Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

The OCR dropped 25 basis points again yesterday - but many homeowners have wondered why their mortgage rates haven't followed. Many people currently on floating rates have yet to see the impact of the cuts materialise, and there's usually a week-long delay OCR changing and banks following suit with their various mortgage rates. Kent Duston from the Banking Reform Coalition says it's unclear why it takes the banks so long to adjust things. "After all, it's no harder than just hitting the return key on the keyboard. Really, there's no reason why it should not happen on the exact same day that the Reserve Bank lowers the OCR." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New independent research conducted by Talbot Mills reveals only one in three parents have established rules around their kids' social media usage. While the overwhelming majority of New Zealanders believe parents should decide when young people can start using social media, there is also support for intervention and increased education. Make Sense co-founder Holly Brooker says many parents are struggling to keep up with evolving technology. "It's hard to implement that across many different platforms and devices - and often, parents aren't actually that aware of what their kids are doing online." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump today forged ahead with tariffs of 125 percent against Chinese goods - escalating the US-China trade war. Trump’s sweeping tariffs have unsettled the global economy since coming into force over the weekend, and China has vowed to fight back with tariffs of their own. Mahon China Investment Management CEO David Mahon says China won't blink first in the stand-off. "Trump's already blinked on all the other tariffs that he flung at countries quite randomly, so I don't think this is an economic argument. Reciprocal tariffs are another form of self-injury." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Going, going - almost gone. MPs from all parties other than ACT are shutting down the Treaty Principles Bill today, with passionate displays of rhetoric. It's been called, 'embarrassing', 'grubby', and a 'stain on our country' during the debate. Architect of the failed Bill, David Seymour, says he'd be happy to push for a Treaty referendum  in future coalition negotiations.   "That is absolutely a possibility, we wouldn't rule that out. But sooner or later, the logic of this bill is going to prevail." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Treaty Principles Bill is dead, voted down by all parties except ACT - 11 to 112 - before a packed gallery. Fiery moments included Labour's Willie Jackson being kicked out for calling ACT leader David Seymour a liar. The Speaker reminded people multiple times not to clap, sing, or interject during speeches - in which the Bill was labelled 'embarrassing', 'grubby', and a 'stain on our country'. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper recapped a memorable day in the House. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Australia, stocks have surged after an earlier crash brought about by Donald Trump's new tariffs.  The ASX climbed more than 6 percent in early trade, while on Wall Street the S&P 500 climbed 9.5 percent. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says this has prompted calls from economic experts to cut the OCR ahead of the Reserve Bank's next meeting. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The race for Joey Manu's signature on both sides of the Tasman - across both oval-ball codes - appears on. The Sydney Morning Herald reports the former Rooster - poised to leave Japanese rugby club Toyota for France in the coming months - now wants out of that Racing 92 contract on compassionate grounds. The report suggests Manu's considering a return to either Sydney or New Zealand. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trump's tariff backdown proves that Nicola was right and Barbara was wrong. Willis took the cool, calm, collected approach. Take advice, watch closely, don't react with haste, don't spook the horses even more. Trump's already doing that. Barbara Edmonds and Labour were hitting the panic alarm - firing off a press release yesterday saying that this is a crisis and that we need to up spending. Borrow more. Bigger Government will save the day. Which is nuts. Premature and nuts. Barbara came on this show last night and said Willis was sitting on her hands while the world crumbled around her. Earlier in the week, Hipkins said we needed to stand up to Trump a bit more - how's that working out for China? The last thing we need is self-serving politicians, or former politicians in the form of Phil Goff, grandstanding for their bash-the-bully-moment on television. This is the time for quiet diplomacy. It's time for your Winstons' and Rosemary Banks types - she's our Ambassador to Washington - get them out there. The bigger problem for Labour and the way they've reacted so far is that it reminds us why we didn't like them in the first place. When Covid hit they doled out the cash. They couldn't give it away fast enough. Grant spent from the country's purse like a housewife on holiday. And Barb - she wants her time with the Visa. Right when our Government debt is about to hit 46 percent of GDP - remember, it was 20 percent pre-Labour - and right when we're getting closer to at least balancing the Government books. This is a timely reminder from Labour that their fundamentals haven't changed. When a crisis comes, when storm clouds gather, their go-to plan is to make it rain cash. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A US markets analyst suspects Donald Trump is trying to buy time by lowering tariffs on most countries to a blanket 10 percent for 90 days. But the US President's hiked them for China - to 125 percent. Scott Shellady says 75 countries are reportedly seeking an audience with the President.  "The 90 day pause is so he can get through the backlog of countries that said they want to do a deal." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in the UK, the Government could potentially nationalise British Steel as fears grow that the company's blast furnaces in Scunthorpe could run out of raw materials within days. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has sought to reassure workers at the Lincolnshire plant that the Government is looking towards nationalisation as a potential solution.  UK correspondent Gavin Grey says the UK is set to be hit hard amid the ongoing trade war - which could ripple out to many businesses. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank is keeping a watching brief internationally as Donald Trump's new tariffs kick in. The central bank cut the Official Cash Rate another 25 basis points, to 3.5 percent. Banks speedily lowered their advertised rates in response. Milford Asset Management's Remy Morgan explained what the bank will be monitoring going forward. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has introduced legislation that could see more than 150,000 mortgage holders miss out on hundreds of millions in compensation for mistakes made by ANZ and ASB. The Government wants to ensure lenders are not disproportionately punished if they fail to disclose all the right information about a product to their customers. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains what this could mean for the banks - and homeowners.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Tim Wilson from Maxim Institute and Jack Tame from Saturday Mornings and Q&A joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Reserve Bank has cut the OCR, and Labour is advocating for Government to step up and do its bit by spending more. Is there really a case for this? UOA researchers found that higher EV uptake has actually been linked to increased emissions - because we're still using energy to charge them. What do we make of this?  Benjamin Doyle has explained that they only ever referred to themselves when using the word 'bussy'. They're not going anywhere - but they've voiced disapproval with the hate and threats. Is this the end of the whole saga? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's been suggestions we need to move away from relying on pine trees to offset our emissions. The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment recently put out a report examining forestry drivers in New Zealand - and says we need to phase out the current approach to forestry. David Norton from Pure Advantage says we can't offset our way out of a climate emergency - and we need to work on reducing CO2. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 9 April 2025, the Reserve Bank has dropped the OCR by 0.25%. Westpac chief economist Kelly Eckhold tells Ryan we could see interest rates come down significantly if the trade situation turns ugly. Labour's Finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds says the Government should be doing its job and supporting the economy better during these difficult times. The Government has pledged to put use wool rather than synthetic fibres in new Government buildings and the industry is stoked. Plus, Ryan comes under fire for something he said about his nana. 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.

So the Reserve Bank did the predictable thing today and cut 25 basis points. Good news for mortgage holders, good news for the economy, more money in our pockets and more money to spend.  Of course it's not going to change the world, it's a quarter of as percent on the wholesale rate. And the wholesale rate is only makes up a portion of the bank's rate. And the bank's rate only matters if you haven't already fixed. And so far, the banks haven't budged on fixed rates, only floating. The banks' swap rates are most important here - and there's talk they could fall further too, so we could get a 4.5 percent rate this year instead of the current 4.99 on two year. Either way,  it's the general direction that we like the sound of. Loosening, lowering, the direction of travel - to steal a term from Jacinda - is good. And our disposable income is going up. Great. But of course, the question then becomes - will we actually spend it? Are we now so worried about trigger-happy Trump and his tariffs that we don't get that new couch or don't upgrade the car or don't get the kids back to ballet class because the subs were too expensive? The answer is - we don't know yet, because we haven't had any confidence surveys for the past week. But if Trump doesn't start doing deals soon, then my bet is people will starting pulling back a bit. Maybe not all the way, but enough to slow a recovery. Just talk to your friends and family and ask how they're feeling about things at the moment. So there's reason to be weary - but one mustn't be ungrateful. When inflation is beat and the Government's talking about growth and a budget surplus rather than more borrowing, you've got to take the wins when you get them. No matter how small or teenie-tiny they may be. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's finance spokesperson has accused the Government of 'sitting on its hands' amid an economically turbulent week for the world. Barbara Edmonds has criticised Nicola Willis' response to Donald Trump's tariffs - and accused her of 'complacency' as Kiwis express concerns over their jobs and mortgages. She says the Government needs to look inward and come up with a solution that benefits New Zealanders. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Exporters are scrambling under the sudden imposition of Donald Trump's tariffs.  The President's signature economic policy has taken effect, with US allies and adversaries all facing tariffs.  New Zealand's been hit with the lowest rate -10 percent. Egmont Honey founder James Annabell says the move prompted hasty discussions with US-based buyers. He explained Costco US knew his company couldn't afford to take on the extra cost - so now it's likely US consumers will bear the brunt of it.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's industry celebrations over a directive to use Kiwi wool in Government buildings.  New builds worth more than $9 million and refurbishments costing over $100,000 must use wool where possible from July, meeting a Coalition deal. In January, housing agency Kainga Ora reversed its price-based decision to not use dearer wool products Campaign for Wool's general manager, Kara Biggs, says she's ecstatic. "It will start to create more and more demand - so growers, manufacturers, brands, they will all reap the financial benefits from this decision today." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's uncertainty about what's next after today's OCR cut. The Reserve Bank has slashed the Official Cash Rate 25 basis points to 3.5 percent, with most banks responding by cutting their advertised rates. Economists are divided on how far rates will fall. Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold says the global trading environment is changing by the day. "There's no clarity, really, about the extent to which these tariffs are going to be in place, how countries are going to respond - and importantly, how this impacts on New Zealand as well." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Green MP Benjamin Doyle has conceded it was naïve to not delete old social media posts with sexually suggestive captions, as suggested by the party. Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters spearheaded criticism of the private Instagram posts - escalating a barrage of extreme, violent threats against Doyle. Doyle has returned to Parliament - after taking leave since the onslaught. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacks today's statements. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The chances of a full blown trade war between the US and China is looking more and more likely. China will be hit with an additional 50 percent tariff from tomorrow, taking their total to 104 percent.  US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says the Nasdaq has taken another hit - and Chinese trade officials have made it clear they plan to 'fight this out'. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The man who treated countless numbers of All Blacks and Warriors players over more than a 30 year period has died. Dr John Mayhew has died at the age of 70, after recent heart complications. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave unpacks his legacy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions are being raised about whether a politician's religious beliefs are of public interest. Christchurch-based National MP Hamish Campbell has admitted to TVNZ  a connection to a religious group embroiled in alleged child abuse allegations. The group, dubbed the Two By Twos, has no official name or buildings, is not registered as a charity, and its members meet in homes.  Religious historian Peter Lineham says he believes some claims are against preachers. "The only aspect that is concerning for people in the group is this - that because it's so secretive, the Two By Two preachers are held in such respect that an abused person's story would probably not be believed." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A baby girl has become the UK's first child born to a mother using a donated womb.  The BBC reports 36-year-old Grace Davidson received her sister's womb in 2023, the country's only successful transplant at the time.  UK correspondent Enda Brady says Davidson has given birth to baby Amy - named for her sister. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's dairy sector has voiced concerns as the world prepares to accommodate the financial impacts of Donald Trump's tariffs. Reports show only six percent of NZ-produced dairy goes into the US - but there's still worry among experts. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, journalist Clare de Lore and Infrastructure New Zealand's Nick Leggett joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Could Andrew Little be the next mayor of Wellington? What do we think he'll bring to the role? The world is grappling with Donald Trump's tariffs - and the economic uncertainty that they bring. Do we think the Government is doing a good job at reassuring us?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition leader Peter Dutton are set to face off in the first election debate of the campaign. The debate is set to air on Sky News at 9:30pm (NZT) - and both leaders will be looking to boost up their campaigns and showcase their policies. 7 News political editor Mark Riley says opposition leaders stand to gain more from debates - and the pressure's on for Dutton. "Campaigns are all about momentum - and if you can get what you believe is a shift in momentum from a debate and then ride it into the campaign proper, it can have a material impact."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 8 April 2025, former Finance Minister Steven Joyce tells Ryan Bridge we're in unchartered territory when it comes to the global economy. Minister for Children Karen Chhour explains why she's happy Oranga Tamariki is ditching a target to place kids with their wider family. Black Caps coach Gary Stead wants to stay on as test coach, but will step down as ODI and T20 coach.  Plus, the Huddle debates whether former Labour MP Andrew Little would make a good new mayor for Wellington. 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 Government has revealed the New Zealand Green Investment Finance will stop making new investments - and will wind down its' existing portfolio. Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says it has invested almost $400 million into various projects, with 'limited' results. Watts says there's no need for the Government to be involved in this particular market going forward. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China’s commerce ministry has vowed to fight US tariffs 'to the end' after Donald Trump threatened them with new levies. One ministry spokesperson has labelled these threats a 'mistake on top of a mistake' - and claimed China would not accept this. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen says this is starting to resemble the beginning of a full-on trade war. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Long-serving Labour MP David Parker has confirmed he's departing from Parliament.  Parker has been an MP for 23 years - holding portfolios in trade, revenue, energy, and transport. He says it was important that he ended his career on a positive note. "You're never finished in this job - but it felt the right time, and I'd just sort of reset Labour Party policy around foreign affairs." LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The second phase of police withdrawal from mental health callouts starts in parts of the country next week.  From Monday, detained mental health patients will be handed over within 60 minutes at Waitematā, Counties Manukau, Waikato, Nelson-Marlborough, and West Coast EDs.  Police will also tighten custody rules to reduce unnecessary assessments.  Assistant Commissioner Mike Johnson says police will make sure handovers are done safely.  "We want our police staff to be out dealing with the issues that the public are expecting - and keeping people safe."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former Finance Minister says New Zealand faces uncharted territory - as the world grapples with Donald Trump's tariffs.  New Zealand, Australian and Asian markets tumbled yesterday, but regained some ground today. Current Minister Nicola Willis is warning the tariffs and world events will impact the Government books.  Steven Joyce says given the daily uncertainty which will slow investment - no one can predict what will happen.   "I don't think Donald Trump knows, to be blunt - I don't think he knows quite where it lands and he's making it up every day as he goes along. And I think that's one of the problems."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Children's Minister says 'outdated' requirements could be institutionalising kids by limiting resources.   The Government is scrapping Oranga Tamariki targets for placing children with family and investing with Māori organisations.  A Bill passed last week to remove Treaty provisions from the Children's Ministry.  Children's Minister Karen Chhour says she hears non-Māori caregivers have felt unwanted in recent years.  "I want good caregivers, people who are willing to open up their homes and love these kids, to feel comfortable putting their hands up knowing that they can do a good job for these young people." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington Central MP Tamatha Paul is again dismissing criticism of her views on policing. Billboards depicting Paul and Green Party co-leader Chloe Swarbrick have popped up in Wellington and Auckland -- with the tagline - 'Defund the Police, vote Green'. The Sensible Sentencing Trust is behind the ads, and claims the Greens have expressed copyright concerns about their use of official candidate photos. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacks the reactions from today. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Australia, the ASX has seen a slight rebound following a drop from earlier in the week. The S&P/ASX 200 Index lifted 2.1 per cent, or by 151.5 points, to 7494.8 after recouping some of Monday’s 4.2 per cent loss as part of the fallout from Trump's newest tariffs. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the tariffs have also damped business confidence across Australia, according to new reports. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Cricket admit there's a chance they'll turn Gary Stead down if he decides he wants to continue as Black Caps test coach. The long-serving mentor has stepped down from the white-ball formats, but is yet to decide whether he wants to continue in the red-ball role. The governing body is deciding whether to split the coaching role or bring in a new, singular coach. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A victims' advocate wants authorities to investigate the finances of offenders refusing to pay reparations.  Ministry of Justice data shows more than 10-and-a-half thousand payments are overdue - out of the 24,000 ordered by courts. More than $105 million is owed across the country.  Chief Government Victims Advisor Ruth Money says she isn't seeing much due diligence. She says some will claim they can't pay, while also owning a new car or a house. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK Government is stepping in to make things a little easier for car manufactures following Trump's latest tariff update. A ban on producing new petrol and diesel cars is set to come into effect in 2030 - but Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed regulations would be relaxed ahead of the deadline. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says Donald Trump's 25 percent levy on cars imported to the US will likely have a negative impact - but Prime Minister Starmer will try to make a deal with Trump on trade. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NZX50 index had fallen around 3.7 percent at the close of market today as Donald Trump's tariffs continue to reverberate globally. It hasn't had a fall of this magnitude since the pandemic. Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly unpacks the economic fallout. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 7 April 2025, Defence Minister Judith Collins has revealed a huge boost for New Zealand's defence capabilities. She tells Ryan what's on the shopping list. Finance Minister Nicola Willis tells Ryan New Zealand's economic growth is expected to take a hit from Trump's new tariffs. Is there a risk that we're not just fostering football fans.. but also a bit of hooligan culture? Auckland FC's Nick Becker says lessons will be learnt from last weekend's aggressive scenes at Mt Smart stadium. Plus, the Huddle debates a new billboard campaign involving the Greens and the now infamous call to "defund the police". 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 Child Fund CEO Josie Pagani joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Government has unveiled their new Defence Capability Plan - designed to inject an extra $12 billion into the Defence Force to boost jobs and equipment over the next four years. Do we agree with this move?  The Sensible Sentencing Trust has got a new billboard campaign out, calling to defund the police on behalf of the Greens. Should the Greens be upset about this? The New Zealand stock market has taken the biggest significant hit since the pandemic - what do we make of the fallout? Do we see things improving?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is relief among New Zealand's wood exporters - who've escaped the import tariffs set by the US. Imports of timber and lumbar products into the US have dodged tariffs, as confirmed by President Donald Trump, The United States was New Zealand's third largest market for timber exports, after China and Australia. Wood Processors & Manufacturers Association of NZ CEO Mark Ross says this doesn't come as a surprise - given how much America relies on timber for construction.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister has been getting updates about the financial fallout from the latest batch of Trump tariffs. New Zealand goods have been hit with a 10 percent tariff, as part of President Trump's trade plan.  Nicola Willis warns these changes will come with 'profound' economic implications for New Zealand. "We will finalise our economic forecasts, which feed into the Budget - in the next few days, I expect to be briefed on them soon. Of course, the major effect is the estimate that global growth is going to be lower than had been predicted." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland FC says a fan was involved in an assault that left a man hospitalised.  Police are considering charges against a 46-year-old man after the attack at Saturday's match against Western Sydney Wanderers. Eight people were evicted from Mount Smart Stadium and two were arrested - and a visiting Wanderers fan needed facial surgery.  Auckland FC CEO Nick Becker says the accused man doesn't represent the club.  "We've got a great set of hardcore fans - known as the Port - who I think do everyone in Auckland proud. And it's certainly not one of them, it's not someone they would associate with and it's definitely no someone we want involved." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NZX50 index had fallen about 3.7 percent at the close of market today - as Donald Trump's tariffs continue to reverberate globally. It hasn't had a fall of this magnitude since the pandemic. Sharesies Co-CEO Brooke Roberts says it's hard to say how long markets will keep rattling around. "Look, it's unprecedented times in terms of the shock that has happened to the markets at the moment based off the back of the tariffs - and the ripple effect that's happening to economies." BusinessDesk reports Trade Minister Todd McClay says the NZ Embassy in Washington will raise concerns over tariffs to the US trade representative. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's keeping its cards close to its chest  on how it'll fund a mammoth defence splurge. It's injecting $12 billion over the next four years into building up our Defence Force workforce and equipment.  It's signalling it'll go into system upgrades, replacing helicopters - and enhancing maritime strike capability. Defence Minister Judith Collins says the investment includes $9 billion on top of what we already spend on defence. "It is a lot of money, but I also know this - there is no economic security without national security."  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says a multi-billion dollar boost for the Defence Force is about our national interest.  The Government's unveiled its Defence Capability Plan, including $12 billion dollars of funding over four years - with $9 billion of new spending.  Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the plan's 'surprising'. "Remember, we said last week when it comes out that it'll be a 15-year plan. Well, this is more short-term - they're going to be spending, over the next four years, $12 billion dollars." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Drivers in South Australia will be watched by artificial intelligence cameras aimed at cutting traffic and boosting economic activity. The South Australian Government believes every 5000 motorists stuck in traffic for 20 minutes costs the state $33,000. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says the AI will use data to reduce congestion and tweak traffic light cycles. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.