Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

The All Blacks have locked in their quarterfinal at the Rugby World Cup. They weren't off to the best start this morning, failing to score for the first 19 minutes, but they ended up beating Uruguay 73-0. Newstalk ZB rugby reporter Elliott Smith is in France and spoke to Heather about the game. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you're yet to use your Air New Zealand credit from Covid times, you have an extra two years to do so. The airline today announced it's extended the deadline until 31st of January 2026. It's still got $200 million worth of credits on its books and wants to find as many travellers who might not realise the money is sitting there in the meantime. Air New Zealand CFO Richard Thomson spoke to Heather about it. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, host of the All Sports Breakfast Adam Cooper and Newstalk ZB rugby commentator Paul Allison joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has reportedly been banned from attending All Blacks games, with officials saying he would be too much of a distraction. Is there any possible justification for that? The All Blacks have marched into the World Cup quarter finals after hammering Uruguay. Will we get Scotland? The fallout from Hawke's Bay breaking the Ranfurly Shield in half continues with an investigation by New Zealand Rugby underway. Do we believe the union's response? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 24 year old accused of the stabbing at New Windsor dairy was on electronic monitored bail. Today the prosecutor told the court the accused took his bracelet off before going into the dairy. The prosecutor says police wanted media to publish the fact police opposed giving him bail at the time. He is now in custody. National justice spokesperson Paul Goldsmith talked to Heather about it. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Act leader David Seymour's putting the latest poll result down to telling hard truths not everyone wants to hear. Both the Tax Payer Curia poll and the Talbot Mills Research poll both have the party on nine percent. In one of those polls Act has fallen by 5 percent. Seymour told Heather du-Plessis Allan he won't shrink from taking on the challenges the country faces. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With a week and a day to go voting, you would have to say the biggest disappointment of this campaign is Act. We have got a couple of polls out today: The Taxpayers Union Curia poll and the Talbot Mills research poll both have Act in the single digits for the first time in their polling since April. ACT has been sliding this entire campaign and a lot of it will be because of David Seymour’s performance. In the debate last night, and in the TV3 minor leaders debate 2 weeks ago he was not flash. He was like a robot. He was too serious. The fighting with Winston is getting a little silly and he just over-talked. He was like AI: you type in a question, hit enter, and it just keeps going for minutes on end And it’s a bummer because this is not the David Seymour that we know. We got used to the guy with the sense of humour, who said the French the coq, who twerked on TV against all advice, who was basically the leader of the opposition for most of the last three years. Where's that guy gone? I think he’s lost his confidence. Political insiders know that he lost his star staff member, his media advisor earlier this year and I think we expected ACT to sort of stumble a bit after that but not this much. On the polls out today, ACT has lost as many as a third of its voters. I can’t think of a bigger collapse in a vote during a campaign since Metiria Turei blew up the Greens with her benefit fraud admission But for the Greens, at least you could blame it on one single bad decision. For ACT, it’s baffling, and it’s more like they’ve run out of steam.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The boss of Pharmac has come under fire today for writing disparaging emails about journalist Rachel Smalley. Sarah Fitt wrote several emails to her team about Smalley and in one of them Fitt shares one of Smalley's articles about cancer patients with the subject line "sigh". Other emails have staff members making fun of the journalist, writing a limerick about her and celebrating when she lost her job. Pharmac's chair Steve Maharey called the internal emails unacceptable and unprofessional, and said Fitt had apologised for the language used in the email. The public service commissioner said the comments were completely unacceptable, and Health Minister Ayesha Verrall said she was disappointed. Smalley spoke to Heather about what happened. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Joe Biden will use money left over from Donald Trump's term to extend a border wall. A portion of border in Texas separating the US and Mexico will be expanded as the country continues to manage an influx of migrants. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson told Heather du-Plessis Allan this is a head-scratcher as Biden has been against Trump's idea of a wall for some time. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two new election polls show that National Party leader Christopher Luxon will need to call Winston Peters if he wants to form a government. Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls spoke to Heather about it, and what is happening in the last few weeks of the campaign. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Caps despatched England in a nine wicket victory in their first Cricket World Cup pool game, where Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra both smashed unbeaten centuries and put on a record 273 for the second wicket, helping New Zealand easily overhaul England’s 282-9. Meanwhile, the All Blacks roared into the quarter finals with a 73-0 victory over Uruguay in their last pool game. Weekend Sport host Jason Pine spoke with Heather about the two results and what happens next. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's not uncommon for us to tell you on this show that a judge has discounted a criminal's sentence because of a cultural report. Generally this is because the report mentions that the person has poverty, trauma, addiction or something else in their background that means they should receive a lighter sentence. Well it turns out there is actually no legal requirement for cultural report writers to check if any of the information they're told by the accused is true. This came to the fore in a case in Hamilton, where the judge highlighted that information in a cultural report didn't match up with a pre-sentence report written about the same person. Lead cultural report writer Sentence Equality Lead cultural report writer Tara Oakley spoke to Heather du Plessis-Allan about the issue. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has proposed raising the smoking age year by year, until cigarettes are eventually phased out. Sunak says these incremental changes mean children who turn 14 this year and those younger would never be able to legally access cigarettes. UK correspondent Enda Brady says this proposal could bring down cancer rates- but also open up a lucrative black market within a few years. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Ali Jones from Red PR and former National staffer Ben Thomas joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! Sir John Key got involved in a last ditch effort to turn out voters for National, following growing fears of a three-way coalition with ACT and NZ First. Is this a sign of desperate times for National? Grant Robertson has labelled National's tax policy a 'scam', and claimed less than one percent of all households will get the $250 relief per fortnight. Is this fair criticism? What else could National be hiding? Is it fair to blame the Electoral Commission for all the missing vote packs if NZ Post is so slow these days? Is this a sign that we need a better system? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand reached its hottest September on record this year, according to new data. NIWA’s Climate Summary for the month said the nationwide average temperature was 11.9C, 1.3C above the 1991-2020 September average. The Country's Jamie Mackay says we're staring down the barrel of a dry El Nino summer- which has consequences for the rural sector. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's official cash rate has stayed in place at 5.5 for the last four months- yet several banks have hiked their mortgage rates. Anyone who has re-fixed a mortgage in the past few months has felt the sting of increased rates ticking upwards. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann says these hikes are proof New Zealand is at the mercy of international market forces, namely the US and China. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Independent milk processor Tatua has announced a record-shattering payout for their farmer-shareholders. The company has paid out $12.30/kgMS for milk supplied last season, beating out last year's $11.30/kgMS. Tatua chief executive Brendhan Greaney says the company's had an odd start to the year, with fluctuating commodity ingredient prices having an impact on their overall earnings. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland's mayor has fired back at National for its claims the council has $300 million of unspent fuel tax money just sitting in its accounts. The party is campaigning on scrapping the region's fuel tax within its first 100 days in Government, if elected. Finance spokeswoman Nicola Willis says the revenue it has already made will continue to be available for transport projects. But mayor Wayne Brown says that money is already committed. "Just cause it's not in our bank- it's like if you build a house that's going to cost you $1 million, you make sure you've got $1 million before you start. As it gets built, you slowly pay for it." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Incoming All Blacks coach Scott Robertson is reportedly persona non grata at his prospective teams' Rugby World Cup games. Former halfback and SuperSport pundit Justin Marshall claimed Robertson would be a 'distraction' to the current players, according to New Zealand staff. Former All Blacks coach Laurie Mains has cast doubt over Robertson's reported ban. "Anybody can go to the games that wants to go- New Zealand Rugby Union doesn't have any say in that. You can't ban him from games." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A 10-year-old was among people who witnessed an attack at their local dairy this morning, in Auckland's New Windsor. A 24-year-old man's been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and resisting police. A man and woman are stable in hospital and the man reportedly has stab wounds. Herald reporter Raphael Franks says he spoke to witnesses at the scene, who saw the alleged perpetrator stagger out of the shop. "And when they did, they were terrified that he was going to be coming for them. And they also saw one of the victims wheeled out from the shop on a stretcher." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Salaries are continuing to rise. Trade Me figures show the average salary now sits at just over $70,000. Trade Me Jobs Sales Director Matt Tolich says this quarter has seen an 8 percent year on year growth - meaning it's now beating inflation. "15 of our 25 categories have had big growth year-on-year, so healthcare's up 10 percent, trades and services up 9 percent, education up 8 percent and hospitality up 8 percent as well." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Prime Minister Sir John Key says he offered to endorse National in a video, urging Kiwis to vote blue and avoid uncertainty. It was released on the Party's social media channels today. He says it aimed to address complacency in the electorate. "There's quite a bit of complacency in the electorate. A lot of people are saying National's going to win- look at the TAB odds, for instance- the problem with all that is, that would be great if there was predictability." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour has accused National of misleading voters with their proposed tax plan. An analysis from Council of Trade Unions (CTU) shows just 3000 households would receive the $250 per fortnight relief National promised. National's Nicola Willis defended these figures saying the claim came with the 'up to' caveat- but admitted the 3000 figure was correct. ZB Political Editor Jason Walls says prospective voters have a responsibility to check what they can get- but National only advertised their most favourable figures. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Less than 24 hours after Victorian residents were warned to evacuate from bushfires, flash floods started tearing through the region. Authorities issued flood warnings as heavy rain drenched the state and flooded rivers during the typically dry spring season. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says roads have been closed and flights have been cancelled as the wild weather belts the region. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Incoming All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has reportedly been told to stay away from his future charges at the World Cup. According to halfback Justin Marshall, Robertson has been barred from games involving the All Blacks because the current coaching group feels his presence would be a distraction. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains the ongoing issue further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The death of Christchurch woman Mellory Manning is one of two cold cases police are keen to crack, looking to a new DNA tool. Police confirm they're trialling Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy testing, which compares DNA of unidentified suspects with genetic profiles on genealogy websites. Mellory's brother Rob Manning says this technology is a positive step forward for everyone in society. He says this technology has done well overseas, where it famously helped catch the 'Golden State Killer' after 40 years. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pope Francis has suggested he would be open to having the Catholic Church bless same-sex couples on a 'case-by-case' basis. This was in response to a number of requests sent to the Pope ahead of a global gathering about the Church's future. When asked to clarify, the Pope stated any request for a blessing should be treated with 'pastoral charity'. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says there's debate as to whether this stance is progressive, as the Pope said same-sex relationships were 'objectively sinful'. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Curia pollster David Farrar 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! Deputy National leader Nicola Willis has criticised former National minister Paula Bennett for posting a public photo with ACT's Brooke van Velden. Is this an endorsement, or are we overthinking this? Nanaia Mahuta is facing a threat from Maori Party candidate Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke - do you reckon it's possible Mahuta gets kicked out by a 20-year old? Richard Prebble made a case for Jacinda Ardern getting involved in Labour's campaign to give it an extra boost- is this a good idea? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

House prices are in recovery mode after a 18-month slump, according to new data. The Reserve Bank's today held the Official Cash Rate at 5.5 percent- with the next review of monetary policy late November. Infometrics chief forecaster Gareth Kiernan says increased interest rates are still a concern for prospective buyers, but an uptick in migration has added to demand. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Little surprise the Official Cash Rate remains unchanged- for the time being. The Reserve Bank has today held the OCR at 5.5 percent, claiming interest rates are constraining economic activity as required. Milford Asset Management's Katlyn Parker says there's a lot of uncertainty around this point in the election campaign, and the RBNZ will be waiting for a change. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Goldman Sachs analysts have warned National's proposed tax cuts could risk worsening existing economic pressures. Andrew Boak and William Nixon believe National's plan could exacerbate inflation, and therefore cause interest rates to remain higher for longer. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny agrees, claiming National's proposed foreign buyers tax and increased immigration fees won't offset the stimulatory impact of the cuts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grant Robertson's reflected on his Government's record on student poverty, after a confrontation at a Wellington university today. After Robertson cast his vote at Victoria University, a student initiated a testy exchange, asking about Labour's rejection of a universal student allowance. ZB political editor Jason Walls says Grant Robertson's defence was fair, as Labour removed first-year fees during their term. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest One News/ Verian poll shows NZ First still holds the balance of power. Labour is stagnant at 26 percent, National's leading with 36 percent- but ACT has dropped two points to 10 percent, meaning they'll need NZ First to reach the threshold. National finance spokesperson Nicola Willis isn't confident Winston Peters will stand by a possible National/ACT coalition. "It's been 27 years since he's gone with us, so we've said- look, that's a last resort phone call we're prepared to make, but our message is really clear. If you want a change in Government, cast your vote for National." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A popular Auckland walkway has been partially closed following a spat between some property owners and the council. The dispute is centred around a around a seaside cottage with heritage status, with the owners requesting the status be removed. The cottage used to belong to Kiwi artist and photographer Clifton Firth​. Their lawyer, Alex Witten-Hannah, says the owners want to knock the 'derelict' cottage down, but Auckland Council hasn't moved. "We need assurance from the council that they are taking all appropriate steps in a timely way to lift the heritage listing." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An internal police review paints a broken picture of New Zealand's bail system. The report shows 0.4 percent of offenders - one in 250 - are automatically flagged as high risk, while low risk offenders are needlessly targeted, because police IT systems aren't fit for purpose. Police Deputy Commissioner Naila Hassan acknowledges the current bail management application system isn't fit for purpose by today's standards. "The IT system first came in about 10 years ago, and we know technology turns back a long time ago. So the bail management application isn't fit for purpose today in order to prioritise offenders on bail." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Suggestions the wheels are falling off the economy faster than expected. The Reserve Bank today held the Official Cash Rate at 5.5 percent, with the next review of monetary policy happening in late November. There's no saying whether the OCR will rise again, but the central bank is signalling it doesn't expect it to drop until early 2025. But BNZ's head of research, Stephen Toplis, says he predicts unemployment will rise above five percent next year. "You'll see inflation out of the system, you'll see wage growth markedly lower than where it is- and the economy is still bouncing along the bottom." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin McCarthy has become the first US House Speaker ousted from the role. Representatives have voted 216 to 210 to remove him- after Republican ire over McCarthy compromising with Democrats on a stopgap deal to avoid a Government shutdown. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says it's unclear who will replace McCarthy in the role, as the Republicans haven't lined anyone else up. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks have their eye fixed on the quarterfinals ahead of Friday's match. All Blacks coach Ian Foster has made nine starting changes for the team's final World Cup pool match against Uruguay. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave recaps the choices made ahead of this week's key match. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The retail sector wants changes to the justice system, after a concerning report. The latest Retail NZ report shows the sector has suffered just under $2.6 billion in losses from crime in the year to June. It also found 92 percent of retailers have suffered a crime in the past year. Retail NZ Chief Executive Carolyn Young says more businesses are expecting to incorporate AI facial recognition to identify offenders, with Foodstuffs running a trial next month. "Technology is going to be a tool that's part of the next wave of protection businesses are going to look to combat crime. Some businesses are undertaking use of number plate recognition and using that to solve crime." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here's some good news, we've finally got some new rules around forestry slash that might actually make a difference to places like Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay, which have been absolutely pounded by logs in Cyclone Gabrielle. The rules are kicking in very soon- just 4 weeks’ time. And they will require forestry owners to remove their slash if it’s over a certain size, and it’s not particularly large. Anything with a diameter of more than 10 centimetres and a length of more than 2 meters has gotta go. It can't be left behind to wash down and smash up bridges and houses. Removing it will be expensive though; there is no doubt about that. It will be so expensive that it will make it too expensive to plant some of that steep land. Which is great, it’s what we want, because that land shouldn’t be planted in pine anyway. I cry absolutely no tears for the forestry owners who are whingeing about this today, because they have not done their bit for their communities. You take a look at that photo of Waikare beach halfway between Napier and Wairoa which popped up a couple of days ago. That beach is covered in logs. None of the forestry guys have cleaned it up, it’s been that way since February 14. The logs destroyed the DoC campsite, and none of the forestry guys have cleaned it up. These guys have made huge bucks off New Zealand- and broken our stuff as they made their money. Now, I'm not naïve. I know that these rules will probably create as many problems as they solve. But we needed to start somewhere. And here’s another bonus, just the threat of these rules has already stopped the sale of land for forestry. How good is that? It’s shocked that industry so badly that the sales have come to a shuddering halt. Which is good, because fewer pines means less slash for us to clean up. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Speculation claims UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak may axe part of the High Speed 2 rail project. Sunak is set to deliver a speech as part of the Conservative Party conference, and a rumour that he'll scrap the Manchester leg of the rail link. UK correspondent Enda Brady says the project costs have ballooned to $200 billion, and Sunak will be feeling the pressure to cut costs. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Neale Jones from Capital and Infrastructure NZ CEO Nick Leggett joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! Chris Luxon says he'll be active in Christchurch next Tuesday, but there's no room in his itinerary for a rescheduled Press debate. The event due to happen tonight was called off after Chris Hipkins got Covid. Is this cowardice on Luxon's part- or a clever strategy from National? Sanitarium says it will reinstate supplies of Weet-Bix to The Warehouse after last week's controversy. Did they make this choice because of the mass backlash? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank of Australia has kept the OCR on hold for the fourth month in a row. The decision to keep the cash rate at 4.1 percent is the first one made by the RBA's new governor, Michele Bullock. However, Bullock warned that Australia isn't out of the woods yet when it comes to inflation, and warned of future hikes to come. HSBC Chief Economist Paul Bloxham thinks the RBA could hike interest rates as soon as next month, depending on the next CPI outlook. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another key GDT auction is set to take place tonight, and experts have an optimistic outlook. This auction is off the back of two positive lifts in September, with a 2.7 percent and 4.6 percent increase improving moods within the sector. The Country's Jamie Mackay says he consulted rural economists from Westpac, Jarden and Rabobank- and they're feeling positive about tonight's predicted results. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Until Monday, no-one knew the name of the reclusive Pennsylvanian millionaire regularly visiting Hawke's Bay. Sean Colgan found himself in the spotlight after it was revealed he'd been lending his private plane to ACT's David Seymour. BusinessDesk managing editor Pattrick Smellie's been digging into his background- and earlier investments during the Covid-19 pandemic. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Luxon says he'll be in Christchurch next Tuesday - but still has no time for the Press debate. Hipkins is unable to make the Press leaders debate, which was due to be held tonight, as he's tested positive for Covid-19. Luxon has been accused of chickening out of the debate by Labour. ZB political editor Jason Walls accuses Labour of being 'churlish', allowing Luxon to take the high road. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Wellington City Councillor believes the Council will have to borrow money to fund the quake-prone Town Hall. It faces yet another cost increase, which would add between $70 million to $147 million to the $182 million budget. Council will vote on approving the budget in a matter of weeks. Councillor Ray Chung says it's annoying council's continuing with business as usual. "We're going to have a real shortfall. It could be $1 billion dollars- the valuations of all our assets have gone up, but we haven't got the money to pay for the insurance for it." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An alternative theory about the mysterious origins of the white powder on the Ranfurly Shield has been proposed. The iconic log o' wood was split in two after the Hawke's Bay Magpies dropped the Shield at an after-party celebrating Saturday's win. Ranfurly Shield restorer James Dwan says the white powder seen in photos is likely plaster from earlier repairs of the famous taonga. "I put some plaster into the centre part of the shield a couple of years ago to try and reinforce it, because it's a pretty weak area in the metal work itself. I've got a funny feeling that's what's happened. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A booking system is being set up for the Tongariro Crossing. The Department of Conservation says it's a plan to manage visitor numbers- it'll be free to book and not compulsory. Tour company Adrift Tongariro co-owner Stewart Barclay says it's a trial for now. "And it will be compulsory in a wee while, maybe next summer. It's a bit of a dry run test, really." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A political commentator says he doubts an incorrect email sent by the Council of Trade Unions was a genuine mistake. The CTU's email sent on Sunday night incorrectly claimed National would remove policies like 10 days sick leave and the Winter Energy Payment. It has now clarified it meant to say they are things National has opposed in the past.Commentator Peter Dunne says the CTU economist previously gave advice to Grant Robertson. He says they'd know what was supported by whom. "And I think the fact that they can get so much of it so wrong suggests that he's either not done his job, or more likely, it was a deliberate attempt to deceive." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Weet-Bix will soon be back in trolleys at the Warehouse. Sanitarium has reversed a decision announced last week to withhold supply - although still stocking supermarkets. The Warehouse's $6 charge for Weet-Bix is lower than other outlets. Chief Product Officer Tania Benyon says despite Sanitarium's change of heart, they still want the issue looked into. "What led Sanitarium to this decision, and just to make sure that the new grocery commissioner and the Commerce Commission are able to ensure that there is fairness." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.