political figures in tribute- including Joe and Jill Biden, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama, and Laura Bush. Melania Trump also attended, and caused a bit of a stir. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson said American media zeroed in on her unique choice of outfit, as she was the only former First Lady to wear grey. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All Blacks captain Sam Cane believes New Zealand Rugby needs to have a conversation about allowing international players to play their club rugby abroad. The flanker's fronted media with new Japan League One club Suntory Sungoliath - where he was alongside South Africa's Cheslin Koble. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains the wider implications of this idea. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sam Cane is the latest to suggest opening up the All Blacks’ eligibility to New Zealanders playing for overseas clubs. The current All Blacks captain has asked NZ Rugby to consider allowing players overseas to be eligible for national selection. Former Springbok and rugby commentator Kevin Putt approves of this idea, claiming it's been successful for South Africa. "What we've got to look at is- why are we 7th in the world in the under-20s? We've got France and Ireland one and two, we've got years of pain ahead of us at the moment." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greece's Prime Minister has criticised Rishi Sunak's last-minute cancellation of an anticipated meeting. Kyriakos Mitsotakis had hoped to raise the issue of returning the Elgin Marbles amid heated disagreements. UK correspondent Enda Brady says the Greek Government have been trying for years to get the collection back after the British stole them. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on the Huddle, Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union and Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! Winston Peters is under fire for attacking the media and making inaccurate statements about public funding on the new Government's first-ever Cabinet meeting session. Does Winston have a point? How does this reflect on the Government? An NZ On Air board member has resigned after making a social media post calling out new Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters’ attack on media independence. Is this the right call? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As part of the coalition agreement, the Government revealed some new changes for the Reserve Bank. Its dual mandate will be ditched- and focus will return to keeping inflation between one and three percent. HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham says reduced priorities means the Reserve Bank will only have one clear goal to meet. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National's newly appointed Agriculture Minister has promised to review several on-farm regulations before the end of the year. Todd McClay plans to implement new changes to freshwater rules by Christmas- to the approval of the region's farming community. Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford welcomes the arrival of McClay and says he and his associate ministers Nicola Grigg, Andrew Hoggard and Mark Patterson will make a great team. The Country host Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A date has been set for disgraced businessman Eric Watson's bankruptcy case to be called. The liquidators of Watson’s company, Cullen Investments, have chased him for roughly $57.4 million, plus interest. Auckland's High Court confirmed that the bankruptcy proceeding will be called on February 1, 2024. BusinessDesk managing editor Pattrick Smellie says Watson's been staving off problems for over a decade. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Peters has doubled down on conspiratorial comments about the media, and gone further. Yesterday, he called a $55 million Public Interest Journalism Fund a Government 'bribe'. Today, ahead of the Government's first Cabinet meeting, Peters asked media to tell the public what criteria had to be signed up to- to get the money. ZB political editor Jason Walls says Luxon will likely be annoyed with Winston's remarks. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's plan to slash the public sector is having an adverse impact on Wellington's property market. According to ANZ's latest property report, Wellington's housing market is lagging behind the rest of the country as people brace for job losses. ANZ economist Andre Castaing says housing markets all over the nation are expected to go sideways within the next year. "The housing market in Wellington- we would characterise that as having the potential to be a touch slower. However across the country, there's a range of things impacting house prices." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pharmac is about to run out of a crucial pain relief drug. The drug-buying agency was warned two years ago the Pfizer factory producing one-milligram liquid morphine is closing. But it hasn't found a replacement before New Zealand's supplies run out next month. Analgesic Advisory Committee member Catherine D'Souza says Pfizer promised to help find alternatives, but didn't. "Which is really disappointing. So then Pharmac looks at opening a competitive process asking for companies to apply to provide New Zealand with this product, but there were no bids at all." A Pfizer spokesperson issued the following statement: "The transfer of sponsorship of RA-Morph was Friday 22 September and supply was available from Bridgewest on Monday 9 October. Pfizer and Bridgewest worked cooperatively to ensure continuity of supply to customers in New Zealand was maintained in the interim. Pfizer has been in regular communication with Pharmac on medicines supplied from the Perth site. Following the decision to exit the Perth site (the site was divested in April 2023 and purchased by Bridgewest Group - the sale having closed on 4 April 2023), it was also decided to discontinue the manufacturing of RA-Morph and its supply in New Zealand. In the interest of patients, and to ensure that the market had lead-time to seek alternative means of supply, a discontinuation notice was given to Pharmac with two years’ notice in September 2021." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warehouse employees have expressed outrage over a new promotion led by the retail giant. The 'ring the bell' giveaway scheme involved staff offering lucky customers $100 off their purchase on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. First Union acting secretary Bill Bradford says workers are frustrated that the company could find money for this promo- but not pay rises. "They see the owner of the store throwing money around like confetti, as far as they can see it. There's no money for them, and they're the ones who do the work and make the profits." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A panel of judges are reconsidering the David Tamihere double murder conviction 33 years on. His case is being heard in the Court of Appeal. Tamihere was convicted of killing two Swedish tourists in 1989, and released on parole in 2010. Open Justice reporter Ethan Griffiths says it's being claimed the convictions were predominantly based on circumstantial evidence. "Tamihere's lawyer essentially told the court developments since the trial raised doubt over the convictions." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACT Leader David Seymour says the Public Interest Journalism Fund was silly policy. Deputy Prime Minister Winton Peters yesterday accused media of being bribed by the previous Government's $55 million fund. Today he asked reporters to tell the public what they had to sign up to, to get the money. Seymour says he doesn't believe the media was distorted by the money. "The idea that all the journalists in New Zealand were corrupted by 2 percent of revenue- for me, it doesn't pass the sniff test, but it certainly has created a widespread perception."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hundreds of prominent Australians have come together to condemn anti-Semitism in an open letter. State premiers, industry leaders, athletes and media personalities have signed the double-page letter, which appeared in newspapers across the country. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says anti-Semitic incidents have been on the rise in Australia since the October attack by Hamas. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Caps are bowling first in the opening cricket test against hosts Bangladesh in Sylhet. Moments ago, Bangladesh were 20 without loss, with New Zealand having a couple of early LBW shouts turned down and burning a review on one of them. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Tauranga gallery's property manager has asked it to remove posters of Palestinian art from its window. A member of the public complained about the exhibition at Kūwao Space. Co-owner Tawahinga Butt says they moved the posters - but now want to change sites. He says he shouldn't have had to move the signs. "It's a bit of an over-reach, it's not included in our tenancy agreement at all that we can't express our political opinion." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Royal biographer Omid Scobie is set to reveal the secret scandals within the British royal family. 'Endgame' is due on shelves come November 28th, and some newly-released excerpts have got the public talking. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says the book is meant to examine the fraught relationships within the royal family. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and former Labour Chief of Staff Mike Munro joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! The new Government has copped some backlash over their new changes to smoking laws in order to fund their anticipated tax cuts? Is this criticism justified? Now that the coalition agreements have wrapped up- did National get a good deal? Are Winston and NZ First dragging proceedings down? Is AT's Dean Kimpton right about Auckland's cycleways? Are cyclists not making the most of them? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some of America's most successful business figures are set to arrive in Auckland for the upcoming US Business Summit. Experts from major companies like PepsiCo and Amazon will gather in this half of the world to discuss New Zealand's evolving direction. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan explains the topics that will be covered within these discussions. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The new Prime Minister says he intends to hit the ground running. Chris Luxon was officially sworn in at Government House this morning, alongside his ministerial colleagues. He says Cabinet will meet tomorrow and Wednesday in order to prepare the first 100 day action plan. ZB political editor Jason Walls says the next week will be focused on laying out their long-term and short-term political goals. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Retirement village operators claim that a proposed change in regulations governing the sector will put smaller facilities out of business. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development aims to make it mandatory for retirement villages to buy back units from the residents within a year after they vacate them. Retirement Village Residents Association president Brian Peat says a clearly defined timeframe will be beneficial to residents- or their estates. "We want to see a defined period, whether it's 28 days or 3 months or 6 months- we want a defined period so that residents or their estates know that they will get their money back." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National's Nicola Willis is ready to get stuck in after receiving her ministerial warrant. The newly sworn in Finance Minister plans to spend her first few days working on fiscal and economic updates in order to address the current economic climate. She says the outgoing Labour Government left her with several fiscal cliffs and risks to mitigate. "There's programs that they had ongoing that they just hadn't put money into for the future that realistically, we're going to have to find the money to fund." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A push from Auckland Transport to get more people on bikes, as the Council discusses cutting cycle lane spending. Wayne Brown's proposed cutting some funding, including only delivering cycleways when AT can make them 'cheaper'. AT Chief Executive Dean Kimpton says he understands why some people aren't yet using two wheels. He says they need to find ways to make it more attractive. "To be fair, for a lot of families with young children- it doesn't feel safe. So we've got a deep commitment to get that right." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A member of the Defence Strategic Review is offering his resignation to the new minister, and thinks all political appointees should do the same. Judith Collins became Defence Minister this morning, and Sir Don McKinnon has already written to her. He says he was appointed by a Labour Minister, and every minister should be entitled to appoint someone different if they choose. "One, it's the right thig to do, secondly, it's a courtesy to do it. And thirdly, if you think you're brilliant in the job- convince the Minister who's now in charge of you and the person you report to." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Egypt, Qatar and the US are calling for Gaza's ceasefire to be extended. The four-day pause in fighting is due to end tomorrow night, our time. Hamas has so far released three groups of hostages and a number of Palestinians have been freed from Israeli prisons. Israeli Defence Force spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus says Hamas is signalling it's willing to hand over 10 more civilians. "Of course, we have to take everything that Hamas says with a very big grain of salt, but that is the indication." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health experts are raising the alarm over the potential cost of repealing smoke-free laws. The new Government is dumping legislation that aims to have five percent of people smoking - or less - by 2025. That includes laws to lower nicotine in cigarettes, reduce retailers and ban the next generation taking up smoking. Health Coalition co-chair Lisa Te Morenga says modelling shows it'll be a huge mistake. "These measures were predicted to save us $1.3 billion between now and 2040- for the healthcare system." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Terminally ill people located in New South Wales will be able to be legally permitted to end their own lives from tomorrow. This new legislation makes NSW the last Australian state to introduce voluntary assisted dying (VAD) to eligible patients. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says there is a pre-existing list of conditions that determines one's eligibility for VAD. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Rugby's provincial unions are preparing to give the governing body's executive leadership a corporate rucking at a meeting on December 8. They've signed a document acknowledging the results of an independent review which found the sport's governance structure unfit for purpose. Sportstalk host Jason Pine reveals what NZ Rugby plans to address in this review. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Secondary school teachers warn that the ongoing teacher shortage is set to worsen as recruitment declines. A recent survey revealed 16 percent of principals had to cancel classes due to dwindling staff, and the sector is relying on foreign-trained teachers and teachers over the age of 65. Reports also show the number of secondary teaching students has halved since 2010. Secondary Principals' Association President Vaughan Couillault says recruitment has gotten harder for specialised educational fields, such as maths and physics. "The unfortunate thing is, the nature of our local supply is such that we're basically stealing off each other. Some teachers move over here, this one's moving over there, they're travelling, they're moving out of Auckland." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters has got his wish when it comes to a broader Covid inquiry. National's coalition deal with the party has agreed to look into the use of lockdowns, vaccine efficacy and whether decisions were justified. Peters told Heather du Plessis-Allan that he wants to have it finished by the end of next year. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police are confirming threatening emails sent to numerous organisations were bomb threats. Police say the emails went to more than 70 schools, hospitals and worship sites, but they appear to be the same emails, from the same source, and don't pose any actual threat. They were sent from overseas but the Cybercrime unit is yet to determine an exact location. Assistant Police Commissioner Naila Hassan told Heather du Plessis-Allan the threats were not targeted at individuals within organisations. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Luxon is adamant his tax cuts will be delivered as promised, when promised. A coalition deal's now been signed and Luxon becomes the Prime Minister on Monday. National's promised plan for tax cuts now has a hole of 740-million-dollars a year, after New Zealand First vetoed a foreign buyers' tax. Luxon told Heather du Plessis Allan that 100-million dollars will be raised by changing fees free to the final year of university. He says a series of other things will add up, like repealing the app tax and not progressing the 2026 changes to Working for Families. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Promised tax cuts proposed by National are to go ahead following the coalition deal signed earlier today. Newstalk ZB’s Political Editor Jason Walls spoke to Heather du-Plessis Allan as questions arise on how it will be funded following the scrapping of the foreign home buyers tax. He said "It seems at this stage we don’t have an answer” on how the government will find the money to fund the initiative but plans are in place to release more details soon. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Veteran anti-Islam populist leader Geert Wilders has won a dramatic victory in the Dutch general election. Wilders has proven to be a controversial presence, having called for mosques and the Koran to be banned and speaking out against migration UK correspondent Enda Brady says Wilders had previously been considered a joke candidate- but he manged to bring down his polarising views ahead of the election. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Neale Jones from Government relations firm Capital and Infrastructure NZ CEO Nick Leggett joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! After 40 days, we're finally on the verge of reaching a coalition deal. ACT, National and NZ First have agreed on policies, ministerial positions, processes and the new Deputy PM. Will it all be worth the wait? Our chief censor's given an unrestricted rating to a controversial sex education book for teens that was pulled in Australia. Parents have expressed their alarm with this decision- does this seem to0 extreme? Wellington Council has put up a Christmas tree of road cones. Some people are terribly upset about this- isn't it just funny? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

OpenAI recently reached an agreement for Sam Altman to return as CEO days after his ousting. It caps frenzied discussions about the future of the start-up at the centre of the artificial intelligence boom. As well as Altman's return, the ChatGPT maker has agreed in principle to partly reconstitute the board of directors that had dismissed him. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explains what this means for the wider world of AI. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good news for Kiwi bakers out there- egg prices are on their way down. Eggs have been in short supply - and expensive - since the start of the year when a ban on battery-caged hens came into effect, sparking shortages across the country. The Country's Rowena Duncum says thing brings a positive conclusion to a turbulent year. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Westpac is cutting some of its longer-term fixed special home loan rates- making it the first major bank to do so. The bank's two- and three-year fixed home loan rates will drop 10 basis points to 6.99 percent and 6.75 percent, and the four-year and five-year rates will drop to 6.69 percent and 6.49 percent. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann explains what this means for the wider market. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wildfires ravaging through Perth are expected to continue for several days, as firefighters work to contain the blaze. At least 10 homes have been lost, while over 500 people are without electricity and 100 transmission lines have been impacted by the extreme conditions. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says over 125 firefighters are out on the ground, with several injuries reported. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A stop clock will be introduced on a trial basis in men’s white-ball games from December to April to regulate the amount of time taken between overs. If the bowling team is not ready within 60 seconds of the previous over being completed, a five-run penalty will be imposed the third time this occurs in an innings. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains the practical applications of this rule change. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealanders can soon expect to see a clear picture of what the new Government will do. Prime Minister-elect Chris Luxon has confirmed coalition negotiations between National, ACT and New Zealand First have wrapped up. Luxon says the agreements are before the respective parties for sign off- and he'll reveal his Cabinet and their policies tomorrow. ZB political editor Jason Walls says all eyes will be on tomorrow's signing ceremony, where we'll find out the identity of the new Deputy Prime Minister. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meal kit delivery service My Food Bag's latest profits have more than halved as customers seek to cut costs. The company's half year profit shows a significant decline, and a planned dividend has been axed. Devon Funds Head of Retail Greg Smith says customers have been forced to cut back amid increased interest rates and inflation. "Their average value has gone down- meanwhile, obviously costs have gone up for them, so that's pressurising their profitability." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One Auckland man is stepping up his Movember activism beyond growing facial hair. Robbie Wearing has run a marathon every day of this month - rain or shine - to raise awareness for the cause. He says he's only completed a handful of marathons in his lifetime before November of this year- making this the biggest challenge he's taken on. "I get up and just think- yeah, I'm really lucky to be able to do what I'm doing. I'm trying to keep a positive mindset." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Gisborne woman's died in a police cell overnight- a day after being convicted of her father's murder. 63-year-old Lynne Maree Martin was yesterday found guilty of killing 88-year-old Ronald Allison by burning down his house. After what was thought to be forever a cold case, his daughter was arrested and charged with murder just last year. ZB reporter Chelsea Daniels says it was revealed a police officer went undercover to gain Martin's trust during the investigation. "The officer, who called herself Millie, slowly befriended Martin and her husband Graham in about 2020. She was wearing a wire and the jury heard a raft of conversations between the pair." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.