Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Over in the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to chair an emergency meeting on the economic fallout from the ongoing Iran war. The conflict has entered its fourth week, and concerns have been raised over the economic impacts - especially with living costs going up for households.  UK correspondent Kay Oliver says petrol costs keep going up, and it's getting 'scary'. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reports indicate more overseas visitors are cancelling trips to New Zealand, generating more concerns about the nation's economic recovery.  A new survey shows that 77 percent of tourism operators have seen more cancellations over the last month.  Tourism Export Council CEO Lynda Keene says she's not too concerned just yet, despite the ongoing international crisis impacting air travel.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oil prices have risen as the fall out continues from the ongoing Middle East crisis. Brent Crude oil rose about US$1 to be just above US$113 a barrel in early Asia trade. Harbour Asset Management expert Shane Solly explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and Child Fund CEO Josie Pagani joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more. Credit ratings agency Fitch has downgraded New Zealand's rating - should we be worried about this? Does this go bigger than the Middle East conflict? The Government has confirmed plans are in place to reveal a package to help households with the cost of fuel. Do we think this is a good idea? Winston Peters delivered his State of the Nation speech yesterday - what did we think of this? Do we think this will help NZ First in the election? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Now we’ve got to talk about Winston. If you hadn’t noticed yet - or maybe you didn’t believe it - take a look at Winston Peters’ State of the Nation speech yesterday and you’ll see the proof that this election is shaping up to be New Zealand First’s election. More than a thousand people turned up in Tauranga to hear him speak. They even had to use two overflow rooms. Compare that with the same speech last election, which was held in a church with a capacity of just 100. More importantly, New Zealand First used the event to announce they’ve recruited Alfred Ngaro, the former National Party MP. Now, it was a bit of a running joke in the crowd that they didn’t know who Alfred was - but commentators do. And I think most of us can see this for what it is: the recruitment of an incredibly well-liked former National MP with a strong Christian faith. That won’t offend Winston’s older voters - in fact, it’s likely to appeal to many of them. More significantly, it’s a signal of what’s happening and what could accelerate as we get closer to the election: New Zealand First stealing National’s territory. In this case, it’s an MP. As the election nears, it could be votes. I count among my friends two people who used to be part of National’s parliamentary team. Both are now likely to vote for New Zealand First at this election because they’re conservatives - and Winston is positioning New Zealand First as the home of conservatism. This cost-of-living crisis - now also a fuel crisis - is going to play straight into his hands. He’ll go hard on smashing the power companies to bring down prices, something National has failed to do. He’ll argue for New Zealand retaining ownership of state assets, a position that resonates more now than ever Just think about the Marsden Point oil refinery and you’ll see what I mean. He’ll choose mining over climate concerns, which will appeal to working-class voters. Everything is lining up for him to significantly lift his vote. Keep an eye on the polling. He’s already sitting at more than 10 percent. If things continue the way they’re going - with the fuel crisis squeezing the economy and Chris Luxon unable to fire the National Party up - that 10 percent could, in my view, become 15 percent by election time. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Major credit rating agency Fitch needs more confidence our Government will lower debt before it will change our rating.  It reduced New Zealand's AA+ rating outlook from stable - to negative - over the weekend.  Finance Minister Nicola Willis says it's proof of the importance of fiscal discipline. Agency primary rating analyst Sagarika Shandra says the Government has a plan to reach a surplus, but needs to stick to it.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 23 March, 2026, Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones on why we'll now let Australian-grade fuel into New Zealand. New Zealand Cricket backs an NZ20 franchise competition - but a former international's quit the board as a result. How a social media post on Rocky the dog got tenants in trouble with their landlord. And on The Huddle, Trish Sherson and Josie Pagani on how Winston Peters is whipping up his party's popularity in election year. 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.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis has revealed plans are in place to unveil a package to help households with the cost of fuel. She says more details will be revealed tomorrow, and she's worked with Inland Revenue and Treasury officials to develop this planned relief. Willis explained that this plan won't go against the Government's fiscal strategy ahead of the upcoming election. "We will be funding it from this year's Budget operating allowance...we are going to prioritise our Budget in order to be able to fund this in a temporary, timely and targeted way." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Lower Hutt couple have been taken to the Tenancy Tribunal by their landlords after they refused to disclose they had gotten a dog. A video surfaced on social media revealing the couple had gotten a dog without asking, confirming the landlords’ suspicions after the smell of urine had gotten so bad the carpet had to be replaced.  Solicitor Mike Thornton says the landlords were entitled to use the publicly available information in their investigation. "If there's publicly available information, once the landlord knows about it, they can go to the tenant and say - hey, I've learned this, do you have a dog? And that's exactly what happened." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a view Fonterra's strong result today is unlikely to climb much more. The dairy giant's reported a 2.8 percent rise in first-half net profit to $750 million. It's also announced a 20 cent lift in the farmgate milk price - and a $9.70 midpoint per kilo of milksolids. Federated Farmers Dairy Chair, Karl Dean, says given global uncertainty, he doesn't think the midpoint will reach $10. "The futures market is sitting around the $9.70-$9.80 mark, so Fonterra's got it pretty much where the futures are." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Associate Energy Minister says 'finicky' differences have barred Australian-standard fuel here. The Government's relaxing our specifications to harmonise with Australia's, to combat global shortages.  Shane Jones says it'll give importers a wider pool and hopefully bring some relief at the pump. He says it's compatible with Kiwi vehicles and meets safety and quality expectations.  Jones says it could run for 12 months. "It's temporary, but obviously the PM on various other occasions has talked about how it's overdue for harmonisation between Aussie-Kiwi, and who knows? It could very well be permanent." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's bracing itself for fuel pipeline disruptions down the track. As of Wednesday, the country had seven weeks of petrol reserves, and more than six weeks of diesel and jet fuel.  Finance Minister Nicola Willis says they'll announce details of cost relief measures for low-to-middle income households tomorrow.  Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper speculates ahead of the announcement. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labor has comfortably won re-election in South Australia, but One Nation has achieved its best electoral result in decades. The Liberal Party was polling at 19 percent of the vote, while Pauline Hanson's controversial party beat them out at 21 percent. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says this should send a warning to the opposition parties ahead of the next federal election. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Cricket's trans-Tasman counterparts believe time will tell over whether choosing NZ20 over a Big Bash team is the right play. NZC have given conditional backing to a new franchise league - rejecting an entry into the Australian tournament. Sportstalk host Jason Pine explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NZ20 consortium are confident - but not adamant - they will get off the ground for next January. The franchise league has been given conditional support by New Zealand Cricket. NZ20 establishment committee chair Don Mackinnon says this conditional approval is enough to get things going at this stage.  "We do have a backup, NZ Cricket's very aware that it could push to January '28, but that's not our goal at the moment. We're going to work really hard to deliver it in the timeframe we've got."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 20 March, 2026, baby snapper could soon be legally caught by commercial fishers - but recreational anglers aren't happy about it. A new study says car pollution is killing hundreds of Aucklanders a year. Winter is coming - and so is a serious new strain of the flu. We've a warning from GPs. And on the Sports Huddle, Andrew Alderson and Nick Bewley debate whether it really is the Warriors' year. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taranaki’s Three Sisters Brewery is purchasing Sunshine Brewing, including the Gisborne Gold brand. Three Sisters founder Joe Emans said he plans to keep the brands distinct and "keep them doing what they're good at." Emans joined Andrew Dickens to chat about the purchase and the future of New Zealand's beer industry.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iran has targeting energy facilities across the Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar in response to an Israeli attack on Iran's South Pars gas field - the largest natural gas field in the world.  It is believed that 17% of Qatar's export capacity has now been wiped out, and could take up to five years to repair. Qatar-based journalist Courtney Hammond said the attack in Qatar "marks a huge escalation in this war." She told Andrew Dickens that there are concerns of retaliation from the targeted states as energy facilities are a strong-hold of the Gulf countries' economies.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So welcome to the fuel crisis — which is starting to feel a bit like COVID Junior. The government is apparently developing targeted support for low-to-middle income households facing rising fuel prices because of the ongoing international fuel crisis. Australia is already launching these measures. They’re focused on delivering aid quickly through the tax and welfare system. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it’s another tax-credit scheme. Now the problem with that, and with so many other tax-credit schemes National has come up with, is that it’s such a faff.  Who can actually be bothered, in our busy lives, to jump through all the hoops to get a few dollars back? Does anybody, in this day and age, really take advantage of all those cashback offers? Gosh, it’s hard work. Take FamilyBoost - it under-delivered, cost more than expected and benefited higher-income families more than lower-income ones.  Nearly a quarter of the money allocated went on administration rather than to families. So now Nicola Willis is thinking about another tax-credit scheme on fuel prices. She says the scheme needs to be simple. But New Zealanders want something even simpler. They don’t want to have to apply to get money back. They don’t want to leave the money in the pump in the first place. They want it to stay in their wallet — not have to apply to get it back later.  They want the price at the pump to go down, but Nicola Willis won’t touch the existing fuel excise tax, nor will she reduce the fuel-tax increase coming later on. What is it — 18 cents a litre? Nor will National suggest working from home or subsidising public transport because they’ve taken such a hard line against those policies in the past. Of course, Chris Hipkins came out and floated that. What Nicola Willis has been doing today is talking to fuel companies, and will that really be any more effective than the fireside chats she had with the supermarkets, or with Fonterra over the price of butter? It really is starting to feel a little bit like COVID 2.0, isn’t it? Wacky schemes to get your money back, promises that you’ll get your money back, but somehow you never do. And, the government flapping its gums while nothing really happens. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hidden in the amendments to the Fisheries Amendment Bill, published online on Wednesday, are changes deemed “outrageous” by recreational fishers. The changes mean the minimum legal-size limit for a range of species, including snapper, tarakihi, butterfish, blue moki and trevally would be removed.  The major concerns of letting baby fish be caught is the reduction in populations, "anyone who failed science can still understand that," NZ Sport Fishing Council's Mike Plant told Andrew Dickens. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump has said he's 'not putting troops' on the ground in Iran and is expecting the war to soon come to an end, whereas Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says there's still months to go.  In the meantime, Trump has backed Kevin Warsh for Federal Reserve Chair, but ties to Jeffery Epstein may stand in his way.  "It just seems to be one of those things that are being held up again and again, and which Trump has been trying to brush under the under the rug," US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson told Andrew Dickens.  And, in brighter news, a 100 year old war veteran has become the world's oldest organ donor. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Doctors are noticing an increase in respiratory illnesses at the moment as a new flu strain moves in to the country.  GP New Zealand chairman Dr Bryan Betty joined Andrew Dickens to chat about the new strain - Super-K. "We know it's in New Zealand, but the cases haven't increased yet," he said. "What we think is going to happen is there's going to be a take-off as soon as winter comes." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

King Charles III is set to visit the US, despite growing calls to postpone the trip following Trump’s repeated criticism of Sir Keir Starmer. The US President said he was 'looking forward' to meeting with Charles - and the visit has been confirmed to go ahead amid the ongoing UK backlash directed at Trump.  UK correspondent Enda Brady says the trip will last four days, and Charles will visit Washington DC, New York and an unspecified rural part of America. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Federal Reserve has raised its inflation forecast as it held interest rates steady, citing an 'uncertain' economic outlook because of the war in Iran. Rates were kept steady at a range of 3.50 percent to 3.75 percent, with officials flagging one expected cut by the end of the year. Fisher Funds expert Sam Dickie explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland councillor Maurice Williamson and artist and local Government politician Oscar Kightley joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Originair says it's already had to reduce flights between Westport and Wellington - and the route's now set to be axed by May. Do we think this is the right move? Should we try to fund it? The Government says it's working to find a solution as the Middle East conflict looks to impact fuel supplies and make prices go up. What do we make of this? Why has the Government's tone changed?  Stats NZ data out today has GDP rising 0.2 percent in the December quarter and 0.9 percent in the September quarter, after contracting in the three months to June. This isn't what economists were hoping for - do we think things will get better?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wattie's restructure is likely to have a significant economic impact, where more people could be affected by the shutdown.  Heinz Wattie's has proposed closing manufacturing facilities in Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin, and a Hastings packing facility - impacting about 350 jobs.  The Country's Jamie Mackay explained how the farmers and growers could be affected by this change.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 19 March, 2026, prepare for the worst on fuel - we talk to Finance Minister Nicola Willis about why the tone of the Government's suddenly got more urgent. An expert on why party drugs are cheaper and more easily available. We ask the boss of a popular way to lose weight whether it's a wonder drug. And on The Huddle, Maurice Williamson and Oscar Kightley with differing views on whether the Government should help a regional airline. 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.

I’m sorry to say it’s a bit of a bad day - a day of rather unpleasant economic news, I’m afraid. Let’s start with the GDP number. It came in at 0.2 percent for the final quarter of last year, which is very much at the low end of expectations. We were looking for something in the range of 0.2 percent to 0.5 percent, with 0.5 percent being the Reserve Bank’s forecast. The problem with that is those were the good times. That number was recorded before the Iran war kicked off, so it’s not much of a place to be starting from, is it? Now the good news is that at least we are recovering. Yes, it’s slow - it’s grinding - which we always knew it would be but it is real. We recorded 1.3 percent growth for the year. That’s not a lot, but it is growth and it marks the first time in more than two years that the economy has posted annual growth. Because the GDP result is at the low end, it also gives the Reserve Bank a bit more latitude when it comes to its OCR decision. It can look through the inflation spike that the Iran war will almost certainly cause, which means it doesn’t need to be in such a hurry to raise the Official Cash Rate in response. The second piece of bad news today is that the war has escalated. Israel has struck Iran’s oil fields, pushing the price of oil past US$110 a barrel. It’s noticeable that the Government’s tone has shifted on fuel supply. In an update, officials sounded far less relaxed about fuel availability into the medium term - around eight weeks out - than they did earlier in the week. There is, again, a small piece of good news here. We are largely reliant on South Korea and Singapore for our oil and they are still supplying their customers. Australia, by contrast, is much more reliant on China - and China has banned exports. So, if we’re looking for a bright side: our supply situation looks better than some and at least we are growing. That gives us some reason not to panic on a day of not-so-great economic news. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Novo Nordisk, the Danish drugmaker behind famed weight-loss drugs Wegovy and Ozempic, is leading the way in the semaglutide trend.  The drugs help people lose weight, but they've also proven to be helpful in reducing health conditions like heart disease and kidney disease. CEO Mike Doustdar says more people are starting to recognise that Novo Nordisk's output goes beyond an agent that reduces sugar for diabetics.  "It has some very serious health benefits around it, be it cardiovascular protection, liver protection, kidney protection - and more to be tested. So it's a breakthrough innovation."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Originair says it's already had to reduce flights between Westport and Wellington - and the route's now set to be axed by May. The regional carrier stepped in when Sounds Air withdrew from the service in 2024. Now, it says it's struggling with the small market and increasing operating costs. Managing director Robert Inglis says it's cut the service back to three times a week - which went well over summer. "But winter's another thing, and then, of course, the additional doubling of fuel price - we've just unfortunately had to make a hard call." Originair has applied for Government funding to help it continue the service. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister says South Korea and Singapore will continue to export fuel, as concern rises over continuity of supply.  The Government says they'll now give twice-weekly stock updates - as the war in Iran pressures global oil prices.  Nicola Willis says South Korea's limiting orders to 2025 levels,  but New Zealand has a strong relationship with Singapore.  "Including an agreement that we will prioritise them in areas of critical shortage, particularly food, and they'll prioritise us in the areas of critical shortage, particularly fuel." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ketamine is becoming much more popular in the Kiwi party scene. The New Zealand Drug Trends Survey shows 73 percent of respondents have no trouble getting their hands on the dissociative anaesthetic. The inflation adjusted price of MDMA has tumbled 47 percent since 2017. Drug testing agency KnowYourStuff general manager, Casey Spearin, says use of ketamine's climbed since 2018. "We hear, anecdotally, of students not drinking as much, people not drinking as much - and ketamine is certainly a way to have similar effects without the price and the hangovers the next day." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Reserve Bank economist Michael Reddell says it's getting harder to know how much the economy's growing or shrinking. Stats NZ estimates GDP rose 0.2 percent in the December quarter, below most forecasts. But Reddell says it's also revised the figures for previous quarters. He says the 0.2 for December could still potentially be revised up as high as 0.5 percent, or as low as minus 0.1. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government says help with high fuel prices is coming, for some. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says officials are working hard on support options - as prices skyrocket. She's all but ruled out cutting the fuel excise, as the last Government did in 2022.  Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Luxon confirmed fuel supplies aren't at risk of drying up, but this could become a problem further down the track. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has warned motorists not to panic-buy fuel, claiming that surging demand puts unnecessary pressure on supplies. Albanese said that the Government was considering longer term measures including extending the life of two oil refineries beyond 2027. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says concerns are mounting, especially for the trucking industry, where fuel is essential - and rural communities are at risk of missing out on needed fuel supply altogether.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More rugby clubs around the country are ditching junior fees in a bid to ease financial pressure on families and revive grassroots participation. What began as a small initiative in 2024 has gathered momentum, with more clubs opting to waive registration costs in 2026. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police officers dished out one speeding fine for every minute of last year as they cracked down on dangerous driving.  More than 500,000 fines were issued over 2025, double the number issued six years ago.  The figures are only fines from officers - not speeding cameras.  AA road safety spokesman Dylan Thomsen says it's unclear exactly what drove this data, but it's likely there was extra pressure on the police. "Road policing officers were sometimes covering other duties and having to do those kinds of things, spread themselves around. But in the last couple of years, that has changed, there's been a big focus, once again, on being back out on the roads."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in the UK, experts are warning people to take precautions as an outbreak of meningitis is spreading.  15 cases have officially been reported, and a university student and a sixth former have died as a result of the outbreak.  UK correspondent Gavin Grey says cases are projected to go up and investigations are taking place. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Officials are calling out the Government for loosening KiwiSaver withdrawal rules in response to lobbying by Federated Farmers, rather than evidence-based advice. A newly-released Regulatory Impact Statement shows the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) opposed the Government’s proposal to allow KiwiSaver withdrawals for farmland.  NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The conflict in the Middle East is continuing on for another week, and it's got experts concerned about the economic impacts. Iran's blocking shipping in retaliation for the US and Israel bombardment - sending oil prices spiking. Milford Asset Management expert Michael Luke explained how markets have continued to drop. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Tim Wilson 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!  An Auckland IVF clinic has reassured patients their processes are robust after some frozen embryos in their care went missing. What do we think happened here?  The Government is looking to crack down on asylum seekers with criminal records. What do we make of this?  There's renewed debate about whether schools should reward students with lollies after concerns were raised. Do we need to have this discussion? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Economists are questioning Treasury's 'worst case' economic forecast from the Iran war. It predicts a worst case scenario of inflation hitting 3.7 percent this year - if the conflict persists. Independent economist Cameron Bagrie says he doesn't think Treasury has properly taken into account businesses feeling the second-hand impact of rising fuel prices. "If they've got a reason to push up prices under the guise of what's going on in Hormuz around the globe, firms are going to use that excuse and try to jam in some price rises. We've seen it before." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Okay, once again - not for the first time on this show and probably not the last - thank goodness for Erica Stanford. Normally, she’s righting wrongs in education but today it’s her other portfolio: immigration. She has just introduced legislation to Parliament that would make it possible for New Zealand to say no to asylum seekers if they have committed a serious offence in this country. It might blow your mind to learn that this isn’t currently the case. Right now, if someone comes to New Zealand and says, “I need to be a refugee” and then goes on to commit a serious offence before their refugee status has been decided - so no decision has been taken at the time - the officials making that decision are not allowed to take into account the fact that the person has committed a crime in New Zealand. That is bonkers, isn’t it? And it’s not theoretical. It has happened and it is happening. There are 14 asylum seekers in New Zealand awaiting a decision who have been convicted of serious offences: murder, serious sexual offences, serious drug offences and arson. Under this change, those crimes will now be considered - and I hope to God in every one of those cases it’s a big, fat no. We do not need murderers in this country. Apparently, though, we are a soft touch globally. What’s happening here is actually not unusual. Around the world, it’s standard practice to take into account crimes committed in country before granting refugee status. The EU has rules that allow refugee status to be stripped for criminal offending. Australia goes even further — it has passed laws allowing refugee status to be revoked altogether, even after someone has already been declared a refugee. So prepare yourselves for the usual hand-wringing from the usual suspects. But this is yet another example of Erica Stanford doing something that’s just plain common sense. Yes, absolutely, we have a duty to protect people from persecution if they would come to harm by returning to their home country. But our first duty is to protect our own people. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 18 March, 2026, we hear from Fertility Associates' chief medical officer about losing a family's frozen embryos. We get the latest on how much fuel's left as a result of the Iran war. A crackdown on asylum-seekers who commit serious crimes after arriving in New Zealand. And on The Huddle, Jack Tame and Tim Wilson on whether teachers should reward students with sweet treats. 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.

Fertility Associates is reassuring patients their processes are robust, after frozen embryos went missing last year while in its care. It says this only involved one couple, that was treated at its Auckland clinic in 2025. An audit done by an independent international lab expert has found its storage processes are secure - but it's now moving storage to a new, designated area in the clinic. Chief Medical Officer Andrew Murray says they perform around seven thousand egg retrievals or embryo transfers every year. "There are a lot of moving parts in this, and so we want to reassure our patients that this is an isolated incident." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions remain on processes for asylum seekers convicted of serious crimes in New Zealand.  Proposed Government reforms will let immigration officials take crimes committed by a refugee-applicant into account.  New Zealand is obligated under international conventions to keep them here.   Immigration lawyer Pooja Sundar says one option is giving asylum seekers a series of work visas - but that could limit their access to rehabilitation.  "The criminal justice system we have in New Zealand will take care of that, that doesn't mean that we have to send them home to potentially be facing death." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The CEO of New Zealand’s largest fuel import terminal is quelling concern imports to New Zealand could cease if the Middle East conflict continues.  Iran's blocking shipping through the Strait of Hormuz as part of its response to continuing US Israeli attacks.  As of midnight Sunday, New Zealand had 49 days fuel cover.  Channel Infrastructure CEO Rob Buchanan says there are other oil producers.  He explained the US, West Africa and South America all have reserves - and can ramp up production in response.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Northland parent claimed teachers at her son's first school routinely rewarded children with chocolate and lollies, sparking debate about whether this is a good idea. Health Ministry guidelines say schools should not serve sweets or chocolate at all, and concerns have been raised about the health impacts.  Auckland University professor Boyd Swinburn says there could probably be better ways to reward kids for good behaviour. "Plenty of schools have done it, plenty of schools do say they're providing the best environment for kids, they're being institutional role models - and they'll find ways to do it." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump is dismissing the resignation of a senior US intelligence official - whom he appointed. Israel is continuing waves of strikes across Lebanon and Iran, saying it has now killed Iran's security chief. Meanwhile Joe Kent is stepping down as director of the US National Counter-terrorism Centre.  US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says Kent claimed he couldn't support the ongoing war with Iran. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NZ First leader Winston Peters has clarified Hipkins' ex-wife Jade Paul does not work for his party or have any affiliation or role with it. It was understood Paul worked as a ministerial advisor for Cabinet minister Casey Costello, prompting rumours about the intent of the infamous social media post.  Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Peters said he's not interested in weighing in on the personal relationship of the Labour leader. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.