Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

A new option has opened up to Kiwi’s in their end-of-life choices. New Zealand’s first water crematorium has opened in Christchurch and operates as a more environmentally friendly option than flame cremation. Christchurch Water Crematorium Director Deborah Richards talks to Heather du Plessis-Allan about the business. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SkyCity has filed legal proceedings against Fletcher Construction. The casino giant is seeking more than $300 million in damages caused by delays in building the Auckland Central Convention Centre. Fletcher Construction’s defending itself against SkyCity’s claim for further liquidated damages after already paying a significant sum. New Zealand Shareholders Association spokesperson Oliver Mander talks to Heather du Plessis-Allan about the situation. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The man said to be New Zealand’s most successful cricket coach in history has been appointed coach of the Black Caps. Rob Walter replaces Gary Stead in all formats. He is he former South Africa, Otago and Central Districts boss and will take charge until the end of the T20 World Cup in November 2028. Rob Walter talks to Heather du Plessis-Allan about his new role. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump and his now former-colleague Elon Musk are officially feuding. A disagreement over spending in Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ has led to mud to the pair flinging personal insults back and forth. In a series of posts on X, Musk called for Trump’s impeachment and claimed he was involved with child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. KNX News Presenter out of Los Angeles Charles Feldman talks to Heather du Plessis-Allan about where the relationship sits now. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new travel ban by Donald Trump is affectingpeople from a dozen countries from entering the United States. Those countries include Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Hati, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. It’s a resurrection of his first term policy. US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson talks to Heather du Plessis-Allan about the ban, Elon Musk and Trump’s blow up and are Walmart customers really having their shopping delivered by drone? LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s on the cards in the first week of the Super Rugby quarter-finals? Weekend Sport host Jason Pine talks to Heather du Plessis-Allan about what we can expect. And the Black Caps have a new coach in Rob Walter – what are his biggest challenges? LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Increasing levels of depression and anxiety have been recorded in young people since around 2011. The novel ‘The Anxious Generation’ makes the case that young people today are suffering because a play-based childhood has been replaced by a phone-based childhood. Its author, Social Psychologist Jonathan Haidt from New York University’s Stern School of Business talks to Heather du Plessis-Allan about the issue. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday 5th June 2025, The Māori Party's Privileges Committee decision finally comes to a vote. Political commentator Bryce Edwards speaks to Heather. Matthew Lane, the general manager of Night 'n Day reacts to the Commerce Commission's latest attempt to crack down on anti-competitive practices from the supermarkets. Former trade negotiator Stephen Jacobi says the Government is making good strides in its effort to avoid further tariffs from Donald Trump. Plus, the Huddle talks about Westgold raising their prices in response to butter raffles being held at schools around the country. 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 US says the UK and all other NATO allies must agree to spend at lest 5 percent of national income on defence and security 'starting now'. Matthew Whitaker, Donald Trump's ambassador to the NATO alliance, made this statement earlier, and claimed these nations needed to make a 'commitment'. UK correspondent Elizabeth Callaghan explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US debt burden has been thrust into the spotlight - and it's an ongoing point of concern. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explains why this is happening. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Ali Jones from Red PR and Tim Wilson from the Maxim Institute joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  The big debate on the Maori Party MPs punishment is taking place in Parliament this afternoon. What do we make of all this? Police investigated complaints against former Beehive staffer Michael Forbes, including him allegedly filming women through windows of houses - but decided against charging him. Do we think the police should have dug deeper into these complaints? Westgold has raised their butter prices after schools started doing fundraisers with their cheap butter. Is this an acceptable business practice?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Country's Jamie Mackay is celebrating another industry success - and he joined Heather to discuss the win. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand’s gas supply is reducing faster and sooner than previously forecast, new reports from experts warn. As of January 1, 2025, natural gas reserves have reduced 27 percent compared to last year, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) said. Energy Resources Aotearoa CEO John Carnegie says there's reason to be concerned. "Put simply, with the rapidly reducing gas supply, our gas reserves are at historic low levels. New Zealand is facing higher energy prices, increased reliance on imported coal, uncertainty for industrial users." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour has slammed the Government for not getting a better trade deal out of the current Trump administration. New Zealand currently has to pay a 10 percent tariff on all imports on New Zealand products out of the US. But the opposition has claimed the Government is failing Kiwis by 'being comfortable' with a 10 percent tariff. Former trade negotiator Stephen Jacobi says the Government is watching and consulting with trading partners. "It's doing all those right sort of things. You have to remember that we are being charged as an additional tariff at the lowest end of the scale - we don't have a lot to offer the United States." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wayne Brown and Desley Simpson have confirmed they'll run together in this year's Auckland mayoral race. It's scotched rumours Simpson would run herself. She's been deputy since Brown was elected mayor three years ago. She says she wants to do the right thing for Auckland - and she thinks this is the way to go. "Sometimes you've got to put Auckland first and not yourself - and the mayor has really delivered, this term, some very big changes for Auckland, and still has more to come."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's concerns a former Prime Ministerial staffer hasn't faced charges after allegedly voice-recording sex workers. Michael Forbes has quit as acting deputy press secretary over allegations he took compromising recordings of sex workers, and photos of women he didn't know. A Wellington brothel complained to police last July, who found it didn't meet the threshold for prosecution. Sex Workers' Collective regional coordinator Cherida Fraser says sometimes it's just the tip of the iceberg. She explained more harm could occur, despite this seemingly being at the lower end of the spectrum. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parliament's revisiting potential penalties for three Te Pāti Māori MPs - after the hearing was initially postponed so as not to distract from the 2025 Budget. Proposed suspensions for the three MPs in question are being debated in the House, in relation to their actions during last year's Treaty Principles Bill vote.  Political commentator Bryce Edwards has observed there's been plenty of fire from the major political parties - except for Labour. "They're trying to take a sort of middle way and it's hard work for Labour to sort of navigate when the public - or at least Labour's voters - are in favour of some tough measures against the Te Pāti Māori MPs." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tensions are high in the House, as MPs go head-to-head over proposed sanctions for Te Pāti Māori MPs.  The Privileges Committee has recommended seven, and 21-day suspensions for three of its MPs - for actions during a haka performed at last year's Treaty Principles Bill vote.  NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan unpacks the action from the debate. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Triple murder accused Erin Patterson faced more questions from the prosecution as the mushroom murder trial entered its' fourth day. Three family members of Patterson's estranged husband died after eating the lunch she prepared at her Victoria home in 2023. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Patterson was questioned about her food dehydrator - and admitted to lying about a cancer diagnosis. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A key All Blacks returns at just the right time for the Crusaders as they begin their Super Rugby playoffs campaign. Will Jordan will start in tomorrow night's game against the Reds in Christchurch, after missing the team's final three regular season games with a knee injury. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Commerce Commission is proposing to give grocery suppliers a leg up in their dealings with the supermarket giants. The commission has proposed updates to the Grocery Supply Code, including stopping retailers charging suppliers for stocking shelves and requiring retailers to keep records on how they’re complying with certain parts of the code. Night 'n Day general manager Matthew Lane says this crackdown comes with encouraging implications for the sector. "What's most encouraging for us is that the CommComm's cracking down on the fact that other retailers are being charged more for their wholesale than what the supermarkets are actually retailing the same products for."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK has managed to escape Donald Trump's recent executive order doubling steel and aluminium tariffs from 25 percent to 50 percent.  The order raises import taxes for US-based firms buying metals from other countries going forward.  UK correspondent Gavin Grey says the UK evaded these tariffs as a result of the trade deal between both nations. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former market darling Ryman Healthcare's recently had a tough time financially - and the share price has dropped. Investors are already down over 30 percent, and experts have raised concerns. Milford Asset Management's Jeremy Hutton explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Homeowners need to brace for another cost increase, this time to help fund the state disaster insurer, the Natural Hazards Commission. The minister responsible for the commission, David Seymour, says levies will 'almost certainly' need to rise, with Cabinet set to decide the changes in the coming months. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, former Labour Minister Stuart Nash 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 Government wants state owned enterprises to pick up its game - or else? Chris Luxon has ruled out asset sales this term, but do we think they're on the horizon? The Privacy Commissioner has given the thumbs up to Foodstuffs' facial recognition software. Would we mind if this technology was rolled out nation-wide? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACT leader David Seymour has claimed 99.5 percent of the submissions received on the Regulatory Standards Bill were created using 'bots'. The Ministry for Regulation received approximately 23,000 submissions regarding a discussion document about the bill in January, with submissions on the bill currently open until June 23. Dr David Wilson, Clerk of the House of Representatives, says he's confident the cyber-security team involved haven't reported any bots making submissions to Parliament. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Business leaders across New Zealand have voiced concerns that Donald Trump's tariffs could have a more severe global impact than the Covid-19 pandemic and the Global Financial Crisis.  The months since Trump’s 'Liberation Day' announcement have seen sustained market volatility, tit-for-tat trade wars and fears of a resurgence in inflation. New Zealand Initiative executive director Oliver Hartwich says experts are right to be concerned - as Trump's tariffs could potentially derail the economy for years to come. "The GFC and the pandemic were over after three of four years, whereas the destabilisation of globalisation with the tariffs Trump is imposing - that could derail the economy for decades to come. There's so much uncertainty about it." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's belief state-owned enterprises need to go back to basics in order to up their game. New Treasury documents show the Government's told New Zealand Post and Landcorp it's not impressed with their recent performance. Simeon Brown - the Minister responsible for State-Owned Enterprises - has told them to deliver bold turnaround plans. Northland MP Grant McCallum says Lancorp's lost its purpose. He says previous leadership and ministers haven't helped - but rather, encouraged a move away from the basics of New Zealand farming. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis may get her wish to see the latest move in the Avatar franchise premiere in the capital at the end of the year. That's due to a decade-old agreement between the producers of the Avatar franchise and the Government. It states at least one of the films produced here must hold a local premiere - if the studio wants to receive its rebate payment - worth about $60 million. Former Arts and Heritage Minister Chris Finlayson says an event like this will be huge for Wellington. "If it means the red carpet can be rolled out in front of the embassy, that's fantastic." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We've had a case of conflicting polls over the last twenty-four hours, with two completely different Governments predicted. But if there's one thing you can take from these polls, which they both agree on, it's that the pay equity revamp hasn’t turned into the circuit breaker that the left clearly thought it was going to be. The polls are almost identical in the proportion of people who oppose the revamp. The One News poll had 45 percent, the RNZ poll had 43 percent. That is not big. It is absolutely a plurality - in both polls, more people oppose it than support it. I’ve seen polls where 70 percent, 80 percent of people oppose something. Someone pointed out to me the polls that were done after Hekia Parata used Budget 2012 to announce class sizes would change - about 80 percent hated it. So 45 percent is nothing. It certainly isn’t the circuit breaker and make-people-hate-the-Government moment that Labour and the Greens and the unions were hoping it would be. Why? I don’t know. I thought it was a slam dunk for the opposition to run home but maybe people didn’t understand it enough to care. Maybe the Government managed to claw back the narrative when it started properly explaining what it was doing, maybe Labour completely ballsed it up, maybe Andrea Vance distracted everyone by calling female ministers the c-bomb. Or maybe people are just ideologically entrenched and not wanting to oppose anything the Government does because they voted for the Government - and so on. I don’t know. But what is clear is that it’s not the moment it could’ve been - or was expected to be. And the Government has not been damaged by this as badly as it could’ve been. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A closed court has seen graphic video of a 2021 terrorist attack in Auckland at New Lynn Countdown.  A coronal inquest began today into the stabbing of six people at the supermarket. Officers monitored Sri Lankan Islamic State supporter, Ahamed Samsudeen - then shot him dead. Newstalk ZB's Jordan Dunn has been at the inquest. He says police revealed why they didn't originally follow the 35-year old into the store.  "They didn't think it was a target-rich environment, which essentially means that they knew he was capable of carrying out an attack. They thought if he were to do that, that it would be in a more densely populated area." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Foodstuffs is hoping to bring retail crime down after a successful trial of live facial recognition technology. The Privacy Commissioner has deemed Foodstuffs North Island's trial compliant with the Privacy Act, and effective in reducing harm.  But his report states there's more work to do. General Counsel for Foodstuffs North Island, Julian Benefield, says retail crime has put staff at risk - and the company's hoping to change that. "Our trial has been a success, it found that technology was effective in reducing harm. Our independent evaluator found a 16 percent reduction in serious harm incidents across the trial period - and over 100 serious incidents avoided." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two starkly different outcomes from the latest poll numbers. The latest RNZ Reid Research poll - out this morning - has the right bloc on 46.4, behind the left bloc on 50.3. But the latest 1 News Verian poll - released last night - has the right bloc on 50-percent, well ahead of the left bloc on 45. NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan unpacked the implications of what these results showed. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elon Musk has come out swinging against US President Donald Trump's 'big, beautiful' tax and spending bill.  In a post on X this morning, the Tesla CEO called the bill an 'outrageous, pork-filled, disgusting abomination'.  Musk added those who voted for it knew it was wrong - and should be ashamed.  US correspondent Dan Mitchinson weighs in on these events - and wonders if this is an attempt on Elon's part to redeem himself. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No hard feelings from Gary Stead with New Zealand Cricket rejecting his proposal to job-share the Black Caps coaching role. His seven-year tenure will conclude at the end of this month - with NZC deciding to stick with an all-format mentor. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further, LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's helping protect a tourism crown jewel - with a cash injection for Milford Sound. It's putting more more than $15 million into a new alpine walk, clearing landfills and upgrading amenities and flood protection - much coming from the visitor levy. Cruise ships will be permitted back into inner parts of the Sound.  Southland Mayor Rob Scott says it's essential the ships don't take away from the experience for others. He explained if lots of cruise ships are blocking the view of Mitre Peak, no one gets the experience.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Portugal police have announced a fresh search for Madeleine McCann. The British three-year-old disappeared 18 years ago from a resort in Praia da Luz - one of the most high-profile missing person cases in history. The search centres around the resort - and chief suspect Christian Brueckner's former home. UK correspondent Elizabeth Callaghan says this search is designed to gather more evidence about the case. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New data shows more Kiwi farmers are satisfied with their banks - pointing to improved communication and less 'undue pressure'. Federated Farmers’ latest Banking Survey shows 60 percent of respondents are 'satisfied' or 'very satisfied' with their bank. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Rob Campbell and Maurice Williamson joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Will we read Jacinda's new book? What are we expecting? Are we annoyed there's no apology over the Covid response? The new WorkSafe changes kicked in - are we glad the Government is dialling back on the health and safety enforcement or do we think this is a step too far? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Looks like nothing's changed in camp Jacinda, has it? You will get no admission that she and her Government got anything wrong during Covid, from what I can gather. Now, this is my disclaimer - I haven't actually read the entire memoir just yet. But from what I've skim read and from what I've read and heard in the reviews, and what I've read and heard with her interviews promoting the book, if you are looking for her to admit that she got anything wrong at all during Covid, you're not going to find it. The closest thing I found is on page 309, where she admits that she made 'imperfect decisions', but that's really underselling the massive balls-up that was our Covid response, wasn't it? What you get instead is multiple excuses, heaps of verbal fluff to avoid answering hard questions and, regularly, the defence that we saved 20,000 lives. Here's an example - she gave an interview to RNZ's Jessie Mulligan where he asked her about vaccine mandates, which we now know, of course, was a huge mistake that cost people their jobs simply because they wouldn't get the jab in which the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Covid said damaged 'social cohesion'. Would she agree with that, he asked. She said she wouldn't argue with their findings. He then asked her, did vaccine mandates save any lives? She said - she's not the one that can answer that question for you, although apparently she can tell you that she did save 20,000 lives, she just can't talk about this particular instance. And then she goes on to say that the Commission did also say that vaccine mandates were important in areas like healthcare and so on, and we're relatively limited, but again, I won't argue with their findings. So, not a yes, not a no - and definitely not an apology. Now, I don't actually know why I was expecting anything else from her. I mean, this was a feature of Jacinda during Covid.  She would never say she did anything wrong, which is why it got worse and worse as she barrelled full steam ahead in the wrong direction at times - because apparently going full steam ahead in the wrong direction was better than admitting she was headed in the wrong direction. And of course she got things wrong. I mean, anyone would have. She made thousands and thousands of decisions over multiple years. She would 100 percent have got at least one of those decisions wrong, do you not think? It would be nice just to hear her admit it, because I think it would help some of us - and I'm talking about me here - to forgive her. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Canadian billionaire Jim Grenon and former Finance Minister, Steven Joyce, have won positions on integrated media company NZME's board.  Board positions were voted on today in a shareholder meeting - where current chair Barbara Chapman stepped down. Joyce is set to chair, and he says he's got an eye on the company's future. "It's about not necessarily slavishly following social media - it's striking your own path." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister says the latest poll will be a tough read for the Labour Party and Chris Hipkins. Labour saw a three percent drop in support to sit on 29, Chris Hipkins' preferred Prime Minister rating also fell by 1 percent.  National also saw a drop in support, down 2 percent to sit on 34.  Nicola Willis says even after complaining about their budget - Labour didn't see a jump in support.  "Well, it gives me confidence that New Zealanders get where we are as a country - which is that we're a Government doing a big clean-up job. The books have been left in a mess." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has released her highly-anticipated memoir today, with some reviewers disappointed. A Different Kind of Power covers her tenure as Prime Minister, her Mormon upbringing, and navigating crises like the Covid-19 pandemic and Christchurch mosque attacks. Political commentator Grant Duncan says the book lacks political revelations.  "There's just no really juicy reveals in there - I mean, there are some interesting angles that kind of raised my eyebrows a little bit."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Conservation Minister says any decision around the closed Tongariro Chateau won't be taken lightly.  Budget 2025 labelled the heritage-listed site in the shadow of Mount Ruapehu a 'fiscal risk'. All options are on the table, including demolition.  Tama Potaka says it's an iconic building and very important to the area.  He says a decision on its future will be made in due course.  "It's definitely not years - we need to be a Government of action, we've taken action around a couple of those concessions in that beautiful part of the world." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The downturn in construction continues. The Post is reporting almost a third of all business liquidations are construction companies - up from a quarter in 2022. Building Industry Federation chief executive Julian Leys says it's been a tough few months. But he says things are levelling out. "We still have a good number of building consents - sitting around at 33-34,000. We still are seeing active work with construction in sub trades." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Safety experts are sceptical about a new Government directive for WorkSafe.  The health and safety regulator has been instructed to shift focus from enforcement, to offering advice.  Workplace Relations Minister Brooke van Velden says it is currently feared for its punitive actions - and not appreciated for guidelines.  But the Institute of Safety Management's Jeff Sissons says that characterisation from the Minister is not what he hears about the agency. "Most employers haven't seen or heard much of WorkSafe. I take the Minister at her word, she's heard from some employers - but that's certainly not something I've come across." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Triple murder accused and mushroom cook Erin Patterson continued to give her evidence in an Australian court today.  Three family members of Patterson's estranged husband died after eating the lunch she prepared at her Victoria home in 2023. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Patterson opened up about her issues during today's trial - and she explained that she hoped to get closer to her in-laws. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's roadcone hotline is being launched today, as the Government announces a suite of cultural changes for WorkSafe.  It's being instructed to move away from enforcement, and engage in earlier risk management. WorkSafe says it's well placed to deliver on these expectations. NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan says these changes have been met with a mixed response. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Max Verstappen has issued a veiled apology for his crash with George Russell in the Spanish Grand Prix. The four-time world champion was hit with a 10-second penalty by stewards for causing a collision with two laps remaining. Verstappen has now admitted his move 'was not right and should have not happened'. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some Whakatane residents could end up having their council bins confiscated for three months. The District Council is bringing in a three-strike rule for people repeatedly putting the wrong items in recycling and green waste bins. The Council's solid waste manager, Nigel Clarke, says he doesn't get why people keep doing it. "We tried to provide the education to help people recycle correctly, but it is just that small minority that just don't want to get on board." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.