Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

TOP leader Raf Manji says Labour and National have 'pulled back' from the Christchurch seat of Ilam, paving the way for him to get into Parliament. Labour's Ilam candidate Sarah Pallett has dismissed Manji's claims as 'rubbish', and claims Labour is still in it to win it. "We've been campaigning so hard, and it's a tiny bit insulting to my volunteers, who've really put in the hard yards and continue to do so- they've been out all day today. I'm just bemused." National's Hamish Campbell says this is a 'desperate' claim from Raf Manji, as National has been working to bring in votes. "If you drive through Illam, you'll see that it's absolutely covered in blue signs. We're working right up til we can no longer campaign, which is midnight on Friday. We're going strong." Raf Manji is still defending his earlier statements, saying he's not seeing a lot of action on the ground from both major parties. "We're out every day, and we've been out every day for the last month. Yes, we see billboards, but we're not seeing a lot on the ground. I'm sure there's staff doorknocking, but we're out and about." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

German sandal company Birkenstock experienced a disappointing debut after landing on the New York Stock exchange. The brand experienced a meteoric rise in popularity over the past decade, selling over 30 million pairs in 2022 alone. Birkenstock priced its initial public offering at $46 a share- but the share prices quickly fell 12.6 percent and closed at $40.20. Stake Chief Marketing Officer Bryan Wilmot says many IPOs have attempted to enter the market within the last two years- and the economy turned quickly. "The market was booming, we saw people taking advantage of that. Then interest rates started to rise, uncertainty and volatility turned the market- the IPO market has completely dried up." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No emotion from a Christchurch man after he was convicted of murdering his childhood friend. David Benbow has been found guilty of murdering Michael McGrath in 2017. The murder charge was proven with no body, no murder weapon and no forensic evidence. The jury delivered its verdict, after deliberating for 18 hours over three days. The Herald's Sam Sherwood was in court and says McGrath's supporters cheered when the guilty verdict was reached. "Benbow himself was just emotionless when the verdict was read out. His mother, who sat on my side of the courtroom, let out a loud gasp." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Negotiations are underway for a humanitarian corridor in Gaza, ahead of Israel's ground offensive. The death toll on both Palestinian and Israeli sides is nearing 2500, with 338,000 in Gaza displaced. The UN is working with the US, Egypt and Israel on establishing a humanitarian corridor on Gaza's border with Egypt. Newshub Europe Correspondent Lisette Reymer says all sides are being forced to make compromises. "At the moment, it seems like perhaps Israel is leaning towards letting the food come in- but nobody is able to leave or have any American citizens be able to leave." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eddie Jones is reportedly ditching the Wallabies to return to Japan. According to a Japanese sports newspaper, the former England coach and two-time Wallabies coach is heading back to the Brave Blossoms- eight years after leaving the same job. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says these claims are mostly speculation- and Eddie Jones hasn't confirmed anything. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Zealand Breakers have voiced their support for Israel on social media. In a post on the team's Instagram account, the Breakers claimed they were 'deeply saddened' by the attacks in Israel by Hamas and that they stood with the people of Israel. This post has inspired discussion and sparked backlash- and Sportstalk's D'Arcy Waldegrave weighed in on the public reaction. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The question is being asked- should salaries be made public? Kiwi start-up company Tracksuit is doing just that, introducing pay transparency across its entire 51-person staff. People lead Christine van Hoffen says while it can be uncomfortable at first, it's had positive effects on the team. Employment expert Max Whitehead says pay transparency allows room for trouble. "It becomes this resentment, it becomes this conflict and discontent in the workplace." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The EU has warned Elon Musk that X is being used to spread 'disinformation' about Hamas' attack on Israel. EU industry chief Thierry Breton says Musk's platform has been used to disseminate illegal content and disinformation within the European Union. Musk responded by claiming X's company policy was that everything is open source and transparent. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says the Digital Services Act (DSA) requires X to remove and address illegal content or material that violates their standards. 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! Recent polls indicate National's popularity may have peaked and the gap between left and right blocs is narrowing. Both the new Newshub-Reid Research and One News Verian polls show National and ACT will need the boost from NZ First to govern- could National lose the unlosable election? Dame Jacinda Ardern took to Facebook to encourage voters to turn up and cast their votes for Labour- calling Hipkins a friend and a good dad. Do we think this will encourage a wider turnout? Politicians are weighing in on the Israel discussion - Marama Davidson said if we're going to deem Hamas a terrorist organisation, the same test should be applied to the Israeli Defence Force. Is she out of line with public opinion on this one? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Net migration has reached a new record high. Stats NZ says in the year to August, 110,000 more people moved to New Zealand than left. Arrivals reached an all-time high of 225,000, and migrant departures got to 115,000. Milford Asset Management's Frances Sweetman explains why this new wave of migrant workers are drawn to New Zealand. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taxes - and tax cuts - have turned into a political football this election. Changing income tax rates is high on the agendas of most political parties, with National and ACT promising adjustments and the Greens, Te Pāti Māori and TOP calling for progress. What would this mean for voters? NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny breaks down these proposed policies. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Roadworkers in Rotorua have been shot at with a BB gun, verbally abused and left traumatised in Rotorua, Waka Kotahi claims. Police have since issued a formal warning to one person after the incident, which took place at a detour point near the Utuhina Stream Bridge. Waka Kotahi's David Speirs says the bridge repairs have caused a spike in traffic delays during peak times, but there's no excuse for abuse and threats. "There was quite a high level of trauma as a consequence for the workers involved, but fortunately no-one was physically hurt." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The election is on a knife-edge, with the gap between the left and right blocs narrowing in tonight's latest political polls. Both the Newshub-Reid Research One News Verian polls show National and ACT need New Zealand First to govern. National has fallen more than four points according to Newshub - down to 34.5 percent - while Labour gains in both surveys, but remains in the 20s. National's finance spokeswoman Nicola Willis says it's closer than she'd like. "I think that that is because there are still people who are taking change for granted." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Police Association is sounding the alarm over a spike in mental health-related callouts. The reported figures are up 55 percent in the last 5 years, with 77,000 callouts per year connected to mental health issues. Police Association President Chris Cahill says police are unable to keep up with this level of demand- especially with cases that aren't linked to criminal offending. "Police are getting to a crisis level where they're simply unable to meet the demand for service, the calls for service because of the amount of work they're getting- somewhere, we've got to turn that tap off." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A company is moving marketing to a new level by trying to use the power of everyday Kiwis. Social media business TheSalt is entering the New Zealand market by paying users to post about specific brands, including McDonald's and Netflix- paying a starting $50 per post. Co-Founder in New Zealand, Shayne Moore, says using genuine locals is a good marketing technique. "It's all about community and connecting people with brands that we already use and love." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Provincial areas in New Zealand are feeling the impacts as growing numbers of Kiwis jet off overseas. Stats NZ says in the year to August, 110,000 more people moved to New Zealand than left. Arrivals reached an all-time high of 225,000, with 115,000 migrant departures. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen says migrants often move to the main cities- but New Zealanders are leaving from all over. "Provincial areas across the country are seeing that young talent head off to Australia at a time when it's still not particularly easy to find workers." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A geopolitics expert says Israeli strategies for recovering hostages taken by Hamas could follow multiple avenues. Israel's death toll since the attack has climbed to more than 1000, and return fire on Gaza has killed more than 900. Democracy Project Analyst Geoffrey Miller says Israel is assembling a ground offensive, but it could take weeks to carry out. He says Israel could also pursue other options. "There are 5000 Palestinians in Israeli jails- they might be swapped for those at some point, or they might be used to secure a ceasefire." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The White House has confirmed Hamas is holding at least 20 Americans hostage- and 14 have been killed. The death toll in Israel since the Palestinian military group's attack has surpassed 1000, and more than 900 have been killed in retaliatory strikes on Gaza. US President Joe Biden has reiterated unwavering support for Israel, comparing Hamas to Isis. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says Biden is unlikely to encourage the IDF to show restraint in their response as the death toll in Gaza climbs. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dame Jacinda Ardern endorsed Labour in a Facebook livestream this morning. The former Prime Minister claimed a vote for Labour was the best way to guarantee further action on issues like climate change and child poverty. ZB political editor Jason Walls isn't convinced this move will sway all international voters over to Labour's side- as many haven't forgotten the party's Covid and MIQ debacle. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The daughter-in-law of an elderly woman scammed out of $100,000 believes the bank should've picked it up. The Auckland victim was tricked into sending the money overseas to unlock an imaginary Covid subsidy payment. Kim Weston say her mother-in-law made 13 international money transfers in person at her local ASB. "She's been with the bank for 25 years, she'd never transferred any money before- maybe the first one would have been alright, but with the amount of times she's been in there, I thought if would have brought red flags straight away." The Banking Ombudsman is investigating the case. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hundreds of pro-Palestine supporters gathered to demonstrate outside the Israeli embassy in London. Three people were arrested during the protest, and police have assured Londoners that officers will have an enhanced presence to protect the public. UK correspondent Enda Brady says tension is running high between London's pro-Palestine and Jewish community as the conflict between Israel and Hamas intensifies. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, broadcaster Paddy Gower and current affairs commentator Josie Pagani joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! The Israel Institute of NZ and Jewish Council are calling on the Government here to deem Hamas a terrorist organisation, and follow other Western countries in their condemnation. Should our Government do more in support of Israel? Chris Hipkins has hinted former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern could have some campaign involvement before Saturday's election. Could this extra boost sway some voters over to Labour's camp? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Celebrity medical practitioner and physician Dr Tom Mulholland died suddenly over the weekend. Mulholland hosted his own TV and radio shows, wrote two best-selling books and was a professional speaker for the likes of Google, Microsoft and Hilton. The Country's Jamie Mackay says he was an 'adventurer' and 'raconteur' who will be missed by many. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National's Chris Luxon has promised to double the value of exports in 10 years, if elected. The party also vowed to pursue Free Trade Agreements, pump up our trade missions, and prioritise increasing trade with India. BusinessDesk managing editor Pattrick Smellie isn't too confident about National's proposal. "The fact is, New Zealand's export performance unfortunately hasn't changed very much in the last 30 to 40 years- we're still sending about 20 percent of our stuff offshore." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to a new report from Auckland Council, dog attacks are on the rise. Data shows that aggressive or 'unwanted' dog behaviour has increased by 59 percent from last year, while dog attacks have increased by 28 percent. Auckland Council's Craig Hobbs says there's been a significant uptick in aggressive dog behaviour since Covid-19, as owners and pets have had to adjust to time apart. "People have adopted animals through Covid, they're no longer at home, they're working and the dogs are left to their own devices. We had a big explosion of animals through Covid." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Hipkins has locked in Saturday, November 25 as the date for the Port Waikato by-election. It's been triggered by the death of ACT candidate Neil Christensen - and is required by the Electoral Act. However, locals can still help choose the next Government before October 14. ZB political editor Jason Walls says there will be 121 MPs in Parliament by the end of the by-election, bucking the trend from previous electoral cycles. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Luxon is promising to double the value of New Zealand's exports in 10 years, if elected. National's also vowing to pursue Free Trade Agreements, pump up our trade missions and prioritise increasing trade with India. National trade and export spokesperson Todd McClay says the UAE is interested in doing an exclusive trade deal with New Zealand. "For the first time in a long time, they want the high-quality protein, the food that we produce." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A cautious approach is urged to addressing contentious student flat initiations. There's been reports hazings have included animal cruelty- and the Otago Daily Times says some female students were forced to strip to underwear, body-shamed and called 'piggies'. Otago University Student Association president Quintin Jane says this kind of behaviour is unacceptable. He says people harming others or potentially committing criminal acts need to face consequences. "But also, I think it's worth being conscious that the university aren't our parents and they should stay out of our flats. These are adults involved, and we just need to make sure that there are appropriate processes followed." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Auckland man has had an 'up-and-down' day trying to break the world record for most bungee jumps in 24 hours. Mike Heard's been leaping off Auckland's Harbour Bridge all day, raising money for the Mental Health Foundation. He's trying to finish 800 before 7am tomorrow- but he's slightly behind schedule. AJ Hackett Sales Manager Leo Medina is helping out, and he says the fundraising is going well- they're at over $5000 so far and aiming for $10,000. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The lab workers union, Apex, says Te Whatu Ora needs to have a thorough look at the country's labs. The health agency's assessing risk in labs nationwide after two workers at different caught typhoid from samples - and staff at Auckland's Community Anatomic Pathology were exposed to toxic fumes. President Bryan Raill says it's important to drill down into the risks are. "But also, they should look at the other health and safety aspect of the workload and the work environment that staff are working under." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Monday evening, pro-Palestine protesters marched to Sydney's Opera House, which was lit up in solidarity with Israel. The protesters started their rally at the Sydney Town Hall, but the event quickly got out of hand as anti-Semitic sentiments were chanted. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the protesters also lit up flares- but only one person was arrested by the end. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Israel Institute of New Zealand wants our country to deem Hamas in its entirety- a terrorist organisation. Currently, we only designate the Palestinian organisation's military wing that way. Hamas' surprise attack on Israel has killed at least 900, and almost 700 have died in Israel's retaliatory strikes on Gaza. Institute co-chair Dr David Cumin says changing New Zealand's stance would serve a two-fold purpose. "It stops New Zealanders being able to materially support terror like what we've seen conducted by Hamas over the last few days. And secondly, it is something that politicians can do to back up their words." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a 128-year wait, cricket is set to return to the Olympics. The ICC confirmed organisers of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics will recommend cricket for inclusion at the Games. The proposal is due to get ratified by the IOC governing body session next week in Mumbai. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Concerned schools have asked the Privacy Commissioner about their options for installing CCTV in their bathrooms. In a bid to deter negative behaviour such as vaping and bullying in the toilets, schools are turning to cameras to monitor student activity. Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster is urging schools to assess the risks and potential privacy breaches ahead of future installations. "We absolutely understand the student safety argument, but we also want them to think really hard about student privacy arguments and values as well." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I reckon Hamas’ attack on Israel has probably set the Palestinian cause back by years, if not decades. For the last how long- Palestine has been regarded as the bullied and Israel as the bully. When was the last time anyone felt sorry for Israel? But now, so many people will, because we’re seeing images of Israeli kids being held in chicken cages, young women just walking on the street being forced into cars and abducted and civilian grandmothers being murdered. And suddenly, the cruelty and war crimes don’t just go one way- it’s become complex. And it’s not the straight-forward, simple Palestine good - Israel bad argument that many saw it as beforehand. Just look at what’s happened politically here in New Zealand. Palestine was this close to getting an ambassador to New Zealand, Labour had announced it as election policy about a week ago. Today, Chris Hipkins put a stop to that. The cause has been set back. And that’s not even to mention the real life impact this is having right now on Palestinians in the Gaza strip. Food is cut off, water’s cut off, electricity is cut off, medicine's cut off and the attack is on. This will surely - at least in the short term - shore up support for Benjamin Netanyahu who is no friend of the Palestinians and their cause, and has only made their lives more difficult. This makes him more powerful, at least for now. Hamas has just made life for Palestine so much harder, in reality and in politics. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A British-Israeli citizen and his wife have told of their 12 hour ordeal locked in a bomb-proof safe room as their home was attacked. Ben, who did not wish to give his surname, described a terrifying experience as Hamas militants stormed their home and set fire to it. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says there are many people who have joint British-Israeli citizenship who were likely impacted by the attack. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National's claims voters could be forced into a second election has been met with backlash from commentators. The party's expressed concern over not striking a coalition deal with NZ First and warned Kiwis may be required to vote again. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan has labelled this threat 'gauche' and says National has no reason to scare people into voting. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fonterra's luck seems to have turned around, as they announced a positive revised forecast. The dairy co-op has lifts its farmgate milk price- with the midpoint up 50 cents, to $7.25 per kilogram of milk solids. Dairy Insights Consultant Stuart Davison says stronger demand from China is the driving force behind this outlook- but it's unclear how sustainable this demand is. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australians appear increasingly likely to reject the creation of an Indigenous Voice to Parliament ahead of the referendum. The latest wave of opinion polls show a majority of respondents are opposed to enshrining an Indigenous advocacy role in Australia’s constitution. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says younger voters haven't been given a proper explanation regarding the purpose of the referendum- and Anthony Albanese hasn't clarified further all year. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks' training has intensified as the team prepares to meet rugby's number one side Ireland in a quarter-final on Sunday morning. Ireland have made the quarter-finals in eight of the nine World Cups, but have never advanced beyond the last eight. The competition is strong- but Sportstalk's Jason Pine predicts the All Blacks will come out on top. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's Grant Robertson has labelled National's threat of a second election a 'panic move'. National leader Chris Luxon has warned of the possibility of an election do-over if NZ First is needed to form a Government. Robertson says this threat is a 'ridiculous situation' that National leaned into out of fear. "It's a completely ridiculous situation, it looks very panicky, very unstable. But that's their problem and that's what voters will judge them on." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More pressure on Pharmac boss Sarah Fitt to resign. The Board Chair has met face to face with the Senior Leadership Team today over inappropriate emails sent about journalist Rachel Smalley. The chair instructed them to identify what can be done to prevent a situation like this from happening again. Two cancer patients have written an open letter asking for her resignation. Signatory Geoff Dawson says he felt like the mocking comments towards Smalley indicate a bigger problem. "It's the culture that creates that situation, then it's a spoilt culture. As Albert Einstein once said- you can't solve a problem with the same mind that created it." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The death of ACT's Port Waikato candidate Neil Christensen will trigger a by-election. The Electoral Commission says party votes in the electorate will count for Saturday's election- but those for a Member of Parliament won't. Chief Electoral Officer Karl Le Quesne says this has a flow-on effect. He says once the by-election is run and we know who the successful candidate is- that will result in 121 MPs. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand First's leader won't say how long it could take for them to strike a coalition deal if they hold the balance of power following the election. National has sparked fears there could be a long negotiation period if they can't form a Government with ACT alone. Winston Peters says they have a responsibility to deliver a strong, stable Government. "The reality is, if it takes time to get it right - say, it takes 12 days - well, that'll be fine." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israelis are questioning how Palestinian militant group, Hamas, breached the border from Gaza to attack Israel. More than 1100 Israelis and Palestinians have died since the surprise attack and at least 100 Israeli citizens have been taken hostage. Israeli tanks have moved along the border of neighbouring country, Lebanon, launching retaliatory strikes. Newshub correspondent Lisette Reymer, reporting from Tel Aviv, says this conflict has 'shattered' any sense of peace in the region. "Everybody now has learned to run to the bomb shelters, to really pay attention to those air raid sirens, where the average Israeli has not done that and does not usually encounter air raid sirens." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every Monday until the election, The Front Bench will take on the biggest talking points of the election campaign. Heather du Plessis-Allan, Newstalk ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper, former Business NZ CEO Phil O’Reilly and Auckland Councillor Richard Hills have the insight word and analysis. This week the The Spinoff’s Editor-at-Large Toby Manhire steps in for Barry Soper. Our expert panel discusses National’s warning that if it can’t get a suitable deal with New Zealand First and Winston Peters – it may lead to a second election. They also chat about Act’s sizeable drop in the polls – and what’s leading driving their numbers down. The experts dissect the electorates to watch - and chat both Sir John Key and Helen Clark getting involved in the campaign. Plus, each will reveal their favourite policy of the campaign – and give their election night prediction. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ZB political editor Jason Walls spoke to Heather about National having to admit their tax cuts won't cover everyone, the polls showing Winston will be needed, Chris Hipkins spending the week in lockdown, and where things stand for the last week of the campaign. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UK Correspondent Gavin Grey talked to Heather about setbacks in the SNP quest for an independent Scotland, supervised tooth brushing in England, and whether Banksy will finally be unmasked. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Asia business correspondent Peter Lewis talked to Heather about the high costs of owning a car in Singapore, China hopes Golden Week Holiday will deliver an economic boost, and Asia facing one of the worst economic outlooks in half a century. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Well you might have noticed that we haven't talked to Rod Oram for a few weeks. That's because he's been on his bike. He's just completed a 5000km journey from Kazakhstan to Turkey. Rod spoke with Heather about his trip. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.