Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Listen to the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday 19 December. 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.

France has sentenced a doctor to death after he poisoned 30 patients, killing 12. The EU has agreed to provide Ukraine more money after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged leaders to use frozen Russian assets to fund Kyiv. But, the money may not be enough. "Bit by bit it's getting worse and worse for Ukraine, no matter what support they've got," Gavin Grey told Andrew Dickens. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has approved OceanaGold’s Waihi North mining project, extending gold and silver extraction in the Waihi area until 2043, delighting the pro-mining crowd. It's a decision I agree with. Waihi has already been extensively mined and the environment beaten up. The decision will keep the town alive and provide hundreds of jobs. But make no mistake, this will not be an El Dorado for the whole country. The royalties are still at the excruciatingly low level they've always been at. Waihi North will generate $5.2 billion in additional gold and silver exports over its 18-year lifespan — averaging $286 million per year. Meanwhile, Crown revenue from corporate tax, PAYE, and royalties is expected to total a net present value of $422m over the life of the project. That's not an economy-saving sum, and it represents an 8 per cent yield on the output. But a deal is a deal. What concerns me is thoughts of new claims — the area behind Pauanui and Tairua on the Coromandel. Or the new work proposed for Bendigo. Until the whole nation truly benefits from the work that damages our land, is it worth it?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwibank has scrapped it's plans for partial privatisation after the Reserve Bank announced it's reduction of the amount of capital it requires banks to hold to protect their depositors in the event of a crisis. The bank had been talking to investors, seeking a $500 million capital raise after the Government gave it the green light to raise money to become more competitive.  Kiwibank CEO Steve Jurkovich talked to Andrew Dickens about the change and the future of the market.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US Correspondent Jonathan Kearsley joined Andrew Dickens to chat about the latest news out of America.  The alleged Brown University shooter, who killed two and injured more, was found dead. The House Oversight Committee Democrats released 68 more photos from Epstein's estate, including images of Bill Gates, Steve Bannon and Noam Chomsky. And, TikTok has agreed to a deal which will end the threat of a US ban.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parliament’s youngest MP, Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke of Te Pāti Māori, has teased a coming Waitangi Day announcement with an Instagram post to her 271K Instagram followers.  The post alluded to a collaboration between herself and Green MP Tamatha Paul. And, as election year approaches questions of Winston Peter's political alliance come to the forefront.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Consumers are being warned of a price hike for technology like phones and computers due to the rise of AI creating a shortage of computer chips.  The cost for parts like RAMs have also sky rocketed with some products already costing double, or triple, what they did a year ago.  "There's only so much production capability on the planet, and what we're seeing is where these chips are fabricated, they are diverting their production away from the RAM that's used in our consumer devices to the high bandwidth memory that is being used in the AI data centres," Gorilla Tech CEO Paul Spain told Andrew Dickens. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UK teachers will be given training to spot the early signs of misogyny in boys in order to address concerns about online radicalisation. The Government is looking to clamp down on violence against women and girls, and there's hope that addressing the early roots will slow down the problem. UK correspondent Enda Brady says violence against women is on the rise, and the release of Netflix's Adolescence earlier this year sparked a discussion about what boys see online. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025 has been a memorable year for global equity markets, and it's prompted speculation from investors.  Between economic downturns and tariffs, there's been plenty for experts to voice concerns about. Fisher Funds expert Sam Dickie explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dairy farmer and agribusiness leader Nathan Guy is New Zealand’s new special agricultural trade envoy. Todd McClay, Minister for Trade and Investment and Minister of Agriculture, announced Guy’s appointment today. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Huge benefits for the Hauraki District - as a major mining project gets the green light to expand operations. The Government's granted fast track approval for Waihi North to expand its operations in Hauraki District until 2043. Resources Minister Shane Jones estimates it'll generate an additional $5.2 billion dollars from gold and silver exports across its 18-year life. Hauraki District mayor Toby Adams says this will bring a lot of economic wealth into the region - beyond just gold and silver profits. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 18 December 2025, we're finally seeing those much talked about green shoots in the economy. Brad Olsen speaks to Ryan Bridge as GDP grew 1.1% in the third quarter of the year. The Education Ministry is shutting down Gloriavale's school. Gloriavale leavers lawyer Brian Henry says it's the right thing to do - but where are the more than 100 Gloriavale kids going to learn come January? Netball NZ's boss Jennie Wyllie has called it quits - former Silver Fern Marg Foster says this should just be the start of a leadership overhaul. Plus, the Huddle debates whether the economy has finally hit turned around and whether Netball's board should take more accountability. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, CTU chief economist Craig Renney and Infrastructure New Zealand CEO Nick Leggett joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  New data shows GDP has bounced up 1.1 percent in Q3. Is this a sign things are going to get better? The Ministry of Education is shutting down Gloriavale's school amid safety concerns. But with six weeks to go until the new school year - where does this leave the kids? Netball New Zealand chief executive Jennie Wyllie has resigned effective immediately. Do we think this could have been handled better? Does Netball NZ's board need to go as well? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A quick Christmas message to all the PR people advising sports people and sporting organisations - could you please start talking? The less you talk, the dodgier you look. Stop hiding your CEOS and board chairs under bushes in the hope scandals and poor decisions will be overlooked and forgotten and swept under the carpet. Because if 2025 has taught us anything, it's that they won't and they don't. Jennie Wyllie is gone from Netball NZ. No surprises there. There'll be no surprises either when half the board follows her out the door. They'll be lining that up as we speak with announcements to come soon, I would've thought. But, like cricket, we've got the top dog at a top sporting body disappearing before Christmas without a once-over in the press from their higher-ups. Because Matt Whineray is not fronting this. He's clearly on holiday somewhere. In the world of American football right now, much is being made of Travis Kelce's media management. He refused to do interviews post-match because they lost. Yes that's TayTay's boyfriend, and yes that's the Kansas City Chiefs. They've won a couple of Super Bowls recently. Now they're not even going to make the playoffs. So he's upset, obviously, and doesn't wanna talk to pesky journos. And I get that. I understand that. They're athletes, they're emotional, they're up and down like a yo-yo. But when something goes down in the business of sport, in my view - you should front it in the same way as a regular company CEO or a politician would. The fans are the voters, the shareholders. And they deserve some respect. Respect is shown through communication and right now, they're getting the corporate equivalent of the middle finger. And all of this is made worse by the fact that this is what got them into this mess to begin with with Dame Noels. They didn't front. When they did, they didn't say anything. And then the mood reached fever pitch, almost every single Silver Fern who'd ever donned a bib came out and had their say, even the Government stepped in. Then, finally, things changed. One of the reasons I love netball as a sport is because of the straight-up, hard-as-nails personalities that tend to dominate it. They're no nonsense and they're straight up the guts. Management ought to take a leaf out of their book. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tauranga's mayor is hoping some of the public have suggestions of how the council can balance its books.  A Government-imposed rates cap means, from 2028, councils will only be allowed to increase rates 4 percent at most.  Tauranga Council is forecasting a 5 to 11 percent annual rise. Mayor Mahe Drysdale says it's already cut $38 million, but it isn't sure where more to cut.  "The big items are things like depreciation, interest - if you build infrastructure and you borrow money, those costs effectively just come out the next year." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's most scrutinised sports administrator of 2025 has resigned with immediate effect. Netball New Zealand chief executive Jennie Wyllie has been in the spotlight over the drawn-out Dame Noeline Taurua saga - where the Silver Ferns coach was temporarily suspended for high performance environment issues. Former Silver Fern Marg Foster says this is an opportune time for the sporting body to have a proper reset. "Over in Australia, with what they did with Netball Australia - they went through this situation and they've got the most amazing Liz Ellis running the show with her board and they're just flying. They are accelerating at huge rates, which is incredible."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gloriavale's private school has been ordered to close its doors, leaving a lawyer wondering how it ever managed to exist.  The Education Review Office highlighted ongoing safety concerns in July, and the Ministry put the school on notice in October.  The Ministry's confirmed it's cancelling the school's registration.  Gloriavale leavers' lawyer, Brian Henry, says he doesn't understand how the school stayed open until now, but he's crediting officials for shutting it down. "This school is the enabler of basically enslaving young children born in the community. It keeps them ignorant." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's back on the road to financial recovery, according to new reports. The latest Stats NZ data shows the economy contracted 0.5 percent in the year to September. But it's grown 1.1 percent - faster than expected - in the last quarter. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen says we're effectively returning to where we once were. "Momentum is starting to build, but it's building from a weak spot. So we're certainly not saying that the economy is completely back, but it is on a better track." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most parts of the economy are growing again. Stats NZ data out today shows GDP fell further in the June quarter than reported - at 1 percent, not 0.9. But GDP rose 1.1 percent in the September quarter - with growth in 14 of 16 industries. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained what this means for the economy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's Government says it is entering new legal territory as it pledges to combat hate speech after Sunday's Bondi Beach terror attack.  Fifteen people were killed and dozens injured when two shooters opened fire at Jewish Hanukkah celebrations. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced new powers will be given to target and crack down on people spreading hate speech and violence. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says it feels like the Government is playing catch-up with this legislation. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Netball New Zealand is on the hunt for a new chief executive. Embattled Jennie Wyllie has resigned with immediate effect after nine years in the role, acknowledging 'challenges along the way'. Wyllie has been in the spotlight over the drawn-out Dame Noeline Taurua saga - where the Silver Ferns coach was temporarily suspended for high performance environment issues. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions have been raised over who deploys helicopters to transport rescue teams as police apologise over a miscommunication.  A 13-year-old girl was left clinging to a cliff in Coromandel Peninsula's Hahei for hours last year - when police mistakenly thought she was dead. They refused to foot the bill for a chopper and a rescue crew made a nearly two-hour car journey. The Professional Firefighters Union's Martin Campbell says there needs to be clarity.  "In some cases, police are saying it's their call. And Fire and Emergency in the past have made that call. So there is a bit of confusion and misunderstanding." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Resident doctors in England have begun their strike action after rejecting the Government's latest pay offer. The British Medical Association (BMA), and the health secretary, Wes Streeting, met in a final bid to reach an agreement, but none was reached. UK correspondent Gavin Grey explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reserve Bank Governor Dr Anna Breman is pushing traders in financial markets to focus on the bank’s November 26 Monetary Policy Statement. This has prompted investors to speculate that interest rates will remain low throughout 2026. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union and Jack Tame joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Jevon McSkimming was today sentenced to 9 months home detention. Did we expect more? The Government has scrapped the road cone hotline with six moths left to go. Do we think this is a total waste of money? Trump's chief of staff did a Vanity Fair interview, but now says her quotes were taken completely out of context. What do we make of this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some of the most followed AI stocks have taken a hit over the last few days, prompting concerns about the sector's future. Both Oracle and Broadcom were down 10 percent, prompting concern from investors. Milford Asset Management expert Remy Morgan explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 17 December 2025, disgraced former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming has been sentenced to home detention for possession of objectionable material including child sex abuse and bestiality images. Conservation Minister Tama Potaka won't say how much more users of the Abel Tasman Great Walk might have to pay as a result of a historic settlement with Maori. Was the road cone tipline a total waste of money? It's being shut down after just six months. Plus, the Huddle debates whether Jevon McSkimming's sentence is too light and whether we should believe Vanity Fair or Donald Trump's chief of staff who says she was misquoted. 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.

I know you shouldn't count your chickens before they hatch, but can we just take a minute to look at the good economic news coming out? Government books aside, tomorrow's GDP read will show we bounced back with a spring in Q3 - close to 1 percent growth, they reckon. What's more, that shocking read for Q2 should be revised down because it wasn't actually as bad as the topline number we were given to begin with. Today, consumer confidence is on the rebound. This is according to the Westpac McDermott Miller survey. It's up 5.6 points - to its highest level this year. Still slightly below 100 - which means more are still glass-half empty than full, but it's going in the right direction. As are Seek job ads and as are most of the numbers that move first when a recovery is underway.  Now, I say all of this completely aware that we've been here before and fired a blank. We've had many a false dawn and false start. But barring any major cock-ups, this recovery feels like its real and happening. The missing ingredient of course is house prices, which are either sideways or backwards for most regions. That's the liquor in your Irish coffee that really gets things moving on the economic front. But this recovery will happen without it. It won't be soaring property prices that give birth this recovery, it won't start in an auction room with the hammer going down on a $44 million two-beddy in Sandringham.  What's going to drive this recovery, and make it a very gradual one, is confidence in our agricultural exporters, our lower mortgage rates, and, I think - more than anything - a feeling that we're just sick of being in this position. The ironic truth of it is that in order to get us out of the malaise, we must spend money, rather than save it. We must go out and buy stuff. So this Christmas, take that confidence to your nearest shopping mall. Tonight, I'm doing exactly that. Westfield is open till 10pm. I've found a tent, I've been eyeing it up today, and I'm ready to push play on summer and on spending and an economic Christmas miracle. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's hopes a new move by the Reserve Bank will bring about positive changes for New Zealand's banking sector. It is changing the mix of capital banks are required to hold, aiming to reduce funding costs.  It is also targeting closing the gap between bigger and smaller banks - making the market more competitive. The Co-Operative Bank chief executive Mark Wilkshire says this will encourage competition and remove certain constraints impacting the banking sector. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions remain about the significance of the Bondi's terrorists' recent trip to the Philippines.  Sunday's terror attack at a Jewish celebration claimed 15 lives - and 20 people are still in hospital.  The father and son gunmen spent much of November in a Philippines region known as a 'hotbed of Islamic extremism'. But Australian National University criminologist Dr Clarke Jones says it's an interesting link.  "When there was a connection to the recent terrorist attack in Bondi, I was, well, surprised there was some sort of link to the Philippines - but not surprised that terrorism is probably still active."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's calling the Government road cone complaints hotline a complete waste of public money. It's wrapping up six months early - after site visits showed 86 percent complied with the rules on cone quantities.  Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere says the pilot cost $150,000 by September, after beginning in June. He says there were and more effective solutions to the issue. "They should have picked up the phone, had a conversation with councils, worked with them to get the information that they needed - it certainly wouldn't have cost them more than $150,000." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Abel Tasman walk has been returned to its original owners - but the Conservation Minister's unsure how it'll affect the iconic tramp's price-tag. The Government's today signed an agreement to restore thousands of hectares of land in the upper South Island to descendants of original owners, Te Tauihu. It includes a 25-year agreement to continue the Great Walk. Minister Tama Potaka says walk management remains with the Department of Conservation, public access guaranteed.   "There are arrangements in place around a number of issues - those arrangements remain confidential." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jevon McSkimming received several discounts at sentencing in Wellington District Court today.  The disgraced former Deputy Police Commissioner has been given nine months home detention for possessing questionable material.   Judge Tim Black began with a starting point of three years prison - with reductions for a guilty plea, remorse, and significant rehabilitation efforts. NZ Herald reporter Melissa Nightingale says that brought the potential sentence down to 18 months in prison. "Once a sentence drops to about two years prison or below, it's then available to potentially be switched over to home detention - which he's chosen to do in this case."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister's delivered his final parliamentary speech for the year, handing out plenty of praise for his Government and jibes for the Opposition. Parliament's wrapping up for the year, with party leaders getting in their last say. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper recapped the final speeches. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The son of Hollywood director and actor Rob Reiner and his wife Michele has been charged with murdering his parents - found dead in LA on Sunday. Reiner is famed for directing the iconic When Harry Met Sally and A Few Good Men, among others. 32-year-old Nick Reiner is charged with two counts of first degree murder, with a special circumstance of multiple murders.  US correspondent Jonathan Kearsley says these charges carry a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole, or the death penalty. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

FIFA has introduced a new ticketing tier for next year's World Cup, following an uproar over the prices to attend games. The sport's governing body has announced a new 'supporter entry tier' in response to criticism of the highest prices in World Cup history that were labelled extortionate. Prices have increased several-fold from Qatar, with the cheapest ticket for most pool games costing several hundred New Zealand dollars with the most expensive in the thousands. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's encouraging numbers on retail crime in New Zealand, according to new reports. Data from retail crime intelligence company Auror shows year on year for the 10 months to October, weapon use fell 12 percent and violent events dropped 6 percent. In Australia, the same kinds of incidents are trending upwards. Auror spokesperson Nick McDonnell says there's a reason such crime is dropping here. "Retailers have really led the way in leaning into it, and then the police on the other side of the system have also leaned into this earlier than other markets - and are really collaborating together through the platform." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in the UK, Chief of defence staff Sir Richard Knighton says war with Russia is at risk. Knighton says Russia is a growing threat to the UK, and the 'sons and daughters of Britain' will need to be prepared. UK correspondent Enda Brady says people across Europe are starting to get worried. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 16 December 2025, Finance Minister Nicola Willis defends the state of the Government books, despite surplus being pushed out and debt growing more than previously predicted. The Bondi hero who tried to stop the two terrorists is fighting for his own health in hospital. Ryan Bridge speaks to a woman who has been by his bedside. A lawyer convicted of groping law students at a Russell McVeagh Christmas Party has been cleared to return to practicing law. Ryan asks the victims' lawyer Steph Dyhrberg how she feels about James Gardner-Hopkins getting a second chance. Auckland Council has listened and voted down a trial to move to fortnightly rubbish collections. Plus, the Huddle reacts to news that Ruth Richardson has officially pulled out of the big debate against Nicola Willis. 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.

Food and fibre exports are set to reach a record $62 billion next year, up from the $60.4b record set this year. According to new reports, meat and wool revenue is set to rise 7 percent, horticulture 5 percent, forestry 2 percent, and dairy 1 percent. The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Child Fund CEO Josie Pagani and Tim Wilson from the Maxim Institute joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  The disgraced lawyer at the centre of the Russell McVeagh #MeToo scandal has been granted a new practising certificate by the Law Society, which says he’s fit to return as a barrister. Do we believe in second chances? The Government has pushed out the return to surplus for another year - and Ruth Richardson has responded by calling off the debate between her and Nicola Willis. What do we make of this? Auckland Council has moved to scrap a proposed trial for fortnightly rubbish collection in some Auckland suburbs. Do we think this is the right move? Will the new MCERT mega-Ministry actually improve anything? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Online marketplace Trade Me has been hit with a $138 million write-down of the value of its marketplace business unit. This comes as revenue continues to drop for the online retailer. Massey University marketing professor Bodo Lang says Trade Me still leads its current market, but its status is under threat. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Well, of course you heard it here first last Monday - the surplus has been pushed out again. It's like waiting for Christmas when you're a ten-year-old, the whole month of December feels like an eternity. This lot have now pushed it out three times and changed the definition of surplus. Not only have we moved the goalposts, we've lowered them, too. Next year's deficit is almost $14 billion, that's $1.8 billion worse than they thought it would be in May. We're not back in black till 2030 now, instead of 2029. That's what happens when you borrow a bunch of money you have to pay back and then fail to grow your way out of it. Basically, Grant Robertson went and bought a brand new lambo on the credit card and then when he buggered off, we got Nicola who promised she'd get us some more work to pay for the debt so we wouldn't go broke.  But that extra work hasn't quite happened yet - so here we are. The good news is - it is coming, they tell us. More than 3 percent next year. In theory. All going to plan. And Willis is promising to get the surplus by 2029, even if the books don't show that yet. I think it's enough to get them re-elected, providing no surprises from Winston, because people know what the alternative is. And that's more debt. On ghost visits to the doctor for billionaires who don't need it with GPs we don't have. Yes, they could please Hooten and slash spending - I'd be here for it. But this is MMP and they're an unashamedly centrist party that needs to win the centre. And winning the centre means not spooking the horses, which is what massive cuts would achieve. So, another fiscal result we were mostly expecting telling us what we mostly knew was coming. Like the last two polls of the year, the pre-Christmas treat for Luxon and co. is - the growth is coming on stream, finally, in an election year. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Treasury's Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update has painted a concerning picture for the Government books. It forecasted the deficit will peak at $16.9 billion dollars, and only drop to $60 million in the 2029-2030 financial year.  Independent economist Cameron Bagrie says this forecast doesn't come with many surprises. "If you look at the bigger picture, we're now going to have a decade of deficits. And if you look at the last two years, the situation's actually been worsening."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The lawyer representing victims of a former Russell McVeagh partner, whose behaviour helped ignite New Zealand’s #MeToo movement, says it’ll be up to clients whether they want to work with him. James Gardner-Hopkins was found guilty of six misconduct charges by the Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal in 2021 - and suspended for three years. He’s now been granted a new practising certificate by the Law Society, which says he’s fit to return as a barrister. Steph Dyhrberg says the decision will put some clients off, but others may not see it as a barrier. "That's the thing about having a practicing certificate, you've sort of got a brand on you from the Law Society that you're a fit and suitable person." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland Council's trashing a plan to trial fortnightly rubbish collection - but the idea hasn't yet been removed from the picture. The trial would've included 10,000 households in Te Atatu Peninsula, Panmure, Tamaki, Clendon Park and Weymouth. Of more than 5,000 submissions, 78 percent opposed the trial. Councillor Daniel Newman says the possibility for fortnightly collection lives on in the current Waste Management Minimisation plan. "Some of us were trying to permanently move the whole region to a weekly service next year when the matter comes up, and we'll have to consult on it then. it's very painful." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Bondi hero who wrestled the firearm off a gunman has a long recovery ahead. Syrian-born Ahmed al-Ahmed has catapulted to international fame for intervening during the terror attack that killed 15 and injured more than 40. A GoFundMe page has raised more than $2 million to help the 43-year-old father of two, who's in hospital, shot in the shoulder. Australians for Syria Association spokesperson, Lubaba Alhamidi Alkahil says there was a lot of fear the Muslim community would get the blame. "But who was the one who rushed to help? Who endangered himself? It was the Muslim one, right? So he proved that we are not terrorists." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister's still aiming for a surplus this decade, despite today's bleak economic news. Treasury's Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update shows more delay to getting the books back to black.  The deficit's expected to deepen more to a high of $16.9 billion and not narrow to $60 million dollars until 2029-30. Nicola Willis says a 2029 surplus is very achievable. "What that will take is just a small revision to the growth upwards, combined with fiscal discipline. And those are two things that our Government is committed to."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A painful wait could be worthwhile for Nathan Lyon, if he rediscovers his form in the third Ashes cricket test starting tomorrow. The veteran off-spinner's been sitting on 562 test wickets for five months, one short of equalling Glenn McGrath as Australia's second highest wicket taker. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Condolences and support from New Zealand MPs for Australia's Jewish community, after Sunday's terror attack. Parliament's held a moment's silence - marking the 15 people killed when two gunmen opened fire during Hanukkah celebrations at Sydney's Bondi Beach. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says speakers from all the major political parties paid tribute to the victims.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.