Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Over in Australia, Queensland senator Matt Canavan is set to take over the Nationals - signalling a new change for the party. Canavan will work alongside fellow conservative Angus Taylor, and experts are speculating about what this could mean for the future of Australia's right bloc. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Canavan has spoken out against the Paris Agreement and called for new coal-fired power stations to be built. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the biggest advocates for New Zealand cricketers is going to be looking after every professional player around the globe. After almost 25 years in the role, Heath Mills is stepping down as New Zealand Cricket Players Association chief executive to become executive chairman of the World Cricketers’ Association. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of New Zealand sport’s biggest powerbrokers is stepping down. NZ Cricket Players Association boss Heath Mills has announced today that he will be leaving in June, after 25 years with the association. Mills says the time's right to step down, as he wants to focus on his new role as executive chairman of the World Cricketers’ Association. "The time's right for me now to step aside as CEO of the New Zealand Players' Association. It's been a hard decision to make, because it's been part of my life for so long and I've loved representing players." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meghan Markle is set to headline a weekend retreat hosted by the Her Best Life podcast in Sydney this April. The event will be held during a visit to Australia by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, concluding earlier speculation.  UK correspondent Gavin Grey says the event will take place over three days, and reportedly includes sessions with a psychologist, yoga, and other activities. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A proposed crackdown on companies that give shareholders loans, rather than pay them taxable income, appears dead in the water. Inland Revenue has been eyeing the whopping $29 billion shareholders currently owe companies, questioning the extent to which companies are issuing shareholders loans, rather than paying them dividends or wages. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US President's social media posts suggest he's worried about the price of oil, as the US and Israel bombard Iran into an 11th day. More than 1700 have been killed in the Middle East - most in Iran, and hundreds in Lebanon. Despite this, markets appear to have calmed down following the initial shock, and Milford Asset Management's Brendan Larsen explained why. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland Councillor Maurice Williamson 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 Public Service Commissioner raised a few eyebrows when he confirmed boards can make individual employment offers to non-NZEI teachers from today, after the union rejected three recent deals. Do we think this was the right move?  There's growing calls to reform sick leave laws after the recent Covid wave led to more deaths and hospitalisations. Do we think changes are really needed here?  Do we really need more cash machines? Who still uses cash? Do we think the Reserve Bank was out of line? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 11 March, 2026, we talk to the Public Service Commissioner on why he's given a pay increase to non-union primary school teachers. Heinz Wattie's is shutting factories affecting about 350 jobs - an employers advocate warns there'll be more to come. An academic's call for sick leave to be accrued - and taken from job to job. And on The Huddle, Jack Tame and Maurice Williamson debate whether we really do need more cash machines. 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 think we can quite accurately use the word 'brilliant' to describe the latest move from the Government’s man in the primary teachers’ pay negotiations. Brian Roche, the Public Service Commissioner, has gone around the union and offered a 4.7 percent pay increase to primary teachers who are not in the union. If they agree to it, the first chunk of the pay rise will kick in 19 days from now and the next chunk will take effect in January next year. This is clever because it undermines the union - which still hasn’t settled, has it? For the past nine months, they’ve refused to finalise their pay agreement until the Treaty is recognised in teachers’ contracts and until the Government pays teachers more for their overnight camp allowance, for God’s sake. Based on the text traffic we get to this show, there must be huge numbers of teachers growing increasingly frustrated with their union for getting hung up on ideology over pay, while they lose up to $76 a week in income they’re not receiving because negotiations are still dragging on. So the pressure is now on the NZEI big time. Feasibly, union members can now do what 10,000 of their colleagues have already done: either avoid joining the union or leave it altogether and get their pay rise faster without the union than with it. Personally, I love that this is happening. It became obvious to me 20 years ago, as a junior reporter at TVNZ, that unions weren’t much use to me even then. And what’s happened since is much worse because unions are now actively holding up pay negotiations for really stupid reasons. So - brilliant move from the Public Service Commissioner. I can’t wait to see whether this forces the union to finally wrap up the pay talks to save themselves from an exodus of clever teachers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The balance sheet is looking strong for Briscoe Group, which managed to score a few goals late in the game.  The retailer's posted record annual sales of close to $800 million, for the year ending January 25th.  Its homeware brand Briscoes saw 1.42 percent sales growth - while Rebel Sport trailed with growth of 0.13 percent. Managing director Rod Duke says the business just changed its promotions approach slightly.  "Generally, the market from about Black Friday just eased up a bit. People just got a bit more confident." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federated Farmers thinks it's unlikely the live export ban will be reinstated, now the Government's backtracked. A campaign promise for National and ACT vowed to return the $370-million-dollar trade with improved animal welfare.  The Labour Government banned it in 2023.  Animal Welfare Minister Andrew Hoggard says there were more pressing matters this term. Federated Farmers Dairy Chair Karl Dean says it's going to be very hard to overturn it now.  "There was a big industry behind it, that's very much now diminished. The international players, they've gone elsewhere." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Public health experts have noticed this latest Covid wave is worsening as fewer Kiwis are getting vaccination boosters and tests, and it's renewed debate about sick leave. Wastewater analysis from PHF Science shows that the number of cases is at the highest rate it's been for over six months, and Health NZ says there's been 50 hospitalisations and 19 deaths from the virus this week. Otago University associate professor Paula O'Kane says it's important to let sick leave accrue every year - and stay consistent as Kiwis move jobs. "It would give people access to better sick leave, it might discourage misuse of sick leave, and when people are actually sick for a longer period of time, they're better covered. So it would really help to deal with issues around people's long-term illness, for example."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's predictions Heinz Wattie's won't be the last to shutter operations this year. It's proposing closing three manufacturing facilities in Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin, and packing operations in Hastings - with 350 jobs at risk. It also plans to phase out sales of products including frozen vegetables, impacting growers. The Employers and Manufacturers Association's Alan McDonald says others will go. "We keep hearing rumblings of others getting ready to exit, significant-sized manufacturers as well as smaller ones. De-industrialisation's been happening, prompted by some very high electricity prices."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Public Service Commissioner says giving about 10,000 non-union primary teachers the option to accept pay offers has been a long time coming. Sir Brian Roche today confirmed boards can make individual employment offers to non-NZEI teachers from today, after the union rejected three recent deals. Education Minister Erica Stanford says they can get pay rises of up to 4.7 percent within 12 months. Roche says in a normal course of events, he'd carry on NZEI bargaining as usual. "We are still keeping going with them, but I got to the point where I could no longer justify withholding an offer." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Peters believes the Covid inquiry has been 'deficient' and 'biased'. The second phase of the inquiry has found some mandates went on too long and the Government failed to communicate well enough with Kiwis. New Zealand First's Leader says many people perceive the inquiry as one-sided, and the damage is done. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper outlined Peters' concerns. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thousands of travellers have been waiting in hours-long queues at US airports this week, due to increased spring travel and limited security personnel. Security staff have been working without pay during the partial US Government shutdown, and airlines have sent out warning to expect travel delays. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says travellers can be expected to wait an extra 3 to 4 hours during the ongoing shutdown. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Potential T20 international cricket debuts loom for Katene Clarke, Nick Kelly and Jayden Lennox as New Zealand prepare to host South Africa in five matches, starting this Sunday. Much of the Black Caps' World Cup squad will be rested. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACT's leader is denying changes to Auckland's housing intensification rules might have 'backfired'.  The Government has ordered Auckland Council to reduce total capacity plans from 2 million homes to 1.6 million. Councillors have now opted to zone less density in areas with poor public transport access and in outer suburbs. David Seymour says this doesn't necessarily mean his central Epsom electorate will get the densification he was trying to avert.  "It's not as simple as - it's all going to be in your electorate, mate. It's going to be a long process, these plans won't be finalised until well into next year." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

France’s President Emmanuel Macron has ordered an 'unprecedented' naval deployment in the Middle East to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. France will deploy eight frigates, along with two amphibious helicopter carriers and the country’s flagship Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier. UK correspondent Enda Brady says this comes as the UK has appeared to have paused sending a warship to Cyprus. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was a big weekend for New Zealand's rural community, with the country's shearers dominating the 2026 Golden Shears event. New Zealand claimed an unprecedented five wins in six events at the Golden Shears World Shearing and Woolhandling Championships, which ended in Masterton on Saturday night. The Country's Jamie Mackay recapped the action.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's been a significant increase in property flippers and it's prompted concerns from experts. One of the country's most prominent buyers' agencies has complained to the Real Estate Authority about the increase - following a sharp drop in 2023.  iFindProperty founder Maree Tassell says there's a lot of deception that comes with flipping properties, and vendors often don't find out until it's too late. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Sarah Trotman from Business Mentors and former Health NZ Chair Rob Campbell joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The findings from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Covid-19 were released today, concerning lockdowns and vaccine mandates. What did we think of this? What can we learn?  Wellington mayors and social leaders wrote an open letter opposing  the Government’s proposed move-on orders targeting rough sleepers and beggars. What do we make of this? Do we think they have a point?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The big Covid inquiry - the Royal Commission of Inquiry - is out and to be honest, I don’t think it’s a game-changer. It doesn’t tell you anything you didn’t already know or at least strongly suspect. Aucklanders, who were the most affected, lived through it. We already knew that Grant, Jacinda and Chippy kept us in that 2021 lockdown for too long. We already knew the Auckland border could have been lifted earlier. Now we simply have the proof in writing that we were right. If there is a revelation here, it’s that Ashley Bloomfield wasn’t the conservative one urging caution. In fact, he was more reasonable than the Government. They ended up ignoring his advice and kept Auckland in lockdown longer than he recommended. Here’s how it played out in September 2021: On 12 September, Bloomfield told ministers that Auckland had been in Level 4 long enough - almost four weeks by that point - and that the city could move down a level on 16 September. Chippy took that to Cabinet but put forward his own idea - keep Auckland in for longer than Bloomfield advised. He suggested staying in until 21 September, an extra five days. Cabinet agreed with Chippy. Remember, that lockdown was costing Auckland up to $100 million every single day. So Chippy unnecessarily killed jobs and businesses when he didn’t have to. Auckland’s border restrictions also stayed in place longer than officials said was necessary and mandates were kept longer than needed. What this Royal Commission of Inquiry does is vindicate anyone who said at the time that Auckland should have come out of lockdown and out of its border controls earlier. And it’s an indictment on those who kept those restrictions in place when they didn’t need to. Five years on, most of us have moved on. We can still get triggered from time to time, but for the most part it feels like ancient history now. But we shouldn’t forget how hard it was for Aucklanders, how many lives and businesses were broken and how we are still paying the price in today’s cost-of-living crisis for those poor decisions. As I said, it’s not a game-changer - but it is an official record that what they did at the end of Covid was wrong and unnecessary. And that has value. It matters for accountability, even if only because it’s now on the public record. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 10 March, 2026, Aucklanders were in lockdown for longer than even Ashley Bloomfield recommended during Covid - we hear from the Covid Minister at the time, Chris Hipkins. How New Zealand's playing a big part in research on a male contraceptive pill. We talk to the owner of Formerly the Blackball Hilton about a demand to get rid of their outdoor tables and chairs. And on The Huddle, Sarah Trotman and Rob Campbell have a passionate debate about move-on orders for the homeless. 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.

Stock markets have rebounded and oil prices have dropped below yesterday's forecast, following recent comments from US President Donald Trump. Trump indicated the war in the Middle East could be over 'very soon', and it's led to ripple effects across sharemarkets all over the world. Matt Goodson from Salt Funds Management says it's unclear if the US can walk away from this conflict or if the Strait of Hormuz will reopen in time. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The former Covid Response Minister, Chris Hipkins, is being questioned over the latest findings from the Royal Commission of Inquiry. The report was released today - finding New Zealand's approach was good overall, but the Government was too slow in some areas, and some restrictions went too far. Chris Hipkins says he thinks it's a fair report, although he doesn't accept every recommendation. "I think the terms of reference were heavily politically loaded. And I actually think the Royal Commission have done a very good job and it's a tribute to the three members who did it of navigating those terms of reference." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A legendary West Coast pub has removed its popular outdoor seating under threat of a $20,000 fine. It was decided the Formerly the Blackball Hilton's tables and chairs fell outside the licensed boundary. Owner Cynthia Robins says they've been there for decades - and never caused a problem.   "They're becoming much more strict with what's within the licenced area. We said - well, until this is resolved, we just can't have the tables there? Well, now I feel like the town doesn't look as inviting because those tables aren't out there with the umbrellas up, they look more friendly." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An aviation commentator says Air New Zealand needs to look at ways to cut costs as the war in the Middle East impacts fuel prices.  The airline's adjusted fares - lifting domestic flights $10 and long-haul flights $90. It's suspended its guidance from less than a fortnight ago, expecting second-half earnings similar to the $59 million first-half loss. Irene King says the airline could slash its spending.  "They really have never addressed the cost side of their business post-Covid - and they really could get stuck in there, their labour costs are astronomical." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Health Minister has raised some concerns after the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Covid-19’s final report was released. The report found that New Zealand's approach was good overall, but the previous Government was too slow in some areas, and some restrictions went too far. Simeon Brown says the data shows that the previous Government kept New Zealand locked down for far too long and spent too much money, and the nation is still facing the consequences.  "The reality here is, the Royal Commission has found that the Ministry of Health, and Ashley Bloomfield provided advice that it could have been lifted earlier - and ultimately, Cabinet decided not to. And those are questions that should be put to Chris Hipkins."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's turning a spotlight on Chris Hipkins over newly released Covid inquiry findings.  The Royal Commission's second phase report's found overall that New Zealand responded well, but highlighted concerns - including the length of Auckland's lockdown.  Health Minister Simeon Brown says it shows the previous Government extended the Auckland lockdown, in spite of official advice saying it was safe to lift. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the Covid period was tough on New Zealand, and it's important the impacts aren't forgotten.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia will deploy a military surveillance ‌aircraft to the Middle East and send missiles to the United Arab Emirates, but the Government's ruled out sending troops. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says this support will help the Gulf countries defend ⁠themselves against attacks from Iran - but he's claimed Australia is 'not a protagonist' in this conflict.  Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Donald Trump reportedly phoned Anthony Albanese earlier today. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates will return to the White Ferns for five games against South Africa, as the defence of the T20 World Cup looms in June. Neither featured in the Zimbabwe series - the first time a New Zealand squad was named without one or the other since 2006. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Progress is being made on a world-leading male contraceptive. The next stage of tests run by New Zealand Clinical Research will give participants multiple doses to see if the oral pill is safe for daily use.   Phase one demonstrated it was tolerable after a single dose.  Lead research physician, doctor Rohit Katial, says they'll also learn how long effects last. "Even though you might stop taking the drug, it might take a bit longer for the sperm levels to come back up, so all of that will be monitored."  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump have spoken for the first time since the US president condemned the UK's response to the Iran conflict. Reports claim the two leaders discussed the situation in the Middle East and military cooperation between the UK and US. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says many details of the call are unknown, but it can't have been pleasant for Starmer. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's growing concerns about the economic impacts of the war in Iran. Crude oil prices have topped $100 US dollars a barrel for the first time since 2022 - and our petrol prices surged another 14 cents over the weekend. Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly says these attacks are directly impacting key fuel sources, which has got economists worried about future prices. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's growing debate about the future of asteroid mining, as technology keeps making new advancements. These new developments have prompted concerns about how this process can be regulated, as it looks more likely asteroid mining will take off by the end of the decade. Waikato University Senior Lecturer in Law Anna-Marie Brennan says there's plenty to be mined from asteroids - and it will likely reduce the environmental impacts on Earth. "But at the same time, a lot of researchers, a lot of lawyers think we do need a monitoring mechanism for this activity." 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!  There's bee plenty of speculation over the weekend about Luxon's political future, but after today's round of interviews, it's unlikely he's going anywhere just yet. Do we think National will roll him eventually?  The Government will be keeping an eye on fuel prices as the conflict in the Middle East continues. There's growing calls for the Government to cut the fuel tax - do we see them going through with this?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 9 March, 2026, Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones warns we may have to ration fuel if the Iran war drags on. More people are learning Te Reo Maori - but there's an issue with getting enough teachers. A Waikato University lecturer tells us we're close to mining asteroids - and New Zealand's playing a big part. And on The Huddle, Trish Sherson and Josie Pagani debate whether the Prime Minister really is facing a leadership threat after poor polling. 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.

Look, I know we’re all going to have different points at which we think the media reaction to a news story gets silly but for me, that point was this morning.  Members of the media chasing the Prime Minister through Wellington Airport, asking whether he was considering resigning and whether he had the full support of his caucus seemed a little bit silly to me. Silly because it’s not as if he’s gone to ground for the past four days, is it? He was on morning media today - two radio interviews and at least one TV appearance - and he’s also fronted a post-Cabinet news conference. So it’s not as though the media are starved of opportunities to talk to the Prime Minister without chasing him through a crowded terminal. All it does is create the impression of drama where no real drama exists. There is no coup. All of his ministers are backing him publicly. Privately, sure, maybe a little less so - but publicly, they are. Luxon remains the leader until he is talked out of being the leader and there’s no sign that’s happening. In short, nothing is happening in the short term. Now, if I try to understand why the media wanted to chase him through the airport, perhaps it’s because they sense things have shifted - and that part is true. Since the poll on Friday morning that put National at 28 percent, two things have changed. First, ministers who previously gave complete backing to Luxon are now doing so privately with a caveat: “Yeah, I support him… but.” But he’s bad at taking advice, but he made a bad call with XYZ. Whatever the specifics, the point is the same: they’ve dropped their full confidence. That tells me something is going on in their heads. Second, he has now entered what I’d describe as publicly “dead man walking” territory. Every bad poll from here, every major mistake - and there will be some - will reignite talk about his leadership. That is a slow bleed for any leader. It ends one of two ways - a spanking on election day, or the leader eventually calling it quits. I think he’s now in that zone. I don’t think the coalition loses the election at this rate, but I do think National comes back as a mini version of itself - and that’s not great for them. Maybe that electoral prognosis is what has the media so excited that they’re chasing him through the airport. But that’s a medium-term issue. Today? I think the brief excitement of the weekend is over and nothing is going to happen. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is actively monitoring the impact international fuel prices are having on the price we're being asked to pay at the pump. Crude oil prices have topped $100 US dollars a barrel for the first time in three years - and our petrol prices surged another 14 cents in the weekend. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says the Government's working with key industries to keep an eye on prices, in case there's a global shock. "We can assure New Zealanders that there's enough fuel for at least 60 days, and then beyond that - of course, fuel companies will be responsible for having their own orders in." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's growing calls for the Government to pay rates on Crown land. Wellington mayor Andrew Little has announced he'll lobby for changes to the Local Government Act to repeal the measure as part of his council’s triennium plan. Currently, most property owned by central Government, such as schools and hospitals, is exempt from paying rates. Little says local councils provide a lot of infrastructure to Crown-owned buildings - and more revenue is needed. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's belief not enough children are learning Te Reo to become a bilingual nation. New data shows more than 28,000 students were taught the curriculum through Māori more than half the time last year, 71 percent up on 2000. Māori language advocate Stacey Morrison says 250,000 kids still aren't taught anything in Te Reo - so there's work to do. "I do think it's an 'everybody' thing, not just the teachers who are already there and fluent. One thing is valuing bilingualism, because there's a lot of benefits, and then we can go - okay, so how are we going to do that?" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NZX has fallen 3.1 percent as the US and Israeli war on Iran dents people's investment portfolios.  Closure of the crucial Strait of Hormuz has ignited supply concerns over crude oil - now costing more than $100 US dollars a barrel.  Shares in Auckland Airport and Fisher and Paykel Healthcare have tumbled.   Generate investment specialist Greg Smith says the market's accounting for what might happen, and it could turn. He explained it's also affected by Iran appointing a new leader and Donald Trump refusing to back down - which has pushed out the time frame for resolving everything. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's working to stay ahead of the effects of the war in Iran. Crude oil prices have topped $100 USD a barrel for the first time since 2022, and our petrol prices surged another 14 cents over the weekend. An economic security Ministerial Oversight Group is being set up - to focus on fuel and supply chains. Associate Energy Minister and Resources Minister Shane Jones says it'll need high-quality, regular information. "In respect of logistics, supply lines and shipping arrangements, this needs to be stood up ASAP." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's setting up a Ministerial Oversight Group on economic security to focus on fuel and supply chains. The Middle East conflict's forced crude oil over $100 USD a barrel, and made New Zealand's sharemarket plunge, 3.27 percent down so far. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says the group will be briefed by MBIE weekly and have input from Treasury, the Reserve Bank, MFAT and others.  Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the Government's acknowledged the Middle East crisis will be tough on everyone, but New Zealand can stay in good shape. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's sharemarket has taken a hammering as investors voice concerns over the escalating conflict in the Middle East. After it resumed trading today, the ASX 200 slumped 260.30 points or 2.9 per cent to 8590.708 - and dropped by 4 percent overall. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says this is the worst day for the Australian markets since last year's 'Liberation Day'. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The post-mortem has begun into New Zealand's 96-run T20 World Cup cricket final loss to India at Ahmedabad. The hosts defended their title and won the tournament for a third time after amassing 255 for five. Sportstalk host Jason Pine recapped the action further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand has always led in track and field at the Commonwealth Games, but concerns have been raised ahead of the 2034 event. New Zealand is in the running to host the 2034 Commonwealth Games, but there's currently no suitable athletics venue to host the sport. Athletics NZ chief executive Cam Mitchell says if we're looking to host the 2034 Games, our infrastructure needs improvement.  "If we are looking to host international athletics and we're also looking to grow our sport and create special moments like we had on Saturday night with track stars, then the infrastructure needs - they grow."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 6 March, 2026, prime minister Christopher Luxon is adamant he's not standing down after another poor poll for the National Party. We talk petrol prices with one of our fuel companies. TVNZ's chief executive insists its news coverage isn't biased. And on the Sports Huddle, Elliott Smith and Clay Wilson discuss the Warriors chances in the NRL this season. 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.

Barry Soper joins Heather du Plessis-Allan to wrap the political week.  The war in Iran and it's implications are top of mind, including the potential effects on New Zealand's fuel prices. They also chat about today's National Party and Luxon news following the release of a damning poll this morning. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.