Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Senior Te Whatu Ora doctors and dentists feel they've been pushed into strike action by a poor pay offer. About 5000 staff will be striking from September 5. Prime Minister Chris Hipkins hopes issues raised in the looming strike will be resolved before then. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Hipkins kept encouraging doctors and dentists to 'go back around the bargaining table'- as this could create more bad press for the Government. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Freightways have their sights set on a listing across the ditch, following a solid performance led by the Allied Express acquisition. The company today posted a 29 percent revenue lift since the expansion- profit rose to $1.12 billion in the year to the end of June. Chief Executive Mark Troughear says the Australian market presents 'massive' expansion opportunities for the future. "The market share opportunities are massive, they're a good operator, they're in a good niche, and it's a very big market for us." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister says Labour's GST policy isn't to blame for its latest slump in the polls. The latest 1News Verian results puts Labour on its worst numbers in 6 years - tumbling 4 points - to just 29 percent. National has climbed two points to 37 percent, which gives the party support to form a Government with ACT's 13 percent. The research was conducted right after Labour announced it will remove GST from fresh fruit and veg. But Grant Robertson says he doesn't believe this is driven by one single policy. "It's been a challenging time over a period of months, but we've got 2 months to let people know what's at stake here- and I think it is a hugely important election for New Zealand." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Supercars will be returning to New Zealand for 2024, with Taupō hosting the upcoming season. The Australian motor racing championship lost access to Pukekohe Park Raceway after the 2022 season, and the venue since reverted to a horse training facility. Owner Tony Quinn is 'stoked' for the town of Taupō, as this presents the perfect opportunity for boosting tourism. "The main target audience for the event is selling tourism. We can showcase New Zealand far better at Taupo rather than Hampton Downs. To me, that's the biggest element of the gig." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A claim safety outside Auckland schools will be a postcode lottery under an Auckland Transport plan. The AT school speed limits proposal is open for consultation until next Monday. Auckland University Population Professor Alistair Woodward says the plan leaves some areas worse off - with fewer speed limits. He rates Kaipatiki, Howick and Orakei the most dangerous areas, and Waiheke, Manurewa and Mangere-Otahuhu the three safest. Woodward says people should submit feedback if they want it changed. "Read to find out what is being proposed for their schools, to submit to Auckland Transport." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Education Minister wants standardised teaching of maths, reading and writing across the country. The Government has announced it plans to legislate on its common practice teaching model. Jan Tinetti says she plans to change the Education and Training Act, making those core subjects a requirement. She says the focus is on creating a consistent curriculum. "At the moment, the order in what somebody might be teaching in oral language - acquisition, for example - will be different in different schools. We want that to be exactly the same." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first national strike from senior doctors and dentists reflects their ongoing frustration. About 5000 members have announced a strike on September 5. Salaried Medical Specialists Association director Sarah Dalton says members want raises to help staff keep up with inflation. "Our members have experienced real pay cuts since 2020, when Covid landed, and they have said enough is enough. We have a known doctor shortage, Te Whatu Ora has put a number on it. They've said it's 1700 doctors, we think it's more." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian Government has spent $1.7 billion on Tomahawk cruise missiles, making it the third region to have access to this technology. Defence minister Richard Marles says this investment will hold adversaries further from Australian shores and 'keep Australians safe'. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says the region is boosting their defence systems in case of war- but Australia will have to develop technology on their shores as well. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National's Chris Luxon has promised to put $280 million into funding 13 cancer treatments over the next four years. This funding will be ring-fenced to Pharmac to cover lung, bowel, kidney, and melanoma cancer treatments- with free prescriptions scrapped to cover costs. Luxon says New Zealand's cancer mortality rate is 15 percent higher than Australia, and improving access to treatment can bridge the gap. "Part of that is actually accessing those treatments and those drugs that can extend lives, but also save lives. That's what this is about." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

England have failed to add the women's football World Cup to their cabinet, beaten 1-nil by Spain in the final at Sydney. The European champions were dominated in the first half, with Spanish captain Olga Carmona driving home the game's goal in the 29th minute. Sportstalk host Jason Pine breaks down yesterday's victory here. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alan Hall's lawyer still holds out hope that Arthur Easton's killer will be found. Hall's received five million dollars and an apology after being wrongfully convicted of Easton's murder in 1986. He spent just under 18 years in prison. Nick Chisnall KC told Heather du-Plessis Allan that he has some confidence that Police will conduct a robust investigation, as should have been done in the 1980s. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Agriculture Minister is defending the decision to only give farmers 24-hours’ notice before an announcement on an emissions pricing plan. Damien O'Connor's unveiled the Government plan to reduce agricultural emissions, shifting reporting requirements to late next year and pricing to late 2025. Federated Farmers says there wasn't proper collaboration. Damien O'Connor told Heather du-Plessis Allan that there wasn't a lot of time, with the decision only made at Monday's Cabinet meeting. He says they gave them as much notice as they could while trying to give as much certainty as possible. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump’s lawyers are seeking a later trial date for his charges of seeking to overturn the 2020 election. They are asking the judge to reject the government’s proposal for a trial in early January of 2024, instead asking to push it back until April of 2026 – nearly a year and a half after the 2024 election. US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson told Heather du Plessis-Allan that the trial will likely be pushed back to a certain degree, as Trump’s attorneys can’t be in every courtroom at once. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s pushback on a suggestion that MPs should be able to criticise judges. In his valedictory speech yesterday, sacked Labour MP Stuart Nash claimed judges need to be held accountable and should face criticism from MPs if their decisions are far from public expectations. Criminal lawyer Steve Cullen is calling that gutless dribble. He told Heather du Plessis-Allan that it's laughable to claim judges aren't held accountable, and that's what appeals are for. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Government's transport plan with a hook Ministry of Pacific Peoples annual review reinforces why it should be scrapped says Act We're all feeling safer, Ginny Andersen's at it again. Lowering the voting age will be back before Parliament before it rises for the election in a couple of weeks ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper talked with Heather du Plessis-Allan. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Weight loss drugs have been the talk of the market recently. Fisher Funds' Sam Dickie talks to Heather du Plessis-Allan about the topic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UK correspondent Enda Brady spoke to Heather du Plessis-Allan about the UK inviting a controversial Saudi prince to London, Rishi Sunak saying next year will be better, and can the English women take out the football world cup? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could you ever have too much wine? It seems in Australia at least the answer is yes. Australia has an oversupply equivalent to more than 2.8 billion bottles of wine – a little more than 100 bottles per person. This is after a trade dispute with China slashed exports. The excess wine is being stored in large steel vats in wineries across Australia, equating to 859 Olympic wine-filled swimming pools. Executive producer on The Country Rowena Duncum spoke to Heather du Plessis-Allan. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National wants to give people the ability to invest in multiple KiwiSaver providers. Chris Luxon was speaking at a financial services council event. NZ Herald Business Editor at Large spoke to Heather du Plessis-Allan. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, former Labour Party Chief of Staff Mike Munro and PR Expert Ben Thomas joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day, and more! Political commentators are questioning why Labour are promising savings from removing taking GST from fruit and veg one week, while increasing fuel tax the next week. EVs are exempt from the road user charges, but should they be? And should the Lauren Dickason case have gone in front of a jury or a judge? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank now says house prices are going to rise much faster than it first thought. Forecasts now show a 9.5% rise in house prices by the end of 2025. It’s last forecast had that at 0.4%. Combined with high interest rates, it's not looking flash for affordability. Infometrics Principal Economist, Brad Olsen spoke to Heather du Plessis Allan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Rugby has launched its own streaming platform. It's called NZR Plus, which is an app you can download or you can watch content online. There are currently two documentaries available to watch for free, of the All Blacks and Black Ferns seasons last year. Newstalk ZB rugby commentator Elliot Smith spoke to Heather du Plessis-Allan. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three Auckland ferry routes are on the chopping block. From the first of October Fullers360 will no longer run services to Bayswater, Northcote Point, or Birkenhead Auckland Transport is trying to find another operator that will run the services. Jon Reeves is from the Public Transport Users Association spoke to Heather du Plessis-Allan. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government will increase the fuel excise tax by 12 cents a litre over the next three years. Chris Hipkins expects it to cost the average driver an extra $1 a week. It's supposed to help fund a $20.8 billion transport plan to fill potholes, build new roads and public transport. David Parker spoke to Heather du Plessis Allan on the topic. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The walking tracks to the Cathedral Cove will be closed over summer. DOC says landslips and rockfalls have made some tracks impassable, and there are no quick fixes. It's also urging people to stay away from the cove altogether. Cathedral Cove Scenic Cruises's Ken Hindmarsh spoke with Heather du Plessis-Allan. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian women's football team's world cup campaign ended last night following a 3-1 loss to England. However, the tournament has inspired the country to watch and get involved with football.\ Australian correspondent Murray Olds talked to Heather du Plessis-Allan about the tournament's legacy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The role of the jurors in Lauren Dickason's four week trial was crucial - and fundamental. The ruled the 42-year-old guilty of murdering her three daughters in Timaru in 2021, in a majority verdict yesterday. Dickason had pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, caused by postpartum depression. Former judge Rosemary Riddell told Heather du Plessis-Allan the trial ran as you would expect. She says it was hard but not too difficult for a jury to handle - and people have a responsibility to perform their civic duty. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The South African cricket team looks like they are sending a b-team to face the Black Caps.SportsTalk host D'Arcy Waldergrave joins Heather du Plessis-Allan to talk about it. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I think it’s time to the end the freeloading of the EV owners, don’t you? The big news from the Chris Hipkins government is that they’re raising petrol tax again. That's right... they were just giving us a discount on the tax 2 months ago and now they are going in the opposite direction. From next year they’ll start hiking phasing in 12 cents a litre hike Why? Well because we’ve got to pay to fix the potholes That’s what that petrol tax pays for. So do the road user charges that the drivers of diesel cars pay. But the EV owners pay nothing They are driving on our roads for free and have been since the first EV hit New Zealand. Their exception period is due to run out April next year so you would think they are going start paying in about eight months. But no... don’t be so sure More news out today is that officials are concerned about doing it They are worried about noncompliance and the system not coping I’ve had enough of this, haven’t you? This might have made back when there were about 100 EVs and the government was hell bent on convincing people to buy them But there are 85,000 on the road. They create more potholes that your average petrol or diesel vehicle because they are heavier. They are more likely to be owned by wealthy people than poor people And it is just obscene to allow wealthier people to drive for free while charging poorer people more to fix potholes And we already give these guys a subsidy to buy the cars We are short nearly a billion dollars that we need to get the roads up to scratch and the day that most of us being told we’re going to pay more in petrol tax. It is insulting not be told the EV owners will pay too. Make the EV owners pay like the rest of us. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inflation in the UK dropped sharply to 6.8 percent in the year to July from 7.9 percent in June. The region's Office for National Statistics claim falling energy prices have helped ease the economic pressure. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says this is good news, as wages have gone up by 7.8 percent between April and June, exceeding inflation. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Curia pollster and Kiwiblog contributor 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! Reports suggest National are set to allow foreign buyers to outbid New Zealanders for homes, reversing the 2018 ban implemented by Labour. If true- is this a good move? Lauren Dickason has been found guilty of murdering her three daughters in Timaru in 2021. She now faces a life sentence for the murder of each child. What do we make of the verdict? A Waste Management chemical engineer says recycling in NZ is "essentially fraud". What do we think of this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Global dairy prices plunged by 7.4 percent overnight at the Global Dairy Trade auction. Whole Milk Powder - a key driver for Fonterra's prices - dropped 10.9 percent, the lowest level in nearly 5 years. Dairy NZ director Jacqueline Rowarth says this decline is partially led by softening demand from China amid Covid-19 restrictions. "This has been a game that has been played before, it's very difficult to tell what's going on in China. We love them as a market, but in terms of customers, it can be very challenging." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank has kept the Official Cash Rate at 5.5 percent, in line with predictions from banks and economists. Many experts believe the OCR may shift later in the year to get the CPI down to target range. Milford Asset Management analyst Katlyn Parker says there was limited market reaction to the announcement, but it's hard to think of more positives for the economy in the coming months. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Full speed ahead as Three Waters passes its third reading in the House. The reform transforms water providers into 10 regional entities but some councils are against it- they're scared they'll lose control. National and ACT have pledged to repeal it if elected. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the most controversial aspect of the reform, co-governance, is still a contested issue. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tough times for one of New Zealand's largest listed construction companies. Fletcher Building's annual net profit fell 46 percent to $235 million, according to a statement released to the NZX today. CEO Ross Taylor says the extra costs incurred by the troubled international convention centre in Auckland are causing the company some grief. "We're committed to getting the convention centre delivered and open, it'll be a world-class facility. But it's fair to say it's causing us some grief on the way through." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Outgoing Green MP Elizabeth Kerekere's fired a final shot across the party's bow. In her valedictory speech to Parliament, Kerekere claimed Greens co-leaders James Shaw and Marama Davidson were the only complainants - suggesting no one formally took issue with her actions. ZB Political Editor Jason Walls says James Shaw and Marama Davidson were sitting in the House watching the speech- and Shaw was 'staring daggers'. "The pair of them- I don't think I've seen any of them look that angry, especially James Shaw. They were there as a mark of respect, but they were not doing very well to hide their emotions." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New reports state National may lift the ban on foreigners buying residential homes in New Zealand. The ban was implemented in 2018, and National has opposed limitations being enforced on foreign investors. Labour's Spokesperson for Overseas Investment David Parker is outraged this idea is being considered. "Before we put in place the ban in 2017, 20 percent of the homes in Central Auckland and 10 percent of the homes in Queenstown were being bought by overseas buyers- that was closing out New Zealanders." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank has signalled it wants interest rates to stay unchanged for some time. It's kept the Official Cash Rate at 5.5 percent, matching predictions. But Kiwibank Chief Economist Jarrod Kerr says he's surprised, because the RBNZ seems more concerned about inflation than Kiwibank is. "I think they came out with a very strong message that we want to keep wholesale rates high, we want to keep lending rates high, to be absolutely certain that inflation will return to target." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matildas mania has reached a fever pitch ahead of their semi-final match against England. 75,000 fans will pack into Sydney's Stadium Australia to watch both teams clash for a spot in the title decider. Former Matilda and Football Australia's Head of Women's Football Sarah Walsh says the team's in uncharted territory as they enter their first semi-final- but they want to go all the way. "They're hard to not love. Coming from the group stages, this groundswell here has been unbelievable. I've even been shocked how they've been able to convert non-sporting fans into sporting fans." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emotions are running high after a jury found Lauren Dickason guilty of murdering her three children in a majority verdict this afternoon. The jury deliberated for more than 13 hours. Mothers Matter founder Chloe Wright says it's the wrong decision. "Didn't expect this verdict and hoped not to have this verdict- she has suffered so much, clearly for so long. I don't know if it was discussed about, perinatal distress." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US political experts have noticed support for Donald Trump is holding steady following his fourth criminal indictment. Trump and 18 associates have been charged with attempting to overturn his 2020 election defeat in the state of Georgia. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says Trump has been bragging that he needs one more indictment to boost his position in the polls. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who holds the favourites tag heading into tonight's semifinal between Australia and England at the Football World Cup? It's Australia's first-ever semi-final appearance at a World Cup, with suggestions the Matildas are the underdogs of the match- to the annoyance of the UK press. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains what we can expect come kickoff. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lauren Dickason now faces a life sentence after being found guilty of murdering her three daughters in 2021. The jury deliberated for over 13 hours, before reaching a decision by a majority verdict. The Herald's Anna Leask has been in court for the entire trial, and she says it was an intense few minutes while the verdicts were read. "Lauren Dickason herself was very calm, very quiet. Her parents were in the back of the court and it was a lot for them- her mother, at least, had been crying since we reassembled to hear that verdict." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Northern Ireland's police chief has confirmed data released in an accidental breach is in the hands of dissident republicans. The names, locations, ranks or grades, and units of over 10,000 Police Service of Northern Ireland employees had been leaked through human error. UK correspondent Enda Brady says there was an earlier incident where a document containing information from the breach was posted on a wall in Belfast- with a threatening note. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, North Shore Councillor Richard Hills and Trish Sherson of Sherson Willis PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day, and more! Grant Robertson's copping flack from National over yesterday's heated interview over Labour's GST-free fruit and veg policy. National's Nicola Willis says it's completely over the top for Robertson to hit back. Why did Robertson react so emotionally? Labour's new election promise will allow partners to take multiple weeks of paid parental leave. It would start with two weeks and go up to four weeks by 2026. Is there merit to this idea? The last FIFA Women's World Cup match in New Zealand is on tonight- why are we so into it? Have we just missed big events? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cyclone Gabrielle damaged property, closed 30 sections of state highways, and killed 11- and the recovery is still ongoing. It's been six months since the cyclone ravaged the East Coast, and residents are still working every day to pick up the pieces The Country producer Rowena Duncum says farmers in the region haven't been able to get machinery or equipment in to fix the extent of the damage. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister lost patience with ACT's David Seymour during Question Time. Seymour accused the Government of using race to divide New Zealanders, citing pregnant Maori women being given Prezzy Cards and ethnicity being included in surgical waitlists.Hipkins fired back he rejects the premise of Seymour's questions as plain racism. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Labour's under a lot of heat, especially following the backlash to their GST policy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian Federal Police have charged a Canberra man, after he was aggressive on a plane from Sydney to Kuala Lumpur. Video taken on the Malaysia Airlines flight showed a man wearing a backpack threatening passengers and staff with explosives. No explosives were found, and the man has since been charged with providing a false statement of a threat to an aircraft and not complying with the crew. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says it took police three hours to arrive and arrest the man after the flight was turned around. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sky TV are on the receiving end of backlash over their recent business decisions. The Herald's Chris Rattue has labelled the Sky Box an 'absolute dog', lambasting its recording abilities and 'general clunkiness' Sky have also announced that their broadband and entertainment package prices will increase by 10 percent, starting October 1. Tech commentator Paul Spain says Sky is moving towards a new era, and any change is going to seem inconvenient or jarring. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New REINZ figures show the housing market is still subdued- but some buyer confidence is returning. Their house price index shows the national median house sale price has dropped 1.3 percent in the month to July and sales have declined 15 percent. Despite this, REINZ chief executive Jen Baird says there's been a clear uptick in buyer activity. "More people are showing up at open homes, more people are showing up at auctions and we are starting to see that in sales volumes." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.