Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

US correspondent Dan Mitchinson reports on Stormy Daniels and Trump, Biden and Netanyahu; and hospitals not doing surgeries unless payment is received in full Mitchinson told Heather du Plessis Allan, “Trump’s lawyers are continuing to attack the credibility of Daniels’ testimony Mitchinson said that Daniels responded with “If that story was untrue, I would have written it a lot better." LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We dodged a bullet this morning, but are we paying the price for Labour's mismanagement? Grid operator Transpower asked households to conserve power this morning. The Government's blamed a ban in 2018 on oil and gas exploration, for our short supply of natural gas. The Labour Party’s energy spokesperson Megan Woods told Heather du Plessis Allan “It was the correct and right thing to do.” Woods said "I'm concerned that the government has cut funding for other energy storage options." LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prince Harry received support from two of Princess Diana's siblings during his Invictus Games engagement. The Duke of Sussex attended the Invictus Games Foundation’s 10th Anniversary celebration alongside Charles Spencer and Lady Jane Fellowes. UK correspondent Enda Brady says this isn't a good look for King Charles, who was hosting a garden party nearby. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US and Europe have posted several quarterly results - and this season has been labelled 'spicy' and volatile by experts. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds unpacks all the highs and lows found within the results. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AgriZeroNZ, the joint venture fast-tracking emissions reduction tools for Kiwi farmers, has put up millions of dollars in the race for a 'methane vaccine'. The company has invested $9.9 million in U.S. ag-biotech start-up, ArkeaBio, to accelerate a treatment for ruminant animals. The Country's Jamie Mackay examines the impact of these treatments. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's looking increasingly likely that cash is getting phased out. More and more banks have removed their ATMs, and Australia's Macquarie Bank made headlines over its decision to scrap physical money altogether. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann examines the future of physical cash. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 9 May 2024, Transpower's warning Kiwis to reduce their electricity usage to avoid power cuts tomorrow morning. Transpower's Chantelle Bramley tells Heather how bad the shortfall is. Finance Minister Nicola Willis has promised "modest but meaningful" tax cuts. Heather asks her how much money we'll get. The Huddle debates whether the last Government caused the energy crisis we find ourselves in and whether Woolworths should own its promotions mistake. Plus the Baby Reindeer news that has Heather on the edge of her seat... 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.

The nation is grappling with worsening power and gas shortages - in line with one expert's warning. In September 2023, Enerlytica director John Kidd warned of power shortage risks following the loss of a key gas-fired power plant. Kidd says these issues have been coming for a while. "It is one of those things where you need capacity to cover exactly these types of periods. And over the last few years, we just haven't had that new capacity." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Josie Pagani from Child Fund and ZB host Tim Beveridge joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Transpower has warned customers across the nation to reduce their power consumption from 7am to 9am tomorrow morning due to an unexpected cold snap. Should we have seen this coming? Can we expect this to happen again? Finance Minister Nicola Willis has promised 'meaningful but modest' tax cuts ahead of the 2024 Budget. The Opposition has already labelled it 'crumbs' - what do we think? Should the Government have tackled inflation first? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An employment expert says compulsory work seminars for beneficiaries will make them more employable. Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston announced the seminars will be designed to help with training and work. Jobseekers who do not attend could face sanctions. Max Whitehead says some people need help to show employers what they can offer. "These courses will really give them the training so they can present themselves - and show they can be reliable." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thousands of people have been caught up in Woolworths whoopsie. The supermarket wrote to winners of a promotion, awarding them 4000 reward points - which equals $30 worth of groceries. But it sent about 80,000 emails, instead of 1000. It's apologised and offered 500 points compensation to those wrongly emailed. Auckland University marketing professor Mike Lee says it's understandable if people are upset. "It sets up that expectation, and then to take it away... even if they were to offer something at half-price, people are going to be left with a bad taste in their month." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister has promised Kiwis will benefit from meaningful tax cuts in this year's Budget. Nicola Willis gave a preview speech to the Hutt Valley Business Chamber this morning - and ruled out austerity, despite a challenging economy. Willis says she's made sure the cuts will be targeted at middle to lower income workers and families. "We've come up with what we think is responsible. As I outlined today - inflation has pushed New Zealanders into much higher tax brackets. That means, on average, people are paying a lot more tax." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transpower is reminding people to avoid unnecessary power use. The grid operator is asking consumers to reduce electricity use between 7am and 9am tomorrow. An unseasonal cold snap and low wind generation means the country is facing a potential supply shortfall. Executive operations general manager Chantelle Bramley says they're doing their best to avoid power cuts. "Generators have been making as much generation available as possible, we've been working with lines companies - and industrial customers have also responded." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Sydney, a man's been arrested after a woman was stabbed in a gym car park. It's believed the man and the woman were in a brief relationship before the attack, where the victim was stabbed multiple times. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says authorities have warned attacks like this have become more common. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis is still committed to giving Kiwis their promised tax cuts. Willis unveiled a preview of this year's Budget and promised 83 percent of New Zealanders will benefit from incoming tax relief. ZB political correspondent Barry Soper unpacks Willis' promise - and theorises on who stands to benefit and miss out. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Rugby have expressed a desire to bring Richie Mo’unga home early from his Japanese contract with Toshiba, which ends in mid-2026. Scott Robertson’s elevation to All Blacks coach and concern around depth at first-five have instigated the push. ZB sports commentator Elliott Smith outlines some of the strategies NZ Rugby might use to bring him back. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A petition's been handed to Parliament calling for an inquiry into Alan Hall's wrongful conviction. Hall spent 19 years in prison wrongly convicted of murdering Arthur Easton in 1985. He received $5 million and an apology. The petition asks for a Royal Commission Inquiry into the conviction and police investigation. Social Justice Aotearoa CEO Jackie Foster says the conviction was a travesty. "We believe so many questions have not been answered - and no one has been held accountable for what's happened." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Airports across the UK were all impacted by an outage at passport e-gates, causing subsequent delays. The outage at e-gates left staff at several airports manually processing travellers to get them through. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says this is the second high-profile airport issue since May 2023. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions are being raised about the future of the Port of Tauranga. This comes off the back of Auckland mayor Wayne Brown confirming the Port of Auckland's land, assets, and operations will be kept in council ownership. Milford Asset Management's Jeremy Hutton explores a few potential outcomes. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One expert has noticed New Zealand's biggest banks don't seem to be rushing to get more information about the insurability of the properties they lend against. The Reserve Bank wants banks to keep a closer eye on the long-term insurability of properties they lend against, amid concerns about natural risks. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains the moves the banks could take to address these issues. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One Cambridge scientist may have gotten us one step closer to discovering life on other planets. Professor Nikku Madhusudhan came across dimethyl sulphide gas on planet K2-18b during a routine scan - a gas mainly produced by living things. He says the planet is suspected to be an ocean world with a hydrogen-rich atmosphere, meaning the gas could come from microorganisms. "Any discovery of life outside of any kind is a major advancement, because that tells us that the origin of life is not unique to Earth. And that is one of the central questions of science." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 8 May 2024, the man wanted in relation to the Ponsonby shooting has been found dead in Taupo. Detective Inspector Chris Barry tells Heather whether or not it's a gang related incident. Haeata Community Campus Principal Peggy Burrows responds to David Seymour's free school lunches revamp. RMA Minister Chris Bishop defends his decision to keep the dilapidated Gordon Wilson Flats. On the Huddle, Jack Tame and Clare De Lore discuss 'woke' food in schools. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, journalist Clare de Lore 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! Authorities still claim Sunday's shooting on Auckland's Ponsonby Road is still a bit of a mystery following the death of the shooter today. Will we learn the truth? Is this a sign of escalating violence in New Zealand? The Government has today unveiled a new school lunch scheme that will give schoolkids free meals at a reduced cost. Was this the right decision? The Government is considering making some electoral law changes following yesterday's report into the complications and errors in the 2023 election. Is this the right call - or does it seem like gerrymandering? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Genesis Energy has confirmed they plan to resume buying coal amid reduced gas supplies and increased consumer demand. The company claims it needs to invest in a solid stockpile to ensure customers can access what they need for the time being. CEO Malcolm Johns warns the company will dip below the 350,000 tonne threshold by spring. "We're going to have to buy coal to top that stockpile up for next winter, and probably the winter after that as well." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The dilapidated Gordon Wilson Flats in Wellington will keep their heritage label - for now. RMA Minister Chris Bishop has rejected a last-minute move to remove heritage listings for a number of buildings to make way for development. But he has given the green light to a range of housing recommendations, with hopes to encourage intensification in the city. Chris Bishop says there wasn't enough information at the table to remove the heritage listing. "If someone presented to me expert evidence as to why a variety of these buildings were not significant enough to be covered by a heritage listing, then I could do that." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's reservations about the Government's new school lunch scheme. Associate Education Minister David Seymour has unveiled a programme he says will continue feeding kids already getting free school lunches. But he says they'll save $107 million a year by serving simple items and having a Government bulk-order for food. Haeata Community Campus Principal Peggy Burrows says it'll likely throw up challenges for kids unable to eat things like gluten, dairy and nuts. "I just worry that if the Government is going to be buying the food, how much flexibility are we going to be having for the children?" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A constitutional law expert suggests changing rules on enrolling to vote could benefit the current Government. A report by the Auditor-General's found pressures on systems led to mistakes in the vote count, such as a rushed final check of the official results. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has proposed stopping people enrolling to vote on election day to slim down numbers of special votes. Otago University's Andrew Geddis says people showing up that way tend to vote left. "The special votes every election deliver more seats to the left parties than the right. So if you end election day enrolments, you'll help the right - which is why Paul Goldsmith is so keen to do it." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police say Sunday's shooting on Auckland's Ponsonby Road is still a bit of a mystery. 33-year-old Robert Sidney Horne was killed by 31-year-old Killer Beez member, Hone Kay-Selwyn, after he and other got out of a car, about 10.15pm. Kay-Selwyn was found dead yesterday in a rural property near Taupō, hundreds of kilometres from Auckland. Detective Inspector Chris Barry says they may never have a complete explanation for what happened. "Perhaps we could surmise that the victim and his associate perhaps didn't appreciate the situation early in the piece and the risks that they were facing." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government says the country's low gas production is threatening our energy security. Figures released by the Gas Industry Company show there was a 12.5 percent reduction in gas production last year and almost 30 percent less has been produced this year than projected. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says more people are getting desperate for gas energy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adult film actress Stormy Daniels has described her alleged affair with Donald Trump - in graphic detail. She's taken the stand today as a key witness in the former US President's ongoing criminal hush money trial in New York. Daniels walked the jury through a sexual encounter in 2006 - that Trump denies - and the $130,000 in hush money she received. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says Daniels denied that she wanted Trump imprisoned, but she did want him held accountable. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NZ Rugby's entire board could be forced to reapply under a new governance proposal - regardless of how this month's general meeting plays out. On May 30, NZR will hold the meeting with its voting members to finalise a new governance structure after an investigation determined the current model was not fit for purpose. ZB sports commentator Elliott Smith unpacks what this means for the future of the organisation. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research indicates manual cars will be phased out within the next five years. The number of new manual cars being manufactured has halved within the last six years - and companies like Volvo, Lexus, Jaguar have stopped producing showroom models of manual cars. AA's Roger Venn says it's likely we'll only be importing battery-powered electric vehicles, according to new regulations. "They don't come with any transmission that requires a clutch and a gearbox. So yes, new manual vehicles will be off the menu within very few years." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is determined to fight on after a poor showing in the UK local elections. The final votes were counted last weekend, and the Tories lost 10 councils and over 470 council seats. UK correspondent Enda Brady says it's hard to see where Sunak goes from here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meat exporters are celebrating news the Government's negotiating a free trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates. Trade Minister Todd McClay says he hopes to get a deal over the line as soon as possible. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen says it's good that we're striking when the iron's hot when it comes to demand from that part of the world. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The small town of Reefton, located in the West Coast, is sitting on a supply of a valuable mineral. An Australian mining company believes Reefton could have 5 percent of the world's supply of antimony. Siren Gold CEO Victor Rajasooriar says it's likely they'll find at least 50,000 to 100,000 tonnes of antimony if they keep drilling. "We're quite confident with the initial drilling that we've done... there's a lot sitting in that region. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland mayor Wayne Brown has announced his idea of leasing out Port operations for 35 years is now off the table. A new agreement with unions and the Port will instead see the land, assets and operations retained by the Council. Mayor Brown says the Auckland ratepayers can't keep on subsidising Port operations. "I think it's worth keeping the Port. Because at the moment, the ratepayers are subsidising the importers and that can't go on." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 7 May 2024, an investigation into vote counting errors uncovered more mistakes at last year's election. Chief Electoral Commissioner Karl Le Quesne tells Heather why their checks weren't up to scratch. Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell fronts after his shambolic press conference yesterday telling Heather he "muddied the water". ANZ boss Antonia Watson defends the bank's huge profit while borrowers are struggling with higher interest rates. On the Huddle, Paddy Gower doubles down for his call on body cameras for MPs. Plus do you wash your wheelie bin? Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, broadcaster Paddy Gower and Phil O'Reilly from Iron Duke Partners joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Labour deputy leader Carmel Sepuloni may or may not be one of the contestants on the upcoming season of Celebrity Treasure Island. Is this the right move for a politician to make? Did she take paid leave for this? What did we think of Mark Mitchell's blunder with the Corrections spending numbers? Did he embarrass anyone? Are the Greens taking Julie Anne Genter's behaviour seriously? The disgraced MP has been referred to the Privileges Committee over her behaviour in the House last week. She's off on MP business in the Chatham Islands - can she show her face in Parliament again? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A property manager is defending asking tenants to clean wheelie bins after backlash online. The Xclusive Property Management guide sets out end-of-tenancy expectations for renters. They include cleaning extractor fans, heat pump filters and wheelie bins. The Tenants' Protection Association says these terms are 'pathetic' and 'petty'. Xclusive director Carol Champ says such clean up is up to a person moving out. "It's not fair for an ingoing tenant to have to deal with that, so we kindly ask for them just to clean up and wash their wheelie bins." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Correction Minister's holding his hands up after mixing up new spending numbers. The Government's putting up $1.9 billion to add more than 800 beds at Waikeria Prison and deliver 685 more frontline Corrections staff, including 470 prison officers. Mark Mitchell's office has been forced to issue a correction, after several figures were confused at yesterday's press conference announcing the funding boost. He says it was his fault. "I muddied the waters on that, big time. That's on me." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-and-a-half-thousand junior doctors have been striking since 7 this morning over pay negotiations. The Resident Doctors Association says the latest offer meant about 600 registrars would have had pay freezes or cuts of up to 12 percent. Health NZ Chief People Officer Andrew Slater says no current resident medical officers would get a pay cut. "That's the reason we're going to facilitation that was granted by the ERA last night, so that we can get a facilitator to help us understand why they believe that's the case. This is a good offer on the table." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big numbers of special votes and enrolments took a toll on vote counters in last year's election. A report on the count by the Auditor-General has found the final check of the official result was done in a few hours, on the day it was announced. The rushed assessment failed to identify multiple errors. It normally takes two days. Chief Electoral Officer Karl Le Quesne says they're working at ways to better support staff in future. "We need to look at how we can use technology to identify potential errors - there might be some more staff needed. But we need check more robustly that the checks have been carried out as well." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Green Party leadership says it's been made clear to Julie Anne Genter she can never repeat last week's behaviour in the House. Genter hasn't spoken publicly, since crossing the chamber and confronting Minister Matt Doocey during a transport debate. It's been confirmed today she'll face the Privileges Committee and a party disciplinary process is under way - but she won't lose her transport portfolio. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this update isn't surprising. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's Reserve Bank has made the decision to leave the OCR in place at 4.35 percent. This decision is in line with predictions from economists, amid an uncertain financial outlook. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the Reserve Bank hasn't ruled out more increases in order to tackle inflation. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Security has become a focal point for the men's T20 cricket World Cup and the Black Caps next month in the Caribbean. Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has confirmed a terrorism threat. ZB Wellington sports reader Adam Cooper explains the impact of this update. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The country's largest bank has increased its cash profit, despite falling interest margins. ANZ New Zealand's cash profit rose to $1.15 billion dollars in the six months to March. That's stable on the previous six months, and up four percent on the same period the previous year. Chief Executive Antonia Watson says the bank has taken on less provision for 'doubtful' debts this half. "Revenue is under pressure, costs are under pressure - just like every other business is seeing. But we have had an advantage from that credit provision." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's being reported the UK Government considered using Iraq to process asylum seekers - similar to the Rwanda scheme. This move could have seen people sent from the UK to a country the Government advises against travel to. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says Iraq was willing to move forward without a formal or public agreement, according to leaked documents. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand universities are urging Immigration to figure out a quick solution to approving student visas. 18 percent of student visas remained unconfirmed by the time universities started for the 2024 year. Immigration NZ visa director Celia Coombes says a number of student visa applications were sent in too late to process. "We provided advice recommending people apply 3 or 4 months ahead of travel, but we were quite clear over the summer period to please allow for at least 8 weeks." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's hopes Auckland's water deal with the Government can be replicated in the Wellington region. The Government and Auckland Council yesterday announced an agreement to help Aucklanders avoid a previously-signalled 25.8 percent water rates hike. Carterton mayor Ron Mark says they've agreed to working collaboratively to producing a regional water plan. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is pumping $1.9 billion into bolstering prison capacity, staffing and criminal rehab programmes. The Budget investment will add more than 800 extra beds at Waikeria Prison and deliver 685 more frontline Corrections staff, including 470 prison officers. ZB political correspondent Barry Soper says it's unclear if the extra cash boost is all coming out of the Government's savings program. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.