Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

It has been 25 years since the release of the first Lord of the Rings film, The Fellowship of the Ring.  Actor Bruce Hopkins, who played Gamling in the series, joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to chat about the ongoing popularity and tourism pull in New Zealand.  Hopkins said the support for the franchise is 'astounding'.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Now look it may not altogether surprise you today to hear that the International Olympic Committee has banned transgender women from competing in female events because this was so obviously going to happen once Kirsty Coventry was elected president of the IOC. She was clearly going to do it, given that she campaigned on doing exactly this. But, you may be surprised to realise what an enormous U-turn this actually is. I had to go back and have a look to actually believe it. Five years ago, the IOC publicly praised Laurel Hubbard for having “courage and tenacity” as the first transgender athlete to compete at the Olympics. They said everyone agrees that trans women are women. So, to go from that position to now banning Laurel Hubbard from competing in a female category again, in the space of five short years, is actually—when you think about it—quite an extraordinary turnaround. Now obviously what’s happened is public opinion has shifted. Five years ago was before the Cass Report was delivered in the UK on the dangers of puberty blockers for children. Five years ago was before the Bud Light controversy. Five years ago was before the Algerian boxer won gold despite questions about whether she was actually female. Five years ago, the prevailing opinion was that inclusion of transgender athletes mattered a lot more and that discussing transgender-related subjects was pretty taboo. Today, the prevailing opinion appears to be more about fairness to women and we are openly debating transgender-related subjects. Clearly the IOC, like any global sporting body, is sensitive to politics.  They may say sport is paramount and we may like to believe that sport is the only thing they care about—and maybe it still is the most important thing for them—but they are not deaf to public opinion. They would have to be stupid to be. Now how you judge the IOC for this is really up to you. You could see them as fickle, blowing in the wind of public opinion, or you could see them as simply trying to be pragmatic in the times they live in, whatever that is. And today, possibly, we are somewhere closer—at least, I would argue—to a fairer outcome for women. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to chat the latest news out of the USA.  As the war with Iran continues questions over the likelihood of a peace deal remain, meanwhile, in California gas prices are quickly coming up to $6, $10 NZD, per gallon.  And, controversy over Southwest Airline's 'fat tax' booms online. "They are singling out people that are overweight and they are forcing them to buy another seat," Mitchinson said.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones announced the four-stage fuel plan in response to fuel supply concerns stemming from the war in Iran. Phase one of the plan focuses is on monitoring global developments, phase two would involve active co-ordination between the Government and industry, including supporting efforts to reduce demand, phase three and four, at this stage, would include prioritising fuel for emergencies, freight and food supply chains, and key industries. Willis told Heather du Plessis-Allan that phase three and four would negatively impact the New Zealand economy.  "It wouldn't be great for anyone, for jobs or livelihoods, which is why we're working so hard now to try and prevent that ever being possible," she said.  "But, we also recognise these are events outside our control." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In three days Spark is set to switch off their 3G network for good.  Spark Chief Brand and Corporate Affairs Officer, Leela Ashford, told Heather du Plessis-Allan only about 0.2% of Spark's total data traffic still uses 3G.  "There's still people on there, and that's why we are encouraging them, to move off to use this weekend, get into a store and get onto a 4G capable device," Ashford said. LISTEN HERESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sir Keir Starmer is in Finland for a meeting of the Joint Expeditionary Force alliance. The focus of the talks will be Russian aggression in Ukraine, but Starmer says that there's 'a war on two fronts'. UK correspondent Enda Brady unpacked the defence solutions being discussed.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The private credit sector has given investors cause for concern. Questions have been raised about the sector's future amid a flood of redemption requests among some high-profile private credit funds. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explained further.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year’s Federated Farmers High Country Field Day is set to take place on 27 March at Glenaray Station. The event will give  Ministers, MPs, officials and sector leaders insight into the work carried out by high-country farmers. The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Kiwiblog writer and Curia pollster David Farrar and former Green MP Gareth Hughes joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  The police have recently revealed the the Tom Phillips documentary will be a Netflix project. Are we surprised they allowed this to happen? Do we think this is a good idea? Are we worried about privacy? Labour has indicated they won't rule out the Government's proposed surcharge ban after ACT confirmed they wouldn't back it. Do we see this moving forward after all?  A South African family living in New Zealand - including their son with Down syndrome - is set to be deported. Do we think this is unfair? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 26 March, 2026, we look at Labour's plan for who should pay the surcharge on credit cards. A big win for self-employed midwives in their court battle against the Health Ministry. We ask a psychologist if you should share your location with your partner. And on The Huddle, David Farrar and Gareth Hughes debate the danger of the Tom Phillips story going on Netflix. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My overriding reaction to news that a Tom Phillips documentary is being made for Netflix is surprise. I’m surprised that the police are still allowing this to happen - especially now that it’s confirmed the documentary will appear on a platform as globally dominant as Netflix. Just think about how many people around the world will watch this. Imagine if the series takes off and becomes popular in the same way some true crime stories on Netflix do - think The Tinder Swindler. What happened after you watched that? Or after The Menendez Brothers documentary, or docudramas like Apple Cider Vinegar? You started Googling, didn’t you? I know I did. What do we think people around the world are going to find when they start googling the Marokopa kids? There is a real chance they could come across suppressed information. And given how difficult it is to enforce suppression laws overseas, what do we think some of those global websites are going to do? There has to be a risk that some publishers abroad will release that suppressed material. To me, this feels like rolling the dice - big time - on information surfacing in a way New Zealand law simply can’t control. If that happens, it could permanently limit these children’s ability to live lives that aren’t haunted by stories about what happened in the bush. That’s why I’m so surprised the police aren’t just going along with this documentary but are reportedly actively supporting it. Let’s be clear - without police cooperation, this documentary would almost certainly struggle to be produced at the standard Netflix requires. That makes this a very big risk for the police - and I don’t understand why they’re taking it. Why are the police so keen to help make a documentary about one of the saddest events in New Zealand’s history? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Los Angeles ​jury recently found Meta and Google guilty of designing harmful social media platforms that encourage addictive behaviour in users. The jury found Meta liable for $4.2 million in damages and Google for $1.8 million, and it's expected this case will inspire similar legal cases.  Senior public health researcher at UOA, Dr Samantha Marsh, says this is a historic moment for social media.  "This is the first time that they've actually been taken to court, they've been found liable for their product. Up until now, it's just been about what people post on their platforms and they can't be held responsible for that. But this kind of changes everything."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been revealed the documentary on the disappearance of Tom Phillips will screen on Netflix. He and his children were missing for four years when the saga ended with a shootout in September - killing the fugitive.  Dame Julie Christie is creating a documentary on the case with the help of the police, and has been granted exclusive access.   NZME editor-at-large Shayne Currie says the final product could just be a piece of police PR.  "There are these clauses within there that do allow police (A) to have viewing and vetting rights and (B) by the sounds of it, to have the ultimate call on whether it even screens certain contact." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Between phones, smartwatches and new apps, it's fairly easy for people to stay in contact and keep an eye on where they are. Some couples and families use location sharing to enforce trust and keep each other safe, but concerns have been raised as to when it crosses the line. Psychologist Sara Chatwin says it's important to discuss parameters and boundaries when it comes to location sharing.  "There are many reasons why location sharing can be a really good thing...I just think at the extreme end of the continuum, you have people that perhaps, by location sharing, feel like they're being coerced by their partner."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The High Court's ruled the Crown breached its promise to ensure self-employed midwives are paid fairly and reasonably.  After 18 months of waiting, the decision's been published. Justice Cheryl Gwyn also says the Crown unlawfully discriminated against the midwives on the basis of sex - and breached their human rights. NZ College of Midwives chief executive Alison Eddy says workers weren't being paid based on reasonable comparators. "And the fact that they're self-employed and had to carry the costs of that and providing a 24/7 service, 365 days a year." The Government says it will appeal the decision. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour may still hand a lifeline to the Government's much-touted surcharge ban.  The policy was announced with much fanfare last year - with Minister Scott Simpson promising it would be in force by May.  But he now says the bill's on pause, after David Seymour confirmed ACT won't back it.  National's now hoping for Labour's support for it to pass, with the Opposition keen to see amendments made so retailers don’t bear the costs of the payments themselves.  Retail NZ's Carolyn Young says she think's it's unlikely the banks can be forced to absorb them.  "If they can get the banks to absorb the fees, that would be a great outcome." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Greens are heading to the election, with a policy to reverse the Government's reintroduction of interest deductibility. It also wants to scrap no-cause evictions, and introduce a new register of landlords and property managers. The Greens say they want to cap rent-hikes at two-percent per year and introduce a new rental warrant of fitness. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper has raised concerns over the impacts of this plan. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Australia, the fuel crisis is getting worse, with hundreds of petrol stations running dry. Stations in NSW and Victoria have reported significant shortages, with metropolitan areas being hit the hardest. Australian correspondent Sam Emery says demand for fuel has been spiking - which has been driven up by panic-buyers looking to get ahead. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The White Ferns have wrapped up a 4-1 T20 series win over South Africa, cruising to a 92-run win in the final game at Hagley Oval. Having already wrapped up the series, captain Melie Kerr was in imperious form - blasting 105 off just 55 balls to lead the hosts to 194 for six. South Africa couldn't get any partnerships going, held to 102 for nine in their run-chase. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave recapped the action. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The mother of a six-year-old boy with Down Syndrome says it was a punch in the guts to find out he's being deported.  The family arrived from South Africa on visitor visas two years ago and have been living in Waikato.  But a new rule means children of temporary visa-holders have to leave the country - if they have a severe cognitive or developmental disorder and require significant support. The couple sought ministerial intervention from Associate Immigration Minister Chris Penk, who declined without giving the family a reason.  Mother Sonandi Geldenhuys says the couple had planned to apply for residency.  "We read about the acceptable standard of health before we came over and it all pointed towards medical, and Luandre has no medical conditions." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in the UK, concerns have been raised over an incoming fuel shortage as the Middle East conflict continues. The Government hasn't dismissed the possibility of fuel rationing due to the persistent conflict in Iran and the supply issues causing a spike in prices as a result.  UK correspondent Kay Oliver says discussions have taken place about future options.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is looking at potentially helping Channel Infrastructure increase its fuel storage capacity at Marsden Point. Channel - New Zealand’s largest fuel import terminal business - has identified some 'very preliminary options' for significantly increasing its diesel storage capacity more quickly than would normally be the case. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Zealand sharemarket turned downwards, finishing with a fall of over 1.53 percent. The conflict in the Middle East has continued on, and oil prices have kept going up as a result.  Milford Asset Management's Jeremy Hutton explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Thomas Scrimgeour from the Maxim Institute and Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The US has sent over a 15-point peace plan for the Iran conflict. Do we think this is going to work? Do we see the conflict ending soon?   It's been revealed the National Party is offering the public a chance to sit next to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon over dinner for $10,000. What do we make of this?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Right, let’s talk about the National Party accidentally letting slip that they’re selling tables at a dinner with Christopher Luxon. The story is that the Mainland Dinner will be held in Christchurch next month and if you have a few thousand dollars spare, you can go along. Dinner at Chris Luxon’s table will cost you $10,000. Dinner at a minister’s table - a senior minister’s table - will cost you $8000. And then just a dinner with, you know, normal punters, normal civilians, will cost you $5000. Now, we only know about this because Maureen Pugh shared a copy of the invitation on Facebook - not her first mistake. Newstalk ZB saw it, then it was deleted, but by then it was too late, and cue the outrage. Now, I’m not outraged by this at all, because this has been going on since at least John Key’s time. Jacinda did it as well and I don’t think it’s any different from every other example we have in our democracy of cash for access. This is how power has always worked. If you have money, you get access to people in power. Money for lobbyists, who then secure you meetings with ministers. Money for donations that mean candidates make time for you. Money for tables at the Mainland Dinner. In fact - and this is my personal opinion - I quite enjoy reading about these dinners because they give me a real-time market valuation of a political leader. Luxon is selling his table for $10,000 in 2026. Four years ago, in 2022, he was selling it for $15,000. So he’s running at a discount at the moment, isn’t he? Jacinda was selling tickets to a conference where ticket-holders could have access to her for $1800. That was five years ago. So she was more valuable at $1800 in 2021 than Luxon is right now - or than he was a year later - if you break it down and look at the cost a seat. John Key - now, if you want to hear about a baller - sold a table at a dinner for $100,000. That’s real market political valuation, isn’t it? Now, this is why I think this is valuable. It tells us how much voters and stakeholders: A) like various leaders, B) want to be seen with them, and - C) rate the chances of those leaders being elected and therefore being useful. So make of that what you will when you look at the numbers. But if you are outraged by this, you’re going to be outraged forever because cash for access will probably never change. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 25 March, 2026, Jetstar's cutting flights and an aviation analyst says it's hard to know when jet fuel prices will stabilise. New Zealand First leader Winston Peters on who made the call to backtrack on removing minimum size limits for commercial fishing. We hear from an astronomer on plans to build a base on the moon. And on The Huddle, Jack Tame and Thomas Scrimgeour on whether they think it's worth spending $10,000 to have dinner with the prime minister. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's petrol supply has gone down, but officials say supply remains within normal levels. Just released figures are current to Sunday, when there were 48.7 days of petrol supply, down from 49.9 last Wednesday.  But diesel supply is up slightly, at 46.4 days compared to 45.5 on Wednesday. Jet fuel's at 43.4 days, down from 44.7.  Starboard Maritime Intelligence analyst Mark Douglas says there's more tankers on the way to New Zealand, so there's no significant disruption just yet. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The jury's out on whether Iran and the US will come to an agreement anytime soon about ending the war.  Iran's still trading strikes with Israel - which appears less optimistic than the White House about Tehran putting pen to paper.  The US claims it's presented a 15-point plan to Iran and negotiations are taking place.  Former staffer to Marco Rubio, Matt Terrill, says the damage to Iran in this war could improve the chances of a deal being reached.  "Iran, I suspect, is really on their heels right now and recognises they are. But with that said, this is a regime that appears to never give up."   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NASA's new chief has unveiled an ambitious plan to create a $20 billion base on the moon. It's cancelled plans to deploy a space station in lunar orbit, and will instead use the project's components to build the base.  The US is pushing to return to the moon before China sends its astronauts there around 2030.  Stardome astronomer Josh Aoraki says the base seems like a fever dream.  "Since the Apollo missions, NASA has said they want to go to the moon, they want to have a long-term presence there. And they kinda haven't really solidified plans for decades." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Peters says the decision to back down on controversial fishing rule changes was only made today.  The Government's proposal would've allowed commercial fishers to catch undersized fish - including snapper.  Prime Minister Chris Luxon says he spoke to Fisheries Minister Shane Jones this morning, and he agreed to dump the change.  But Peters says the decision was made hours before Luxon met with Jones.  "In the end, we made a decision and said - no, let's dump the darned thing, go with what people are thinking and see if we can sort it out. To tell you the truth, we'd been talking about it for days and we confirmed it very early this morning." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An aviation commentator says it's hard to know when jet fuel prices will stabilise, as yet another airline cuts routes. Jetstar says it's made temporary changes to its Trans-Tasman schedule because of rising jet fuel prices from conflict in the Middle East, and other increasing costs. Routes between Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington are impacted - as well as flights to Sydney and Brisbane. Geoffrey Thomas says even if the conflict ends in the next few weeks, airlines would have to wait for flow on effects. "How long it would then take for the fuel supply line to normalise? You're probably talking a couple of months." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Education Minister's blaming human error, after using her official email to promote a National Party video to schools. Erica Stanford sent principals guidance on a new assessment system, but included a link to a Party YouTube video in which she explains the tool. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Labour's Ginny Andersen has voiced concerns over this - which sparked further debate in the House. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Little is known about how the war with Iran will end, despite Donald Trump saying it's won. Reuters reports Israel and the US have handed over a 15-point plan to Iran, as part of negotiations.  Meanwhile, attacks continue across the Middle East.  US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and VP J.D Vance will play a key role in the negotiations, but it's unlikely the Trump administration will be looking to give too much. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warriors utility back Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is reportedly poised for a move to the UK Super League at the end of the NRL season. The Love Rugby League website claims the 32-year-old is set to sign a multi-year deal with Wakefield Trinity.  Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave addressed the rumours - and speculated on what this could mean going forward. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's taking aim at pests, as it pays into work to make the capital an official predator-free city. Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says $5.5 million dollars will go into to targeting pests over more than 18,000 hectares in Wellington over five years. Predator Free Wellington chair Tim Pankhurst says it's important for the city to protect what's already been cleared, so that new pests don't get into 'safe' areas. "We've got an enormous network of traps and cameras and so on...we cleared Miramar Peninsula a couple of years ago. We have had a couple of reintroductions, and we've tracked those by camera and tracked them down and dealt to them."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

British police have confirmed they're investigating an online claim of responsibility for an arson attack after four volunteer ambulances run by a Jewish organisation were set on fire. Police have released a statement saying the attack is being treated as an 'antisemitic hate crime' and Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned the incident. UK correspondent Enda Brady says it's believed the attack was carried out by a group with alleged links to Iran. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

International airlines could be forced to cut flights in and out of New Zealand if fuel shortages lead to a rationing of supply. Concerns have been raised about airlines needing to make hard choices if fuel deliveries are disrupted by the ongoing Middle East conflict.  Board of Airline Representatives NZ executive director Cath O'Brien says there's still a low risk of planes getting stranded in a shortage, but airlines will need to be prepared. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The fight is on to run New Zealand's largest farm. Five contenders have put up their hand to commercially farm in Marlborough's Molesworth Recreation Reserve. The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland councillor Maurice Williamson and former Auckland mayor Phil Goff joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Iran conflict continues for another week - do we think Donald Trump is right that talks are taking place? Or do we think this is an exaggeration?  The Government has announced their fuel relief package. Plenty of people aren't happy with it, what do we think? Is the Government right to make it small-scale? ACT deputy leader Brooke van Velden has revealed she plans to step away from politics. What do we make of this? Has she made the right move? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 24 March, 2026, help for families feeling the pinch at the petrol pump - we talk to the Finance Minister about $50 a week relief. Our youngest female cabinet minister tells us why she's leaving politics. An increase in prize money for Lotto Powerball - but it'll be harder to win it. And on The Huddle, Maurice Williamson and Phil Goff are in agreement - on Donald Trump's war in Iran. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you were listening to the previous show - Tyler’s show - you’ll have heard that not everyone loves the package the Government has just announced to help families pay their fuel bills, because it’s not for everyone. Pensioners have complained that they should be helped as well because they don’t have enough money. Beneficiaries have complained. Diesel users have complained because their fuel has actually gone up much more than petrol. Then, there are also wealthy people complaining because they don’t have kids - they’re saying they’re once again getting nothing while the 'breeders' are and that they’re the ones subsidising them. Now, I understand the sentiment from everyone. All of it is fair. But I think the Government is right to have limited this package the way they have because we are simply too broke as a country to shell out 50 bucks a week for everyone, including millionaires. Plus, we’ve just spent four years fighting inflation. We know what that feels like, right? We know how hard that is. The last thing we want to do is pump so much money into the economy that inflation goes up again and we have to start that fight all over. So if you have to choose who you give the money to, you choose workers because they have to get to work - beneficiaries don’t. You choose parents because their budgets are much less flexible. They have added fixed costs they just can’t escape: childcare, dropping the kids off at school and so on. I think the Government has actually done a pretty good job here of threading the needle with this package. It’s not inflationary if it’s only reallocating money that would have been spent in the Budget anyway. It’s not taking on any extra debt that wouldn’t already have been taken on because it’s in the Budget. It also has an off-ramp: the payment ends after a year or when the price of 91 drops below $3 for four consecutive weeks - whichever comes first.I think part of the reason so many people are complaining today is because Jacinda, Grant and Covid have got us addicted to Government help. If there’s a problem, we now default to expecting the Government to fix it, don’t we? And often we expect the Government to fix it with money. We need to get off that. We should have learned what happens next. When you turn on the Government money hose, you get inflation, then you get a recession. Being more targeted and more disciplined - even if most of us miss out - ultimately does mean less pain for us all. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank Governor says the central bank is closely monitoring fuel prices, but won't rush into reacting. Anna Breman says the Iran war is likely to lead to higher inflation and lower growth in the short term. Breman says that's unlikely to make them hike the Official Cash Rate - but things could change if higher fuel prices pressure the economy. Independent economist Cameron Bagrie says it's important to keep an eye on the 'second-round' effects from the conflict in order to determine future OCR changes. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An international relations expert says Donald Trump's messaging on Iran could be misleading. The US President says he's holding off on threats to strike Iranian power plants for five days - after earlier promising to attack if Tehran didn't let ships through the Strait of Hormuz.  He's claimed the US and Iran reached agreements in talks over the weekend, which Iran denies. International relations expert Matthew Schmidt says there may have been talks, but not directly involving Trump or the new ayatollah. "It's been cut-outs in between, and Trump is exaggerating what's going on and making it sound like it was more direct than it is." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lotto's ramping up its prizes and number of winners and lifting the biggest win from $50 million to $60 million. It's adding another four Powerballs - which reduces the odds of winning Division One from one in more than 38 million, to about one in almost 54 million.  Chief executive Jason Delamore says many things have changed since the last change-up to offerings 19 years ago. "Our population's actually increased by over a million people, so it's very normal for lotteries to tune the Powerball in their lottery games, in keeping with the population."  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACT deputy leader Brooke van Velden has announced she won't stand at the 2026 general election. She made the announcement in Parliament earlier today, surrounded by her Caucus and leader David Seymour. Van Velden will continue to serve for the rest of this term as the MP for Tamaki and in her work as Internal Affairs and Workplace Relations minister. She says she's excited for the next chapter, but it was a hard decision to step away from politics. "I also, right in my heart, feel like I want to live a bit more of life and see what other opportunities there are out there for me." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's announced $50 a week in temporary relief for low and middle-income families hit by high fuel prices. The in-work tax credit boost comes into effect from April 7, and the Finance Minister says it'll help about 143,000 working families with kids. Nicola Willis explained that the country's still recovering from the debt built up over Covid, and the Government had to make some hard choices.  "Just about every New Zealander and every business is feeling it right now, and I get it. Everyone wants relief - the Government finds itself in a difficult position." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About 143,000 families are in the line for relief under a temporary Government boost to the in-work tax credit. The Finance Minister's revealed the targeted support will kick in from April 7 - to help counteract skyrocketing fuel costs.  It'll give eligible families with children an extra $50 a week.  Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says opposition parties have taken issues with this move, particularly the Greens. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen have unveiled the details of a new trade deal today. This deal has been eight years in the making, and almost all EU tariffs will be lifted on Australian agricultural products such as wine, fruit and vegetables, olive oil, seafood, most dairy products and wheat and barley. Australians will also now have access to cheaper European wine, spirits, biscuits, chocolates and pasta. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says this deal is worth about A$10bn and will benefit both nations.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks' new defence coach knows what he's getting into with his new job. Tana Umaga is one of three new faces under head coach Dave Rennie, with Jason Ryan the only assistant left standing from the last regime. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's shock from vegetable growers at news frozen food company McCain is shutting its Hastings processing plant next year. McCain says it reflects a shift in how it'll supply vegetables within New Zealand and Australia. Heinz Watties also announced this month plans to close its Hastings packing site, and three manufacturing sites. Process Vegetables NZ chairman, David Hadfield, says growers will have to start exploring other options. He says McCain didn't let anybody know this was happening - even larger growers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.