Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Now the Royals have issued a new statement on Kate Middleton's health. Kensington Palace put out a statement saying it had announced in January she would be out of action until Easter. No significant updates would be given until then Royal Correspondent Victoria Arbiter told Heather Du Plessis-Allan that "The Palace has been forced to issue this statement, but they are simply responding to what has been an avalanche of speculation online.' LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is giving the police more powers to take gangs guns off gangs. Firearm protection orders already allow the courts to stop the high risk offenders from being around guns at all. But now that's going to be extended to any member or associate of a gang with a significant conviction. Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee told Heather Du Plessis-Allan that they're "enabling New Zealand police to be able to search any person with a firearms prohibition order at any time at any place." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will no longer claim a $52,000 accommodation allowance for living in the Wellington apartment he owns - and will re-pay $13,000. His U-turn came mere hours after he told media in Queenstown that he was entitled to claim the money. Earlier today it was revealed he was claiming an 11 per cent top up to his own $471,000 salary in the form of a $52,000 optional accommodation allowance. The allowance is meant to pay for Luxon to find accommodation in Wellington. However, few prime ministers have claimed it - Luxon is the first in at least 34 years. Speaking to Newstalk ZB’s Heather du Plessis-Allan this evening, Luxon said he was now going to return all the money he had received since becoming Prime Minister. Luxon said the issue had become a “distraction” he did not want to deal with, so he had rolled back his defence of claiming the allowance. He would pay back $13,000, which had only just been deposited into his bank account recently. Speaking to reporters in Queenstown earlier today Luxon was adamant he was entitled to the allowance. “As I came away [from a press conference] I thought ‘Wow, people are pretty fixated on the allowance’. I thought ‘what’s going on’.” Luxon said he then listened to Newstalk ZB and heard the discussion on talkback. He then changed his mind about the allowance. “For me, I’m well within the rights, and well within the rules, but frankly it’s a distraction- I will live on my own costs,” Luxon told du Plessis-Allan. Luxon said it would cost “millions and millions” of dollars to bring Premier House up to spec for him to live in. “We’re trying to find a way to avoid spending millions and millions at Premier House. Obviously, it’s very difficult for us to think about how we spend that money, but we’re working through that. “We know the house has long-standing maintenance and repair issues - It’s a 160-year-old house,” he said. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The six defendants in the White Island case have been ordered to pay a collective $10.21 million in reparations and almost $2.5 million in fines. The biggest penalties were for Whakaari Management Limited, which runs the island itself. White Island Tours, were operating the boat tours to the island, including the tour group present on the island when it erupted. Richard Raymond KC is the lawyer representing White Island tours, he told Heather Du Plessis-Allan that the fines were 'roughly' what they expected. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prince Harry has lost a High Court challenge over his royal security arrangements. The Duke of Sussex took legal action against the British Government over a decision to lower his personal level of security, after stepping back from Royal duties. UK correspondent Enda Brady says Harry is now expected to hand over at least $2 million in legal fees. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, David Farrar from Kiwiblog and Curia and Ali Jones from Red PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! Yesterday, Melissa Lee said she wasn't concerned about New Zealand having just one TV news station and that there was still a 'plurality of voices'. She's since clarified and claimed she misspoke after copping some backlash- could she have done better? The Government has designated the political and military wings of Hamas - which governs parts of Gaza - a terrorist organisation. Was this the right decision? A coroner has suggested we make helmets mandatory for e-scooter riders. We do it for motorcycles and bicycles- is it time to include e-scooters? Blink-182's bassist was filmed slagging off Christchurch on stage during their Melbourne show. Was this out of line? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Households can breathe a temporary sigh of relief following yesterday's announcement from the Reserve Bank. The Bank has held the OCR steady at 5.5 percent, in line with with what most economists were predicting. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann says it's going to be a long battle to get inflation down, so the future's uncertain. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world's biggest sheep-shearing event is kicking off in Masterton today. Over 500 shearers and wool-handlers are taking part in the three-day event, an increase of 25 percent on the previous year. The Country's Jamie Mackay says finding sheep has been tougher this year- but they've managed to get at least 3500 ahead of the event. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's growing concern that the proposed closure of Newshub could be a sign of tougher times for the media industry. Warner Bros. Discovery revealed they planned to shutter newsroom operations from July, forcing hundreds out of work. AUT media researcher Merja Myllylahti says the entire industry is in trouble, revenue-wise. "For example, results from NZME were not as good as expected because of an advertising slump. This is the same thing the New York Times is going through, most of the industry is in turmoil." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's salt in the wound for Christchurch Blink-182 fans after bassist Mark Hoppus was filmed ripping on the city. It comes after the band announced they were cancelling their Christchurch show, just two weeks ahead of the event taking place. Consumer NZ Communications and Campaigns Manager Jessica Walker says the band's actions have encouraged fans to seek extra compensation beyond tickets. "It's worth seeing if you can get your money back under the Consumer Guarantees Act, or maybe even the Fair Trading Act- that's where we've landed with this." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health New Zealand says it's going as fast as it can to combat huge delays in implementing pay rises. It's been three months since senior doctors and dentists settled pay negotiations, but most still haven't received agreed increases. The Association of Salaried Medical Specialists says some of its members have been told they won't get the extra money until June. Health New Zealand Chief People Officer Andrew Slater says their systems are the problem. "Most of our payroll systems aren't compliant with New Zealand law, they haven't been for over 10 years. Many of our hospitals- we still use paper time sheets." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACT Party leader David Seymour is investigating making TVNZ pay dividends. He's asked Treasury to look into the returns the station is offering tax-payers, after 1News' competitor Newshub revealed it was broke. Warner Bros. Discovery has proposed shuttering Newshub from July, axing one of the country's biggest commercial news operators. Seymour says it's possible requesting dividends could improve returns- and competition. "It's one possibility- having one big state competitor that gets a pretty easy run in terms of getting taxpayer capital and paying dividends is distorting the marketplace." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An issue with paying for fuel at outdoor pumps has been confirmed as being related to the leap year. The extra day in February has affected Allied, Waitomo, Gull and BP truck stops, stopping customers from paying for their gas. Software provider Invenco was meant to roll out a fix at 3 o'clock - but that hasn't happened. Waitomo Chief Executive Simon Parham says it's surprising because it's not the first time we've had a leap year. "I think it's near a base in the software where they've just missed this day, and then the processing couldn't happen." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The designation of Hamas as a terrorist entity isn't expected to have implications for controversial pro-Palestine protest chants. Both the movement's military and political wings - which govern parts of Gaza - are now deemed a terrorist group in New Zealand. When pressed, Peters says people just have to follow and respect the law during protests. "When a country makes a decision that is a decision other countries have also made, no, it shouldn't make any difference. I can't guarantee that will not effect what people do." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The life and legacy of Fa’anana Efeso Collins has been celebrated at the Manukau Events Centre. Thousands of people, including Prime Minister Chris Luxon, former rugby stars and politicians from all sides came together to pay their respects to the late MP. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Efeso really left a mark in Parliament during his short stay. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NSW's Police Commissioner has taken the first steps to remove Beau Lamarre-Condon from the state's police force. Lamarre-Condon has been accused of murdering Sydney couple Luke Davies and Jesse Baird several days ago. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Lamarre-Condon allegedly carried out the murder with a police firearm - sparking an investigation. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand seamer Matt Henry is leading the way on the opening day of the first cricket test against Australia at the Basin Reserve. He's taken three wickets to have the tourists 166 for five early in the final session. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington's mayor is celebrating a controversial multi-million dollar development deal. Wellington City Council today agreed to continue with its plan to buy the land under the Reading Cinema complex for $32 million. The complex will then be rented back to the company, with the funds used to pay for quake strengthening. Tory Whanau couldn't go into specific details around certain aspects of the plan. The mayor says she's very happy with the level of detail she has. "And essentially- this is a loan. We are using a loan to be able to redevelop this property in our city centre." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

British MPs facing threats to their safety can opt for extra security as part of a new package. £31 million has been allocated to help protect concerned politicians, amid growing safety concerns since the war in Gaza began. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says this could include extra bodyguards for MPs who are most at risk. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Sarah Trotman from Business Mentors 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! Newshub shocked employees with the revelation they planned to shut down newsroom operations by the end of June. Do we just have to accept that the news sector in New Zealand will continue to shrink? Is there a point to push tech companies to pay for news? The Reserve Bank has confirmed that the OCR will stay in place at 5.5 percent for the time being. Is this a relief? A clip of David Seymour speaking in a Canadian accent is making the rounds on social media. How weird was this to hear? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank Governor says inflation is still too high to consider cutting the OCR. Adrian Orr held the OCR steady at 5.5 percent today, in line with most economist's expectations. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen says the Bank's on the right track to bringing down inflation. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank Governor has held the Official Cash Rate at 5.5 percent today, as expected by most economists. Adrian Orr says there was discussion on whether to bring in a small hike, but the Monetary Policy Committee concluded holding was the right move. Milford Asset Management's Katlyn Parker analyses the market reaction to this announcement. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis wants to exempt some trusts from paying the new 39 percent trustee tax rate. She hinted the Government planned to modify the bill aimed at lifting the trustee tax rate from 33 percent to 39 percent from April 1. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains how Nicola Willis plans to determine these exemtions. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Hipkins has given a seething speech in the House, slamming the Government's unwinding Labour's smokefree laws. The legislation had restricted retailers who can sell cigarettes, and banned people born after 2008 from buying them. A Bill scrapping the moves is now in its first reading. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says he's never seen behaviour like that from an MP. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in the US, President Biden and former President Trump have won their respective parties' Michigan's presidential primaries. Both candidates are still likely to enter an electoral rematch in November, according to political experts. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says Trump and Biden hold a clear lead over the other candidates. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Caps will be without Devon Conway for the first cricket test against Australia in Wellington, with more damage revealed to his left thumb. Conway suffered the injury while wicket-keeping in the second T20 at Eden Park. Additional scans revealed extra issues with the thumb. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains what this means for tomorrow. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christchurch Airport has pulled back and put their controversial Tarras airport project on hold. Chief executive Justin Watson announced that all future work on the airport would be delayed, saying more time is needed to examine the overall impact and consult with local and national stakeholders. Christchurch city councillor Yani Johansen suspects short-term financial constrains caused the delay. "We've got massive amounts of things we need to focus on, there are much greater priorities than a new international airport in central Otago." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Building back trust is next on the agenda for the rat-plagued Countdown Dunedin South. It reopened today, after being closed for almost three weeks for pest management procedures. Woolworths Stores Director Jason Stockill says foot traffic was down today, but they're determined to regain customers' faith. "We know it's going to be a slow process, but we've got to get the confidence back into the community. Our team have been doing a great job keeping in touch with the community." Stockill says finances have taken a hit, but customers are the priority, and are today being treated to free coffee and chocolate. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a clip of David Seymour making the rounds on social media that has viewers scratching their heads. In the interview, recorded in 2010, the ACT leader was recorded speaking with a clear Canadian accent. Seymour says he adopted the accent during his time overseas to blend in with the locals. "I know people that have lived outside their home country for 30 years, the accent still flickers- and there's other people who are kind of like chameleons in some terms, it's the way people are." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Economists at our biggest bank expect the Reserve Bank will increase the Official Cash Rate. ANZ's changed its forecast, now predicting 25 basis point hikes in February and in April. That would take the OCR to 6 percent- from its current 5.5. ANZ chief economist Sharon Zollner says the Reserve Bank said it was very close to hiking it again in November. "Since then, they've had a series of small, but very consistent surprises that do suggest that inflation's just going to take a bit longer to get back to target." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warner Bros. Discovery's Asia Pacific president reckons shutting down Newshub at the end of June is the best way forward. Staff were shocked as the company announced they would close down Newshub's newsroom and website- blaming financial headwinds and a tough advertising market. President James Gibbons says he's come to the conclusion this is the right approach. "We've certainly come to the conclusion this is the best way forward, but we really do welcome hearing from both the team- and indeed all news stakeholders in New Zealand." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Uncertainty over the future for hundreds of Newshub workers, following the shock announcement its newsroom will close. Warner Brothers Discovery executives told staff today they're shutting the newsroom and website, from the end of June. The former-Mediaworks news company says it's battled financial headwinds and plans to focus on streaming service, ThreeNow, not news. Media commentator Bill Ralston is predicting he expects more media failures over the next six months. "Once you start chewing into losses of $100 million, and then more, and then more on top of it- it becomes unstoppable." Ralston expects some who've lost jobs will head overseas. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in the UK, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says he's 'living proof' the country isn't racist. This is off the back of a recent controversy involving newly-suspended MP Lee Anderson making some Islamophobic comments during an interview. UK correspondent Enda Brady says Rishi Sunak is trying to save face during the 'dying embers' of his tenure. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Matt Heath from Radio Hauraki and Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! Former Cabinet Minister Stuart Nash went on a verbal bender today to prove how committed he was to being tough on crime as Police Minister. Leader Chris Hipkins has accused him of breaching confidentiality terms- is this fair? What is Stuart Nash trying to prove? A rat-infested Dunedin Countdown is getting ready to open the doors again tomorrow morning- if none are spotted overnight. Would you trust this Countdown again? Luxon's challenging assumptions that Premier House is condemned following comments from the Australian cricketers, but he's taken issue with the building. Should he try to fix it for the sake of our international reputation? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As several trade ministers come together for this week's WTO meeting in Abu Dhabi, some experts are less hopeful. Stephen Jacobi, the executive director of the International Business Forum, says there's no chance of an agreement for further cuts to agricultural subsidies and tariffs. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains why he's less than optimistic about this gathering. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Immigration NZ have found themselves in hot water for failing to do enough risk analysis for migrant workers. A review of the Accredited Employer Work Visa Scheme has found the department had insufficient checks and balances for preventing migrant exploitation. BusinessDesk's Pattrick Smellie says this feedback could send the wrong signal for the future of immigration. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Aggregate and Quarry Association says urgent intervention is needed to avoid delays in construction projects in the Upper North Island. Auckland reportedly ran out of sand fit for construction purposes, and the quarry industry head says an interim fix is needed to get projects back on track. CEO Wayne Scott says they've been on the cusp of a major shortage for 12 months before the end of 2023. "The National Policy Statements that came out last year for Indigenous Biodiversity and Highly Productive Land have severely impacted on the ability of quarries to get consented." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sir John Key believes the time was right to step down as chair of the country's biggest bank. Key has been working with ANZ's Australian and New Zealand boards since 2017, and became chair in 2018. He says the bank is in good shape and they had an obvious replacement in mind- so he knew he was ready to retire. "The timing seemed about right for me, and it's a pretty good time for the bank as well." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A nursing recruiter says programmes for overseas trained nurses aren't enough for them to develop the necessary skills to work in New Zealand. Canterbury nursing jobs have been listed stating overseas nurses who have just recently completed the competency assessment programme won't be accepted. Gore Hospital recently had 80 international nurses apply for a job, but none had the needed experience. Accent Health Recruiter Prudence Thomson says it takes a while for overseas nurses to understand our health system. "They just need a lot of supervision and induction from senior staff, and there's not enough senior staff on hand to supervise." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Countdown Dunedin South's intense pest management days may be behind them. The store's been closed since February 10 after multiple continued rat sightings. If none are spotted overnight, MPI have given them the all clear for opening tomorrow. Consumer NZ's Jon Duffy says rats have a bad name - but people need to have faith the pests are being properly dealt with. "You've got to trust that MPI are doing their job in making sure that it's safe, and that they've got the exterminators in- and that they've done their best." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Virgin Voyages won't be having a second season down under. Next summer's sailings of the Resilient Lady are cancelled in New Zealand and Australia to avoid growing tensions in the Red Sea. New Zealand Cruise Association CEO Jacqui Lloyd says they'll be monitoring this situation closely. "We do have vessels that travel down from Alaska, they come from Asia, they might be based over in Australia for the winter period- so they're easy access to get into New Zealand. But we are watching those in the Med to see any challenges." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Immigration New Zealand's boss says it's unacceptable staff concerns were ignored. The Public Service Commission's released its report on the Accredited Employer Work Visa scheme, which began after a whistle-blower alerted the Minister to a lack of checks and balances. The review has found Immigration New Zealand should have done more to minimise migrant exploitation risk, when regulations loosened post-Covid. MBIE Chief Executive Carolyn Tremain says concerns were first raised internally last April. "What has occurred here is not good enough, and we're making sure that we have a two-way conversation with people about issues." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is taking the first steps towards dismantling the Māori Health Authority. A Bill to bring about its end will pass under urgency tonight, with the Authority being scrapped for good by June 30. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Minister Shane Reti has claimed axing the Authority will improve healthcare for all New Zealanders. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New South Wales police are still searching for missing Sydney couple, Jesse Baird and Luke Davies. They've accused 28-year-old constable, Beau Lamarre-Condon, of murdering them in Baird's home. Detectives are again scouring a rural property visited by Lamarre-Condon, after finding nothing yesterday. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the accused constable is refusing to co-operate with the ongoing search. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Black Caps paceman Neil Wagner has called time on his international cricket career. The 37-year-old left-arm pace bowler will bow out after two-match series against Australia, but appears unlikely to play them. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains his impact within the sport. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New data has revealed a sharp spike in people using their phones behind the wheel. The latest figures show over 42,210 offences by phone-distracted drivers had been recorded in the first nine months of 2023. Prime Minister Chris Luxon has also claimed he's willing to increase the $150 fine for distracted drivers. Brake NZ Development Director Caroline Perry says it's 'disappointing' that so many people are choosing to take this risk. "A lot of people are still choosing to put both their own lives and the lives of others at risk by doing this." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK Government has announced £4.7 billion will be used to fund transport projects outside big cities in the Midlands and northern England. It’s a redirection of funds from the scrapped northern legs of the HS2 rail line. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says this announcement has been met with mixed reactions from the Opposition and prospective voters. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Child Fund Chief Executive Josie Pagani and Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! Hundreds of people, including fellow politicians Chloe Swarbrick, Carmel Sepuloni and Chris Hipkins, came to Auckland to pay tribute to deceased MP Efeso Collins. What will people remember about Efeso's legacy- or political promise? New legislation will soon ban gang insignia in public places. Courts will also be able to issue orders to stop members consorting with each other. Will these proposed changes get past the Bill of Rights? Ginny Andersen has apologised publicly for her controversial comments about Police Minister Mark Mitchell. Was the apology honest enough? Should she face more consequences? Former Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett has confirmed she's considering taking a run at Auckland's mayoralty next year. Will she appeal to voters? Will this split right-leaning voters. After 27 years, Hamilton is now the fastest-growing city in New Zealand. Is this surprising? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Several trade ministers from the World Trade Organisation are expected to gather over the next few days. The MC13 gathering, held in Abu Dhabi, will be co-chaired by New Zealand's own Trade Minister- Todd McClay. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan says New Zealand has a lot to gain over this timeframe, if McClay does well. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hundreds of school building project plans may need changing. The Government is launching a Ministerial Inquiry into cost overruns, with up to 350 projects possibly in peril. Already, the Education Ministry has frozen major projects at 20 schools. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the Government's message about 'wasteful spending' sets the tone for the upcoming budget. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.