Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Outrage in the UK as Lucy Letby refused to appear in court for sentencing after she murdered 7 babies. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak labelled her a 'coward' and confirmed the Government plans to change the law to compel convicts to attend sentencing. UK correspondent Enda Brady says this trial has lasted 10 months, and experts should have guessed Letby would do this. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Tim Wilson from Maxim Institute and Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! Labour has dropped to 29 percent in the latest 1News Verian poll. National is up 2 points to 37 percent- and can form a coalition with ACT's 13 percent. How low can Labour go before the election? Can they turn their luck around? Former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has defected to help the Wallabies, shocking rugby fans across the country. Is this a wise move on his part- or is he betraying New Zealand? Labour are under fire for modifying the bright-line test, against advice from a select committee at the time. Someone who leaves their house more than a year could get taxed, even if their kids or spouse stay in the home. Was this deliberate? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US sheep farmers are calling for further tariffs to be imposed on New Zealand sheep meat imports in order to save their industry. Trade and Export Growth Minister Damien O’Connor has expressed concern over this bid, and the ministry has approached the relevant US agencies. The Country's Jamie Mackay says domestic lamb and mutton production is down 60 percent in the US, and farmers have been taking a hit. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the other side of the Tasman, Australians are wondering how much further interest rates can rise. Australia's current OCR is sitting at 4.10 percent, and economists are predicting the RBA will hike interest rates again before the year is out. HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham says inflation is likely to persist longer, and the Reserve Bank will have to lift interest rates by the fourth quarter of 2023. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Villa Maria’s Māngere operations will start shutting down this October and will affect a total of 14 roles, owner Indevin announced today. Indevin Group, who acquired Villa Maria in 2021, said the decision follows a three-month review into its Māngere operations after the company announced it will move half of Villa Maria’s bottling to the UK next February. The Māngere plant will start decommissioning in October and is expected to continue until next April, the company announced. BusinessDesk managing editor, Pattrick Smellie, joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to discuss the move. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour and Chris Hipkins took a significant tumble in a recent political poll. The 1News Verian poll puts the incumbent party down 4 points to 29 percent, while National gained 2 points to 37 percent. National could now form a winning coalition with ACT's 13 percent. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this is part of a wider trend, as Labour has descended in the last several political polls. "Polling at 29 percent- it's a follow on from a number of political polls. Roy Morgan put them on 26 percent, the Guardian Essential poll had them on 29, the Curia poll had them on 27 percent." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi entrepreneur and Zuru co-founder Anna Mowbray has launched a new app designed for the younger wave of job-seekers. Dubbed as 'Tinder for jobs', ZEIL allows candidates to easily browse through and save jobs they're interested in applying for. Mowbray explains that the app will connect job-seekers and employers in a more engaging, enjoyable and intuitive way. "What's really incredible as well is that organisations can showcase themselves in a completely different light. Rather than Seek or Trademe being the heroes when you advertise a job, it's the organisation." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police have admitted that the information they released following the disappearance of a 12-year-old girl was 'inappropriate'. The girl went missing from Auckland's Bucklands Beach on August 11, and turned up safe 8 days later. Independent victim advocate Ruth Money criticised the police releasing her name and picture, saying the public release of this information will affect her re-integration into society. "She's not done anything wrong, the alleged person who'd allegedly taken her or encouraged her, manipulated her, coerced her to leave or remove herself from her family environment may well have committed a crime." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Backlash throughout New Zealand's rugby community as Sir Steve Hansen takes on a role across the ditch. The former All Blacks coach has joined the Australians in France as the Wallabies gear up to complete their tournament preparation against the World Cup hosts this weekend. Former All Black Josh Kronfeld says it's common for coaches to offer their services across the world once their time is up. "My understanding is- Steve and Eddie have always kept up a bit of a relationship outside of their rugby warfare. It seems kind of logical, in a lot of respects, for Steve to go over and give him a helping hand- and feed his pockets." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A tax expert says the Government changed the bright line test, against advice from a select committee at the time. Under the bright-line test, people could have to pay a capital gains tax on their family home if they leave it for more than a year. It was changed by Labour in 2021. OliverShaw Tax Partner Robin Oliver says the Government did this deliberately. "They weren't prepared to listen to people who said- this is wrong. The minister at the time was David Parker, but this is the law." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After that poll last night - another one putting Labour in the 20s - the question now is: How low is Labour actually going to go? And I reckon it’s gonna be low enough to hurt them. They will keep falling from here, I think, for two reasons. 1- There is a downward trend already, Labour has fallen in every 1News poll this year. All the other public polls back up that decline trend. 2- They’ve now hit the 30 percent psychological barrier where voters start abandoning them, because they don’t want to back a loser. And that’s real in politics. Most voters, with the exception of the rusted-on diehards, do not want to support loser parties. So they leave, making it worse for the loser party. That 30 percent barrier is a line, for some reason, and this is now the fourth poll in two months that has Labour below the 30 percent line. So, how bad does it get? Well, the answer to that question is- how many rusted-on diehards does Labour have? How many voters do they have who will never vote for anyone else and stick it out? Officially, 24 percent is the low mark. That's where Labour slumped in two TV polls in July 2017, just a few days before Jacinda Ardern took over as leader. But there was a lot of talk a few weeks before that of a New Zealand First internal poll which had Labour falling to 19 percent. I don’t know that we’re in 19 percent territory right now- and I don’t know if that poll ever existed. But 24 percent? Not impossible. Voters have gone, and I don’t know what they can announce that will make voters come back. The GST policy was supposed to be that big announcement, they genuinely thought it was going to be huge. But this poll captured voters’ reaction, and it wasn’t good- it drove Labour under that 30 percent mark. So brace yourself, because Labour might be about to take a historic - or close to historic - spanking. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An anti-smoking group isn't keen on new Labour election vaping pledges. It's promising capping stores at 600, tougher penalties for underage sales and mandatory licensing for dairies, if re-elected. Action for Smokefree 2025 says it's unlikely to stop many children vaping. Director Ben Youdan says the plan doesn't address other problems. "It does create the opportunity for growth and a grey market in that illicit supply to young people, because they're already getting it from older kids and adults and other people- it just strengthens that supply chain." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's National Disability Insurance Scheme is undergoing a Government-commissioned review, as cost blowouts threaten the program's future. Professor Bruce Bonyhady, an original architect of the NDIS, is co-chairing the review and argued that a fundamental shift is crucial to the scheme's development. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says the NDIS is growing by 14 percent per year as more children are diagnosed with autism. "11 percent of boys aged 5 to 7 are recipients of the National Disability Insurance Scheme- we have got so many children in Australia at the moment being diagnosed." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sir Steve Hansen shocked rugby fans everywhere by seemingly defecting to New Zealand's greatest rugby rival. Hansen later revealed he joined up with the Wallabies as a favour to their coach - and his mate - Eddie Jones ahead of their final World Cup warm-up game against France. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau is dispelling worry over Middlemore Hospital's crowded emergency department. It yesterday treated more than 200 patients, and at one point over 70 people were waiting for beds. But Hospital and Specialist Services interim lead Vanessa Thornton says that's not unusual. "We've been very busy like this through the whole of winter, so this is not a new number for us. It's high, but it's not something that we can't manage." Thornton says processes are in place to deal with high demand. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police say the UK’s most prolific child killer of modern times may be linked to up to 30 more cases. Neonatal nurse Lucy Letby was found guilty of murdering 7 babies and attempting to murder 6 more- and is due to be sentenced. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says investigations are underway as to where else Letby may have worked or trained as a nurse. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and current affairs commentator Josie Pagani joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! ACT announced that they would put public service chief executives on performance based pay, if they entered Government. The party also wants agencies to have outcome targets and public Key Performance Indicators. Is this a good idea for the sector? Labour has announced a new batch of educational policies- financial literacy and compulsory reading, writing and maths educational amendments will be introduced. Is this good enough? Why didn't Labour implement these changes earlier? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Labour Party has slumped in the latest 1News Verian opinion poll to below 30 percent. National has picked up 2 percent over the past month to 37 percent, and Labour's tumbled 4 percent to 29. These numbers tonight would see the centre-right forming a coalition Government, with ACT gaining a point to 13. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan says that Hipkins will have to give the performance of his life to save Labour's chances in the election. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.