Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Further allegations against Russell Brand have emerged. A new accuser has claimed the actor, comedian and radio host exposed himself to her in a lift in 2008, who then joked about it on his radio show. And Sweden’s minority-coalition government is facing backlash after following in the UK’s footsteps in slashing its climate budget. It expects to miss its 2030 transport targets and has cut funding by around NZ$40 million. The climate minister has since been threatened with no-confidence votes. UK correspondent Gavin Grey joined Tim Dower. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The allegation of India’s involvement in the killing of a Sikh Canadian is based on surveillance of Indian diplomats in Canada, including intelligence provided by a major ally, a Canadian official told The Associated Press on Thursday. The official said the communications involved Indian officials and Indian diplomats in Canada and that some of the intelligence was provided by a member of the “Five Eyes” intelligence-sharing alliance, which includes the U.S., Britain, Australia and New Zealand, in addition to Canada. The official did not say which ally provided intelligence or give details of what was contained in the communications or how they were obtained. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation first reported the intelligence. The revelation came as India stopped issuing visas to Canadian citizens and told Canada to reduce its diplomatic staff as the rift widened over allegations by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of suspected Indian involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a 45-year-old Sikh separatist. Ties between the two countries have plunged to their lowest point in years after Trudeau told Parliament Monday there were “credible allegations” of Indian involvement in the assassination on Canadian soil. Nijjar, a plumber who was born in India and became a Canadian citizen in 2007, had been wanted by India for years before he was gunned down in June outside the temple he led in Surrey, a suburb of Vancouver. Speaking Thursday on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, Trudeau acknowledged the complicated diplomatic situation. "The decision to share these allegations on the floor of the House of Commons was not done lightly,” he said. “There is no question that India is a country of growing importance and a country that we need to continue to work with." “We are not looking to provoke or cause problems but we are unequivocal around the importance of the rule of law and unequivocal about the importance of protecting Canadians.” The bombshell allegation set off an international tit-for-tat, with each country expelling a diplomat. India called the allegations “absurd.” Canada has yet to provide public evidence to back Trudeau's allegations, and Canada's U.N. ambassador, Bob Rae, indicated that might not come soon. “This is very early days,” Rae told reporters Thursday, saying that while facts will emerge, they must “come out in the course of the pursuit of justice.” "That’s what we call the rule of law in Canada,” he said. Meanwhile, the company that processes Indian visas in Canada announced services had been suspended. Canadians are among the top travelers to India, with 277,000 Canadian tourists visiting the country in 2022, according to India’s Bureau of Immigration. Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi blamed the visa suspension, which includes visas issued in third countries, on safety issues. “Security threats being faced by our High Commission and consulates in Canada have disrupted their normal functioning,” Bagchi told reporters. He gave no details on the alleged threats. The announcement quickly rippled across Canada, especially among people with ties to India. Maitreyi Bhatt, a 27-year-old Indian citizen whose partner is Canadian and needs a visa, was distraught because her wedding is scheduled for late October in India, when he was to meet her family for the first time. “I’ve been crying all day,” she said. “It’s so difficult. I was just so excited for him to meet my family.” She said the venue is booked and the couple has non-refundable flights. She said her partner went to the Indian Consulate in Toronto but was escorted out by security. “People like me are just caught up in this and it’s just not fair,” she said. Sukhwinder Dhillon, a 56-year-old grocery store owner in Montreal, said he had a trip planned to India to see family and sort out his deceased father’s estate. Dhillon, who came to Canada in 1998, makes the trip every two or three years and has lost two family members since he was last home. “My father passed, and my brother passed,” Dhillon said. “I want to go now. ... Now I don’t know when we’ll go.” Bagchi, the Indian foreign ministry spokesman, also called on Canada to cut its diplomatic corps in India, saying they outnumbered Indian diplomats in Canada. The Canadian High Commission in New Delhi said Thursday that its consulates in India were open and continue to serve clients. It said some of its diplomats had received threats on social media, adding that Canada expects India to provide security for its diplomats and consular officers working there. On Wednesday, India warned its citizens to be careful when traveling to Canada because of “growing anti-India activities and politically condoned hate-crimes.” India's security and intelligence branches have long been active in South Asia and are suspected in a number of killings in Paki

A chance for the Warriors to reach their first NRL Grand Final since 2011. But they'll have to get past a formidable Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium to get to the final on October 1. A huge clash in the Rugby World Cup this weekend. The All Blacks - who have a bye week - will be watching South Africa vs Ireland with a very close eye to see who their potential quarter-final opponents will be. Liam Lawson continues to push for a full-time driver spot in Formula 1. The 21-year-old is racing in Japan this weekend for AlphaTauri one week on from his first Formula 1 points in Singapore. Andrew Gourdie and Jason Pine joined Tim Dower to discuss the week's sports newsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up to 23 cryptosporidium cases have been confirmed in Queenstown due to poor drinking water. Water regulator Taumata Arowai has ordered the council to install a parasite barrier hoping to stop the problem. Water New Zealand says about 20 percent of Kiwis drink water without this barrier. Acting Technical Manager Lesley Smith joined Tim Dower. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A spectacular weekend awaits Warriors fans. Victory against the Brisbane Broncos on enemy turf will see the Kiwi outfit qualify for their first NRL Grand Final since 2011. Warriors assistant coach Richard Agar joined Tim Dower. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rupert Murdoch is stepping down from the role of chairman of News Corp and Fox at 92. The immediate successor appears to be his son Lachlan, but there are other family members and all sorts of other behind-the-scenes stuff going on. Monash University Head of Journalism Johan Lidberg joined Tim Dower. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another allegation of bullying in the Labour Party. MP Shanan Halbert has been accused of bullying by several former staff dating back more than a year, labelling him “manipulative”, “scheming” and “a narcissist”. Minor party leaders have had their say in the latest election debate. Act’s David Seymour, the Green’s Marama Davidson, NZ First’s Winston Peters and Te Pati Maori’s Debbie Ngawera-Packer all squared off in last night’s debate on Newshub Nation. And all parties have committed to keep school lunches going. It’s only funded out to the end of the year, but Labour and National have expressed interest in keeping it going. Newstalk ZB Political Editor Jason Walls joined Tim Dower. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Airlines say they share customers' frustration at Auckland Airport's passenger congestion woes. Thousands are expected to fly in and out of the airport tomorrow as it continues to deal with big Customs wait times during busy periods. The Board of Airline Representatives claim the airport says it has capacity for just over 2000 passengers an hour on a rolling 5-minute basis. However, congestion's occurring well below that level. Executive Director Cath O'Brien told Tim Dower it's frustrating to see the airport blame airlines because of slightly early or late flights – which is expected. “When in fact what we would look for is that they would manage their airport well, and frankly as of late that’s not been happening.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour says efforts to crack down on ram raids are working. The party's police spokesperson is hitting back at claims by National Leader Chris Luxon that there are two ram raids a day. Ginny Andersen told Tim Dower data released by Police shows a 70 percent reduction in ram raids from their peak of 116 a month in August last year. “While the numbers are a bit noisy, they have been in decline generally since that point where they peaked. So they reached 35, which is the lowest we’ve had over a two-year period.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has worked to shore up US support for Ukraine on a whirlwind visit to Washington this week, delivering an upbeat message on the war’s progress while facing new questions about the flow of American dollars that for 19 months has helped keep his troops in the fight against Russian forces. The Ukrainian leader received a far quieter reception than the hero’s welcome he got last year, but also won generally favorable comments on the aid he says he needs to stave off defeat. His arrival was treated with more pomp at the White House, where a red carpet arrival on the South Lawn, followed by time in the Oval Office, an expanded gathering in the East Room and one-on-one time for the two first ladies, was a more grand reception than world leaders typically get. Zelenskyy, in long-sleeve olive drab, went to the Capitol with a firm message in private talks with Republican and Democratic leaders. The Ukrainians have a solid war plan, and “they are winning,” lawmakers quoted him as assuring them, at a time that the world is watching Western support for Kyiv. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden welcomed Zelenskyy and his wife, Olena Zelenska, later at the White House, where Zelenskyy described thanking members of Congress for their “big, huge support”. Biden was clear in his backing. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is welcomed to the Capitol in Washington, by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Photo / AP “The American people are determined to see to it that we do all we can to ensure the world stands with you,” Biden assured Zelenskyy, projecting White House support of Ukraine to other nations as well. “That is our overwhelming objective.” The serious tone was evident earlier, too, at the Pentagon, where Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin greeted Zelenskyy without the usual ceremonial band and other fanfare. At the Capitol, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who faces opposition among far-right Republicans aligned with former President Donald Trump on support for Ukraine, notably chose not to join House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries in greeting the Ukrainian president when he arrived. McCarthy also confirmed that he declined Zelenskyy’s request for a joint session of Congress, as happened during the Ukrainian president’s dramatic visit to Washington last winter, saying there wasn’t time for that on short notice. But McCarthy praised the answers that Ukrainians delivered to lawmakers. “It was direct, I thought it was honest, they were answering the questions,” McCarthy said. “I heard a lot of positive things. Republican House lawmakers described questioning Zelenskyy on the way forward for Ukraine’s counteroffensive, as the fight to roll back invading Russian forces moves closer to the two-year mark without major breakthroughs in Russia’s heavily mined lines. Zelensky “conceded that it’s tough, very tough to overcome entrenched defences,” Independent Senator Angus King said. “They believe they will make slow but steady progress, but it’s not going to be quick.” President Joe Biden meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Photo / AP It is Zelenskyy’s second visit to Washington since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 and comes as Biden’s request to Congress for an additional US$24 billion for Ukraine’s military and humanitarian needs is hanging in the balance. Back home, Russia launched its heaviest strikes in a month in the hours before Zelenskyy’s arrival at Congress, killing three, igniting fires and damaging energy infrastructure as Russian missiles and artillery pounded cities across Ukraine. Zelenskyy in his White House stop stressed Ukraine’s need for strengthened air defence systems to fend off Russian missiles and drones. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan underscored that Biden would seek to drive home with Zelenskyy’s visit that the US and the world “send the unmistakable message that in the 21st century, a dictator cannot be allowed to conquer or carve up his neighbour’s territory”. “If we allow that here. it will happen elsewhere in ways that will undermine the fundamental security, not to mention the values that the American people hold so dear,” Sullivan said. Biden has called on world leaders to stand strong with Ukraine, even as he faces domestic political divisions at home. A hard-right flank of Republicans, led by Trump, Biden’s chief rival in the 2024 race for the White House, is increasingly opposed to sending more money overseas. Zelenskyy faces challenges in Europe as well as cracks emerge in what had been a largely united Western alliance behind Ukraine. Poland’s prime minister has said his country is no longer sending arms to Ukraine, a comment that appeared aimed at pressuring Kyiv and put Poland’s status as a major source of military equipment in doubt as a trade dispute between the neighbouring states escalates. President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, walk along the Colonnade at the White House

Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave joined Tim Dower to discuss France halfback Antoine Dupont's facial injury in the 96-0 win over Namibia, the Warriors' do-or-die finals clash against the Brisbane Broncos, and Liam Lawson in the Japanese Grand Prix. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An increase in employees testing positive for cannabis. The Drug Detection Agency is attributing the rise to the proliferation of medicinal cannabis and easier access. New Zealand’s Medicinal Cannabis Act came into effect in 2020. CEO Glenn Dobson told Tim Dower there is a risk people are impaired at work. “When the patient first goes to have a conversation or consultation with their GP or their doctor, they should be advising with their doctor when they’re prescribed the type of role they’re doing.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The powerbrokers’ debate last night – you learn anything from it? Your impression of anyone improve, or did you feel the shine coming off someone by the way they conducted themselves? I thought it was bloody awful myself, but I stuck with it because I kinda had to. Let's forget the weird pub beer garden look of the whole thing, I just want to think about the substance of the, er, “debate” and the performance of the players. From right to left on your screen: Winston Peters - seemed to treat the whole thing as a bit of a joke...wasn't taking it at all seriously. Didn't do himself any good. Almost like it was a rehearsal. Nothing useful to say. Debbie Ngarewa-Packer - Awful, just awful, so, pretty much as expected. Behaved like a silly third-former – the patronising way she referred to Mr Peters as Matua obviously intended as a put-down, but water off a duck's back to Peters. Marama Davidson - not a lot better than Packer banged on and on about a wealth tax that's not going to happen being the answer to, well, just about everything really. Message seemed to be: let's take money off people who've done something with their lives, give it to people who'll never do anything with their lives, and all our problems will magically be fixed. Davidson at least was cogent and fairly coherent and I was wondering how much she appreciated all the buddy-buddy high fives and fist pumps, did I even hear 'you go girl' at one point? Silly Debbie. Sit down Debbie. David Seymour – Disappointing. Should have been the star of the show, but he went on far too long, tried to set out policy details when this just wasn't a serious forum. My suggestion: either say 'no' if you're asked to appear with the same crummy crowd next time, or turn up with a bag of random insults and just hurl those around. Overall, I wanna say it's an hour of my life I'll never get back, and that's true, it's gone for good. What it confirmed for me though was that out of those four, there's only one I want anywhere near the Treasury benches in three weeks' time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK is set to overturn several policies aimed at achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, with Prime Minister Sunak promising a 'pragmatic' solution. Sunak confirmed that the ban on on the sale of petrol and diesel cars would be pushed back from 2030 to 2035- bringing it in line with France and Germany. The Prime Minister also announced energy efficiency targets for rental properties would be reduced and backtracked on requiring homeowners to replace gas boilers with heat pumps. UK correspondent Enda Brady says Sunak is clearly seeking a second term ahead of the next general election- but Labour and Keir Starmer hold a lead in the polls. LISTEN ABOVE See 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! Labour MP Greg O'Connor has done the unthinkable and conceded that Labour is likely going to lose the election. Is this a rookie move or is there strategy behind this? 80 percent of Kiwis are wondering if Chris Luxon will work with Winston Peters - should Luxon continue to not say anything until the election? The president of the Coromandel chapter of the Rebels gang has apologised for the bad behaviour of his members over the weekend. Is this a refreshing approach from them? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a blow to New Zealand farmers everywhere, MPI discovered Mycoplasma bovis in Canterbury's Selwyn. It's just months after the announcement the country had no known cases of the cattle disease. A standard bulk tank-milk background screening picked up the infection. The Country's Jamie Mackay says the news that 1000 dairy cows will have to be culled will be devastating for the farmer impacted. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's economy is in the green and our technical recession is officially over. Stats NZ says the GDP rose 0.9 percent in the June quarter and 3.2 percent for the year to June. It also revised the figure for the March 2023 quarter to 0 percent - up from a 0.1 percent drop. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann says households are still feeling high interest rates rampant inflation- and economists warn the worst is yet to come. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACT leader David Seymour isn't sure National's proposed taxes will help New Zealanders. The party's released their alternative budget today, promising modest income tax cuts of $16 billion over four years. It's also proposing three tax rates rather than five. Seymour says whoever leads the next Government will have to have an honest conversation about what the numbers require. "I'm not confident that adding more taxes is the real solution- the real solution is to get spending under control. Which we do, as I say, by $25 billion." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fonterra is reporting profit after tax of $1.6 billion dollars, up 170 percent on last year. It's reporting earnings of 95 cents per share- up from 36 cents per share. The full year dividend will be 50 cents per share, including an interim dividend of 10 cents per share. Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell says this result is good for New Zealand's dairy farmers, who have been doing it tough all year. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the end of an era, as a Wellington cultural icon is set to go up for sale. The Green Parrot café, which first opened in 1926, has hosted celebrities, politicians and travellers for the last 97 years. It's on the market - with an asking price of $200,000. Co-owner Chris Sakoufakis says his father, Kosta Sakoufakis, is ready to retire- and he hopes someone else will take it over to the hundred-year mark. "Because I'm so busy with real estate, I can't commit to the Green Parrot. Someone needs to take over and hopefully take it to the hundred years." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yet another Oranga Tamariki review- this time, of youth justice and care residences. The report led by Mike Bush suggests high-level change to make residences safer for young people and staff. In it, staff say they're too bureaucratic, short on beds, and there are too many band-aid fixes. Bush says he's aware there's 'review fatigue'. "They are swimming in recommendations and have been for many years. I've been involved in some of those former reviews, I'm determined, like the leadership and the good people of Oranga Tamariki - of which there are many - to make this the best possible place." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some good economic news, for now. Stats NZ figures show GDP increased 0.9 percent in the three months to June, and 3.2 percent in the year to June. The figure for the March quarter has been revised to 0 percent - up from a 0.1 percent drop. But Kiwibank Chief Economist Jarrod Kerr says they're still predicting a double-dip recession. "We think the second half of this year will be quite painful for households- we still have a lot of households rolling off very low interest rates onto higher interest rates, and 40 percent of them will happen in the next 6 months." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Queenstown's mayor says putting filters on regional water sources is expensive. The area is in the grips of an outbreak of infections from a waterborne parasite. Known cases of cryptosporidium illness have reached 21 - and the boil water notice could last for months. The national water regulator has slapped a compliance notice on the region. Mayor Glyn Lewers says there are a lot of water intakes, and six don't have filters. "There is a cost element to it but there is a progressive program at work, and we try to manage those costs because of the rate burden on our ratepayers." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Labour Party insists its Ohariu candidate isn't telling voters to only give him their electorate vote. The Post reports Greg O'Connor told voters at a meeting that with polling going the way it is, National Deputy Leader Nicola Willis is likely to be the next Finance Minister. ZB political editor Jason Walls says Greg O'Connor was 'too honest' about his intentions by encouraging voters to only give him their electorate vote. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's Opposition Leader has angrily rejected Anthony Albanese's probe into the Covid-19 pandemic response. Peter Dutton has labelled the year-long investigation into Australia's response as a 'desperate attempt' to distract voters. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says this reaction is the latest instance of Dutton trying to inspire angry reactions. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The police watchdog has deemed the treatment of a Christchurch teenager in custody 'appalling'. The IPCA established police were justified in using force during a 14-year-old's arrest last year - but her care in custody was inadequate. The teenager was driving in a convoy of three stolen cars driving dangerously across Christchurch. She urinated and soiled herself during arrest before being taken into custody. The girl was given a sink and wipes to clean herself and a change of clothes, but was denied a request for a shower. Canterbury District Commander Superintendent Tony Hill agrees with the report's findings- and that his team had an obligation to take care of civilians they interact with. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Athletics New Zealand are distancing themselves from banned runner Zane Robertson after his arrest in Kenya. Reports have emerged that he's been arrested in possession of an unlicensed AK-47 rifle and 23 rounds of ammunition in his house on the outskirts of Iten. Kenyan publication The Standard also revealed Robertson was under investigation for sexually assaulting a woman at a party. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An increasing number of people are dipping into their retirement savings to meet soaring living costs. KiwiSaver members made 18,291 withdrawals worth an average of $7921 over the year, according to new data. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains why this is happening. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National's Nicola Willis is satisfied with her party pulling ahead of the competition in another poll. The latest One News-Verian poll puts the National Party on 37 percent - down 2 points - and Labour on 27, down one. NZ First has crossed the 5 percent threshold again- meaning the party could join National and ACT in Parliament. Nicola Willis says this poll shows voters are in the mood for change, which she believes a vote for National could fix. "A vote for any other party risks 3 more years of Labour, beholden to Te Pāti Māori and the Greens. That would be a coalition of chaos." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National's support has slipped, but a poll shows it's still miles ahead of the competition. The latest One News-Verian poll puts the National Party on 37 percent - down 2 points - and Labour on 27, down one. The Greens and ACT are both up two points - neck-in-neck on 12 percent - and NZ First is steady on 5. Only the centre-right bloc could form a Government- but Hipkins and Luxon are tied as preferred Prime Minister with 23 percent. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this is proof NZ First will have to be part of a National/ACT coalition, because 61 seats is a very narrow majority. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been a busy 24 hours of crime in Christchurch, with police chasing down out of control youths. They've been smashing their way into shops, fleeing police and reportedly driving on a footpath dangerously close to a woman pushing a pram. It marks the second day in a row Christchurch police have dealt with repeated incidents- on Monday, 10 youths were arrested before dawn. Police Association President Chris Cahill says these criminals are endangering police and civilians- and many will be repeat offenders. "A lot of them are repeat offenders- they're literally getting apprehended and there's no secure vent for them. They're getting released again and they're back out on the streets." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Te Whatu Ora is asking the Employment Relations Authority to help resolve its pay dispute with senior doctors and dentists. Members of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists have scheduled a four-hour strike tomorrow. Te Whatu Ora Chief Executive Margie Apa says they've asked for help, because they're at an impasse. "We're yet to hear back, so we're hoping that we are chasing them, because we'd like to get it in front of them as quickly as possible." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The alarm is being sounded about a future drop off in Pharmac funding. A boost for the drug buying agency announced in Budget 2022- ends in 2024. Medicines NZ Chief Executive Graeme Jarvis wants the major parties to commit to continuing the money. He says if the gap isn't filled, Treasury is warning there will be years where it won't be possible to keep funding the same medicines. "So in other words, there's going to have to be either a reduction in the number of medicines funded- or patients won't get access to them if we do not fund this $181 million dollar hole." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Help and support for exploited migrants will be delivered in a new Government scheme. The Government has confirmed a package of basic financial support, for accommodation and essential living costs. It plans to stop 90-day trial periods for employers using the Accredited Employer Work Visa. Immigration Minister Andrew Little says they're tightening the scheme meant to fill gaps by letting businesses employ offshore. "The vast majority of employers are doing exactly that, they're doing a good job. There is a small number, a very small minority who seem to have found an opportunity to scam others." Little says investigations into employers are underway. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another snapshot of how political parties are faring in the polls is out at 6pm - in another One News -Verian poll. Its figures last week had National leaps and bounds ahead of Labour, which have been on stubbornly low 20s for weeks. Newstalk ZB chief political reporter Aaron Dahmen says even a one percent bump would help Labour. National has been criticised for not releasing costings for its multi-billion-dollar tax cut package- and Dahmen says that could play into today's rankings. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elon Musk has hinted that Twitter, now X, could soon go behind a paywall. Currently, the platform only charges users for the service X Premium, which offers benefits such as a verification badge. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says Elon believes the fee would keep bots and artificial accounts away, an issue that has plagued the platform. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Hipkins revealed an unexpected policy announcement in last night's debate. During last night's event, Hipkins said he wanted to ban sugary drinks in secondary schools- claiming they already were in primary schools. Today, he claimed he'd misremembered banning sugary drinks from primary schools, but had consulted on this issue as Education Minister. Health Coalition Aotearoa co-chair Boyd Swinburne said Chris Hipkins had the opportunity to introduce tougher measures against sugary drinks in schools. "It was a kind of policy that didn't have much impact. But it was put on the table by the Ministry of Education and went out for consultation about what schools should be doing in this respect." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Caps will decide whether senior pace-bowler Tim Southee will be available for next month’s ODI Cricket World Cup in India. The veteran seam bowler will have surgery on his broken thumb tomorrow, with a decision on his availability for the World Cup to be made early next week. Sportstalk host Nick Bewley explained Southee's selection will swing on whether he can tolerate the pain when he returns to training. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

London police have received an accusation of sexual assault dating back 20 years, following media reports about accusations against comedian and actor Russell Brand. The statement from the Met Police says the assault took place in 2003 in central London's Soho. Brand's accused of sexual assaults and rape dating from between 2006 and 2013. UK correspondent Enda Brady says this has led to several stand-up performances being outright cancelled. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Neale Jones from PR firm Capital and Paddy Gower from Paddy Gower Has Issues joined in on a discussion about the following topics- and more! Labour appears to have quietly scrapped their prison reduction target- is this a big deal? They had achieved a 30 percent drop in the last two terms but it's since climbed again to 20 percent. Does it seem to you also that Hipkins accidentally announced this? More young people are behind violent crimes- in the last couple days, we've seen an 18-year-old in court following a deadly car accident and a 16-year-old accused of murder at Albany. What's going on? Is this nation growing more violent? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A leading economist believes New Zealand's economy is at the "bottom edge" when compared to other developed countries. This follows the Government laying out their Pre-Election Economic and Fiscal Update and revealing a surplus has been pushed out an extra year amid a lower tax take. HSBC's Paul Bloxham says inflation isn't coming down fast enough, when compared to other countries. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, political parties polling above five percent squared off at Hamilton's Mystery Creek Events Centre. Labour's Damien O’Connor, National's Todd McClay and others faced off in the Rural Issues debate, hosted by ZB's Heather du Plessis-Allan. The Country's Jamie Mackay recapped the highs and lows of the debate. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour and National are facing scrutiny as they promote their respective tax policies ahead of the election. Both parties will also have the additional challenge of getting New Zealand back to budget surplus by 2027. BusinessDesk managing editor Pattrick Smellie explains why both parties should release a pre-Christmas budget ahead of the election. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's NSW south coast has had its fire danger warning upgraded to 'catastrophic', following high winds and soaring temperatures. The upgraded warning came as Sydney airport recorded its highest temperature since 2000 and several schools in the area were forced to close. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says this warning comes 4 years after the infamous fire storms wreaked havoc across the region. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A dark web ransomware site claims to have stolen user data following a cyber attack on Auckland Transport. The transport agency's ticket payment system was temporarily shut down following last week's attack, and hacker group Medusa is demanding a ransom. Darkscope technical director Joerg Buss says there's no indication that the group found any personal information at this point. "We haven't found any indication that they really found personal information or anything like that- and some of these groups are really good at bluffing." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Petrol is expected to rise to $3.50 a litre for 91 octane by Christmas. High oil demand globally is a contributing factor - as well as a weak New Zealand dollar - trading for about $59.2 US cents. AA principal motoring affairs policy advisor Terry Collins says prices for crude oil have steadily increased in the last few months. "The scary part is, in the last few weeks, it's gone up 14.5 percent. And we haven't seen those prices come through yet- that $95 a barrel quoted? That's October's oil." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Hipkins has just confirmed Labour is dropping its plan to get people out of jails. When they first took over six years ago, Labour set a target of reducing the prison population by 30 percent in 15 years. That target is now gone. Hipkins was asked about it today, and says there is no target for the next term. This is massive, because Labour was celebrated for this. On November 29, 2018, there was a huge write up in the Guardian about how great Kelvin Davis was. “The man on a mission to get New Zealand’s Māori out of prison”- said the headline Labour's never backed down from this target, never admitted this was a mistake. As crime rose, as our concern over crime rose, as people with ankle bracelets on committed crimes- Labour stood by this. And now they’ve backed down today. This is an admission that it was a bad idea, because of course it is. How many crimes do we now have to point to where offenders have ankle bracelets on? They’ve already got in some sort of trouble, but they’re out in the community instead of in jail. The young guy who shot up the construction site in Auckland earlier this year? He was at home with an ankle bracelet on, when he should’ve been in jail. His probation officer assessed that his risk of causing harm to other people because of the violent nature of his offending was high. The guy arrested in connection with the shooting in the park across the road from a family home in Point England, Auckland? He had an ankle bracelet on. The guy with Waikato tattooed across his face who police are currently chasing, who they say is too dangerous for any of us to go anywhere near- he is accused of murdering someone with a knife and he was out with an ankle bracelet on. Labour can’t say that they’re dropping the target because job done- because it’s not. At last count, prison population is only down 18 percent, that’s just over half of where they were aiming. The only reason they’ve dropped this is because it’s a failure. It's made our country less safe, voters hate it, and they’re about to lose an election for doing things like this to New Zealand. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One City Councillor reckons the Wellington mayor's business delegation could've been cheaper. Tory Whanau and several council officials are visiting China, Japan, and South Korea to promote Wellington as a city to live and do business. It comes at a cost of around $50,000. Councillor Ray Chung says not everyone who's on the trip needed to be there. "What reason would a wellness manager have to go on a trip like this?" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The countdown is on to this election's first Leaders' Debate. Labour's Chris Hipkins and National's Chris Luxon go head-to-head on TVNZ from 7pm. Former National Prime Minister, Sir John Key, says Luxon's the under-dog - and may have the tougher job. "There are actually a lot of people who want to vote for him and want to vote for National- so they will just be making sure he's the real deal. So there's a lot to play for Chris Luxon." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Expect a full-strength Warriors side to be named for Saturday's NRL preliminary final against the Broncos in Brisbane. Halfback Shaun Johnson and forwards Marata Niukore and Mitch Barnett trained separately from the team as they nurse injuries, but all are set to play. ZB's D'Arcy Waldegrave shares his line-up predictions here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.