Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Nearly half of Kiwis think equality has already been achieved.  And 1 in 3 young men think equality has gone too far. These results come from the National Council of Women of New Zealand's 2025 Gender Attitude Survey. Council President Dr Suzanne Manning says the views are outdated and entrenched. "What men see is being comfortable with the status quo, and all these rules that are put in could take their privileges away from them."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump has arrived in the UK for his much-anticipated state visit.  He's being welcomed by King Charles at Windsor Castle, and will also meet with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. UK correspondent Gavin Grey explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on the Huddle, political commentator and lawyer Liam Hehir 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! There's another case of a judge ordering police to give back a gang member's patch. Is there a loophole that needs fixing here? Rawiri Waititi made headlines after he only answered questions in te reo Māori in Parliament. What do we make of this? Should we make it easier for overseas born kids with Māori heritage to gain citizenship? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is looking to move forward with plans to change who is liable for defective building work, and it's raised questions about what this could mean going forward. For decades, all parties involved in a build have been jointly liable for problems, with local councils mostly picking up the tab. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christchurch-headquartered Brooksfield Homes is looking to bring a new style of townhouse to Auckland.  Reports claim the company's planned eight new Pt Chevalier homes on two sites, with a projected end valuation of $11.6 million. Brooksfield Homes managing director Vincent Holloway says a lot of people want to live in similar heritage properties found in Grey Lynn or Ponsonby - but prices keep many out of reach. "People are wanting that in a home, so we aim to do that in a smaller scale in a cheaper area, basically."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 17 September 2025, Oscar nominated Kiwi actress Keisha Castle-Hughes tells Heather why she wants Maori who are born overseas to have easier access to citizenship.   Singer Tiki Taane explains why he's taken his songs off global streaming platform Spotify. Royal historian and consultant to Netflix' "The Crown" Robert Lacey speaks to Heather about the pomp and circumstance being prepared for Donald Trump's big state visit at Windsor Castle. Plus, the Huddle debates whether the gang patch ban needs tightening after a second case of an empathetic judge handing a Mongrel Mob member his patch back. 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, Shanan Halbert from the Māori Party doesn't like the fact that Rawiri Waititi answered all his media questions about Takuta Ferris in te reo Māori. Now, if you haven't caught up on this, this is what happened yesterday when the Māori Party came face to face with the press gallery. It was the first time since Tākuta Ferris has doubled down and then tripled down for his anti-immigrant comments and then ignored his leader's orders to delete the video. And then the leaders started, by the looks of things, ignoring media requests for interviews. So yesterday, when the media finally had a chance to ask Rawiri about it for the first time, he refused to speak English and he would only answer in Māori, because he said it's te reo Māori week. And Shanan Halbert from the Labour Party didn't like it because he thinks that Rawiri is creating an "exclusive bunch" of Māori. Which is presumably Māori who can speak Māori, and that, by the looks of things, excludes him. Well, tough bickies. If Shanan doesn't want to feel left out, he should go and learn Māori like everyone else who's spending their Wednesday nights in Māori language classes. Look, just for the record, so before you think I'm now on Rawiri's side, I'm not. I don't like that Rawiri is doing this, because he's obviously weaponizing the language and hiding behind it to avoid answering tough questions, and then is pretending that he's doing it for some noble reason of celebrating Māori language week. That's not what he's doing. But set aside his childishness, he is entitled to speak Māori exclusively if he wants to. It is a national language and the man is fluent in it. If this was a multilingual European nation instead of predominantly monolingual New Zealand, this would not be a problem. I mean, to be fair, Rawiri probably wouldn't be able to do what he's doing because the press gallery would also be multilingual and would be able to understand what he's saying. But Shanan's complaint is a uniquely New Zealand complaint, isn't it? Which is - don't speak the language because I can't understand it. Again, tough bickies. It's really weird for me to hear this from a Labour Party MP, by the way. And I would encourage Shanan to take up some Māori language classes with his free time, which there is a lot of, because he's not doing a lot in opposition. And maybe if there is a silver lining in Rawiri being this juvenile, it is a gentle reminder to the rest of us that if we also don't want to feel like Shanan - left out - there are classes. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many of New Zealand's biggest musicians are boycotting Spotify and ditching the platform amid accusations of exploitation. Tiki Taane and The Bats are among the big names getting behind Boycott Spotify NZ and other Kiwi bands like Carb on Carb, Synthetic Children and Recitals have signed the statement calling for better treatment.  Taane has cited greed, corruption and investment in European defence technology company Helsing as some of the key reasons why he's walking away. "I love music, I love creating music, but I also have to take a stand against corruption, against greed, against war, against murder - the easiest thing for me to do to help support that is to take my music off the platform and cancel my subscription."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There could be more cases of judges handing back seized gang patches to gang members convicted of wearing them in public.  Law professor Al Gillespie says the law allows discretion for judge, and they'll use it.  This week, a judge ordered police give back a patch seized from a Lower Hutt gang member.  Police Minister Mark Mitchell calls the decision disappointing and confirmed police are appealing. But Gillespie says the judge was within his rights to make the decision.  "We could see more, I think that's quite possible. And if you do disagree with it, that's fine - but change the law." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actress Keisha Castle-Hughes is getting behind a push to change citizenship access for Māori born overseas.  The Waitangi Tribunal's considering a claim by Australian born John Ruddock, which calls the fact his children can't get citizenship, unconstitutional. Ruddock, who's descended from a Treaty of Waitangi signatory, has citizenship by descent.  Castle-Hughes she has given evidence, after she struggled to get citizenship for her own daughter. "Aotearoa is the only place that she can go to kura kaupapa, that she can go to kohanga reo, that she can participate in life as a tangata whenua in that capacity." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A security analyst's surprised the Chinese Embassy is taking such issue to one of its citizens being searched. It says a Chinese citizen was subject to an interrogation and harassment at a New Zealand airport - with their personal devices taken away. Foreign Minister Winston Peters says the embassy's statement is no risk to the NZ-China relationship. Security analyst John Battersby says there's some surface level tension on display. He says it does follow a threat environment report highlighting China, which it disputed. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New GDP figures are set to be unveiled tomorrow, and there's concerns from experts that the economy is struggling. The upcoming GDP data is projected to show an economy under pressure, as earlier forecasts of an incoming rebound look less and less likely. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the Finance Minister is trying to soften the blow and put things in perspective. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Charlie Kirk's murder accused allegedly told his roommate about the fatal shooting. 22-year-old Tyler Robinson is facing seven charges including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice and witness tampering. US prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. US correspondent Charles Feldman says Robinson exchanged a series of texts and left a note for his roommate reportedly confessing to the murder. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The return of Cam Roigard from a foot fracture headlines 13 players released by the All Blacks to NPC duty this weekend. Roigard hasn't played since the second test against France in Wellington in July. He'll come off the bench for Counties-Manukau as they face Auckland on Saturday in Pukekohe, with the visitors from the other side of the Bombays facing an injury crisis and delaying their official team naming. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump has landed in the UK for his second state visit. The US president and the first lady, Melania Trump, were greeted UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and royal representatives at Stansted Airport, before being transported to Windsor Castle to meet King and Queen. British historian and biographer Robert Lacey says Trump is expected to take part in a significant series of events over the next couple of days. "Donald Trump's mother was Scottish, he's got this sentimental fondness for the monarchy and Britain's using that, frankly, as part of our modern soft power." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump is set to make his second state visit to the UK, and he's due to arrive in a matter of hours. Trump is expected to visit Windsor Castle and Chequers, the Prime Minister’s country home. UK correspondent Enda Brady says the pressures on for Starmer to secure a better trade deal. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Kiwiblog's David Farrar and Ali Jones from Red PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  Māori Party president John Tamihere has backed up Tākuta Ferris, saying the substance of his controversial race comments is right.. and it's "wrong for other folk to politic in Maori seats". What do we make of this? A new poll shows more Kiwi voters are blaming the current state of the economy on the current coalition Government. Should they be worried about this? Do we care where our peaches come from?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Herrick from Southland Federated Farmers has raised concerns over Environment Southland’s 'heavy-handed' approach to compliance. Herrick says these standards are creating unprecedented stress and financial pressure for farmers. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's concern South Waikato's Tokoroa is facing another factory closure, with more than 100 jobs on the chopping block. Carter Holt Harvey is looking at closing its plywood manufacturing plant, the company has told staff. South Waikato mayor Gary Petley says he doesn't know all the details, but it's another blow for the region. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The influence of the New Zealand-made label appears to be decreasing as more consumers prioritise price.  Wattie's is ending some of its contracts with Hawke's Bay peach growers and says more people are choosing imported alternatives.  It says the demand for New Zealand-grown peaches has seen a steady decline in recent years. Consumer NZ Acting Head of Research and Advocacy Jessica Walker says less and less consumers are prioritising locally-sourced products. "At the same time, we're seeing concerns about price, cost of food and groceries ratchet up...more people are cutting back on fruit and veg altogether, so I'm not surprised." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

First of all, can I start by offering an apology to TVNZ? I gave them a bit of grief last night for starting the news bulletin with the peaches, but it turns out I was wrong and they were right. This has sparked a flurry of debate over whether we prefer our Wattie's peaches from Hawke's Bay or whether we don't really care if it comes from China or not.  It's also prompted a statement from Wattie's asking us to support local growers. In other words, can we please buy New Zealand made? Now, that is a very nice sentiment, but let's be honest, that's all it is. It is a sentiment and it's not going to work. I mean, this is me, this is not me being cavalier about how hard this must be for the Hawke's Bay peach growers who are losing their Wattie's contracts. For them, this must be absolutely devastating and I feel terrible for them. But this is me being realistic about the prospect of any 'Buy New Zealand Made' campaign working. Wattie's New Zealand peaches, according to Pak’nSave's online store, are $3.90 a can. Pam's cheap peaches are 99 cents a can. That's a no-brainer, you're gonna buy the 99 cent can. Who is buying the $3.90 can? Grey Lynn? That makes no sense whatsoever. I mean - look, maybe if I thought about it a little bit, which I don't, but if I did, maybe I would pay 10, 20 cents, 40 cents at a push, more for a New Zealand made product. But I would not pay four times as much, it's far too expensive. And I wouldn't even do it in the first place because buying New Zealand made never works, does it? It never has. If it did, we would still be wearing Bata Bullets and buying Juliet Hogan and eating Sanitarium peanut butter. We wouldn't be reading about the closure of manufacturing businesses every other month, which today, by the way, is the Carter Holt Harvey mill in Tokoroa. I do the shopping in our house 90 percent of the time and I don't even know the provenance of the food I'm buying. I do not know where the canned food comes from, I absolutely do not know where the dried goods come from. And often, I'm not even really looking where the fresh fruit comes from. Yep, I know where the meat comes from, but that's basically a given, isn't it? It's simple economics, it always will be. And even if Wattie's has this tiny little hope that there might be a last-minute public rally for the New Zealand grown peaches, I think they already know the outcome, which is why they've already cut the contracts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 16 September 2025, Labour leader Chris Hipkins on a new poll that shows just how many Kiwis are blaming the current Government for the state of the economy - and how many still blame Labour. Peachgate: Consumer's Jessica Walker says the cost of living has got so high that people can't afford to make buying NZ grown a priority. Adoption researcher Dr Barbara Sumner welcomes news that overseas adoptions have been stopped with immediate effect. Former Maori Party leader Te Ururoa Flavell weighs in on Takuta Ferris' anti-immigrant comments. Plus, the Huddle debates whether National should be worried about copping the lion's share of blame for the economy. 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 former Māori Party leader says he can't make sense of MP Tākuta Ferris' controversial race comments. Ferris posted a photo of Labour volunteers stating their ethnicities and wrote they were campaigning to take a Māori seat from Māori in the Tamaki Makaurau by-election. The party apologised, but Ferris stood by his comments in a second social media video.  Te Ururoa Flavell says the party has a history of inclusivity and explained many of their candidates in the general sense weren't Māori - being Pasifika, Chinese and Korean. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Hipkins says Kiwis are starting to see things are going backwards under the current Government.  The latest RNZ-Reid Research poll reveals more voters blame the coalition for the struggling economy, than the previous Labour Government. This is despite senior Cabinet Ministers claiming a financial mess was left behind by Labour. Hipkins says Labour will set out ways it could improve the economy, but right now the ball's in the Government's court. "We've got to get New Zealand investing in productive businesses, rather than just relying on the housing market going up in value in order to grow our economy."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ruapehu's mayor is hoping to reach out to investors to save the historic Chateau Tongariro. A petition with over 15,000 signatures was presented to MPs in Wellington today, as the chateau's future hangs in the balance. Weston Kirton says he wants the Government to break down the barriers preventing the building from getting fixed and provide a pathway for the future. "We know that there are investors out there who are prepared to put forward their money towards this. We're not talking about taxpayers funding this project, we're talking about getting a platform for investors."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Geordie Beamish has won the 3000 metres steeplechase at the world championships in Tokyo, making history in New Zealand track.  He's the first Kiwi to secure a running victory in the 42-year history of the meet. Athletics NZ chief executive Cam Mitchell was present at the race - and says he believed Beamish had it in him.  "It was a pretty special night, it was amazing to be there." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealanders will no longer be able to look to adopt children from overseas and bring them home from this week.  The Government's Adoption Amendment Bill's been introduced under urgency, and will suspend recognition of unsafe international adoptions to prevent harm.  It also restricts the Family Court from granting adoptions where the adoptive parent or child are overseas. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacks the bill - and reveals why the changes are the way to go. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia and Papua New Guinea will agree to defend each other in the event of a military attack as part of a new defence agreement set to be signed. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is currently in Papua New Guinea to commemorate the country's independence anniversary. Australian correspondent Sam Emery says the defence agreement is designed to protect both nations from security threats, which remain a consistent concern. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's division among Aucklanders over whether more events should take place at Eden Park. The Government's set to review the current regulations impacting the stadium, including the number of concerts taking place and their duration.  Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave weighs in on the debate - and what incoming changes could mean for the future of New Zealand sport. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's growing pleas for broader changes to adoption laws before an international ban lifts.  The Government's looking to suspend some international adoptions until 2027 while it works on new adoption laws due to safety and child abuse concerns. Adoption researcher Dr Barbara Sumner says other legislation also needs changing, noting overseas adoptees switch to the 1955 Adoption Act on arrival. "There are no guarantees that any adoptive home is safe. No checks, no balances - because once you're under the 55 Act, it's not welfare." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The prime suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann has refused to be interviewed by Scotland Yard detectives before his release. Christian Brueckner, a convicted rapist, is set to get out of prison in his native Germany this week and could be allowed to leave the country with no restrictions. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says Brueckner has refused to reveal why he's not taking part in this. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New data suggests New Zealand's economic turmoil is far from over. New economic data from Stats NZ prompted BNZ to increase its estimate of the size of the contraction in the economy in the three months to the end of June. Harbour Asset Management expert Shane Solly explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new service has been launched that's designed to show mobile network outages in real time. The service builds on the Hourua partnership between Spark and One NZ, and experts believe it'll be helpful for operations taking place during natural emergencies, such as cyclones. One NZ CEO Jason Paris says this development means services will be able to be restored during emergencies much quicker. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nicola Willis has responded to protesters chained to the outside of her Johnsonville electorate office. The group of Christian leaders want an urgent timeline from the Government for implementing sanctions against Israel over the war in Gaza. They're praying and fasting - and say they're prepared to stay overnight. Willis says she supports the right to protest, however they're getting in the way of people who want to get help from her office. She says security have been engaged by Parliamentary Services, and security have been engaging with the police. Five clergy were trespassed from Simeon Brown's Pakuranga electorate office earlier today. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 15 September 2025, Health NZ is backtracking its 24/7 visitor policy after a huge backlash. Al Dietschin from the nurses union is welcoming the review. Looks like Eden Park could start to host even more events in the future. The Government has launched a review into the current consenting rules. Anglican Vicar Mel McKenzie explains why she has chained herself to Nicola Willis' electorate office. Plus, the Huddle debates whether coach or captain should be blamed for the All Blacks' miserable loss. 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.

Are we sure that Scott Barrett should be the captain? This is the thing that I've been thinking about for the last two weeks watching the games, it's what struck me when I watched the game at Eden Park and the ceremony for Ardie Savea's 100 tests, and the fact that the team clearly rallied not only to defend the fortress, which I think was predominantly what they were rallying for, but also they rallied to give Ardie Savea a fitting win. Watching that happen and watching the ceremony afterwards and clearly seeing the love that the team had for him, did you not think it at any point during that - I wonder if that man should actually be the captain? And then this week, I saw the press conference with Razor and Scott Barrett sitting next to him, and I had the same thought, but the mirror of it, which was - should that man really be the captain? It just didn’t feel the same, you know what I mean.  And this is nothing against Scott Barrett, who clearly comes from a lovely family and seems like a fun guy. But I can't understand Razor’s commitment to him. There should be no question about a captain's selection, right? There was no question that Richie McCaw would be the one named at #7. There was no question that Kieran Read would be the one named at #8. But is Scott as convincing? Are you sure he's going to be the one named in his position? Are you sure that his discipline is good enough to warrant being the captain, or are there too many red cards and too many yellow cards week in, week out that suggest that maybe when he's under pressure, he just crumbles a little bit? Is he the right leader on field when the team starts falling behind? Given the fact that his record as a captain has largely been with the formidable Crusaders, has he actually had enough losses and enough knocks in his career to know what to do when your team is on the underside and absolutely on track to lose the game, and you need to turn it around, you need to get a win under your belt? Because is that actually what happened, what went wrong on Saturday night? When they started losing, and you saw it on the field, they just all gave up at a point. Did they all give up because their captain had given up? Now, there is an argument that the coaches should come under scrutiny first before the captain, and maybe that is the correct order of things. And frankly, I don't know enough about the assistant coaches to really have an opinion one way or the other. But I think when it comes to the captain, many of us have already come to the right conclusion and the same conclusion here, which is that they may have the wrong captain. 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!  What do we make of Health NZ's new proposed 24/7 visitor policy? No one seems to be a fan of it - is it a terrible idea?  The All Blacks got thoroughly trounced over the weekend and suffered a historic defeat to the Springboks in Wellington. Are some new changes needed? Does the team need a new captain - or new coach? The Government has launched an inquiry into Eden Park - and whether current rules are holding the venue back from reaching its full potential. Do we think this is the way to go? Can we do anything about the e-scooters? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More events across the board could be coming to Auckland's Eden Park. RMA Minister Chris Bishop will lead an investigation into local rules impacting the number of concerts and sporting events that can be held and curfews impacting how long they can run for.   Currently, only 12 music events and 25 night-time sports fixtures can be held each year, while conferences can't have more than 2000 people.   Tourism Minister Louise Upston says Eden Park should have the flexibility to host any large-scale event that boosts the economy. "Whether it's an add on to a convention that we're hosting at the NZICC for 3,000 people and they want to do a dinner offsite and Eden Park makes sense - we want to be able to just get on." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A group of Christian leaders who have chained themselves to Nicola Willis' Johnsonville electorate office are vowing to stay there overnight. They want an urgent timeline from the Government for implementing sanctions against Israel over the war in Gaza. Reverend Mel McKenzie says they're fasting in solidarity with the people of Palestine. "We're just so focused on the suffering that's happening in Gaza and we're doing what Anglican and Catholic priests do - which is to pray and fast." Nicola Willis says she supports the right to peaceful protest - but adds their presence is blocking the public's access to her office and its staff members who would otherwise be able to provide help to the community. Five clergy were trespassed from Simeon Brown's Pakuranga electorate office earlier today. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Relief from the nurses union over Health New Zealand's decision to review a hospital visitor hours expansion.  The agency was intending to introduce a policy allowing nominated family members to support patients in hospital 24/7, outside visiting hours. It will now review this following feedback.  Healthcare Assistant and Nurses Organisation delegate Al Dietschin says there are no restrictive policies around family support currently.  "While it's good to have family support, we shouldn't be doing it at the expense of a shortage of HCAs." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's running its eyes over rules for big events at Eden Park - hoping to attract more money to Auckland.  Prime Minister Chris Luxon says the Government will investigate changing the rules if they hinder economic growth. Currently, only 12 music events and 25 night-time sports fixtures can be held each year, while conferences can't have more than 2000 people.   Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says it's likely the Government will move ahead with these changes. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian Government is set to pour $12 billion into a submarine and naval shipbuilding facility in Western Australia in a bid to speed up the delivery of AUKUS. The Trump administration has been pressuring Australia to boost defence spending as the Pentagon reviews the AUKUS deal. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is due to meet US officials in New York in the coming days to discuss this further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi rugby fans are speculating about what's changed after the All Blacks got trounced in their second test against South Africa. The 43-10 result in Wellington marks the side's highest margin of defeat - a week after extending their undefeated run at Eden Park to 51 matches. Sportstalk host Jason Pine speculates further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACC claims for e-scooter injuries have almost doubled since 2020, with the number expected to continue increasing. They cost taxpayers almost $14.5 million in 2024 - while $10.3 million has been paid out so far this year. Christchurch is leading the pack in scooter injuries, with over 400 claims lodged so far in 2025. Flamingo co-founder Jacksen Love has blamed a lack of proper regulations, but he's hoping new policy changes will improve things. "We welcome the recent Government announcement that e-scooters will soon be able to operate in bike lanes - I think it's a really positive step." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 12 September 2025, the big protest across the Harbour Bridge in Auckland has been called off because of high winds. Relieving Waitemata District Commander Stefan Sagar tells Heather why police were going to let the protest happen, even though NZTA said no. Have secondary teachers lost their room with a whole week of strike action next week? PPTA president Chris Abercrombie defends the strike. There's angst in Wellington because people might soon start exploring for gold near the ecosanctuary of Zealandia. Travis Mackay is the only person who has been granted permission so far - he says it's all a storm in a teacup. Plus, the Sports Huddle disagrees on whether the All Blacks can make it 2/2 against South Africa and who is to blame for the netball debacle this week? 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.

Weather aside, I actually think police did do the right thing saying yes to that march taking place across the harbour Bridge, which will now not take place tomorrow but at a later date. My biggest problem with it would be that it would set a precedent, but it's actually not setting a precedent because the precedent was probably already set last year by the anti-Treaty principles Hikoi, which happened in November. And now as a result, we are dealing with the predictable problem of letting one protest walk across, which means that we have to let every major protest walk across if they want to. So here we find ourselves. But I do think, having said all of that, I do think it is the right thing to do because what it is doing is allowing a controlled protest to take place that will achieve what the protest organizers want, which is big publicity to draw attention to what's happening in Gaza. Now, a protest across the harbour bridge is surely a better outcome than protesters finding other ways to get the same kind of publicity. I mean, this week in Spain, look what's happened. The protesters disrupted the Grand Tour so many times that there is now talk that the race may be abandoned before the final leg is finished on Sunday. I would much rather just have a march across the harbour Bridge. A lawyer in Auckland has just been convicted for vandalizing politicians’ electorate offices with red paint, including Christopher Luxon's. I would rather that she just put down her paint and went for a march across the harbour Bridge. In a way, the real precedent actually has been set by Sydney where they allowed the protesters to cross their harbour Bridge in August. Now, really, put yourself in the position of the police. How could they say no when it had already happened in Sydney? So I know whenever this finally does happen, it's not going to be popular. Disruptions never are popular, but all things considered, with the available options, I think it was the right thing to do.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following the resignation of former Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, candidates have begun stepping forward to take his place.  In the running is Shinjirō Koizumi, son of a former Prime Minister and the current agricultural minister and Takaichi Senai, who aims to become Japan’s first female Prime Minister.  Asia business correspondent Peter Lewis told Heather duPlessis-Allan that this election could ‘break the mould’ of exclusively elderly men running for the position of Prime Minister.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The second All Blacks Springboks game tomorrow night's happening in Wellington.  The All Blacks have made 6 changes to the starting side after their 24-17 win last weekend and South Africa have made 7 changes.  Former Springbok and Supersport Journalist Hanyani Shimange told Heather duPlessis-Allan that the team is confident heading in to Wellington.   ‘You guys got us at Eden Park, the record stands, but we're confident for tomorrow.’  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on the Huddle: Rugby commentator Jeff McTainsh and sports journalist Nikki Styris join Heather duPlessis-Allan to discuss the latest sports news.  Can the All Blacks beat the Sprinboks a second time round? Will the Warriors survive against the Panthers? and what's happening next in the Netball coach shuffle?  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Wellington company wants to prospect for gold near a nature reserve. A local family has applied for permits to explore for gold and other minerals directly next door to Zealandia eco-sanctuary.  Quicksand Limited Director Travis Mackay says they've got a permit for panning at the moment.  He says they're exploring non-destructive, non-toxic methods.  Mackay says they don't want people coming to the area thinking they can do heavier riskier operations.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.