
Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive
12,423 episodes — Page 49 of 249

Barry Soper: Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent on the Government ending same-day enrolment
The Justice Minister is moving to overhaul electoral laws, calling them outdated and unsustainable. He'll end same-day enrolment and prohibit offering free food, drink and entertainment near a voting place. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper agrees with these proposed changes - and suggests it could speed up the vote-counting process. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Murray Olds: Australian correspondent on Australia lifting the ban on US beef
Over in Australia, the Government's denying their move to lift restrictions on imports of US beef is not related to President Trump's increasing tariff war. The Government recently confirmed that the Department of Agriculture would allow the imports into Australia, saying the US now 'effectively' manages the biosecurity risks. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the Opposition has raised questions about this move. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

D'Arcy Waldegrave: Sportstalk host on the removal of Sport New Zealand's community sport trans guidelines
The removal of Sport New Zealand's community sport trans guidelines are sparking debate around who wins and who loses protection. The principles around allowing participation based on gender identity were scrapped following a Government directive. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave unpacks the situation further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Seawright: ReliefAid founder on Givealittle shutting down multiple Gaza relief fundraising pages
Donors have expressed concerns after Givealittle shut down multiple pages designed to raise relief aid money for Gaza. Givealittle has confirmed it's required to assess the risks amid concerns surrounding money laundering. ReliefAid founder Mike Seawright says Givealittle can't determine where the money is going in a peer-to-peer donation situation. "There are other issues of course, there's legal compliance issues that also go with that - but ultimately, giving is good and giving responsibly is also a critical part of that action." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on Treasury confirming concerns were raised about Adrian Orr's conduct
The Treasury has confirmed concerns were raised about former Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr’s conduct. Its comment comes as it responds to an allegation there was more to Orr’s departure than the public has been led to believe. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny speculates further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on over 100 victims of Mohamed Al Fayed's abuse entering compensation scheme
Over 100 survivors of alleged sexual abuse by former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed have entered the company’s compensation scheme, reports confirmed. The retailer set up the scheme after dozens of women came forward with allegations of abuse by the late owner, with some going as far back as 1977. UK correspondent Gavin Grey explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Curtayne: Milford Asset Management on Fletcher Building's potential sale of their construction division
Fletcher Building is looking into possibly selling its construction arm. It's exploring divesting its main construction division - and the Higgins, Brian Perry Civil and Fletcher Construction Major Projects business units. Milford Asset Management's Andrew Curtayne explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Huddle: Was Nicola Willis' meeting with the head of Fonterra pointless?
Tonight on The Huddle, Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A and Kiwiblog's David Farrar joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Can we confirm Nicola Willis' meeting with Fonterra CEO Miles Hurrell was entirely pointless? Some advocates have blamed the Government's policies for the increase in homelessness. What do we make of this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bodo Lang: Massey University marketing professor on Tower Insurance getting rid of multi-policy discounts
Tower is ending its multi-policy discounts, with the insurer claiming the level of risk is unacceptable for meeting regulatory requirements. The insurer previously offered people who bought two eligible policies up to 10 percent off their premiums and up to 20 percent off if people had three or more eligible policies. Massey University marketing professor Bodo Lang explains why these changes are taking place. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: Why did Nicola Willis hype the Fonterra meeting?
So guess what's happening after Nicola Willis' butter meeting with Fonterra last night? Nothing. After hyping the meeting, after Mikey chasing Miles down the street, after the news going live with the banner across the TV that the Fonterra meeting is underway, after all of that - nothing is happening because nothing can happen, because Fonterra's not ripping us off. We're simply paying the same international price as everyone for butter, which Nicola knows because she's an intelligent woman and because she used to work for Fonterra as well. So, nothing has come from the meeting. There is no announcement about what is being fixed. Miles Hurrell is not resigning or apologizing, and the price of butter is not dropping. All that has happened is that Nicola Willis has fronted up for the media today and told them that Miles Hurrell will talk to them at some time soon to explain how the price of butter works, which is a nothing outcome. In which case, you have to ask yourself the question, what was the point of the meeting? If Nicola actually truly does understand the mechanics of butter pricing, and presumably then also understands that Fonterra isn't ripping us off and also had no plans to announce anything after this, why hype the meeting? I can answer that question for you. Because she wanted to pass the buck. She wanted to blame Fonterra, because National is feeling the pressure over the fact that Labour is now more trusted to deal with the cost of living crisis than National is - according to the Ipsos survey, which is out this month. And because the heat has been cranked up on National, who have talked a very big game about getting the economy back on track - and yet 18 months in, it's still very much off track to the extent that people cannot afford butter. Nicola tried to shift the blame from National to Fonterra and it didn't work. Now, the lesson here is that performance politics doesn't work. Blaming the supermarkets but doing nothing, blaming Fonterra but doing nothing, blaming the banks but doing nothing, that kind of stuff doesn't work. And in fact, it's risky, it runs the risk of backfiring, which is exactly what's happening here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Full Show Podcast: 23 July 2025
On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 23 July 2025, Space Minister Judith Collins explains why she urgently needed to change the law to crack down on foreign actors manipulating our space industry. Homelessness rose by 37% between 2018 and 2023 - and councils say anecdotally the situation has got even worse since then. Nicola Willis has had her big meeting with Fonterra boss Miles Hurrell to get to the bottom of the butter price - and revealed why your butter is unlikely to get cheaper. Wellington is very excited to finally secure a big concert for the capital again - so can Ed Sheeran spark the city's recovery? Plus, the Huddle debates whether parents still feel comfortable with male daycare teachers. 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.

Jason Herrick: Southland Federated Farmers president on Greenpeace defacing Gore's brown trout amid drinking water crisis
A battle's flared between Federated Farmers and Greenpeace. Federated Farmers says the activist group should be stripped of its charitable status for defacing Gore's iconic brown trout statue to highlight how dairy pollution's affected the town's water. A three-day do-not-drink notice was issued Friday, because of elevated nitrate levels. Southland Federated Farmers president, Jason Herrick, says Greenpeace should behave better. "What they were doing had the potential to destroy a pretty important monument in Gore." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gabor Toth: historian on the headstone mysteriously appearing on Phyllis Symons' grave decades after murder
Almost a century after Phillis Symons was murdered and buried in an unmarked Karori grave, a headstone mysteriously appeared. Symons, 17 and pregnant, was killed by George Errol Coats in June 1931 and buried - some say alive - in the dirt excavated to build the Mt Victoria tunnel, where her body was later discovered. Historian Gabor Toth says it's a mystery as to how the headstone got there. "The fact that her grave has been unmarked has been remarked upon over the years - I do know that the Friends of Karori Cemetery, a group that got going about five or six years ago were actively engaging with Phyllis Symons' family over in Australia and they were working towards getting a gravestone...but this isn't it." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Judith Collins: Space Minister on the new space infrastructure bill passing under urgency
A new law on space infrastructure is being described as immediately enhancing national security. The bill's passed under urgency today, and requires a Government permit for anyone wanting to operate ground-based space infrastructure, like a launch pad. Permission can be removed if the security risk can't be managed. Space Minister Judith Collins says there are risks from so much banking and communication being done through satellites. "That sort of information could be pulled off those satellites - or copied." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bernie Smith: social housing commentator says homelessness stats probably worse than data shows
A social housing commentator says the numbers of people without a home is probably worse than data suggests. June Homelessness Insights released today show rough sleeping's worsening countrywide, across all measures. The 2023 Census indicated a 37 percent increase between 2018 and 2023, reaching almost 5,000 without shelter. But Bernie Smith says the Census wasn't that accurate - and explained many people on the street weren't contactable or didn't do the Census. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Barry Soper: Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent on the Finance Minister's investigation into butter prices
The Finance Minister says all roads lead back to supermarket competition, as questions loom over spiralling dairy prices. Nicola Willis yesterday spoke with with Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell - in a meeting she's called constructive and candid. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says it's likely the Government will make an announcement on supermarkets in the coming days. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan Mitchinson: US correspondent on the death of Ozzy Osbourne
More tributes for heavy metal pioneer Ozzy Osbourne, who's died aged 76. Band-mates of Black Sabbath's lead singer say they've lost a brother. Musos from Pearl Jam, Metallica and Aerosmith are calling Osbourne a hero, and an inspiration for generations. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says Osbourne helped bring metal music into the mainstream - at least, in the US. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

D'Arcy Waldegrave: Sportstalk host on the calls to regulate charity boxing after Kain Parsons' death
The findings of a coronial inquest into the death of a charity boxer in 2018, criticised by a mother for “pulling my son’s integrity apart”, recommend a tightening up of rules and regulations for future corporate events. The findings come as the Government proposes to repeal the Boxing and Wrestling Act of 1981. Kain Parsons died on November 6, 2018 – three days after taking part in the “Fight for Christchurch” charity boxing event at the city’s Horncastle Arena, now Wolfbrook Arena. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark Oldershaw: Wellington NZ chief executive on Ed Sheeran breaking the region's concert drought
Wellington’s mega concert drought is officially over, after Ed Sheeran confirmed he was returning to New Zealand next January. The capital’s last major concert was the Foo Fighters in 2024 - and since then, global superstars like Lewis Capaldi and Lorde have skipped over Wellington when announcing their tours. Wellington NZ chief executive Mark Oldershaw says Wellington's a big city that manages to attract events, but there's plenty of challenges involved. "We recognise that we've got a significant stadium and another arena that holds five and a half thousand people with not a lot in between - so there are some challenges there, but there's all sorts of challenges at the moment." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Enda Brady: UK correspondent on the UK launching a review into raising the pension age
Over in the UK, the Government is looking into a review of the state pension age to see if it needs to be increased. The review will consider whether the current state pension age - currently 66 - is still appropriate, based on factors such as life expectancy. UK correspondent Enda Brady says this comes as Denmark pushes the pension age back to 70, and it's raised some concerns. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Bloxham: HSBC chief economist on what recent inflation data means for the market
Concerns have been raised among economists as inflation data suggests things may not be as on track as they seem. Inflation has hit 2.7 percent, with big food increases led by massive hikes in food prices. HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham explains what this could do for the Reserve Bank's outlook going foward. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay: The Country host on NZ red meat exports bringing in more revenue
New Zealand red meat exports earned an extra $1.2 billion this year, due to good livestock pricing and tighter supplies. But the country's $10 billion-plus red meat sector has raised the alarm that it was struggling to get the numbers of livestock needed to satisfy international demand. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Huddle: Are we looking at a one-term Government?
Tonight on The Huddle, former High Commissioner to the UK and former Auckland mayor Phil Goff and Thomas Scrimgeour from the Maxim Institute joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Sky TV has bought Three for $1. What do we make of the deal? What does this mean for the future of the industry? New Zealand has joined the international calls for an end to the ongoing war in Gaza - but do we need to let actions follow words? A new Talbot Mills poll reveals the majority of the nation thinks the country is on the wrong track, and half of NZ First's voters think National doesn't deserve to be re-elected. Do you think we're looking at a one-term Government? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Quigley: University of Waikato Vice-Chancellor on whether the costs of the new Waikato medical school will blow out
There's concerns over whether the costs for the new Waikato University medical school will blow out and be passed on to taxpayers. Cabinet will contribute $80 million to the $230-million-dollar Waikato University school, which is expected to open in 2028 for 120 trainees. University of Waikato Vice-Chancellor Neil Quigley says the university is on track for a surplus of $20 million this financial year. "The university is in really good financial shape, enrolments have risen very quickly this year...and we have no debt at the moment either." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Full Show Podcast: 22 July 2025
On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 22 July 2025, Sky TV chief executive Sophie Moloney tells Heather why she bought Three for $1. Foreign Minister Winston Peters says enough is enough in Gaza, but what will it really take to end the war? Reserve Bank Governor Neil Quigley gets a grilling after new claims about the events that led to ex-Governor's Adrian Orr's resignation. Why are we seeing such a huge rise in gym related injuries? Plus, the Huddle debates a new poll that suggests the Government will lose power at the next election - and NZ First voters are keen on Labour again. 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.

Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: Sky's purchase of TV3 is good for everyone
The big news of the day is another $1 deal in the media, which probably tells you everything you need to know about the state of the industry. But this is, on balance, good news for everyone - I would have thought. It's good for you, for viewers, good for Sky, and good for Three. And I'm gonna work backwards on that - Let's start with TV3. It's good news for Three and for the people who work there, because Three continues to exist. A very real alternative must have been for Warner Brothers Discovery, the owners, to shut Three down completely. Now that they've sold it for $1 to Sky, it continues. It's good news for Sky, because it gives Sky TV a chance to make money again off stuff that they already own. For example, and I'm just picking this randomly, let's say White Lotus. Sky TV buys the broadcast rights for the country to White Lotus, they earn the money off White Lotus by sticking it on Sky TV, sticking it on Neon, and we pay a subscription to watch it. Now, they can wait a few months, maybe until all of us who've paid for it have watched it, and then they can dump White Lotus for free on TV3 and Freeview - which is TV3's app - and then they can make money off White Lotus all over again through advertising around the free content. Now, they can already do this with their Sky Open channel, which is a free-to-air channel they already have, but who even knows where on the TV Sky Open is? I have no bloody idea what number it is. Never even watched it before in my life. And does it have an app? Wouldn't know. I know everything you need to know about TV3, I've got the TV3 app, I know where to find it. There is a very strong brand attached to Three. More importantly, I would have thought for Sky TV - this strengthens its arm for sports, right? Sky TV has now got to be the only real choice in town for sports content. Beforehand at least domestically, TVNZ was a real competitor, at least for the free-to-air portion, given so many people watch TVNZ - both its on-air channels and its app. But now, Sky TV's got Three - same same. It doesn't need to have anything to do with TVNZ. Finally, it's good for you and me that this deal was struck today, because who doesn't want excellent free content landing on an app that you already have or a TV channel that you already watch? So good day all round, I would say. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Murray Deaker: former ZB broadcaster on the controversy surrounding a dead pohutukawa
A pohutukawa tree on Auckland's North Shore has sparked controversy, with residents of an impacted apartment complex calling for a solution. The tree fell over into the complex's property and has been lying in place for three years - and there's growing demand to move it. Former ZB broadcaster Murray Deaker is one of the impacted residents and he says the tree's a safety hazard for residents and their families. "There's a hearing on the sixth of August... and people can go along and put their submissions in. And I think that'll be an interesting one." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Barry Soper: Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent on New Zealand joining the list of countries calling for a Gaza ceasefire
The Government believes only a negotiated ceasefire offers the best hope in Gaza. Foreign Minister Winston Peters has signed New Zealand on to a long and growing list of nations calling for a permanent end to the conflict. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper speculates about the impact of this statement. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Witburn: Whitburn Group Project Development on whether the Government's granny flat rule changes will lead to more homes being built
An Auckland property developer doesn't believe changes to rules on building granny flats will add the 13,000 extra dwellings claimed by the Government. Easing resource and building consents requirements for structures 70 square metres or less - was one of the Government’s first moves in office. David Witburn says the number is more like 3,000. "The reality is, it's a niche accommodation type, a granny flat. It's not everyone's dream to live in a granny flat, it can be very useful for extended whanau living." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sam Emery: Australian correspondent on a convicted child sex offender being employed at a Queensland childcare centre
A childcare centre director who employed her convicted child sex offender husband as a groundskeeper has been sacked. There is no allegation he offended against children at the centre, and investigations are ongoing. Australian correspondent Sam Emery says this story will prompt questions about child safety as Parliament returns. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

D'Arcy Waldegrave: Sportstalk host on what Sky TV's purchase of TV3 means for NZ sport
Sky TV recently bought TV3 - and it's got experts speculating about what this could mean for the future of New Zealand sport. It's taking over Warner Brother Discovery's New Zealand television arm - including other linear and streaming channels, like ThreeNow. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Peters: Foreign Minister calls for ceasefire in Gaza amid escalating global pressure
Global condemnation of Israel is growing, over killing Palestinians and restricting aid. New Zealand is demanding a lasting ceasefire in Gaza, along with dozens of other countries. Foreign Minister Winston Peters told the House the international community's united in revulsion over what's happening Peters says having the European Union on board will build pressure - hopefully with success. He explained it's brought on by frustration countries have long been engaged in helping with the humanitarian crisis - with still no solution. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sophie Moloney: Sky TV chief executive on the company buying out TV3 for $1
Sky TV is promising it won't shake the boat too soon after buying TV3 and ThreeNow - for a dollar. Warner Brothers Discovery has sold its Kiwi TV arm, including a range of linear and streaming channels. Sky TV says, for now, Sky Open will continue operations as normal and Three News will be kept at the six o'clock slot. Chief executive Sophie Moloney says they might even still negotiate with TVNZ on sports. "I think it's actually really important for the local media ecosystem that you do have two vibrant opportunities for sport partners and beyond." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex Flint: Body Torque Personal Training founder on the rise in gym-related ACC claims
A steep rise in gym-related ACC claims for injuries could be down to strength training's rising popularity. Accident Compensation Corporation data shows it accepted about 50,000 gym-injury claims last year - worth about $50 million dollars. It notes training and gym activities now account for the most claims. Body Torque Personal Training founder, Alex Flint, says training with weights can result in shoulder and lower-back injuries. "Sometimes with that increase and uptake in a new type of exercise comes over-enthusiasm." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management spokesperson on whether the OCR will cut rates in August
Stats NZ recently reported annual inflation increased to 2.7 percent in the three months to the end of June, and it's sparked concerns among experts. Economists had all been expecting annual inflation would be recorded at 2.8 percent or 2.9 percent - close to the Reserve Bank's 3 percent target band. Harbour Asset Management spokesperson Shane Solly revealed what this could mean for the economy going forward. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on the independent review into England and Wales' water sector
The water sector for England and Wales is set to undergo a significant overhaul following the release of a new report. The Independent Water Commission sets out 88 recommendations to get the industry back into shape after years of notable controversies. UK correspondent Gavin Grey unpacks the findings. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stephanie Cohen: Cloudflare chief strategy officer on the company's new strategy for AI scrapers
Website infrastructure company Cloudflare has announced moves designed to stop AI from scraping digital content for free. Going forward, website owners can choose if they want AI crawlers to access their content - and decide how the content gets used. Cloudflare chief strategy officer Stephanie Cohen says websites want control over who uses their output - and they can charge or block AI platforms if needed. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Huddle: Should we scrap NCEA entirely?
Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and Child Fund CEO Josie Pagani joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! There's growing calls to scrap NCEA - and the Government is looking to make some changes to the qualification. What do we make of this? Coldplay's Chris Martin is now warning adulterers to disentangle before the kiss cam comes on. What do we think of this saga? Should the CEO have had to resign? The Government has confirmed the new Waikato medical school is under way - do we see the costs blowing out? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on the costs of building the new Waikato medical school
The Finance Minister says the costs involved in building a new medical school at Waikato University have been through a thorough business case. Construction will begin this year - with the school providing 120 doctor training places a year, focused on primary care and rural health. The Government's chipping in $83 million dollars, and the university and philanthropic investors will contribute $150 million. When asked what would happen if the others can't come up with the money, Nicola Willis was clear. "I'm going to say - well, you said you would, so you're in trouble now and you're going to have to find the money." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Full Show Podcast: 21 July 2025
On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 21 July 2025, Health Minister Simeon Brown on giving the green light for the new Waikato Medical School - and how the Government managed to cut a significant amount of money from the original proposal. Inflation is up again to 2.7 percent but the Finance Minister Nicola Willis reckons the economy will have firmly turned around by the time we get to the election next year. If NCEA is too far gone, what should we replace it with? Plus, on the Huddle a controversial take from Trish on the Coldplay kiss cam incident that leaves both Heather and Josie red faced! 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.

Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: I'm expecting the Waikato medical school costs to blow out
Now, here's a prediction for you - watch those Waikato University medical school costs blowout. I reckon it's gonna blow out and there's all the signs this thing is gonna blow out. Even when the Waikato University was itself putting in less money, which is $100 million, there were questions about whether it could afford it because Waikato University's debt level is maxed out at the moment. So everybody looked at it and went, are you actually gonna be able to afford it? Well now, it not only has to put in the $100 million, it has to put in $150 million between itself and some philanthropists it needs to find. Now, what do you think happens if for whatever reason, it cannot quite find that money? Who do you think is going to be called upon to fund the gap? The long-suffering taxpayer. That's a blowout for us. Now, that's not even mentioning the chances that this thing costs much more than what they say it's gonna cost. I'm very suspicious about how it is that a $380 million project suddenly got cut down to $230 million without anything actually being cut out of it. How did that happen? And even at the higher estimate, which was $380 million, I was already worried that that wasn't really going to cover it, because there were warnings then that it was going to blow out - because the thing is being rushed. Treasury said that whenever we rush things, like the Dunedin Hospital build, we end up with unexpected and often urgent cost escalations. Now, I'm incredibly cynical about the fact that this has somehow managed to radically cut the costs of a scheme that was being questioned for being too expensive and unnecessary when we already have two medical schools. And I worry very much that we have been presented the best case scenario to get us across the line on a National Party election promise that actually wasn't stacking up anymore. And that once we've invested in this and the shovels are in the ground and the costs start to blow out, we go - well, we're already pouring money into it, we simply will have to continue pouring money into it, which is how this always goes. So I hope that this comes in under budget, and if it does, I absolutely will apologize for what I'm saying right now, but I don't think it will. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Michael Johnston: NZ Initiative Senior Fellow on whether changes need to be made to NCEA
One expert is joining the calls to overhaul NCEA after the Government indicated changes were on the way. A damning report's highlighted major problems with the qualification's credibility, with some schools already withdrawing from Level One. NZ Initiative Senior Fellow Dr Michael Johnston says NCEA's had a 20-year run and it's time to rethink it. "I think a lot of teachers and schools have probably had a gutsful of it, to be honest. It imposes a very heavy workload on teachers... there's a lot that schools have to do." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mary Jo Vergara: Kiwibank senior economist on what latest CPI data says about the economy
Experts have offered reassurance our high inflation isn't a sign of things to come. Stats NZ figures show the Consumers Price Index reached 2.7 percent for the year to June. Inflation fell to just 2.2 percent last year - from 7.3 percent three years ago - but has been rising since. Kiwibank senior economist Mary Jo Vergara says this is likely a spike, so should go back down. "If you look at domestic inflation, that's really trending down - so I don't think this is going to be something that is persistent." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Simeon Brown: Health Minister on construction beginning on new Waikato medical school
Construction will begin this year on a new medical school at Waikato University. The Government has given it the go ahead - and is providing $83 million dollars towards the project. Health Minister Simeon Brown says the school will offer a post-graduate degree aimed at other fields, such as nurses or paramedics. "This is about attracting people from those rural communities working potentially in healthcare or different roles and giving them the opportunity to upskill or become a doctor." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jon Duffy: Consumer NZ chief executive on the Commerce Commission filing charges against Noel Leeming over ‘Price Promise’ claims
Consumer NZ says complaints against Noel Leeming go beyond its price-matching policy. The tech retailer is facing criminal charges brought by the Commerce Commission - accusing it of making misleading promises. Noel Leeming's strongly rejecting the claim, and says it will vigorously defend its stance. But Consumer NZ chief executive, Jon Duffy, says the company's also charged with misleading people about their consumer rights. "If people are taking things back to the store and getting mislead about their rights to a refund or a replacement, that's very concerning". LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Barry Soper: Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent on the Government putting $83 million towards new Waikato medical school
The Prime Minister has confirmed a Waikato medical school's coming, with construction beginning this year. The Government's putting $83 million towards the $230-million-dollar project, with the rest coming from Waikato University and philanthropic investors. It'll offer a graduate-entry programme, focused on primary care and rural health. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the ACT Party quickly released a statement taking credit for driving down the price of the project. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oliver Peterson: Australian correspondent on the coalition losing favour in new opinion poll
Over in Australia, the opposition isn't faring too well in the months after their election loss. The first post-election opinion poll has revealed Sussan Ley's coalition is sitting on 29 percent - the lowest figures since 2023. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says Ley is still trying to appeal to prospective voters as the coalition assesses the damage. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Pine: Sportstalk host on what the All Blacks need to work on ahead of the Rugby Championship
Finishing chances remains a focus for the All Blacks as they pivot towards the Rugby Championship next month. The 3-nil win over the French keeps the All Blacks second in the world behind the Springboks. Sportstalk host Jason Pine explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rudd Hughes: Deputy Secretary of Retail at Workers First Union on Kmart staff receiving a new 2-year pay deal
A win for Kmart workers, whose union says it's secured an industry-leading deal. Worker First Union says it's ratified a two-year pay deal matching the minimum living wage - and rising alongside its increase next year. Deputy Secretary of Retail at Workers First Union, Rudd Hughes, says this deal is a 'gold standard' for retail workers - and he hopes other retailers can follow suit. "It's not that they can't afford not to do it, we've asked for the details of their finances and they've refused to give them to us. The Norman family themselves, since 2017, have gone from $500 million net worth to over $1 billion. The workers certainly haven't had that kind of increase in their wages." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Full Show Podcast: 18 July 2025
Listen to the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday 18 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.