Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

The deadly Bondi Beach shooting, which saw 16 people killed and dozens more injured, has prompted the Australian Government to tighten up gun laws following the incident. The Government revealed plans to further restrict gun licences to citizens only - with limits on the types of guns and number obtained.  Australian correspondent Murray Olds says questions have been raised over why people who live in suburban Sydney needed multiple weapons. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's confident a planned mega-ministry, MCERT, will support RMA and Local Government reforms.  It expects the Ministry of Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport to be up and running by next July. It replaces the Ministries of Environment, Transport, Housing and Urban Development.  Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says New Zealand's great challenges involve all those agencies.  "At the moment, it's all disconnected between three of four different agencies that we're merging together into one." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Five people were arrested in Germany after they were suspected of being involved in a plot to drive a vehicle into people at a Christmas market. The group were detained over the plan to target a market in the southern Bavarian state. UK correspondent Gavin Grey explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The BNZ - BusinessNZ Performance of Services Index has slowed down, according to new data. Reports show it fell by 1.5 points to 46.9, sparking concerns about the future of the economy. Harbour Asset Management expert Shane Solly explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Motor Trade Association is coming out against proposed changes to the Warrant of Fitness scheme.  Under the proposal, the first WOF on a light vehicle would last four years. Head of Advocacy James McDowall says the annual check help ensure brakes, tires  and essential parts of the car are working - keeping people safe on the road. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This terror attack in Sydney is what everyone else has been saying it is: absolutely horrific. Antisemitic terrorism. Sadly, this type of attack is happening and will keep happening more frequently, according to intelligence agencies. And the worst part is that it's almost impossible to stop. Australia has what the world considers the 'gold standard' gun control. After the Port Arthur massacre, they tightened up the rules. But it still has more guns now than it did back in the 90s - both in number and per capita. Guns don't cause terror attacks of course. For that, you'll need radial fanatics with a screw loose. The internet is full of them. It's a great place to meet like-minded people, sadly. We run very expensive security agencies in most Western countries whose job it is to track people down and prevent Bondi beach events. In this case, ASIO knew about the son with the gun in Sydney as early as six years ago. There were links to ISIS. But it didn't stop him, did it? Brenton Tarrant was posting about the God-awful things he was going to do up to a year beforehand online, but wasn't stopped, either. Samsudeen - the guy who slit peoples' throats while they shopped for groceries in New Lynn - he was actually being watched and followed at the time and even he still managed to stab eight innocent people. Some argue migration is the problem. They say Jews and Muslims have been fighting for centuries and that's where the problem lies. Except mass shootings are perpetrated by all different sorts of people for all different sorts of reasons. There's left-wing extremism - the death of Charlie Kirk, the insurance assassin, the attempt on Trump are all suspected of being motivated by far-left extremists. And then you've got right-wing extremism and radical Islamic terrorists. And then there's just completely crazy people who seem to have no motive, they just want to be famous or kill people for a body count like life is some video game. The sad, disturbing, uncomfortable part of this attack is that it won't be the last, and there's very little it seems we can actually do to stop them. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 15 December 2025, the ripple effects of the shocking Bondi terror attack are being felt far and wide. Ryan Bridge speaks to terrorism expert Dr Levi West, Holocaust Center chair Deborah Hart and Police Assistant Commissioner Mike Pannett. The Reserve Bank Governor has swung into action to talk down financial markets, Finance Minister Nicola Willis seems happy. Avatar director James Cameron has warned this might be his last Avatar movie and is pitching for a better film rebate for local productions. Plus, after the Bondi attack the Huddle debates whether we have let antisemitism become acceptable. 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, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and former Green MP Gareth Hughes joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day! There was a fatal attack on Bondi Beach last night, with 15 dead and over 40 people injured. What do we think of this? Is this a sign we've normalised anti-Semitism?  The Motor Trade Association is warning that we shouldn't extend WOFs from one to two years. Will this lead to more road-unfit cars on the roads?   James Cameron has said he might not make another Avatar sequel, and he wants the Government to strengthen the film rebate system. Do we really think this is the way to go? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update is due to be unveiled to the nation tomorrow, and the Finance Ministers outlined her expectations.  Experts have speculated a projected surplus will be pushed back from 2029 by another year, and Prime Minister Chris Luxon tempered expectations earlier today. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says 'fiscal discipline' will see New Zealand's economy keep growing in the coming months. "Importantly, I also get to update the Treasury's economic forecasts and that's what shows the picture for more job creation, income growth into the future, and people doing better." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police are assuring the public there's no immediate threat of a terror attack in New Zealand.  They're bolstering their presence around Jewish sites after the targeted attack on a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney's Bondi yesterday.  A father and son opened fired on a crowd of some 1,000 people - killing 15 and injuring more than 40.  Assistant Police Commissioner Mike Pannett says in these situations, try and escape quickly and quietly, hide, and contact police when safe to do so.   "We will absolutely attend as fast as we can, but as these circumstances have shown over the last day, there is no crime advance warning."   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Film Commission says bringing more film projects to New Zealand isn't as simple as hiking subsidies.  Oscar-winning director James Cameron released his third instalment of the Avatar franchise over the weekend.  However, Cameron says it may well be his last due to industry belt-tightening.  He's called for the Government to revisit the rebate scheme.  CEO of the Film Commission, Annie Murray says production opportunity isn't just about money.  "Yes, they're looking for the best for their bottom line, but they're also looking, first and foremost, for a creative fit. And they're certainly finding that here." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A nod of approval for the KidsCan school lunches scheme. A Ministry of Education ECE report shows consistent near 100 percent satisfaction scores for reliability, food safety, and communication. KidsCan CEO Dame Julie Chapman says it costs $2 dollars per meal, on average - under their not-for-profit model. "You're talking 30 to 50 kids, as opposed to, you know, hundreds or potentially thousands of kids. So that bespoke model for early childhood works really well."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Details are emerging about the gunmen behind last night's deadly attack at Sydney's Bondi Beach. 15 people were killed and dozens more were injured after the shooters opened fire into a crowd of people celebrating the first day of Hanukkah. National security expert and Australian National University research fellow Dr Levi West says the father mustn't have raised any alarm bells when he applied for a gun license.  "Associations that your son has with people is not necessarily sufficient to rule you out of measures. The New South Wales state Government is talking about tightening what is some of the toughest gun laws in the world." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister's tempering expectations ahead of the Government's books opening this week. The Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update will be unveiled tomorrow - with some economists expecting a projected surplus to be pushed out by another year.  Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this will be the third time a return to surplus has been pushed out. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Investigations are set to continue into the deadly attack at Sydney's Bondi Beach - including the killers' motives. A father and son opened fire on some 1,000 beachgoers yesterday, killing 15 people, including a 10-year-old girl.  Police say it was a terror attack targeted towards a Jewish Hanukkah celebration.  Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says officials will also be looking to toughen up gun laws following the attack. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Canterbury wicket-keeper Mitch Hall has been pushed out for a fit-again Tom Blundell in the Black Caps squad for the third test against the West Indies starting Thursday in Mount Maunganui. Spinner Ajaz Patel returns to the side, with Blair Tickner sidelined. Sportstalk host Jason Pine explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Security has been boosted around Jewish places of worship and gatherings following last night's deadly attack at Bondi Beach. Two gunmen opened fire on a crowd of about a thousand people celebrating the first day of Hanukkah, killing 15 and injuring 40. Holocaust Centre of New Zealand Chair Deborah Hart says New Zealand's Jewish community is 'reeling' following the attack, and tributes are flooding in.  "We hold those directly affected in our hearts, but we know that we have to be resilient and we have to go on. And we've only had the first night of Hanukkah, and Hanukkah is the festival that has carried us through centuries of persecution."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday 12 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.

On the face of it, this coastal shipping decision from James Meager seems like an odd one. It's a win for truckies, like it or not, we're about to get 500 extra trucks filled with 15,000 tonnes of bulk cement on the road each month. But it's bad for coastal shipping, even though the Minister says it's actually good for coastal shipping. Let me explain. There's a cement company that wants to ship its product round the country, but its current ship is old and buggered. So a new one is coming to the rescue, but in the meantime, they've sorted a temporary ship for three years to fill the gap. Well, they did. Until the Minister, James Meager (Assoc. Transport) stepped in and said Nah. You can't operate that vessel here because its foreign-flagged ship. Meager says he's simply following the law. The vast majority of goods being moved around the country from local ports are on kiwi boats with kiwi crew, making sure we have kiwi jobs etc. All very well and good. Except there's apparently no alterative for the cement guys, Holcim, so they're forced to send everything by road for three years. And here's the bit that's worrying (aside form the fact we're loading the roads up with more heavy trucks that in many places they clearly can't handle). Holcim reckons this decision will cost it of millions of dollars. And once you sink that investment into freight by road, there will come a time when returning to shipping becomes unviable. So the cement stays on the road. So in this case, three years with kiwi workers missing out may turn into forever. And that doesn't seem like a very smart decision, especially at a time when we're trying to boost coastal shipping (newsflash: we're long islands surrounded by water) and when we're limping across the cook straight from the next three years without proper ferries. I would have thought this makes the whole system a bit weak and vulnerable. Would an extra ship at a time like this not be a good idea, no matter where it's come from and who's manning the deck? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The country's largest cement supplier says we'll soon have over 500 more trucks on the road every month to move cement across the country.  They recently requested to use a foreign-flagged vessel with foreign crew to operate for three years while a new vessel was built to replace their outdated M-V Buffalo.  But this request was declined by the Associate Transport Minister, James Meager.  He told Ryan Bridge that, "you tend to only give authorizations to carry things for a very short or temporary period, to make up a bit of a gap. And in this instance, it just didn't meet that criteria." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are signs that green shoots are starting to flourish economically.  The latest card spending data from Stats NZ shows retail spending was up 1.6-percent last month, compared to November last year.  Spending was up across the board - on the likes of groceries, household items and clothes. ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley told Ryan Bridge that the GDP for the second half of the year has had a strong rebound.  He says they're expecting 0.8 percent for the upcoming quarter. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could different portion sizes for each sex reduce obesity? According to one UK-based expert, it could.  Professor Naveed Sattar says portion sizes at restaurants are often calibrated towards an adult male - and could be too much for women, children and shorter people.  Nutritionist Mikki Williden told Ryan Bridge that there's lots of variables.  She says the focus shouldn't be on the difference between the sexes - but smaller portion sizes generally isn't a bad option.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Workplace Relations Minister Brooke van Velden's refutes claims her minimum wage increase is 'piddly'.  The minimum wage will rise to 23-dollars-and-95-cents next April -- a 45 cent increase.  Labour's called the hike 'piddly and weak' -- while also claiming in real terms, it's a pay cut for some New Zealanders.  Van Velden told Ryan Bridge that's simply not true as it aligns with forecast inflation.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Gloriavale leader Howard Temple has been sentenced to 26 months in jail for sexual offending.  He had indecently assaulted young women and girls over a 20 year period at Gloriavale as recently as 2022. It comes as newly released documents show just how explicitly the government has been warned by its agencies that Gloriavale is not a safe place for women and girls.  The lawyer who previously represented Gloriavale leavers Dennis Gates told Ryan Bridge that, "What you basically have here is institutionalised domestic violence on a macro scale." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in the UK, a last minute offer from the health secretary could stop a planned doctors' strike from going forward. Resident doctors are set to go on strike next week over pay, working conditions and lack of training opportunities. UK correspondent Enda Brady says the nation is being hit hard by a flu surge and authorities are warning people to start wearing masks again. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The global dairy market is expected to face a period of weaker commodity prices off the back of a growth-filled 2025. According to Rabobank's Q4 Global Dairy Quarterly Report, global milk production growth is estimated to have peaked in Q3 2025. The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Ali Jones from Red PR and Brigitte Morton from Franks Ogilvie joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  The Taxpayers' Union has released some packaged fudge taking aim at Nicola Willis' track record as a Finance Minister - ahead of the debate between her and Ruth Richardson that's supposed to be taking place. What do we make of all this?   The US is reportedly looking to require tourists to hand over their social media accounts in order to travel there. How do we feel about this? Would it put you off travelling to the US? Cancer diagnoses are set to skyrocket in the next 20 years, but experts say at least half of these could be prevented if we smoked less, drank less, ate better and got more exercise. Do we need to take more responsibility for our health?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump has every right to crack down on the American border. There are problems there that we, down here in little old New Zealand, just don't understand. Illegal migration sounds to us like a far away and non-threatening concept because, well, it is. Thank you, ocean. And if you believe everything the liberal international media serves up and that this is an issue invented by tyrants like Trump to retain their grip on power, look at Starmer, the lovely leftie Labour leader of Great Britain. In case you missed it - Starmer, this week, has signed a piece of paper asking Europe to kindly redefine human rights because the current definition is a little too generous. Yes, Labour's man at number 10 wants to narrow human rights. He wants to be able to kick more asylum seekers out of Britain, because the cost and burden of daily arrivals of boats is simply unsustainable. And the British public had enough of it long ago. Enter Farage. So this is not a figment of a dictators' imagination, but a genuine political problem. So, back to Trump. He's cracking down at the border and new rules are coming for us Kiwis, and other visa waiver countries. This applies to tourists - a visit to Hawaii is all it takes. In order to gain entry, you will have to hand over five years of your social media activity. It's mandatory. You'll also need to supply your telephone numbers for the past five years and email addresses for the past decade. Now, I'm no terrorist - but this sounds like a lot. So I probably won't be visiting America anytime soon. Too hard basket. If you had to go for a funeral or and event or something important, you would. But to be honest, I'll probably just go to Mexico. Getting over the bureaucratic wall to the States is feeling a little too hard basket. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 11 December 2025, the Health Minister reacts to a report that predicts the number of cancer diagnoses is expected to skyrocket - and why he wouldn't eat KFC. US Immigration lawyer Brian Hunt explains why travellers to the US will soon be asked to provide five years worth of social media history - and what border officials will look for. Jetstar has been rapped over the knuckles for using dodgy scales at Wellington Airport. Plus, the Huddle debates Nicola Willis' fudge and why the big debate against Ruth Richardson has taken on such a life of its own. 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 water service delivery plans have been submitted by local councils and evaluated, and the total is set to hit over $47 billion. Councils handed over these proposals as part of the Government's Local Water Done Well scheme and the Local Government Minister is hopeful these plans will go on to benefit ratepayers. Minister Simon Watts says these proposals have all been signed off and things are in a good place to get going.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Singapore Government has teamed up with New Zealand-founded start-up The Fractional Directory for a new pilot programme. The project will pair fractional leaders - experienced professionals who work with multiple organisations on a flexible basis - with Singaporean companies. Company CEO Michelle Allbon says this may seem similar to consultant roles, but there's some key differences. "The different between consulting and fractional is that a fractional leader is fully embedded...we've seen this be really, really effective, it's not just giving them advice and throwing their PowerPoint over the wall." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has ordered diplomats to start using the Times New Roman font again, reversing a change made under the previous administration. Rubio's predecessor, Antony Blinken, made the switch to Calibri in 2023, saying it was more accessible for people with visual disabilities - a change Rubio labelled 'wasteful'. Monolith typeface designer Alistair McCready says Calibri's more suited to readers by design, but it depends on the individual.  "There's all sorts of things that go into reading, not just the way you see or how clearly you can see - it's how you interpret letters and shapes." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Consumer NZ says travellers could struggle to get a refund - after revelations two Jetstar baggage scales at Wellington Airport may not have been accurate. Checks after a complaint in September, revealed the portable scales were uneven and below approval standards. Jetstar’s been told to pull them out until they’re re-verified. Consumer NZ Advocacy Head, Jessica Walker, says if Jetstar charged too much, people could be entitled to repayment. "If they can prove that they were overcharged, then that would be ideal. But the fact that Jetstar is saying that people weren't overcharged absolutely makes this trickier."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Few details are known about a possible law to make tourists entering the US provide five years of social media history. It would affect those currently able to visit visa-free, including New Zealanders, Australians and Brits. Officials could request social media information, email addresses, phone numbers, and information about family members. US immigration lawyer Brian Hunt says based on previous policy, we can infer what the US hopes to achieve. "I think they're looking for pretty extreme language when it comes to anti-Semitism - and then they also said they're vetting for anti-American activity."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Health Minister says predictions cancer diagnoses will increase isn't cause for panic.  A new report has found the number's likely to double in the next two decades.  Simeon Brown says much of that will be down to the ageing population and general population growth. He says that should still prompt Government action.  "We have to continue to invest, to ensure that we have more access to cancer treatments, cancer medicines, diagnoses - all of the things that this report has highlighted." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nicola Willis is defending her economic track record in the face of a lobby-group's satirical campaign. The Taxpayers' Union has sent MPs Nicola Willis-branded fudge, claiming she favours treats today and taxes tomorrow. It suggests Willis should cut spending more. Willis says the Government has reduced taxes and delivered significant cost savings - while keeping frontline services. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained why Nicola Willis is keen on making the debate with Ruth Richardson happen. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tourists entering the United States could soon have to provide a five-year social media history. The proposed new requirement would affect those who are currently able to visit visa-free, including from New Zealand and the UK. It'll see officials requesting social media information, email addresses from the last decade, phone numbers, and information about family members. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says many Australians travel to the US every year, and this change will likely slow down tourism further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another leg-side strangle for the Black Caps post-lunch on Day 2 of the second cricket test against the West Indies in Wellington. Daryl Mitchell has joined Devon Conway in giving a little tickle to the keeper trying to glance the ball. The hosts are still on track to power past the Windies' first innings 205 - 220 for five at tea. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deregulation of the hemp industry could let seeds be sold freely around the country. Cabinet's agreed to loosen things up - removing the need for a licence to grow and handle it and just requiring farmers to notify police and MPI. The Government claims it'll generate an extra $40 million for the economy in the first 20 years. Brothers Green co-founder, Brad Lake, says he's hoping they'll be able to sell seeds on their website - and that licensing was the only aspect he can see holding that back. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump's son says the US President might walk away from the peace efforts of Ukraine and Russia. The White House unveiled a new National Security Strategy last week - that the Kremlin's now said is largely consistent with Russia's vision.  It blames the EU for blocking US efforts to end the conflict and doesn't cast Russia as a national threat.  UK correspondent Gavin Grey explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The new Reserve Bank Governor, Anna Breman, hosted an event for media earlier, allowing financial journalists to get their first look. Breman is monitoring the impact of tightening financial conditions, amid concerns about the state of the OCR. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recent trading updates indicate the nation's leading retailers are feeling the pinch ahead of the busy season. The Warehouse and Kathmandu are among the big names that have been seeing significant losses over the past few months. Milford Asset Management's Michael Luke says there's hope things will pick up in the next few weeks, given the demand brought about by Christmas and Boxing Day. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 10 December 2025, the Supreme Court has delivered a huge win for family carers of disabled adult children - so where to from here? The Aussie social media ban is officially in play - so what happens when you take your kids on holiday there? In an extraordinary move, the NZ Cyber Agency is personally warning 26,000 Kiwis whose computers have been infected with malicious software. Plus, the Huddle debates why Finance Minister Nicola Willis is pushing for a debate against former Finance Minister Ruth Richardson. 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.

This Nicola Willis-Ruth Richardson showdown looks like it'll go ahead next week after the HYEFU release. As you'll know from listening to this show on Monday night, Nicola's not happy with Ruth. And Ruth isn't too happy with Nicola. We have a structural deficit and we're not addressing it. Surplus is probably going to be pushed out - again - to 2030. So we have a showdown. But you might be wondering why the current Finance Minister is debating a former one (of some 30-odd years ago) at all. Well, here's the comms strategy on this: Ruth has credibility, as least on the right. The left reckons she permanently scarred the country, but you can't deny something had to be done. And people forget the growth and jobs that followed. Nicola's still earning her credibility, and things have not been going terribly well on that front. Spending's higher than Grant and surplus keeps getting pushed out. The growth is anaemic. So this is a way of tackling Ruth's attacks head-on and putting them to bed. Usually, ministers don't give oxygen to debates because it gives their opponent equal standing with them. A bit of the Treasury bench rubs off and can make your opponent seem credible. Which is why you wouldn't see Luxon near Hipkins outside of a Bollywood dance off - except during mandatory campaign debates. So, sorry Chlöe and sorry Barbara, this is a Ruth thing. But there's also a smarter strategy going on here from Willis, I reckon. By debating somebody on the right, she makes herself seem more centrist in the public's eyes. She distances herself from the Scrooge argument. She highlights how much they are still spending and haven't cut. And will argue cuts now would mean job losses and less growth. It's basically framing the economic debate as one between the right, and even more right. Which leaves the left out in the cold. And also looking a little trigger happy on the country credit card. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union and Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  The Australian social media ban for teens under 16 kicked in today - does New Zealand need to follow their lead? What do we make of the big Nicola Willis - Ruth Richardson debate? Do we think this will happen? And should they bring it to Newstalk ZB? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cars could be returning to a section of Auckland's Queen Street, under a new proposal. Auckland Transport wants to let cars return to the section between Wellesley and Wakefield Street from between 7pm and 7am.  Private vehicles were banned from the area in 2022.  Heart of the City CEO Viv Beck says it's a sensible proposal, and she explained that the area has been negatively affected by the change.  "Last year, the foot traffic was down 36 percent on 2019 in that area - and the spending was down 57 percent." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's looking to Australia as it explores ways prevent online harm to young Kiwis. On the day an under-16 social media ban began across the Tasman, our Education and Workforce Committee's released an interim report on its inquiry regarding New Zealand youth. It reveals issues range from sexual exploitation to self-harm.  Acting Chair Carl Bates says social media can do real harm, but it's not just about the content available. "It's also about contact and it's about conduct, so things like the intentional use of platforms to harm or abuse others - and also the commerce harms that not only young New Zealanders experience, but others as well."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Black Caps fast bowler Blair Tickner has been taken to hospital and is unlikely to take any more part in the second cricket test against the West Indies. Tickner had taken four wickets when he fell awkwardly diving to save a boundary at the Basin Reserve, with a dislocated shoulder the unwelcome outcome. NZME sports broadcaster Andrew Alderson says Tickner hit the ground hard - adding to the Black Caps' growing list of injuries. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A landmark Supreme Court ruling means those providing full-time care for severely disabled family members are entitled to pay and other benefits. It was brought by two parents, Christine Fleming and Peter Humphreys, who care for severely disabled adult children.  Lawyer Paul Dale KC says parents in this position are now entitled to the legal benefits that come under the Employment Relations Act. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A signal from the Reserve Bank's led Westpac to hike rates - and one economist expects other banks could follow.  Westpac lifted two five-year fixed rates by 30 basis points yesterday. The bank's chief economist, Kelly Eckhold, says it seems the Reserve Bank's unlikely to cut the OCR again any time soon.  "We kind of expected that they would cut the rate by 25 basis points, but we didn't expect them to call time on the easing cycle. It sort of scared the markets a little bit."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.