Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Netball New Zealand will dip into its own pocket to keep the ANZ Premiership afloat next year. A one-season broadcast deal with TVNZ was recently confirmed, with the 2026 ANZ Premiership being exclusively free-to-air. Chief executive Jennie Wyllie has not revealed whether players will take a pay cut, but says the governing body must invest. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After many years on Sky, the ANZ Premiership is set to return to TVNZ for the 2026 season. A one-season broadcast deal has officially been confirmed, with the competition to remain in the current two-round format. Sports, Events and Partnerships Head at TVNZ, Melodie Robinson, says this is good news - as there's still a massive fanbase for netball. "We're really excited that all of the ANZ championship's going to be with us next year." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer caught up with President Donald Trump during the US leader's trip to Scotland, with experts claiming Trump dominated the exchange. Trump reportedly expressed concerns about the region's wind farms, weighed in on London's 'terrible' mayor, and offered Keir Starmer political advice ahead of the next election. UK correspondent Enda Brady unpacked the exchange further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, CTU economist Craig Renney and Jordan Williams of the Taxpayers' Union joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Sir Michael Hill passed away today - what did we make of his legacy and professional advice? What can the rest of the nation learn from him? The Government will run an investigation to clarify whether farm children are safe to collect the eggs and water plants. Have we completely lost the plot here? Should medication always be checked by two pharmacists before it's dispensed? The case of a two-month-old baby dying after allegedly being given an adult dosage by a pharmacy in error has raised concerns. What do we make of this?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeremy Williamson, head of private wealth and markets at Craigs Investment Partners, recently claimed there was momentum building for Kiwis to move away from investing in property - but one expert has suggested differently. Matt Ball from the Property Investors Federation acknowledged people were getting more savvy about outside investments and that the property market was changing, but claimed the nation's love affair with property wasn't over. "I think the property market has changed, thanks to some initiatives from the Government and I think people will start to take a bit of a different approach. I don't buy this whole - property investment isn't a productive activity." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 29 July 2025, 36,000 nurses are set to go on strike tomorrow. Health NZ's Dame Helen Stokes-Lampard tells Heather the impact on elective surgeries is huge as thousands will have their operations delayed. NZ business legend Sir Michael Hill has passed away. Chair of Michael Hill, Rob Fyfe, tells Heather about the huge legacy he leaves behind, and why setting goals was the most important lesson from Sir Michael's success story. A High Court judge has ordered Oranga Tamariki to pay $108,000 to a former foster family. This is the case of Moana where OT tried to remove the girl because she is Māori and the foster parents are Pakeha. Plus, the Huddle debates whether medication should always be checked by two pharmacists before it's dispensed after the tragic death of a baby. 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.

Federated Farmers is welcoming new Government proposals to make farm health and safety rules more practical - and grounded in real-world standards. The Government will spend two months consulting with farmers to determine whether farm kids are safe to do certain chores, including feeding animals, watering plants and collecting eggs. Federated Farmers' health and safety spokesperson David Birkett says farmers have raised questions - and the clarification would be useful. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A top lawyer working with the plaintiffs in a large-scale banking class action is calling for a formal investigation into the 'serious civil service process failures' by MBIE. Rachael Reed, KC, has outlined her objections in a letter to Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche and Attorney-General Judith Collins, voicing concerns with the Reserve Bank's risk assessment. She says the $12.9 billion figure is 'fantastical' and says it doesn't have a grasp of reality. "It just doesn't make sense on that first fundamental level." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sad news today - Sir Michael Hill, jeweller, has passed away. Again, he's another larger-than-life figure in New Zealand business - the likes of which we don't seem to be making anymore. Now, I don't know if you realize - I mean, we've all grown up with Michael Hill just being a name we knew - but I don't know if you realize how amazing his story was. He did not start his jewellery business until he was 40 years old. Up til then, he'd been working as a manager in his family's jewellery business. He left school at 16 and headed straight there. He was there for 23 years, got married and had a couple of kids. But one day, his house burnt down. And the story goes that when he was watching his house go up in flames - literally - he decided he needed to change things. So he started his own shop and it was a success. It was more successful than his uncle's business. So he opened seven shops in seven years, and that was a success. So he then decided to open another 70 in seven years. And now, his business is global. It's in New Zealand, it's in Australia, it's in Canada. He's worked with Kim Kardashian, he's designed his own golf course, he has a luxury super yacht, he's got himself a knighthood. And isn't it remarkable, when you think about it, that all of those things happened after he took a massive risk when he turned 40? I mean, 40 is an age when most of us are either at the peak of our careers or absolutely firmly settled in what we're doing. Imagine just tipping it all up and deciding to start your own business at 40. What I love about Michael Hill's story the most was that he did the same thing that many successful people do: he set goals and he visualized them. He wrote his goals down for years in advance - seven years, sometimes even as many as 30 years. And then he imagined what it would be like when he was actually doing that and had achieved those goals. Successful people tell you to do this time and time again. But before you even get to the point of setting that goal, you have to believe that you can achieve it. And he clearly believed it in spades, and he thinks not enough of us believe what we can achieve. He was more, obviously, than just a man who was into money. He promoted art. He was very good at violin - in fact, so good, he founded an international violin competition for young players. He donated to health research. He took his New Zealand business to the world. And he showed, yet again, that you can dream big from a small place like Whangārei. He is an inspiration and he is a loss. But more importantly, he is an example to us all. We just need to set our goals and then go for it. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oranga Tamariki is being ordered to pay more than $100,000 after trying to remove a Māori child from her Pākehā foster parents. The agency didn't think they could meet her cultural needs. Family Court Judge Peter Callinicos slammed Oranga Tamariki for putting ideology ahead of a child’s best interests. Children's Minister Karen Chhour says the case highlights why she fought to repeal section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act. "This just shows what this means in practice - and it's absolutely devastating for everybody involved." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Public Service Association says lifting public sector board member paychecks is total hypocrisy.  A quietly-released Cabinet paper reveals annual governance board chair fees have jumped from up to $90,000, to more than $160,000. PSA National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons says this decision comes from the same leaders who cancelled pay equity claims and offered meagre minimum-wage increases. "It's astonishing from a Government that was elected on addressing the cost of living crisis - and it seems for low-income workers and middle-income workers, this Government is nowhere to be seen." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tens of thousands of nurses will walk off the job tomorrow. Last-ditch talks between Health NZ and the country's biggest nurses' union have failed to stop a nationwide strike. Health NZ estimates more than 4,000 planned procedures and specialist appointments will have to be postponed. National Chief Medical Officer, Dame Helen Stokes-Lampard, says essential services will continue - but warns people needing non-emergency care should contact their GP or Healthline first. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi business icon Sir Michael Hill is being remembered as one-of-a-kind. He died today aged 86, after a cancer battle. He opened his first jewellery store in Whangārei and grew the brand globally to Australia and Canada. He's well-known for his championship Queenstown golf course 'the Hills' and for founding an international violin competition. Company chair Rob Fyfe says Hill was always a student and never stopped learning. "Whatever he turned his mind to, he brought a vision, a creativity, a sense of aesthetic and design." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A suite of new voting rules has passed its first reading in the House - 68 to 54. Changes include moves to ban same-day enrolment.  Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says the bill overhauls outdated and unsustainable electoral laws. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says there'll be plenty of advertising ahead of the next election - and people shouldn't be enrolling to vote on the day. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian exporters may face tariffs of up to 20 percent as US President Donald Trump keeps flagging higher baselines. Trump revealed the range for the new minimum tariff earlier this week, and the pressure's on the Albanese-led Government to strike a better deal. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says it's unclear how the Government will proceed here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors are expecting a sellout crowd in their return to Wellington for the first time in three years. Sky Stadium will stage next year's annual ANZAC Day NRL match - against a yet to be confirmed opponent. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave speculates about what this means for the team. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's calls for law changes among experts after a 2-month-old baby died after she was allegedly given medication at an adult dosage by a pharmacy. This incident has prompted the Ministry of Health and Health New Zealand to 'urgently' undertake a joint review into the incident. Lanny Wong, director of Mangawhai Pharmacy and a member of the national executive of the Pharmaceutical Society says something's clearly gone wrong - and an investigation is needed. "It does seem out of place, I don't think any pharmacist would disagree with your sentiment. Obviously, something went wrong here and we need to understand what that is." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Analysis of the EU-US trade deal suggests it’s a huge win for the US and a major climbdown for the EU. The details of the deal have still been kept under wraps, but Donald Trump is set to meet with Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer to further discuss trade. UK correspondent Gavin Grey explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Donald Trump recently announced that the United States and the European Union reached a framework for a trade deal. Trump reportedly had talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Scotland. Harbour Asset Management spokesperson Shane Solly explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recent data shows there were 27,850 fewer jobs in New Zealand in June compared to the year before, and young Kiwis are being hit hard by a tightening labour market. Over 12,000 of those lost jobs came from the construction sector, manufacturing lost 5850 jobs, professional, scientific and technical services lost 5150 jobs and admin and support services lost 4860 jobs. Infometrics principal economist Brad Olsen explains what's behind this change. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and former Labour minister Stuart Nash joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Government is banning retailers from charging credit card surcharges - but banks are still allowed to charge the retailers. What do we make of this? Is this unfair for retailers?  Prime Minister Chris Luxon got booed at the ANZ Premiership grand final yesterday. Is this a bad sign? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister has hinted changes are on the way for the supermarket sector, with a further update due out by the end of August. Speculation indicates the Government will make an announcement to address the situation. Nicola Willis says Prime Minister Luxon has confirmed the Government will be making an announcement this quarter. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 28 July 2025, a combative interview with Commerce Minister Scott Simpson who is announcing a ban on credit card surcharges - but will retailers pass on the cost anyway? Israel is finally letting some aid back into Gaza. Heather asks Claire Manera from Doctors Without Borders whether the aid is actually getting to people in need. Bad news if you love a lie-in - life expectancy is worse for people who sleep too much, compared to those not sleeping enough. Plus, the Huddle debates what we can read into the Prime Minister being booed at the netball last night. 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.

The news of the day, politically, is that surcharges are gone, as the Government's just banned them. You know what I'm talking about here, right? They're the little extra amount that you get pinged when you turn up at the dairy and you use your credit card, or you use your paywave - it's gone from May next year. The big sell behind this is basically that it's to help you with the cost of living crisis. Now, I hate to do this because I know you're thinking, "Oh, yay." And I'm totally gonna rain on that parade for you. Don't get excited, this is gonna fix nothing. You are still gonna end up paying that cost somehow, probably just through the cost of the bottle of milk that you're buying. Or your haircut, or your sushi or whatever it is - it's gonna be built into the price because the business still has the cost. Nothing is changing there. They've still got to pay that merchant fee. Now, a merchant fee is a very complicated set of charges which the business gets lumped with. And most businesses actually have no bloody idea what makes up that merchant fee. There's a fee from the credit card companies, there's a fee for moving money from the banks, there's the EFTPOS providers - the whole thing gets lumped into the merchant fee and that has not gone away. What's only gone away is the business's ability to be able to recover the cost of some of that through the surcharge. And by the way, the cost of that thing is actually quite big. I've read about one business - just one shop - that pays about $14,000 in a year just for that, just for the merchant fee, to be able to do business electronically. Now, what's going to happen if you go to that shop is, because that guy can't now pass it on to you with a 2 percent, 0.7 percent, 1 percent surcharge or whatever, he's simply going to add it to the cost of his product so that across the year, he makes that $14,000 back. Also, another reason why you shouldn't get excited about it is that this ban does not include anything that you buy online. So you're buying your Air New Zealand tickets? You're still gonna be paying that little $6 handling fee. You're buying some tickets for a concert from Ticketmaster? You're still paying that handling fee. Maybe you want to head along to Banksy? Yep, you're still gonna be paying yourself a nice little $8 handling fee. And the problem with that is that these are some of the most egregious examples, I would have thought, of surcharges just bearing no resemblance to reality - but they still slip through this. So instead of actually sorting out the backroom problems and the real gnarly issues - what has been charged by the banks and the EFTPOS companies and the credit card companies and really excessive surcharges - the Government's just taken the easy option and brought in a ban on the little stuff you buy from the dairy. Good headline. Unfortunately, though, just a charade. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's recent ban on on payment card surcharges has been met with criticism from the retail and hospitality sectors. The Government's announced it will scrap extra in-store card fees by next May. The Commerce Commission has already reduced bank interchange visa and master card fees for businesses. Dairy and Business Owners Group chair Ankit Bansal says these proposed changes are 'unfair' as the banks can still charge whatever transaction fees they like. "These will likely have to be passed on to the consumers - the problem is, we would have to do it across the board. So even if someone was paying with cash, one way or another, we're paying for these charges." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Humanitarian groups say there's zero evidence to support the claim that Hamas is stealing humanitarian aid meant for Gaza.  Trucks and airdrops are reaching the Strip after Israel's paused fighting to open some aid corridors.  International pressure's been mounting as starvation deepens.  Doctors Without Borders coordinator Claire Manera says Israeli authorities are the only ones she's seen blocking aid.  "While I was there on the ground, all I could see was medical supplies were going into the hospitals that we worked in - and we were trying to deliver aid into the population." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's no shortage of research on the dangers of not sleeping enough, but sleeping too much has been found to be worse for your health than expected. New research has revealed that people who sleep over nine hours per night are 34 percent more likely to live shorter lives than those who sleep the ideal 8-9 hours a night. Dr Alex Bartle from the Sleep Well Clinic says if you frequently sleep longer than the ideal timeframe, you'll need to consult your GP. "If that's not sufficient - particularly if you're a snorer for example - then you need to check for sleep apnoea." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's scrapping card surcharges at the till, which collectively cost Kiwis $150 million each year. Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson confirmed they'll ban in-store credit and debit card surcharges, like paywave fees.  He says it's important for consumers to have transparency when it comes to pricing.  "In a competitive world, businesses understand the price-competitive nature of the businesses that they operate and the goods and services they provide. Surcharges are annoying, they're pesky and most customers don't actually know whether they're paying the full price."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A frosty reception for the Prime Minister at the ANZ Premiership grand final in Auckland yesterday - with booing from the crowd. Chris Luxon is brushing it off, and says he was well-looked after at the event. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Luxon's taken the backlash in his stride, and acknowledged the backlash that comes with politics.   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anthony Albanese recently claimed Israel is 'quite clearly' breaching international law by withholding aid from civilians in Gaza. He added that he would respect formal processes for determining any breaches - but said the actions were a 'breach of decent humanity and morality.' Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says there's been pressure on Albanese to join France in recognising a Palestinian state. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors' bid for a bounce back NRL season will come against a Dolphins side likely to have a returning pair of veteran props. Both Felise Kaufusi and Mark Nicholls are set to be nack in the mix for Friday night's game at Mt Smart.  Sportstalk host Jason Pine explains whether the Warriors can turn their luck around. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's aiming to strike a balance between cutting red tape and keeping people safe on work sites. Officials are consulting with the construction sector on changing rules on scaffolding. Workplace Relations and Safety Minister, Brooke van Velden, says over-compliance makes jobs cost more - and take more time. Building Industry Federation chief executive Julien Leys says health and safety is important to the sector, and a balance needs to be struck. "Everyone hates scaffolding as much as they hate road cones, but we shouldn't forget that that scaffolding is there for a reason and any height can be dangerous." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday 25 July. 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.

First up, we need to talk about Gaza.  I'm not gonna be graphic, and, and I'm not gonna talk about what it is hap what's happening there in detail. You already know, you can choose to read about it yourself, and I recommend that you do just to the point that you can kind of handle it.    Credit, today, to Anthony Albanese, the Prime Minister of Australia.   He has stopped pussyfooting around what's going on here. He's just put out a strongly worded statement this afternoon. He's demanding that Israel stop starving children to death and let in more aid.   He says, we call on Israel to comply immediately with its obligations under international law. Now that is a shed load better than the waffly joint statement we signed up earlier this week.    We need to get a spine on this, don't we?    I mean, our joint statement didn't even mention the word starvation or starving, or any variation on that word. It is watered down to the point of having absolutely no impact, and that is what it had, no impact.  Now I am not naive enough to think that New Zealand telling Israel off is going to change anything, but we've got to do something.   And if all we've got is words, then we're gonna have to use them.  Because maybe I am naive enough to believe that if enough world leaders call out Israel, name what is going on, don't pussyfoot around it, call the deliberate starvation for what it is.  If enough world leaders say, ‘you have got to stop this now’, and if enough leaders then enact sanctions on Israel, then surely Trump cannot ignore it anymore.   And Trump is the key here. He's the one we have to convince.  Now, I know that Israel still has hostages in those tunnels, and as I said earlier this week, Hamas must release them for this war to end.   But let me put this to you in very, very stark numbers.   10 hostages is not worth even one of those children's lives.   You do not starve a child to death to get 10 hostages out.   They are children.   I cannot believe that we are watching this happen and that we are letting this happen.  LISTEN ABOVE      See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ghislaine Maxwell, a key former associate to Jeffery Epstein, is due to meet with the Deputy Attorney General of the US for a second day in a row tomorrow.  These meetings come as the controversy surrounding the release of the Epstein files continues to grow.  US Defence Attorney Randy Zelin told Heather duPlessis-Allan that 'there are two paths for Ms. Maxwell to get home.’  ‘One way is if she assists the United States Government...the other way she gets home is if she gets a pardon from President Trump’    LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are doubts that high-strength beers are causing as much harm as critics say.   The products are sold as singles in supermarkets and liquor stores and are stronger than RTDs, ranging from seven to 16 percent.   'Communities Against Alcohol Harm' has been raising the issue at a number of public hearings - calling for a ban.   But Brewers Association Executive Director Dylan Firth says a blanket ban would be an overreach.   He says, if there are specific problems, they can be imposed on the licenses of each product.  LISTEN ABOVE   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan (real name Terry Bollier) has died at the age of 71. He was the face of the WWE in the 1980s, and stayed involved in the sport long after his retirement from professional wrestling. Sharon Mazer, author of ‘Professional Wrestling: Sport and Spectacle’, told Heather duPlessis-Allan, ‘He was the one in the bright light at the end of the night, and generally the victor.’ She also said that Hogan was known to stay behind after events to sign t shirts and pose for photos with children and young fans. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Prime Minister Helen Clark wants New Zealand to recognise Palestine as a state.  The United Nations calls the war a nightmare of historic proportions - as concerns are raised over aid being withheld.  French President Emmanuel Macron has outlined his support for a two-state-solution, recognising Palestine.  Helen Clark told Heather du Plessis-Allan New Zealand needs to do the same - and other countries should ramp up pressure on Israel.  She says its urgent that aid can get through to Gaza.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health Minister Simeon Brown has announced the first major changes to the GP clinic funding model in over 20 years.   He says from this time next-year, the money will be better distributed based on the needs of the population.   But Royal Colleges of GPs President Samantha Murton says clinics could lose money if the funding pool stays the same.   She hopes funding will be level - and boosted for those with higher needs.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

India and Britain are set to sign a free trade deal to cut tariffs on goods and increase market access for the two countries. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in the UK to sign the deal, and he's set to have further discussions with Prime Minister Keir Starmer. UK correspondent Enda Brady explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

America's healthcare sector is at a crossroads. The US spends almost 20 percent of GDP on healthcare - nearly double the OECD average - but there's pressure to cut down on wastage. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Protestors who are not fans of being pepper-sprayed, handcuffed or locked up in a police cell were taught how to avoid these unsavoury events at a training event. The Protest Skills Night event, organised by Climate Liberation Aotearoa was held in Otago and aimed to show protesters how to demonstrate their points using "non-violent direct action techniques". The Country's Jamie Mackay had some strong opinions on this event. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 24 July 2025, the Government is making significant changes to voting rules. Same day enrolments are gone and you must now enrol to vote before early voting starts two weeks before election day. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith speaks to Heather. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says she still has confidence in the chair of the Reserve Bank, Neil Quigley, as more details are revealed about Adrian Orr's alleged behaviour before he quit his job as Governor. A group of doctors and nurses want politicians to waive their right to private healthcare while they're in power, so they can get a better feel for the constraints of the public health system. Plus, the Huddle debates whether people who enrol to vote on the day are dropkicks.   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.

Tonight on The Huddle, Phil O'Reilly from Iron Duke Partners and Ali Jones from Red PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  A group of healthcare workers want MPs to waive their and their families' private healthcare during their time in office to ensure they're not insulated from the realities of our public health system. What do we make of this? The Government is set to scrap same-day enrolment as part of a planned electoral law overhaul. Is this change necessary - or bad for democracy?  Does Reserve Bank chair Neil Quigley need to resign because he failed to mention that Adrian had lost his cool at a Treasury staffer? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let's be honest with each other about something. That increase in rough sleeping that the cities are anecdotally reporting to that homelessness report will be caused by the shutting down of those emergency motels. I know the Government's trying to avoid having to admit that, but that is the big thing that's changed since the election. They've shut down the motels and some of the people who were in those motels, or who might have gone to those motels, have ended up on the streets. And I don't think that that's unexpected. That is not an unexpected consequence of taking a tougher line on the motels. Now, don't see me as tough or hard-hearted on this. I don't want anyone sleeping on the streets and I venture most of us don't. But I still think that shutting down those motels was a good idea because that was out of hand, wasn't it? I mean, spending $1.4 billion on emergency accommodation in six years was just way too much money. I prefer the line the Government's taking at the moment, which is to put the obligation where it actually should be, which is on family and friends. Which is to say that if someone finds themselves, God forbid, without a roof over their heads, the first place that they should go for help is not the state. It should be their mum or their brother or their auntie or their son or their friend. And only then when all of their options are exhausted and they really have no one to turn to, then should they turn to the state. But that is not what was happening with the emergency motels. The state was the first port of call. If you think about it, the state has stepped in to take over a lot of roles that we normally would have relied on each other for. And in some cases, it's unavoidable and in some cases it's for the best, for example - police, or whatever. But in this case, let's be honest, $1.4 billion is a lot of money that could have been spent on anything else that we are running dry on right now. Healthcare, cops, education. So actually, the first place you turn to if you don't have somewhere to sleep is your family. Only at the end of the road should the state step in. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's growing calls for politicians and their families to give up private healthcare when making decisions for the country.  A letter signed by health workers argues MPs should rely on the public EDs, waitlists and services used by everyone else.  Spokesperson Doctor Marcus Lee says health workers are frustrated with the public system.  The Northland cardiologist says it comes down to accountability and integrity - and means politicians will have skin in the game.  "It's personal for us, it's personal for lots of Kiwis - they make policy decisions that impact a lot of people in New Zealand. So it is personal." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stock exchange operator NZX chief executive Mark Peterson has resigned from the role - and will step down at the end of April 2026. Peterson explained that the time was right for him to stand down and for the board to look for a new chief executive. He says he's overseen plenty of challenges and successes in the role over the last few years. "You've got to make these tough calls - but we've also, at the same time, got to a period in the exchange where we've ticked off a bunch of expectations and objectives...really, it's the right time." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Green Party is pushing to reinstate passenger rail across the country - starting by connecting Tauranga and Auckland.  It's launched a petition targeting the Minister for Rail to get it done.  The party says it would cost $10 million over four years to extend the Te Huia train to Tauranga.  But Transport Spokesperson Julie Anne Genter says it will cost more to achieve the long-term vision.  "Total budget for all the projects, including a transformational improvement to the rail network - which would mean a two and a half hour train journey between Tauranga and Auckland - is about five and a half billion." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister's repeating dismay over the Reserve Bank handling of its Governor's abrupt resignation. It's been confirmed chair Neil Quigley apologised to Treasury over Adrian Orr's behaviour, just weeks before he quit. It wasn't released through official information requests - and follows the central bank also apologising over its management of the departure. Nicola Willis says she was aware emotions were running high at the time.  "Yes, I do have confidence in Neil Quigley. I have also, however, previously shared my disappointment at the way information on the way information on this matter has been shared with New Zealanders." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government says its overhaul of electoral laws - will bring swifter and simpler election processing. It plans to end same-day enrolments - with a cut off 13 days before election day.  The Justice Minister says late enrolling contributed to vote counting ballooning to three weeks.  Paul Goldsmith says it could have grown to four weeks, without change. "More and more people have been enrolling on election day - or just before - and that all has to be sorted out before they can do the vote counting, so we're just having to get the system sustainable because we're proud of our electoral system and we want it to work well." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.