Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Scott Robertson will get an opportunity to coach against the Springboks this year. The former All Blacks mentor will guide the Barbarians for matches against the world champions and Wales. The fixture against South Africa is on June 20 at Port Elizabeth. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank's emphasising the importance of cash services being free-of-charge. It's proposed requiring the banking sector to provide accessible full-cash services across the country - at $104 million a year. The plan ensures those in urban areas can walk to get cash, and the drive for those living rurally is reasonable.  Money and Cash Director Ian Woolford says people don't expect to pay to deposit or withdraw cash.  "Communities need easier access to cash, closer to home...what we've learned, partly, from those cash trials is that this is what communities need."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Mandelson has been released on bail hours after his earlier arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office, according to Met Police. This follows an investigation that took place earlier in the month over allegations that, while he was serving as a Government minister, Mandelson passed on sensitive information to Jeffrey Epstein. UK correspondent Enda Brady says Mandelson has denied any wrongdoing. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's Ukrainian ambassador says the end of the war still seems a long time away.  Today marks four years since the start of the large scale Russian invasion of Ukraine.  Our Government's pledged another $8 million dollars in support, taking out total contribution to about $150 million. Ukrainian Ambassador Vasyl Myroshnychenko says Vladimir Putin has already seen 1.2 million of his soldiers killed, wounded or captured.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Momentum's sky-high for state-owned farming enterprise Pāmu. Landcorp's half-year net operating profit jumped $28 million - from a $2 million loss in December 2024 to a $26 million profit last December.  It's forecasting a record full-year net operating profit of up to $107 million. 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 Labour Chief of Staff Mike Munro joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Early childhood education fees have soared, which could see more facilities closing their doors. Do we need the Government to intervene and help keep these facilities going? The People’s Select Committee of former MPs has written a report criticising the Government for scrapping the pay equity law last year. Do we agree with this? Private medication platform MediMap was reportedly hacked, with unauthorised changes made to people's records. What do we make of this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 24 February, 2026, we talk to former National MP Marilyn Waring about the Unofficial People's Select Committee report on pay equity changes. We ask Ukraine's ambassador what it would take to end the four-year war with Russia. A third of New Zealanders have savings of less than $500 - but South Islanders are better savers. And on The Huddle, Maurice Williamson and Mike Munro argue about parents facing increasing charges for early childhood education. 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.

So, the People’s Select Committee of former MPs has reported back today and, completely unsurprisingly, has slammed the Government for scrapping the pay equity law last year. Which is fair enough in some ways, it was a shoddy process. The MPs say it offends the rule of law and they’re probably right. It was done in a hurry to save last year’s Budget, rushed through under urgency and changed the rules retrospectively. It’s all really cynical stuff from a Government and too much of that sort of behaviour undermines confidence in the way the system works. But even though they make some fair points and mount some fair criticism of the way Nicola Willis and Brooke van Velden ran this thing out, I can’t get past the next question I have, which is: so what? What do these former MPs think will happen as a result of this report? The pay equity scheme is not going to be brought back in the form it previously existed. It’s far too expensive. The cost to the Government was estimated at $13 billion over four years. The cost to the entire economy would have been much, much higher. The former MPs want political parties to make it a bottom line to reintroduce the scheme after the election. No party can credibly commit to that. Where would they find $13 billion, other than by making the country’s already worrying structural deficit even worse and adding to our already far-too-large debt? Chippy will make noises about bringing it back, but press him a little harder - ask him where he’s going to find the money - and you don’t get any sufficient answers. Ultimately, that’s where the argument ends - where do you find the money? Yes, it was bad lawmaking. Yes, people were hurt by it. Yes, it’s fair to criticise. But where do you get the money? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Media company NZME's remaining cautious about the economy despite a positive financial year. The owner of The Herald and Newstalk ZB reported a $13.1 million net after tax profit - turning around the previous year’s $16 million dollar loss. Its operating costs were four percent lower annually - reflecting the closure of community publications in December 2024. CEO Michael Boggs says it's a grind to recovery. "There's still been inflationary pressures, they're not feeling the best, they're not feeling confident yet to go and invest. And advertising is probably one of the first levers you can pull." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More early childhood education centres are expected to fold under rising costs. The Household Economic Survey shows the average weekly ECE fee has jumped from $25 in 2007, to $90 in 2023. Early Childhood Council CEO Simon Laube says pay parity rules have driven 443 centres to shut in the past three years. He says it drives up teacher salaries. "But the funding from the Government doesn't follow suit, so as the salaries increase, the providers are paying more and more to pay the teachers - but the funding stays the same." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The cost of living is hitting Kiwis hard, with new data showing Aucklanders are more likely to be worse off. More than a third of New Zealanders have a savings balance of less than $500, according to new data from Westpac. Westpac's Financial Wellbeing programme manager, Warren Ngan Woo, says Auckland is a big city where things cost more, which eats into people's ability to save money. "This is just a snapshot in relation to savings, but it certainly doesn't take into account what other people have in options with their savings." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mercury's achieved a strong return to profit.  BusinessDesk says the energy company's half year earnings before interest to December 31- reached $537 million. It recorded a net $20 million dollar profit - up from a $67 million loss last year.  Chief executive Stew Hamilton says they're doing well and don't need to raise capital.  "We've been disciplined in how we manage our money, how we earn our money and spend it, so we're investing wisely, performing strongly - and I think that gives us options." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Findings claim the Government extinguishing pay-equity claims destroyed an earlier system that was fit for purpose.  The People's Select Committee - a group of 10 former women MPs - has released its final report on the changes rushed through by the coalition under urgency last year. It held three months of hearings and almost 1400 submissions. Group chair and former National MP, Dame Marilyn Waring, raised questions about the 'urgency' that this legislation was rushed under. "This wasn't an emergency war regulation, it was an equal pay amendment. It's just quite unnecessary, you don't do that. And so, it was all done simply for the Budget." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's calling for caution, while agreeing with National that Auckland needs a new harbour crossing.  The Infrastructure Commission last week suggested a toll as high as $9 to fund the new crossing - and also tolling the existing bridge.  But Chris Hipkins ruled out tolling Auckland Harbour Bridge at his State of the Nation speech yesterday.  Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained why this position doesn't quite match Labour's earlier stance on extra costs for road users. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has written to his British counterpart Keir Starmer to confirm Australia would support the removal of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession. Andrew remains eighth in line to the throne - despite being stripped of his titles amid pressure over his ties to deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Albanese is the first Commonwealth leader to openly voice support for Andrew's removal from the line of succession. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Rugby will open applications for a rescoped high performance director role, to replace Chris Lendrum who is leaving after 20 years. Lendrum, who is NZR's general manager of professional and performance, will leave at the end of May. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave speculated further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's concerns among experts following the latest medical platform hack that's left an impact on Kiwis. MediMap is widely used across New Zealand, particularly in aged care, disability, hospice, and community health. Some users' information had been changed, including altering ages, changing patient's names to Charlie Kirk - and claiming living users were deceased. CISO Lens Country Manager Nadia Yousef says it's unclear why this happened, and there's nothing hinting towards extortion or blackmail just yet. "It's not clear who did it, it's very unclear why - there's, I think, a lot more to follow over the next few days." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump recently took to Truth Social to offer to send a hospital boat over to Greenland - an offer Greenland's  prime minister has criticised. Trump claimed in the post that 'many people' on the island are sick and 'not being taken care of'. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says Trump has long coveted Greenland, and it's unusual that Trump would want to send extra medical help to a country with free healthcare. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump remains steadfast in his pursuit of sweeping global tariffs - slamming a US Supreme Court decision outlawing them as anti-American.  The President's now taking advantage of a never-used trade law to enact 15 percent temporary levies, under the guise of a balance of payments deficit. Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly unpacked the market reactions. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comvita’s half-year result shows the company is seeing a noticeable financial turnaround. Its result for the six months ended December 31 had revenue up 18.3 percent to $118 million, EBIT up 10.7m to $10m, and debt reduced by $32.9m to $48.7m. Comvita CEO Karl Gradon says he's proud to see the company return to profitability and he's confident the company's been through the worst of it. 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!  The Remuneration Authority says more responsibility attracts more pay, as more local councillors see bigger pay rises. What do we make of this?  The Government has proposed giving police more powers to move rough sleepers along. This has generated some backlash, but do we think this change is needed to improve New Zealand's city centres?  Labour's Chris Hipkins has delivered his State of the Nation address in Auckland at a Business Chamber event. Did this make you feel more or less confident in Labour?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 23 February, 2026, the Genesis chief executive tells us why the energy company needs nearly $200 million from the Government. A Wellington councillor on whether the Government's "move-on" orders for homeless people will work. Chris Greenacre becomes interim coach of the Wellington Phoenix for a fourth time - should he just get the job? And on the Huddle, Trish Sherson and Josie Pagani give us their assessment of Chris Hipkins' State of the Nation speech. 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.

Listening to Chris Hipkins' State of the Nation speech today, I found it really hard to take him seriously. The speech was mostly just a list of things wrong with the country right now, most of which anyone who can remember back five, six, seven years, knows were caused by him, Grant, Jacinda and Adrian Orr. Take this line, for example: “I see young New Zealanders - smart, hardworking, full of potential - making calculations that no young person should have to. Do I stay in the country I love, or do I leave to build the life I've worked for? It breaks my heart.” Well, it shouldn’t break his heart - because he was warned about this. When he, Jacinda and Grant were contemplating those long Auckland lockdowns at the tail end of the pandemic, Treasury explicitly warned that young people would suffer the most. I quote: “The negative consequences are that low employment and income rates are shown to persist for young people well after recessions have waned.” - Treasury advice, 13 May, 2021. Now, we’ve already spent more than enough time debating whether the lockdowns should have happened - we don’t need to do that again. But the consequences of those lockdowns are there in black and white. Young people would bear the brunt. So he can hardly complain now that young people are leaving the country. It was predicted. He complains about affordability. Well, it was during his Government that inflation spiked to 7.3 percent. Yes, some of it was global. But a lot of it was Grant Robertson allowing Adrian Orr to print billions of dollars. Again - right or wrong - we can debate that. But it was the actions of his Government that created the affordability crisis he now laments. He complains about unemployment. Unemployment is up because of the recession Adrian Orr engineered to bring down the inflation that, as I’ve just said, was created by him and Grant. Now, I’m not defending the National-led Government - that’s not my job. Frankly, I think they could have done a lot more to tidy up the Government’s books, that part has been woeful. But they did not create the mess that Chippy is complaining about. And it is beyond ironic to have him standing there saying, “Oh, look what a mess this is,” and proposing to be the man to fix it - when he was part of the team, in fact right up there in the top three of the team, that created the mess in the first place. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Still no clarity about whether Wellington's second Mt Victoria Tunnel will begin construction this year.  National promised to begin work on the tunnel this term, but Transport Minister Chris Bishop last week suggested that wasn't firm.  Finance Minister Nicola Willis says geotechnical work is underway - but Cabinet hasn't decided when construction will start.  "We're looking at all the Roads of National Significance to determine what order do we sequence these in, and how do we make sure that we fund them in the most appropriate way - and how does that sit alongside our really important obligation to be maintaining the roads?" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Remuneration Authority says more responsibility attracts more pay.  The Taxpayers' Union says Western Bay of Plenty District councillors are getting an average 57 percent pay increase. Authority Chair Geoff Summers says the pool of funding for council has been decided - but not individual raises.  He says the council will operate with two fewer councillors this term.  "And most people would say - if I'm going to be doing more work than what some other people used to do, I want more money for it." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Greenacre will take charge of the Wellington Phoenix for at least their next A-League fixture against Sydney FC. The club legend moves back into the interim coaching role for a remarkable fourth time, stepping up from his role at the club's academy. He is in ongoing discussions with the club about the head coaching position for the rest of the A-League season - and beyond. Wellington Phoenix Director of Football Shaun Gill says the plan is to get through this week first, and then finalise some details. "There's not a contract in place for him for the role at the moment, but he's prepared to jump in and we'll finish those discussions in due course." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has introduced new measures to tackle the issues with rough sleepers, but it's prompted concerns from some critics. Under these changes, police would be able to order beggars and rough sleepers to leave for up to 24 hours, with refusal being punished with fines and jail time. Wellington City Councillor Karl Tiefenbacher says it's another cog in the wheel for police to help improve cities. "It's really more a substance abuse problem and a mental health issue. Once we accept that, then the approach we need to take is that we need to work on those solutions." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Genesis Energy says fresh Crown investment into the power generator will go towards building infrastructure.  The Government's confirmed it will put up to $200 million dollars - letting it retain its 51 percent shareholding, as Genesis launches a capital raise. Chief executive Malcolm Johns says the money will speed up its ability to build. "We're gonna build some solar farms, some grid-scale batteries and some wind, and extend the life of Huntly Rankines." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's promising to be realistic as it shapes up election year ideas. Leader Chris Hipkins has delivered his State of the Nation address in Auckland at a Business Chamber event. The speech lacked new policy - but addressed concern around people leaving the country and the state of our tax system.  Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper voiced disapproval with the speech, and questioned whether Labour would be able to deliver on anything for Kiwi voters. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A row's deepening about so-called 'ISIS brides' returning to Australia - with the Opposition pushing for a hardline approach. More than 30 Australian women and children have secured passports and are trying to return from a Syrian camp. Opposition parties argue helping Australians with Islamic State links return home should be a criminal offence. Correspondent Oliver Peterson says the Government's being neutral - and the Opposition will be looking to exploit that. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Greenacre will have every opportunity to secure the Wellington Phoenix head coaching gig full-time. The former 'Nix player will sidestep from his role at the club's academy into the seat vacated by Giancarlo Italiano - the fourth time he's become the club's interim coach. Sportstalk host Jason Pine speculated about whether Greenacre will take over the role full-time. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Hipkins says he doesn't want to make promises he'll have to change - announcing no new policy in Labour's State of the Nation address today.  He says policies can wait until after the Budget, and he explained that he's made Labour's political priorities clear to the voters. Hipkins explained they party's not going to be making big sweeping promises ahead of the election this time round. "We're going to be promising things that we know we can deliver on, that are actually going to make a difference - but are actually going to solve the problems we've got as a country."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 20 February, 2026, a royal expert tells us why Andrew's arrest is the biggest scandal in the history of the British monarchy. Why more than half of our police officers are thinking of quitting the job. We hear from a linguistics expert on why English doesn't need to be an official language. And on the sports huddle, Nathan Limm and Adam Cooper debate if it's ok to ask an Olympic athlete if snaring a silver medal is a disappointment. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let’s not beat around the bush: the biggest news in the world is the arrest of Andrew, the King’s brother. It’s huge, not least because the last time a royal was arrested was around 350 years ago, when Charles I was taken prisoner and ultimately executed. What also makes this so significant is that Andrew wasn’t, as is usually the case with celebrities, politely asked to come into a police station to assist with inquiries. He was arrested at his home, which was then searched by police for further evidence. That distinction is massive. That said, anyone predicting either the collapse or the survival of the royal family today is being premature — and there’s plenty of that going on. The charge Andrew faces, misconduct in public office, is apparently very difficult to prove in the UK because of the way the law is written. So this may end up going nowhere. So far, I’d say Charles has handled both today’s developments and the wider scandal leading up to them far more decisively than even the late Queen handled Andrew’s previous indiscretions, and that does help the monarchy. Most importantly, the key figures in the royal family — William, Kate and their children — seem far enough removed from anything Andrew may have done to remain safe from fallout. On the other hand, what’s happened today is only the beginning. Next may come formal charges, then potentially a prosecution, then possibly a judge and jury. If it gets that far, the risk to the royal family increases dramatically, because it could reveal who knew what about Andrew’s behaviour, and for how long. If you’re looking for a silver lining, it’s this: the system is working. No one is above the law — not even the brother of the King. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new poll suggests the public's on board with the Government's proposed ban on card surcharges, just as the proposed law has been put on hold.  The Government announced plans to ban all credit card and contactless surcharges last year, but faced criticism from businesses who'd be forced to stump the cost.  Consumer NZ Campaign Manager Jessica Walker told Heather du Plessis-Allan that there is a middle-ground for both parties to settle on.  "Too many surcharges are excessive or just not disclosed or unavoidable. So there would need to be some really firm caps in place to stop consumers being ripped off." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A bill has been introduced to make English an official language of New Zealand. Despite being the country's most-spoken language, it is not an official language by law. The bill provoked ridicule in Parliament from the opposition, but was staunchly defended by Winston Peters. AUT Associate Professor of Linguistics Sharon Harvey says that language laws exist to protect languages that aren't as widely used, and English doesn't fall in to this category.  "If we look at like jurisdictions like Australia, federal level of the US and the UK, those jurisdictions don't have English as an official language and don't see any need to." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fifty seven per cent of cops have considered quitting in the last year. That's according to a new Police Association survey, which asked 6000 officers.  Key concerns from officers were salaries, as well as resourcing.  Police say attrition is hovering between 4.5 and 5 percent - but association president Steve Watt told Heather du-Plessis Allan that the result can't be ignored.  He says the job's risky, weighs heavily on wellbeing - and the result proves the pressure officers are under.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest is being dubbed the biggest scandal in modern royal history.  The King's brother was arrested on suspicion of misconduct while in public office, in the wake of allegations he shared confidential information with late paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.  The ex-prince's properties were searched by UK police, and he has since been released but remains under investigation. Royal Commentator Juliet Rieden told Heather du Plessis-Allan that the Royal Family are in unchartered waters. She says some believe the abdication was the worst, but that was a love story - adding this situation is very far from that.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Local Government Minister says people should have zero-tolerance for poor dog behaviour.  62-year-old, Mihiata Te Rore, was killed by three dogs on Tuesday, as she visited a home in Kaihu, north of Dargaville. Local MP Shane Jones says jail terms should be considered for owners of what he labels 'homicidal dogs'. Minister Simon Watts says there are issues with local and central Government enforcing the 30-year-old Dog Control Act.  He says he is getting advice next week on changing the act - and wants it done promptly.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The BBC has commissioned a slate of new shows and will be showcasing some of Sir David Attenborough’s most loved programmes to mark his 100th birthday. Sir David Attenborough turns 100 on May 8th, and the network will run a week-long celebration of his work and legacy spanning over seven decades.  UK correspondent Enda Brady says there's also going to be a special live broadcast from the Royal Albert Hall with a full concert orchestra. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New reports indicate the tech sector is getting hid hard by a turbulent market, with many software companies taking a hit. Fisher Funds expert Sam Dickie explained the impacts - and which companies are doing it tough. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Confidence green pastures lie ahead for Fonterra, as the sale of brands like Anchor and Mainland nears completion. Almost 99 percent of shareholders voted today to get the tax-free $3.2 billion capital return, from the purchase by French company Lactalis. FedFarmers Dairy Chair, Karl Dean, says the sale is part of Fonterra's move to focus on ingredients. 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 Labour MP Phil Goff joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Wellington City Council wants local authorities to have more power to curb heritage listings. Do we think this is a good idea? Chris Bishop today confirmed the Government is revising the city's housing capacity number in its new plan and focusing more on building in the city and by transport hubs. Why do we think the Government had to back down?  Winston Peters copped some backlash over some comments that Labour and the Greens have dubbed 'racist'. Do we think this backlash is fair? Why do we think the Government hit pause on introducing four-year terms? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Well, finally Chris Bishop has done the right thing and made the u-turn on the two million new houses he had planned for Auckland. It’s not altogether a surprise that he did this and announced it this afternoon, because it’s been rumoured for months - for the obvious reason that it’s election year. Auckland is a key battleground. Aucklanders are obsessed with houses. Auckland voters who own their homes were already stressed about this plan, and if it turned into a full election issue with proper media coverage, even more of them would’ve become stressed. That would mean blue Auckland voters heading straight to New Zealand First, ACT or Labour. So it was a political problem for National and Bishop had to back down. But in reality, it’s not just politics, is it? It’s basic common sense. I think it’s reasonable for an Aucklander who has sunk one to two million dollars - maybe more, maybe a bit less, but still a lot of money - into their home to feel stressed at the idea of a multi‑storey apartment block popping up next door, blocking their view, blocking their light, ruining their privacy. Whatever it is. We mock these people as NIMBYs, but actually, I think it’s fair for them to want to protect the place they live in. Don’t you want to protect the place you live in? This battle, though, is far from won. Anyone looking at this and thinking, “That was a close call, thank God that’s over,” - it’s not over. All Bishop has done is reduce the number of new houses to the point that it shouldn’t impact on suburbs. But whether it does affect suburbs is a decision for Auckland Council, and that decision hasn’t been made yet. So while it should, on balance, be okay, nothing is certain until the Auckland maps are released. What this is, then, is one u-turn down, and one more to go. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 19 February, 2026, Chris Bishop on the Government's backdown on two million houses for Auckland. A relaxing of rules around serving alcohol at community and sports clubs. Why grocery tourism is becoming a popular pursuit for holidaymakers. And on the Huddle, Phil Goff and David Farrar lament the Government ditching a referendum on a four-year term. 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.

Auckland Airport says it's gaining momentum. It's reported a four percent increase in revenue in its half-yearly results.  The airport says that lift in revenue is being driven by a two percent increase in passenger numbers to 9.6 million. Chief Executive Carrie Hurihanganui says there's still more work to do - since numbers still haven't caught up to pre-pandemic levels.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington City Council wants local authorities to have more power to curb heritage listings when it comes to planning law reforms. The council’s submission asked for powers to strip buildings’ heritage listings to avoid paying compensation and to make granting heritage listings to be by consent only. Wellington deputy mayor Ben McNulty says there's been many cases that inspired this move, including when the Gordon Wilson flats had to be pulled out through legislation.  "We've got things like private homes that have the same heritage significance as Parliament House - that statistically zero percent of New Zealand will ever visit, cost double the insurance to maintain and you've got to get a resource consent if you want to re-roof or re-glaze."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a new travel trend that's taking the world by storm for 2026, and it's set to give local stores an extra boost. Over the last few months, 'grocery tourism' has seen foreigners exploring supermarkets on their travels and seeking out products they can't buy at home. Sarah Pollok from the NZ Herald says travellers are looking to cut costs and get an authentic look at the places they visit, and nothing quite matches that description like the weekly shop. "There's a bit of nostalgia there - there's old American candy or British products that they want to bring home. But then sometimes it's just the bizarre things that you'll find in other countries, like different flavours."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's speculation that US President Donald Trump is about to launch a major bombing campaign against Iran.  US aircraft have been moving towards the Middle East, and a Washington DC source has told international media there's a 90 percent chance of war in coming weeks. Waikato University's Al Gillespie says it's entirely possible, given Donald Trump's desire to show strength. But he says it could have major consequences.  "Everyone's thinking Venezuela - like, you cut the head off the snake, but here, it's a very big snake. If you removed the Ayatollah, you're likely to have problems with the Revolutionary Guard." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland's suburban, heritage, and green areas aren't guaranteed immunity from housing intensification.  The Government has revised the city's housing capacity number in a new plan - from just over 2 million, to 1.6 million, with more focus on the city and transport hubs.  It follows pushback from Aucklanders - particularly in National strongholds like Ōrākei, Mt Eden and Franklin. But Housing Minister Chris Bishop says it's ultimately up to the council where houses are built.    "If they wish to take growth out of the suburbs, then they can do that. The strong feedback coming through is that that's what they want to do." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.