Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

The Prime Minister of the UK is fighting for political survival - after fallout over his appointing a controversial Ambassador to the US.  Peter Mandelson's been sacked after his relationship with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein came to light, but it's thrown Keir Starmer's leadership into uncertainty.  UK correspondent Enda Brady revealed what this news could mean for Starmer's political future, or what this could mean for Labour ahead of the next UK election. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi shearer Rowland Smith has advanced to one of the nation's biggest competitions. He just made the Shearing Sports New Zealand team for the 2026 Golden Shears World Shearing and Woolhandling Championships. The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Anti-Corruption Taskforce's first report suggests public sector fraud is almost certainly under-reported. It analysed six agencies - including Corrections, Inland Revenue and Sport New Zealand. The Serious Fraud Office-led taskforce found 446 suspected cases of internal fraud or corruption, over 15 months.  Transparency International NZ executive director Julie Haggie says this is a 'significant' report highlighting many internal issues.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union and Ali Jones from Red PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  The Government is imposing a levy to help pay for an import liquefied natural gas facility, which it says will save households $50 a year on power bills. Do we think the 'extra tax' accusations are fair? What will Labour do with this?  Trade Minister Todd McClay confirmed Winston Peters was right about the India FTA not letting us  specifically cap Indian student visas. How concerning is this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Look, I hate to say it, but it’s starting to sound like Winston Peters was right about that India Free Trade Agreement, and that the Government is not being straight up with us about what’s in the document. It appears the agreement does stop us from being able to cap the number of Indian students who come here. Now, that’s not the end of the world, given there actually isn’t a cap on them at the moment - or, frankly, on students of any nationality. The Government also always retains the ability to cap all students by tweaking visa settings. What this trade agreement prevents them from doing, by the looks of things, is specifically targeting Indian students and putting a cap on them alone. But the issue is that Indian students have historically been a particularly tricky area, given previous problems with dodgy schemes sending students here without the required level of funds - or with other issues - and they end up becoming our problem to deal with. Depending on where you sit on this, that might really upset you. You might hate that. Or you might simply see it as the give‑and‑take of free‑trade negotiations - a price we pay to gain access to the huge Indian market we now have. The trouble is, instead of having that debate, we’re now on track to have a debate about whether the Government is hiding things from voters. It’s becoming increasingly clear that they are withholding something, judging by the way the Trade Minister ducks and dives when asked about this. And I don’t know about you, but in an age of online conspiracy theories, declining trust in politicians, and shrinking confidence in institutions, I’m not sure this is a smart strategy for the Government - especially in an election year. Sure, either way, the Government was going to face a gnarly debate. But surely it’s better to debate whether we should trade uncapped student access for access to the Indian market, rather than debate the Government’s integrity itself. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Energy Minister is clearing up some misconceptions after yesterday's newly announced LNG import facility sparked backlash. The Government yesterday announced plans for the storage site in order to maintain energy supply, and a levy will be used to fund infrastructure costs. Simon Watts says the Huntly Power Station isn't cutting it anymore and New Zealand needs more gas. "We need gas and we need those molecules, and that's the problem we're facing. And importation will allow us to get that gas."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 10 February, 2026, Todd McClay on the student controversy surrounding the India free trade agreement. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith on why a retail crime advisory group's been disbanded months earlier than intended. We hear about plans for a gold mining operation in the West Coast town of Reefton. And on The Huddle, Jordan Williams and Ali Jones try to make sense of a levy for an LNG import facility - or is it a tax? 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.

A potential insurance policy for those who can't move away from gas for energy, as the Government charges ahead with its plans for an importing facility.  The terminal will be housed in Taranaki - with the Government aiming to have a build contract locked down mid-year. It's imposing a levy to help pay for an import liquefied natural gas facility, which it says will save households $50 a year on power bills. Mercury Chief Executive Stew Hamilton says New Zealand is running out of gas, faster than expected. "We need to encourage consumers and households to get off gas, but not all forms of businesses, for example, can get off gas. So we need to come up with other forms of energy for them."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two of Wellington’s major foodie events are among those receiving fresh support from the Government’s Major Events and Tourism Package. The funding round covers events across sports, food, culture and innovation. Wellington On a Plate and Beervana are set for a boost - alongside Tauranga’s AIMS Games, Nelson’s arts festival and New Plymouth’s Winter Fest. Wellington Culinary Events Trust general manager Penny de Borst says the funding will be used for talent attraction and marketing. "We're bringing in some international chefs and that's an opportunity for our local hospitality community to learn from these chefs - and also for them to get New Zealand products into their hands." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A small West Coast town might be about to strike gold again. Canadian mining company Rua Gold has discovered a 2.5 kilometre stretch of gold and other minerals at Auld Creek near Reefton - with plans announced to fast-track an underground mine. The company aims to produce 60,000 ounces of gold annually by 2028. Vice-president Simon Delander says they're also going after the antimony. He explained that's a strategic mineral - and there's lots of interest in Japan and the US. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trade Minister's hitting back at suggestions the India Free Trade Agreement will lead to a flood of immigration. Foreign Minster Winston Peters has said the agreement won't let us specifically cap Indian student visas, among other commentary on the deal. Todd McClay's confirmed that's the case but says they can cap student visas from all countries - as long as India isn't specifically discriminated against. "Others are saying is that hundreds of thousands of people, or tens of thousands of people are going to come over to New Zealand as a result of this agreement - I just want to take it back a step, this is a trade agreement, it actually isn't an immigration agreement."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Justice Minister says his retail crime advisory group has been successful and productive. It'll been cut short, ending in May - not the planned September - after three members resigned last month. It leaves just two members, chair and dairy owner Sunny Kaushal and liquor retailer, Ash Parmar.  Paul Goldsmith says he could have appointed more people for the next six months or wrapped it up early.  "The simpler thing to do was say - look, you've got a couple of things you need to finish, you've got three months to do that and then we'll go off on our merry way. The Government's got lots of ideas to work with."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parliament's wading into debate whether a levy the Government announced yesterday is indeed a levy, or in fact a tax. The so-called 'levy on electricity' will fund building an LNG import terminal.  Labour was quick to label this a 'gas tax', but Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Energy Minister Simon Watts maintained this project would bring down people's power bills. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacked today's discussions in Parliament. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit sparked chaos and protests in Australia, with 27 people arrested in Sydney following Monday night's rally. Thousands of people gathered at a protest rally held by Palestine Action Group, but some members of the crowd wanted to march on to NSW Parliament. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says protestors tried to break through police blockades, forcing police to take action.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zoi Sadowski-Synnott's dedicated her fourth Olympic snowboarding medal to her support network. The New Zealander claimed silver in the big air at Milan-Cortina, a third consecutive Games podium finish in the discipline. Her feat marks New Zealand's first medal of the 2026 Games. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Concerns have been raised over a new app that was originally designed to help Christchurch ratepayers - but hasn't lived up to its promise. Christchurch City Council staff have so far spent $6.2 million developing a one-stop-shop app that is actually little more than a new website, prompting outrage and worries from the Council. Christchurch City Councillor Sam MacDonald says the appointed IT experts are working through the issue to try and solve it. "We were a bit surprised when they came to us saying - no, no it'll be a web version. Which, as you know, a lot of people don't use. We need to make it as easy for people as possible." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sir Keir Starmer's leadership has been flung into doubt, with the resignation of his closest aide. The UK Prime Minister's chief of staff Morgan McSweeney's quit - taking responsibility for advising Starmer to appoint Peter Mandelson as US ambassador.  Mandelson's being investigated for claims he'd passed sensitive information to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. UK correspondent Mike Pearse explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More companies are reporting their profits from the final portion of 2025, and it's sparking investigation into what investors need to pay attention to. Harbour Asset Management expert Shane Solly explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and Child Fund CEO Josie Pagani joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  Regional Development Minister Shane Jones is defending the financial track record of his regional funds - and says he's still committed to supporting investment in the regions. Do we support this?  There's growing debate over whether touch typing needs to be taught in schools. Do we think this is necessary or do we need to teach the basics first? The Government is looking to impose a levy on electricity users to pay for a facility for importing liquefied natural gas. Do we need this?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The former boss of Air New Zealand is jetting off to America.  It's been reported Greg Foran will be named as the new chief executive of retail giant, Kroger. It operates supermarkets and multi-department stores throughout the US, and is regarded as one of the country's big four retailers. Greg Foran says he'll have his hands full but he's looking forward to it. "It's a business, does about $150 billion a year and just over 400,000 associates work there, there's about $3,000 stores, multiple brands - it's going to be complex." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister says the newly announced facility for importing liquefied natural gas will save Kiwi households more money. The Government plans to impose a levy on electricity users to pay for the importation facility, expected to be around a billion dollars. A contract's expected to be signed later this year. Nicola Willis says this will help fund a more secure energy supply, meaning lower costs for households. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 9 February, 2026, our reporter tells us about changes to the Christchurch mosque attacker's appearance - as he fronts up to the Court of Appeal. Shane Jones explains what's happening with his regional development fund. Former Air New Zealand boss Greg Foran says that job has helped set him up for his new big venture in the U.S. And on the Huddle, Josie Pagani and Trish Sherson discuss whether our children should be learning to touch type. 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.

Regional Development Minister Shane Jones is defending the financial track record of his regional funds. Around half of Crown Regional Holdings' loan book is considered at risk of default. Most of the $433 million portfolio covers the Provincial Growth Fund and the current Regional Infrastructure Fund, were both looked over by Shane Jones. Jones says his party supports investment in regions. "Not too different from what the commercial banks are dealing with, as we speak at this moment."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is it possible that some sporting events are just so big that they can more or less do whatever they want politically without suffering any real consequences? I’m asking this because of what happened during the Super Bowl halftime performance. Bad Bunny was everything the MAGA crowd expected - and perhaps feared - he would be. Some were already threatening to boycott the halftime show because Bad Bunny has been a vocal critic of Trump’s ICE raids, having spoken out at the Grammys last week, which was just the latest in a series of comments.  A Trump-aligned MAGA group even hosted an alternative halftime show featuring Kid Rock. So expectations were high, and the moment came. At the end of Bad Bunny’s performance, standing among flags from various South American countries, he made his point. He said, “God bless America,” and then name-checked countries from across North and predominantly South America - an obviously deliberate provocation, given ICE’s targeting of migrants from those nations. And right on cue, Trump took the bait, immediately firing up Truth Social and taking a swing at the Super Bowl itself. My prediction is that the Super Bowl will weather this. It will outlast Trump and the MAGA outrage cycle because it always does. Remember Beyoncé’s Black Panther-esque performance 10 years ago? There was controversy. The Super Bowl got pulled into the Colin Kaepernick “taking the knee” debate. There’s been low-level drama in the intervening years since. And yet, the Super Bowl just keeps setting records. Even we watch it from New Zealand.  Last year, it drew nearly 128 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched US broadcasts ever. I am firmly of the view that you should never mix politics with sport because it simply gives some fans a reason to walk away - at a time when you cannot afford for people to walk away. But maybe some events are just so big they can afford to, and not even Trump can dent their popularity. Maybe the Super Bowl is exactly that kind of event. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The role of touch-typing in schools is in the spotlight, as digital testing becomes the norm. A new NZQA report reveals Education Minister Erica Stanford weighed up adding it to the curriculum last year. The report doesn’t make a call, instead suggesting technical and cognitive skills be taught across subjects. Secondary Principals' Council Chair Steve McCracken says there are pros and cons - and schools are already struggling with an overcrowded curriculum. "Anybody who's sat exams knows the pressure situations and you're trying to get your ideas down really quickly, and having that ability to type would be an advantage."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government isn't giving a firm figure on what'll be paid to build a liquefied natural gas import facility in Taranaki. It's aiming to sign a contract by mid-year. It says it'll save the country about $265 million a year - about $50 dollars per household - and protect about 2000 jobs.  An electricity levy of $2-$4 per megawatt-hour will fund the infrastructure. Energy Minister Simon Watts says limited gas supply contributed to the recent increase in energy crisis and the Government needs to establish a new supply. "That'll take the risk and put certainty back in to ensure we do have gas in a dry year, and with that, that provides benefits through to the broader country."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The mosque terrorist claims prison conditions essentially forced him to plead guilty to his crimes. The shooter has addressed three Court of Appeal judges in Wellington in a bid to vacate his guilty pleas for murder, attempted murder, and terrorism - in March 2019. He's serving life in prison. Newstalk ZB's Emily Ansell says Tarrant told the court solitary confinement, being under constant observation and the lack of reading materials helped his health decline. "He also mentioned he thought guards were playing mind games with him and telling him they couldn't understand what he was saying. So all of this, he says, led to something of an identity crisis." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is contracting to build a liquefied natural gas import facility, as a reliable backup fuel source. It's expected to save the country about $265 million a year, equivalent to about $50 per household.  Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explains the project further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog is visiting Australia to honour the victims of the Bondi Beach terror attack, but his arrival has prompted concerns. Herzog's visit is facing nationwide protests by pro-Palestinian groups and authorities are warning people to be prepared for disruptions.  Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says thousands of people are set to gather in Sydney's CBD and workers have been warned to stay out of the way and work from home if possible. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Seattle Seahawks have shut down the New England Patriots to win the 60th edition of the Super Bowl in California. The Seahawks have claimed a 29-13 win, keeping the scoreboard ticking over with four field goals to have a 12-nil lead before the game's only touchdowns came in the final quarter. Sportstalk host Jason Pine recapped the action. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thousands of Air New Zealand customers are being warned to be prepared as the airline braces for an upcoming strike. The airline has been forced to make schedule changes and 44 flights have been cancelled ahead of the industrial action planned for February 12 and 13. Air NZ Chief Customer and Digital Officer Jeremy O'Brien says the airline will be ensuring that the impact on customers will be as minimal as possible. "If you do need to change plans and you do incur reasonable costs for transport, accommodation, meals - the customer should look to have those reimbursed as well." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 5 February, 2026, our political reporter at Waitangi tells us the prime minister got a harder time this year than ACT leader David Seymour. We ask why the wastewater plant pumping poo into Wellington's water wasn't fixed earlier. Is Invercargill not up with the times? The council's plan to spend $2 million on a clock tower. And on The Huddle, Maurice Williamson and Mark Sainsbury discuss how councils need to lift their game. 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.

Here’s a question for you: Was your first reaction to the news of sewage pumping into Wellington’s water something along the lines of, “Oh well, these things happen”? I ask because I’ve spent the past 24 hours fighting the urge to wave this away as one of those unfortunate, unforeseen things that just happen from time to time. You know — mistakes happen. I’m glad I resisted that urge, because the latest information actually makes the situation far more concerning.The Moa Point facility is run by a private contractor, Veolia, and there have been years of warnings that it was non-compliant. Since January 2024 — two years ago — it has failed to meet compliance every single month except for two. That’s a pretty poor record. The issues have included inappropriate discharges, odour problems, and repeated problems involving faecal bacteria. A review three years ago looked across all four water‑treatment plants Veolia runs in the Wellington region and found understaffing, inexperienced operators, and frontline teams being left to handle complex problems without executive support. Now, we don’t yet know exactly what went wrong with the pipe yesterday. We don’t know whether the long-running warnings had anything to do with the incident — whether, had the warnings been acted on, this might not have happened. We simply don’t know. But what we do know is that what was happening at that facility wasn’t good enough. And that brings me to our default reaction — mine, yours, everyone’s — which seems to be giving councils a free pass. I don’t know why we do that. Maybe it’s because we’re fair-minded people and try to be accommodating of others’ mistakes. Maybe it’s because councils are monopolies; if we don’t like what they do, we have nowhere else to turn, so what’s the point getting upset? So we end up lowering our standards to match the councils’ low standards. But we shouldn’t. Wellingtonians should be angry about this — just as Christchurch residents should be angry about the Bromley stench that has dragged on for years. Voting for “more competent” people probably won’t fix it. It never does. What Wellingtonians, and everyone else, can do — and what the media can do — is get angry, get vocal, and shame the councils and their contractors into doing better. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last year, food giant Watties had to cut contracts with 20 peach growers, citing market dumping and Cyclone Gabrielle as the key factors for the decision. An investigation by the government found that Chinese fruit company J&G International Co. Ltd. was indeed dumping peaches in to the market, causing 'material damage' to the industry.  Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Scott Simpson told Heather du Plessis-Allan that this situation unfortunately isn't rare.  "It's not completely uncommon. We get probably 1 or 2 a year cases of dumping of product, not just peaches, a whole range of stuff." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Growing calls for an overhaul our 30-year-old dog control laws. The Listener reports between 2020 and 2024, the cost of ACC claims for dog bites rose from just over 10 and a half million to just over 15 and a half million - with most occurring in private homes. Ministry of Hound owner and dog trainer Diana Haggitt says she's in support of making changes. She told Heather du Plessis-Allan that many of the problems stem from a lack of education for dog owners. Haggitt says that includes breed specific requirements, what's involved in training a dog and what the legal obligations are. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Belief from an Invercargill City Councillor the city doesn't need to rebuild its clock tower. The council plans to spend two million dollars on the renovation work in Wachner Place. Councillor Ian Pottinger says he believes the money could be spent on other things. He told Heather du Plessis-Allan that the money could go to a local high school which wants improved road safety. Pottinger says councillors were told they don't have money in the bank for that work, and would need to go and find funding. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Revelations Wellington's wastewater treatment plant has been non compliant almost every month for the last two years - after a huge failure yesterday. Heavy rain flooded the Moa Point plant's lower floors, causing it to shut down and millions of litres of sewage to pour into the ocean. Wellington Water Chair Nick Leggett told Heather du Plessis-Allan that there's going to have to be significant money spent on Wellington's plants from now on. He says they haven't had the investment over many years that's needed to keep them up to scratch. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A higher level of security's been seen at Waitangi this year.  Protestors and hecklers have made their presence known, but the increased security presence has deterred larger gatherings. Political Reporter Ethan Griffiths told Heather du Plessis-Allan that there's a larger quantity of people with diplomatic protection, as well as Police at the grounds and around Paihia.  He said that police-operated drones have been seen, as well as officers checking for any suspicious devices under cars.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are discussions around bidders potentially giving Chateau Tongariro a fix-up. A Government response to a petition confirms the Department of Conservation's been urged to speak with investors and iwi to potentially fund restoration for the heritage-listed hotel. Demolition still remains an option. Adrift Tongariro Guiding owner Stewart Barclay told Heather du Plessis-Allan that it's significant for employment - and would pay for itself over time. He says it's essential for tourism, which brings money in to the local area.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is reportedly looking into lifting the governing body's ban on Russia. Russian national teams and clubs were suspended from all competitions by FIFA and Uefa in February 2022, following the invasion of Ukraine. UK correspondent Mike Pearse explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has launched a review into soaring home insurance costs - to take place over a six-month period. This investigation comes as AA Insurance moves to pause new home insurance offers across the South Island. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny unpacked what we can expect from this deep dive. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Software stocks have taken a dive, and it's prompted concern among economists. This follows a difficult month for the sector, with many of them seeing their shares drop by 40 percent as a result of AI. Milford Asset Management's Michael Luke explained further. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reports from across the ditch that a historic State of Origin rugby league game in New Zealand is all but a done deal. The Daily Telegraph's reporting that the New Zealand Government has paid $5 million to secure game two of the 2027 Origin series at Eden Park. The money will come from the $70 million Major Events Fund, designed to attract big events to New Zealand. Former Kiwis and Warriors coach Tony Kemp says this is a big deal for New Zealand - and the event will likely sell out. "It'll be sold out within minutes - unless you know somebody, you probably won't get a ticket. I don't think people understand just how big State of Origin is down here." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Wellington fusion energy start-up’s getting a major boost, with fresh funding to build a next generation research facility. The Government will lend up to $35 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to OpenStar Technologies to help develop its nuclear fusion machine, known as Tahi. Fusion is the process which powers the sun, and the company's hoping to create a fusion power source that can be scaled up for commercial use. OpenStar CEO Ratu Mataira says Tahi is of a scale that they'll be able to show the world it's as valid as other approaches.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Tim Wilson from the Maxim Institute 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! Stats NZ data shows unemployment was at 5.4 percent in the December quarter - the highest it's been in over a decade. What does this say about the economy? Will things finally turn around this year? It could be months before Wellingtonians are given the all-clear for swimming at southern coastal areas, following today's big sewage leak. Should people be outraged?  Is Petone's Jackson St really cooler than Cuba St? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 4 February, 2026, unemployment's at a 10-year high but Brad Olsen from Infometrics says it's not all bad news. Why Wellington's sewage problem in the water could go on for months. Former Warriors coach Tony Kemp tells us how big a deal a State of Origin match at Eden Park would be. And on the Huddle, Tim Wilson and Jack Tame on the merits of Petone's Jackson Street being cooler than Wellington's Cuba Street. 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.

On the face of it, the unemployment figure out today is not good. It’s gone up, it's now sitting at 5.4 percent, a high we haven’t seen in almost 11 years. The last time we were anywhere near 5.4 percent was September 2015. But actually, there is a recovery story here if you look under the hood. We’ve added 15,000 jobs to the economy. More people want to work, too. As Infometrics points out, fewer people are sitting on the sidelines. We have fewer young people bumming around, and more of them are in work, training, or education. Most of the people who found work in the last quarter are in part‑time jobs, which suggests employers are taking a cautious chance. They’re not totally convinced the recovery is locked in - not enough to offer full‑time roles - but they’re confident enough to dip their toes back in. Now, I don’t want to be Pollyannaish here, pretending things are fine when they’re not. I don’t want to oversell good news. But I do think it’s worth focusing on the positive signs in these numbers to give this recovery a chance. There is enough data out there now to suggest we are on the right side of things and that the recovery is happening. But there’s still a wobble, isn’t there? You talk to some businesses and they’re still unimpressed by what they’re seeing come through the door. And I just wonder if we’re holding off a little. Maybe we were spooked by the false dawn in 2025 and want to make sure this is actually the recovery we think it is. Maybe we’re still unsure what the Reserve Bank is going to do. Maybe we want to get the feel of Anna Breman in her first go in a couple of weeks before we start investing money. We have good signs: consumer confidence, business confidence, GDP growth, retail spending growth, improved manufacturing numbers - the list goes on. And now add this: the detail under the unemployment number. Put that on the list, step back, and assess what really does look like a recovery, if we just give it the chance. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Me’s seeing a rush on gold and silver listings. Searches for both metals have surged on the site - and are now the second and third fastest-rising terms over the past week. Gold and silver hit record highs late last month, before dipping and then rallying again. Trade Me spokesperson Millie Silvester says the spike could be driven by buyers looking to melt the metals down. "Or maybe they're hoping that actually, this is the start of a boom and they're going to sit on it and hold onto it and maybe accumulate it over time as a bit of an investment."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An opinion piece in the Herald reckons Wellington's Cuba St has a rival for the title of the region's coolest strip. Lifestyle writer Joanna Wane says Petone's Jackson St has Cuba St beaten out for restaurants, cafes, pubs and boutiques. Hill's Hats owner Simon Smuts-Kennedy says there's plenty available for visitors - and there's something for everyone. "There's virtually everything available, and it's pumping. It's great...there's plenty for you." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Blenheim residents say AA Insurance has stopped offering new home insurance policies in their town, following similar decisions in Westport and parts of greater Christchurch.  The insurer would not confirm that Blenheim and the neighbouring settlements of Renwick and Seddon were subject to its temporary halt. Insurance Council CEO Kris Faafoi says the insurer is still supporting their current customers, and it's important for people to shop around. "They all make their own business decisions about how much exposure they want to have on their books." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.