Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

A single Treaty settlement is being drafted by New Zealand First for the country's largest iwi. Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith has signalled he's open to settlements with smaller groups - within iwi. Ngāti Hine leader Pita Tipene says they continue to hold talks with Paul Goldsmith, but not Shane Jones. "He is the minister, that's who we have conversations with and that's how we want to keep it. We don't want to be talking to the minister - or anybody else for that matter - through the media." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK and its NATO allies have agreed to increase spending on defence and related areas to 5 percent of GDP by 2035.  Ambassadors of all 32 alliance member states signed off on the new spending pledge ahead of a major summit of leaders. UK correspondent Gavin Grey explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Market reactions after the US strikes on Iran have been more 'muted' than expected, especially compared to the response from a week ago. Reports indicate investors have brushed off this escalation.  Shane Solly from Harbour Asset Management explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and Josie Pagani from Child Fund joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Should the US have intervened in Iran? Where could this go from here? How do we feel about All Black Caleb Clarke being discharged without conviction - despite fleeing police in a high speed chase? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Well, US certainly ramped things up over the weekend, didn't it? And if you feel like this is an incredibly serious situation right now, you're not wrong, because there are very few examples - if any - of the US involving itself in the Middle East or surrounding areas and making things better. For the most part, it just ends up backfiring or ending badly. I mean, there are some really obvious ways with regards to Iran that this could go badly. First of all - if Iran wasn't making a nuclear weapon, and I have my doubts about that, but if they really weren't, then this may convince them that they really need to get on and make that nuclear weapon because there is only one way to ensure that you don't get bombed by the US, and that is to have a nuclear weapon. This could also incentivize other countries like Russia to give them a nuclear weapon, which has been a threat from Russia in the last few days. This could spiral into some sort of instability in the country if there's a regime change in Iran that is worse than the current one, and that's always possible and often is the case. This could create instability in other parts of the world. If the US gets involved more deeply in Iran and ties itself up there, other countries will have a look at it, see the US is distracted and take their chances in another part of the world. All of that is absolutely fair to be worried about. However, I would like to caution us all against thinking that Iran is some sort of an innocent victim here, which I think is something that we tend to do in this country. We don't like the US meddling. We can see from a distance how bad that is. So we see the US as an aggressor, meddling in another country, and then we feel sorry for that country, for the US coming and bullying them. Do not feel sorry for Iran. Iran are not good guys here. I personally think you'd have to be naïve to believe that they weren't working on a nuke. They've got their facilities underground, for God's sake. What do you think that's for? And they are motivated to have a nuke, as I said before, to avoid exactly this happening with the US bombing them.So they've got the motivation, circumstantially it looks like they were up to something, right? And they are by the way, remember, the ones who supported and funded Hamas, who started this war with Israel in the first place on October 7, 2023. So they are not good guys at all. Now, they probably had this coming actually. The only thing that we can hope for right now is that it ends with this and to be honest, it's probably a long shot. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister's keeping a close eye on the economic impact of volatility in the Middle East. Economists worry it will impact oil, driving up prices at the pump for Kiwis.  Nicola Willis says this is a concern.  "Our position now is that we support all efforts at diplomacy and de-escalation. That is good for the world." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following the recent US strikes on Iran, experts have voiced concerns over whether Iran will close the Strait of Hormuz. The strait is considered a significant oil 'choke point' with one fifth of global oil supplies and a third of liquefied natural gas passing through it. International relations expert Stephen Hoadley says it's an option Iran's considering - and warns closing it will come with significant implications. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 23 June 2025, David Kilcullen, former advisor to US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, speaks to Heather du Plessis-Allan on the odds of Trump bringing in regime change in Iran. Exclusive polling shows Kiwis don't think Cook Islanders should continue to get automatic access to citizenship, healthcare and superannuation if the country continues with its foreign policy push towards China against NZ's will. Finance Minister Nicola Willis is refusing to tell Heather the price of the new Kainga Ora wool carpets. All Black rookie Brodie McAlister on finding out he'd made the team - and the first person he told. Plus, the Huddle weighs in on the situation in Iran and whether saunas are taking off in NZ. 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.

There's belief the New Zealand-Cook Islands 'special relationship' will hold, despite an unfavourable poll. The Government paused aid after the Cooks signed a partnership with China - without sharing details with New Zealand.  46 percent of respondents to a Taxpayers' Union-funded Curia poll believe Cook Island citizens should no longer have automatic access to New Zealand passports or citizenship. Pacific security expert Anna Powles says she doesn't see that change happening - and there's a lot to lose. "For many Cook Islanders, it's very divided and fairly complex - and there are significant benefits, particularly with respect to healthcare."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has unveiled the 35-man squad set to play France - and there's some new names in the batch. Chiefs hooker Brodie McAlister is among the new faces included in the All Blacks squad. He says he didn't get a heads-up about this development - and he says he's in 'shock'. "I'm just looking forward to getting in there and getting stuck in." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Immigration Minister says the first proper data will be collected on the value overseas investors bring to New Zealand.   The Government's confirmed almost 200 applications have been received from overseas investors since settings loosened in April.  Erica Stanford says applicants have six months to find and make an investment. But she explained what happens after the initial funding is often more significant.  "We know through the data that we do have that they invest a whole lot more once they get here and they see the ecosystem and they fall in love with the place - and they're quite big philanthropists as well."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A past-advisor to a former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says a clear and timely assessment of damage to Iran's nuclear programme, is unlikely. David Kilcullen says the US is presenting its strikes as complete destruction. "There's really no way to tell that until somebody gets in there and takes a look - and there's very little chance of that."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Less than a third of respondents to a poll believe the Cook Islands should still get New Zealand services. Last week, the Government paused aid after the Cooks signed a partnership with China, without sharing any details with New Zealand.  The Taxpayers' Union-funded Curia poll asked participants whether the Cooks should continue to have automatic access to New Zealand passports, citizenship and healthcare when pursuing foreign policy against New Zealand's wishes.    Only 30 percent believed they should and 46 percent said not - with the remaining 24 percent unsure.  Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls unpacks the results. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Australia supports the US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities - but has voiced concerns about potential escalation. Albanese indicated no Australian resources or support were contributed towards the Trump administration's actions in the Middle East. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says the Prime Minister has maintained Iran must not be allowed to possess atomic weapons. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Du'Plessis Kirifi's decision to turn done an offer from Japan has been vindicated. The Hurricanes flanker is one of five new caps in the All Blacks squad to face France. He's also one of only five loose forwards in the 33 names read out today - with coach Scott Robertson opting to maximise game time of those selected. Newstalk ZB rugby commentator Elliott Smith explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Chris Luxon has expressed interest in scrapping regional councils as part of the new RMA reforms - and it's sparked debate among experts. NZ First's Shane Jones has expressed similar sentiments, having recently told a local Government forum he doesn't see a compelling reason for maintaining regional Government.  Greater Wellington Regional Council Chair Daran Ponter says there's a need to amalgamate local authorities. "Local Government's been up for that issue for quite a while for quite a number of years now - it's nearly 36 years since local Government reform gave us the current structure that we've got." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 19 June 2025, New Zealand has pulled almost $20 million of funding to the Cook Islands. Cook Islands News journalist Rashneel Kumar broke the story, he tells Heather how he found out and how terrible our relationship is right now. Kiwibank's Jarrod Kerr is celebrating a surprisingly good GDP number for the first three months of the year - but still thinks more cuts to the OCR are desperately needed to boost the economy. Another talkback-walkback! The Government u-turns on proposed changes to Fringe Benefit Taxes for utes. Heather speaks to the only one person in the country who can prescribe magic mushrooms, Professor Cameron Lacey. Plus, the Huddle debates whether it was a mistake to pull funding from the Cook Islands. 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.

Prime Minister  Sir Keir Starmer recently chaired a meeting to discuss the  UK’s response to the crisis in the Middle East. There's growing concerns the conflict could escalate further, should the US enter the conflict between Israel and Iran. UK correspondent Enda Brady says the UK Government will be weighing up a series of options, as the US hasn't revealed what actions they plan to take. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland councillor Maurice Williamson and Wellbeing Economy Alliance director Gareth Hughes joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Farmers are up in arms over new changes to the FBT that could potentially impact ute owners. What do we make of this? Do we see the Government changing this? Was it a mistake for New Zealand to pull funding for the Cook Islands? How bad do the optics look here? Shane Jones is floating the idea of getting rid of regional Government altogether. Is this a good idea? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Israel-Iran conflict has continued on for a week - and it's seen markets dropping as more fear the conflict intensifying. Experts also believes markets are likely to drop further if the US gets more involved in the conflict. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explains the market impact of the conflict. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brendan Attrill, of Caiseal Trust in Taranaki, has been announced as the 2025 National Ambassador for Sustainable Farming and Growing. Attrill received the Gordon Stephenson Trophy at the National Sustainability Showcase at Tākina in Wellington. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New data out of Stats NZ reveals the country's gross domestic product grew by 0.8 percent in the first quarter of 2025. It's a stronger result than predicted by the Reserve Bank and Treasury. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann unpacks these results - and voices his concerns about the future. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research indicates New Zealand may be removing more carbon than it produces. A new study from NIWA has highlighted a potential carbon sink in Fiordland's native forests - and researchers found our environment absorbs at least 170 million tonnes of carbon per year. NIWA atmospheric scientist Beata Bukosa says it's still unclear where the carbon goes - and more research needs to be carried out. "It's maybe potentially exported somewhere else, so that's something we still need to figure out." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federated Farmers is calling on Revenue Minister Simon Watts to rule out new changes to the Fringe Benefit tax that would impact utes. The IRD has proposed major changes to the way FBT applies to utes and farmers are concerned this would set them back thousands of dollars a year. Federated Farmers' transport spokesperson Mark Hooper says this issue started drawing in more attention post-Fieldays. "We've had a little bit of communication with the minister's office - as I said, we looked at it from a farm perspective, we could see that there were some issues with the categories they had laid out."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One expert has offered a positive view on Kiwi university ratings. Four of our institutions have improved their standing in the prestigious QS World University Rankings. Auckland University is highest at 65th place, and Otago is in the top 200 for the first time since 2022. Universities NZ chief executive Chris Whelan says they're good results. "Given the funding that we have per student is less than half of, say, the equivalent in the US and well below countries like Australia or the UK - we do incredibly well." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's claims the Cook Islands were left in the dark over New Zealand pausing funding.  Foreign Minister Winston Peters says a $20-million-dollar pot of development aid won't resume until trust is restored between our countries, who operate under a special relationship.  Its Prime Minister signed a comprehensive strategic partnership with China, without giving New Zealand any insight on the deal.  Cook Islands journalist Rashneel Kumar says the Government was caught off guard - and he explained that it has tried to ease fears the agreement with China may have caused.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwibank's chief economist says GDP figures released today show good momentum - but the next report isn't looking as good.  Stats NZ says our gross domestic product grew a strong 0.8 percent in this year's first quarter. It's much higher than predicted by the Reserve Bank and Treasury. Jarrod Kerr says there is less optimism around the quarter ending June.  "The data that we talked about was for the first quarter - obviously, it pre-dates Trump's tariff announcements, which has thrown a whole lot of uncertainty into the year. And it also predates the recent spike in oil prices."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Foreign Minister's pushing back on suggestions our geopolitical stoush with the Cook Islands will impact our relationship with China.  Winston Peters this morning confirmed the Government's halted development aid to the Cooks, with his Ministry unhappy over the lack of clarity around the island nation's cooperation deal with China.  Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls says Peters made it clear that New Zealand's issues are about the Cook Islands' lack of consultation with us.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After weeks and weeks of hearings, Erin Patterson's deadly mushroom trial is nearing its end. The 50-year-old is accused of intentionally serving a poisonous mushroom dish to her estranged husband's family in 2023. She maintains her innocence. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the jury is set to retire soon - and then a verdict will be unveiled. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chiefs and Crusaders are set to face off this coming Saturday in the Super Rugby Pacific final. The event sold out Christchurch’s Apollo Projects Stadium and fans are gearing up for a memorable match. Sportstalk host Jason Pine outlined his predictions ahead of the match. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One single psychiatrist has been approved to prescribe psilocybin or 'magic mushrooms' for treatment-resistant depression. That psychiatrist is Professor Cameron Lacey, who welcomed the approval as an opportunity to provide treatment that can change people’s lives. Lacey says there's been a great deal of interest since he got permission to prescribe psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression. "I think it speaks to the demand and eagerness of which people have been following this field." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Genetic testing giant 23andMe is being fined millions of pounds by the UK's privacy watchdog following a high-profile data breach. The breach saw the personal information of seven million people stolen. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says this is the most severe punishment the watchdog can impose. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister's revealed top-level legal advice was sought over the Reserve Bank's battle with Treasury for funding.  The bank received less money than it anticipated in the latest funding round - which prompted Adrian Orr to quit as Governor.  NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny unpacks the issue further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The conflict between Israel and Iran is continuing on - and it's sparked concerns among investors. US President Donald Trump has demanded Iran's unconditional surrender, as he weighs up whether to join Israel's targeting of nuclear sites. Milford Asset Management expert Andrew Curtayne explains the impact of the conflict. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Kiwiblog writer and Curia pollster David Farrar and former Labour Chief of Staff Mike Munro joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  How do we feel about the Government overruling councils on decisions that negatively impact economic growth, development and employment? Is this necessary? The Government has confirmed they're going to scrap the census - do we agree with this move? Are the Crusaders being mean in banning cowbells from the Chiefs-Crusaders Super Rugby final? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 18 June 2025, you'll never have to fill out another census form! The Statistics Minister explains why he's getting rid of it. US media are reporting Donald Trump is considering whether or not to join Israel in bombing Iran's nuclear facilities. Melatonin will soon be available to buy over the counter for anyone struggling to sleep - and magic mushrooms can soon be prescribed to treat depression. Associate Health Minister David Seymour locks horns with Heather over his plan to strip workers rights from high income earners. Plus, Crusaders boss Colin Mansbridge defends his ban on cowbells for the Chiefs-Crusaders Super Rugby final this weekend. 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.

New data shows consumer confidence has gone up - but overall levels show people are feeling more pessimistic than optimistic about the economy.  The Westpac McDermott Miller Consumer Confidence index rose two points in June to 91.2, a modest rise from last quarter's drop. Westpac senior economist Satish Ranchhod says negative news and the rising cost of living are contributing to an uncertain outlook, but confidence is likely to improve once more mortgages drop. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Inland Revenue Department has unveiled the horticulture sector hasn't paid their fair share of taxes. Over the last 10 months, the IRD has found $45 million dollars of undeclared tax - and almost 100 audits are in the works now, within the sector. Inland Revenue spokesperson Tony Morris says the department is seeing people being paid under the table, undeclared cash sales and withholding tax going unrecorded or not being deducted correctly "It's quite a complex industry - if there's payments going through with cash or what else, it's easy to get lost or for things to happen intentionally, where it's hard to track the money." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Plymouth's mayor is backing Government changes to take away power from local authorities.  Housing Minister Chris Bishop says new regulation in the Resource Management Act would stop councils stalling housing developments.  It would let him override councils on the grounds of their decisions negatively impacting economic growth.  Mayor Neil Holdom says as it is, elected officials have little input in the development of district plans.  "These things suck in millions of dollars, they're basically written by an elite bureaucracy of planners - and they've tied New Zealand up in knots." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To strike or not to strike.  The US President has had talks with officials on joining Israel's attacks on Iranian nuclear sites. Since the initial attack on Friday, strikes have killed at least 224 Iranians and 24 Israelis. Otago University International Relations Professor Robert Patman says the split in Trump's supporter base will make things difficult.  Patman says many MAGA supporters want to stay out of foreign wars.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Crusaders are hoping Chiefs fans will come check out the action at this weekend's Super Rugby Pacific final in Christchurch - but they've suggested leaving the cowbells at home. In a LinkedIn post, Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge promised this would be a game fans would enjoy, but there's no room for cowbells in the stadium. Mansbridge jokingly claimed they'd be melted down and turned into a trophy - but he's serious about the risks. "You go to Eden Park, you go to FMG, you go to any other venue in the country and you've got a bit of leg room and a bit of bum room, but you don't in this place." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Statistics Minister says his agency is well up to transforming how the Census is done in New Zealand, despite previous short-comings. The five-yearly census is being replaced by a smaller, annual survey - and using Government department data. Stats NZ has faced past criticism over poor Census response rates  But Shane Reti says it's ready to turn that around. "There's been some fall-overs with Stats NZ - and actually, part of our job is also to build trust and to build quality with Stats NZ. I believe they'll be able to rebuild their reputation and deliver quality." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister is pushing for diplomacy and trade in China  - as he visits with ministers and senior business leaders. Discussions will be held on boosting education and tourism, including attempting to attract more international students to New Zealand. NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan says the Government could look at making visa changes to make it easier on Chinese tourists. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US is making veiled threats towards Iran - and demanding the country's unconditional surrender. Donald Trump is back in the White House after leaving the G7 summit in Canada early, to deal with escalation in the Middle East. The US President has spoken with Israel's Prime Minister, and says his administration knows exactly where Iran's supreme leader is. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says the US originally stated it wasn't going to intervene - but that appears to have changed. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Crusaders don’t want Chiefs fans to bring cowbells to the Super Rugby Pacific final in Christchurch on Saturday. The final is set up as the perfect crescendo to a compelling 2025 season, with the Chiefs, the number one ranked team in the round robin and second ranked Crusaders to duke it out. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave unpacks the ban ahead of the match. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Changes to allow over the counter sales of sleep drug melatonin in New Zealand - alongside relaxing rules on magic mushrooms as medicine. MedSafe's approved melatonin for sale to adults without a prescription. Psilocybin remains unapproved, but one specifically qualified psychiatrist is now permitted to prescribe it for treatment-resistant depression. Associate Health Minister David Seymour is standing by not revealing the doctor's name -  saying they could get harassed because of people confusing it with a recreational drug. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You know what I’m not going to miss? The census. If there anything that showed how bad Governments can be at embracing technology, it was the census. At a time when Governments collect huge amounts of electronic data about us, it seemed ridiculous that they were also asking us to fill out a paper form and send it in. They already know what we’re earning, the IRD has that. They already know how many babies are being born and how many of us are dying and how many of us getting hitched - Births, Deaths and Marriages has that. They already know how many of us are leaving the country and coming into the country, that’s collected too. They know how many one, two or three bedroom houses there are, that’s all collected already.  And yet - they were asking us to tell them that all again on the census form. Which made the exercise a giant waste of money. The last one cost $325 million and the next one was going to cost $400 million. Now I accept that there is information we will lose. Because as far as I know, no Government department collects information on how many languages you speak or what your sexuality is or what your first language is or how many people live in your house. So yes, by scrapping the census, we will end up with an incomplete set of data. But we already have an incomplete set of data because of the huge numbers of us that didn’t fill it in. In 2018, we didn’t count one in six Kiwis. That's not complete at all. So either way, we won't know anything. Except one way was going to cost us $400 million. Scrapping the census was way overdue. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Keir Starmer and Donald Trump today signed off a UK-US trade deal at the G7 summit in Canada. The two leaders then presented the deal, revealing that the UK aerospace sector will face no tariffs at all from the US, while the auto industry will have 10 percent tariffs, down from 25 percent. UK correspondent Enda Brady says this will come as good news for the UK's auto industry - and jobs will be saved as a result. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farmer confidence remains at a near-record high, according to the latest Rabobank Rural Confidence Survey. Farmer confidence in the broader agri-economy was unchanged at a net reading of +44 percent following consecutive lifts in the previous three quarters. The Country's Jamie Mackay unpacks the survey results further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food prices increased 4.4 percent in the 12 months to May 2025, following a 3.7 percent increase in the 12 months to April 2025, according to figures released by Stats NZ. Higher prices for the grocery food group and the meat, poultry and fish group contributed most to the annual increase in food prices. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen unpacks the factors behind this data. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.