Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

One expert is warning the job market won't get easier any time soon. The latest Stats NZ data shows the unemployment rate has reached an almost nine-year high of 5.3 percent in the September quarter. That's 160,000 people looking for a job, and another 138,000 wanting more work. Infometrics principal economist Nick Brunsdon says we're on the cusp of a recovery - but not a quick one. "Our forecast is for it to hit 4.6 by the end of next year - and that's not a low unemployment rate by any means. It's still gonna be pretty uncomfortable." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The debate over Eden Park events has reignited, as the Government has proposed letting it almost triple its annual concerts from 12 to 32. It's also recommending more timing flexibility, with the park currently unable to host events on a Sunday - and it's asking Auckland Council for feedback. Eden Park CEO Nick Sautner says they've engaged with the residents in the area to get their views, and they're hoping for a positive outcome. "There's a variety of events that are impacted by our regulations - last Sunday night, we had to apply to Auckland Council at a cost of $15,000 to get an extension to the operating so we could have the league fixture."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Significant progress is being made on New Zealand's Free Trade Agreement with India. India's Trade Minister is in the country - discussing our trade relationship over the next few days with Minister Todd McClay and the Prime Minister. India has announced it's looking towards an early conclusion of the FTA. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained that these discussions were why Luxon missed Question Time - prompting criticism from Labour.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zohran Mamdani's scored victory for the Democrats - making history as New York City's youngest mayor in a century.  The 34-year-old candidate focused his winning campaign on working-class issues.  It's a crushing defeat for the second-placed Trump-backed Independent Andrew Cuomo, and Republican Curtis Sliwa. US correspondent Jonathan Kearsley says it's not gone down well with the US president. "He's blaming some of the losses, not just in New York but in governing races in Virginia and New Jersey on the Government shutdown that's been going on for well over 30 days - and also on a lack of presence of himself." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Caps are keeping an eye on February's T20 World Cup heading into a five-match series against the West Indies, starting at Eden Park tonight. It will be New Zealand's last T20 series before their World Cup squad is announced. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new report has claimed the BBC doctored footage of Donald Trump to appear like he was calling his supporters to 'fight' ahead of the January 6 riot. Editors for Panorama, the BBC’s longest-running investigative series, reportedly altered a Trump speech that took place in 2021 - prompting investigations and accusations of bias. UK correspondent Enda Brady unpacked the findings further.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's putting more than a million dollars into rolling out farming tech designed to cut down emissions. A $1.2 million dollar investment's been announced through AgriZero. It's developing a device for cows that spreads their urine across a farm as fertiliser- reducing the need for artificial application. The Country's Jamie Mackay explained the project further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, former Green MP Gareth Hughes and Phil O'Reilly from Iron Duke Partners joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  A museum in Christchurch has raised some concerns over an attempt to depict 'both sides' of World War II. How do we feel about this? Erica Stanford has moved to take Treaty obligations off school boards, prompting outrage from teachers. Should we be outraged at this development? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 4 November 2025, the president of the NZ School Board Association is unhappy that the education minister is taking treaty obligations off boards. Melbourne Cup correspondent Donna Demaio reports live from Flemington with the latest from the big race day. Prue Daly, boss of the NZ International Convention Centre, in studio with Heather to celebrate finally getting the keys to the convention centre.... 6 years late! Is the Government looking to introduce a ban on homeless people in city centres? Barry Soper has the latest from Parliament. Plus, the Huddle debates whether a Canterbury museum is wrong to show "both sides" of World War II. 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.

Okay, I've got a question for you - and this is a genuine question, it's not a rhetorical question. Do you agree with the teachers' unions that it's an outrage that Erica Stanford is taking the Treaty obligation out of the Education Act, or do you agree with Erica Stanford that it needs to come out? Now, I'm asking you this question because I honestly cannot understand why the teachers' unions are causing uproar over this, because it seems to me to be a clear case that this should come out. It hasn't helped lift Māori achievement in the five years it's been in the legislation. In fact, going by just one metric, which is the proportion of Māori students leaving school with no NCEA qualification at all, it's getting worse. It was 24 percent in 2021, it's now nearly 28 percent at last count. So if this thing isn't helping, then it shouldn't be there - because all it is then is just virtue signalling and distracting schools when they should be, as the minister said, laser-focused on educating kids. So this is where I ask my question - because this is where I get confused. If it doesn't have to be in there, then why are the unions picking this fight? Why are they fighting for yet another pet ideological project? Did they not learn from the allergic reaction that parents had to the news that the number one thing on the PPTA's agenda for the meeting with the minister was Palestine? That went down like a cup of cold sick. Is it not obvious to the unions that they are losing the patience of parents who've already had a guts-full of an education system that isn't educating their kids - and the teacher unions making excuses for it, and the teacher unions not wanting to have to do more work? So it's one of two things that's going on here for me, right? Either teacher unions really just cannot help themselves when it comes to yet another political distraction and a chance to give a National Party a bloody nose, or they know something that I don't - which is that there is enormous support out there for them fighting the good fight on the Treaty obligation for the boards of trustees. Is that happening? Am I missing something here? Is there massive support out there for teachers who are fighting this? Or are they burning parents' goodwill because they can't help themselves yet again fighting with a National-led Government? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A meeting between Te Pāti Māori and the National Iwi Chairs Forum has resulted in two key outcomes. The hui was called after infighting, which saw the Te Tai Tonga electorate call for Party President John Tamihere's resignation. He responded by suggesting MPs Mariameno Kapa-Kingi and Tākuta Ferris should resign. Forum spokesperson Bayden Barber says the party's leadership has agreed to a truce on the attacks on social media.  "The second one was an agreement to meet at a marae in Wellington to work through the issues." Barber says they now need to meet with Kapa-Kingi and Ferris to get the same type of agreement. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The long-delayed International Convention Centre in Auckland has formally been handed over to SkyCity - several years behind schedule. The works began in 2015, and the project was impacted by additional delays, extra costings and the infamous 2019 fire. NZ International Convention Centre general manager Prue Daly says it's a relief to finally get the keys to the building to get it ready for next February. "We've been patiently waiting, but actually now we're just super-focused on getting that building ready for February - and make sure that when we're open, we're delivering really well." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's concerns from some that a Canterbury museum's displayed World War II Nazi artefacts without context.  Geraldine’s Military Museum showcases tanks and machinery of war, alongside a Nazi flag and mannequins wearing the uniforms of Hitler’s elite bodyguard. It welcomes visitors to partake in an Nazi re-enactment - to display 'both sides' the war.  Holocaust Centre Chair Deb Hart says without much context, it's harmful to uninformed people.  "You do have an obligation to help people understand what it is that they are looking at. Otherwise, you risk glorifying something that was terrible in our history." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year's winning Bird of the Year, the kārearea, is attacking Wellington walkers on a popular bush walk. The native falcons are nesting along Haywards Track - and swooping on unwary hikers. Hutt City Council is asking people to hold off walking between Whites Line East and Mawson Street, for now.  Forest and Bird's Ali Meade says people who see the birds should leave as quickly as possible. "They might scour the back of your head a little bit - they just don't want you there and you could hurt them if they come into contact with you as well." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The country's largest water safety group expects a big impact from losing about 20 percent of its annual funding. ACC's ending its long-standing partnership with Water Safety New Zealand after this summer, saying it hasn't seen a measurable reduction in drowning injury claims. Water Safety New Zealand will lose about a million dollars a year in ACC funding. Acting CEO Gavin Walker says ACC's challenge is understandable, but they need the funding to help do life-saving work. "We're worried that all of that is put at risk without some continuation of funding." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unions have voiced disappointment over the Education Minister's plan to remove school board Treaty requirements. Erica Stanford intends to scrap a clause under which boards must reflect local tikanga in the curriculum - and teach te reo Māori. The PPTA labelled it another step in the Government's apparent drive to take the country back 50 years NZ School Boards Association President, Meredith Kennett, says putting it in legislation ensures school policies consider the history of children and their whanau. "Allow us to connect with local iwi - and making sure that this school is fit for purpose for our children, because our children need to belong. And if they don't feel like they do, then they won't achieve."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Te Pāti Māori has confirmed they're not  ruling out triggering two separate byelections by expelling controversial MPs. Co-leaders Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer aren’t backing down from the party’s actions as it defers to Te Pāti Māori’s national council. This comes as deliberations to oust Te Tai Tokerau MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi and Te Tai Tonga MP Tākuta Ferris continue to take place. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper recapped what we know so far. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Australia, the Reserve Bank has opted to leave interest rates on hold at 3.6 percent, in line with expectations from economists. Experts had largely predicted this, given the current state of inflation data in Australia. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says it's unlikely Australians will see a rate cut until 2026. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NRL will look into Tonga's handling of Eliesa Katoa's head injury assessment. The news comes after he suffered seizure activity and brain bleeding following three knocks in the space of 90 minutes in the build-up and during the league test defeat to New Zealand on Sunday. He underwent surgery in Auckland yesterday. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave recapped what we know so far. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Smokin' Romans and Torranzino are preparing to carry the hopes for New Zealand-trained horses set as the 24 hopefuls for today's Melbourne Cup are saddled up at Flemington. It's a decline of two Kiwi runners from last year's race, while six set out for the 3200 metre journey in 2022. Melbourne Cup correspondent Donna Demaio says there's concerns about rain impacting the race. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Witnesses have described horrifying scenes of train passengers trampling over each other to escape a mass stabbing in the UK. A 32-year British national is now the only suspect for the stabbing on a London-bound train, which police are not treating as a terror attack.  One of the 11 victims - described by police as a hero who tried to intervene - remains in a critical condition. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says the driver also moved quickly to get the train the in the right lane so police could intervene.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Westpac New Zealand recently saw a significant profit boost - and it's prompted discussion. The Australia-owned bank's reporting a 13 percent jump in net profit after tax of of $1.20 billion in the year to September.  Harbour Asset Management expert Shane Solly explained the market reactions. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump has made significant progress on establishing critical mineral deals with Australia and Japan, prompting speculation from experts. Rare earth minerals contribute to plenty of modern technology, including drones, smartphones and EVs, and these deals have seen stocks shoot up since. Mineral economist Dr Allan Trench explained these deals further - and what investors can learn here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Thomas Scrimgeour from the Maxim Institute and Child Fund CEO Josie Pagani joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  New research out of Australia has revealed the cost of unpaid labour - and it's sparked discussion and backlash. How much housework do we do? Is it more than our partners? Dame Noeline Taurua went out on multiple interviews today, and it's been revealed she didn't know what she did wrong - and she's been reinstated without agreeing to making any changes. What do we make of all this? Does someone need to lose their job?  Z Energy has had to apologise for an ad campaign that claimed they were getting out of the petrol business. Did they really need to apologise over this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 3 November 2025, Dame Noeline Taurua has raised more questions than answers after her round of interviews. Employment expert Max Whitehead says it's clear Netball NZ has not acted appropriately in the saga. 120 police officers are under investigation for falsifying 30,000 breath tests. Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Jill Rogers explains how this happened.   Media commentator Duncan Greive reacts to news that Simon Dallow will step down after 19 years at the 6pm newsreader desk. Finance Minister Nicola Willis on Andrew Bayly and Westpac's 13% profit rise. Plus, the Huddle debates new research that has quantified the amount of unpaid labour we do in a day. 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.

How is it possible that the Dame Noeline Taurua crisis has actually got worse today? How is it possible that she's got her job back today and this thing has still got worse? I'm getting the impression that Netball New Zealand do not realize how bad this is today. If they don't realize the enormous damage that Dame Noeline has done to them by going on at least three radio interviews and one TV interview and saying repeatedly the same thing -  that she does not know how she was stood down, that there was no investigation to clear her before she was brought back - if they don't realize how enormous this is, I can't explain it to them. They're not responding today to Dame Noels' comments and they're not saying if she's right or wrong.  All we know is that the Netball New Zealand minder who was with her when she was doing the interviews told her to stop telling Mike Hosking that she didn't know why she was stood down. Now let me, for the benefit of everyone - but particularly I think for Netball New Zealand - explain how bad this is. None of us here in this office can think of a single employment disagreement that has been dragged out in public like this for this long with this much interest in it. Not even, I would say, the John Hawkesby-Richard Long case back in the late 90s, which was a really big deal at the time - not even that went on this long and was this badly handled. None of us can also think of a single time when Mike Hosking interviewed someone over four interview slots, which is what happened with Dame Noels this morning. Even during COVID, Jacinda Ardern maybe got three slots maximum. Noeline got four, that's how big this is. It's certainly big enough, I think, for somebody at Netball New Zealand to lose their job now. I'm sorry to say this, because I've got a lot of respect for Matt Whineray, the chair of the board, but I think this is now big enough for him to actually have to consider standing down. Either him or the CEO Jennie Wyllie - or frankly, both of them. Either that or they tell us that Dame Noeline is wrong and that what she said on air this morning was wrong. But if her version of events is right, then what has happened to her is completely unacceptable, and Netball New Zealand must indicate that they think this - that they do not condone this kind of ill treatment of employees because their judgment is now in question. We're all looking at this and thinking - if you can stuff up something this badly, what else are you going to stuff up? They cannot afford for us to not believe in their judgment because they are now far from through the worst of what they're going through, with the financial crisis that they're in and the broadcasting crisis that they're in, right? They have not actually solved their broadcasting problems and they have not saved the domestic competition. If they want us to trust that they know what they're doing, and if they want us to not question them at every single turn, then I'm sorry - someone absolutely has to lose their job over this. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been a busy time in Australia, with Kiwis flying over to see Oasis - prompting speculation about the future of events in New Zealand. The bed tax debate lingers, but the Finance Minister has promised discussions are taking place to bring more events to New Zealand. Nicola Willis says Minister Louise Upston has been working hard behind the scenes to draw in events and get the economy going. "There'll be announcements over the coming months, Louise Upston is in negotiations and there'll be some exciting events coming to a city near you." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's hope for a smooth transition at TVNZ as its shakes up the flagship 6pm news bulletin. Presenter Simon Dallow's stepping down this month after almost two decades - to be replaced by weekend newsreader Melissa Stokes. Media commentator Duncan Greive says TVNZ's made the safe choice, given it's not reaching a lot of new viewers. "If you look at the ratings for ThreeNews, there's not a lot there, they've gone down a bit." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research out of Australia has revealed the cost of unpaid household labour - and it's a high figure not recognised in economics statistics. These tasks - including cooking, cleaning and caring for family members -are reportedly worth about A$688 billion, according to new reports.  Canberra University economics professor Leonora Risse says many of these tasks are essential services, and most of these are carried out by women. "If we're not recognising it, then what we're doing is we're not recognising women's overall contribution to the economy - the productive activities that hold our economy together. So it's about shining a spotlight on it." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The police have confirmed no review will take place - after it was revealed more than 100 officers are under investigation for falsifying 30,000 tests. The falsified records were only discovered after police built a new algorithm to analyse the data, as the devices themselves cannot distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate tests. Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Jill Rogers says it's unclear what will come out of the employment investigation. "They'll have their own individual investigations now to work through to work out why they did it. I scratch my head, going - what on earth were they thinking? It appears many of them were done on the way from or to legitimate checkpoints." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One expert has made a suggestion Netball New Zealand could be breaching employer obligations in events, including Noeline Taurua's suspension. The Silver Ferns coach is being reinstated, after being stood down in September over player concerns. She says she still doesn’t know why - and and has revealed there was no investigation. Employment expert Max Whitehead says Netball New Zealand shouldn't have acted on this if it couldn't name players or complaints. "The employer has an obligation on good faith and a natural justice to provide her with a name - and what the allegations are." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Te Tai Tokerau MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi says she isn't going anywhere. Te Pāti Māori's President, John Tamihere, has suggested she and Te Tai Tonga MP, Takuta Ferris, should resign from the Party. That's his response to a petition launched by 'Te Tai Tonga Executive'  - calling for his resignation.  He's accusing the two MPs of avarice and entitlement, referencing Hone Harawira’s split from the Party in 2011 - and telling them to do the "honourable thing'. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper recaps the ongoing saga. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Australia, new data shows national home values rose 1.1 per cent over the month of October, and 6.1 per cent over the year. All of Australia's major cities saw significant rises, with investors and first home buyers setting records as they tried to outbid each other. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson raises the question of what this data could mean for future rate cuts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dame Noeline Taurua insists she hasn't agreed to any changes in the Silver Ferns' high performance environment. In announcing her return after being stood down for more than six weeks, Netball New Zealand said the two parties would be working in partnership to embed "agreed changes". Sportstalk host Jason Pine raises questions about Netball NZ's statements. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Z Energy is apologising for any confusion caused by aspects of a 2022 advertising campaign.  In 2022 and 2023, the company ran a 'Moving With The Times' campaign - illustrating its commitments to being more environmentally friendly.  Consumer NZ, Lawyers for Climate Action, and the Environmental Law Initiative later took legal action against Z Energy, claiming it was misleading New Zealanders.  Z Energy chief executive Lindis Jones says the ad was designed to be 'bold and provocative' "That statement was made alongside a whole lot of other information that contextualised it and provided background. So it's a case of - we've agreed to disagree." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday 31 October. 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.

A pump station overflow north of Auckland has resulted in the temporary closure of Oyster farms and the destruction of thousands of contaminated oysters. In an email sent on Thursday, Watercare said the pump station overflowed at about 2.30pm to the stormwater pond and wastewater began entering the Mahurangi River but the overflow was not stopped until 8am the next day. Chair of the Mahurangi Oyster Farms Association, Lynette Dunn, said to Andrew Dickens that this was far from the first time this type of incident had occurred. "I think by recording, we might be up to about 38 or 39 times for the whole year," she said.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chase UK star Shaun Wallace, aka Dark Destroyer, is touring New Zealand hosting quiz events to raise money for Cure Kids.  The Chaser will also host the 25th New Zealand Quiz Championships in Eden Park on November 8.  Wallace is not a Chaser for soon-to-debut The Chase NZ but he told Andrew Dickens, "I would really like to see a New Zealand chaser, because there's some very, very good quizzers over here". LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Concerns over potential US nuclear tests have arisen after Donald Trump posted on X saying 'I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our nuclear weapons on an equal basis'. The announcement left questions about whether the US President meant testing weapons systems or actually conducting test explosions, which the United States has not done since 1992. Vice-President JD Vance failed to provide any clarification, telling reporters the President’s statement “speaks for itself".  US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson told Andrew Dickens he wasn't convinced the threats will be followed through- "as we know, the president tends to speak first sometimes and think after he has spoken". LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Bayly, the MP for Port Waikato, stood down as ACC and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister after allegations of unprofessional behaviour.  While speaking to Newstalk ZB yesterday Bayly said he was told the allegations made against him had been corroborated by three other people - he now has evidence it was not. Speaking from Korea overnight Luxon reiterated he would have fired Bayly had he not resigned. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Okava has been investigating the use of GLP-1 receptors in cats and found it has similar effects to weight-loss drugs on humans. The San Francisco-based company is hoping to develop a long-acting implant as opposed to regular injections. But, Healthy Pets New Zealand trustee and vet Dr Cath Watson says weight loss drugs should not be the first option for pets.  Watson told Andrew Dickens that pet obesity levels are "pretty bad and getting worse". LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two men arrested last week have partially admitted their role in a brazen heist from Paris's Louvre museum. Crown jewels worth millions of dollars were taken last week, when four people used a hydraulic crane to break into a window in broad daylight, then fled on motorbikes. UK correspondent Elizabeth Callaghan explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New data shows AI is still holding strong in current financial markets. Meta, Microsoft and Google recently unveiled their earnings, and the data indicates there's clear demand for AI. Same Dickie from Fisher Funds explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 30 October 2025, National MP Andrew Bayly tells Heather he was misled and now thinks it was a mistake to resign from his ministerial portfolios. Why won't Health NZ make it easier for parents who want to vaccinate their babies against measles? Fonterra's CEO Miles Hurrell is stoked farmer shareholders have voted overwhelmingly in favour of a deal that will see a French company buy its consumer brands. Chris Luxon has invited Donald Trump to come to New Zealand for a round of golf with... former PM John Key! Key tells Heather which golf course he'd take the US president to. Air NZ boss Nikhil Ravishankar in studio with Heather... does he regret asking the Government for a subsidy in his first week? Plus, the Huddle debates Andrew Bayly and whether Chris Luxon's wealth is fair game for Chris Hipkins. 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 best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman will go head-to-head tomorrow, as the 2025 Trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial Test series. Running over two days, the competition will see elite handlers and their dogs from New Zealand and Australia battle it out for the Wayleggo Cup. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, broadcaster Mark Sainsbury and Kiwiblog writer and Curia pollster David Farrar joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! National's Andrew Bayly has revealed why he resigned in February and attempted to clear up the situation with ZB's Barry Soper earlier today. What do we make of all this? Luxon and Trump had their first big face-to-face meeting today - how do we think it all went? The chat was about hair and golf, did we expect more?  Is it okay for Chris Hipkins to take shots at Chris Luxon's wealth? Was that a low blow? Parents are struggling to get their babies vaccinated against measles and the Ministry of Health can't explain why they're making it so hard. Is this unreasonable? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I've got an update for you on the social media ban for kids situation - over in Australia, the social media companies have now admitted they can kick underage kids off their platforms, and they've admitted that they will start enforcing the ban when the ban in Australia comes into effect on December 10th. Now, this is not a surprise to me that they can actually do it, because I never believed the nonsense when they said: “Oh, it's impossible to age verify, we couldn't possibly.” Because guess what? They can. Reddit over in the UK does this - it age verifies and stops people seeing content. It's completely possible to do. And it's pretty obvious that they already have a rough idea of how old the kids are, because that's why they feed teenage content to teenage people. What I think we should take from this, though, is that we should never believe the social media companies when they say they can't stop kids using their products. What I think you should do is kind of take the approach of treating them a little bit like the tobacco companies of old - completely untrustworthy, want to peddle their product, do not want to stop peddling their product. In fact, I think, to be honest, that there is a useful parallel here with the way that we treat ciggies and how we should be treating social media companies. We ban kids under the age of 18 from buying ciggies, we ban them from buying booze because we know it's bad for them. When they're older, they can use it. Hopefully, they use it wisely, but not when their little brains and their little bodies are still developing. And I think the same is true of social media. And yes, like the ciggies and the booze, the kids are gonna find a way to get around it and get their hands on it. On a New Year's Eve when they're 16, they're gonna get completely drunk. But hopefully it'll be a rare occasion, not an every weekend type of thing. And in the case of banning the booze and the ciggies, we could have left that up to the parents. We could have said: “Nah, it's okay, you decide if your kids want to smoke and drink under the age of 18.” And parents should play a role, right? But I think we all decided as a group that this was worth banning, and I think we need to do the same thing with social media. And I think we need to do it mainly for the social media companies, because they are not prepared to do it themselves until they're forced to - just like in Australia. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Air New Zealand says it's committed to maintaining regional connections, despite the Government turning down its offer.  CEO Nikhil Ravishankar last week pitched a temporary subsidy for lesser used domestic flights, saying it might be necessary to keep them operational.  But Prime Minister Chris Luxon says a subsidy isn't the answer, and Air New Zealand should shift its focus. Ravishankar says it still isn't planning to leave the regions.  "We know that it is a lot more than a commercial decision, it's a lifeline service at times. And we will do everything we can and everything we should be doing to ensure that connectivity remains." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National MP Andrew Bayly wants to clear up details of events that led him to resign his ministerial roles.  It was after allegations in February he'd placed a hand on a staffer's upper arm, during what he called an animated discussion. No formal complaint was made - but he says that's contrary to what he was led to believe and he now regrets resigning.  He says multiple things prompted him to quit. "It wasn't just the formal complaint, it was the statement that three people corroborated the allegations and that was what made me get to a position where I offered my resignation." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ministry of Health says the measles outbreak isn't at the point where they'd routinely immunise babies under 12 months.  We have 13 infections - and 2000 close contacts. Parents have worried vaccinating babies early can cost more than $200.  The Ministry's Public Health Director, Dr Corina Grey, says allowing vaccinations earlier is a decision for health officials. "We'll continue to track the outbreak and review the evidence - but encouraging everybody who is eligible to get vaccinated." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.