Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

New data shows that house prices have dropped for the fourth consecutive month in June. The Real Estate Institute of NZ shows that across the entire country, the HPI declined by 0.8 percent in June compared to May. Property commentator Ashley Church says the cause of this downturn goes all the way back to 2021, when Covid impacted interest rates. "The Reserve Bank, as a result of that, recognized what it had done, reversed course and increased the OCR, which had the effect of increasing mortgage interest rates over the following two years. So the result of that is basically what we're dealing with." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The EU's retaliatory tariffs on US exports have been delayed again - this time until early next month. The countermeasures, which were due to begin this month, came in response to President Donald Trump's initial import taxes on steel and aluminium. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says Trump has recently threatened to bring in higher tariffs for the European Union on top of the earlier sanctions.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of New Zealand's leading building sector bodies is launching standard house designs that will be available to all, in an attempt to bring down costs. The Building Research Association of New Zealand has developed an accessible plan for building an affordable and sustainable home.  BRANZ General Manager of Research Dr Chris Litten says housing affordability is a significant issue in New Zealand - and the company's looking to develop a solution. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump is renewing his threats to Canada, vowing to slap a 35 percent tariff on its goods. He says he'll impose the tariff on Canadian goods starting in August. Trump's also made threats of blanket tariffs of 15 or 20 percent on most trade partners. Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly reveals how the markets reacted. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and Child Fund CEO Josie Pagani joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! New data shows more young Kiwis are having issues finding work. Do we have any inspirational messages for young people looking for jobs? How can they get ahead?  Is the UN interfering with NZ's sovereignty?  Ray Chung has since apologised for his infamous email to Tory Whanau - but the council's Crown observer is raising issues with the Minister and the council's CEO is looking to investigate a possible code of conduct breach? What do we make of this?  Donald Trump is now mulling increasing the baseline tariff for everyone from 10 percent to 15-20 percent. Should we try to make the best of this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister says revelations she wanted to keep numbers attending this year's Budget lock-up more restricted than she suggested is a mountain out a of molehill. After a wave of criticism directed at Treasury for restricting lock-up numbers - Nicola Willis said she stepped in to enable more people in. An extra 30 people were added to the list. But new OIA documents show it was actually Willis who pushed for tighter restrictions She says she had initially opted to stick to the same approach for the Budget, as had been used for the half-yearly fiscal update. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 14 July 2025, how much money did we waste on the Te Pukenga experiment? Minister for Vocational Training Penny Simmonds tells Ryan Bridge the shocking cost, and why we're going back to 10 independent polytechs from next year. A Tasman community has yet again been hit by mountains of slash. Ngātīmoti resident Steph Jewell reports from the clean-up and what should be done to avoid history repeating again. Former rugby league player Paul Gallen tells Ryan he really does hate Sonny Bill Williams ahead of the pair's much anticipated fight. Plus, the Huddle debrief on THAT letter by Ray Chung and THAT interview he did with Ryan last week. 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.

Put your hand up if you've ever had a bus suddenly pull out in front of your car while you're driving along, minding your own beeswax. I know. It's happened to everyone. They're long things aren't they, buses? So you can be halfway past one when they pull out, and all of a sudden you're slamming on the brakes or you're pushed into the wrong lane. I don't mind admitting that until this very morning, I had assumed that buses must have had the right of way. They seem to take no prisoners. They have no mercy. They're as ruthless on the road as the All Blacks at the Cake Tin on Saturday night. But I was reading an article this morning from the Spinoff about a bunch of changes to road rules that Chris Bishop wants to enact. One of them is giving buses right of way when they're exiting bus stops. So if you're driving a car, you must yield. Give way. Slow down, or more likely, stop completely to let them out. The theory is that buses carry more passengers than cars. If we prioritise the buses, more people will get where they need to go. Productivity increases. And we're all better off. And you know what? I can get onboard with that. It makes sense, and I sort of thought that was the law anyway. But if we motorists are going to do something nice for the buses, then I want something in return. I want those stupid green bus lanes that sit empty most of the day as traffic piles up around them back. I want us to reclaim the road for the people who are actually using it. I understand the need for rush-hour/peak bus lanes. But I don't understand why they must be bus lanes 24/7 when they're 1 - not being used by buses and 2 - causing massive delays, inconvenience and lost productivity to the rest of us. The default position is that bus lanes are 24/7 unless sign posted otherwise. The one in particular that rips my nightie is in central Auckland - where most bus lanes are 24/7. Does anybody else have this problem - or am I just another selfish motorist fuming in midday traffic? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's immense pressure for young New Zealanders trying to find work as opportunities decline. Stats NZ data shows 16 percent of Kiwis aged 15-24 are unemployed. NZ Careers Expo director Mark Gillard says the market conditions show it's a tough market for young workers. "It's not anybody's fault, the onus is certainly there on employers, on industry organisations to engage with young people. There's been a propensity to step back and let the internet do all the talking, but we know face-to-face engagement with young people is what really inspires them."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Gallen is speaking out after things got heated between him and Sonny Bill Williams ahead of their high-profile match in Sydney. The pre-fight press conference initially saw both fighters seemingly ready to skip the verbal jabs in exchange for the in-ring shots on Wednesday. However, the latter stages saw Gallen accuse Williams of drug use - and for charging large sums for his community work.  Gallen says he can't see himself breaking bread with Sonny Bill after the fight, but 'that's life'. "There's no acting going on at all - we don't like each other." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's assuring industry groups they'll still have influence as polytechnics change. Next year, 10 polytechs will return to regional governance - but four remain under Te Pūkenga's umbrella. More decisions will be made mid-next year.  Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds says these 10 institutions are following a planned pathway designed to boost long-term viability. "This is work that should have happened 5-6 years ago, it's happened now - and they are getting rid of the wasteful spending, they are getting themselves back on track." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Huge landslides in Tasman have caused widespread destruction in the past week's damaging storms.  The area's State of Emergency continues - but recovery efforts are in full swing after flooding, slips and power outages. More than 800 properties are being assessed for damage in Tasman and Nelson. The town of Ngātīmoti was badly hit. Local Steph Jewell says logjams that meant homes flooded - are being cleared. "Further up the little stream that I live up - it's all happening. As soon as I wake, it's the sound of machinery." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Moves have been made to restore regional governance to 10 polytechnics.  The Government is undoing Labour's merger of institutes under the Te Pūkenga umbrella.  The 10 selected are deemed to be on a path to financial viability - and will stand alone from next year.  Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says these changes will hopefully help the regions boost employment in the sectors calling out for workers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anthony Albanese will use high-profile meetings with top business leaders in Shanghai to boost the Chinese-Australian trade relationship. The Prime Minister is also expected to back industry efforts to decarbonise China's huge steel sector.  Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says Albanese will also meet with Xi Jinping tomorrow - to further discuss trade. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson's hinting some more experienced squad members yet to get a run against France could get their opportunity in Saturday's third test in Hamilton. An unassailable 2-nil series lead affords the hosts the chance to mix up their selections for the final match. Robertson says they'll be balancing opportunity with continuity in picking their 23. Sportstalk host Jason Pine explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New data shows there's been a noticeable surge in high school students passing NCEA numeracy and literacy assessments. Latest results show 57 percent achieved the maths standard across all year levels in May this year, up from 45 percent in the same month last year. 61 percent met the reading standard for all year levels - up from 58 percent. Education Minister Erica Stanford says she's 'proud' to see that achievement rates have gone up. "We've turned the corner, we have a relentless focus on achievement, on literacy and numeracy an hour a day - the clear curriculum, the standard teaching practices and all those resources we're putting in - we're now starting to see these results improving." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday 11th July 2025, the mayoral campaign for Wellington councillor Ray Chung appears to be in tatters after a sex gossip email he sent about Tory Whanau was made public. Chung told Ryan Bridge he stands by the email, and makes a jaw-dropping admission.  Deborah Hart, the chair of the Holocaust Centre, is warning that antisemitism has moved from the fringes to the mainstream in New Zealand, and we need a strategy to fight it.  Why is the Victoria University student association telling graduates to go to Australia rather than find a job here?  Ryan talks to the woman in charge of hiring 500 new staff members for New Zealand's first Ikea store.  Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jewish leaders are calling for New Zealand to follow in Australia's footsteps and formulate an antisemitism strategy.  The Australian special envoy's plan includes harsher hate speech laws and stripping funding where possible from broadcasters, universities and arts institutions.   It follows a string of antisemitic attacks in Australia in the past few months.  Holocaust Centre of New Zealand Chair Deborah Hart told Ryan Bridge Jewish people in New Zealand are feeling scared.  She says people are seriously talking about a plan B and who might hide them if things take a turn for the worse.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wellington Mayoral race was supposed to be winding down into boring town.  Tory went wild, had a tipsy whirlwind on Courtenay Place. A bit of booze, a bit of dine and dashing. It was salacious, it was scandalous.  As stories of late-night escapades and unpaid bills and missed council meetings flooded the newspapers, the streets flooded, literally. Every time a scandal burst onto the front page of The Post, so did a pipe. It was as if Wellington’s infrastructure were protesting the incompetence at City Hall.  Poonamis. An onslaught of cycleways. Crime. And still no second Mount Victoria tunnel.  It all came to a head, of course. Andrew Little entered the chat. Tory pulls out.  And from here it was meant to get boring. You know in an action movie when all the crazy stuff happens, there's half an hour left on the clock, but the world's been saved by superhero XYZ? All the main cast is safe and well and life goes on happily ever after?  That's where I thought we were with Wellington's Mayoral Race.  Well, Wellington, you're getting a sequel – within the original.   Mayoral candidate Ray Chung sent his colleagues an email, regaling them with a story a friend told him while he was out walking his dog. In it, he says, Tory Whanau had drug-fuelled tempestuous sex with a bunch of young guys. He also claims he was told that she had pendulous soft breasts.   It's starting to smell a little bit like Ontario in Canada. Remember the mayor who was accused of smoking crack? Just scandal through a local election campaign.  To get real for a minute, two things. One: Tory denies the story completely and utterly rejects it.   Two: Ray sent this to three fellow councillors on their personal email addresses. So, it was a private email, he claims. And Ray reckons that one of those people has leaked it to Tory, who has leaked it to the press.   So then you start to wonder, is one of Ray’s former fellow council mates now turning on him, perhaps for political reasons? I don't know the answer to that question. All I really know is that Wellington, you need some popcorn because you're in for one hell of a tempestuous election campaign.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Embattled Wellington mayoral candidate Ray Chung is refusing to pull out of the race, despite being ditched by a major financial backer.   It comes after the Herald revealed Chung sent emails detailing an unsavoury sexual rumour about Mayor Tory Whanau – rumours she's categorically denied.   The scandal has led to high-profile Wellington philanthropist Sir Mark Dunajtschik withdrawing his support for Chung’s campaign.  Despite this, Chung told Ryan Bridge empathically he's not backing out of the race, saying that's absolutely not his plan.  He’s also accusing one of the three colleagues he sent the email to of leaking it to Whanau.  He says he can't say for sure who it was... but says he could have a guess.   Chung would not, however say which of the three he was accusing of the leak.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week saw the All Blacks defeat France by a narrow four points.  Despite facing a greener Les Bleus side, the All Blacks struggled a bit in getting that victory over the line.  Weekend Sport Host Jason Pine told Ryan Bridge that last week’s result could influence France in one of two ways.  He says their close score could either be motivational, or they could think that Dunedin was their best shot at defeating the boys in black.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Victoria University of Wellington Students Association is turning heads with its new campaign.   “No work. Sh*t pay. Why stay?” is the slogan for their “Where’s the Work?” campaign.  The group is aiming to draw attention to the record number of students ditching the country for prospects overseas.  Engagement Vice President Aidan Donoghue told Ryan Bridge they’ve seen within the public sector to lower the roles offered, and they want to encourage the private sector to pick up the slack instead.  He says we either let these people go and likely never see them again, or we keep them inhouse and try expand industries within New Zealand.   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been 40 years since the French sunk the Rainbow Warrior. They wanted to stop the protests against nuclear testing at Mururoa. The terrorist attack by an allied country on on our soil was outrageous. Two years after the event, we cemented our nuclear free stance. We're officially against nuclear weapons. Testing is bad for the environment, no doubt. But let me ask you a question. Since Hiroshima and Nagasaki, have we had another world war? The answer is no. We've had decades of cold war between Russia and the West.We've had plenty of conflict - Africa, Eastern Europe, the Middle East.But nothing's escalated quite in the way it did in World Wars I and II. I think you've got to ask yourself why? Did we collectively realise the bloody cost of far away battles and drawing our friends into conflict?Did we wake up after the second round and think, oh, world wars aren't that great. Or we witness the power of atomic weapons in Japan and scare ourselves silly? The theory of nuclear deterrence basically says that yes nukes are evil inventions, but their existence deters your enemies from attacking you for fear you'll hit back with a nuke. Mutually assured destruction. It's like schoolyard bullies. You don't pick on a guy who's got a bunch of older brothers who could then come beat you up. The threat of getting totally annihilated deters you from picking on somebody with nukes, or, messing with their friends. Nukes are bad. But does anybody think without them we'd have gone 80 years without a major world war?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Illegal immigrants from France are still arriving in the UK. Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron are set to announce a deal that addresses this. Junior Doctors are also going on strike despite pay-rises from union-negotiations. UK correspondent Enda Brady says they're lacking public sympathy as everyone's already struggling financially. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fisher Funds' Sam Dickie explains how Tesla shares have dropped significantly. He says the company is suffering from Elon Musk's alignment to Trump, and from Chinese brands making better products. He says they need a CEO who's focused on the company, and not distracted with other ventures. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Listener, Woman’s Weekly and Woman’s Day are up for sale as owners Are Media go on the market. The sale raises the inevitable question of the future direction of the magazines under any new ownership – and whether they will remain under one umbrella. Founder and Managing Editor for The Spinoff Duncan Greive says magazines are just a tough market to be in, everywhere in the world. He says despite loyal readership, the numbers aren't as high as they once were. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Journalist Clare De Lore and Economist Craig Renney joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! 40 years since the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior. Ryan has been wondering.. for all of our opposition against nuclear and nuclear weapons; are they actually what is keeping the world from erupting into even more serious conflicts right now? The owner of Woman's Weekly and Listener is looking for a buyer for the mags. Are magazines dead? Gold mine plans halted due to local lizards needing to be rehomed - should we risk hundreds of jobs for the protection of animals?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Caleb Clarke as a power wing could be the tool that puts the ABs over France again, despite an underwhelming season. Head Coach Scott Robertson says he believes in the eye-test of what he sees, rather than what the stats say. He says it's about trusting players to step up, and for great players to stay consistent. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 10 July 2025, Victoria University's Emeritus Professor Jonathan Boston slams suggestion that thousands of homeowners should be left without the option of Government buy-outs when their homes get destroyed by weather related events. Forest and Bird's Nicola Toki explains passionately why we should put lizards before jobs when it comes to the Otago goldmine. All Blacks coach Scott Robertson tells Ryan why he thinks the ABs can make it 2/2 against the French on Saturday. Plus, the Huddle debates the 40th anniversary of the Rainbow Warrior and some of New Zealand's most well-known magazines up for sale - will they survive? 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.

Would-be customers are being charged for cancelling bookings. One customer was even pinged $250 for pulling out of a 5-person table. Consumer NZ Communication and Campaigns Manager Sahar Lone says people must be aware of the contract they enter when booking. However, she adds businesses must be reasonable and transparent with their policies to avoid controversy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Political Editor Jason Walls talks to Ryan Bridge about new poll results showing NZ First nearly acquiring double digits. He points out Labour and National have taken notable drops in the survey, with their respective bloc-parties having to make up the deficit. As it stands, the left-bloc doesn't have enough to form a government. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elliot Smith joins Ryan Bridge to discuss the changes the ABs and Red Bull have decided to make.  Why would Christian Horner get sacked, and what does that mean for Max Verstappen's future with the team? What adjustments do the All Blacks need ahead of their second test with France? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's arguments against a recommendation the Government abandons property buy-outs.  An independent panel has prepared a proposal for flood adaptation to the Environment Ministry.  It says homeowners should be responsible for deciding to live in high-risk areas - and shouldn't expect the Government to stump up for weather-damaged homes.  Victoria University emeritus professor Jonathan Boston says he disagrees. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rotorua's Mayor, Tania Taspell, says a new water plan in the city addresses past wrongs.  The plan will see Karamū Tākina Springs co-managed by Ngāti Kearoa-Ngāti Tuara and Rotorua Lakes Council and land nearby will be returned to Iwi.  The springs provide 60 percent of Rotorua's drinking water. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Department of Conservation's declined a permit to clear vegetation at the Central Otago site - citing missing details on rehoming thousands of lizards.  Resources Minister Shane Jones has voiced frustration it puts hundreds of jobs at risk.  But Chief Executive of the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society, Nicola Toki, says the lizards' existence are already under threat so mining would put their population on the brink of extinction. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston's done it again. The old political workhorse of the Pacific just keeps getting more popular. New Zealand First has overtaken ACT in the latest Taxpayer's Union Curia Poll - it's now the third most popular party. I'll give you a break down of the numbers shortly, but this has got to be ego bruising for Seymour. He's just got his feet under the Deputy's desk and he's been overtaken in the polls by the bloke he's replaced. Not that simply being the Deputy PM gets you votes, but he's trying to make a good fist of it. Seymour's holding press conferences left, right and centre. Yesterday, a stand-up reacting to no change in the OCR. Today, a stand-up on Stats NZ numbers. Luxon's overseas on holiday. Winston's East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur. Seymour's been bogged down with Regulatory Standard's Bill, the Treaty bill and school lunches. Winston's been flying around the world keeping us in line with China and staving off Trump's tariffs... all while celebrating his 80th birthday. And to top it off, he's keeping cash in circulation. Winston is popular because he speaks his mind and knows what he's talking about. He commands respect. When he speaks, people listen. He's a good example of a man who keeps it simple. Do your job and do it well. Work hard and stay focussed. It's a pretty simple formula that's seen him through the last 40+ years in politics and ion these numbers will see him through atleast a couple more yet. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Germany has accused the Chinese military of targeting its aircraft during an EU operation over the Red Sea. The Chinese ambassador has been summoned to the German foreign ministry over the incident. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says this comes as concerns mount over China's influence on critical technologies and security infrastructure in Europe. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unions are urging Uber to consider New Zealanders needs - after drivers protested outside the Supreme Court today. It's over an Uber appeal of a 2022 ruling that deemed four drivers employees, allowed things like sick leave and holiday pay. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank left the OCR on hold at 3.25 percent - with the bank claiming it was waiting for more economic data. Economists widely suspected the RBNZ wouldn't cut rates any further, and they believe there's more cuts to come. Milford Asset Management's Remy Morgan unpacked the market reactions. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and broadcaster Mark Sainsbury joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Government wants beneficiaries to help with the flood clean-up in the South Island. Is this a good idea? Is there a case to make work available under these circumstances? There's a plan to revive the moa from extinction. Good idea or waste of time? A survey of public servants has found more than half of them think their colleagues were not hired on merit. Do we sense a problem here? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An ACT MP claims cultural requirements in resource consents are creating extra costs and slowing down solar farm projects.  Undersecretary for RMA Reform, Simon Court says at one Hawke's Bay site local hapu have to be invited to perform karakia every time a native tree is removed.  He says ultimately it will be consumers missing out.  "What this means is that if solar farms can't get built, or if they get built but there's all this extra cost, that's going to add to your power bill." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 9 July 2025, Infometrics' Brad Olsen breaks down today's OCR decision and tells Ryan Bridge when we might get another cut to interest rates. The Government is keen to get unemployed job seekers involved in the flood clean-up in Nelson/Tasman. MSD's Craig Churchill tells Ryan so far just six jobseekers have put their hands up. Zoologist professor Philipp Seddon is not a fan of trying to revive the moa and won't hold back on why it's a dumb idea. Plus, the Huddle debates why public servants think half of their co-workers didn't get the job on merit. 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 moa was a visionary bird well ahead of its time. Bringing them back from extinction makes perfect sense - we'll be setting them free. They can finally live their best life. Spread their wings - metaphorically, of course, cause they don't actually have wings. But they'll be free in this brave, new modern world. Firstly, they're vegan. So hip and trendy box number one - big tick. Wait till somebody introduces them to the incredible burger, or eggplant sandwiches with vegan slaw. They'll love that. But wait, it gets woker. The women are dominant - one and half times bigger than the men and two and half times the weight. Trendy, progressive box number two - tick. Number 3 - turns out they were quite oppressed back in the day. Victims, you could call them. Also very trendy today. Hunted to extinction by men with spears, slaughtered and eaten. You know what that means in 2025 - lived experience. Wait for the wellness podcast and the Oprah interview. And then there's the obvious but awkward issue of being a bird with no wings. A bird that can't fly. Kiwi are so embarrassed by this they only come out at night in case any one notices this deformity. But moa stand at up to 3.5m tall in broad daylight, which is quite hard to miss. It's not like you can hide behind another bird or a tree or anything else, really. They stick out like the Sky Tower, which is more fodder for the podcast, no doubt. So to the moa, who we will soon raise from the dead: Welcome to a brand new world. Welcome the world you deserved from the beginning. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Public Service Commissioner says there's signs of optimism and room for improvement in this year's survey of public servants.  The poll of 40 thousand workers found 80 percent think there's a staff shortage and workloads are too high.  Commissioner Brian Roche says AI, not more staff, could be the answer.  He says he's not making much of the finding - a third of public servants thought they were underpaid. "I've never been in a workplace where there's an element of people who don't think they should get paid more." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A lucky escape for a near-hypothermic Wellington tramper and his dog after the pair were rescued from freezing overnight conditions in the Tararua Ranges.  David Graham and Winnie were winched to safety in an Air Force helicopter about 4.30am yesterday, where he was given the best hot chocolate of his life.  Graham says he was well-prepared, but conditions deteriorated - and by 9pm, his sleeping bag froze.  "When my dog started shaking, I realised that the temperature was dropping pretty quick, and so at that point I got in touch with emergency services." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

600 Tasman jobseekers have the opportunity to help clean up flood damage in the upper South Island.  The Government's activated a beneficiary task force in Tasman and Marlborough. Ministry of Social Development regional commissioner, Craig Churchill, says they're targeting jobseekers closest to the area.  "We've actually had a lot of jobseekers register interest to help in events like this. And this is a significant event that's going to take quite some time to recover from, people are really willing to help." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another cut to the Official Cash Rate still looks more likely than not, according to one expert. The Reserve Bank's kept the OCR unchanged at 3.25 percent today, following six consecutive cuts. It's waiting for more economic data, before further moves. But Infometrics principal economist, Brad Olsen, says the bank's explicitly signalling the chance of more cuts. "If things continue to evolve as they broadly expect, that will give them more scope to continue to cut the Official Cash Rate - maybe one or two cuts by the end of this year." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The death toll from flash floods in Texas has risen to 111 - including 28 children - and the numbers missing have skyrocketed to 173. It's the US's deadliest freshwater flooding in nearly 50 years. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says fingers have been pointed at the Republicans in charge - claiming their cuts to emergency services have worsened the impact of the disaster.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Public hearings for the second phase of the Covid-19 inquiry got under way this week, and there's been speculation if Jacinda Ardern will make an appearance. Ardern says she will provide evidence to assist the Royal Commission of Inquiry, if asked to. Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls says key decision makers and senior public servants are set to speak next month. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Extra motivation for Queensland ahead of tonight's State of Origin series decider against New South Wales in Sydney. Maroons skipper Cameron Munster has returned to camp after the death of his father, Steven. Sportstalk host Elliott Smith explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.