Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

More evidence of an improving economy, based on the amount of freight hitting our roads. Freight company Freightways is reporting a 17 percent rise in half-year profit. Chief executive Mark Troughear says they're starting to see optimism return, slowly and steadily. "It's a good result, and that's a bit of market share gains - Australia is going really well for us. But in New Zealand, you're just starting to see customers trade a little bit up on what they did last year." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A student representative says Otago University is being proactive around student safety during orientation week. A jam-packed calendar events kicks off in Dunedin today - including the famous toga party, DJs, movie nights, and an international food festival.  Students' Association President, Daniel Leamy, says students should have fun in a safe way - and with so many people out and about, look after their friends. "There's 20,000-odd students down here in Dunedin now, for the vast majority, students are well-behaved." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's issued a list of demands for the Government before it will sign up to the Free Trade Agreement with India. Chris Hipkins says the FTA needs stronger safeguards against exploiting migrants. He wants the full official advice on the deal released to Labour. He says the Party's particularly concerned around the expectation Kiwi businesses will invest $33 billion in India over 15 years. "I think it's almost entirely impossible, and that's why I'm surprised that they're trying to sign us up to that. To put that into context, I think that over the last 25 years, less than $1 billion NZD has been invested in India." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland's Eden Park stadium's been picked as the host for New Zealand's first ever State of Origin game. The Government's also announced new rules kicking in from April, allowing night-time sport on any day, as long as games wrap up by 10.30pm. The new rules will also boost the number of concerts allowed without the need for resource consent - up from 12 to 32. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained the changes further - and discussed what this could do for Auckland's economy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Australia, protest laws could be in for a significant overhaul. Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit to Sydney last week inspired protests, which led to people getting into public altercations with police. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says police could get more powers over whether certain events go ahead - but this has inspired concerns from some. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Zealand SailGP team have broken their silence on the crash that broke grinder Louis Sinclair's legs. Sinclair is in hospital, recovering from the horror smash with the French syndicate. Sportstalk host Jason Pine weighed in on the safety debate. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Airbnb rates in Christchurch have fallen for the first time in five years, as hosts flood the market before the new stadium opens. The Press reports average short-term rental income dropped to $105 a night last year - down $2 annually. Construction market analyst Mike Blackburn says multi-unit builds are dominating the city, with some apartments just 39 square metres with no carpark. "These are units that are part of 20 or 30 units in a block, and they're specifically being built and being marketed and sold as Airbnb units." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday 13 February. 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.

Immigration Minister Erica Stanford joins Heather to discuss the Golden Visa update. 573 applications have been received since changes were made to the Active Investor Plus visa in April. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sail GP is hitting Auckland this weekend. A thunderstorm has forced changes to the racing schedule. Co-CEO and Wing Trimmer of the Black Foils Blair TukejoinsHeather to discuss. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian Liberals have ousted leader Sussan Levy. Angus Taylor has been voted in with a 34 to 17 vote. Taylor had announced he would challenge her for leadership of the opposition on Wednesday, ending months of speculation. Nine News Chief political editor Charles Croucher joins Heather to discuss. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a major bust in pokie fraud, 23 people face more than 500 charges accused of obtaining millions of dollars in grants. A Department of Internal Affairs probe found six charities and incorporated societies obtained $3.2 million for personal gain. Gaming Machine Association of New Zealand spokesperson Peter Dengate-Thrush joins Heather to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An investment company boss predicts New Zealanders will have to work into their 70’s for the country to afford superannuation. Milford's Blair Turnbull says it's inevitable the age for super will rise - and be means tested. Koura Wealth Managing Director Rupert Carlyon joins Heather to discuss whether it should be government or personal responsibility to make sure you have enough for retirement. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Minister Karen Chhour has confirmed she’s asked officials for a formal explanation over cultural leave being offered to Māori public servants. Senior political correspondentBarry Soper joins Heather todiscuss. Plus, it's been revealed Winston Peters did not ask for advice surrounding the new Reserve Bank Governor involving herself in US politics, despite suggesting she ask for advice. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A trial date has been set for Donald Trump’s multi-billion-dollar lawsuit against the BBC. The date comes after a Florida judge rejected the BBC’s application to delay the process of discovery in the case. Trump is suing the BBC for defamation. Plus, the Trump administration has erased the government’s power to fight climate change. And, multiple gloves have been discovered in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson joins Heather to share the updates. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sail GP returns to Auckland’s harbours this weekend. Jason Pine joins Heather to discuss whether the Black Foils will make it onto the water. Plus, should any upsets be expected in Super Rugby Round One? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Global Day of Action for Iran is set for Saturday February 14. Tens of thousands have been killed in anti-regime demonstrations in Iran, and activists say all they want is democracy. Barrister, solicitor, and Iranian New Zealander Samira Taghavi joins Heather to discuss what is being done in New Zealand to mark the day. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let's talk about superannuation – which I’ve noticed we are doing more and more frequently and which I think will probably become even more frequent as our population gets older over the next few years. It's come up again because the boss of Milford Investments has given a speech warning that this talk of taking the pension age from 65 to 67 is simply not enough. And realistically, we have to lift it from 65 to 72 or maybe 73. Apparently, we aren't taking the unaffordability of superannuation seriously enough, which actually I do agree with, the latter part, that we're not taking it seriously enough. About 60 years ago, we used to have eight workers supporting one pensioner. Today, we've got half of that, four workers supporting every one pensioner. By the time I'm claiming my pension, it's going to be two workers supporting every pensioner. That is completely unaffordable. It will not work. We will not be able to do it. My prediction is that we are not going to take this seriously until we see the government starting to take this seriously because unfortunately, they are the ones who have to lead here. They need to start leading by example. If they want us to save money by giving up years of our pension, which is what the National Party will likely campaign on, then I'd like to start to see them starting to save money as well. No more throwing money at the Sunny Kaushal’s of this world-or to, in my opinion, silence possible criticism. No more giving billions to Shane Jones to blow on businesses that can't stand on their own two feet without government funding. No more giving students a year of free tertiary education to buy votes. When they start taking the so-called silver tsunami seriously, so will the rest of us, I suspect. It's called compromise. Until then, the pension remains the way that hardworking taxpayers who don't get all that other free government money, get back some free government money. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

King Charles has stated Buckingham Palace is ready to support the police as they look into allegations concerning Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Thames Valley Police confirmed it is assessing whether there are grounds to investigate Mountbatten-Windsor for suspected misconduct following the latest Epstein files release.  UK correspondent Enda Brady says Charles is getting heckled everywhere he goes - and it's clear the royals are rattled by this. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new survey shows a significant percentage of Kiwi kids no longer hope to be All Blacks when they grow up. Charity Variety released a new survey showing that more kids hope to be footballers - overtaking rugby stars, game developers or police officers. Former All White Harry Ngata says it's 'absolutely fantastic' to see that more kids are seeing this as a pathway. "When we talk about football being a true community game, we're definitely seeing that in some of those stats that New Zealand football released a couple of weeks ago. So the trajectory is very positive."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federated Farmers is calling on the Government to scrap any form of 'water tax' from the proposed RMA replacement bill. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has ruled out this tax, despite it being mentioned in  the proposed Resource Management legislation.  The Country's Jamie Mackay recapped the situation further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Thomas Scrimgeour from the Maxim Institute and broadcaster Mark Sainsbury joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! There's growing calls to regulate blind cords following a toddler's unfortunate death. The Government has ruled out establishing new rules around this - do we agree? Are more safety regulations needed?  RMA Minister Chris Bishop has confirmed the Government will not be implementing a 'water tax' following outrage from Federated Farmers. Do we think this is the right move?  NZ First's Winston Peters is now campaigning on a referendum on abolishing the Māori seats in Parliament. Do we think this will get votes?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 12 February, 2026, farmers are worried about a water tax - we hear from the Minister Responsible for RMA Reform. Winston Peters explains his push for a referendum on the Māori seats. A survey of children finds their main goal is to be a professional football player - not an All Black. And on the Huddle with Thomas Scrimgeour and Mark Sainsbury we discuss calls for safety regulations on blind cords after a toddler's death. 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.

Right, so in the space of less than a day, a coroner has called for regulations to make corded blinds safe for toddlers, and the family of a little girl who died in one of these blinds has backed that call - and then the Government has said no, there will be no regulation. The whole thing has happened in less than a day. This, by the way - if you don't know what I'm talking about - is a parent's worst nightmare, isn’t it? It’s the idea that something in the house, something seemingly innocuous, kills your child. Corded blinds are the ones with the loopy cord - the one with the little beads on it. Sometimes what happens is the kids get themselves stuck in it, and they can’t get themselves out. The thought of that happening freaks me out. So much so that I’ve already gone around adding cleats to the windows to make the blinds safe, and after hearing the coroner’s report today, I’ve double-checked every blind just to be sure again. I cannot imagine how awful this tragedy is for this family, and I do realise they have the best intentions, they genuinely want to stop this from happening to another family as it has to theirs. But I think the Government has actually come down on the right side of this, because, as we discuss so often on this show, it is just too easy to write a new rule without realising what unintended consequences it may have for years - potentially decades - before some other Government finally repeals it. Like the well-meaning rules around apple trees in early childhood centres that caused all kinds of headaches. Actually, I would argue that safety is something parents shouldn’t be outsourcing to rules. Blinds are not the only things in your house that can hurt your toddler. Heavy furniture that’s at risk of falling over should be bracketed back so it doesn’t fall on the kids. Pools should be fenced off for obvious reasons. Knife drawers should be locked for obvious reasons. Hard edges should have soft covers put on them. You can go online and find a list of the things you should do - there are plenty of these lists out there - and then you can go through every single one and make your house safer, which you should do. You can buy cleats to fix the blind cords to the wall, and you should. So the fix is out there. The knowledge is out there in the information age. Do you still need a rule? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Government regulations and the sky aren't the limit for Rocket Lab, with the rocket launch cap multiplied by 10 to 1000. A review of space-launch-debris-regulations judged the environmental risk to be low. New Zealand comes third in the world - for frequency of orbital rocket launches. Rocket Lab's vice-president of communications, Morgan Connaughton says this bump is needed. She says Rocket Lab's already reached 81 launches. "Back when Rocket Lab started launching, 100 seemed like a fantasy. And then here we are, not all that much longer later, and our team is planning celebrations for the 100th launch already."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An industry expert says it's not practical to regulate blind cords.  A coroner's released a report on the death of three-year-old Tilly Cambie in 2023, after a cord tangled around her neck. She's one of several children to die that way since 2009.  They recommend mandatory blind standards - which the Government's ruled out.  Window Treatments chief executive Graeme Rose says blanket regulations wouldn't suit every household. "You can imagine someone installing a blind in a kitchen window with a bench in front of it, and an elderly person trying to operate that blind from an angle having a very short cord."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Electrofishing technology is being utilised to keep Auckland's Western Springs Lake pest-free. Electrocurrents are being used to stun pest fish and turtles so they can be scooped up, brought to land and killed, with no native species being harmed in the process. Auckland Council senior freshwater ecologist Matthew Bloxham says too many people are getting rid of their old pets when they become inconvenient - with many dumping them in Western Springs. "These things become enormous and they're incredibly fecund animals, they're breeding machines. We call them habitat modifiers...what we're trying to do at Western Springs is give the natives a chance."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington's mayor says questions can come later on who'll pay to fix the failed Moa Point wastewater treatment plant. The facility's failed catastrophically and wastewater's still flowing into the ocean - with no end in sight. Work's continuing at the site to lets teams assess what's gone wrong. Andrew Little says regional Wellington mayors have been quick to comment on whether they'll help pay. But he says those decisions haven't been made. "At the end of the day, Moa Point plant belongs to Wellington City Council - it's our responsibility. We need to get it fixed and up and running, we don't want to quibble about who's paying."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has categorically ruled out implementing a 'water tax' that's mentioned in the proposed Resource Management legislation.  Federated Farmers today asked the Government to remove clauses they say give Ministers sweeping powers to tax water as a tool for managing demand.  Bishop says it's not that simple, and it's not a policy the current Government is proposing. "There's a provision in there to allow it to be turned on into the future, if the Government did policy work around that, and I can tell you that we're not doing a policy work on our water tax." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our newsroom can reveal Parliament's Speaker's been filing incorrect property declarations for the past two decades.  Gerry Brownlee last year amended 15 of his 19 pecuniary interests declarations, dating to 2005.  But some changes still appear to be incorrect.  The inconsistencies stemmed from failing to declare a property entirely - and even declaring one he didn't own. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained further, and revealed whether Kiwis should be concerned. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian opposition leader Sussan Ley is facing additional leadership challenges after Angus Taylor resigned from the party's front bench. Reports claim Taylor's supporters have requested a special party room meeting to consider a so-called spill motion, meaning the party's leadership is up for contest. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the Liberal Party is seeing a significant drop in the polls, and Ley's popularity is on the decline. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lofty goals for the All Whites at this year's World Cup. New Zealand Football has confirmed a warm-up fixture against fourth-ranked England, nine days before their opening pool game against Iran. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Peters won't say if a referendum on abolishing the Māori seats would be a post-election negotiations sticking point. He's announced the NZ First policy today - reigniting its 2017 campaign, which didn't make it into the coalition agreement with Labour that year. Peters says things could be different this election.  "No use saying it's the bottom line if they don't give you the tools - how can it be a bottom line? If you walk in here with not enough votes, you're not going to be able to get there." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Morris Williamson, Auckland councillor and former National Party minister, and Jack Tame, host of Saturday mornings and Q&A, joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  Nicola Willis announced a surprise inquiry into the Reserve Bank's actions during Covid with questions arising over the timing.  And, Winston Peters visits Saudi Arabia and sits ringside at Joseph Parker's fight.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tell you what—I'm not feeling terribly hopeful about the situation for vulnerable kids in this country after reading the coroner’s recommendations following the death of Malachi Subecz. You’ll remember the case of Malachi. I’m not going to go through the details again; sufficient to say it happened about four and a half, nearly five years ago, and it fired up public anger because of the number of times his wider family tried to warn authorities that something was going to happen—and yet he was not protected. One of the recommendations the coroner has made today in her report is that Oranga Tamariki—OT, formerly CYFS—run a public awareness campaign to help people identify possible signs of abuse and understand how to take action. To be fair to her, that idea isn’t new. It came from an earlier review. She’s simply pointing out that it still hasn’t happened, and is reiterating that the campaign should go ahead. But really? Is that what we need in this country—a public campaign to tell us what child abuse looks like? I think we all know what child abuse looks like. I struggle to believe that there are people who do not know that breaking a child’s bone is abuse. So isn’t this just the kind of thing well-meaning people suggest to make themselves feel like they’re doing something, when really it changes nothing—because maybe there’s very little you actually can do? The problem in Malachi’s case wasn’t that people didn’t know what child abuse looked like. People did see the abuse. They absolutely recognised it as abuse. And they went to OT and said, “Hey, Malachi is being abused. Here’s the proof.” By my count, they did that about five times—if not more. And OT didn’t stop it. That is the problem. And it’s the problem in so many of these tragic cases. When a child dies, we often discover afterwards that OT already knew the family—and yet the child ended up dead anyway. The problem isn’t that you and I don’t know what child abuse looks like. We do. The problem is that the agency responsible for stopping it apparently doesn’t know what child abuse looks like—or at least doesn’t act when it sees it. Never mind a public campaign. Fix that fundamental problem at Oranga Tamariki, and you might actually save a lot of lives. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A memoir has been written by shamed business titan Ron Brierley who was imprisoned and lost his knighthood after his conviction for possession of child sex abuse material in 2021.  The book, titled The History of Brierley Investments Ltd - Not As Boring As You Think, is being published by Henry Newrick. Newrick defended his decision to publish the book saying, "he's perfectly entitled, anybody's entitled to, write about whatever they want to write about." He told Heather du Plessis-Allan, "I did it on a matter of principle, and also because I found the subject interesting." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 11 February, 2026, Nicola Willis tells us why the Government's now decided to do an inquiry into Reserve Bank actions during Covid-19. We ask the Safeguarding Children chief executive if an abuse awareness campaign is likely to be effective in the wake of the murder of five-year-old Malachi Subecz. The publisher of a new book on Ron Brierley explains why he thinks people need to hear the disgraced businessman's story. And on the Huddle, Jack Tame and Maurice Williamson on whether they'd sample a michelada - beer with tomato juice. 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.

An independent external review of the Teaching Council was carried out by consultant Debbie Francis late last year. It has found that the agency has lost focus on its core function of safeguarding children and needs transformative change. CEO Lesley Hoskin is on agreed leave pending the outcome of an independent investigation into her conduct. The report identified multiple issues in the operations of the council. Education minister Erica Stanford told Heather du Plessis-Allan, "those two things together are a recipe for disaster: we think that we're a friend to the profession, and we're not hiring people who are actually have any experience." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malachi Rain Subecz was 5 years old when he was murdered by his caregiver, Michaela Barriball, who is now serving a life sentence with a minimum non-parole period of 17 years. Coroner Janet Anderson has now made several recommendations including the development and implementation of an awareness campaign to encourage the identification and reporting of suspected child abuse.  Safeguarding Children CEO Willow Duffy told Heather du Plessis-Allan, "I think a very well designed public health campaign would be excellent, but it cannot just be done on its own. "It needs to be supported by many other factors that we know work to make a public health campaign successful." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US correspondent Dan Mitchinson joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to chat about today's biggest news in the USA.  Congress is seeing a mass exodus with 51 House members and nine senators choosing to not stand for re-election this year.  Mitchinson said the departures have been partially attributed to a 'toxic partisan atmosphere'. They also spoke about the news that one person has been detained over kidnapping of TV anchor, Savannah Guthrie's, mother Nancy Guthrie.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis announced a surprise inquiry into the actions of the Reserve Bank during the Covid-19 pandemic with a stated purpose to identify any lessons that could be learned to improve the monetary policy response to future major events. Adrian Orr was the Reserve Bank governor from 2018 until his resignation last year.  Former Reserve Bank governor Michael Reddell welcomes the inquiry but believes the actions of the Reserve Bank were not malicious. "It wasn't political, it wasn't intentioned to generate high inflation. It was just badly misreading the economy," he told Heather du Plessis-Allan. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister of the UK is fighting for political survival - after fallout over his appointing a controversial Ambassador to the US.  Peter Mandelson's been sacked after his relationship with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein came to light, but it's thrown Keir Starmer's leadership into uncertainty.  UK correspondent Enda Brady revealed what this news could mean for Starmer's political future, or what this could mean for Labour ahead of the next UK election. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi shearer Rowland Smith has advanced to one of the nation's biggest competitions. He just made the Shearing Sports New Zealand team for the 2026 Golden Shears World Shearing and Woolhandling Championships. The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Anti-Corruption Taskforce's first report suggests public sector fraud is almost certainly under-reported. It analysed six agencies - including Corrections, Inland Revenue and Sport New Zealand. The Serious Fraud Office-led taskforce found 446 suspected cases of internal fraud or corruption, over 15 months.  Transparency International NZ executive director Julie Haggie says this is a 'significant' report highlighting many internal issues.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union and Ali Jones from Red PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  The Government is imposing a levy to help pay for an import liquefied natural gas facility, which it says will save households $50 a year on power bills. Do we think the 'extra tax' accusations are fair? What will Labour do with this?  Trade Minister Todd McClay confirmed Winston Peters was right about the India FTA not letting us  specifically cap Indian student visas. How concerning is this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Look, I hate to say it, but it’s starting to sound like Winston Peters was right about that India Free Trade Agreement, and that the Government is not being straight up with us about what’s in the document. It appears the agreement does stop us from being able to cap the number of Indian students who come here. Now, that’s not the end of the world, given there actually isn’t a cap on them at the moment - or, frankly, on students of any nationality. The Government also always retains the ability to cap all students by tweaking visa settings. What this trade agreement prevents them from doing, by the looks of things, is specifically targeting Indian students and putting a cap on them alone. But the issue is that Indian students have historically been a particularly tricky area, given previous problems with dodgy schemes sending students here without the required level of funds - or with other issues - and they end up becoming our problem to deal with. Depending on where you sit on this, that might really upset you. You might hate that. Or you might simply see it as the give‑and‑take of free‑trade negotiations - a price we pay to gain access to the huge Indian market we now have. The trouble is, instead of having that debate, we’re now on track to have a debate about whether the Government is hiding things from voters. It’s becoming increasingly clear that they are withholding something, judging by the way the Trade Minister ducks and dives when asked about this. And I don’t know about you, but in an age of online conspiracy theories, declining trust in politicians, and shrinking confidence in institutions, I’m not sure this is a smart strategy for the Government - especially in an election year. Sure, either way, the Government was going to face a gnarly debate. But surely it’s better to debate whether we should trade uncapped student access for access to the Indian market, rather than debate the Government’s integrity itself. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Energy Minister is clearing up some misconceptions after yesterday's newly announced LNG import facility sparked backlash. The Government yesterday announced plans for the storage site in order to maintain energy supply, and a levy will be used to fund infrastructure costs. Simon Watts says the Huntly Power Station isn't cutting it anymore and New Zealand needs more gas. "We need gas and we need those molecules, and that's the problem we're facing. And importation will allow us to get that gas."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 10 February, 2026, Todd McClay on the student controversy surrounding the India free trade agreement. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith on why a retail crime advisory group's been disbanded months earlier than intended. We hear about plans for a gold mining operation in the West Coast town of Reefton. And on The Huddle, Jordan Williams and Ali Jones try to make sense of a levy for an LNG import facility - or is it a tax? 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.

A potential insurance policy for those who can't move away from gas for energy, as the Government charges ahead with its plans for an importing facility.  The terminal will be housed in Taranaki - with the Government aiming to have a build contract locked down mid-year. It's imposing a levy to help pay for an import liquefied natural gas facility, which it says will save households $50 a year on power bills. Mercury Chief Executive Stew Hamilton says New Zealand is running out of gas, faster than expected. "We need to encourage consumers and households to get off gas, but not all forms of businesses, for example, can get off gas. So we need to come up with other forms of energy for them."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two of Wellington’s major foodie events are among those receiving fresh support from the Government’s Major Events and Tourism Package. The funding round covers events across sports, food, culture and innovation. Wellington On a Plate and Beervana are set for a boost - alongside Tauranga’s AIMS Games, Nelson’s arts festival and New Plymouth’s Winter Fest. Wellington Culinary Events Trust general manager Penny de Borst says the funding will be used for talent attraction and marketing. "We're bringing in some international chefs and that's an opportunity for our local hospitality community to learn from these chefs - and also for them to get New Zealand products into their hands." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.